‘I didn’t want to let him down’: Dales pony gives rider first-ever HOYS victory after 25 years of trying

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Langrigg Thomas
(Image credit: 1st Class Images)

After 25 years of competing at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), Emma Hodge (nee Lucas) finally got to ride the centre line as she reigned in the National Pony Society/Baileys Horse Feeds M&M ridden Dales pony of the year final. Her ride was Brooke Harvey’s well-mannered Langrigg Thomas, who was also winning the final for the first time in his career.

By Worsley Viking, the 11-year-old gelding is based with Brooke’s uncle, leading producer John Harvey, and this was the second time Emma has ridden him at the NEC.

Alex Robinson
Alex Robinson
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.