HOYS

[Butkin]

Had a marvellous day at HOYS on Thursday (without DD - suprised how many kids were missing school).

Loads of shopping (bought DD some new chaps, myself new Ariats, DD's pony a new turnout rug etc).

Watched the Mini M&Ms and was suprised by the judging. The big names didn't do well and the judge didn't seem to reward extravagent movement or good riding. Still that is showing and each judge has their own opinion.

Off again tomorrow to watch the SPs and particularly cheering on Chagford Lewis in the LR SP.

Taking DD for the first time and hoping she will enjoy it as much as she is expecting to - she hasn't talked about anything else for months.

Hope you had a lovely day. One of my clients did well so really pleased for her.

we went on saturday - took the pony mad dd2 and slightly less keen likes hte idea not reality of pony owning dd1 and the super allergic to horses dh ! he had steroids and anti -hist so was ok. surprised ourselves as had fantastic day out - real family quaility time. ( hate that expression) not much shopping as girls kept following me. top moments were watcing our friends little girl ( my girls best friend) get 5th in l/r shp. huge turn out of followers all cheering like mad. and my dd 2 turning to me after watching 14.2 pony show jumping and saying " me and noddy could do that " I repled soothingly " of course you could sweetie " . " yes " she repiled " if someone lets us of the lead rein, cause that someone couldn't jump those jumps" this was delivered with an accusing stare at me !

am being lulled into thinking how we might manage a hoys pony and producer fees for enxt yr...

Wonderful Mummydoc - glad you all had a positive experience.

We took DD (7) for her first HOYS visit on Sunday and she loved it all. We did plenty of early shopping (inc a hoodie for DD with her ponies' names on - naff but she loves it).

We had lunch in Caldene watching the WHPs and then settled down to watch the SPFR and SPLRs. Sadly our beloved Lewis spooked in his show and didn't come anywhere.

We then rushed to the main arena where we saw the Speed horse class and DD got to see Ellen Whitaker which she enjoyed.

A good day out for all.

Mummydoc - have you a producer in mind? Interested in who goes where. We like the way Katy Carter handles them and of course the Emmersons and Templetons are so strong at the moment.

We think both Poppy Carter and Shannon Mears are great jockeys for DD to watch in action.

owner of our yard whose dd got 5th in l/r shp has just got new pony for next yr and has it in wales with jess someone - she raves about her. Find the whole big production teams like the templeton team a little over powering and not really my cup of tea. heard good things baout burchill-smalls. but have to a) persuade dh, b) get dd 1 to win scholarship to her next school thus cutting current fee bill so can afford it. Have been given tip of 4 yr m+m lead rein potential so toying with goign to look at it. Who is your pony with ? and please can i ask how mcuh producers fees are ?

agree about hoodies with names :)

The top producer of your sort of pony in Wales is Jane Shields. We know friends who have ponies with Ollie Burchill-Smalls. He is very good - especially with SHPs - and would probably do a very good job for you but does have lots of clients already.

We have ours with Christina Gillet - probably best known for having Chagford Lewis this year. She is near Ely and specialises in LR, FR and has a few coloureds.

We have also had some short term production from Lulu Hillyard who is in Essex and is top class - she won the LRSP at HOYS - and has her daughter Katie White to school them.

Can't really telly you prices on an open forum - sorry - but I'm sure they will be transparent about this.

of course - we are herford/gloucester borders so nearest really big team is Julie Templeton - frined went to look at pony hter and said amazing set up but we really are not big league and anyway dd2 is adamant she is taking her own pony to hoys ( bless her). it must be lovely to be 5 and to have such blind love for a slightly scruffy , overweight , tempremental thelwell look alike ! actually that is how it should be with kids and their ponies. but am goign to see prospective pony .....just in case

Katy Carter is at Stoke on Trent if that is nearer to you. Lots of top producers are too far north for us - Emmersons, Templetons, Hollings but they all do a top class job.

DD likes having our pony at home as well. However it is really hard for her to take on the pros as they have older children/small adults to do the schooling which sets the ponies up. We always have the roan at home as the pet-pony to do Pony Club, hacking etc on.

Our Sec B will go back to Christina for a week in December to get him going again and then we'll have him at home until Feb when he'll go back to start working for the BSPS Winter Champs.