NAF Pony Five Star Style and Performance Finals
Tuesday 13 August 2024
As the title suggests, the onus was on style and performance in the NAF Five Star Style and Performance Finals at the British Showjumping three-day extravaganza at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.
Riders rode a set test combining eight fences as well as demonstrating a show at walk, trot and canter. Rhythm, consistency, smooth lines, rideability and correct posture was the key to catch the judge’s eye.
A delighted Rosabella Harrison shed a tear of joy as she once again rode a beautiful round to secure a win, this time in the NAF 3* Style and performance class. Last year, Rosabella took the NAF 2* with her pony, Flash. This year she rode Dimple the Best who definitely lived up to him name.
“I am very, very, very excited and happy with it because I won it last year on my other pony, so I was hoping for the same luck on him,” commented Rosabella. “He went round and he was such a good boy. He was listening, and he jumped everything. He had a little bit of a cheeky moment, but he was still a very good boy. I wasn’t expecting the win, but it is very nice surprise to get it.”
It hasn’t always been a smooth sailing journey for the pair: “When I first had him, we didn’t really get on. Then we sold him in 2022, but we have just bought him back at Christmas. Now he is an angel. He’s very cheeky and opinionated but still a very good boy.”
Olivia Eglise took second place with Millcroft Gilgamesh and Ruby Hicks rode into third with Wetherley Wellie.
Kate Wills made the journey from Cambridgeshire to take a deserved win in the NAF 2* Style and Performance with Rumpel Stiltskin.
When talking about her win, an excited Kate commented: “It’s so cool because last year I couldn’t even canter on the right leg in the 1* class and then to come and win the 2* was really cool.
“I think my round was good, he is very good at his flying changes so any part I did go on the wrong leg he would quickly change over. He’s got a very cool personality, and he loves smiling.”
Felicity Lightfoot took second place with Storm Wars, whilst Sienna Rogers placed third with Billy Joe.
Last year, Florence Newstead took the NAF 1* Style and Performance title with Millcroft Armada and this year it was the turn of younger sister Mabel who took over the ride. Following in her sisters’ footsteps, Mabel also took top spot.
“It was a very fun class,” said Mabel. “He’s a very good boy, he enjoys his job, and he won last year with my sister. My favourite thing was the lap of honour and the jumping.”
Scarlett Willis and Bylands Music Man slotted into second place and Evie Daffin, riding Annaghmore Whirlwind, placed third.
Judge Richard Seals was looking for harmony between pony and rider, correct position of rider, soft, correct flatwork, a correct canter and a nice rhythm throughout.
“I think these classes combined with the NAF booklets are brilliant for our up-and-coming riders and really encourage good riding and good horsemanship,” he said.
“The standard this year was the highest I have ever seen in all three levels, and it is really impressive and encouraging for the future of our sport as there is definitely some future stars in there today.”
Image: Jasmine Punter Photography
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