Just had an amazing time judging at HOYS. M&M First ridden and Lead rein on Wednesday. Stunning ponies and adorable children. Really hard to judge as the standard was so high but more than happy with the top 9 placed in each class and the 4 ponies in the championship. Then yesterday the M&M Working Ponies. Excruciatingly early start - at Caldene ring for 6.30 - did not envy competitors and parents/ friends/ grooms getting ready for then. I had the easy part which was the conformation, so got to watch the jumping from the top floor of the commentary box. Some really good rounds and fabulous brave ponies jumping for fun. I really liked the course and it produced lovely flowing rounds with no ponies being frightened or hurt, but still produced faults at almost every jump. I loved every pony there so conformation was hard but enjoyable to judge. Nice to see so many New Forests, and a Dales, Highland, Fell and Exmoor jumping so well. Loved seeing Sabinas Gold Sovereign there in fine form aged 20 - great example of the breed with not a mark on his legs for all his years of competing enthusiastically in every type of class . That is the true test of a good pony imo - toughness, soundness, bravery, ability and longevity. The championship was awesome in the Main arena. Incredible feeling walking into the middle with the lights dimmed. All the ponies were real stars and looked an absolute picture. The champion and reserve were stunning at every pace. Just a sheer joy and privilege to be out there on that hallowed turf with the shared responsibility of deciding the result. I just so love these classes. The work and hours put in by really skilled people in the rings and behind the scenes is incredible. Officiating at HOYS gives one a real insight into that side of things. I think those who compete and spectate often dont appreciate that. It is a long week and many are carrying out their roles voluntarily on all 5 days. I dont like hearing criticism of any sort of those fabulous people and it would be good if competitors and connections did not target them. It doesnt happen often but nobody deserves it - they are all doing their best and how lucky we are..
Posted on: Fri, 10 Oct 2014 22:32:11 +0000
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