HOYS New Forest 2021 title: Ellena Thomas wins on Hilltop Ned

Ellena Thomas and Hilltop Ned win the New Forest final of the year at the 2021 Horse of the Year Show — Ellena Thomas and Hilltop Ned win the New Forest final at the 2021 Horse of the Year Show.

(Image credit: Stephanie Bateman)

QUANTITY surveyor Ellena Thomas took time out of her busy work schedule to ride New Forest pony Hilltop Ned to victory at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2021.

She and Karyn Thomas have owned the eight-year-old stallion by Brookshill Mustang out of Hilltop Daisy for three years.

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Stephanie Bateman began her career working for Horse & Hound’s sister title HORSE magazine in 2009 after studying a BSc Equine Science degree at Hartpury university. After a few years working in-house for a national equestrian title, she went freelance in 2011, and now writes for a variety of print and online platforms, editing sections of national monthly magazines and contributing regular features and event reports to Horse & Hound. She juggles working with being a mummy and wife, and riding her coloured mare Matilda.

Quantity surveyor tops New Forest final at Horse of the Year Show 2021

Ellan qualified the stallion, bred by Lucinda Lang, at Stoneleigh Horse Show.

“He’d done some in-hand showing as a youngster and then we got him, backed him and produced him on,” added Ellena. “He really hasn’t done too much. As a novice, we were careful not to overdo it with him in the showring and it’s helped to keep him fresh and keen.”

Outside of showing, and when she’s not working Ellena enjoys hacking Ned.

“I work during the day and then come back and ride the horses in the evenings,” she said. “It’s long hours but I have a good team behind me working hard at home to keep it ticking over during the day.

“It helps that he’s really laid back and very good at home – he’s 100% to deal with it,” she said. “He hasn’t bred yet, but he will do in the future. He’s going to the Heritage championships next week so fingers crossed for a Liverpool ticket – you never know!”

Runner up spot went to Vikki Smith and Lovelyhill Folklore, while third place was awarded to Doorage Olympic Boy and Amy Smith.

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