First HOYS 122cm junior M&M working hunter pony runs at HOYS

The first ever Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd HOYS 122cm junior M&M working hunter pony final to run at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) was won by 10-year-old Lola Carabine and the 17-year-old Welsh section A Vennebos Pearly King (Sparty).

Owned by Lola’s mother, Sadie Osborne, Sparty has been based with the family for three years. He was bought from the Collier Family and he has been a prolific working hunter during his career, appearing at the NEC on multiple occasions.

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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.

‘He’s her best friend’: 17-year-old Welsh jumps to first ever HOYS junior M&M worker title

“He came to teach Lola to jump, and he’s done that and so much more,” said Sadie. “He’s her best friend in the whole world.”

Last year, Sadie and Sparty jumped in the 122cm open final, but it was decided that the new junior M&M working hunter pony class would be the perfect venture for the combination.

Prior to his HOYS appearance, Sparty went out cubbing and he regularly enjoys show jumping outings.

“This year Lola was on the ball,” said Sadie. “Sparty is the best boy. He’s ruled by his belly, but he’s never let Sadie down once. This class has been the opportunity for both of them.”

Lola was overjoyed to take her first ever HOYS win:

“I did not expect to win today; Sparty is just the best,” she said. “It was scary jumping in there, but it was so fun.”

Second place in the HOYS 122cm junior M&M working hunter pony championship went to another grey Welsh section A, Lucy Richardson’s Elberry Suilen, ridden by Lilly Richardson.

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