Jessica Howard and Tinkas Gentleman Jim were crowned the winners of the Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Masters in the final class of the day at the British Showjumping National Championships 2018. As the final combination to go in the 16 pony jump off, Jessica flew round the up to height course and finished four seconds ahead of second place Alena Hughes and Alena’s Ennistymon.
Jessica has travelled from Keysoe for the Championships and has been riding Tinka since December last year. In their first season together they have already enjoyed wins at Hickstead, Keysoe and the Blue Chip Winter Championships but had so far missed out on their HOYS qualification four times throughout the season…..until today. Completely overwhelmed by her win and with tears of joy, she exclaimed: “I’m so excited to be going to HOYS! I went into the round with no game plan and decided to just see how he jumped over the first fence; if he was a bit backwards then I’d fire him up but if he jumped well I’d keep him settled. He jumped so well and I am so proud of him!”
Jessica’s goals for the future with 15 year old Tinka is to enjoy her time at Horse of the Year Show in October before looking at moving onto horses next year.
It is not only competitors who are guaranteed a fabulous day out, the British Showjumping National Championships also offers a great family day of exciting competition, hospitality and afternoon tea offerings and a retail shopping village. Entry for spectators wishing to take advantage of this fantastic show is free and parking is only £5 per car. For more information please go to http://www.bsnationalchampionships.com or call 02476 858205.