Cavago Associated Championships: British Native Ponies Dance to Victory

Epitomizing the spirit of the Championships, British Native Ponies gathered at Onley Ground Equestrian for the final day of the Cavago Associated Championships, showcasing their undeniable talent and versatility in the dressage arena (26 October 2024).

At just 12 years old, Verity Matthews (pictured above) and the Welsh Section B pony, Bunbury Peppermill (Millcroft Belliga x Binbury Satinwood), affectionately known as Bolt, triumphed as Novice overall champions with the highest score of the British Native Pony Championship on 73.44%.

 “Verity and Bolt were clearly very excited to go down the centre line as they attacked the test with confidence from the beginning to the end,” shared Verity’s mum, Kathryn. “The pair adore competing, especially at the big shows, and they both get a real buzz from the atmosphere.”

Kathryn credited Bolt’s owner, Millie Gibson, for being an integral part of Verity’s journey: “Verity is incredibly lucky to have this experience on Bolt thanks to meeting Millie, who has become a firm part of our family. Millie has helped the pair get to where they are now and is always incredibly supportive.”

Known for his charming personality, Bolt has a few quirks in the stable that make him a favourite at home. “He loves rolling, especially after he’s worked, and we let him enjoy a treat of no rugs after schooling so he can roll as much as he pleases,” said Kathryn. “Verity has even put a little bell on his door, and he nudges it when he wants something or attention!”

With the Associated Championships marking a memorable conclusion as their last major competition, Kathyrn reflected on the past year with pride: “The last year has been a whirlwind and the pair have achieved everything they’ve set out to do.”  However, as the year ends, Verity and Bolt show no signs of slowing down, with preparations already underway for their next goals as they head off to squad training for BD Youth this week.

Hampshire’s Sam Roberts and Helen Skirton’s striking Welsh Section B stallion, Moelview Prince Consort (Moelview Chieftain x Llangeitho Princess Royal), showcased their class once again by claiming the British Native Pony Advanced Medium title with an outstanding score of 68.01% and also securing the Prix St Georges overall victory.

Having previously been Novice, Elementary and Medium champion at the Associated Championships, the talented gelding continues to impress. “Loving life and still the ultimate showman. He really gives everything 100% and I’m so lucky that I get to enjoy him,” said Sam, posting on Facebook.

She credited her team, including her coach Alice Oppenheimer, for their help and support in preparing them for their winning tests.

John Osborne and Amanda Miller’s Welsh Section D Cruglwyd Tango (Gwenllan Brynmor x Llanarth Solo) finished their Prelim journey on a high after they were crowned the British Native Pony Prelim (A) overall champions with a fantastic score of 69.74%. “This was our last ever Prelim together, so it was a wonderful way to finish,” John reflected, posting on Facebook, as he and Tango now look ahead to Novice and Elementary levels.

“It’s so lovely to have so many people come up to me and tell me how stunning and fab he is. It really means a lot,” John added, showing gratitude not just for their success but also for the recognition of his beloved dancing partner.

Achieving consistently impressive success across the Championships, Denbighshire’s Maddie Maher and her New Forrest gelding Willoway Chicago (Willoway Minstral x Mercury Amy) were crowned the British Native Pony Prelim (B) overall champion on 70.23%. This followed their success earlier in the week, where they took the Horse 20+ Prelim on 70.00%.

In the Part Bred British Native Pony classes, Kirstie Wright and her homebred mare Measevalley Make it Count, affectionately known as Elsa, were standout competitors. The duo claimed victory in both the Preliminary and Novice, with outstanding scores of 71.03% and 68.65%. Their success marked an emotional milestone, as this would be their final competition together.

Kirstie bred Elsa from her warmblood broodmare, Dow Jones Courcel, and her then resident New Forest stallion, Brock Captain Jack. “Both had superb temperaments and that really passed on to Elsa, who’s such a good little mare,” Kirstie shared.

Although she initially started out grassroots eventing, Kirstie joined British Dressage in October 2023 after she was encouraged by her trainer Jane Critchley who was confident that Elsa had the talent to excel in dressage. Kirsty described their BD journey since then as a “rollercoaster” ride; reflecting on their final success, she said, “It was absolutely incredible but also so sad knowing this was the end of our journey together.”

While it was bittersweet to part ways, Kirstie was thrilled that Elsa would continue bringing joy to her new rider. She also continues her own BD journey with her other horse, embracing fresh challenges. “Elsa went beyond all my expectations and has given me some memories that will last a lifetime!” said Kirstie, perfectly summarising their journey together.

Wiltshire’s Alice Peternell and Helen Lomas’s talented eight-year-old mare, Fourseasons Sienna by Haighmoor Gwenllian, claimed the Part Bred British Native Pony Elementary title with an impressive score of 72.21%. Despite a challenging moment heading into the arena, the pair managed to refocus and deliver an incredible performance. "I’m really pleased with her, especially as she was terrified of the sandbag snakes on the boards before we entered the arena!” shared Alice on Facebook.

In the Part Bred British Native Pony Medium, Lizzie Webb her own WS Montpellier (Monte Carlo x Vernal beacon light) triumphed with an impressive score of 70.74%, adding to their Veteran 15-19 years Medium overall champion title with a score of 69.39% earlier in the week.

Congratulations to all our competitors and their wonderful horses and ponies. Thanks again go to title sponsors Cavago and host venue Onley Grounds for supporting this unforgettable event, which brought hundreds of riders and horse breeds together to showcase their talent across the five days of competition.

Native Pony champions

Native Pony Introductory
Kathryn Parker and Castle Hill Black Prince (B)*, 68.80%    
Native Pony Preliminary (A)
Sarah Goddard and Saris Fingers Crossed (G), 67.76%    
John Osborne and Cruglwyd Tango (S)*, 69.74%
Anna Warnock and Bodernog Heulwen (B), 69.40%    
Native Pony Preliminary (B)
Rebecca Louise Barrow and Edenwoods Dark Aurora, 65.00%
Hollie-Ann Head and Farino Poppy (S), 71.29%    
Maddie Maher and Willoway Chicago (B)*, 71.90%
Native Pony Novice
Sophie Lawson and Llanarth Magestic (G), 67.50%    
Verity Matthews and Bunbury Peppermill (S)*, 73.44%    
India Adams and Menai Naughty Girl Sally (B), 68.85%    
Native Pony Elementary
Hannah Bown and Buckland Bonnie Lad (S)*, 68.75%    
Jemma Bullock and Claret Jug (B), 67.28%    
Native Pony Medium
Elin Harries and Cwmfedwen Awel Mai (S)*, 66.99%    
Shelby Taylor and Peasedown Agatha (B), 66.69%    
Native Pony Advanced Medium
Gillian Brown and Goruchel PeterPan (S), 66.92%
Sam Roberts and Moelview Prince Consort (B)*, 68.01%
Native Pony Prix St Georges
Melanie Phillips and Iouar Elizabeth (S), 62.94%
Sam Roberts and Moelview Prince Consort (B)*, 63.09%    

Native Pony Part Bred champions

Native Pony Part Bred Introductory
Lucas Patrick Smyth and Yealand Mamzelle (B)*, 67.93%    
Native Pony Part Bred Preliminary
Zade Shakeshaft and Middlefarms World Classified (G), 67.67%    
Kirstie Wright and Measevalley Make it Count (S)*, 71.03%
Philippa Corney and Dunmore Rocket (B), 71.03%
Native Pony Part Bred Novice
Susan Bullock and Seabally Sergio (G), 67.71%
Kirstie Wright and Measevalley Make It Count (S)*, 68.65%    
Olivia Healing and Knocknacree Bertie (B), 66.77%    
Native Pony Part Bred Elementary
Alice Peternell and Fourseasons Sienna (G)*, 72.21%    
Bryley Llewelyn and Cwmtysswg Will (S), 68.60%
Louise Darling and Boo Diddley (B), 58.60%    
Native Pony Part Bred Medium
Lizzie Webb and WS Montpellier (G)*, 70.74%    
Gaynor Edwards and Tynyfid Mytopia (S), 66.40%
Bryley Llewelyn and Cwmtysswg Will (B), 65.29%    
Native Pony Part Bred Advanced Medium
Zoe Symes and All That Jazz X (B)*, 63.85%    

VIEW FULL RESULTS

Photos © KB Photography