Hayesbrook Double Bother is a 2024 HOYS finalist together with his tiny rider

A tiny rider has refused to permit a lifelong sickness to forestall her from competing – and has earnt her first ticket on the Horse of the 12 months Present (HOYS) on a former Pony Membership pony purchased for £750.

9-year-old Harriett Platt certified for the 122cm junior M&M working hunter pony of the 12 months ultimate on the BSPS summer time championships aboard her home-produced Welsh part A Hayesbrook Double Bother. On the time, the 14-year-old gelding had solely been with Harriett and her mom Helen Mylott for 10 weeks.

Harriett has not had a simple life up up to now. She was born with extreme mixed immunodeficiency (SCID), also called bubble boy illness, which means she had no immune system. She has undergone two bone marrow transplants, the second of which was a world-first administration of the particular kind of therapy. Harriett goes for weekly antibody infusions, one thing she will likely be required to do for the remainder of her life.

Regardless of her well being situation, Helen says that Harriett has by no means thought-about giving up using.

“She’s so small however she’s so decided and is as robust as an ox,” Helen says.

Harriett picked up the using bug through her step sibling’s ponies and he or she was quickly making her manner up the Pony Membership ranks.

“She has been using since she was two years outdated and he or she’s nonetheless mad for it, being out in all weathers using her ponies,” Helen says. “We’ve been making an attempt to get to HOYS for 2 years with our different pony, Lily, however we’ve struggled for a transparent spherical. Lily, who remains to be a younger pony, has discovered this step up fairly troublesome and Harriett has left the ring on two toes extra typically than 4!”

Helen and Harriett’s good mates Oliver and Ant Gibney stepped in to assist, buying Hayesbrook Double Bother — identified at residence as Shadow — for £750 from a neighborhood vendor. The horse had completed varied issues on the Pony Membership circuit, however was in any other case unknown to the household. Shadow has since been gifted to Harriett by Oliver and Ant.

“Oliver and Ant are Harriett’s largest supporters,” Helen says. “Shadow was purchased as a venture to promote on, however we quickly realised we had a diamond within the tough on our palms. He’d by no means completed working hunter earlier than, however he completely loves the job. He’s so sincere that after two using membership reveals we determined to attempt the HOYS qualifier at Stoneleigh, the place he jumped clear, regardless of being a bit inexperienced.

“On the BSPS championships, Harriett and Shadow grew in confidence and improved after every spherical. We had all the things crossed for the final day’s qualifier which, to our shock, they gained and stood champion. I’ve not heard cheering from the facet of the ring prefer it earlier than. Everybody erupted as they know the way poorly Harriett has been and the way arduous she’s tried.

“Forward of HOYS, we’ve been having classes and hiring out arenas. We’ve not had Shadow for very lengthy in any respect however he’s simply blossomed; he sparkles, shines and steps out within the ring now. We’re overcome on the alternative to compete at HOYS for the primary time.”

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H&H exhibiting editor

Born and raised within the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the exhibiting scene. She has certified and competed ponies on the Royal Worldwide, Horse of the 12 months Present and Olympia and has first-hand information of the present points within the exhibiting 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 exhibiting reviews and present exhibiting information within the UK.