Pandemic purchase knocks spots off rivals at Hickstead
Wednesday 24 July 2024
sflhbo8lb1sf.jpg "Pandemic purchase knocks spots off rivals at Hickstead")
The Oakley Coachbuilders BS Winter Grade JC Championship at the Agria Royal International Horse Show turned into a battle of two Emily’s, when just two riders made it through to the jump off against the clock.
It was second-to-go Emily Irvine and her appaloosa mare Runard Lass who took the win when she produced the sole double clear, with Emily Gulliver and Lucky Choice claiming runner up after tallying eight faults.
Emily Irvine has been riding Runard Lass, known as “Dolly” at home, for four years after travelling to Spain to buy her during the pandemic.
“My trainer Fiona Hobby messaged my mum and said ‘you need to try this pony, she looks amazing’, so we went to try her during Covid, and brought her home. “She didn’t know much but she jumped well. We thought she’d only be a 1m level pony, but she ended up more than that.”
Not everyone admired the spotted mare when she first arrived, but she has gained some fans as she has climbed the ranks, and is now jumping at the top level of the sport, also qualifying for this year’s pony showjumper final. “When I first got her people used to say she was the ugliest thing on Earth!” Emily said. “But I love her, she is so much fun. She is easy to look after as long as you do what she wants. She gets away with everything!”
Emily is no stranger to Hickstead’s atmospheric International Arena, having qualified for other finals in previous years. “It’s quite big and the course is a long way round, so you have to keep moving in there,” she said.
The 15-year-old rider from Malmesbury, Wilts, goes to school at Stonar, who are very supportive of her equestrian ambitions. “They are very good and let me have a lot of time off to ride,” she said.
The Agria Royal International Horse Show runs from 24-28 July at Hickstead in West Sussex. Tickets are available at the gate or can be booked online at www.hickstead.co.uk. All the action from the International Arena will be livestreamed on ClipMyHorse.TV and Hickstead.TV.
Image: Boots and Hooves Photograpy
