10 New Combinations Gearing Up for Novice Classes
We’ve pulled together 10 hot up-and-coming novice combinations to keep an eye on as they progress through the season!
1. Kate Williams and Ringside Fields of Gold
Five-year-old Eva is a homebred Welsh section D by Swanhill Golden Rocket and out of Gwernfythan Melody. Kate is hoping to bring her out this year to do some NPS Picton novice classes. Eva was shown once as a foal, standing supreme and won a WPCS bronze medal but has lived out ever since until she was broken in.
2. Cassie Regan and Nefydd Eilwyn
Cassie bought five-year-old Welsh section B, Nefydd Eilwyn [Gavin] from Claire Heywood. Gavin is sired by Nefydd Adferth and out of Nefydd Alys, whom Fiona Cork’s son Henry competed successfully in a variety of disciplines over fences. “I’m hoping he will combine Adferth’s good looks and Alys’ talents in the future, but I will just aim to do a few novice flat classes this year,” said Cassie.
3. Aimee Devane and Costa Joe The Boss
Welsh section C, Joey, is actually owned by Aimee’s “good friend and business partner, Dex Davies”. and bred by Russell Bennett. Five-year-old Joey was shown successfully in-hand as a youngster, bagging himself a WPCS bronze medal. “He has taken to being ridden very well and we are both really excited to see what this season holds for him both under saddle and in-hand,” said Aimee.
4. Katie Common and Birchpark Banksy
Inverness based Katie hopes to get her five-year-old Connemara, Banksy out to do a few novice classes this year. He is by Murvey Benny and out of Snabo Sophie, and was bred by Katie’s “good friend Gerald Joyce”.
5. Vikki Smith and Carlowrie Mikado
Mikado is a six-year-old Connemara gelding by Castle Gismo. He is owned by Rachael and Freya Wilson and joined Vikki’s production team at the beginning of the year having contested a couple of novice classes last season.
6. Kate Haywood and Carlung Valiant
Highland stallion, Carlung Valiant [Bruce] has enjoyed a very successful career in hand as a youngster and after spending last summer hacking and the winter on the hunting field, he’s ready to tackle ridden classes.
7. Evie Bigley and Waxwing Gloriana
Six-year-old Gloriana is by Cwrtycadno Cymro and out of Waxwing Lap of Glory and was bred by David Blair and Tom Best. Evie and Gloriana got to know each other during the summer of last year and they’ve been working hard this winter in preparation for first ridden classes.
8. Lucinda Dargavel and Newoak Prosper
Following an exceptional in-hand season in 2021, Lucinda’s four-year-old Dartmoor stallion, Newoak St Paul, by Newoak Prosper and out of Hisley Souvenir, is currently being broken in by Jessica Talbot and has taken to his new job with a smile on his face.
9. Libby Grota and Cadlanvalley Masterpiece
Steph Mansfield’s section B stallion, Cadlanvalley Masterpiece [Max] has been extremely successful in hand with several enviable results despite his young age and COVID. He’s now returned to his birthplace to be brought out under saddle by Libby Grota, who said that he “loves his work”.
10. Maggie Simons and Darrenvale Diamante
Six-year-old Fell mare, Pam is owned by Mark Tamplin. We’re more accustomed to seeing Maggie on Welsh ponies. “When Mark offered Pam, I thought, why not?” said Maggie. However, that was two years ago, and their initial plans were scuppered when Pam required emergency colic surgery. Now that she’s well again, their plan is back in action.
