After chasing qualifiers all winter, novice pony riders got their chance to shine at the Blue Chip Championships on Saturday.
Charlotte Brunt, 16, and Cornwall-based Joshua Hutchins were declared champions and proudly took their laps of honour with hard-earned sashes and much-coveted championship rugs.
A confident Joshua, 13, clinched the TAG66 pony discovery with tight, decisive turns taken with skill and confidence on Charlie XIII.
“He’s the most genuine pony I’ve ever ridden,” said Joshua, who claimed victory by an impressive three sec.
Blue Chip debutante Charlotte realised a dream after heading the TAG66 novice champion with Stepol Va Va Va Vroom, beating 81 other competitors. As a child, Charlotte use to watch wistfully at shows.
“I always wanted to be part of it,” said Charlotte, “just competing was a dream, winning here is way beyond that.”
Results
TAG66 pony winter nov ch. – 1, Stepol Va Va Va Vroom (C Brunt); 2, Obi II (K Pond); 3, Amber Minor (E Hughes). TAG66 pony winter discovery ch. – 1, Charlie XIII (J Hutchins); 2, Aztec Princess (P Stacey); 3, Aces Higher (D Pincott). TAG66 JC/JD 85cm. – 1, Dycott Masterman (M Jeffery); 2, Fernhill Quicksilver (H Locke); 3, Bodfean Allegra (M Haynes). TAG66 JC/JD 90cm. – 1, Out Of Time (H Norton); 2, Leo (C Burrough); 3, Our Millie (L Ridley). Joshua Jones UK 1m. – 1 & 2, Anna-Ci & Handyman (C Healey); 3, New Mystery (K Peates). Devoucoux 1.05m. – 1, Llanigon Storm (A Lewis); 2, Calypso Twist (C Daniels); 3, New Mystery. Devoucoux 1.10m. – 1 & 3, Whidor & Tamara II (S Jimmison); 2, Manhattan V (C Veal). Henley & Barr JC/JA winter challenge. – 1, Falaza (B Vernon); 2, Robe Duster (T Jones); 3, Thyme Flies (A Snook). Henley & Barr pony speed challenge. – 1, Dun And Dusted II (D Napolitano); 2, Ching Ching (L Blunsdon); 3, Touch Of Frost (J Lye).
