NAF Pony 5* Style and Performance Finals
Tuesday 08 August 2023
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 conducted a small show at walk, trot and canter before jumping a course of eight fences. Rhythm, consistency, smooth lines, rideability and correct posture was the key to catch the judge’s eye.
A delighted Rosabella Harrison whooped with joy as she learned she had been awarded the NAF 2* Style and Performance Final with the 18-year-old Flash.
“He’s a cool customer, he loves coming to shows and what we call an ‘On-the-day show pony’, he really doesn’t like to do training or all the boring stuff at home,” said Norwich-based 11-year-old Isabella. “I’ve wanted to win a rug here for a long time and just missed out last year by three points and I’ve worked hard at it this year and had a little practise in the warm-up. I didn’t think I’d won this year as he played around a little bit in the halt and I thought I was on the wrong leg at one point, but I wasn’t.”
“I was looking for a regular rhythm and a rider who allowed the pony to go forward from leg into hand. The winner didn’t get left behind, allowed her pony to go forward and was also able to do leg yield, she was balanced and kept an even rhythm,” said judge Pat Crann.
Isabella started riding at 2-years-old and began her partnership with Flash two years ago.
“I’ve ridden lots of different types of ponies but only started jumping two and a half years ago,” said Isabella. “Flash does mostly showjumping and cross-country and a bit of dressage, he’s a really good all-rounder but he likes showjumping best.”
Lilymay Dawe finished second on Kill Bill II and Sophia Pledger-Heywood claimed third with Star V.
Darcy Breen travelled up from Sussex to deservedly take the top two places in the NAF 3* Style and Performance Final with two mares acquired just after Christmas, the 9-year-old Pixie (Cevin Z x Indoctro) and the Daniel 8-year-old daughter One Saharah.
“A classical rider in a correct position and able to ride on an even rhythm all the way round with the pony going in a good manner to produce a polished round; she thought about her lines and where she was going,” assessed Pat.
“Pixie is quite buzzy and really likes to run, I was quite surprised she was so relaxed in the ring but she is quite a happy person,” said Darcy, 14. “She can be fresh when she’s feeling it but she kept everything in the same rhythm and didn’t charge anywhere, she was just listening to me.”
Darcy, daughter of top Irish showjumper Shane Breen and Chloe [nee Bunn] of the famous Hickstead showground, are both involved with training her alongside Michael Quirke, former coach to the Irish eventing team.
“The best advice I’ve had is to not fight with the horse, it only makes it worse, be relaxed and they will relax with you,” said Darcy, who attends Hurst School as a boarder so is limited to riding time.
“I ride every Thursday and at weekends when I’m at school and every day in the holidays.”
Florence Newstead was crowned NAF 1* Style and Performance Champion with the 20-year-old Millcroft Armada.
“He’s such an amazing pony, likes attention, loves jumping and really rises to the occasion,” said Cambridgeshire-based Florence, 10. “Showjumping is my thing and he has a nice trot and a big canter so I went in with the approach of a big, bold canter and consistent rhythm throughout. My goals are to jump 85cm courses, have fun and learn as much as I can.”
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.
“The winner ticked all the boxes and rode beautifully with good, straight lines to the fences and good strides. I was really impressed with the standard, it was very high and difficult to pick a winner,” he said.
Olivia Eglise claimed second on Tantassig Miss and Sophie Wharton finished third with Charlie Brown XI.
Image: Rosabella Harrison & Flash Credit: Jasmine Punter Photography
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