Three Manx riders enjoyed memorable performances at this year’s Horse of the Year Show at Birmingham’s NEC, securing top placings and fulfilling long-held ambitions on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Lola Bass claimed a podium finish in the 153cm Working Hunter Pony class, taking third place aboard Carnsdale Be Charming.
Fellow Manx competitor Abby Kirkpatrick also enjoyed success, finishing third in the prestigious Working Hunter of the Year competition after producing a clear round on Magnus Amor.
Reflecting on her achievement, Kirkpatrick described the result as a career highlight.
“Getting into the second phase was a dream come true but to make it into the evening presentation was mind blowing,” she said.
“We were placed third out of 30-plus of the best of the best, impressive for little us from the Isle of Man exactly 10 years to the day that I first rode at HOYS and I’ve been waiting for that clear round.”
Meanwhile, Toni Kewley made her debut appearance at the Horse of the Year Show with Jack of Hearts in the Small Hacks class.
Posting after her HOYS appearance, Kewley said: “First visit to Horse of the Year Show. Jack of Hearts performed beautifully in the Small Hacks this morning [October 8]. I cannot believe I finally got my time and to do it with this horse has been incredible.”
