Equestrian

Successes for Courier Country riders

A 12-year-old schoolboy from Methven and his pony have had an outstanding summer season which has been topped by being selected to compete in the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in October.

James Houlden from Bachilton Farm and his gelding, Pebbly Principal Boy, represented Scotland as part of the British Show Pony Society’s international team working Hunter pony class, finishing third in a field of competitors from all over the UK.

In the same week he was placed in all his classes including the inaugural Gold Cup, qualifying him for the working sports pony final at Burghley Horse Trials where only 12 riders from each height section are taken from three qualifying competitions throughout the year.

At the end of July James competed for the second successive year at the Royal International Horse Show which is held at the famous Hickstead showground, and after a few days rest he returned to Perthshire to take the open working Hunter pony championship at Perth Show as well as the best under-16 rider award.

He has the advantage of being the eldest son of Sarah Houlden, a British eventing coach who runs the family business at Strathearn Eventing.

And competing is also in his blood as he is one of nine riding grandchildren of Hazel England a retired breeder and producer of event, show and National Hunt horses.

The NEC in Birmingham hosts the HOYS and this year it is a family affair with two of James’s cousins, Amelia and Freya England, also taking part.

James Houlden, from Methven, and his pony in action.