Not one but two horses stood supreme overall champions at the Haughs during the 151st running of the Turriff Show.
For the first time in recent memory champions were split to stand adjudicated in separate in-hand and ridden supreme competitions sending two happy exhibitors home with equines that were garlanded with sashes as the best exhibits on the showfield.
Pulled forward for the second year in succession to top the supreme Turriff line-up was Deeside-based private carer Lorna Gilbert and her now three-year-old in-hand hunter Expensive Decision.
Already supreme horse at Banchory this season, this youngster was the top pick of overall in-hand judge Mary Sivewright, of the Blackford Stud, Rothienorman.
“I liked this hunter even more today than at Banchory,” regarded Mrs Sivewright, “He caught my eye the minute he came into the ring.
She added: “He was nicely behaved and overall he is just a very nice horse he boasts a nice short canon bone, a good shoulder and the expression on his face is just lovely.”
As well as his Banchory and Turriff success, Expensive Decision – which is one of three related horses that Lorna has at home at Lumphanan – has been unbeaten in his classes to date, also achieving a championship at Echt and reserve prize tickets at New Deer, Fettercairn and Angus Shows this season.
Standing as reserve supreme in-hand was Sally Leslie-Melville’s eye catching Highland Pony breed leader Glenbanchor Lady Ferelith, home-bred at South Cantray, Croy.
This seven-year-old mare was being shown in-hand for the first time in 2015, and has instead been concentrated on her novice season under saddle.
“This mare showed herself beautifully,” regarded Mrs Sivewright.
“She’s a cracking Highland – nicely short coupled with nice flat bone,” she added.
This home-bred daughter of Glenbanchor Lady Fiona, which is by virtue a half sister to the 2015 Royal Highland Show champion Glenbanchor Gillebrighde, won under saddle at Strathbogie earlier in the summer and qualified for Blair Castle at Mundole.
In the contest for the ridden supreme, the overall decision fell to Jacky Low-Mitchell, who had travelled north to the show from the Balcormo Stud, in Leven.
Electing for a “true child’s pony” as her supreme pick, she sent young lead-rein jockey Rebecca Green home with top honours.
Although beaten within the small breed mountain and moorland section championship, Rebecca, who was accompanied in the ring by show producer and handler Charlie Cousens, won through to the overall ridden competition with her pony Gwynrhosyn Demelza courtesy of topping the mini M&M ridden.
“This little pony was just outstanding,” commented Mrs Low-Mitchell.
“For a child’s pony, she just had manners to die for and their overall picture as a partnership was just stunning.”
Topping off a great weekend in the show ring, Rebecca and Demelza had stood reserve overall for the M&M section at Perth Show only a couple of days previously.
Also carrying forward form from Perth was Mrs Low-Mitchell’s selection for the reserve supreme ridden plaudits.
This was Freda Newton’s five-year-old steel grey hunter gelding, Parkmore Rowan, which gave a crowd-pleasing performance to produce a top gallop down the packed ringside.
Ridden and produced by James Munro, from Spittal, Wick, this young lightweight, which also competes over rustic fences, had stood reserve champion of champions, supreme horse and overall hunter at Perth on Friday.
“He’s really just very much my type of hunter,” said Mrs Low-Mitchell.
“He gave a very polished show, had a good turn of pace, his conformation is good and he was beautifully turned out on the day.”
Freda bought Rowan at the Dublin Horse Show last year, where he was placed fifth in the lightweight ridden hunter class.
equestrian@thecourier.co.uk RESULTS
WORKING HUNTER HORSES AND PONIES Martin and Megan Bruce, of Cairnhill, Ellon, with Ristol Cuchulainn, an 18-year-old Welsh section D gelding, sired by Tyreos Lord Jim and out of Glanvyrwy Carnation. Owned by Naomi Watson, ridden by 18-year-old Megan Bruce and piloted in the championship by Jodie Weir. Qualified for the working hunter at Blair at Central and West Fife Show and showjumps to British Novice level. Reserve: Martin and Megan Bruce, with Welshpool Lad, an 11-year-old grey gelding, sired by Carrantubber Lad and out of Belcarra Heather, which showjumps to Newcomers level and this season stood champion at Stonehaven, qualifying for the open working hunter pony finals at Blair. Ninth as a 153cms working hunter pony at the Royal Highland.
HUNTERS IN-HAND Lorna Gilbert, of Gildean, Craigton Crescent, Lumphanan, Banchory, with Expensive Decision, a three-year-old gelding sired by the Holstiner stallion Hemmingway and home-bred out of the Irish draught cross thoroughbred mare Kattana Sian, which was supreme champion at Banchory, champion at the Royal Northern Spring Show and at Echt, and reserve at New Deer, Fettercairn and Angus shows. Last year, this youngster stood supreme at Turriff and champion hunter and reserve sport horse at Angus. Reserve: Freda Newton, c/o James Munro and Russell Skelton, of Morven View, Spittal, Wick, with Lackaghbeg Augustus Star, a two-year-old pure-bred Irish Draught gelding, sired by Emperor Augustus and out of Keelans Star, which was bought as a foal at Goresbridge and which stood champion at Perth and third at the Royal Highland on his only other outings this year. Shown by Russell Skelton.
HUNTERS AND HACKS UNDER SADDLE Freda Newton, with Parkmore Rowan, a five-year-old lightweight ridden gelding, sired by the showjump stallion Russel and bred out of an Irish Draught cross mare, which stood reserve champion of champions, supreme horse and overall hunter at Perth Show. This gelding was bought at the Dublin Horse Show last year, where it was placed fifth as a four-year-old in the lightweight ridden hunter class. This season, he also stood reserve champion hunter at the Grand Slam, having won the novice class, qualified for the Royal International as a lightweight at BSPS Scotland, Rowallan, was fifth at Windsor and third at the Royal Highland. As a working hunter, this gelding was also champion at Caithness. Ridden by James Munro. Reserve: Marissa Stephen, of Torries Croft, Tough, Alford, with Zillion, an 11-year-old riding horse gelding, sired by Gribaldi and out of Trespida, which was ridden by 14-year-old Albyn pupil Robyn Wilson. This season, he stood supreme at Findon, reserve supreme at NERC and reserve champion at Echt and the Puddledub Winter Show. Last year, he was supreme at Echt, first at Turriff and the Grand Slam.
MINI SHOW PONIES AND SHOW HUNTER PONIES UNDER SADDLE 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 first at Caithness Spring. Formerly supreme at Grantown, NERC and Caithness RC. Reserve: Mrs Campbell, 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. Supreme horse and champion of champions at Caithness County and reserve champion at Perth.
SHOW PONIES AND SHOW HUNTER PONIES UNDER SADDLE Charlie Cousens, of Newburgh, Edinburgh, with Rhos Emilia, a 13-year-old mare, sired by Derwent Rainbow Bandit and out of Rhos Eloise, which stood show pony champion at Perth this year and formerly was supreme pony champion at Perth Show in 2013. Ridden by 11-year-old Olivia Cousens. Reserve: L and C Coghill, with 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 Caithness, Caithness PC and Caithness RC shows and last year stood Turriff Show veteran champion. Also won as a part-bred Arab and as a hack this year at Turriff.
MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND LARGE BREEDS Fifeshill Stud, of Nether Fifeshill, Kingswells, Aberdeen, with Trofarth Lel, a seven-year-old Welsh mare, sired by Poysualley Montoray and out of Trofarth Carino, which was champion at NERC, reserve at the North of Scotland Welsh Cob and Pony Association Show and second at Banchory and Echt. Formerly champion at Turriff in 2013. Shown by Jade Mitchell. Reserve: John and Susan Ravenshear, of Heatheryfield, Cairnie, Huntly, with Ravenscairn Bryony, a three-year-old Fell filly, sired by Bluecaps Marcus and home-bred out of Burghmuir Ebony, which was on her first outing of the year but which previously won at Turriff as a yearling.
MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND SMALL BREEDS The Murphy Family, of Melvaig, Tarnash, Keith, with Wrenthall Nicole, a seven-year-old Welsh section A broodmare, sired by Brierdene Napoleon and out of Wrenthall Nutmeg, which was shown with her March-born filly foal at foot. This mare was first at the North of Scotland WCPA Show and second at the Royal Highland on her only other outings of the year. Previously stood supreme at Keith in 2013. Reserve: Lynneann Cameron and Alison Walker, of Inchgray Farmhouse, Fettercairn, with Cadlanvalley Georgie Boy, a four-year-old Welsh section B stallion, sired by Newtonhill Naughty Boy Charlie and out of Cadlanvalley Georgette, which formerly stood supreme champion at Turriff but which this season was supreme at the North of Scotland WCPA show, reserve supreme at Banchory, champion at NPS Scotland, fourth at the Royal Welsh and second at the Royal Highland.
MINI MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND UNDER SADDLE Jennifer Green, c/o Charlie Cousens, of Newbridge, Edinburgh, with Gwynrhosyn Demelza, an eight-year-old Welsh section A mare, sired by Waxwing Hurricane and out of Callnerish Cara, ridden lead rein by Rebecca Green and handled by Charlie Cousens. Stood reserve overall M&M at Perth, mini champion at Braco, Doune and Dunblane and Central and West Fife shows, qualified for the RIHS in Heritage lead rein class, and was first at BSPS Scotland Summer.
RIDE AND DRIVE Alan Dunning, of Old Boghead Farm, Cross of Jackston, Rothienorman, Inverurie, with Terrano Anwen, a seven-year-old Welsh section C mare, sired by Erwwastad Apollo and out of Parc Elen, which was champion at Angus, qualifying for Blair as an open ridden, and first at Brechin Spring, where she qualified for Blair in-hand. Also this season was champion ride and drive at both Echt and Banchory shows. Reserve: Greig McIntosh, of Glencath, Rothienorman, Inverurie, with Harke, a six-year-old Friesian stallion, sired by Kellon and home-bred out of Norma, which was first at Brodie Castle, champion at New Deer and reserve at Echt.
ARAB, ANGLO AND PART-BRED ARAB Sharon Florence, of North Bylbster, Watten, Caithness, with Bylbsternorth Star Dust, a yearling filly, sired by Kingvean Rock Star and home-bred out of Newoak Gold Dust, which was placed first at the Royal Highland Show as a riding pony and which was champion at Ross-shire RC. Shown by Hayley Florence. Reserve: Victoria Mylius and Rosalind Low, of Gardens Cottage, St Fort, Newport-On-Tay, with Maythornes Easter Dimension, sired by Cusop Dimension and home-bred out of Maybe Shades, which was supreme horse and reserve champion of champions at Alyth, champion at Fife and NPS Scotland, reserve at Perth and a first prize winner at this year’s Royal Highland.
RIDING PONY IN-HAND (not exc 12.2hh) John Karwl-Jackes, of Fordafourie, Fraserburgh, with Belgravia Brigitte Bardot, a five-year-old mare, sired by Stanley Grange Regal Heights and home-bred out of the former Ponies (UK), Malvern and Turriff supreme Lyndrose Lady Penelope. This mare, which is broken to ride, has not been shown since she was a two-year-old when she was placed at both the Royal Highland and NPS Scotland Summer shows. Shown by Tom Chisman. Reserve: Derek Smith, of Neighfield, Memsie, Fraserburgh, with Neighfield Baltic Beau, a yearling colt, sired by Neighfield Tomahawk and home-bred out of Bejowans Rhapsody, which was on only his third show outing and which was placed first at New Deer.
RIDING PONY IN-HAND (not exc 14.2hh) Beryl Bruce, of Mains of Seggieden, Clatt, Aberdeenshire, with Kingvean Rock Star, an 11-year-old stallion, sired by Comberton Cadet and out of Celebrity of Rendene, which qualified for the Cuddy supreme in-hand championship final at the Horse of the Year Show, and which was the Nell Pennell champion stallion at Malvern. Formerly stood champion at Turriff in 2013. Sire of the Arab and part-bred champion, Bylbsternorth Star Dust. Reserve: Victoria Mylius and Rosalind Low, with the Arab and part-bred section reserve champion, Maythornes Easter Dimension.
HUNTER PONY BREEDING Claire Chisman, of Smiddy Croft, Pitgair Fisherie, Turriff, with Moluccas King Kaffir, a yearling colt, sired by Sedgelands Masquerade and bought last year as a foal at foot alongside his dam Kitty Kelly, which is now in-foal to Smallland Entertainer. Shown by Tom Chisman. Reserve: 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 won the two and three-year-old hunter pony class at the Scottish Horse Show on his only other outing. Shown by Charlie Cousens.
COLOURED HORSES AND PONIES Ashley Anderson, of Ashlea, Bridge Street, Halkirk, Caithness, with EZPZ Ezwulini, a nine-year-old 12.2hh ridden traditional gypsy cob stallion, which was champion at Central and West Fife 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. Reserve: Jennifer Duncan, of Luchairt, Gamrie, Banff, with Maggie May, an eight-year-old hogged cob mare, of unknown breeding, which was bought from Ireland as a five-year-old. Placed first under saddle at New Deer on her only other outing.
VETERANS Kerrie Urquhart, of Culduthel, Mains Gardens, Inverness, with Chinook Morning Breeze, a 17-year-old gelding, sired by Chinook Sonata II and out of Horsehill Morning Song, which was on only his second outing of the season, having stood champion ridden veteran and reserve in-hand veteran at the Grand Slam. Ridden by 12-year-old Rachel Urquhart. Reserve: Andrew and Andrea Nicol, of Clach Tigh, North Watson Street, Letham, Forfar, with Sinonia, a 15-year-old mare, sired by Concorde and out of Ninonia, which was champion this year at Fettercairn. This mare formerly won at Turriff as a ridden hunter and was supreme at both Kirriemuir and the World Horse Welfare Shows.
EX-RACEHORSES Nicola Rucroft, of Mallard Drive, Peterhead, with Quinder Spring, an 11-year-old ridden gelding, sired by Chef De Clan and out of Virginia Spring, which was on its first show outing of 2015 under saddle, but which competes at British Showjumping and eventing and which was previously placed third at Turriff Show in-hand last year. Reserve: Margot Robertson, of Lower Inchcorsie, Rothiemay, Huntly, with Wotchalike, an 11-year-old ridden gelding, sired by Spectrum and out of Juno Madonna, which raced over hurdles and on the flat a total of 86 times, winning with champion jockey AP McCoy. Purchased for just £2, this gelding has this year stood first at Mundole and at Strathbogie, qualifying for Blair 2015 and the 2016 Royal Highland.
HIGHLAND PONIES The Hon Mrs AD Leslie-Melville, of South Cantray, Croy, Inverness, with Glenbanchor Lady Ferelith, a seven-year-old in-hand mare, sired by Donald of Shielhill and home-bred out of Glenbanchor Lady Fiona, which was on her first in-hand show outing of 2015 but which is in her novice season under saddle – winning at Strathbogie and qualifying for Blair at Mundole. This former Nairn Show champion, which has also previously been reserve at the Black Isle, is a half sister to the Royal Highland Show champion Glenbanchor Gillebrighde. Reserve: Sandie Kydd, of Isla Road, Alyth, with Burnside Vorlich, an eight-year-old gelding, sired by Moss-side Iain Mor and out of Burnside Quintessa, which was shown in-hand but also won the ridden class. He was overall Highland in-hand and reserve ridden at Perth, first in-hand and ridden champion at Angus and reserve Mountain and Moorland at Strathmore.
SHETLAND (STANDARD) HP Sleigh and Sons, of St Johns Wells, Fyvie, Turriff, with Wells Vitesse, a three-year-old filly, sired by Wells Highlight and home-bred out of Wells Uita, which was champion at the National Stallion Show and junior champion at the Great Yorkshire. Last season, she stood champion at the Royal Highland and champion at the Tayside and Grampian foal shows. Reserve: HP Sleigh and Sons, with Westpark Royal Star, a nine-year-old stallion, sired by Westpark Rising Star and out of Westpark Emerald, which was champion at the Royal Highland Show, reserve at Fife and overall horse at New Deer.
SHETLAND (MINIATURE) Aimee Hugill, of Rumbleyond, Rickarton, Stonehaven, with Kellas Whisper, an eight-year-old mare, sired by Kellas Peerie Plover and out of Kellas Windfaerie, which was reserve champion at Fettercairn and second at Banchory. Reserve: Linda Stewart, of Tofthills Cottage, Clatt, Insch, with Lynemore Inca, a yearling colt, sired by Strathlene Harvey and bred by Christine Forbes out of Lynemore Misty, which stood junior champion at Echt and New Deer shows, and junior champion and reserve miniature at the North of Scotland Shetland Pony Group Show.
DONKEY Elma Cunningham, of Hillhead Farm, Yieldshields, Carluke, with Gamlingay Love in a Mist, a seven-year-old mare, sired by Gamlingay Prophecy and out of Camlan Tamerisk, which stood champion at Perth and reserve at Alyth and which previously stood champion at Turriff in 2011. Reserve: Netta Sangster, of Braeriach, North Eddieston, Westhill, with Eddieston Jason, a seven-year-old gelding, sired by Smurf and home-bred out of Eddieston Florentina, which was second at Perth on his only other outing of the year. Last year, Jason was champion at Keith, reserve at Turriff and first at Perth.