EQUINE NEWS

29th June 2006

Childrens Day at Royal Cornwall

Emma Stokes from Foxhole had a great surprise when she came home from Poltair school on the first day of the Royal Cornwall Show. Her grandfather had been to the show and bought a catalogue, and to his amazement there was a picture of Emma at the 2005 show on the front cover.

Emma won the best child rider championship at the 2005 show riding her 138cms show pony Overdale Vanity Fair. This year she moved up a height section and was delighted to win the 148cms childs riding pony class and take the show pony championship with Jackets Vaudeville, a five year old chestnut gelding bought for Emma on Christmas Day last year.

Emma had the great honour of leading the grand parade of prize winning horses in the main ring on Saturday afternoon. Emma (15) is classed as an elite athlete at Poltair school and is given £100 in sponsorship from them to go towards her training, travel costs and entry fees etc.

The Saturday at The Royal Cornwall Show is always deemed child’s day. Which is just what is was, three year old Oliver Laity was absolutely thrilled to bits to win the Lead Rein pony of Hunter type class riding his lovely section A pony Rookery Hailstone, who used to be ridden by his cousin Lauren Berridge. Oliver was cheered on by four generations of his family that have been showing at the Royal Cornwall for many years. Six year old Poppy Padley from St Mewan had a great time gaining second place in the lead rein pony of hunter type. Poppy rode her welsh section A grey mare Windwillow Forget Me Not and was awarded the best rider card in the class. All her friends and family were there to support her and let out a huge cheer when she came out of the ring. "To be placed so highly at our own county show is fantastic" said Poppy’s mother Sky. Poppy made her debut at the Royal Cornwall last year when she was just thrilled to be able to compete at such a great event. To bring home an award this year is the icing on the cake.

However, the biggest cheer of the day must have been for nine year-old Joseph Vincent who qualified for the Horse of the Year Show on his little grey Shetland Trevassack Dallas, or Scooby as he is known to all his fans! Competition was high and with so many entries in the class a tip top performance was required from young Joseph and Scooby. Who later went on to stand mini reserve champion.

Abigail Dymond, aged five gave a good performance in the show pony leading rein class to take first place and then had to compete against her young cousin Oliver for the mini leading rein championship.

Abigails two years gave her the advantage and she was chosen lead rein champions. Not wanting to leave it there Abigail went into the BSPS mini championship competing against the first ridden winner Harriet Searle on Liz Stanlieks black pony Tynycae Nightingale.

It was Abigails day and she went home decked in rosettes after receiving her trophy in the grand parade of prize winning horses in front of record crowds.