Pony showjumping champions crowned on day two of Horse of the Year Show 2021

Hampshire rider Elissa Herrmann was crowned Sorbeo Leading Pony Showjumper of the year after a dominant display at the Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham.

The Winchester teenager guided 10-year-old gelding Lapislazuli – a pony previously ridden by impressionist Rory Bremner’s daughter Lila – home after seven combinations from 26 starters made the jump-off.

Elissa recorded the competition’s only double clear, posting a time of 31.14 seconds to win a competition that was first held at Horse of the Year Show in 1949, with previous winners including the likes of Michael Whitaker and William Whitaker.

Sophie Evans took second place on Oscar van de Beekerheide, with the podium places completed by Ollie Fry and Zucan V.

“You can’t put it into words, really, what it feels like to win here,” Elissa said.

“I’ve had the pony since just after this show two years ago, and we went to the Pony European Championships in Poland in the summer. It was a challenging course and jump-off, but this is the big one. There is nothing more special in this country, really.”

The Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Championship was won in thrilling fashion by 14-year-old Thomas Bradburne, from Berkshire, whose parents Gee – formerly Gee Armytage – and Mark were both successful National Hunt jockeys.

Fourteen combinations from 27 starters made it through to the jump-off, with Thomas last to go aboard eight-year-old Derryinver Rocky.

They faced a tough assignment after Olivia Spooner and Conella surged into the lead with a time of 29.20 seconds that edged previous leader Rosie Walker, riding Grey Lad V, into third.  But it proved a masterclass in composed, precision jumping, clocking 28.63 to give a beaming Thomas an outstanding victory.

“It was brilliant,” Thomas said. “The pony has done so much for me, and we just wanted to keep it flowing in the jump-off. It was amazing. I tried to think of it as just jumping in a normal 1.15m course that we do regularly, it’s just all the jazz and lights that go with it that you have to kind of shut out, and you have to do that for the pony as well and keep him focussed.

“It is such a massive show, the crowds are great, and the noise when you cross the line, you never get that anywhere else.”

For further information:

Audio interview with Sorbeo Leading Pony Showjumper of the Year winner Elissa Herrmann

Audio interview with Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Championship winner Thomas Bradburne