Strong Manx presence at Horse of the Year Show

Fri, 13 Oct 2023

Two Manx riders competed at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at the NEC in Birmingham last week.

Sixteen year old, Lola Bass was riding Cheryl Mackintosh’s Carnsdale Be Charming (Ralph) and her parents (Catherine Garrett and Andy Bass) Landslow Melody Maker (Mel).

Earlier in the year, the teenager represented England in the International Working Hunter Pony competition in Scotland aboard ‘Melody’, and following successes at British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Summer Championships and Wales she had both horses qualified for the highlight of the calendar, HOYS.

This year was Bass’ fourth time competing at the show but ‘Ralph’s’ first appearance, speaking on her achievement she said:

“This was actually the second time Ralph has qualified for HOYS, we didn’t take him last year as we didn’t want to rush him. For a younger horse he jumped really confidently at this years show, but sadly just had two baby poles at HOYS which popped him just outside of the standings.”

Fellow Islander, Jane Hathersich-Jones made her first appearance at HOYS aboard her own Marlfield, also known as Bruce.

Speaking after the show, Jane said: “He’s a dude, always happy literally never has his ears anything other than forward!”

Although Jane and her husband David have owned several horses that have competed at HOYS, this was Jane’s first time riding at the event after qualifying at the Great Yorkshire show in the Heavyweight Hunters.

Jane expressed her delight at getting the opportunity to ride at HOYS: “We weren’t in the top 9 - but he behaved beautifully so delighted how he looked after me for my first ride in the arena of my dreams!”

 

 

 

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