Stoney Meadow Aurora, 2024 TOYS ultimate

A gypsy cob who used to be purchased for £1 has not too long ago lifted a ultimate of display name at a prestigious championship display. Hayley Mossop’s gelding Stoney Meadow Aurora crowned the in-hand gelding and easiest of breed in-hand titles en path to without equal ultimate accolade on the Conventional Of The Yr Display (30 July — 4 August) held at Onley Grounds in Warwickshire.

Stoney Meadow Aurora is referred to as Dougal at house. He joined Colchester-based Hayley in 2016 as a rescue.

“A gaggle of about 30 horses were rescued in deficient situation by means of a type particular person who then desperately had to in finding properties for them,” says Hayley, who additionally produces showjumpers and competes as much as 1.40m degree.

“I picked him out within the box and paid the princely sum of £1 for him – since then I’ve had many provides for him, together with an especially huge sum by means of somebody in The us. I declined as a result of he’s the cob that began my interest and that zeal nonetheless helps to keep rising each day.

“At the start, we purchased him simply to stay my stallion corporate at the lorry, with the purpose of breaking him in and promoting him as a children’ pony when the stallion used to be damaged and ridden away,” added Hayley, who runs TTA Equine with spouse Luke Sadler.

“Then instances modified so we broke Dougal in and bought him for a nominal quantity to make sure he had a just right house. He used to be simplest there for 3 days once I were given a telephone name to mention he used to be inflicting chaos. No-one may just catch him and I had to acquire him!

“We drove there in an instant, referred to as his identify around the box and he galloped over to us. He nearly loaded himself again up. I feel it’s protected to mention Dougal had selected us and we’ve by no means appeared again. No amount of cash could be sufficient to shop for him now.”

Dougal has loved many appearing successes, each in-hand and ridden, however he additionally lives an absolutely standard existence.

“He attends Pony Membership camps, rallies, seaside rides, cross-country – even Easter egg hunts, and all with a grin on his face!”

You may additionally love to learn…

H&H appearing editor

Born and raised within the Lake District, Alex has grown up at the appearing scene. She has certified and competed ponies on the Royal World, Horse of the Yr Display and Olympia and has first-hand wisdom of the present problems within the appearing international in addition to the horses, ponies and riders who compete within the game. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 since when she has cemented its position because the main equestrian e-newsletter for each appearing experiences and present appearing information in the United Kingdom.