Glorious sunshine brought the equine classes at the Great Yorkshire Show to a close after a day of intense competition and exciting judging. The classes, all qualifiers for October’s Horse of the Year Show, were re-scheduled to Tuesday 14 August after the final two days of the Great Yorkshire were cancelled following unprecedented wet weather.

Held at the showground at Harrogate, there were classes for Ladies Side Saddle, Riding Horse, Ridden Cobs, Ridden Mountain & Moorland, Lead Rein & First Ridden, Lead Rein Hunter Type, Show Hunter Pony and Show Pony.

Exhibitors travelled from all over the country for the rescheduled event, delighted to have the opportunity to compete at what proved to be a high quality event with plenty of support from the public.

Bill Cowling, Show Director said: “We’ve had lovely sunshine for most of the day which really lifted everyone’s spirits. Many of the competitors said how pleased they were to have had the opportunity to compete, with this summer’s wet weather causing the cancellation of so many shows. And a number of competitors who had qualified at other events had brought their horses so they could have a run out, which was great to see.”

There was a strong Yorkshire presence in the prize list which saw “Tom Crean Of The Antartic” owned by Mrs Joanne Graham of Doncaster take the Ridden Cob Championship. Ridden and produced by Charles Le Moighnan, the 9 year old gelding holds the current HOYS Lightweight Cob title. Judge Mrs Ann Hooley said:”It was a lovely pattern of a Cob – a worthy winner.”

In addition, “Copybush Moonsprite” the stylish black mare ridden by Charlie Marshall of Rotherham took the first ridden winner title and followed it up with the Mini Show Pony Championship.

Other championship winners were:

Show Pony Champion – Katie Baybutt of Preston, Lancashire with “Litton Enterprise”, a 6 year old bay gelding. Reserve was “Rhos Emperor”, the 6 year old 138cm winner ridden by Ellie Williamsof Sawtry, Cambridgeshire and produced by Katie Carter.

Mountain & Moorland Ridden Pony Champion – “Colliery Bill”, a 10 year old Dales gelding owned and ridden by Miss Nicola Eminson of Burnley, Lancs. This will be the first HOYS appearance for both rider and pony. Reserve was Mrs Jo Thornton’s “Oakmill Wizard”,a Welsh Section C gelding, ridden by Mrs Thornton’s daughter Chloe. Their home is in Carnforth, Lancs.

Riding Horse Champion – An 8 year old chestnut gelding “Fair and Square” owned by Mrs Suzanna Welby of Banbury. Reserve was Mr & Mrs Peter Bowdler’s “Unlimited”, an 11 year old bay gelding.

Show Hunter Pony Champion – “Parkhill Beckham” an 8 year old bay gelding owned by Mrs Sara Horne of Macclesfield and ridden by her 13 year old daughter, Charlotte. Reserve was “Van Gogh” a 14 year old bay gelding owned by Mrs E C Kerr Walker of Sutton Bonnington, Leicestershire.