The annual New Forest Pony Breeding  and Cattle Society’s point to point races held traditionally on boxing day finished in the vicinity of Spy Holms, Burley. Following the rain on Christmas Day, the clouds cleared for boxing day meaning competitors and spectators alike could stay dry. The meeting point for some 70 competitors and their helpers was Anderwood Car Park just east of Burley. Richard Stride was the course setter and as usual the meeting place and the exact start location is kept under wraps to leave competitors guessing as to which way the race will go.

The first race across the finishing line was the open veterans for riders over 55 which was won by John Stride and Mrs Carol Lovells Warren Quantock ( NF X TB), this successful pairing have in previous years won the heavyweights race. The New Forest veteran race for pure bred new Forest Ponies was a battle for first and second between June Witham and her own Woodrow April Delight and Brian Ingram riding Wotton Hazel, a consistent mare who has previously won the 3 mile open race with Brian’s daughter Lucinda, but the glory went to June. April Delight is regularly shown and it is refreshing to see a show pony used for more than just showing and revelling in it. 3rd in the Veterans was the Rev. Peter Murphy who was sporting a rather holy emblem on his pony’s shoulder.

The children’s races run over 1 1/2 miles are always a joy to watch with the grit and determination of these young jockeys belting for the winning post, smiling and plastered with mud. Im not sure whether it is the competitors themselves or there worried mothers who are more pleased to see the finishing line! The 10 - 13 year olds was a close finish with the 4 competitors bunched up together, the eventual winner was Ellie  Cooper  and her own  Ashlett Theadore. Second was Georgina Crouch and her own Lovelyhill Humble pie, both pony and rider making their debut point to point run. The 14-16 year olds was won by Abi Frampton and Silverlea Nosieboy.

Another Silverlea pony was in winning form in the 3 mile Adult’s Novice Race, Silverlea Drummer claimed the novice New Pony Race, ridden by Gail Meaker, closely followed by last year’s victor Sue Peters on June Witham’s Woodrow Liberty. The Novice race always has the most runners and this year was no exception with over 18 entered, so well done Gail who had a huge smile on her face and punched the air with joy after winning.

In the newest race of the meet the young commoners race for commoners under 30, there was a good entry and the winner was Jodie Biddlecomble with Charash Artful Dodger.

The Open New Forest Pony Race had only 3 runners, which is down from previous years. Lucinda Ingram won on Kilncopse Dougal who looked as though he had plenty of running left in him and had obviously benefited  from Lucinda’s regularly hunting. A close second was Kate Robb and her own forest bred pony Ashley Pepper II who battled with kilnCopse Dougal to the end.

The ladies race was won by last year’s victor Maria Adams who’s Thoroughbred Cape Coast looked as though he could have run another 4 miles, as the ladies race I am told did not take the most direct route across the forest and did and extra mile or so ! Beth Stride was second on Robert Stride’s First cross Rushmoor Batman.

The open race, for horse not exceeding 15.2 Hands was full of competition with some 7 horses entered. With the likes of Alan Ingram and his own BT who have won the race for some 4 years, last years winner Colin Moore and Yeomans Lad, Michael Maton and Middle weight winner in 2005, Jim, competition was always going to be fierce. Colin Moore galloped to victory with Alan Ingram in second and Michael Maton 3rd and Jesse Winter 4th

Mark Adams couldn’t make it a 5th year in row in the Heavyweight Race and this years victory belonged to Iain Hayter and his own Buleunn finishing at good pace.

For those not in the placings there is always next year and you now have some 360 days to get ready !

Kerry Humble