Emily Ward and Wild Star HF shone brightly at Horse of the Year Show to secure a memorable victory in the Rees Family Cup international class.
Sunday 12 October 2025
Emily Ward and Wild Star HF shone brightly at Horse of the Year Show to secure a memorable victory in the Rees Family Cup international class.
Last to go of 11 combinations in the jump-off, Cheshire rider Emily went more than half a second quicker than Sandy McLean and Kolwa, landing an outstanding win.
Tears flowed as she entered HOYS' Arena of Dreams for the presentation ceremony, with Sandy taking second place and third going to Jodie Hall McAteer on Key West.
It was Emily's debut in the international classes at HOYS, and an occasion that she admitted created a lifetime memory.
"It is a bit of a blur," Emily said. "We bred him at home ourselves, and we have such a good partnership and such a good knowledge of each other.
"He knew I was a bit nervous, and I trust him to go in and raise his game when it is pressure like that, and he did today. He is such an athlete, and I know he will try everything in his heart.
"It means so much to win here. It is a dream ever since you are young, and it really couldn't be more special.
"We love a picture and a reel, and we will be watching that and looking at the pictures for months. This is like a big early Christmas present."
Image: 1st Class Images
