The rub of the green that young showjumper Hollie Gerken brings to the arena of dreams is measured in purple rugs.
The 15-year-old rider’s victory in the STX – UK Pony Foxhunter Championship this evening (10 October) was her seventh HOYS title – all of which have been aboard different ponies – an incredible achievement to cherish as the teenager winds down her time in the pony ranks and looks to the future on horses.
Hollie scooped today’s win aboard her mother Jade’s nine-year-old mare Livewire VI and also finished third with No Limit X, a reversal of her standings in the Blue Chip pony newcomers championship earlier this week. Raphaela Dawson and Woody Van Duyversputten were second.
“I thought it was a decent track, but nicely built,” said Hollie, who turns 16 in December. “I thought that there would be a lot of clears, which there were, so it was a very competitive jump-off.”
A total of 18 competitors, more than half the field, jumped clear in the first round, leading to a high-octane chase against the clock as riders dared themselves to turn tighter, burn brighter, than each before. Hollie matched speed with smoothness and balance, finding an economy to her lines and angles that gave her the edge, and taking a stride out at the last to lift the crown out of reach of her challengers.
“Being first to go [on No Limit X], you have to let the throttle out, and she jumped amazingly. But on my second pony, I noticed that the timers were really far away from the [final] fence, so I did exactly the same and just kicked through the finish, and that’s what got me my winning time.
“Reflecting on the week, I can’t believe it – it’s been an amazing year again. Competing here is so special. When I was younger, I dreamt of jumping in that arena. To win seven titles is just incredible.”
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She added: “I’m so, so grateful to everyone who makes this possible and to the amazing ponies.
“I said to mum before we came that I did feel a bit of pressure this year, and she said, ‘There’s no pressure at all’. I always put pressure on myself though.
“Competing in this arena you’ve got everyone behind you, it’s an amazing atmosphere – it’s an arena like no other.”
Hollie Gerken’s HOYS wins
2025
STX – UK Pony Foxhunter: Livewire VI
Blue Chip pony newcomers: No Limit X
2024
STX – UK Pony Foxhunter: Ballycarrow Mirahs Sparrow
Demolition Services Ltd Leading Pony Showjumper of the Year: Galaxy V
Blue Chip pony newcomers: Jonkers Keyano
2023
Leading Pony Showjumper of the Year: Ramiro High Society
Equine Rescue Services 138cm championship: Another Barney
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
