A prolific Connemara stallion dazzled at London International Horse Show on his debut as a senior to scoop the 2024 SSADL ridden supreme championship title.
Nurse Samantha Fowler and her own 17-year-old Glencarrig Marble (Mickey) qualified for the SSADL finals back in March at the first qualifier of the year.
The pair are seasoned London goers, having competed in the M&M supreme final four times previously; their best result was best of breed and fourth overall in 2018.
Mickey is also a five-time Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) finalist and he’s won countless accolades at championship shows and on the county circuit.
This season has been Mickey’s first in senior classes. He took a break from top-level showing after HOYS in 2022 to stand at the Walstead Stud.
“It’s totally unexpected and a complete shock to win,” said Samantha, who has owned Mickey since 2014. “I know it’s a cliché, but he’s my pony of a lifetime. He’s put me back on the native pony map as I’d had a long break riding hunters and doing side-saddle.
“I remember when my late Mum and I went to see him, though unfortunately she missed out on watching everything he’s done for me,” Samantha said. “Mickey will always be loved. He’s just amazing and everybody loves him. He’s the best and always will be; the sweetest, kindest boy there ever was.”
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
In reserve was Oscar Elcock – the reigning HOYS M&M working hunter pony of the year winner – and 16-year-old Sir Smarty, a showing newcomer this year. The gelding was bought in June as Oscar’s 143cm worker for next term. The pair were novice supremes at British Elite in September and they’ll enjoy a season of hunting in preparation for 2025.
“I was so pleased for Oscar as we were stood next to each other chatting in the line-up admiring the sashes,” Samantha said.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
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.
