Gill Thompson, who has proven ponies and horses on the highest stage and is a number one producer of ponies, shares her ideas on readability in exhibits and blended peak present pony courses
At this yr’s Longines Royal Worldwide Horse Present (RIHS), the Hickstead crew placed on an excellent present with an incredible environment, and they need to be thanked and congratulated. That mentioned, I’d welcome one vital change in the best way that the present hunter and present pony finals are judged.
Annually, stewards ask kids in these courses for a “quick present”, which I discover might be unnerving for our youthful riders who’re determined to provide the very best account of themselves attainable at such an event.
The sand monitor and slope in ring two make it simpler to provide steering to our riders within the present hunter pony courses and to plan a present to gallop up the hill. But it surely’s not really easy within the present pony finals.
As a producer, I wish to give my riders confidence of their means and present. But it surely’s tough to guarantee them that what I’d think about a “quick present” will probably be sufficient after they see different younger riders try serpentines, canter circles and so forth.
For that reason, I’d personally desire to see set exhibits, in order that riders know what they should do. If the related ruling our bodies would like to not set exhibits, then maybe we might ask for extra readability as a substitute?
As an illustration, stewards might ask for “a brief present with one change of rein and an extension”. This manner, riders can nonetheless plan a present to their strengths, however know that it’s throughout the parameters of what the decide desires to see.
Combined peak present pony courses
We’re simply over midway via the season and it’s a robust one in pony ranks. The present hunter pony championship on the RIHS demonstrated this for me, as 5 of the eight ponies ahead within the championship had not certified for the Horse of the 12 months Present (HOYS) at that time.
The present pony courses have additionally been sturdy – one thing I’ve been more than happy to see as a standard part – and it’s harder than ever to qualify.
The 128cm courses specifically have been very sturdy numerically. For instance, there have been 22 forwards for judging at Royal Three Counties and there have been 19 at Lincolnshire.
Nevertheless, I fear that is partly as a result of homeowners and producers are actively avoiding coming into the brand new blended peak qualifiers, which have had blended numbers. The primary run at Royal Tub and West was encouraging with 19 ahead, and Royal Norfolk additionally loved entries within the double figures, however others haven’t been so sturdy.
On the time of writing, the entire blended qualifiers have been gained by a 148cm pony. Actually, the highest three locations have largely been dominated by the larger ponies and older riders.
To me this is smart; these riders are much more established within the ring – particularly because the age cap on riders of 148cm ponies has risen to 18 – whereas many 128cm riders are newly out of first ridden courses. It will take an distinctive 10-year-old to beat the polished present of a 17-year-old. I’m not saying there aren’t these riders, however they aren’t the norm.
My 128cm rider isn’t prepared for a break up class however I’d have tried a blended class with my 148cm, had we not opted initially to enter the break up qualifiers and succeeded this manner. Others should really feel equally. Particularly as diesel is now so costly, folks would possibly desire to reserve it for days they really feel they’ve a greater likelihood.
I perceive that some will argue it’s similar to a championship, however for me this isn’t the case. In a championship, youthful riders don’t have to barter a busy go-round or carry out exhibits – and, crucially, they really feel assured having simply gained their class.
I’m shocked that not one 138cm pony has gained a blended class, although. It will be attention-grabbing to see a breakdown of entries per peak in these blended courses to see if the one purpose they’re dominating the placings is that they’re dominating the entries, or if there’s extra to the story.
● How do you suppose present pony courses ought to be break up at qualifiers? Tell us at hhletters@futurenet.com, together with your title, nearest city and county, for the prospect on your letter to look in a forthcoming subject of the journal
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