Pint-sized pony wins Pony Club Grand Prix

The smallest pony has won the biggest class at the Dengie Pony Club Winter League Championships at Warwickshire College, Moreton Morrell (April 12-13).

A real trier

India Bussey, from the South Norfolk Branch, saw off 50 other competitors to take the Open Grand Prix title with her pint-sized pony Westside Menlough.

Around two thirds of the class made it through to the second round, eight of which went forward to jump. India rode three fault-free rounds, to take the top spot in a time of 34.84 seconds.

“I felt a bit nervous in the collecting ring being on the smallest pony in the jump off, but when we jumped Hugo filled me with confidence because he’s such a trier,” said India. “It’s been a great experience to compete nationally, and thanks to Dengie and the Pony Club for making it happen!”

Watch a video of their round here.

Big scores

Earlier in the day the Winter League Championship took place, with nearly 90 competitors entered in the first round. Just 16 went through to the jump off, and it was Isabel Lindsay and Bailey XII from the Fife Hunt Branch who won the title.

Following a full day’s showjumping, came the dressage championships on the Sunday, with talented your riders producing some impressive scores. Isabelle Beeston and VIP from the Atherstone Hunt won the Novice Championship with 72.6%, while Charlotte McDowall and Felinmor Buddy from the Ledbury Hunt took the Open title on 73.38%.

Full results of the showjumping and dressage championships can be found online.