KBIS Mountain and Moorland Intermediate Working Hunter Championships


The National Pony Society (NPS) Summer Championships, which took place at Malvern Show Ground from the 4th - 6th August, proved to be a great success. With over 400 classes riders came from far and wide to participate in the three day show, taking over the show ground with ponies of all sizes and breeds!

 

The KBIS Mountain and Moorland Intermediate Working Hunter Championship took place early on Friday morning, starting with the final for ponies not exceeding 122cms. For this class riders have to jump a round of approximately ten rustic fences, including a double, which is then judged with penalty marks deducted for a knock down or refusal. On completion they go forward to a separate ring where a different judge then awards marks for their show, before the rider then dismounts to remove the saddle for the judge to award conformation marks. The judges’ marks are then combined for the final score for each competitor.

 

Eventual winner in the first final was Leilia Paske with Mrs Sylvester’s Rookery Fizz, who was also placed in the Junior and First Ridden Working Hunter Championships that day. The next final for ponies exceeding 122cms but not exceeding 138cm was closely contested, but in the end it was taken by Rachel Thompson and Paddock Navaho followed by Natasha Smith and Caerdaniel Thomas both qualifying to go through to the Championships. Kelly Gorman, who works for KBIS, came in a close third on her mothers Llwynhywel Victorias First. Although not qualify to compete in the Championships Kelly was able to attend on foot to represent KBIS and present the prizes to the eventual winners.

Isobel Barr and the grey Connemara Hardys Rock won the last final, for ponies exceeding 138cms. Jack Bowlby on board another grey, Smokey Mcgrath went into second. These two greys then went on to dominate the Championship, with Hardys Rock taking the Champion Title, and the £100 prize money, and Smokey McGrath taking the reserve title and £50 prize money.

 

The judges commentated of all of the sections that the standard of riding was extremely high and the class was a pleasure to judge and watch.

 

The full results from the show can be viewed here NPS Summer Championships