Travelling all the way up to Horse of the Year from West Melton, Canterbury, paid off for Chanelle Dickie, as she and her lovely chestnut have taken the Ridden Standardbred of the Year title.
“It came as a shock. I hadn’t won a single class apart from the rider class, so I wasn’t expecting it. I was wanting it though,” says Chanelle.
Bronze Jay (commonly known as Patch) won three races with David Butt, and has been with Chanelle for several years now.
Claire Madden and Gotham Bromac were runners-up, third went to Amanda Burton on Change of Pace, and Dancing Jonty with Natasha Bol was fourth.
Judge Graham Dore was very impressed with what he saw today. While it was only his third time judging standardbreds, he said he was ‘blown away’ by the level they have reached. “I’m an Arabian judge, but get utilised for all breeds, such as miniature. I’m looking for what you look for in any good horse. Conformation and movement are important. I’ve been very impressed with the presentation of these horses. They are so well groomed and presented. Some of the showmanship has room for improvement but the exceptional presentation and effort that has gone into getting these horses to the show, looking so well, is amazing.”
Best Presented went to Elaine van den Berg on Regal Cullen from Clevedon, Open Standardbred and Open Paced Standardbred were both won by Amanda Burton on Change of Pace. Open Mannered Standardbred was won by Gotham Bromac with Claire Madden, and Chanelle Dickie won the Rider class with Bronze Jay.
