Scotland’s equestrian showing elite converged on Fife on the May bank holiday Monday to jostle for a plethora of Royal International Horse Show qualifiers up for grabs at the Puddledub Spring Show.
Held at Highfield at Howe for the first time in its history, the show offered golden tickets to Hickstead across its hunter, amateur, hack, riding horse, cob and working hunter sections.
Lifting dual Royal International qualification was Kirkcaldy owner Liz Smith’s upstanding hunter TorontoAZ.
Equally adept within the British Showjumping arena as the showring, this seven-year-old son of Tsar Hero topped first the heavyweight hunter class at Puddledub before lifting the hunter championship with local rider Kirsty Aird.
Kirsty and Toronto later returned to the indoor arena at the show to contest the RIHS working hunter class, taking the second of their qualifying wins.
Although this was only his first show outing of the season, the gelding, which has competed with both David Harland and Kirsty at BS, ended last season on a high, having scooped a fourth placing in the Six Bar Challenge at the Blair Castle
International Horse Trials and having stood workers champion at both Ayr and Fife Shows.
Amidst good company in the hunter championship, Toronto stood at the top of the final line-up alongside Annaghmore Huntsman.
This five-year-old gelding, which last season stood reserve supreme at Dublin, was brought north to the show from Dumfries by professional rider Kirstine Douglas, on behalf of his owner Mr Russell. Despite his previous show success this low-mileage youngster by Obos Quality is still very much classed as a novice, and indeed it was a novice-class win that granted him passage to the hunter championship.
“He’s such a quality horse, but we haven’t been in any hurry with him,” said Kirstine.
Huntsman has been based with Kirstine since he was purchased in July last year, and this was his first outing of the new season.
Within the riding horse championship, Vicky Campbell’s nine-year-old gelding Brookvale Star Attraction prevailed to take the title over the 2014 HOYS champion Fyrefly, owned by Mary Nicoll-Thompson and piloted on this occasion by her younger daughter Zoe.
Top hack was the seasoned gelding Colbeach Mark of Respect, for Angela Rose.
The amateur champion was the former HOYS riding horse Bodette, now owned by Inverness-shire’s Lucy MacAngus.
Across in the pony sections at Puddledub, Maia Fleming and her consistent pony Cadlan Valley Picasso left a winning mark on the working hunter ring.
Lifting the first championship of the day the mini WHP the partnership also progressed to secure the reserve title over fences for the Mountain and Moorland section.
10-year-old Maia and the 14-year-old grey Welsh Section B had already kick-started the year with championships at the BSPS Winter and Spring competitions and won at the Puddledub workers contest back in February.
Making a welcome return to winning ways, the show hunter pony championship went home to Edinburgh with Puddledub spring show Olivia Cousens and her new 133cm partner Westerby Firelight.
Although largely absent from the major show rings over the last few seasons, Firelight has an exceptional track record to his credit having gained qualification for the Horse of the Year Show from 2008 to 2012, and every year between.
Since returning to the ring with Olivia, he has stood champion at Kilmaurs and NPS Spring.
equestrian@thecourier.co.uk RESULTS
HUNTER Kirsty Aird, with Toronto AZ, a seven-year-old gelding, sired by Tsar Hero and bred out of the Casmir Z-sired mare Eureka, owned by Liz Smith and bought from Jack McGeoch as a five-year-old. This gelding, which competes at British Showjumping and finished fourth in the Six Bar competition at Blair Castle, was champion working hunter at Ayr and Fife shows last year. Qualified for the 2015 Royal International as both a heavyweight and working hunter. Reserve: Kirstine Douglas, with Annaghmore Huntsman, a five-year-old gelding, sired by Obos Quality and out of the Cavalier-sired mare Annaghmore Lady Valier, which is owned by Mr M Russell, and which was on its first outing of the year. Bought last July, he was previously reserve supreme at Dublin. RIHS Ladies hunter: 1 Ruth Sutherland, Conspiracy Theory. Novice: 1 K Douglas, Annaghmore Huntsman; 2 Sophie Brewster, Cliftons Only Just; 3 Sarah Tait, Encore VI. RIHS lightweight: 1 S Brewster, Cliftons Only Just; 2 R Sutherland, Mastermind IV; 3 Clare Peddie, Foxs Classic. RIHS middleweight: 1 K Douglas, Primitive Dancer; 2 Cheryl McVay, Ballinakill; 3 S Tait, Encore VI. RIHS heavyweight: 1 K Aird, Toronto AZ; 2 P Jones, Thomas Chippendale; 3 Cheryl Robertson McGee, Sir Classic Breeze.
NOVICE Donna McLaren, with Vivaldi H. Reserve: Richard Telford, with Pastoral Prey, a five-year-old gelding, sired by Pastoral Pursuits and out of Bird of Prey, which previously raced on the flat, trained by Ian Semple, and which last year won the RoR/ Tattersalls Scottish Show Series qualifier at East Lothian. Novice hack: 1 R Telford, Pastoral Prey; 2 Vicky Campbell, Anna Isabella; 3 Zoe Nicoll, Queens Colours. Novice riding horse: 1 D McLaren, Vivaldi H; 2 Victoria Renson, Kintyre Bay; 3 Isla Miller, Rovie Black Diamond. Novice cob: 1 Claire Thorburn, Back to White; 2 Zoe Clingan, Bentley Brook.
HACK Angela Rose, with Colbeach Mark of Respect, a nine-year-old gelding, sired by Kilvington Scoundrel and out of Pendley Starlight, which qualified for the Royal International this year at BSPS Spring. Reserve: Lauren Hunter, with Moonlite Serenity, a nine-year-old mare, sired by Colbeach Nightlight and out of Moonlight Serenade, which last year won at NEFRC and was fourth at Blair Castle. RIHS small hack: 1 A Rose, Colbeach Mark of Respect; 2 L Hunter, Moonlite Serenity; 3 Z Nicoll, Queens Colours.
RIDING HORSE Vicky Campbell, with Brookvale Star Attraction, a nine-year-old gelding, sired by Excelsis and bred by Connor McCormick out of Chinook Taffeta. Last season, they qualified for the Royal International at Addington Manor and for HOYS at Garstang and also stood supreme light horse at the Arab Show. Reserve: Z Nicoll, with Fyrefly, an 11-year-old mare, sired by Fairlyn Gemini and out of Broadstone Dee, which won at the 2014 Horse of the Year Show, having qualified at the Derbyshire Festival of Showing. This season, they stood reserve supreme champion at the Scottish Friends of P(UK) Show at Morris and qualified for the Royal International at Area 1B. RIHS small riding horse: 1 V Campbell, Brookvale Star Attraction; 2 Z Nicoll, Fyrefly; 3 Katie Common, Freckleton Mayfair. RIHS large riding horse: 1 Jennifer Garland, Jemoon Tambourine Man; 2 S Brewster, Cliftons Maximus; 3 Lindsay McCulloch, Concerto II.
COB Stuart Ashton, with De Monkey Business, a 12-year-old heavyweight gelding of unknown breeding, which was placed at the 2014 Horse of the Year Show, having qualified at NPS, and which was champion at BSPS Spring and has qualified for the Royal International. Reserve: K Common, with Jonny Diamonds, a five-year-old lightweight gelding of unknown breeding, which is owned by Anita McDougall and was recently second in the Royal International qualifier at BSPS Spring. This was only his third show outing. RIHS lightweight: 1 K Common, Jonny Diamonds; 2 K Douglas, The Captain Morgan. RIHS Heavyweight: 1 S Ashton, De Monkey Business; 2 K Aird, Tinnakil Delboy.
AMATEUR Lucy MacAngus, with Bodette, sired by Well Hit II and bred out of Juliette, which 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. Reserve: L Hunter, with the reserve hack champion, Moonlite Serenity. Hack: 1 L Hunter, Moonlite Serenity; 2 V Campbell, Anna Isabella. Riding horse: 1 L MacAngus, Bodette; 2 J Garland, Jemoon Tambourine Man; 3 I Mille, Rovie Black Diamond.
VETERAN Rebecca McRonald, with Abervale Sprocket, an 18-year-old gelding, sired by Abergwiffy and out of Valsheeda VII, which last year stood fourth in the Scottish Veteran Horse of the Year ridden final. Reserve: Laura Henry, with Harlequin Skies. Diamond in-hand: 1 Dawn Wallace, Poppy; 2 Angela Watson, Another Hoarfrost; 3 JA Murphy, Shai Halude. Veteran in-hand: 1 L Henry, Harlequin Skies. Pre-veteran in-hand: 1 Jennifer Murtagh, Millpond Look at Me; 2 Rosie Baxendine, Tipelo Honey; 3 Karen Young, Ally’s Blue Skye. Diamond ridden: 1 Ami Conchie, Islandview Lad; 2 A Watson, Another Hoarfrost; 3 D Wallace, Poppy. Veteran ridden: 1 Lana Conchie, Belchford Woodbine; 2 L Henry, Harlequin Skies. Pre-veteran ridden: 1 R McRonald, Abervale Sprocket; 2 A Conchie, Cosford Chariot; 3 J Murtagh, Millpond Look at Me.
SENIOR Rosie Baxendine, with Tipelo Honey, a 17-year-old mare, of unknown breeding, which stood veteran champion at the Inchcoonans Autumn Show. Reserve: Ami Conchie, with Islandview Lad, which previously stood champion veteran at Blair Castle and was third at the Scottish Veteran Horse of the Year Championship for 2014. Pre-senior in-hand: 1 R Baxendine, Tipelo Honey; 2 Kirsty Finnie, Littlehill Flynn; 3 K Young, Ally’s Blue Skye. Senior in-hand: 1 L Henry, Harlequin Skies. Senior-plus in-hand: 1 D Wallace, Poppy. Pre-senior ridden: R Baxendine, Tipelo Honey; 2 A Conchie, Cosford Chariot; 3 R McRonald, Abervale Sprocket. Senior ridden: 1 L Conchie, Belchford Woodbine; 2 L Henry, Harlequin Skies. Senior-plus ridden: 1 A Conchie, Islandview Lad.
MINI MOUNTAIN & MOORLAND Kyra Brash, 8, with Wellbank Gabriel, a six-year-old Welsh Section A mare, sired by Coombe Henry Buster, which won eight championships last year, including at Ayr, Kinross and Central and West Fife. Reserve: A Mailer, with Pumphill Crusade, a chestnut Dartmoor gelding, sired by Shilstone Rocks D Day and out of Pumphill Cavatina, which won at the Kingsbarns Masters last year. M&M open lead rein: 1 K Brash, with Wellbank Gabriel; 2 A Mailer, Pumphill Crusade; 3 Lucy Craighead, Craigieholm Tamerin. Open first ridden: 1 K Brash, Wellbank Gabriel; 2 Kara Hodnett, Lippens Sweetcorn; 3 Ami Conchie, Wynswood Footprint.
M&M Chloe Smith, with Cadfach Rhydian, a 10-year-old Welsh section C, sired by Croniarth Texas Storm and out of Cadfach Brehines, which previously won in-hand at the Royal Welsh and was placed third under saddle at the RWAS last year. In 2014, they also took a reserve championship at Doune and Dunblane. Reserve: C Smith, with Colne Pascoe, a five-year-old Welsh section A, sired by Nantdywyll Telor and out of Thurstonhouse Posie. Novice ridden: 1 K Aird, Greenholme Emblem; 2 Richard Telford, Lunesdale Warlord; 3 Gail Whetter, Kebroyd Royal Sapphire. Open small breeds: 1 C Smith, Colne Pacoe; 2 G Whetter, Cosmic Lacerta. Open large breeds: 1 C Smith, Cadfach Rhydian; 2 Jennifer Adam, Frasmaron Claddagh; 3 Emma-Jane Murray, Castlegrange Wee Sparrow.
MINI SHOW PONY Hilary Cowie, 9, with Oranmore Sweet Millie, a nine-year-old first ridden pony by Twylands Celebrity and out of Caedwalla Chantilly, which this season has stood reserve mini show pony at the Scottish Friends of P(UK) and reserve miniature supreme at the Grand Slam. In 2014, they stood supreme pony champion at Perth Show, champion at BSPS Summer and Doune and Dunblane and reserve at Braco. Reserve: Jill Dolan, with Barkway Minstral, an eight-year-old pony sired by Beckside Little Toff and bred out of Barkway Miss Moppet, which was ridden lead-rein by seven-year-old Alfie Dolan McLoughlan and together they have been first at the BSPS Winter Show and champion at Area 1A. Last year, this pony stood just outside the ribbons at the Horse of the Year Show, with his previous owners. Novice mixed height: 1 Annabelle Brooks, Cosford Major Mouse; 2 L Conchie, Belchford Woodbine; 3 Ella Dunn, Landswood Sandman. Open lead-rein: 1 J Dolan, Barkway Minstral; 2 Daisy Fleming, Litton Quickstep. Open first ridden: 1 H Cowie, Oranmore Sweet Millie; 2 Emma Outram, Bronheulog Charmer.
SHOW PONY Rachel Urquhart, 11, with Rhos Virtuoso, a 15-year-old gelding, sired by Moorhall Catnip and out of Rhos Touch Of Velvet, which has this season stood reserve supreme at Brechin Spring and champion in-hand at the Grand Slam. Reserve: Annabelle Brooks, with Rotherwood Mr Pepys, a nine-year-old gelding, sired by Strinesdale Matador and out of Rotherwood Bo-Peep, which last year stood reserve supreme of the SEIB Search for a Star series at the Horse of the Year Show. 138cms: 1 R Urquhart, Rhos Virtuoso; 2 A Brooks, Rotherwood Mr Pepys.
MINI SHOW HUNTER PONY Brian Mason, with Caridines Charm Keeper, a six-year-old lead-rein mare, sired by Jula Secret Keeper and out of Cardines Little Charm. Reserve: Madelaine Archibald, 9, with Neauddparc Magician, a 15-year-old gelding sired by Synod Amstrong and out of Neuaddparc Black Lace, which was mini champion and reserve open at the BSPS Spring Show. Last year, he won the first ridden class and stood reserve champion at the Royal Highland Show and was the 122cm BSPS Scottish Points champion. Novice mixed height: 1 Ella Dunn, Landswood Sandman; 2 Abbie Stewart, Kerrishill Miss Tittlemouse; 3 Sarah Forgan, Rushfield Vice Versa. Open lead rein: 1 B Mason, Caridines Charm Kepper; 2 Eleanor Archibald, Bawdsey Valerian; 3 Daisy Fleming, Courtway Party Girl. Open first ridden: 1 M Archibald, Neauddparc Magician; 2 Emma Outram, Bronheulog Charmer; 3 Z Mailer, Morwyn Lady Verity.
SHOW HUNTER PONY Olivia Cousens, 11, with Westerby Firelight, a 13-year-old gelding, sired by Westerby Firefly and out of Cosford Meadowsweet, which was champion at Kilmaurs and the NPS Spring and reserve at the Scottish Friends of P(UK). Previously, this pony qualified for the Horse of the Year Show consecutively from 2008 to 2012. Reserve: Madelaine Archibald, 9, with the reserve mini SHP, Neauddparc Magician. 122cm: 1 M Archibald, Neauddparc Magician; 2 Blythe Moore, Noble Spark; 3 Heather Keron, Craigs Finale. 133cm: 1 O Cousens, Westerby Firelight; 2 A Stewart, Kerrishill Miss Tittlemouse; 3 Sarah Forgan, Rishfield Vice Versa. 153cm: 1 Laura Hercus, Deanburn Regal Splendour.
INTERMEDIATE Samantha Burkhill, with Master Klass, an 11-year-old gelding, sired by Master Imp and out of Lady Luck Charm, which last year was ridden horse champion and reserve intermediate at Doune and Dunblane, won as an intermediate show hunter pony and stood reserve champion intermediate at the Royal Highland, was supreme at Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire Hunt, champion at Stirling, reserve at Drymen and second at Blair Castle. Reserve: Felicity Baker, with Alfie Moon III, a 12-year-old gelding, bred in Ireland, which was on his first outing for 2015, but which last year stood second as an intermediate show hunter at the Royal Highland, stood second reserve supreme at the Kingsbarns Masters, was both intermediate and coloured champion at Fife Show, stood intermediate, coloured in-hand and reserve coloured ridden at Doune and Dunblane and champion coloured at Central and West Fife. Intermediate show hunter type: 1 S Burkhill, Master Klass; 2 F Baker, Alfie Moon III; 3 K Finnie, Littlehill Flynn.
COLOURED Marc Mitchell, with Oliver Twist IX, a 13-year-old traditional gelding, of unknown breeding, which was on its first show outing of the year. Last season, Oliver stood overall coloured champion at Alyth Show, champion coloured in-hand and under saddle at Stonehaven, champion at Inchcoonans Spring, second reserve supreme ridden at the CHAPS Scottish regional and won in-hand at the Scottish Masters. Reserve: Nicola Shields, with CDS Casanova, a two-year-old gelding, sired by CHB and bred by Janice Vallance out of Gooseford Enor. Youngstock: 1 N Shields, CDS Casanova; 2 Melissa Swinley, Colourville Zephyr. Nonnative in-hand: 1 N Shields, CDS Casanova; 2 J Murtagh, Millpond Look at Me; 3 Carolyn Robertson, Macchiato. Native in-hand: 1 M Mitchell, Olivert Twist IX; 2 Tina Moro, The Entertainer; 3 Rebecca Copland, Dolly XII. Non-native ridden: 1 F Baker, Alfie Moon III; 2 Gayle Culross, Marrus Morse Code; 3 Nikki Hay, Master Tom. Native ridden: 1 M Mitchell, Oliver Twist IX; 2 T Moro, Playstation; 3 R Copland, Dolly XII.
MINI WORKING HUNTER PONY Maia Fleming, 10, with Cadlan Valley Picasso, a 14-year-old Welsh section B gelding, sired by Boston Ballet Wot Not and out of Fairywood Minuette, which this season has stood mini and open M&M champion at the Puddledub Working Hunter Show. Reserve: Blythe Moore, with Noble Sparkle, which was placed second at Blair Castle last year. Open cradle stakes: 1 B Moore, Noble Sparkle; 2 A Conchie, Naderson Goodwill; 3 Kyle Forgan WHW Dennis. Open nursery stakes: 1 M Fleming, Cadlan Valley Picasso; 2 A Conchie, Cosford Chariot; 3 Olivia Grant, The Little Puzzler. WHP (No championship). Novice mixed height and intermediate: 1 Olivia Grant, Skellorn Lord of the Dance; 2 Jennifer Adam, Barnabay Paddy; 3 Martha Hill, Highland Fling III. Open mixed height and intermediate: 1 J Adam, Barnabay Paddy; 2 June Brisbane, Barana Moy Boy; 3 Amy Bryce, Ferran Fantasey.
HERITAGE M&M WHP Molly Mahoney, 12, with Caebryn Finn, an eight-year-old Welsh section D gelding, sired by Talon Teifion and out of Porchin Nutmeg, which was previously reserve champion at the Grand Slam. Reserve: Maia Fleming, 10, with the mini working hunter pony champion, Cadlan Valley Picasso. Open nursery stakes: 1 M Fleming, Cadlan Valley Picasso; 2 Tess Wylie, Passford Showgirl; 3 A Conchie, Wynswood Footprint. Novice mixed height: 1 O Grant, Skellorn Lord of the Dance; 2 Richard Telford, Scole Rupert; 3 T Wylie, Passford Showgirl. Open (not exc 122cms): 1 Chloe Smith, Colne Pascoe. Open (not exc 133cms): 1 M Fleming, Cadlan Valley Picasso; 2 L Conchie, Northview Popcorn; 3 M Morrison, Kerrishill Miss Moppet. Open (not exc 143cms): 1 M Mahoney, Caebryn Finn; 2 Alex Radley, Smokey Cashel; 3 Julie Speirs, Mount Carmel Prince. Open (not exc 143cms): 1 Emma-Jane Murray, Castlestrange Wee Sparrow; 2 Pam Gray, Ridgehill Eamon; 3 H Aitken, Maydown Star.
WORKING HUNTER (No championship). RIHS working hunter: 1 K Aird, Toronto AZ; 2 Clare Pearson, Vicolando; 3 Mark Wilson, Trew and Moy. Stewarts/BHS Scotland Blair qualifier: 1 Hannah McCulloch, Beseeka Red Hot Chilli Pepper; 2 C Pearson, Incontention; 3 R McRonald, Turbok.
EX-RACEHORSE Andrea Meldrum, with Drumgray, a 10-year-old gelding, sired by Terimon and out of Scandalous Affair, which was previously trained by Robert Bewley over fences. Reserve: Carol Bunting, with Roman Sioux, an eight-year-old Irish-bred gelding, sired by Antonius Pius and out of Blue Sioux, which was trained on the flat by Robin Bastiman. Ridden: 1 A Meldrum, Drumgray; 2 C Bunting, Roman Sioux; 3 Ashley Miller, Pipers Song. In-hand: 1 C Bunting, Roman Sioux; 2 A Meldrum, Drumgray; 3 A Miller, Pipers Song.