The supreme champion from a large horse and pony section at the Spring Show at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie, was the well known Highland Pony stallion, Glenbanchor Gillebrighde, whose owner, John Reid, of Rothienorman, was delighted to accept his award from visiting patron of the show Princess Anne.
This son of Moss-side Quercus Rubra is seven-years-old now and has had an incredibly successful showing career, winning the Highland Show in 2015. He is also a past overall winner at the Spring Show and has lifted championships at most of the north shows.
Reserve supreme was the coloured champion, an 11-year-old non-native mare owned and exhibited by Caroline McIntosh, of North Eddieston, Skene. Flying Buck Sempra by Semper De has been with Caroline for four years and she competes under-saddle at showing and dressage. This is the second year in a row she has won the coloured championship at the Spring Show.
Winner of the bred by exhibitor prize was the Clydesdale champion, a two-year-old filly, Tulloes Blossom by Collessie Stepping Stone from Jim Greenhill, Upper Tulloes, Forfar. This was her first time out this year but she won at Forfar as a yearling.
Champion
Clydesdale: A. and J. Greenhill, Upper Tulloes, Forfar, with the two-year-old filly, Tulloes Blossom by Collessie Stepping Stone out of Tulloes Louise.
Reserve – Lynne McDonald, Mains of Coynach, Tarland, with the yearling filly, Freeland Miss Eliza by Great American GW Carver. She was bred by Margo McIntyre and bought as a weaned foal. She was second at Grampian Foal Show in her only other outing.
Shetland: Christine Forbes, Dullanbank, Dufftown, with the home-bred six-year-old standard chestnut mare, Lynemore Finnesse by Abbotsbury Urquhart. This was her first show since she was a yearling. Reserve – Ann Irvine, Kininvie, Rothienorman, with the eight-year-old home-bred miniature mare, Evita of Haybrake by Zig Zag of Brindister. She has had a successful show career and bred a foal. Reserve standard – John Watson, Hartrigge, Jedburgh, with the 11-year-old stallion, Kerloch Rupert by Stow Review. He was champion at the National Stallion Show in February and Shetland champion at the Great Yorkshire last year. Reserve Miniature – Stephanie Mitchell, Conon Bridge, Ross-shire, with the 13-year-old stallion, Tenston Orkney Breeze by Kerswell Rowan, he was purchased in December from Shetland.
Highland: John Reid, Jackstown Cottages, Rothienorman, with the seven-year-old dun stallion, Glenbanchor Gillebrighde by Moss-side Quercus Rubra, a previous Highland Show, Spring Show and Black Isle show champion. Reserve – Sarah MacIntosh, Greystone, Peterhead, with the seven-year-old grey mare, Tiana May of Forglen by Marnonwells Gleann Eagas. Bred by Gordon and Ann Towns, Sarah only bought her eight months ago and this was her first show.
Mountain and Moorland: Aimee Hugill, Rumbleyond, Stonehaven, with the 15-year-old Welsh Section A mare, Ci Polly Rose by Cui Pendragon. She was champion M and M at the Caledonian Championships and at Banchory last year. Reserve – Fiona Stevenson, Marchmyres, Muir of Alford, with the 13-year-old bay Fell mare, Inglegarth Diva by Inglegarth Solo. She was champion at Tarland last year.
Hunters, Hacks and Sport Horses: Freda Newton, c/o Morven View, Spittal, Caithness, with the yearling gelding, Hollywell Showtime by Future Trend. Brought out by Russell Skelton, this chestnut was bought in Ireland and being shown for the first time. Reserve – Freda Newton, with the three-year-old gelding, Future King by Future Trend, also brought out by Russell Skelton. He was champion sports horse at the Highland last year and also supreme in-hand at Turriff and champion hunter at Perth.
Ponies: Claire Chisman, Smiddy Croft, Fisherie, Turriff, with the three-year-old gelding, Moluccas King Kafeir by Sedgelands Masquerade. Shown by Tom Marshall, he won as a yearling and is aiming for his Cuddy ticket this year. Reserve – Sue Williamson, Eskside Pony Stud, Justinhaugh, Forfar, with the two-year-old gelding, Chiddock Shooting Times by Chiddock Time Limit being shown for the first time since being bought in November.
Coloured: Caroline McIntosh, North Eddieston, Skene, with the 11 year-old non-native mare, Flying Buck Sempra by Semper De. She has won her class at the Spring show for the last three years and was champion last year. Reserve – Alasdair Matheson, c/o Morven View, Spittal, Caithness, with the three-year-old non-native Frecketon Finesse by Copilot. Brought out by Russell Skelton, she was supreme in hand at Caithness County Show and won her class at the Highland last year.
Ride and Drive: Diane Allan, North Lodge, Burnhervie, Inverurie, with the native coloured three-year-old gelding, Jethro Almighty by The Mighty Mop, being shown for the first time. Reserve – Patrick McDonald, Ythanside, Fyvie, with the yearling Clydesdale, Hilton Jake by Collessie Pride, being shown for the first time.