Phoebe Price’s jaw dropped in sheer shock and delight when her name was called as the winner of the Ruckleigh School Supreme Pony of the Year at HOYS.
The 14-year-old secondary school student was riding Litton Enterprise, owned by her mother Joanna.
“I can’t believe it — it’s one massive blur,” said a visibly emotional Phoebe. “It’s the biggest dream come true and it means so me.”
Phoebe and ‘Edward’ qualified for the supreme championship after they went champion in the 148cm children’s riding pony of the year. The 10-year-old bay gelding is produced by Julie Templeton and has enjoyed a good season, notching up other notable wins, including taking the championship at the Royal International Horse Show.
Joanne Price said: “This moment can’t be topped — I was hyperventilating in the stands and I’ve already had a cry.”
The Price’s have owned Edward for two season and were second at last year’s HOYS in the 148cm children’s riding pony of the year.
“Everything has clicked this year and mid-way through this season is the first time we’ve thought that we could be capable of consistently doing very well at this level.
“After discussing it with Julie Templeton we decided a couple of years ago that Phoebe was capable of skipping 138cm classes and so went straight from her 12.2hh to 14.2hh ponies,” explains Joanne. “And it seems to have worked well.”
Edward will now return home to the Price’s family home in Bury St. Edmunds for a one month holiday in the field.
The supreme pony championship was judged by Tom Best and David Blair.
To read the full report from HOYS, don’t miss the next issue of Horse & Hound magazine, out on 13 October.
