Former tent pegging pony Taiforgan Cracker Jack has further cemented the Welsh cob’s reputation as one of the most versatile native breeds as he booked a first Royal International (RIHS) place before standing supreme of show at Ayr County (13 May).
Taiforgan Cracker Jack, who is by Geler Ryan, won the Welsh section C and D qualifier, the M&M championship and the overall supreme of show title with his owner Sarah Burkhill at the helm.
Sarah, who works for Barclays, bought the now seven-year-old gelding from Lloyd Wood and Kathryn Stock during lockdown as a project. Jack was lightly but successfully shown in-hand as a youngster, before he was sold and competed in the ancient cavalry sport of tent pegging.
Jack in his tent pegging days
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
The objective of tent pegging is for the rider to pierce, pick up and carry a target with a lance or a sword.
“He was a complete blank canvas when I got him, and was yet to be shown under-saddle, but he’d done some tent pegging a few years ago,” confirmed Sarah, who now home-produces Jack.
Sarah says that the experience has made Jack quite sensitive to sudden movements.
“He’s shy in himself but thrives in an atmosphere while in the show ring,” she said. “He’s super kind and always tries his hardest; it’s like he’s been here before. He always gives me 110% when it’s needed most.”
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Prior to her acquisition of Jack, Sarah had hung up her riding boots due to a lack of confidence.
“I’d sold my 15hh show hunter pony and during the pandemic it was proving impossible to find another horse who was right for me,” she explained. “I saw a video of Jack trotting down the long side of producer David Bennett’s arena and I just knew I had to have him. When he came off the lorry we knew he was going to be the perfect pony to get my confidence back, and he’s just exceeded all expectations in the ring.”
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Former H&H showing editor and deputy features editor
Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.
