Wonderful Welsh

There was a high standard of ponies, riders and leaders in the ridden Welsh section this year. Some adorable competitors!

Jane Thompson

March 15, 2018

Brooke Cadwallader, Nanteos Autumn Guardsman

The Cadwallader family continued on their winning way in the ridden classes of the Welsh section at the Land Rover Horse of the Year Show.

Brooke took out the Linton Family’s Aranui Zest Memorial Ridden Open Purebred Welsh Pony or Cob Exhibit of the Year, also winning best rider on the way. Then in the Jo Lochend Purebred Welsh First Ridden Pony of the Year, it was Mia’s turn for a title: the best presented and the best rider prizes. In both cases, the pony involved was the 14-year-old Nanteos Autumn Guardsman.

Mia Cadwallader, Nanteos Autumn Guardsman

“I’ve been riding him since I was three,” said 11-year-old Brooke after her win. “He’s always been there for me, he won’t do anything to hurt you.”

The lovely Vale Demoiselle also had a good afternoon, winning the Cottle Contracting Ridden Partbred Welsh Lead Rein Pony of the Year for Charli Sabine with Kirsten Seamer in charge of the leading, and coming second in the Red Fox Chaff Partbred Welsh First Ridden Pony which was won by KS Precious Gem and Paige Fitzgerald.

Charli Sabine, Vale Demoiselle with Kirsten Seamer doing the leading

The win in the lead rein pony class was a special one, as this is only the second show for horse-mad Charli on the pony. “She has ridden the pony a couple of months on and off,” says Kirsten Seamer, Charli’s mum. Charli is just seven years old.

Paige, who has just turned nine, has had KS Precious Gem – called ‘Gem’ at home – since July. She also loves riding, and is relishing jumping cavalletti at home. The family travelled up from West Melton, Christchurch, for the show.

Paige Fitzgerald, KS Precious Gem with judges Sally Brunton (left) and Sharon Lewis-Tipping (right) and sponsor Jo Fox (middle)

There was a big field in the Cashmere Park Stud Tryphena Carter Purebred Lead Rein class, so Eva Norton-Collins did well to take the win. “I have won covers before but never won a title,” says Eva, who also won the Best Rider award. She attends Waimauku School and has two ponies at the show. Mum was busy helping Eva’s three sisters who are also competing, so Kire Gilmour was on hand to do the leading. Kire, from Scotland originally, also helps train the children.

Eva Norton-Collins, Aintree Thumberlina with Kire Gilmour leading

In the KS Show Horses Ridden Open Partbred Welsh Exhibit of the Year, it was a win to Paris Masterson and KS Rose D’Or. From Ardmore, Auckland, Paris is having her last season on ponies, and is also competing in show hunter and other showing classes. KS Rose D’Or is 14 years old, by Penmain Posh out of Rose of Astrell.