Chestnut mare Shaarinah is best of the Purebred Arabs at HOYS

Isabel Gray’s Shaarinah claimed The Barley Hill Show Team and Metalwood Fencing Ltd Ridden Purebred Arab of the Year Championship on day three of HOYS.

The 12-year-old mare, who also does Elementary dressage as well as showing, is produced and ridden by David Frogatt. “She’s very easy to produce,” he said. “She can be a little bit mareish in the stable but as soon as she sees her tack it puts a smile on her face. She waits for you when you ride her – she never anticipates.”

In second place was LTF Jannade C, owned and ridden by Amanda Miller.

In the coveted hunter classes, it was the 18hh Heavyweight Bloomfield Excelsior who took the tricolour in the Catplant Group of Companies Ltd Show Hunter of the Year.

It was a one-two for Jayne Ross, who produced the winner as well as the reserve, Diane Stennett’s Lightweight mare Time 2 Reflect.

With Jayne riding Time 2 Reflect, her Supreme Horse winner at the Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead, Bloomfield Excelsior was partnered in the championship by Mark Chesters.

“He gave an amazing ride. He is so genuine and nothing fazes him,” said Mark.

In the Leeman Family Maxi Cob of the Year Championship, nine-year-old grey gelding Colebourne went top. He was the third horse to have his name on the trophy in the six years the class has been running – joining four-time winner Hallmark IX and Starry Night on the roll of honour.

Miranda is the first lady rider to win this Championship. “He felt incredible in there; he was up into my hand and very balanced. I’ve had two maxi cobs before this one, but never had a win here,” she said.

Having finished second in 2013 with Jayne Ross, Colebourne has been with Jo Bates for the last two years. Miranda started riding the “gentle giant” at the start of last year – they have no ménage at home and so make use of the countryside for exercise out hacking.

Leo Bowen’s nine-year-old Connemara gelding Gallant Prince, ridden by Olivia Bowen, took top honours in the Underwood Working Hunter Pony of the Year.

Olivia, who is currently on work experience with Jayne Webber, said: “I’m speechless. He flew the course, didn’t look at anything and just took it all in.”

Reserve went to the winner of the Intermediate section, eight-year-old Irish Sports Horse Carnsdale Mr Cool, owned and ridden by Alice Barnes.

Meg Edmondson won the Guy Fawkes III Intermediate Show Hunter of the Year Championship with Bridget Edmondson’s bay mare Blairfield Silicon.

Image credit ES Photography

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