AN ISLE of Wight woman realised her lifelong dream of winning at the Horse of the Year Show and did it on a New Forest pony making its debut at the event.

Pip Smith, of Newport — who specialises in dressage — won the Supreme Ridden Mountain and Moorland Pony of the Year at the Horse of the Year Show recently.

The seven-year-old stallion, Vynnes Magical Edition (best known as Mr Ed), qualified for the prestigious event by winning at the Royal Three Counties Show back in June — his first outing of the year.  

It was the Islander's first-ever Horse of the Year Show centre line moment. Her previous best at the Horse of the Year Show was eighth.

"It has been a lifetime dream to win at the Horse of the Year Show, and taking the championship was the icing on the cake," said Pip, 41, who is based on the Island.

“We knew we had a nice pony on our hands, but this was so unexpected as he’s a bit of a joker.

“I bought Ed’s full brother from breeders Andrew Vine and Laura House, saw Ed in the field and I asked if I could ride him. 

“He lives with me on the Isle of Wight during the summer, and we just hack him about. 

"We don’t do too much with him as he doesn’t like too much pressure. The Horse of the Year Show is only his third event of the year.

“He has his own way of doing things and I just go along with it." 

Pip, who grew up on the Island and attended Carisbrooke High School, also rode Mr Ed at the Royal Isle of Wight County Show and was awarded Supreme Champion last year.

Also, Megan Champney, from the Island, qualified for the 2023 Horse of the Year Show, coming fourth with her pony, Penrock Perfect Puzzle, in the coloured pony class.

Megan qualified at the New Forest and Hampshire County show in July and rode the Supreme Champion at this year's County Show.