Birthday to remember for girl, nine, crowned show champion

A NINE-year-old girl was crowned champion on her birthday at this year’s Ewelme Horse Show.

Ada Mahony-Hargreaves, from Cholsey, who has been riding for 18 months, rode San Cler Tinky Winky, 12, around the ring to victory.

She participated in the ridden coloured class, walking, trotting and cantering with the 12.3 hands high horse they had owned for a week.

The show, on September 7, saw about 250 class entries from 140 competitors, making it the biggest show to date.

Ada said: “It was a big surprise and a lovely feeling to win. It was mostly Tinky’s doing, she was really good.

“I was really nervous because I had no idea what a ridden class was, so I just did as they said.

“I found it easy when we got into it but she’s very fast, so it’s quite hard to keep her under control.

“She was quiet on the day. I think she was nervous, but she performed really well, and I am proud of her.”

Ada’s mother, Naomi Hallam, 43, used to ride when she was younger. She said: “It was her first show away from the fun ones at the stable.

“Tinky Winky is very well bred, quite flashy but very safe for Ada, who is looking forward to doing lots more shows with her in the future.”

Willow Chamberlain, 13, from Harpsden, won first place for jumping 60cm with her 16 hands high horse, Rocky. This was the second show she had competed at.

Amina Chamberlain, her mum, said: “We started loaning a pony and sharing it with other children, riding a couple of times a week.

“In May, she started loaning her own pony, so now she rides after school every day and during the weekend. She went along and had no expectations. I was so happy and pleased for her. I think it will be really good for her confidence for her to enter more shows.”

Malaika Gurung, three, from Reading, rode Magic Mermaid, 20, a Welsh Section A horse which is 11.2 hands high. She won first place for her assisted 30cm jump.

Jessica Gurung, 34, her mother, said: “We have taken her to a few shows before but this is the first time she has won. She didn’t quite get the concept, saying ‘I really like the pink rosette’, so my husband had to step away and explain placement.

“We were looking for a horse for six months because it’s really hard to find one that will go off the reins but not take advantage of her, because Mali is so independent and doesn’t like to be on the lead. When we found Magic, we knew she was perfect because she listens.”

Catherine Hordern, a member of the show committee, said: “We had lots of first-timers, many of whom entered Henley Farm and Country Show. Even in tough times, the Ewelme show continues to be a highlight on the local equestrian and canine calendar.

“A huge thank you from the committee on behalf of all our competitors to our judges, stewards, hospitality, commentators, jump suppliers, course builders, volunteers and helpers, without whom the show simply could not take place.”