Pat Campbell quickly and efficiently assessed well supported in-hand classes.  James Young and Trudi Nineham produced Brock Bright Dawn to top the Novices, above Alex and Kerry Humble’s Oakfield Jack the Lad who went on to win the Gelding class over the hopefully inappropriately named Willoway Billy Bunter!  Woodrow April Delight, June Whitham’s NF Point to Point winner, headed a very strong line-up of Yeld Mares, over Burley Dunlin and Vernons Valeta.

John Stride handled the charming Warren March-On (Carol Lovell) to find favour in a good class of Yearling Fillies, with the more mature Longwater Lucy in second and Bisterne Delta third.  Mrs Haycock’s slower maturing Peveril Pure Perfection successfully challenged last year’s top fillies, Buttslawn Charisma and Haywards Fleurella, in the Two Year Old Fillies.  Buttslawn Fantasia (Reserve Champion New Forest and Breed Show winner) headed the Three Year Old Fillies for Paul Knowles and Jackie Josey, above Applewitch Roan Fantasia (last year’s top 2yo Elite Scheme winner).

The young colt classes are always watched with interest – John and Wendy Adams’ Hollybrooke Rambler topped the line-up of Yearling Colts, over Woodrow William and Sabinas Gold Dust.  June Whitham’s breeding was again to the fore in the 2 and 3 Year Old Colt class – Woodrow Easter made it a worthwhile journey from the Isle of Wight for his new owner Nick Williams.  Sabinas Bright Spirit stood second above Thatchers Dun Roaming - a very pleasing result for the Crouch Family and their forest-bred colt.

Sabinas Gold Sovereign established himself at the top of an impressive line-up in the Stallion class above Woodrow Portman.  But it was Burley Showman (owned and bred by Gill Wright) standing third, that attracted a great deal of interest – a reminder that our breed has no lower height limit, Showman is producing the smaller stock which make perfect lead rein, first ridden and all round fun ponies for younger children.

The five year old mare Brock Bramble II collected the Forest-Bred Championship for Jacqui and John Lowth, with Longcopse Elton Reserve.  The Overall In-Hand Championship went to Sabinas Gold Sovereign, Reserve going to Woodrow Easter.  Gold Sovereign later added the NPS Silver Medal to his collection for Sabine Andree-Parsons.

Ivor Lloyd of the famous Derwen Welsh Cob Stud, sorted the well filled ridden classes.  Sabinas Monte Carlo and Lily Wiggins enjoyed a win in the Junior Ridden Qualifier and with a change of rider (Gail Meaker), collected the Picton Qualifying ticket.  Gemma Munisamy and Peveril Pendragon topped the Small Novices with Cameron Seven Up (Catherine Whitell) taking the Large Novice class.  After a re-shuffle in the Ridden Stallion class, Kerry Humble and Lovelyhill Uplift (winner West Midlands Stallion Show 2007) enjoyed a satisfying win over the established partnership of Farriers Fingerprint and Shirley Young.  Having assessed the Large Open ponies, Mr Lloyd sent the class out again and asked for an extended trot – Farriers Foxglove (Shirley Young) returned to top position, with Vernons Valeta (Zoe Lodwidge) moving up above Willoway Emily.  Megan Shorey confidently rode Willoway Piper’s Paragon (Olympia Finalist 2005) to take the Small Open class before successfully taking on the challenge to collect the Ridden Championship, the Overall Ridden Championship & NPS Silver Medal and…Supreme New Forest Championship!

The delightful picture of Jade Palmer and Purkiss Summer Breeze won the Breed Qualifier for the NPS First Ridden, above the versatile Willoway Bailey who was also second in Small Section of the Novice Workers.  Lucy Booth piloted Willoway Harrison to success in the Breed Qualifier of the NPS M&M WHP class and also won her section of the Intermediate Qualifier with Woodrow Liberty. 

Stallions had a clean sweep in the Dressage - Wendy Adams had two wins with Burley Branston and another with Burley Traveller, but based on a points system from all four classes, Longcopse Elton walked away with the Championship.  Team members for the “Enthusiasts” that hold the Rural Riders National Title, Mandy Pidgley and the 13hh forest-bred stallion “a gift from a friend moving to Scotland, who thought I might do something with him”, had a great day!

Hazel Quinn and her team must be congratulated for yet another very successful show. 

Malcolm Fry