The New Forest Pony Breeders and cattle Society held their performance grading day at Ford Farm, Brockenhurst by kind permission of Trudy Nineham and James Young.

The morning started off which the show jumping grading being assessed by Robert Lemiuex, a former three day event rider who assessed each pony on technique, attitude/obedience, athletic ability and overall impression. Each rider/pony combination benefited from a short warm up session and guidance from Mr Lemiuex before progressing to jump the  set course. Jumps were up to height for each grade and included spreads, a wall and some tighter turns as the assessment was on an indoor surface.

Mr Lemiuex assessed each pony individually taken into account previous experience and their level of fitness. He was encouraging and helped to settle the nerves of each rider combination offering useful critique which both the riders and spectators found interesting.

First entrant to try at Grade 1 was Rodlease Jubilation ridden by Susanne Kemp and owned and bred by Avril Darnton. Jubilation put in a polished and professional performance achieving grade 1 with ease and then going on to pass grade 2. Jubilation has been consistently competing at Working Hunter Pony competitions all season and her rider hopes to qualify her next year for the TOP SPEC WHP final held at the Royal International Horse Show.

Rodlease Jubilation Owned and bred by Avril Darnton.

The forest run stallion Lovelyhill Cranbourne Heights who had been turned out on the forest all season and standing little over 13 hands achieved Grade 1, ridden by Lynden Barrow. He is the first forest run stallion to achieve performance grading status.

Lovelyhill Cranborne Heights Owned Mr & Mrs Alex Humble.

Another stallion forward was Ms Cath Harrison's 6yo Furzley Charaide, bred by Sandra Kilford and by Luckington Sportaide who has produced some many good performance ponies over the years. Charaide achieved the first 3 Grades but decided to wait for next year before attempting Grade 4.

Furzley Charaide Owned by Ms Cath Harrison.

No ponies on this occasion achieved Grade 4 show Jumping which consisted of a demanding 3'6" course incorporating wide spreads and a treble line of fences but Mr Lemiuex was impressed by the high standard of ponies forward.

In the afternoon the dressage grading was judged by the international dressage rider, Lizzy Murray daughter of Jennie Loriston-Clarke. In order for all ponies to pass the various grades they had to achieve scores of 65% or more.

Furzley Serenaide Owned by Miss Jane Haskell.

Rushington Jade Owned by Ms Sue Fairway.

Trenley Tabatha Owned by bred Mr James Young and Trudy Nineham.

Report by Kerry Humble