Orchid puts on a stunning show
Bakewell’s annual HOYS qualifiers are hosted at a new venue, making use of the sensational scenery on offer at Chatsworth Park
AN 11-hour round trip from
Devon paid major dividends for the Lockhart family when their charge, the charming 128cm show pony, Sparkton Spring Orchid Of Hamptonne (Micro), won her Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifier, collected her ticket and stood section champion ahead of a strong field.
Competitors flocked to the venue in the glorious setting of Chatsworth Park, where Bakewell’s traditional range of HOYS qualifiers was staged in lieu of the main annual show, which is currently on the back burner.
There was, therefore, plenty to do for Milly Lockhart, 10, but she rode with confidence and style, having narrowly missed out on a “golden ticket” thus far. Her mannerly six-year-old, on loan to the family from breeder Vicki Norman of the Sparkton Stud, is certainly bred for the job as her dam, Hamptonne Wild Orchid, was a past winner at HOYS and her sire is the well-known Broadgrove Showtime.
Judge Robert Parker-Jones, who assessed the section with Karen Gillott, was won over. “From the moment it stepped into the ring it commanded our attention,” he enthused.
“It is a fabulous-fronted pony with a back end to match. It was turned out to perfection, performed effortlessly in every pace and was never over-ridden by its very competent and stylish rider. It was so refreshing to see a happy combination clearly enjoying themselves.”
Millie’s sister, Kirsty, produces Micro at home and, with no arena, all schooling is done while hacking in fields or on the beach.
“We think the world of Micro,” said Kirsty, who works full-time in children’s services. “She’s very special and has natural carriage, presence and cadence. She’s a classic stamp of a show pony, which is hard to find nowadays.”
Micro was backed after Christmas and brought on slowly in novice classes, aiming for some HOYS qualifiers at the end of this season.
“This was their last chance to qualify — they’d had four second placings — and Millie was ultra-determined,” added Kirsty.
“She’s worked really hard all summer, and seeing her face as her number was called out made the long journey worthwhile. Getting the championship as well was the icing on the cake.”
This qualification will sweeten a bitter pill for Millie, as this year’s HOYS will be her last ride on Jackie Newbery’s 2017 native first ridden victor Newoak Designer Edition, whom she has had since lead-rein days.
EXCITING PROSPECT LANDS RIDING HORSE TITLE
IT was a good day for other young producers, too, and no one was more delighted than North Yorkshire-based James Knight. The 22-year-old won, qualified and stood riding horse champion with Jodie Hooks’ exciting Monte Carlo five-year-old Freckleton Montbretia (Mouse), whom she has owned since a foal.
“Mouse has only been with me for four weeks and this was her third HOYS class,” said James, still on a high after a triumphant week at the Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS) championships.
“She’s a lovely mare with a super outlook on life, and we’re