15 May 2018

Redwings Show 2018: The results!

There were some outstanding performances at this year’s Redwings Show on Sunday 13^th May at Topthorn Equestrian Centre with horses of all shapes and sizes, and riders of all ages, coming together for a day of showing competition.

Supreme Champions were Andrea Pearman from Suffolk and her 10-year-old stallion Fell pony Lownthwaite Ribas (pictured above) on their first year of competing at the Redwings Show. Their road to going Supreme began with a win in Working Hunter Pony or Horse (70cm) before taking the overall Working Hunter championship as judged by Margaret Walton.

Andrea, said: “This is the first time we’ve been to the Redwings Show and our first Supreme title of the year! We do all of the qualifier shows throughout the year but it’s also lovely to do a relaxed show like this. We definitely hope to be back with more ponies next year!”

Reserve Champion went to Martin Higgins from Norfolk and his twelve-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Avionne. The mare had earlier taken the In-hand overall championship having won the In-hand Foreign Breeds class, judged by Cathy Hyde. To Martin’s Ring Four Championship win, his sister, Holly Higgins, took Reserve with Redwings Ballykelly.

Reserve Supreme Champions Martin Higgins and Avionne

The Spillers Best Condition Championship was taken by Emma-Jane Smith and her 19-year-old New Forest mare Merrie Maydance, with a win in the Ring One Ridden Veteran Horse/Pony class, as judged by Helen Turner. Merrie Maydance, who is owned by Emma-Jane’s mum Sue Dobson, has competed at the Redwings Show before, previously taking the Novice Ring Championship in 2016.

Emma-Jane said: “Merrie Maydance is a pony of a lifetime. We’ve had her since she was five years old and she’s gone on to win pony shows across the UK and even been to Horse of the Year Show. We’re hoping for a veteran place at Olympia this year. Last year, she came fourth in her qualifier and just missed out so we’re hoping to go one better this year.”

Commenting on the Redwings Show, Emma-Jane added: “I love it. It’s really nice that so many people come out and support an unaffiliated show.”

Best Condition Champions Emma-Jane Smith and Merrie Maydance and Reserves Rebecca Wright and Redwings Jacob

Best Condition Champions Emma-Jane Smith and Merrie Maydance (left) and Reserves Rebecca Wright and Redwings Jacob

Best Condition Reserve went to Rebecca Wright and her eight-year-old gelding Redwings Jacob having won In-hand Best Rescue as judged by Andrea Vilela. The Donkey Breed Society affilliated Donkey Champion, judged by Linda Impey, went to Christina Bradfield and her jack donkey Gamingay Cochise.

The Amersham 10 Ridden Best Rescue Class, held as part of Redwings’ yearlong commemoration of one of their largest ever rescues was also well supported, with Redwings Teddy, who was rescued from Spindle Farm in 2008, taking second place with his rider and owner Anna Hales.

Redwings Show organiser Jude Palmer said: “We’re delighted that the Redwings Show continues to welcome every rider and handler, horse and pony – from experienced showing competitors to those for whom the Redwings Show was their first ever competition! The standard of the competition was very high and the horses, ponies and donkeys turned out beautifully. We’re so pleased that people came along to support the show and we look forward to seeing you again next year.”

Download the full list of Redwings Show results here. (PDF 136 KB)