2024 marks 26 years in which Blue Chip Feed has been sponsoring the popular Pony Newcomers Showjumping Championship, and as such they are British Showjumping’s longest standing sponsor.
Pictured above 2011 CHAMPION: Emily Ward and King Mac
Blue Chip is proud to sponsor the series and the championships which have proven to be such a great springboard for international success for many young competitors.
First contested at HOYS 37 years ago, former winners include previous world number one eventer and Olympic gold medallist Oliver Townend, plus household showjumping names Guy Goosen (1986), John Renwick (1987), Matthew Sampson (2025 and 2026) and so many more!
Clare Blaskey, Blue Chip Feed Founder, goes on to say "since Blue Chip Feed Ltd’s inception it has always been our policy to help and encourage young riders in all disciplines, so when we were asked if we would sponsor The Pony Newcomers at HOYS, it was just the perfect class."
"We have so enjoyed watching the winners go on to International success; often with our further help and sponsorship as in the cases of Paul Barker, Matthew Sampson and Beth Vernon, who won an Individual Gold at the Pony European Championships plus further European medals, and continues to be sponsored by Blue Chip today."
Pictured above 2010 CHAMPION: Chantelle Duggan and Rumworth Taylors Twilight, called Flicker at home. Chantelle was trained by her mum Margaret and said "This is the biggest class I've ever won". She was 2 seconds faster than second place, seeing a perfect stride to the last. Chantelle still competes at an incredibly high level. In 2023 she and Linton De La Chappelle were 2023 HOYS Talent Seekers Champions, AGAIN taking the title by 2 seconds!
Most recent successes include the 2023 Champion, and Blue Chip sponsored rider Katie Bradburne, who went on to achieve Team Gold and Individual 4th at the 2024 FEI Jumping European Championships for ponies.
Pictured above 2023 CHAMPION: Katie Bradburne and Shovern Inca owned by Claire Crossman, clinching their first HOYS title. Katie goes on to say “It is amazing jumping in front of a crowd like you get at HOYS; the atmosphere is incredible and it is something I’ll never forget."
Pictured above 2012 CHAMPION: Jodie Crawford and Birchgrove
Pictured above (left) 2013 CHAMPION: Alex Gill and Wildwood Silver
Pictured above (right) 2014 CHAMPION: Alex Gill and Kingstown Rebel
Following in his grandfather David Boston Barker and uncle Paul Barker’s footsteps, gaining a Horse of the Year Show win, and this wasn't to end there! At the time, Alex became only the second showjumper in HOYS history to successfully defend the prestigious Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Championship title. The only other rider to do this was Matthew Sampson in 2005 and 2006, and it hasn't been done since!
Pictured above 2017 CHAMPION: Tahnia Jordan Jones and Jumper
Pictured above 2021 CHAMPION: Thomas Bradburne and Derryinver Rocky
Who will take the title in 2024?
Have photos to add to our flash back over the years? Please email them to info@bluechipfeed.com.