The veteran accolade is awarded to a real golden oldie, who has been with her family for nine years…
A competitive senior horse and pony in-hand championship was landed by the 28-year-old riding pony Mountain Gale, a black mare by The Hale Florin out of Poulhurst Gwynether.
Owned by Lucinda Speak — who was at Gale’s bridle — the attractive 116cm riding pony topped a class of 18 before taking the coveted championship. Gale is still regularly ridden at home by three different children and is booked into attend Pony Club camp next month with Lucinda’s two-year-old daughter.
“She’s a great all round kid’s pony who just happens to be beautiful enough to win at Windsor,” said a delighted Lucinda. “Nine years ago were were looking for a pony for my niece to learn to ride on, but wanted something that was nice enough to do a bit of showing. A friend knew of Gale who was retired at the time and was located close by to us. We went to see her and her owner, Sarah Riley, let us have her and we’ve she’s been with us ever since.”
Lucinda’s niece, Molly, showed Gale into sixth place at Windsor in 2017, placing in a strong class of 55 entries.
“Molly told me that I wasn’t allowed to come home this year if I didn’t place in the top six,” Lucinda added. “So there was some pressure, but I knew the pony wouldn’t let me down. Though I never, ever expected to be champion. She’s still got that show girl inside her and she loves her job. The day she doesn’t want to come to a show is the day she gives up, but for now she’s still loving life.”
Keep up to date with all the news from Royal Windsor Horse Show here on Horseandhound.co.uk throughout the show and don’t miss our full indepth reports in next Thursday’s magazine. Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find out more about getting the magazine delivered to your door every week
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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.
