Young Scottish rider Isla Smith admitted her “heart felt like it was beating out of my chest” as she claimed one of the biggest victories of her showing career with her much-loved pony, Sutton Grange Fancy That.
The show hunter pony victor only returned to showing last year after a seven-year break, but yesterday (27 July), he took the Supreme Products Supreme Pony championship at the Agria Royal International Horse Show.
In the supreme championship, three ponies were awarded 26 points, but 15-year-old “FT” pipped them to the post on 27, after scoring a straight run of nines from the panel of three judges.
With the journey to Hickstead taking between seven and 13 hours from Scotland, Isla said it was more than worthwhile after securing the prestigious title with a pony she described as “so special”.
Isla admitted the pressure of the occasion had been immense.
“I was so scared something was going to go wrong in that show,” she said. “And I don’t think I managed my nerves very well!”
Despite the tension, the combination delivered a polished performance, with the pony’s experience proving invaluable.
“He knows his job,” she said. “He loves coming back out and the big arenas really suit him, with his gallop being a real highlight – he feels like he’s floating.”
The rider paid tribute to her partner, describing him as not only a talented show pony but also a genuine character.
“He’s such a nice, kind pony.”
The victory adds another significant accolade to an already impressive record for the partnership. While the pony has enjoyed success in the show ring previously, the rider said this was among the biggest titles they have achieved together.
Last season, the pair were crowned supreme champions at the British Show Pony Society Summer Championship Show and were also reserve champions at Hickstead last year in the Supreme Show Hunter Pony Championship.
With this latest success, the combination have now added another major championship to their collection, bringing them close to completing an enviable list of top showing honours.
Reflecting on their achievement, the rider acknowledged how much the pony relishes performing on the biggest stages.
“He loves coming back out,” she said. “The big arenas really suit him.”
Related content
- ‘It’s a massive achievement’: Boston Black Tie lands Royal International supreme ridden horse title
- ‘To win it three times is incredible’: Robert Whitaker and Vermento take historic Hickstead King George victory
- Gemma Stevens makes history with third Eventers’ Challenge title at Hickstead
- ‘I love them so much’: 11-year-old girl jumps her way into history books at Hickstead
- Pole exercises that make clever, confident horses
