Hollie Gerken defends her Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Championship Title
Friday 10 October 2025
1qljl304t9205.JPG "Hollie Gerken defends her Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Championship Title")
Hollie Gerken continued to make history at Horse of the Year Show as she delivered a successful title defence in the Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Championship.
Twelve months after completing an unprecedented HOYS hat-trick by winning the Newcomers, Leading Pony Showjumper and Foxhunter classes, Hollie once again produced the goods.
She became only the third rider in 40 years to land back-to-back Newcomers crowns, emulating Matthew Sampson in 2005 and 2006 and Alex Gill, who did a 2013-14 double.
Essex-based Hollie, though, was pushed all the way by Lola Thulborn and Fabreeker V, who finished just seven hundredths of a second behind her time of 26.20 aboard No Limit X.
Hollie completed the podium places with Livewire VI as she once again rose majestically to the challenge in HOYS' Arena of Dreams.
"I honestly can't believe it," 15-year-old Hollie said. "Winning the classes last year was a massive achievement, and to win the Newcomers again is amazing.
"It's the Arena of Dreams, and everyone dreams to go through those curtains and ride in that arena. To have the opportunity is amazing.
"I was early to go in the jump-off with No Limit, and it was just about keeping the rhythm going.
"I have got an amazing team behind me, and I am so grateful to everyone. When I was younger, I dreamt of winning these classes, and I don't even know what to say."
Image: 1st Class Images
