Just two weeks after claiming the £1000 ridden supreme championship at the last ever Royal Show, Vanessa Ramm and Sirius II added to their laurels by taking the riding horse title here at The Royal International Horse Show.
The weather, and going at Hickstead was far from perfect, but according to his rider, Sirius II loved the ground. “He just sat up, went through the mud, and never put a foot wrong” said Vanessa.
The 10-year-old Irish bred gelding booked his place in the championship by heading his large riding horse class. Standing second were the defending champions, Jayne Webber and The Philanderer. Taking the reserve award in the international arena, were the small winners, Simon Charlesworth and Military Crisis.
Working hunter finalists braved the worst of the early morning rain, but at least they contested their main ring championship in bright sunshine. Both champion and reserve came from the heavyweight division, Libby Cooke and Harley Foxtrot taking the tricolour, with second placed Justine Armstrong-Small riding Pipers Ovation standing reserve. “All jumped and rode very well,” said ride judge Paul Cook.
The mountain and moorland working hunter pony title went to Sam Roberts riding Julie Barton’s nine-year-old Dartmoor stallion Moortown Honeyman. “This was a fantastic course, and his round was perfection,” said Sam.
The Heritage mountain & moorland title was won by Lynette Bates’s Section B Muskerry Blue Danube. The chestnut roan 11-year-old headed the small breeds section for Alex Bates, 15. Having concentrated on GCSE’s this summer, Alex was delighted to record her biggest win with Muskerry Blue Danube, who was bought three years ago after winning here with Sam Roberts.
Taking the mini Heritage M&M title was Heidi Landon’s Brynodyn Sirius, who stood top of a strong leading rein line up for Laura Davies, 7. Produced and led by Debbie Thomas, the four-year-old displayed impeccable manners despite the stormy weather.
After a ‘big sleep’ following his marathon ladies hunter class the previous day, Time Lord IV registered a second victory for Pippa Moon. The Irish bred seven-year-old headed his lightweight hunter class, and went on to clinch the amateur hunter tricolour.
Pick up Thursday’s Horse & Hound (30 July) for our special 13-page report on all the action from the RIHS
