Hollie Gerken dominates in the Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Second Round at Chard Equestrian
Monday 01 July 2024
Chard Equestrian played host to the penultimate Summer Pony Premier of 2024, and true to form, Hollie Gerken achieved an impressive 1st and 2nd finish in the Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Second Round.
With a starting list of 80 horse and rider combinations, Course Designer Nigel Jess crafted a challenging track that saw only seven riders jump through clear and progress to the final jump-off. Third to go was Hollie Gerken with Kerry Grimster’s Velini’s Silver Star. Knowing a clear round was yet to be achieved, Hollie navigated the seven-year-old to the first triple clear of the competition, completing the course in 44.71 seconds.
Without much of a break, Hollie had one pony to jump before returning to the ring with her second ride, Livewire VI. This eight-year-old, bought for Hollie to ride in December, narrowly beat her own best time, stopping the clock at 44.23 seconds.
Hollie’s times proved too difficult to beat, with the remaining competitors incurring penalties. This resulted in Hollie finishing the class with a 1st and 2nd place, adding two more tickets to her impressive tally for the Horse of the Year Show in October. Livewire VI, who jumped in the final last year and secured 3rd place, is now set to compete again this year.
Reflecting on her daughter’s success, Jade, Hollie’s mum said, “We’re so proud of her, she’s done so well. Everybody loves to win, but the qualifications were Hollie’s focus. So much hard work goes in behind the scenes by Hollie and her trainers, so a big shout out to Paul and Kerry for PK Ponies”
Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Second Round
Chard Equestrian – Saturday 29th June
1st - Hollie Gerken and Livewire VI - 0/0/0 44.23
2nd - Hollie Gerken and Velini’s Silver Star - 0/0/0 44.71
3rd - Ella Spencer and Rouet Rouge - 0/0/4 38.29
NB: Results pending official grading.
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