Royal Windsor’s hunter ponies are more than a match for the rain
More than 3,000 horses have been in action at Britain’s largest horse show, The Royal Windsor Horse Show, and the showing drew to a close on Sunday with the working and show hunter ponies taking centre stage undeterred by the rain.
Yasmin Cuddy took Adam Wimbourne’s Opium Vaulette to head the Intermediate show hunters. This was only the third outing for the six-year-old mare, who is in her first season.
“She was show jumping previously and I bought her locally,” said Adam. “She won and took reserve as well as claiming her Royal International ticket at Area 16. She also has her International ticket as a small hunter.”
Adam also produced the second placed Colorado, who was partnered by Tarnia Shields for Justine Fay.
With yet another connection Yasmin headed the 153cms show hunters with Galtee Park, before taking the title with the seven-year-old mare that her mother Simone bought from Adam after HOYS last year.
Debbie Thomas’ 122cms Greylands Maid in the Dark stood reserve with Katie Roberts up, although with Rhoden Master Frederick also through, Millie Wonnacott deputised.
Millie also scored when heading the Nursery Stakes with her mother’s grey gelding Firefly.
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The top ribbons in the 153cms workers went to the only three clears, with Camilla Brook-Shannahan’s skewbald gelding All Fired Up, in front of Jennie Howell’s Beechcraft Bonaza, and Rebekah Ashmore’s Woodland Amarula.
However, the title went to the new partnership of Peeping Tom, who was bought in March for Amy O’Brien.
“He’s won two opens and taken two titles,” said Amy, “and we got our Royal International ticket at South Suffolk.”
Lesley Harris’ daughter Charlotte and Meadowrose Kestrel took reserve after heading the 143cms.
“We bought him three years ago,” said Lesley, “after selling The Diamond Smuggler to Kristina Hall-Jackson, and they won the 133cms here today.”
Don’t miss H&H’s special report on all the action from Royal Windsor, on sale Thursday 21 May
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