Exciting HOYS Qualifications and Premier Victories at Kelsall Hill Summer Pony Premier

Kelsall Hill played host to an action-packed Summer Pony Premier at the weekend, with riders from across the country travelling to Cheshire in pursuit of prestigious victories and qualification places for some of the season's most sought-after championships. 

Shared Victory in Horse of the Year Show 128cm Qualifier 

Thirty-six rider combinations lined up for the Horse of the Year Show 128cm Qualifier, all hoping to secure a coveted ticket to Birmingham in October. 

Six combinations jumped clear in the opening round, but only two riders managed to maintain a faultless record through the second round. With qualification already secured, both elected to withdraw before the third round, resulting in a shared victory. 

The top honours were awarded jointly to Hector Condon riding Ruth Hogan's Darth Moll and Oliver Browning aboard Myles Browning's One in a Million VI, with both combinations taking equal first place and booking their places at Horse of the Year Show. 

Portia Taylor-Wilson Claims 138cm Qualifier 

The Horse of the Year Show 138cm Qualifier attracted a competitive field of 30 combinations. Eight riders successfully negotiated the first two rounds to earn their place in the jump-off, setting the stage for an exciting decider. 

Leading the way was Portia Taylor-Wilson riding Rebecca Clay's Mirehill Mist, who produced a superb clear round in 41.77 seconds to secure victory. 

Grace Robertson Widdowson and Myshall Duncan followed closely behind to take second place with a clear round in 44.18 seconds, while Alfie Bailey partnered Harefield Diego to third after stopping the clock at 44.41 seconds, also without fault. 

Sophia Rogers Secures Pony Newcomers Second Round Success 

The Pony Newcomers Second Round drew a strong entry of 58 combinations, all vying for qualification to the Horse of the Year Show. 

Susan Barratt's track proved influential once again, with just eight combinations managing to jump clear through the first two rounds and progress to the jump-off. 

Delivering the fastest faultless performance was Sophia Rogers riding Remmi Bell's Fabreeker V, who crossed the finish line in 39.63 seconds to claim victory. 

Second place went to Hamish McGregor aboard Midnight Romance IV, who produced a clear round in 42.44 seconds, while Isabella Owers and Astronautes Voyage completed the podium after finishing clear in 42.57 seconds. 

The Summer Pony Premier once again showcased the depth of talent within British pony showjumping, with exciting competition across every class and valuable Horse of the Year Show qualifications secured as riders continue their preparations for the major championships later this season. 

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

Image: Jasmin Punter Photography