2024 HOYS mini M&M championship outcomes

A visit south of the border paid dividends for the connections of a 10-year-old first-ridden jockey and his Welsh part B pony as they gained the 2024 HOYS mini M&M tricolour on day one of many Horse of the Yr Present (HOYS).

Dumfries-based Prestyn Patterson was driving at HOYS for the primary time. His companion was his mom Ashley’s Celton Avallon (Alfie), an eight-year-old Welsh part B by Heaton Romeo bred by the Williams Household.

The pair are produced by Kirstine Douglas they usually certified for the ultimate on the NPS summer time championships in August.

Prestyn has been driving since he was 5, although he’s in his first season with Alfie.

“We received him simply over a yr in the past and he’s an excellent little pony; we do completely all the pieces with him,” Ashley mentioned. “Prestyn was so excited to only get right here, not to mention win and go champion. This can be a dream come true.”

Alfie was bought from Pippa Kirby the place he was campaigned as a junior pony by Pippa’s daughter. Prestyn can be returning to the TopSpec Area to journey Alfie within the junior remaining later within the week.

Producer Kirstine had her eye on Alfie from the start of their hunt for the proper pony: “I knew that if we wished a first-ridden that he’d be the one. Prestyn could be very dedicated; he’s on the yard each evening to journey.”

This was a bucket-list win for Kirstine, too, as Alfie is the primary mini pony her staff has certified for HOYS.

Regardless of it being a day of firsts, Prestyn remained cool, calm and picked up all through the entire expertise.

“He doesn’t actually get nervous, although I do as Mum on the ringside!” Ashley confirmed. “And he trusts Alfie utterly.”

After his win Prestyn mentioned: “Alfie is a straightforward pony; he’s a great horse who doesn’t want quite a lot of work. I wasn’t nervous earlier than getting into, however after they known as my quantity ahead I questioned if I’d heard it proper.”

Reserve within the 2024 HOYS mini M&M championship went to the lead-rein winner, Brynrodyn Danika, a five-year-old gray mare owned by Dorian Lloyd and ridden by Medi Rowles Lloyd. The Welsh part A gained two qualifiers this time period en path to the ultimate.

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H&H displaying editor

Born and raised within the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the displaying scene. She has certified and competed ponies on the Royal Worldwide, Horse of the Yr Present and Olympia and has first-hand data of the present points within the displaying world in addition to the horses, ponies and riders who compete within the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 since when she has cemented its place because the main equestrian publication for each displaying studies and present displaying information within the UK.