Homegrown Phoenix Takes Show Hunter Championships

Posted on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 by Heather Dodd

AN electric atmosphere greeted competitors in the TopSpec Arena for the Black Country Saddles Show Hunter Championship at this year’s Equifest.

And having made the leap from dressage to showing just four months ago, Homegrown Phoenix ridden by Elliot Dowler claimed the championship spoils.

The 12-year-old bay gelding started his winning ways when heading the Middleweight Hunters earlier in the day before moving into the TopSpec Arena for the evening performance.

Brought over from Ireland in April by the Miller family, Phoenix as he is known at home is produced by their daughter-in-law Leona Sanders from Bury St Edmunds.

Ridden by family friend, Elliot, Phoenix previously competed in dressage over in Ireland and started in the show ring in June this year.

Said Leona: “It was fantastic to watch Elliot and Phoenix in the evening performance, the atmosphere was just fantastic but he behaved impeccably and never put a foot wrong.

“We are having great fun with him and have also qualified for HOYS which we are all very excited about.

“Phoenix has a wonderful temperament and has taken to showing brilliantly.  He has a lot of presence and was just superb on the evening.”

Picture Caption: Homegrown Phoenix and Elliot Dowler receive the Black Country Saddles Show Hunter Championships from Wendy Hartley (left) and Tori Oakes.

Major Pony Show Jumping at Liverpool International Horse Show

Posted on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 by Heather Dodd

THIS year’s Liverpool International Horse Show will see exciting Pony Grand Prix show jumping classes for all three height divisions.

The pony classes always prove hugely popular and 2017 is the first year all three 128cm, 138cm and 148cm Grand Prix Championships will take place.

Making the classes even more special is the fact that for a number of the country’s leading pony riders, the show will provide the last chance for them to compete in the sections before they move on the higher pony divisions or horses in the New Year due to their age.

Said Show President, Nina Barbour: “The pony show jumping classes are always a massive hit and the team at Liverpool International Horse Show is delighted to be putting on a class for each height category drawing in the major names from around the country.

“The competition is set to be a highlight for many of the young riders and is a wonderful last event to take part in and a perfect way to end the year.

“The prestigious Grand Prix classes bring together the top riders in their age range riding the top ponies in the country at each level.”

This year’s Liverpool International Horse Show will see a host of leading names in action from December 29 to 31, at The Echo Arena on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront.

For further information visit www.liverpoolhorseshow.com