Conceding she rarely makes the bold decision to draw forward a yearling to stand as best in show supreme in-hand equestrian judge Rowena Provan said the future of the Welsh breed in Scotland is in safe hands, considering the elite quality of her 2015 Fife Show overall winner Waxwing Peru.
Brought to the show to first stand as open mountain and moorland in-hand section champion by his breeders Tom Best and David Blair, of the Waxwing Stud, Saline, the home-bred section B colt brings top Welsh bloodlines to the fore.
Indeed, this son of Eyarth Beau Geste was bred out of the 2013 Royal Welsh and Queens Cup winning mare Cwrtycadno Perlen and is a full brother to the stud’s 2014 yearling filly winner Waxwing Persuasion.
“It was actually lovely and very positive to see so many quality youngsters forward for the judging of the in-hand supreme, from all the sections of the show,” said Mrs Provan who has bred and shown all manner of light horses and native ponies at her Waulkmill Stud.
“He’s just got such a fabulous presence,” she said of the previously unshown Peru.
“He caught my eye immediately but also has very correct movement and he simply floats across the ground. I have every faith he’ll be a top class stallion.”
The overall in-hand reserve was Lee Lumsden’s champion coloured gelding ML Sirrah, which was shown in the main arena by Steven Keir. This three-year-old traditional, of unknown breeding, was bought from Glasgow six months ago but is believed to have been bred in Cumbria.
“He is so well made, very true to the cob type and offers a lovely solid movement. Again, he’s another standout youngster that is full of presence,” said Mrs Provan.
Following the judging of the supreme in-hand contest, Mrs Provan was also tasked with the selection of the supreme and reserve from the native sections the Clydesdale, Highland, Shetland and M&Ms for the Gaving Reekie Perpetual Challenge Cup.
With Waxwing Peru remaining at the top of the line-up, Mrs Provan said he final decision was close run between the native ponies.
Drawing Willie and Jennifer Allan’s Highland Pony champion Mara of Millfield forward as reserve, Mrs Provan said: “Overall, she just filled the eye with a very lovely feminine picture. She moves beautifully.”
For the first time at Fife the ridden cob section offered qualification for the Royal International Horse Show.
Judges Nicola Taylor, from Preston, and Richard Telford chose Tinnakil Delboy as their champion for rider Kirsty Aird and owner Anne Milne.
“It was disappointing there was not a greater number of entries for the RI classes, however, our champion really was a very worthy winner,” said Nicola.
The small and large riding horse classes again granted winners passage to compete at Hickstead for the 2015 RIHS.
Prevailing to scope the champion for this ring, having already stood top of the ridden entry of Arab and partbred ponies, was Zoe Nicoll riding the 2014 Horse of the Year Show winner Fyrefly.
This 11-year-old mare, by Fairlyn Gemini, recently stood reserve supreme of show at Ayr County. She had already qualifed for the RI, as both an intermediate show riding type and as a part-bred Arab, prior to her outing at Fife.
RESULTS
OVERALL HUNTER Gillian McGowan, with Tredragon, a seven-year-old lightweight gelding, sired by Thoroughbred stallion Tower of Magic and out of a mare by Cavalier, which was on his first outing of 2015, but which last year stood supreme champion at Ayr Show, champion at the Border Union and fourth in the HOYS qualifier at Lincoln. This gelding also previously lifted the novice ridden hunter championship at the Royal Highland during his novice season. Reserve Hilary Mactaggart, with Harley Street, a 14-year-old small hunter gelding, sired by Primo Pageant, which won this season at the City of Edinburgh and was previously produced by Robert Walker to compete as a small hunter at the Horse of the Year Show.
HUNTERS UNDER SADDLE Gillian McGowan, with the overall hunter champion Tredragon. Reserve Hilary Mactaggart, with the reserve overall hunter champion, Harley Street.
HUNTERS IN-HAND Alan and Ogilvy Webster, with Laighlands Caol Loch Aillse, a coloured yearling, sired by Classic Scot, which has never previously been shown. Reserve John Bennett, with Brackenbrae Somerled, a home-bred full Cleveland Bay yearling colt, sired by Southbrook War Lord and out of Twinoaks Skysail, which was on his first show outing.
WORKING HUNTER Kirsty Aird, with Dulart Pascquelline. Reserve Caroline Orr, with Tia.
SPORTS HORSE Abbie McNulty, with Electra, a three-year-old filly, sired by Euro and out of Elite, which was on her first outing of the year, but which has previously won at Fife in the inhand hunter ring and which was last year placed third in the sports horse section at Central and West Fife. Reserve Fiona Taylor, with Cracked Diamond, a yearling filly.
OPEN M&MJo Jack, with Margaret of Meggernie, a seven-year-old yellow dun Highland Pony mare, sired by Tower Clyde, bred by the Meggernie Estate out of Riona of Croila and owned by Carlie Rafferty. This season, Margaret was reserve ridden champion at the Central Scotland Highland Pony Club’s Spring Show and last season was novice champion and reserve supreme ridden at the Breed Show, reserve ridden champion at Kinross and novice champion at CSHPC Summer where she also stood reserve ridden champion of champions. She was also shown in-hand in 2014, standing champion of champion at the CSHPC Summer Show and champion at Doune and Dunblane. Reserve Chloe Frame, with Jebeth Captain Sensible, an eight-year-old Welsh section D gelding, sired by Kirklees Teddy and out of Jebeth Forbidden Planet. This former HOYS finalist in 2012 and 2013, has been with Chloe for the last nine months and has since stood champion at the Grand Slam, champion amateur ridden at the Scottish Friends of P(UK) and at the NPS Spring was third in his Royal International and champion in the junior section.
MINI M&M Tom Brash, with Wellbank Gabriel, a six-year-old Welsh section A mare, sired by Coombe Henry Buster, ridden lead-rein by Kyra Brash (8), which was recently champion at Puddledub. Last season, Gabriel won eight championships including at Ayr, Kinross and Central and West Fife. Mini reserve Donna McElhinney, with Seaview Romeo, ridden by Maria McElhinney, which was first at BSPS Scotland winter and third at NPS Spring.
NOVICE M&M RIDDEN Amanda McLennan, with Donald of Muck, which previously stood third at Blair Castle last year. Reserve Jo Jack, with Trowan Maverick, a six-yearold Highland Pony, sired by Roaridh of Mendick, bred out of Trowan Mabel and owned by Robert Davidson. Brought into work over the last two months, he was recently reserve both in-hand and as a novice under saddle at Inchcoonans and stood champion in-hand at the North East of Fife RC show at Balcormo.
M&M IN-HAND Waxwing Stud, with Waxwing Peru, a home-bred Welsh section B yearling colt, sired by Eyarth Beau Geste and out of the 2013 Royal Welsh and Queens Cup winning mare Cwrtycadno Perlen, which was on his first show outing. This colt if a full brother to Waxwing Persuasion, which won the yearling filly class at the Royal Welsh last year, and to Waxwing Perin, a top graded colt which is jumping in Germany. Reserve Kirsty Miller, with Waxwing Maggie May, a five-year-old Welsh section B mare, sired by Blanche Mikado and bred by the Waxwing stud out of Waxwing Penny Dainty (by Waxwing Hurricane). This former silver medal winner, stood reserve overall in-hand at Blair Castle as a two-year-old and also that year stood champion at Kinross and reserve at Ayr and Fife.
OPEN M&M WHP Emma-Jane Murray, with Castlestrange Wee Sparrow, a 12-year-old Connemara mare, sired by Morestown Fionn and out of Castlestranges Sparrow Hill II, which recently stood first at the Puddledub Spring, but was previously champion Connemara in-hand at the Royal Highland Show in 2003 and last year was reserve supreme working hunter at the Connemara Breed Show at Moreton Morrel. Reserve James Houlden, with Pontsarn Sidan, a 16-year-old Welsh section A mare, sired by Baledon Vencidor and out of Pontsarn Swynol. This former HOYS champion has this year won the cradle stakes at BSPS Spring and has been placed at a number of spring hunter trials.
VETERAN In-hand J Sandison, with Teagana Bay. Reserve Chloe Dall, with Little Boy Blue, which was last year placed second at the Scottish Grass Sickness Show and has previously stood third in-hand at Blair Castle. Ridden Emma Milne, with Jack Daniels II, a 15-year-old traditional cob gelding, of unknown breeding, owned by Shirley Moro. Reserve Kirsty Finnie, with Littlehill Flynn, an 18-year-old gelding, sired by the Irish Draught stallion Paddy’s Pride and out of Littlehill Zoe.
ROR Caroline Pennycook, with Blue Thor, a nine-year-old gelding sired by Primitive Faerietale VII and out of Barnock Burn, which was previously trained for point- to- point racing by Katie Scott. This gelding, which has only recently begun showing, competes at British Eventing and has this season been placed fifth at Warwick Hall and sixth at Kirriemuir at BE80 level. Reserve Donna Kippen, with King Nicholas, a 16-year-old gelding, which raced from Newmarket. This gelding was reserve champion at Fife in 2012 and 2013.
OPEN SHOW HUNTER PONIES Laura Hercus, with Deanburn Regal Splendour, a five-year-old gelding, sired by Stanley Grange Regal Heights and bred by Sherlene Murray out of Broadstone Lavendar, which has this year stood reserve supreme at the Grand Slam and first at Puddledub. Last season, this partnership was reserve overall ridden champions at Alyth and champion at Central and West Fife. Reserve Lauren Hunter, with Bogleys Lightning, a 13-year-old show hunter pony gelding, which has won the Fife Pony championship now for the last four consecutive years. First outing of 2015, but previously supreme champion at Inchcoonans.
MINI SHP Fiona Fleming, with Courtway Party Girl, a four-year-old Welsh part-bred mare, sired by Sianwood Arcade and out of Courtway Princess, which was ridden lead-rein by Daisy Fleming. This partnership was previously placed at Puddledub and last year stood champion at Puddledub and first at Banchory.
OPEN WHP Emily Waterstone, with Carina, an 11-year-old Dutch warmblood mare, sired by Carentino Glory and out of Tallents Rakett, which last year stood champion at Alyth and Braco shows. This season, the partnership was reserve at Dundonald. Reserve Amelia England, with Rhydspence Ambassador, a 12-year-old Welsh section B gelding, which qualified for the Royal International at Ayr, winning both his working hunter pony and nursery stakes classes, and won at both the BSPS Spring and the BSPS Winter Championships.
MINI WHP Maia Fleming, with Cadlan Valley Picasso, a 14-year-old Welsh section B gelding, sired by Boston Ballet Wot Not and out of Fairywood Minuette, which has this season stood both mini WHP and reserve Heritage WHP champions at the Puddledub Spring and both mini and open M&M champion at the Puddledub Winter Workers at Howe. Reserve James Houlden, with Pebbly Principal Boy, a coloured gelding which has previously qualified for HOYS as a 133cms WHP.
FIFE PONY Lauren Hunter, with Bogleys Lightning, a 13-year-old show hunter pony gelding which was reserve in the open show hunter pony section. Reserve Joanne Donaldson, with Glenbrae Solo, a five-year-old Welsh section A gelding, ridden lead rein by Lucy Donaldson (3) and lead by Gemma Christie.
ARAB AND PBA RIDDEN Zoe Nicoll, with Fyrefly, an 11-year-old mare which stood reserve supreme at Ayr Show, having been champion of both the Arab and Intermediate rings, and also reserve champion at Puddledub and reserve supreme at the Scottish Friends of P(UK). Reserve Molly Barclay, with Andy Pandy, a nine-year-old gelding which won as a show hunter pony at the Festival of Champions.
ARAB AND PBA IN-HAND Rosie Mylius, with Maythornes Easter Dimension, an eight-year-old British Riding Pony mare which has previously competed at the Horse of the Year Show and the Royal International. Purchased at the end of 2014, she has this season won at the Festival of Champions. Reserve Audrey Efthymiou, with Barrdene Paris Lace, a nine-year-old mare sired by Willowcroft Regal Bronze and out of Sheraton Organza, which has this season stood reserve champion at the NPS Spring, Northern Welsh and Scottish Friends of P(UK) shows.
RIDING HORSES Zoe Nicoll, with the ridden champion Arab and part-bred Fyrefly. Reserve Kirstine Douglas, with Holtess D-day, a nine-year-old gelding on his first outing of the season. Fourth at the Royal International last year.
COBS Kirsty Aird, with Tinnakil Delboy, an 11-year-old heavyweight gelding, owned by Anne Milne, bred in Ireland, where he mastered for the Galway Hunt. Qualified for the Royal International at Puddledub and reserve champion working hunter at Ayr. Reserve Kirstine Douglas, with Johnny Walker, a six-year-old gelding owned by Maureen Hamilton. This former Dublin Show champion was on only his second outing of 2015.
COLOURED IN-HAND Lee Lumsden, with ML Sirrah, a three-year-old traditional gelding bought from Glasgow six months ago and which has since stood champion coloured at Glenbrae, second at the Scottish Friends of P(UK) and Grand Slam shows. Reserve Rebecca Copland, with Dolly XIII, a 10-year-old traditional mare bought unseen from Lancashire in 2013. Has this season stood reserve supreme both in-hand and under saddle at the Chaps regional show, reserve supreme at the Festival of Champions and reserve coloured in-hand and ridden at Inchcoonans.
COLOURED RIDDEN Felicity Baker, with Alfie Moon III, a 12-year-old non-native gelding, bred in Ireland, which was champion ridden and reserve overall coloured at Ayr and reserve intermediate at the Puddledub Spring. Reserve Rebecca Copland, with the reserve in-hand coloured champion Dolly XII.
APPALOOSA John Rore, with Lindertis Doubletake, a nine-year-old mare bred by Bob Christie. Stood reserve overall Appaloosa champion at Brechin Spring. Reserve Helen Sinclair, with Oor Perfect to a Te, a two-year-old filly which was first at Inchcoonans and which similarly stood reserve at Fife last year.
CLYDESDALE Charlotte Young, Hall Stud, Drongan, Ayr with the three-year-old yeld mare Downhill Heather 2nd. Champion of champions at Neilston and champion at Dundonald. Reserve Mrs Jackie Sinclair, Bea Ness, Sanday, Orkney with five-year-old yeld mare Merry Dancers Miss Daisy.
HIGHLAND Willie and Jennifer Allan, Millfield Stud, Feuchie with three-year-old filly Mara of Millfield. First at the Stallion Show in March. Reserve Mrs Bevs Malin, Meggernie, Glen Lyon with the 10-year-old yeld mare Eve of Meggernie. Champion at aco and West Fife in 2014.
SHETLAND Louise Wilson, Cassindilly, Ceres with five-year-old yeld mare Thordale Kiki. Reserve Jedhart Stud c/o Harry Sleigh, St Johns Wells, Fyvie with nine-year- old stallion Forloch Rupert, which stood reserve male champion at Royal Highland and reserve overall Horse of The Year Show.