WE ARE HAVING A MAGICAL SEASON

A CHANGE of direction paid off for Newmarket-based Mia Bigg,

14, when her family’s typey Connemara Stradone Prince won his HOYS junior large breeds class to claim a first ticket and then stand champion.

Mia, who produces the nine-year-old Prince herself at home, has been placed on other ponies at Norfolk before, but this was her first win at the venue. Mia has owned Prince for three years and, having introduced him to jumping, normally campaigns him in workers.

“We bought him as a novice in 2015 and have qualified for the native 143cm workers at RIHS this year, but because this is our local show and there aren’t any worker classes, we decided to have a go at the ridden class,” said Mia’s mother, Cheryl Nicholson. “We are truly having a magical season — they also enjoy eventing and finished third last weekend in a 90cm hunter trial at Ickworth Park.

“Qualifying for HOYS is a dream come true for Mia and we couldn’t ask for a better pony to do it on. Prince is an absolute pleasure to have around and his nickname on the yard is ‘Perfect Prince’.

“He is one of the most versatile ponies that we have ever had. Mia has worked her socks off — they have a fantastic partnership.”