It was a day to remember for Te Awamutu seven-year-old Sophie Chipperfield, who took out both the Lead Rein Paced & Mannered Pony of the Year and Lead Rein Pony of the Year, not exceeding 128cm. Riding KS B-Witched, known as Winnie at home, and led by her mother, Melanie Priscott, Sophie had a big grin on her face and said she was happy to have had such a successful day at the Horse of the Year Show. “It was definitely a goal, working towards winning a title. This is the first time the pony has won a title," Melanie said after taking out the Paced and Mannered title. She was even more thrilled after the Lead Rein Pony of the Year win. “We were hoping, but we didn’t expect it (the win). It’s the best show; it’s the one we all want to win, I suppose, and work towards.” The family own the pony, and it will also contest the First Ridden title class tomorrow with Sophie’s sister, Chloe. In the Lead Rein Pony Rider of the Year title class Auckland’s Eva Norton-Collins, 8, was victorious. Led by her trainer, Kira Gilmour, Eva won the class riding Aintree Thumberlina, backing up their win in the Purebred Welsh Lead Rein Pony of the Year title class yesterday. “I’ve been leading her for three years now, and we’ve been working towards this,” Kira said. “She is devoted to the sport, so we were definitely aiming for that win. We knew the competition would be tough.” The pony is owned by Eva’s mother, Sue Norton-Collins. Eva is one of four girls in the family, all of whom ride and have one or two ponies – so they are extremely busy, but do have the advantage of being able to hand down ponies through the family. Eva and Aintree Thumberlina also picked up second place in the Lead Rein Paced and Mannered Pony of the Year class, and Eva placed sixth in the Lead Rein Pony of the Year with her other pony, Sanlirra Pretty Polly, capping off a great day. In the Rising Star Show Pony of the Year not exceeding 138cm it was an exciting win for Cambridge’s Elizabeth Struijch, 11, and Phoenician Centre Court. The family has owned Daisy, as the pony is known at home since she was 18 months old. Daisy was bred by Viv Staples and is now four years old – HOY was just the pony’s fifth show. “It was always a goal to win this,” mum Suzanne Struijch said. “It’s only her fifth show, and she’s the most unbelievably amazing mare. It’s Elizabeth’s first garland at HOY, she’s always been the bridesmaid and to take the title is pretty special – they’re both so young.” Suzanne does most of the coaching of her daughter herself but wanted to thank Lucy Dagnall for her help in the weeks leading up to HOY.