PONY POWER

DEVON and Somerset branch of the Pony Club member Lara Chapple and her own Stambrook Masterful (AK, pictured) hit a winning note at Bicton (1), adding victory in the under-18 open novice to a win in the same class at the same venue six months ago.

“AK is only 14.2hh but he is very sure of himself and it wouldn’t occur to him that he couldn’t do everything a horse could do – or even do it better,” said Lara who, alongside her A levels, is studying for a diploma in sporting excellence for eventing, which is run by British Eventing and Hartpury College.

In the under-18 BE100, Alice Gates and her 14.1hh mare Star 12 (Betty Boo) completed on their dressage score of 31.3 to win.

Last season the pair notched up seven from seven double jumping clears.

“Betty Boo stayed straight as a die through the combinations and took the undulations in her stride,” said Alice.