Hollie Pearce commanded the top two places of the UNIBED – High Performance Equine Bedding Winter B&C Qualifier at Hartpury University’s Winter Classic
Monday 06 January 2025
An on-form Hollie Pearce dominated the UNIBED – High Performance Equine Bedding Winter Grades B&C Qualifier at Hartpury University’s Winter Classic, taking the top two places and both coveted Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead finalist places.
“I’ve never jumped in the main ring at Hickstead before, it’s another tick on the bucket list,” said Hollie, who will make her debut at the famous venue.
Twenty-seven competitors contended the first round over course-designer Krissy Spiller’s 12-fence, 15-effort 1.35m track, with three doubles testing rideability, and 11 posted clear rounds to go forward into the jump-off, Hollie claiming two of the rides.
Drawn early on James O Hara H, a 2023 HOYS Grade C and Foxhunter finalist bought four years ago from LS Equestrian, Hollie didn’t waste a turn or a stride. Slicing corners at pace and executing a committed gallop to the last, she angled the final oxer with a flourish on the careful chestnut gelding, setting the target at breath-taking speed.
“He has the heart of a lion. I had to go for it as you don’t know what the others behind you are going to do and I trust him to be careful and jump the jumps, loves it,” said Hollie.
No-one came near to deposing her, although Thomas Pritchard, winner of the earlier SEIB Winter Novice, gamely tried on Calcourt Hero to slip into third spot. Hollie underscored her power with second ride NFS Henderson, sliding into second place, 1.74 seconds separating her two rides.
“He’s only seven and still learning but he’s super-brave, honest, straight-forward and kind,” said Hollie, on John and Laura Renwick’s home-bred NFS Henderson, by Cinsey and out of the Dollar dela Pierre mare Parvati De Breve, winner of the HOYS 2010 Foxhunter Final for Laura.
Bought as a six-year-old, the Ublesco x Burggraaf 11-year-old James O Hara H has put Hollie on the map nationally.
“He’s done everything for me – HOYS, Royal Windsor, and now Hickstead – he’s a very nice one to have on the truck; a real trier,” said Hollie, who has been based in Essex with John and Laura Renwick since October.
“John called me in late September regarding riding their young horses as they have so many. As my other half lives in Essex and I only had James at home, it was a no-brainer,” said Hollie, who went for a look-see and hasn’t looked back – “I love it! It’s a fantastic opportunity to got lots of shows and ride lots of horses. John is a fantastic confidence giver to both riders and horses – he very much makes you believe you can.”
Hartpury University Winter Classic – 3 January 2025
UNIBED – High Performance Equine Bedding Winter Grades B&C Qualifier
1st Hollie Pearce & James O Hara H – 0/0 - 33.55
2nd Hollie Pearce & NFS Henderson – 0/0 - 35.29
3rd Thomas Pritchard & Calcourt Hero – 0/0 - 36.03
NB Results pending final grading
Image: Jasmine Punter Photography
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