Emily Shepherd’s My Munchkin was named Pleasure Pony of the Year yesterday in the showing arenas. From Wellington, Emily has had Munchkin for four years and finished fifth in the class last year.
“He’s absolutely awesome,” she said after their win. “The canter on a long rein was great; he didn’t speed up or slow down.” That’s important in the pleasure horse section, and may have given Emily the edge over the other competitors.
The 21-year-old pony goes to his next home soon, where he will semi-wind-down and teach even more children about riding. Emily will continue with another pony, and compete in dressage and show hunter. The Raroa Normal Intermediate pupil rode Munchkin in Level 1 dressage at HOY this year as well, finishing eighth in one class.
Contestants in the pleasure classes had travelled from around the country, including Canterbury and the far north.
The Pleasure Horse of the Year – for the second year in a row – was Natalia Short’s Golden Conquest. Perfect Fit with Megan Lozell was second and Northern Lights ridden by Phoebe Brown was third. Stanley Brook on Fire n Ice, Taylar Morrison on Autum Star and Lydia Mitchell were 4th and 5th. Unfortunately there are no results up on Equestrian Entries yet so we can’t bring you any further details but we hope you enjoy the photos taken yesterday.
Photos should be available shortly for purchase from Jane Thompson.
