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‘They’ve grown together’: adored pony and 14-year-old rider take RIHS senior ridden crown

Alex Robinson Alex Robinson

    • A show hunter pony provided his 14-year-old rider with her first ever Royal International (RIHS) win when he topped the PRP Rescue Services/SSADL ridden championship.

    Georgia Kirby was in the saddle of mother Susan Kirby’s 19-year-old chestnut gelding Woodview Fiocco (Finn). The lovely 133cm contender pinged around the Roger Stack Arena, exuding ample star quality and flair.

    The quality field of seniors, which included many former Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and RIHS finalists, was a feast for the eyes.

    Georgia and Finn, third here in senior ranks last year, have been partnered together for seven years. Finn is home-produced from the family’s base in Lancashire and has landed many accolades as both an open show hunter pony and a veteran. In 2021, they finished second in the 133cm show hunter pony of the year final at the NEC.

    “He’s a true all-rounder who shows, hacks out, jumps and goes to the beach,” said Susan. “He’s with us for life. He adores Georgia; everytime he sees her on the yard he’ll whinny at her. If I ever can’t find Georgia, I know she’ll be in Finn’s stable.”

    “They’ve grown together, too. Finn was a bit of a monkey when we first got him home and we weren’t sure if they’d gel, but we persevered. Georgia does him all herself and he’s completely home-produced.”

    Milie Bowles and Cottrell Riverdance

    Mille Bowles and Selina Bowles’ Cottrell Riverdance took reserve in the SSADL ridden championship. The 25-year-old is a former winner of the Veteran Horse Society supreme championship.

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    Alex Robinson
    Alex Robinson

    H&H showing 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 since when she has cemented its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK.
    Alex Robinson

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