Round-up from Arena UK's Small Pony Premier
Monday 10 March 2025
The final Small Pony Premier show of the series drew to a close this weekend at Arena UK. Once again, Anya Dewey Clarke proved best in Saturday’s Winter 128cm Second Round taking the top two placings. Eighteen competitors faced Neil Foster and Declan Perry’s 1.10m track, with five unlocking the key to contend the final jump-off. Second to jump, Anya carefully guided Kilcreene Snapdragon around the shortened course to a steady triple clear, before using her penultimate draw to swiftly pilot Jim (Cobid) into top spot to secure the win. Hugo Oakes slotted Jonny Be Good into second place with the fastest four fault round.
In Sunday’s equivalent class, Kobi Hunter Watt took top honours ahead of his 12 competitors riding Norgaards Ronja with a well-executed clear round that could not be matched. Valentina Thexton slotted into second with Diamond’s Sunshine with a quick four faults whilst Kobi also picked up third place with Hill Garth Bailey Cream, also on four faults.
Saturday’s Winter 138cm Second Round went the way of Ella Kay. Five of the 24 starters advanced to the second jump-off with Ella using her second draw to swiftly pilot Dizzy Rascal around the 1.15m course, setting a time of 30.47 seconds which ultimately could not be caught. Cora Dowey continued her recent success and slotted Astral Ruben into second place, just 0.52 seconds off the pace whilst Phoebe Crossman and Sparkling Mr Gucci picked up third, a further 1.16 seconds in arrears.
Cora Dowey went one better in Sunday’s equivalent qualifier, this time riding Another Barney to top spot. Twenty riders came forward for this class with four jumping double clear and advancing to the final jump-off. Despite knocking out a pole at the third fence, Cora and Another Barney rode fast, tight lines to ensure their time was quick enough to land top spot, finishing in 38.95 seconds. Tabby Morgan Evans, who saw the second fence hit the sand, finished just behind in second place with Fantastik Du Rieu, 3.73 seconds in arrears, whilst Ella Kay and Top Silvio Hastak slotted into third, also on four faults.
Jessica Swait took home top honours in Saturday’s British Showjumping Winter 138cm/138cm Handicap Special class with a deceivingly quick round aboard her 138cm Mullagh Pride in 28.80 seconds. Evie Whitaker slotted into second with the 138cm Fifty Fruit in 31.78 seconds whilst Fenella Adams picked up third with her 138cm Croesiolyn Cusan, 2.72 seconds in arrears.
In Sunday’s equivalent class, Tabitha Stalley outpaced her fifteen rivals to take the victory, riding the 138cm Ormond Lucy Locket to the sole double clear. Emily Appleby and the 138cm Salsa Sugar Crumb picked up second place with Isabella Thomlinson and her 128cm Taggarts Express slotting in third place.
Images: ATG Photography
.JPG "Sophia Rogers makes a winning return and Rachel Proudley claims a championship double at Pony of the Year Show")
