Welsh Home Pony Delivers Thrilling HOYS Qualification Action at Wales & West

The Welsh Home Pony Show at Wales & West provided four days of exciting competition, with riders and ponies battling it out for prestigious Horse of the Year Show qualification and championship honours. From nail-biting jump-offs to impressive double clears, spectators were treated to some outstanding performances across the feature classes. 

Ella Rush Rises to Pony Showjumper of the Year Victory 

Thirty-three rider combinations came forward to tackle Rafael Suarez's challenging Pony Showjumper of the Year course, which proved a true test with only two combinations producing first-round clears to progress to the jump-off. 

It was Ella Rush riding Jade Gerken's Galaxy V who secured the title with the only double clear of the class, stopping the clock in 49.16 seconds to claim a well-deserved victory. 

Portia Taylor-Wilson partnered Olivia W to second place after electing to withdraw ahead of the jump-off, opting to save her pony for another day following an excellent first-round performance. 

Harvey Foley Dominates 128cm HOYS Qualifier 

The Horse of the Year Show 128cm Qualifier attracted 38 rider combinations, with just four combinations negotiating the opening two rounds fault-free to earn their place in the deciding jump-off. 

It proved to be a memorable class for Harvey Foley, who filled the top two places. Riding Katie Sawers' Bossinova, Harvey produced a superb clear round in 30.73 seconds to take victory before returning aboard Silver Legend to secure second with another faultless effort in 31.90 seconds. 

Third place went to Oakley Nash and Sonic 1, who looked set to challenge for the win before an unfortunate fence in the jump-off left them with four faults in a fast time of 30.63 seconds. 

Double Delight for Eleanor Bastian-Mason in 138cm Qualifier 

Another 38 combinations lined up for the Horse of the Year Show 138cm Qualifier, with nine riders jumping clear through the opening two rounds to contest an exciting jump-off. 

Eleanor Bastian-Mason proved untouchable, taking both first and second place. Riding Nellie Bastian-Mason's Jimdone, Eleanor produced the fastest clear of the class in 33.24 seconds before following up aboard Little Emerald to finish second in 35.61 seconds. 

The battle for third was incredibly close, with Lucas McArdle and Another Milton stopping the clock just one hundredth of a second behind second place, finishing clear in 35.62 seconds. 

Tilly Wilson Claims Pony Newcomers Second Round 

The Pony Newcomers Second Round saw the largest field of the featured classes, with 64 rider combinations taking on Rafael Suarez's testing track. Only four combinations managed to jump clear through the opening two rounds to earn a place in the jump-off. 

Tilly Wilson and Stacey Wilson's Rinwood Louis held their nerve to produce the only double clear, taking victory in 42.36 seconds and booking their place in the final. 

Second place went to Olivia Brightmore riding Inis SLE Anorah Stone, whose quick jump-off time of 38.96 seconds was unfortunately accompanied by a single pole. Emmie Horner partnered Gray Rose into third after also incurring four faults with the final fence falling, crossing the finish in 40.88 seconds. 

Congratulations to all the riders, owners and support on their fantastic performances throughout the Welsh Home Pony Show, and best of luck to those who have secured their place at the Horse of the Year Show later this year. 

NB: Qualifications will be updated pending official grading of results.   

Image: Showground Photography