A shining example of a New Forest pony came out on top at Your Horse Live yesterday (11 November) in the SEIB Search for a Star Mountain and Moorland Championship.

Langorra Ginger Port (Larry) was bred by his owner and rider Natalie Pastor. Out of her working hunter pony mare, Portmore Lil, Larry is just six and won the Search for a Star working pony championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) earlier this year.

Larry is by Woodrow Portman who competed at HOYS in flat and working hunter pony finals.

Credit: SMR Photography

“He’s a very good example of a New Forest and looks very versatile,” said Your Horse Live judge Katie Jerram-Hunnable. “He gave a very good performance, has a nice easy way of going and is very correct for his breed.”

Search for a Star in-hand mountain and moorland champion Lachlann of Croila Croft was runner up in the ridden class. The working Highland, who was only backed in spring, is owned and ridden by Judith Hogg. Judith broke her back out hunting seven years ago and only recently regained her confidence.

A Welsh section D took third. Saulire Thunder was ridden by his owner Caroline Edgson, who works as a reception teacher. Caroline said she fell in love with handsome ‘Chino’ the moment she saw him.

Strictly Come Showing

Credit: SMR Photography

An unusual judging method was used for evaluating the competitors in the SEIB Search for a Star Open Veteran Championship. Judges Katie Jerram-Hunnable, Chris Hunnable, Matthew Lawrence and Marcus Capel each held up Strictly Come Dancing-style score cards after each riders individual show, giving an interesting insight into their evaluations of competitors.

Following competitive ridden performances from all the combinations, the judging of the conformation was kept between the judges, so the final result was a surprise to the riders and audience.

The ultimate champion was Cottrell Riverdance (Ronnie), a 25-year-old grey Welsh section B ridden by Millie Bowles. This is the second time they have taken this title at Your Horse Live, having won the same championship last year, as well as the in-hand veteran final in 2021

“Their show was impeccable,” said Katie of this year’s performance. “He’s an amazing pony and Millie is very lucky to have him, but the pony is also lucky to have such a lovely home.”

Second was 19-year-old chestnut gelding Abbas Blue Rainbow, ridden by Ella Dunn. The judges said he did a “beautiful” show that was “foot-perfect”. He has EMS so the Dunn family said they have to manage him carefully, but he still loves his work, including galloping and hacking.

An eye-catching 18-year-old coloured gelding was placed third with Alexander Osborn. Dollar Boy, or Leo as he is known at home, scored highly in the ‘Strictly’ section and enjoys a variety of work out of the show ring, including hunting and jumping, and has taught numerous people to ride.

‘Performed to perfection’

An impressive individual show secured Furlong Socks (Sox) and Maia Elis the SEIB Search for a Star Part-bred Traditional Championship title. The part-bred Welsh has had several wins this year including at Warrington Show and the Traditional of the Year Show.

The judges complemented apprentice hairdresser Maia’s turnout of the black gelding, who was gloriously glossy at Your Horse Live and “performed to perfection”. Katie said he had “lovely” conformation, with good feather. Sox also competes at cross-country and enjoys fun rides.

Runner-up was Bradwell Dun Deal (Rolo) ridden by Catherine Chalkly. Katie said he looked an “absolute picture and a pleasure to ride”. Completing the top three was Addien Toy Soldier, ridden by his mounted police officer owner Helen Jackson, who Katie described as “a little power house”.

Lead image by SMR Photos

Read out report from the Search for a Star in-hand classes at Your Horse Live here, and the Pony Club championships here.

Supreme championship report to follow on yourhorse.co.uk

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