West Hants power to Prince Philip Cup victory at HOYS

West Hants Branch of The Pony Club were crowned champions in the Prince Philip Cup at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), while Oakley Hunt West also tasted success in the Thistledown Developments Pony Club Cup.

The West Hants team of Libby Hawkins (14), Katie Upshall (11), Amelia Swann (12), Tom Pink (14), Megan Pink (11) and Courtney Morris (13, Non-Riding Reserve) produced a string of consistent performances throughout the weekend, with their two session wins on Thursday and Friday putting them on the path to glory.

The win was West Hants’ first success in the 62-year history of the Prince Philip Cup, and their final points tally of 105 was even more impressive given the quality of the opposition. They were joined in the final session by Atherstone Hunt (98 points, 2^nd), North Warwickshire (94 points, joint 3^rd) and Oakley Hunt West (94 points, joint 3^rd), who are all previous winners and between them boasted an impressive haul of 14 previous titles. Also competing throughout the weekend were Morpeth Hunt (58 points, 5^th) and Romney Marsh (49 points, 6^th).

Earlier in the show, the Oakley Hunt West team of Sophie Grimshaw (15), Jaime Medcalf (15), Jaimsye Bailey (15), Charlotte Sabatier (15), Luke Grimshaw (13) and Archie Medcalf (13, Non-Riding Reserve) took the honours in the Thistledown Developments Pony Club Cup by the narrowest of margins. Their total of 30 points saw them tied for first place with West Hants, but a thrilling tie-break race saw Oakley prevail.

The third competition for the teams was the Stable Cup, awarded for the highest scores in tack, turnout and stable management. West Hants won this with an impressive score of 912, well ahead of North Warwickshire (2^nd, 882 points) and Morpeth Hunt (3^rd, 870 points).

The Pony Club Mounted Games is a competition requiring courage, determination and all round riding ability. The concept of the competition was first introduced by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT, who suggested that Cavalry competitions could be adapted for young riders on ponies in an entertaining and visually engaging format. The first competitions were held in 1957 and the winner received the coveted Prince Philip Challenge Trophy.

A full set of results for the Prince Philip Cup is available here.

-ENDS-

Images are available to download here

Thistledown Developments sponsor The Pony Club Prince Philip Cup final at HOYS.

For further information please contact Marty Bibby (marty@pcuk.org)

Pony Club Branches stated are based around the following regions: