“WE’VE ALWAYS LOVED HIM”

A HOME-BRED Dales stallion landed the NPS/

Hirstmund Stud M&M pure novice final to retain his unbeaten run.

Anna and Julie

Pennell’s free-moving

Nipna Midnight

Rambler (pictured) and his producer Sarah

Parker were on perfect form to win the championship over small breeds victor Menai Anrheg Penblywdd (Harriet Glenn). Rambler is by Nipna Invictus and out of Anna’s beloved mare Nipna Damask Rose (Rosie), who was second at HOYS on her debut in 2013.

“I’m slightly biased as he’s Rosie’s first colt,” said Anna. “But we’ve always loved him and Sarah does, too. He has so much quality limb as well as pony characteristics and depth to go with it.”

Rambler will go to the BSPS Heritage championships for his 2020 swansong and it’s hoped he’ll step into open ranks next term.

“I’ve not seen him at a show in over a year but Sarah has told me I’m not allowed to come any more as I might curse him,” laughed Anna.

The Nipna breeding proved itself throughout the day at Vale View with Richard Waite’s Nipna James Britannia (Vicki Smith) winning two ridden classes and a championship title and Holly Croall-Brown’s Nipna King’s Ransom clinching the NPS in-hand silver medal qualifier.

Hannah Sheldon’s Nipna Golden Poppy also placed second in the open ridden behind James Britannia.

“The owners have had faith in us as breeders,” added Anna. “We just told them to wait for them to mature and it’s paying off.”