Top Talent Shines at Chard Equestrian Ltd Summer Pony Premier

The Summer Pony Premier at Chard Equestrian Ltd delivered an action-packed weekend of top-class competition, with riders battling it out across a number of prestigious Horse of the Year Show qualifiers and second-round classes. Matthew Hoskins set challenging tracks throughout the weekend, rewarding those combinations who could combine accuracy, scope and speed. 

Joint Winners in the Pony Showjumper of the Year 

29 rider combinations came forward for the Pony Showjumper of the Year class, with Matthew Hoskins' course proving a true test as only two combinations produced faultless first rounds. 

With no other riders progressing, both elected to withdraw ahead of the jump-off, sharing the victory and claiming joint first place. 

Joint winners were Raphaela Dawson riding Karan Dawson's Maifield Another Sunrise and Ella Kay aboard Charlotte Reed-Stephenson's Lucky Clover Boy, both producing excellent clear rounds to take the honours. 

Dewey Clarke Books Horse of the Year Show 128cm Qualification 

The Horse of the Year Show 128cm Qualifier also attracted 29 starters, but just five combinations managed to negotiate the opening two rounds without fault to earn a place in the jump-off. 

Three of those combinations chose to withdraw, leaving a head-to-head contest for the leading placings. Anya Dewey Clarke, riding Anna Clarke's Kilcreene Snapdragon, claimed victory after finishing with four faults in a time of 46.20 seconds. 

Second place went to Lucas McArdle aboard Jasmine De Judoce, who completed the course with eight faults in 47.51 seconds. 

Caroline Claims 138cm HOYS Qualifier 

27 combinations lined up for the Horse of the Year Show 138cm Qualifier, with only four riders producing double clears to reach the final jump-off. 

Delivering the only clear round against the clock was Lucia Caroline riding Lee Caroline's Houla Oups Ed's, securing victory in a time of 50.05 seconds. 

Second place went to Amy Capper riding Playboy Van De Zoetewei, who finished with four faults in 61.62 seconds, while Hugo Oakes and Party For Cornflakes completed the podium with four faults in 63.96 seconds. 

Davies Dominates Pony Newcomers Second Round 

A competitive field of 52 combinations came forward for the Pony Newcomers Second Round, with only nine riders jumping clear through the opening two rounds to earn a place in the jump-off. 

Producing the fastest of four double clears was Harriet Davies riding Amber Bundock's TPD Remar, who stopped the clock in 43.37 seconds to take the win. 

Close behind in second was Raphaela Dawson aboard Woody Van Duyversputten, crossing the finish in 44.64 seconds, while Jonty Hughes and Idole Des Islots claimed third after another superb clear in 44.75 seconds. 

The Summer Pony Premier once again showcased the strength and depth of Britain's up-and-coming pony riders, with valuable Horse of the Year Show qualifications and championship places secured following an exciting weekend of competition at Chard Equestrian Ltd. 

NB: Qualifications will be updated pending official grading of results.     

Images: ESP Photographic