Native ponies of all breeds are tested over the working hunter track on the third day of competition
A stunning display of natives was witnessed in the Frogmore Arena on Saturday morning at the 2021 Royal Windsor Horse Show, as a Fell pony gelding and his young pilot took top honours as a worker.
The 10-year-old by Greenholme Look At Me out of Greenholme Shandy first achieved a flying clear in the 133cm section.
“This was his and my first time jumping here,” said Chantelle, who kept her cool in the championship, showing off Dan’s paces and accelerating gallop. “Considering this is his first year jumping open tracks, too, we came here with no expectations. He’s been a star and I just can’t fault him; he does it all.”
Chantelle and Dan shot to fame in 2018 when she won inaugural SEIB Search For A Star M&M championship. Since, they’ve been unstoppable in both open ridden and junior ranks, and have only recently forayed into the working hunter scene.
“They did three novice classes last year, and won all three,” said Victoria.
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Chantelle added: “We had a 3am start today, but it’s been well worth it. The course was flowing and there was lots to look at which suits him better.”
“Dan’s got a little fan club and it’s lovely to be able to win it for the breed, too.”
Working hunter specialist Vikki Smith had a tough choice as she had two rides – Penny Sutton’s New Forest Lovelyhill Folklore and her own Connemara JP Corbally — through to the championship from the 143cm and exceeding 143cm classes, respectively. She opted to pilot the 10-year-old New Forest stallion, HOYS bound on the flat and in workers, who was selected for the reserve.
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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.
