Martha Evans takes Top Honours in the STX UK Pony British Novice Second Round at Kelsall Hill
Wednesday 02 July 2025
Last weekend saw more young riders and their ponies take to the ring to compete in the STX-UK Pony British Novice Second Round at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre.
Competition was fierce, as nearly half of the starting field advanced through the rounds to the final jump off, but it was Martha Evans on Sara Evans’ Tonkenfig Tom Thumb who emerged victorious. This nifty pair saw off some fierce competition, jumping a lovely triple clear and completing the jump-off in 36.42 seconds. They edged out second-place finisher Charlie Blackburn Jones and Helen Blackburn’s Absolutely Bond by 1.52 seconds. Charlotte Padfield rode her way to third place with Rebecca Lomax’s Carn Jukebox, a further 8.60 seconds off the pace.
“It was a great feeling to win, and Tom was a very good boy who was full of energy. I thought the second round was the jump-off and didn’t go too fast, but when we were in the actual jump off, we just went for it,” said Martha.
“He’s 20 years old and wasn’t a jumping pony before we had him. He was a show pony and had been to HOYS twice. I’ve worked really hard with my trainer, Llestyn Griffiths, and I’m so proud of how far he has come – he’s an amazing pony,” added Martha.
In the Pony Discovery Second round, top honours went to Lorena Lamb, riding Alisha Lamb’ Giant Rebel, the pair outpacing their rivals in a time of 36.42 seconds. Jonty Hughes rode Sarah West’s Idole Des Islots into second place, 1.59 seconds behind the winning pair whilst Caitlin Garvey slotted into third with Stephen Garvey’s Killerisk Im A Doctor, with the fastest four faults in round two.
Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre – Saturday 28 June
STX-UK Pony British Novice Second Round
1st – Martha Evans & Tonkenfig Tom Thumb – 0/0/0 36.42 seconds
2nd – Charlie Blackburn Jones & Absolutely Bond – 0/0/0 38.01 seconds
3rd – Charlotte Padfield & Carn Jukebox – 0/0/0 – 46.61 seconds
NB: Results pending official grading.
Image: KT Equine Photography
