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IAIN MOR TRIUMPHS!
MOSS-SIDE IAIN MOR - Supreme Champion at the Festival of Champions, Kingsbarn Equestrian Centre, Falkirk 30th March 2008
When Jo Jack sent a text to ask if we should try our Boy at this show, I didn't realise what an amazing weekend was in store! He has never been ridden in an indoor arena and she thought it would be a good exercise for him to try.
On the Friday he was in a small class and coped very well, winning through to the Sunday lunchtime show. So, back down to Falkirk we all went and by this time he was enjoying himself - mirrors, spotlights and music were no problem to him. This class had nine other finalists and once again Iain Mor and Jo finished in top slot.
Iain Mor trotting out with Jo Jack (Photo courtesy of Bill Miller Photographers, Falkirk) This resulted in a long hang on until 6pm for the evening performance. Jo appeared out of her pick-up dressed in evening attire - dark navy jacket, top hat and surprisingly, a bun! They both looked the part and went into the arena to give another splendid performance. This time there were thirteen other horses and ponies to contend with. When he was drawn forward as Champion he gave a big neigh gathering even more fans than before!
It was a very well run show enjoying the great facilities of this new centre; altogether a weekend to remember for Jo, Willie and me and probably Iain Mor too!
Jean Ralston
JUDGES' SEMINAR, EDINBURGH Thirty people attended the Judges' Seminar at Drum RDA Centre in Edinburgh on Saturday 29th March and were given much to think about and discuss by both the speakers.
Willie Allan ably opened the proceedings by saying he had been up in the early hours to write his talk. He opened by telling us a joke and then gave the definition of a seminar. He went on to give his opinions using his long experience with Highland ponies and judging. He told us that he was going to be controversial and wanted discussion and this proved to be the case. It was good to hear many views and thoughts from those present. Some will need to be discussed in more detail.
After a good lunch when the discussions continued, James Munro addressed the ridden aspect of Highlands. He had six patient ‘Guinea Pigs' whom he used to discuss ways of going, conformation and presentation related to the judging of Highland ponies. He rode them all and it was most interesting to hear his comments. He made the audience work by asking how they would place them in relation to their way of going and breed type. It was as usual entertaining and instructive; as we expect of James! A big thank you must go to the riders and owners of the ponies that came forward. They were all a credit to the breed. It takes a lot of work to bring a grey pony out at this time of year and to brave an audience such as there was, is not easy.
The RDA Centre was most helpful and the facilities were just what were needed. It was a pleasure to sit in warm surroundings on a cold morning. Lunch was excellent and all who supplied soup and baking and helped with washing up etc must be thanked. Finally, a very big thank you to the speakers who made the day both informative and amusing.
Sally Coutts
NATIONAL STALLION SHOW 2008
Virginia Osborne with Charlie of Muck, Champion Highland Pony On
a glorious spring day welcoming the month of March, the National
Stallion Show took place at the Perth Agricultural Market in Perth.
It was disappointing that the number of Highland ponies entered
was markedly down from the previous year but the turn out of Society
members and friends was tremendous. All were delighted to have the
chance of an early season meeting to share experiences and hopes
for the future of their Highlands. The Champion Highland pony stallion
was Charlie of Muck, a 7 year old yellow dun stallion bred by Colin
Macewan, owned by Marguerite Osborne and shown most ably by her
daughter Virginia. The Reserve was Maggie Rose of Strathmore, a
6 year old yellow dun owned and bred by Charlie and Joan McQuattie.
The full results can be downloaded from this link National
Stallion Show 2008 Results
Team Baird Lend a hand to set up the HPS Publicity Stand SEBA CONFERENCE 2008
Sheila Brooks thanks Andy Matthews for his talk - February 2008 Sheila Brooks, Chairman of the Scottish Equestrian Breeders Association, inspired an excellent day conference held recently at Oatridge College, West Lothian. It was third in a trilogy of annual conferences for breeders addressing issues from pre-conception to work. The 2008 Conference particularly concentrated on issues relating to youngstock from weaning to work. In the morning Nick Wingfield Digby from Rossdale Veterinary Surgery, a referral practice based in Newmarket, concentrated on the youngster, noting the many areas where deviations from the norm can present and the varying viability of foals particularly in respect of the value of the foal presenting. He made it very clear that a huge percentage of deviations are familial - inherited - and breeders should think very seriously before breeding with mares known to have or have had traits which are not within the range of "normal". He spoke about the remarkable resolution which can be achieved particularly with limb deformities presenting in foals but stressed that what you see in a day old foal before any interference, will give a very good idea of the conformation of the mature equine. Andy Matthews, a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and world renown specialist in opthalmology, gave a rivetting talk on the equine eye, opening the "eyes" of all those present who were overwhelmed by the complexity of cases presenting. Andy's presentations were clear, and at times humorus and much enjoyed by the audience. In the afternoon, the spectators were divided into three groups and circulated round participative lectures with these two speakers and also Matt Hanks of the Royal (Dick) Veterinary College, Edinburgh, an enthusiastic speaker whose well prepared talk inspired much discussion and several questions. It was refreshing to hear speakers on equines in general whose experinces covered all breeds. In response to a question about maturing of natives, with particular reference to 2 year old thoroughbred racing, our oracles were unanimous in stating that, as the bones of the lower leg are fused by the age of 2yrs, there is no reason that youngsters should not be started in light work after that age. There was of course a rider that there should be NO stress on the still maturing upper skeletal system which would eliminate any jumping or hill work before the age of 4 - 5yrs. The Conference was very well attended and the Highland pony breed in particular was very well represented with many Councillors and Society Members enjoying the day.
HIGHLANDS TRIUMPH AT OLYMPIA Looked upon as being the Grande Finale of the showing season for our native breeds, the Bailey's M&M Supreme Ridden Championship was held once again in the festive setting of The London International Horse Show, Olympia on the 20th December.
Five Highland ponies represented the breed this year: Governer
of Whitefield owned by Mrs Victoria Hawkins-Smith
A tremendous contingent of Highland Pony Society Councillors and members travelled from all over the UK to watch the spectacle and weren't disappointed. Congratulations must be granted to all for excellent performances on the day, in particular to Mr Robert Davidson with Trowan Moulin. Ridden and produced by Rose McPherson, they won the Best of Breed award and were 6th in the final placings winning the trophy presented by Heather Prescott for the highest placed Society member. Their individual show was very impressive. Susan Wardrop
SCOTTISH PERFORMANCE AWARDS PRESENTATIONS 2007 The 2007 Awards Ceremony was held at Grosvenor House on Saturday 19th January 2008. About 23 people attended and enjoyed a light lunch. Our President, Mrs Sally Coutts presented the Awards which had been a closely guarded secret until the eleventh hour! Roberta Gray McMath was thrilled to take an armful of awards includng the £100 HPS bursary following an extremely active season with her then, 6yr old grey gelding - Strathmore Brodie bred by Charlie McQuattie. All were delighted that several Councillors including Charlie were able to be present at the presentations and lend a hand.
Jennifer Valentine, Roberta Gray McMath & Charlie McQuattie Performance Award Winners 2007 The full results can be downloaded from this link: Sally also presented the Rannoch of Trailtrow Quaich for the highest placed Member of the Society competing at Olympia to Robert Davidson. His Trowan Moulin, produced and ridden by Rose Macpherson, was placed a very creditable sixth.
Mairi Howat entertained us all with an amusing talk on Trec and showed us some splendid photographs of her 12 year old gelding Marquis of Gargunnock otherwise known as 'Pagan'! They have come up through the ranks together and such is their partnership that they are now competing at Medium level dressage as well as coping with the excitement of Trec on a regular basis. Trec will certainly give new opportunities to those who wish to diversify and Mairi assured us that this discipline together with its social life were very attractive though perhaps not for the faint-hearted when you progress! If you would like further information about Trec, Mairi will be happy to hear from you either by email at: draconisalba@aol.com or on her mobile: 07970 932906. She has very kindly agreed to come to enthusiasts clubs and will either help others or bring Pagan for a demonstration.
Performance Cards for 2008, which cost £5 each (cheques payable to the Highland Pony Society), are now available. Just send your request into the Office and include an A5 sized stamped self addressed envelope. Many thanks. Jennifer Valentine ENGLAND AND WALES PERFORMANCE AWARDS 2006/07 Hearty congratulations to all who participated in the England and Wales Performance Scheme in 2006/2007. Download the full results here: England and Wales Results 2006-07 Sincere thanks to Karen Grover who masterminds the scheme so professionally and efficiently. Morag with Christopher going through their dressage paces. 1st
Whitehope Morag Christopher Grant
5728 points 2nd
Quest of Mendick Mrs P Robson
3298 points 3rd
Bluebell of Combebank Jackie Berry 3037
points 4th
Lambrigg Black Jack Christopher Grant 2731
points 5th
Dasherhead Cara Jessica Caldwell
2230 points 6th
Hudsondene Jane Fenton
1248 points 7th
Benspey Mitch Tracey Clarkson
1103 points 8th
Chapelhill Ted Anna Wedgwood 965
points 9th
Strathmore Harry Caroline Winser
940 points 10th
Glenbanchor Barra Sara Chamberlain
851 points TAYSIDE FOAL SHOW The Tayside Foal Show which was established in 1999 was held at Forfar Mart on Sunday 2 December 2007. The Highland Pony Judge was Mrs Kate Dykes from West Linton. She found her Champion in Millfield Morning Mist, a three year old gelding exhibited by WKA and JA Allan and the reserve was Smokey of Craigieloch, a 2 year old colt from Mr and Mrs Frank Lawson who also won the Millie o' Lundie Crags Quaich for the best 2 year old. Burnside Vorlich bred by Mrs Ann Ballantyne of Kirriemuir and shown by S Davidson and R Kydd was the best foal. Great success to Mr WKA Allan who shoed the best yearling, Meika of Millfield and also Morning Mist of Millfield who also took the Milroy Trophy for the best 3 year old. HOYS MOUNTAIN & MOORLAND RIDDEN CHAMPIONSHIP 2007 The HOYS Mountain & Moorland Championship has made a considerable impact on the Mountain and Moorland fraternity, witness the quality of ponies that are now qualifying to appear in the Final. The ponies appearing in the final have qualified from Shows throughout the UK. On average 30 ponies compete at each qualifying round. The Highland Finalists were:- JAY-JAY
OF EDNAM HOUSE BRUNGRANGE
STEFFANIE TORRIN
OF CROILA GOVERNOR
OF WHITEFIELD XANDER
OF MENDICK LAMBRIGG
AMBER CLANDON
GEORGE VALEROCK
CELTIC BLUE Central Scotland Highland Pony Club Annual Show 2007 Shona Takes the Double!
Judges Jean Connell and Sandy Baird were unanimous in their praise of Martin and Wendy Taylor's yeld mare, Shona of Sunnyneuk, at Central Scotland Highland Pony Club Annual Show. The mare, which earlier in the year stood Reserve Female In-Hand Champion at the Highland and Supreme In-hand Champion at Perth, rounded off a successful season by being placed Overall Champion of the Show and Champion of the Lochlands In-Hand Grand Final. Shona, who is by Concorde of Whitefield out of Selina of Caenlochan, also topped the progeny class with her half brother Merlin of Sunnyneuk, owned by Sarah Rathbone.
Reserve in the Lochlands Final went to Irene Grant's three year old gelding, Sheamus of Inverdarroch, bred by Bruce Haliburton. Sheamus was Reserve In-hand Champion at Central last year and this year won Overall In-hand Champion at the Scottish Farmer Championships at Strathallan Castle, Champion and Reserve Overall at Kinross and Reserve Champion at Alyth. Jean Connell found her Reserve Champion in G & A Towns' eye catching homebred yearling filly, Pamela May of Forglen. She has had 4 outings this year winning 2 firsts and 2 seconds.
The Ridden Champion and Overall Reserve went to Kirsten McKay and Stuartdene. The duo has had a successful season coming first in their class at both the Highland and the Highland Pony Society Breed Show. Kirsten went on to take WHP Reserve Champion later in the day. Reserve Ridden Champion was Pauline Cousin's gelding, Connachan Buzzard.Novice Ridden Champion went Sally Coutts' 7 year old mare, Joanna of Forglen, ridden by Joanna Jack. Reserve was Ailsa Docherty's 4 year old mare Ailsa of Mendick.
WHP Champion was Mrs E B Compton's mare Heatherbelle of Turin Hill ridden by Hamish Cameron. Heatherbelle has now been retired to stud after a successful season winning In-hand and Ridden Champion at Braco, first open ridden at Blair Castle Highland Pony Championships and Qualifying for the Festival of Champions in Prelim, Novice and Elementary Dressage.
Breed Show 2007
The 2007 Breed Show was once again held in the beautiful setting of Strathallan Castle. Re-scheduled from it's original date in July due to an unfortunate viral outbreak, the day was sadly not blessed with the best of weather on Sunday 18 th August. Despite this however, it did not deter a good turnout of exhibitors who competed in the wide range of in-hand, ridden, working hunter, driving & working harness classes. Congratulations to all prize winners; full details are given below.
The Council would like to thank all exhibitors for braving the elements and not forgetting the judges, sponsors and volunteers who are so important in the running and success of the show.
For those who did not get a chance to see the excellent photographs taken on the day by photographer Colin Robinson, they can be viewed on his web-site www.colinrobinsonimaging.com PHOTOGRAPHS TO FOLLOW: Ridden Supreme Champion : Trowan Moulin owned & bred by Robert Davidson and ridden by Rose Macpherson AND In-Hand Champion : Heather Honey of Whitefield owned & bred by the Baird Family
Trophies and Awards are as follows:
Full class results can be downloaded from this link - Results by Class 2007 Central Prefix Register Awards At the Breed Show, a rosette and cheque for £150 was awarded to the breeder of the Overall Champion judged by the In Hand, Ridden and Working Hunter Judges out of the Champions of Sections I, II, III and IV and a rosette and similar cheque to its owner. We were delighted that both cheques were presented to Robert Davidson, the breeder and exhibitor of Trowan Moulin. This pony, ridden by Rose Macpherson, has had a splendid season and was outstanding in the Ridden and Working Hunter Sections at the event. Many congratulations to Robert. Sincere thanks to the Chairman and Committee of the Central Prefix Register for selecting the Highland Pony Society as recipients of these most welcome awards.
Animal Transportation Requirements From the 5th January 2007 anyone involved in the commercial transport
of horses and farm livestock will be required to hold a certificate
of competence. Under the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England)
Order 2006, there is a legal requirement for those transporting and
acting as an attendant on a vehicle transporting livestock to hold
this certificate from the 5th January 2007. This requirement only
applies to journeys over 65km (approximately 40miles). For information relating particularly to Scotland use the link in this document: Transport Scotland Regulations and for England use the link in this document: Wendy Bridges Performance Awards Scotland Results 2006 On Saturday 20 January 2007 a good crowd of Highland pony enthusiasts gathered in the Society's office in Perth to enjoy a delicious lunch and excellent company. Jennifer Valentine, who runs the Scottish Scheme, congratulated all those present on splendid performances throughout the year. The presentations were made by Sally Coutts, Vice President of the Society and a former organiser of the Scheme. Full results are linked below: Following the presentations, Evelyn Crate the deserving winner of the £100 Training Bursary awarded by the Society for the 2005 year, gave a most interesting and humerous account of her activities with her mother's pony, Fingal of Strathavon. She had been privileged to receive training at Ayrshire Equitation Centre from two renowned trainers including Jill Cousins. The tips they gave were invaluable and contributed to yet more amazing performances from the combination. Evelyn and Fingal totalled 11 Championship wins during the year and she was thrilled to win the overall Performance Awards for 2006. Gillian McMurray received the Rannoch of Trailtrow Trophy for the highest placed Highland Pony Society member at Olympia. After the Quest of Mendick Salver had been awarded to Anne Mitchell for her amazing achievement coming third at the Horse of the Year Show, Anne showed, and commented on, a DVD of the Simpson Refactories Championship Final at the Horse of the Year Show.
The President, Mr Robin Stewart thanked everyone for coming and encouraged them to ask friends to participate in this most worthwhile performance scheme in 2007. Cards, with the relevant revised rules, are available at just £5 each from The Secretary, Highland Pony Society, Grosvenor House, Shore Road, Perth, PH2 1ET
BREEDERS' SEMINAR at OATRIDGE COLLEGE Health & Welfare of the Foal & YoungstockSEBA organised this most interesting seminar whch has been voted a huge success. Professor Derek Knottenbelt, OBE University of Liverpool, who is an advisor to the ILPH, gave a fascinating talk on medical conditions at foaling and of the newborn foal, particularly Fell Foal Syndrome which he explained could affect any breed. He has been the recipient of many accolades over the years and the audience was spellbound. Later, Dr Scott Pirie, University of Edinburgh discussed medical conditions of the older foal to weaning. In the afternoon, these two were joined by Andrew McDiarmid of Clyde Veterinary Group and delegates divided into groups for short talks on a variety of topics including skin conditions, limb deformities, OCD, laminitis, digestive problems, teeth, worming young horses, and respiratory conditions. After the seminar, delegates were treated to a guided tour of the new Scottish National Equestrian Centre by Anne Mitchell, HPS Council member and Richard Negus, Events Manager of the Centre. SEBA, and particularly the Chairman, Mrs Sheila Brooks, are to be warmly congratulated for organising this very special event which increased the knowledge of all those breeders present making them more aware of the causes and treatments of medical problems in youngstock. National Stallion Show and Highland Pony Parade The National Stallion Show took place at Perth Agricultural Centre, East Huntingtower, Perth, PH1 3JJ early in March 2007. There was a good entry of ponies in most classes and an even better turn out spectators! The overall Champion was Kestral of Glencree (Macgregor of Achnacarry x Rose of Glencree), a 7year old 14.1hh silver dun stallion bred by Mr AC McKnight. He stands at stud in Dalgety Bay, Fife. This was Kestrel's 4th visit to the National Stallion Show where 2 years ago he was reserve Champion Highland pony champion. The Reserve Champion this year was Clover of Mendick (Rannoch of Achnacarry x Verona of Mendick), a rising two year old, mouse dun filly bred and shown by Mr and Mrs John Dykes. For full results, click on this link. Results 2007 After the classes, there was a splendid parade of Highland pony stallions all of whom are actively taking mares this season. The commentary, given by Willie Allan, was most welcome and much enjoyed by spectators, standing four deep at the ringside. Many assignations were arranged and mare owners were delighted to have the opportunity to see the stallions at close range and to talk to their owners. The owners each received a grant of £100 per stallion parading from the Highland Pony Society together with a smart rosette. Olympia - December 2006 A supporting crowd of several hundred people from
all around the UK were there to view the Bailey's Mountain & Moorland
Supreme Ridden Championship held on the 18th December at the London
International Horse Show, Olympia. The atmosphere was very festive
and four Highland ponies represented our breed. Warmest congratulations
to them all for excellent performances on the day.
These are the Highland ponies and riders who qualified
from competitions all over the country and made the journey to compete
at Olympia. They are, from left to right: Ben MacDhui of Gorstan ridden
by Lucinda Craven (winners of the Best of Breed & placed 4th; Brungrange
Steffanie ridden by Lucinda Hird and owned by Mrs Sara Hird and Mrs
Edmunds; Governer of Whitefield ridden by Aimee Hoare and owned by
Mrs Victoria Hawkins-Smith and Trailtrow Taransay ridden by Kirstin
McMurray and bred by Mrs Gillian McMurray.
The highest place Society member will win the trophy presented by Heather Prescott. The judges were Caroline Nelson (ridden) and Pat Rennie (conformation). Here they are in action:
Many thanks to Susan Wardrop for having her camera at the ready. HIGHLAND PONY SOCIETY PERFORMANCE AWARD RESULTS ENGLAND & WALES 2005/2006 Highlands - what amazingly versatile ponies! This year, more than ever before, they have competed in many disciplines from RDA work to Ridden classes, Show Jumping and Affiliated Dressage. A quote from one competitor: 'What I love about dressage is that you warm up your pony with the Warmbloods/Thoroughbreds, all with their white numnahs and boots etc, while looking at you on your hairy pony, and you in a tweed jacket. They don't expect for one moment that you may be any competition, what a surprise when you beat them!' What more can we say! Of the 28 cards sold this year, 23 were returned. The following ponies have not been placed in the top 10 but still receive a special rosette from the Highland Pony Society for returning their card. Trowan
Claymore Mrs. V. Parker 10th Harray of Forglen Bridget Smith 774 points Harray qualified for the BDS National Championships at Burghley and was placed 7th as well as other driving classes he has been assessed to be a RDA carriage driving pony. 9th Burnside Erin Jan Grant 1,027 points Erin is a veteran competitor and has competed in many dressage classes as well as some pleasure rides, ridden classes and been placed in a One Day Event. 8th Chapelhill Winston Victoria Sidaway 1,030 points This has been his first year under saddle and has won many ridden classes, narrowly missing qualifying for the RIHS at Hickstead by 1 mark at BSPS Area 5. 7th Valerock Sweet Sorrell Clare Frayne 1,109 points This pony has competed in side-saddle classes and ridden classes. She has also been hunting and has taken to jumping, thoroughly enjoying it! As the highest placed newcomer Clare and her pony have won the Angus McTavish and Riachan Trophy as well as a £100.00 bursary for lessons to help improve her pony's performance!. 6th Lambrigg Black Jack Christopher Grant 1,142 points This pony has done many things including dressage, jumping, x-country, pleasure rides and gymkhana games. 5th Nashend Chiff Chaff Anita Griffiths 1,150 points This pony has competed in show jumping classes as well as many ridden classes. Many of the ridden classes are for veterans and because of this she is actually the highest placed veteran. She has therefore won The Laird of Woodhaven Trophy. 4th Mistletoe of Combebank Sara Fleetwood 1,305 points This combination competed in ridden classes as well as affiliated dressage (22 BD points to date). Their highlights have been winning the Blue Division Heritage at the BSPS Summer Championships and coming 5th in the M&M Champion of Champions on the same day. 3rd Quest of Mendick Mrs. P. Robson 2,690 points Their claim to fame is winning many affiliated dressage classes. Although he was placed second last year as the third placed pony he has still won the Benny Trophy for being the highest placed gelding. 2nd Bluebell of Combebank Jackie Berry 2,814 points This pairing have moved up one place from last year. They have competed in many ridden classes as well as some long distance rides. They have also competed in many dressage classes their highlight being placed 1st at the BSPS Summer Championships in the Mountain and Moorland Dressage class, with a score of 82%. 1st Whitehope Morag Christopher Grant 4,979 points Again this pony has proved how versatile Highlands are. They have done many Pony Club activities as well as dressage, ridden classes (being placed 1st and Champion in many of them), Working Hunter classes, show jumping, x country, hunting, one day events and gymkhana games. As the 1st placed pony they have won the Bronze Medal which is awarded by the Highland Pony Society and is kept, the Glenda Spooner Trophy for the overall winner. As the highest placed mare they also win the Brownbread Rebecca Trophy and as Christopher is the highest placed Junior Rider he also wins the Rimond Cup. Winter Fair 2006
The
Trophies:
Moss-side Perpetual
Cup for the Champion Highland Pony: Tower Heather Cream yearling filly
shown by Jimmie Hendrie and Mrs A Kerr Exciting Weekend for Highland Pony Society Members and Friends! On a Saturday in mid-November, members and friends of the Highland Pony Society, gathered for a splendid day of activities in the most scenic of venues in Highland Perthshire at the foot of the Cairngorms where the autumn colours were at their very best. In the afternoon, 70 met in the Dining Room at Blair Castle for a warming drink of mulled wine with mince pies. The walls were decorated impressively with ancient and infamous weaponry. Afterwards, we were taken outside to a waiting "chariot" - actually a tractor pulling a covered trailer with bales to accommodate 40 hardy guests. Such was the turn out that, in addition, eight 4 x 4 vehicles filled with passengers, followed the trailer en route to the ponies. Atholl Estates stretch across 145,000 acres from Dunkeld in the south to beyond Blair Atholl in the North and provides some of the most incredible trekking experiences. Susan Laing, who had been the Manager of the Trekking Centre for over 17 years, took us to three separate areas where the ponies were grazing happily. All were most impressed that she had at her fingertips not only the names and ages of all 30 ponies but also their lineages. Atholl ponies have been bred on the estate for well over 50 years and have made their mark in many areas including riding, estate work (stalking and panniers), showing and driving. The primary purpose for all ponies on the estate is to work on the hill carrying stags and grouse during the sporting season. The Trekking Centre was inaugurated in the 1950's when the 10 th Duke of Atholl decided to find summer employment for the ponies. The grouse and stag season starts in August on the "Glorious Twelfth" and ends on the 20th October. The hind season starts on the 21st of October and ends on the 14th of February. Our outside expedition was rounded off with a visit to the Trekking Centre where Susan introduced us to two of the eleven stalking ponies carrying the hinds taken the previous day. Even the fifteen ponies now trekking exclusively, have spent time on the hill in earlier years. The Society is indebted to Vicki Bogan, the current Manager; Susan Laing and to Debbie McLaughlin, the stalking expert, who organised such a special day for so many members.
Ponies at Atholl Estates Just four hours after the trip to Atholl Estates, 175 members and friends gathered at the Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry for the Annual Dinner Dance. What a transformation! The frozen morsels seen earlier in the day had metamorphosed into splendid party animals with kilts and long dresses swinging to the music of Willie Simpson's excellent band. People had traveled from far and wide including a family who had flown in their own plane from Essex to Scone to join the party! Many took advantage of preferential rates at the hotel to stay for one or two nights and absorb fine Scottish hospitality and unbeatable autumn scenery. It was a weekend to remember and already people are marking next year's Dinner Dance date in their diaries - Saturday 17 November 2007 at Dalmahoy Hotel, with a magical tour of Edinburgh in the planning stages!
The President's Table Central Scotland Pony Club Central Scotland
Highland Pony Club Annual Show, held this year for the first time
at Strathearn Eventing, provided a most enjoyable day. Supreme
Champion went to Abby of Westbank, an 11 year old brood mare bred
by the late William Keron and exhibited by his son Peter and daughter-in-law,
Sheila. ( Photo Rachel Hotchkiss)
Reserve In-hand was Irene Grant's two year old gelding, Seumas of Inverdarroch, bred by Bruce Halliburton. Reserve Supreme Champion was the Ridden Champion, Whitefield Prince Henry, owned by Fiona Bell and ridden by Emma Davidson. The seven year old gelding also took the Ridden Championship at Perth. Reserve Ridden Champion was another gelding, Aigas of Litigan, exhibited and ridden on the day by his breeder, Jennifer Valentine. Aigas went on to lift the WHP Championship with Whitefield Prince Henry standing Reserve. Novice Ridden Champion was won by Barbara McVean with Carrick of Shianbank, with Janice Milne's Erica of Acharn in Reserve. Our Breed Show 2006! What a day we all enjoyed in the glorious grounds of Strathallan Castle on Sunday 9 July at the Society's biennial Breed Show. The sun was shining, but it wasn't too hot and the day was just filled from end to end with splendidly turned out ponies and exhibitors. The classes allowed us to see ponies performing in a terrific variety of activities from ridden and in hand to driving and dressage with some games to round it all off! The feedback following the show has been excellent although the Council is very aware that some fine tuning of the driving classes particularly, will be very important for the 2008 event.
There seemed to be more spectators than ever enjoying the day and much interest expressed in the breed. Several new members joined the Society and a few ponies even changed hands during the day! We were delighted to have with us several members from the USA and from Belgium.
The Council was most efficient in organising the event and the team of volunteers on the day worked tirelessly to ensure that all exhibitors could relax and enjoy every moment. To all of them we are most grateful. Thanks to very generous sponsorship from members and friends of the Society, it was possible to make the event very special and certainly one to be remembered in years to come.
A
link to the full results is given on the home page of this website.
This photo
During the presentations, a very special award was made by Robin Stewart, the President to Duncan McArdle who for many years has made a huge contribution to preparing the schedule and entry form and, in previous years, has produced the programme for the Breed Show.
He has decided to retire from this 'department' and the Society express their most sincere thanks to Duncan for so willingly undertaking not only this work but also many other duties for the benefit of the Society. (Photograph courtesy of Mrs Thea Lawson)
South of the Border Stallion Parade The South of the Border Stallion Parade was held at Adlington, Stockport on Easter Saturday as part of the HPEC Pennine Group Pre-Season Show. The whole show was a very happy, family event with 34 ponies exhibiting in a variety of classes.
The Council of the Highland Pony Society were delighted that a tremendous show of stallions came forward for the Parade as follows:
Blairgowrie of Whitefield (Stacey Holden) Carrick Hestan (Pauline Cadwell) Grouse of Langley (Stuart Roberts) Iain Dhu of Croila (Val Norbury) Josethdene (Tracey Walker) Lambrigg Solo (Tracey Walker) Langsett Tearlach (Alison Payne) Northwells Summit (Tracey Holden) Rannoch of Trailtrow (Heather Prescott) Reapyears Coquetdale Lad (Stuart Roberts)
Quite a crowd of Highland pony enthusiasts and their followers appreciated the parading stallions and enjoyed listening to a detailed commentary on each one. Sheila Brooks had been the event's judge and she thanked all the owners for turning out their stallions so well and very kindly presented HPS rosettes on behalf of Robin Stewart and the Society's Council. HPEC rosettes were also presented to all those participating in the Parade.
An allowance of £100 is being given by the Highland Pony Society to the owners of each stallion present. The Highland Pony Society is indebted to Alison Payne for all her work in organising this splendid and successful Parade.
Judges' Seminar A most successful Judges' Seminar was held in the splendid indoor arena at Audrey Barron's home in West Newton, Arbroath on Saturday 8 April. There was an excellent turn out of 44 judges from both the in-hand and ridden panels including those who had recently applied to the Judges' Scheme. Following welcoming refreshments, respected in hand judge, Sheila Brooks opened the day with a most interesting demonstration illustrating, with the help of an inept steward, just how many things can be pitfalls in the in hand ring - ballons blown over from outside the judging area, dropped litter, rabbit holes, inexperienced competitors (and stewards), deficient ring ropes and ultimately parents unable to accept the judge's decision, to mention just a few! Her, at times humorous presentation, stimulated healthy debate and discussion amongst the experienced judges present. After a delicious lunch of home made soup, sandwiches and afters prepared and served by members of Council, Maggie Inglis experienced and well travelled ridden judge and BHS instructor, then gave a presentation on ridden judging with particular emphasis on current rules, Health and Safety and ring etiquette. It came as a surprise to many for instance that it was not acceptable to shake the hands of children when presenting their rosettes and also that any assistance given to them whether following a fall or simply to adjust tack must not involve any contact whatever. All acknowledged that it had been a most informative day and the opportunity to meet and discuss issues around judging with fellow judges was invaluable. Stallions out in Force in Perth!
Undeterred by the freezing weather and undaunted by the chaos of the parking area, more than fifty Highland ponies arrived at Perth Market to compete at the National Stallion Show on 4 March. For once, it was actually warmer inside the building than outside! One drawback was that part of the ring was extremely slippery and several ponies and owners slid as they approached the judge on their return trot. This made it hard to see natural free movement.
The classes, especially the yearling class, were well supported and it was encouraging to see nine stallions forward. From this class the judge, Robin Stewart, with Jo Jack probationing, chose both his champion and reserve. Bruce Halliburton's Echo of Achnacarry, bred by Jean Connell, took the championship. This seven year old grey dun is by Macgregor of Achnacarry and out of Corrie Bheag of Achnacarry.
He was followed by the five year old Sunny of Runivraid, by Atholl Tilt out of Kyle of Sunnyneuk, as reserve. Another grey, Sunny was bred by South Benula Estate, and is owned by Mrs A MacLeod. This was his show ring debut. He had travelled from Islay for the show and was handled by William Nelson. He has been broken to ride and his first foals are due this year. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(courtesy of Mrs Thea Lawson) shows just how many marvellous
trophies are awarded to deserving exhibitors. 
Echo
was Foal Champion at Kinross, first in his class at the Breed Show,
Braco and Perth as a yearling, male champion at Duthie Park in 2003
and male champion at Perth in 2004. He is about to embark on a ridden
career. 
