For the second time in relatively quick succession, local equestrian producer and show rider Alasdair Matheson from Halkirk soared to top of the champion of champions for light horses on the opening day of the Black Isle Show.
Flying high through the card at the Mannsfield Showground, Alasdair’s 2015 winner was the three-year-old “lovely stamp of a youngster” Freckleton High Flyer.
Credited by supreme judge Mrs Shuna Mardon, from Insch, as a “stand out winner”, High Flyer trumped the overall ridden horse and mini supreme pony to take the top award of yesterday’s show.
“He’s just a lovely stamp of his type,” explained Mrs Mardon. “Ultimately my decision for the overall swayed towards the horse I’d most like to take home and for me, this one really fitted that bill.”
High Flyer began the day by scooping a double of in-hand section championships across first the coloured and then hunter and riding horse sections.
Judges Tommy Brash, of Burnbridge Marvel, Linlithgow and Kay Gibb, of Kingswells, Aberdeen, then took him forward as their unanimous pick for the supreme in-hand champion.
“He has a lovely temperament, excellent conformation, great limbs and a fabulous movement,” commented Mr Brash.
Echoing praise for the youngster, Mrs Gibb added: “This horse really has lovely clean limbs, he floats over the ground and he truly has a leg at each corner.”
In a deviation away from his passion for native ponies with the Highland Pony mare Dunedin Mountain Rose providing his last Black Isle champion of champions title in 2012 – Alasdair purchased the skewbald son of Co Pilot in March this year.
On limited outings, the flashy youngster has since rewarded him with the supreme championship at the Coloured Show at Highfield at Howe and a championship at Doune and Dunblane.
The duo head south now to the Coloured Horse and Pony Championships at Grantham where Alasdair will seek to match, if not better, the reserve supreme Cuddy position which High Flyer achieved at the same show last year.
Pulling forward the ridden supreme Heritage Mountain and Moorland section leader Daloumie Foxy Lady from Susie Noble, of Cannich – as reserve best in show, Mrs Mardon said again this was another “lovely example of a pony”.
“The Dales really has to be credited for its fabulous movement,” she added.
This nine-year-old mare, sired by Village Chieftain, came to the Black Isle having stood ridden champion at the Dales Breed Show at Barnard Castle – but she is also a former Black Isle champion.
“She’s very true to type and mannerly,” commented Joanne Shaw, from Warrington, who spoke on behalf of all of the section judges that were almost unanimous in their selection.
“She was a winner for many of us the minute she came into the ring,” added Ms Shaw. “She really sat on the bridle and went beautifully.”
The combined nod for the reserve overall ridden went to the working hunter pony champion Briden Pocket Rocket, piloted by 15-year-old Amy Beck, from Forres.
This five-year-old part-bred Connemara gelding, sired by Fleetwater Opposition, has been given time to mature by the Beck family and his owner Katie Lindsay-Brown, and as a result this was only his first show outing.
In the miniature supreme competition, local young rider Leoni Kennedy, of Stemster House, Halkirk, was in the money with her lead rein show pony Popalbee Minnie Mouse.
Six-year-old Leoni, who was accompanied in the ring by her mother Lisa, had stood champion at Turriff on the 10-year-old chestnut mare just three days previously.
“This was such a very nice and mannerly child’s pony,” commented Angela Calvert, from Doncaster, who co-judged the mini supreme alongside Mrs Gibb.
“She was very quality and an easy winner,” they said.
Five-year-old Annabel Thomson, from Elgin, scooped the overall mini reserve with her 13-year-old mini Mountain and Moorland topped Wian Valantine.
Taking home the reserve overall in-hand honours was another M&M champion, Caeglas Ellie.
Bought as a foal from the Fayre Oaks sale by exhibitor Hazel Maciver, of Easterstrath of Auchterflow Farmhouse, Killen, this five-year-old Welsh section A broodmare, was being shown with her first foal a filly Auchterflow My Cariad – at foot.
“The quality across all of the M&M classes was very good,” commented Mrs Gibb.
“This mare in particular oozes personality and presence. I believe she will have a great future ahead of her.”
equestrian@thecourier.co.uk RESULTS
COLOURED HORSES AND PONIES RIDDEN Messrs F and A Anderson, of Ashlea, Bridge Street, Halkirk, Caithness, with EZPZ Ezwulini, a nine-year-old 12.2hh ridden traditional gypsy cob stallion, which was champion coloured at Turriff and Central and West Fife shows and champion heavy horse at Caithnes. In-hand, he has stood champion coloured at Brechin Spring and at Caithness, first at Perth and second at the Scottish Horse Show. Last year, he won his ridden coloured class at Blair Castle. Ridden by Ashley Anderson. Reserve: Nicola Manson, of Sinclair Street, Thurso, Caithness, with Mohill Millie, a seven-year-old non-native mare, of unknown breeding, which was bought just four weeks ago from Team Skelton, but which originates from Ireland. This year, she stood coloured ridden champion at Caithness PC.
COLOURED HORSES AND PONIES IN-HAND Mr AJ Matheson, of Braal Terrace, Halkirk, Caithness, with Freckleton High Flyer, a three-year-old gelding, sired by Co Pilot and out of Hallend Calypso, which last year stood reserve supreme at the Coloured Horse and Pony Championships and this season was supreme champion at the Coloured Show at Highfield at Howe and champion at Doune and Dunblane. Reserve: Not awarded.
RIDDEN HORSES Mrs Amelia Mackenzie, of Castle Heather House, Castle Heather, Druid Temple Road, Inverness, with Bodette, a nine-year-old riding horse mare, sired by Well Hit II and out of Juliette, which has only been lightly shown this season, standing reserve supreme at the BHS Show, champion amateur at Puddledub Spring and champion at Inchcoonans Spring. Last year, she stood supreme at the Kingsbarn Masters, supreme at Sutherland and champion at the Black Isle. Previously qualified for HOYS and the Royal International with Tag La Liga recognition for the 2013 season. Ridden by Lucy MacAngus. Reserve: Sarah Jane Sutherland, of Norlands Ulbster, Lybster, Caithness, with Start Smart, a 12-year-old small hunter gelding, of unknown breeding, which was ridden champion on his only other outing of 2015 at the Caithness RC Show. Last year, this former Black Isle working and ridden hunter champion qualified for the Royal International as a small hunter at BSPS Rowallan.
RIDDEN PONIES Charlie Cousens, of Newbridge, Edinburgh, with Westerby Fireflight, a 13-year-old gelding by Westerby Firefly and out of Cosford Meadowsweet, ridden by Olivia Cousens. Champion of champions and supreme pony at Perth, champion at BSPS Scotland Summer, Stewarton, Puddledub, Kilmaurs and the NPS Spring shows, reserve at Doune and Dunblane and at the Scottish Friends of P(UK), third in their RIHS qualifier at Ayr and sixth at the Royal Highland. Previously, this pony qualified for HOYS consecutively from 2008 to 2012. Reserve: Kerrie Urquhart, of Culduthel, Mains Gardens, Inverness, with Rhos Virtuoso, a 15-year-old part-bred Arab gelding, sired by Moorhill Catnip and out of Rhos Touch of Velvet, which was reserve supreme, champion ridden pony and Arab and part-bred at the Brechin Spring, champion at Puddledub Spring and in-hand champion at the Grand Slam. Last year, this partnership was similarly reserve at the Black Isle. This former HOYS finalist, which has also previously won at the Royal International, was ridden by 12-year-old Rachel Urquhart. Also reserve Arab and part-bred ridden.
INTERMEDIATES Mrs Amelia Mackenzie, of Castle Heather House, Castle Heather, Druid Temple Road, Inverness, with the ridden horse champion Bodette, ridden by Lucy MacAngus. Reserve: L and C Coghill, of Stemster Millenium Bug, a 16-year-old mare, sired by Germount and out of Hammonds Fleur De Lyls, which was ridden by Laura Stewart. This season, she was reserve champion at Turriff, Caithness, Caithness PC and Caithness RC shows and last year stood Turriff Show veteran champion.
MINI RIDDEN PONIES L and C Coghill, of Stemster House, Halkirk, Caithness, with Popalbee Minnie Mouse, a 10-year-old mare, sired by Beckside Little Toff and out of Sycamore Temptation, which was ridden lead rein by six-year-old Leoni Kennedy. This season, they were champion at Turriff and first at Caithness Spring. Formerly supreme at Grantown, NERC and Caithness RC. Reserve: Miss Isabel More, of Mansefield, Watten, Caithness, with Ryehall Viscountess, a 12-year-old mare, sired by Royalswood Prince Charming and out of Gade Viola, which was ridden lead-rein by seven-year-old Emily Campbell, which this season has stood supreme horse and champion of champions at Caithness County and reserve champion at both Turriff and Perth Shows.
WORKING HUNTER HORSES Ruth Alexander, of Lyth Stables, Lyth, Wick, with Treasure Monkey, an 11-year-old gelding, sired by Rich Rebel and out of Clover Rose, which was on his first outing of 2015 and which competes locally in Caithness. Reserve: Stephanie Slater, of Glenton Croft, Tillyfourie, Inverurie, with Maltstrikers Diamond, an eight-year-old gelding, sired by Maltstriker and out of Glidawn Delight, which was champion working hunter at Turriff Show last year and second at Turriff this season. Also competes at British Showjumping to Foxhunter level.
WORKING HUNTER PONIES Katy Beck, of Cluny Estate Agents, High Street, Forres, with Briden Pocket Rocket, a 143cms novice five-year-old part-bred Connemara gelding, sired by Fleetwater Opposition, which was bought last year and which was on his first outing of 2015. Owned by Katie Lindsay-Brown and ridden by 15-year-old Amy Beck. Reserve: Kate Beck, with Balnashallog Diamond, a six-year-old Connemara gelding, sired by Kilmore Diamond and out of Carraig Ban, which was second at BSPS Scotland Winter and which competes at British Eventing to BE90 level, finishing double clear and fifth at Scotsburn. Ridden by Amy Beck and piloted during the championship by Rachael Croft.
MINI WHP Mrs Fiona McIntosh, of Ardbrae House, Auchnahillan, Daviot, Inverness, with Missoni Star Turn, a 15-year-old gelding, sired by Ardenhall Missoni and out of Torfields Starina, which was ridden at nursery stakes level by 11-year-old Rory McIntosh and which stood reserve working hunter pony champion at the Caledonian RC Summer Show. On only his third show outing since being purchased in the summer. Reserve: Alexandra Henderson, of Northfield, Braal, Halkirk, with Millpony Milly, an 11-year-old mare, sired by Braincroft Fingal, which was placed first at Caithness PC Show and second at Latheron. Ridden by 11-year-old Holly Henderson.
IN-HAND HORSES Mr AJ Matheson, of Braal Terrace, Halkirk, Caithness, with the coloured in-hand champion, Freckleton High Flyer. Reserve: Claire Shand, of Beechwood, Achilty, Contin, Ross-shire, with Achilty Miss Boss, a two-month-old orphaned filly foal, which is a pure-bred Trakehner, sired by Grafenstolz and home-bred out of Isolde Stud’s Iona. On her first show outing, shown by David Shand.
IN-HAND PONIES Karen Mowat, of Teanahuig, Munlochy, Ross-shire, with Courtway Arion, a two-year-old gelding, sired by Rotherwood Peter and home-bred out of Courtway Airs and Graces, which stood reserve of the hunter pony breeding section at Turriff and won the two and three-year-old hunter pony class at the Scottish Horse Show on his only other outings of this season. Shown by Charlie Cousens. Reserve: Jessie Allan, of Durran Mains, Castletown, Caithness, with Durran Jazz Dancer, a three-year-old gelding, sired by Deanhills Royal Portrait and home-bred out of Fenwick Chelsea Girl, which stood overall in-hand champion at Sutherland Show and which was placed third at the Royal Highland Show.
MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND WHP K and V Common, of Bogburn Farmhouse, Balnabeen, Conon Bridge, Dingwall, with Gwynfaes Cymro Du, a nine-year-old black Welsh section D stallion, sired by Brenig Byron and out of Penllwynuchel Sioned, which was placed second at BSPS Scotland Summer ad third at NPS Scotland Summer. Ridden by Holly Miller. Reserve: Alexandra Henderson, of Northfield, Braal, Halkirk, Caithness, with Tillyochie Tom, an 11-year-old grey Connemara gelding, sired by Glencarrig Prince and out of Castlestrange Katie, which was second as an M&M worker at the New Forest Show and champion at NPS Scotland Summer. This gelding is also a former Black Isle Show champion.
M&M IN-HAND Mrs Hazel Maciver, of Easterstrath of Auchterflow Farmhouse, Killen, Ross-shire, with Caeglas Ellie, a five-year-old Welsh section A broodmare, sired by Caeglas Elfryn and out of Caeglas Trishia, which was shown with her April-born filly foal Auchterflow My Cariad at foot. This mare, which was bought as a foal at the Fayre Oaks sale, was first this season at Sutherland Show. Last year, she stood champion at Grantown-on-Spey. Reserve: Mrs Lorna J Murphy, of Melvaig, Tarnash, Keith, with Tarnash Greyfriars Bobby, a three-year-old grey Welsh section A colt, sired by Dukeshill Magnum and home-bred out of the former Banchory, Turriff and Keith show champion Friars Coco Chanel. This colt, which was shown by Alan Dunning, was placed fifth at the Royal Welsh Show last year and was second at Cheshire County.
OLYMPIA HERITAGE M&M RIDDEN Mrs Susan Noble, of Balquhidder Karrow Farm, Cannich, Inverness, with Daloumie Foxy Lady, a nine-year-old Dales male, sired by Village Chieftain and out of Powderdale Caroline, was ridden champion at the Dales Breed Show at Barnard Castle this season and which last year was ridden M&M champion at the Black Isle and first at Grantown. Reserve: K and V Common, of Bogburn Farmhouse, Balnabeen, Conon Bridge, Dingwall, with Maerton Welsh Magic, a 10-year-old Welsh section C mare, sired by Twmbarlwm Napoleon and out of Wyken Welsh Poppy, which was champion at the NPS Scotland Summer and second in the Royal International qualifier at NPS Spring. Also placed first within the M&M working hunter.
M&M RIDDEN Rachael Davidson (11), of Corsairtly, Keith, with Tullibardine Peggy, an 11-year-old Welsh section A mare, sired by Tullibardine Bolshoi and out of Criccieth Clothes Peg, which was placed first at both Turriff and New Deer shows and which has qualified for Blair Castle as both an open ridden M&M and M&M working hunter pony. Also stood mini M&M working hunter pony champion at the Black Isle last year. Reserve: Justine Morley, of Spynie Street, Elgin, Moray, with Gwyllan Pennygold, a six-year-old Welsh section D mare, sired by Treforest Mabon Mai and out of Abergavenny Myfanwy, which was bought just six months ago. A winner at Mundole Spring, they also compete at prelim level dressage.
MINI M&M RIDDEN Les Thomson, of Rashcrook Farm, Birnie, Elgin, with Wian Valantine, a 13-year-old Welsh section A mare, sired by Crumpwell Horris and out of Wian Obsession, which was ridden lead rein by five-year-old Annabel Thomson, which was first this year at Ellands and has previously been placed at the Black Isle. Reserve: Miss Isabel More, of Mansefield, Watten, Caithness, with Dryte Sheer Elegance, a Welsh section A pony, which was ridden lead-rein by seven-year-old Emily Campbell.
ARAB AND PART-BRED IN-HAND None forward.
ARAB AND PART-BRED RIDDEN Kerrie Urquhart, of Culduthel, Mains Gardens, Inverness, with the reserve ridden pony champion Rhos Virtuoso, ridden by 12-year-old Rachel Urquhart. Reserve: Mrs Tessa Hourston, of Craigbrae, Lower Craigbrae, St Cyrus, Montrose, with Romanno Royal Fun, a seven-year-old mare, sired by Deanshill Royal Jubilee and out of Rosslyn Sweet Fun, which this season has been first as a show pony at Banchory and second at Turriff. Ridden by eight-year-old Sophie Hourston.