Five-year-old show hunter pony retains unbeaten record

The first of the Agria Royal International Horse Show showing championships to reach their conclusion in the International Arena was the Enablelink Supreme Show Hunter Pony Championship, which was won by Darcie Fielding and Rowfantina My Buddy.

The announcement was met by rousing cheers as Darcie rode forward to claim her winning sash. “The cheers definitely made Buddy want to give his all,” she said. “He's only five, and he's been unbeaten this year. His best quality is probably his gallop."

The pair had the 123cm division before going on to take the championship ahead of Sutton Grange Fancy That and Matilda Holmes.

"He's quite a greedy pony, and he'll do anything for a Polo,” added Darcie, who had gone into the championship with no expectations of winning. “I didn't expect anything today, I was just happy to win our class."

Cadlanvalley Royal Bronze, a palomino Welsh Section B, was crowned the winner of The UKPH/Anthony Evans Insurance Young Riders M&M Supreme Championship under Maisy Kerry Oates.

"Last year this didn't go to plan, as he was a novice, so I'm very delighted that we've come here this year and we've grown a better partnership together,” explained Maisy. “We've got more confident, and he just took me round the ring today. He's very fun to ride, and I couldn't ask for a better pony."

When Sian Warman and Waliandro took the Pure Bred Ridden Arabian Championship, it marked Sian’s first Hickstead win for some time. “It's been a long time since I've won in this ring – it was probably the 14.2hhs!" she said.

Sian has been riding Daniel Botwright’s nine-year-old grey gelding for four years, since his first novice season. “I've done the whole journey with him, and the owners have had him from a youngster, so it's really special.”

Asked what makes Waliandro stand out, Sian says: “He's just so lovely – he loves everyone, and he's so easy. I always say you could put your granny on him. The judges just love him, and he out trots everything, too.”

It was an emotional win too, after the loss of the horse’s former owner Anne Bevan. "It's such a privilege to ride here, and to be able to go in there and win and wear the sash is just amazing. We lost Anne, and I know she'd be looking down today and enjoying this with us."

On Tuesday, Harrison Taylor and Lostock Up Till Dark were crowned Supreme Champions in the Alan Marnie & Family Supreme BSPA Skewbald & Piebald Indian Trail Ridden Championship.

For full results click here.