The New Forest Pony Enthusiasts annual show held at New Park in Brockenhurst on 27th April had it usual high numbers of ponies forward particularly in the hotly contested Novice Ridden Qualifer for the NPS Picton Final. The winner was the young stallion Ashley Sensation owned by Helen Safe and Ridden by Amy Smith. The show was pleased to have the able Judging of Nicky Dibden who now resides in France.

The Small novice ridden was won by Kay and Alan Baileys Applewitch Clairevoyant, ridden by Anna Cant judged by Mark Northam and his ride judge Gemma James. I think it is always nice to see a ridden judge riding the line up as it is a true test of how well mannered a pony actually is and usually leads to a real shuffle in the final line up. Farrier's Fingerprint won the ridden NF Stallion after giving his usual mannerly performance, he went on to stand overall NF Ridden Champion with Mr & Mrs Large's Willoway Patience clinching Reserve having won the barren mare class earlier in the morning.

The In Hand classes were judged by Miss A McGrath who had a high standard of ponies forward through out the morning. The Yearling Filly class was won by Mrs Haycocks Peveril Printer’s Dream, a liver chestnut filly by Farriers Fingerprint who had stood NPS Area 24 Members Foal Champion last Autumn. The rest of the line up were good typey fillies many of which showed nice depth and limb and many of which I felt could have been deserved winners of 1st place.

One of the strongest NF In hand classes was the Stallion 4 years and over with many of the exhibits being familiar champions on the circuit. Initially Miss McGrath chose Fiona King &  Barbara Stiles young Stallion Fijal Jupiter by Greencottage Ambassador, but after a thorough look Miss McGrath's winner was Peronne Palaver owned and bred by Nick Williams from the Isle of Wight (pictured below). Palaver was exceptionally produced with a full summer coat and shone even under the gloom of the thunder clouds and went on to take the Overall New Forest and Supreme In Hand Championships.

The 2 & 3 yo colt class was a pleasure to watch containing many a worthy winner. Miss McGrath chose Sandra Kilfords home bred 2 yo colt Furzley Accolaide ahead of John and Wendy Adam's Hollybrooke Traveller 3rd Sabina's Gold Dust

The Forest Bred Championship appeared to be down on numbers this year the eventual winner Longcopse Elton.
The ever versatile chestnut stallion Sabina’s Gold Sovereign won the NPS WHP breed qualifier.

Kerry Humble