On the first day the show Willoway Minstral won the New Forest Ridden class in a strong class following a reshuffle by Judge Mrs J MacInnes.  Minstral’s fellow stable mate Willoway Free Spirit repeated last years success by scooping the ‘Fit for the Future’ award, a competition designed to promote ponies who are the correct weight for their height and discourages over fat animals.

Mr & Mrs Baileys attractive roan mare Applewitch Roan Fantasia was reserve Champion in the final of the Home Produced In Hand Championship, Judged by Mrs D Hadwin from Yorkshire.

Applewitch Roan Fantasia Reserve Champion in the final of the Home Produced In Hand Championship.

For the second year running the NPS has offered a separate breed final to the New Forests for the Picton Championship which was headed by Mrs K Humble’s Dun Stallion Burley Hallmark, bought as a foal from his breeder Gill Wright. Woodfidley Saint George a 4 year old stallion forest bred by young Charlie Maton and sired by Lovelyhill Cranbourne Heights was second to Burley Hallmark. Saint George had a successful in hand career being produced by Penny Bevill before being sold to Lucinda to be produced under saddle and is one to look out for in the future. Third place was Millersford Eagles Wood, a striking chestnut gelding owned and ridden by Katie Snow.

Burley Hallmark Winner of the Picton Championship.

The on form Willoway Lord of the Rings ridden by Charlotte Harlow and owned by Sally Carpenter scooped the Area 25 Open Workers Championship. Willoway Lord of the Rings is by Woodrow Prince Harry out of  Rodlease Golden Rhapsody  secured his workers ticket  to HOYS at the New Forest Show.

Michael Western had is work cut in the New Forest Stallion in hand class which had 12 entries including some very successful stallions. His choice for top spot was Sabina’s Gold Sovereign, the 15 year old youthful chap who competes both on the flat and in workers competition just like his famous father Peveril Peterborough. Second was the beautifully produced Peronne Palava owned and bred by Nick Williams, Palava seemed to be enjoying his outing from the Isle of Wight and was a little on his toes after travelling up with a mare on the lorry. Third was Mallards Wood Saint Peter the big moving young colt by Peveril Peter Piper and out of Mallards Wood Goddess owned by Penny Bevill who hopes to bring Saint Peter out under saddle next year.

The barren mare and gelding class was won by this years Royal Show Champion Vernons Valeta owned and bred by Mrs A McGrath, who took the overall New Forest in hand Championship. Valeta is in foal to Fijal Jupiter and will be campaigned in brood mare classes next year. Monkshorn Maybee a delightful dun forest bred mare by Weirs Harry II and owned by Miss M Williams was the only entry forward in the broodmare class who had a smart bay colt at foot, Waltersgay Medlay by Long Copse Elton.

Vernons Valeta Winner of the overall New Forest In Hand Championship.

Woodrow Delights Dream owned and bred by June Witham won the yearling class.

In the 2 & 3 year old class Nick Williams’s Perrone Petruse took first place and Reserve New Forest Champion  and Youngstock Champion. Petruse is out of Rodlease Playtime and is by June Witham’s Willoway Double Gold, making her half sister to Peronne Palava.

Perrone Petruse Winner of the 2 & 3 year old, Reserve New Forest Champion and Youngstock Champion.