The highly-anticipated 2023 BSPS Heritage championships took place at Arena UK (14–15 October) and competition was hot across all the classes, from the novice sections to the qualifiers for the London International Horse Show in December. Those riders who took the top spots over the weekend were delighted, and H&H’s official photographer captured some of those joyous moments.
Here are 27 jolly riders and their lovely native ponies who reigned at the 2023 BSPS Heritage championships…
Winners from the 2023 BSPS Heritage championships:
1. Nipna Invictus
The Dales gelding secures the junior championship title for the third time in his partnership with Caitlin Hamilton before lifting the supreme of show accolade.
2. Menai Georgie Boy
Sarah Parker pilots Leah May’s Welsh section C stallion, a runner-up at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at the beginning of the month, to his first London ticket.
3. Ellister Islay Spruce
Molly Mercer bags her first trip to the Big Smoke riding Julie Barton’s multi-garlanded Highland stallion.
4. Burley Burberry
After finishing second at HOYS earlier this month, Georgia Love’s New Forest stallion clinches his place at London International.
5. Lantau Supernova
Jodie Haywood and her own Welsh section C stallion ensure they will return to London after qualifying for the second time together.
6. Willmont Braveheart
Antonia Mitchell’s Fell gelding and Emma Burrow, 2022 HOYS winners, are third in their semi-final, qualifying for London.
7. Langrigg Thomas
Brooke Harvey’s reigning HOYS Dales pony of the year and Emma Hodge finish second in the large breeds semi-final en route to their first London pass as a combination.
8. Cadlanvalley Masterclass
Libby Grota and the five-year-old Welsh section B stallion not only book a London place but are crowned 2023 BSPS Heritage championships novice supreme.
9. Amilas Clicquot
Evie Walker clinches the novice mini working hunter tricolour after finishing second in the cradle stakes class.
10. Rothvale First Edition
Jemimah Harper Chambers takes the restricted mini championship riding Clare Jubb’s winning lead rein Dartmoor contender.
11. Invernin Paddy
The home-produced Connemara scores the 2024 Royal International (RIHS) Pretty Polly qualifier with Lucy Heygate in the saddle.
12. Griseburn Major
Joe Watson bags a second London place in two days, this time riding his own and Rob McIvor’s Dales stallion.
13. Coppinshill Commemoration
The 2023 RIHS mini M&M champion steps up with Harlow White to land a first London International qualification.
14. Delami Bravado
The reigning HOYS M&M working hunter pony of the year and his jockey Ollie Rowlands continue their run as they stand open worker champions.
15. Gems Malt Whiskey
April Gilmartin’s 2023 Royal Highland hero tops the Welsh section C breed qualifier.
16. Ravenstone Fudge II
The New Forest London class is won by the grey gelding and his owner Stephanie Turner.
17. Briar Puzzle
Alexia Lilley and her home-produced Shetland triumph in the mini supreme.
18. Kaybrook Midnight Comet
Ellena Thomas’ own stallion captures top honours in the Welsh section D London qualifier.
19. Menai George
Hannah Turnock is London bound on her own Welsh section C stallion.
20. Rookery Bold As Brass
Jessica Talbot is the rider to beat over the weekend as she secures three London qualifications, including with Fiamma Sutton’s Welsh section A stallion.
21. Larnleighs Dictator
Aimee Devane gets a catch ride on Nicki Oldershaw-Glenn’s home-bred stallion to qualify for London.
22. Linksbury Royal Celebration
Sam Roberts and Sophie Garner’s Welsh section B stallion lead the London breed line-up.
23. Brynrodyn Danielle
Siwan Ward’s palomino mare and Victoria Neachell, runners up at HOYS a few weeks ago, trot to victory in the mini RIHS championship.
24. Thistledown El Toro
Kashia Bhogal and Sharn Linney’s Welsh section A stallion net a first-ever London place.
25. Abergavenny Boneddiges
Beth Simons is third in the Welsh section D semi-final to qualify on this London debutante.
26. Carrock Comet
Leading the Dales London qualifier is Sarah Field aboard Abigail Allen’s six-year-old.
27. Maesymor Cindy
Another combination off to London is Alice Barr and her own and mother Debbie Barr’s Welsh section D mare.
You may also be interested to read…
Epic centre line moments — 36 winning ponies photographed at HOYS 2023
Re-live the magic — 20 winning show horses from HOYS 2023
‘He’s a bit of a joker’: home-bred New Forest stallion triumphs in first class of HOYS 2023
Now for something a little different: take a virtual walk the 2023 HOYS working hunter course
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