Amateur rider Victoria Taylor and her Fell stallion Birkettbank Master John (Jay) won the 2024 BSPS ridden M&M supreme championship final at the London International Horse Show. They received high scores from both ride judges and conformation judges, totaling 179/200. Jay was purchased unseen by Victoria’s mother Jane Sonnex and has had success in various competitions, including finishing in the top few at HOYS in 2022.
Reserve champion was Joe Watson’s Dales stallion Griseburn Major, who scored 178/200 and won the best of breed crown. Major has had success in competitions, including being M&M champion at HOYS as a five-year-old. Highland stallion Dunedin Iolare finished third and best of breed on their debut in London, scoring 175/200. Top Welsh section C, April Gilmartin and Gems Malt Whiskey, finished fourth overall on 171/200.
Other notable competitors included Ellena Thomas and Highland stallion Ashleyvale Glen Duror, who finished fifth, and Sarah Parker riding Nipna Mighty Oak, who finished sixth. Three Connemaras occupied the next three spaces in the competition. The event showcased a variety of talented riders and horses across different breeds.
