Showing


Charlotte Green riding Ravenshead Caradog


Lily Ahern-Lee riding Thistledown Oasis


The final fight for a ‘golden ticket’ Words and photos by Rebecca Philpot


to some of the final Horse of the Year Show qualifiers of the season.


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We take a look at some of the lucky winners who will be making their way to Birmingham this October to compete against the UK’s finest horses and ponies.


Thistledown Lion Heart


Bestowing the best belated birthday present on 11 year old jockey Brodie Birtwell, Thistledown Lion Heart not only booked his HOYS ticket in first ridden, standing mini M&M champion, he then came forward under supreme judges Carl Hester MBE and Rosemary, Lady Northampton, to stand supreme pony champion.


Brodie has only been riding for two years, and his first show on ‘Simba’, who is owned by Brodie’s mum Lindsey, was in May this year. Produced by Sharn Linney, who now has a full house going to HOYS, she commented: “He’s come on miles this season!”


Of her choice, Rosemary commented: “He was a proper child’s pony. The pony went very well, but he was also answering


oreton Show, which took place on 1st September, played host


the questions asked of him by his rider. Manners are the most important thing with a child’s pony, and he had them to spare.”


In agreement, Carl added: “He didn’t put a toe out of place in the set show and while they were all good quality ponies coming forward, what that one had was a bit of lightness to it, he was very light in the hand. What I’d want in a horse is nice conformation and self-carriage.”


Thistledown Oasis


Standing reserve in their mini M&M championship, Lily Ahern- Lee rode Rachel Brightmore’s Thistledown Oasis to take the M&M lead rein ticket. Bought by Rachel out of the field at the stud about 18 months ago, he was backed at the beginning of the season, and won the novice lead rein at the BSPS Winter Championships – his first big win.


Daisy Eastwood and Nefydd Adferth


Qualifying in the open Welsh B class were HOYS first timers, Daisy Eastwood and Nefydd Adferth. The pair were also selected as the supreme judges’ choice for first reserve and were the open small breed champion. Bought as a foal eight years ago


Daisy Eastwood riding Nefydd Adferth


Brodie Birtwell riding Thistledown Lion Heart


from the Fayre Oaks Sale, this will be both ‘Flint’ and Daisy’s first trip to the final - a terrific achievement for both Daisy and the pony, who also boasts bronze, silver and performance medals to his name.


Greenholme Caitlin


Kizzie Lucas rode Jenny Crane and Jo Baker’s Greenholme Caitlin to the junior championship title, having won


the junior large breeds qualifier. The pony has a fantastic record in the junior classes, standing RIHS junior champion and finishing in the top 11 at HOYS in the juniors last year, followed up by qualifying for both again this season.


Ravenshead Caradog


Owned by Julie Green, the perfect all round family pony Ravenshead Caradog, booked his junior small breeds ticket with Julie’s daughter, Charlotte Green. The pony also competes in open classes with Charlotte’s older brother, Henry.


Kizzie Lucas riding Greenholme Caitlin


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