TRAINABLE STALLION IMPRESSES

RESERVE for the ridden supreme sash at the East Midlands WPCA show was Hannah Atkinson riding the Islyn Stud’s big-moving section Welsh section A stallion Thistledown Iceman (pictured).

The eight-year-old was a late-stater and arrived at Hannah’s to be broken in last October.

“He did a couple of shows at the start of the year and then went back home to cover over summer,” explained Hannah. “He has also been at Twemlows to have semen collected.

“I was a little worried if he’d settle back into the

ridden job after covering but he’s been perfect. He has the most amazing temperament and a very trainable attitude; he picks things up so quickly.

“It’s all been a big change for him – he’s not even been shown in-hand – but he’ll stay here over the winter and hopefully contend the qualifiers next year. He has a hell of a pop in him, too, so I might even try him in some workers.”

Hannah also piloted the Walseker’s six-yearold Welsh section B mare Walseker Indiana to win her novice ridden class. Indiana, half sister to youngstock supreme Walseker Roca Roja, was backed over Christmas.