Final British Horse Feeds Qualifiers for Horse of the Year Show
Tuesday 10 September 2024
1kkj105206fw6.jpg "Final British Horse Feeds Qualifiers for Horse of the Year Show")
The final British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet HOYS Grade C Qualifiers of the season took place this weekend at Wolsingham Show and Dorset County Show, with riders vying to claim the final tickets to the Horse of the Year Show.
At Wolsingham Show, the competition featured a challenging 14-fence track designed by Mark McGowan, over which, nine of the 33 starters managed to secure a clear round to advance to the jump-off. The standout performance of the day came from Leonie Aitkenhead, who piloted Beverley Aitkenhead’s Rhapsody FG around the course in a speedy time of 45.66 seconds.
Daniella Johnstone finished just off the pace but successfully claimed both second and third place with her rides, Action Annie and Koning Albert.
Leonie, who will be contending her first Horse of the Year Show in nine or ten years since she came off ponies, is looking forward to the challenge: “This was the first qualifier I have contended all year and it was a really good show, I’ve never been before. There was quite a few clears, but it suited my horse. She’s naturally quick for a small horse, she’s got a big stride, and I often find us taking a stride out.
“I’ve had her since she was three and backed her myself. She’s been so easy and simple and its nice when they’re like that. It helps that she’s on the smaller side as I normally breed giants,” added Leonie.
Wolsingham Show – Saturday, 7 September 2024
British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet Horse of the Year Show Grade C Qualifier
1st – Leonie Aitkenhead & Rhapsody FG - 0/0 45.66
2nd – Daniella Johnstone & Action Annie – 0/0 46.71
3rd – Daniella Johnstone & Koning Albert – 0/0 47.05
NB Results pending final grading
On Sunday, 11 riders faced the 1.35m track at Dorset County Show with seven horse and rider combinations advancing to the jump-off. Four managed to maintain their clean sheet and end on a double clear.
Ryan O’Sullivan emerged victorious with Kilroy V, completing the shortened jump-off course in a time of 34.29 seconds. Kathryn Ellison, riding Johnny A, chased the time hard, finishing just 0.06 seconds behind Ryan. Callie Chant, Ryan’s partner, slotted Larette into third place a further 1.37 seconds in arrears.
Not letting the wet weather damped his spirits, Ryan and Callie went home with something to celebrate: “It was very wet, but Dorset did a good job with the ground and keeping it ridable, and it worked out well for us. Callie came third which was a relief as it meant both horses qualified. Ross [Irving] owns both horses, so we are delighted for him.
“It ended up being quite competitive class, I almost didn’t expect so many in the jump-off, but my horse quite likes the county shows, so I am very pleased with him.
“We are looking forward to being back at HOYS again; Kilroy jumped in the Events Through A Len Talentseeker final and Larette jumped in the Senior Newcomers final last year, so this is the second year for both of them and it’s nice to qualify them both again.”
Dorset County Show – Sunday, 8 September 2024
British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet Horse of the Year Show Grade C Qualifier
1st – Ryan O’Sullivan & Kilroy V - 0/0 34.29
2nd – Kathryn Ellison & Johnny A - 0/0 34.35
3rd – Callie Chant & Larette – 0/0 35.72
NB Results pending final grading
Image credit: Paul Dobson Photography / Dorset Event Photos
