Posted: 5th October 2017 | Back to news feed

Paul Atkinson and Black Boy went two better than last year to win the Horse of the Year Show's Harness Horse and Pony of the Year Championship. Third-placed finishers 12 months ago, Paul and the stunning 11-year-old black gelding won following a nerve-tingling finale in the Genting Arena as the leading three partnerships paraded for the judges.

 And in the end it was the Dutch warmblood that prevailed after spectators enjoyed a Wednesday afternoon treat. "I am thrilled, and it seemed a very popular win, which I am delighted about," Paul said.

 "We've owned him for three and a half years and been competing him for full two seasons. We've had a great season, and it is a dream to win here. My wife has won many ridden championships here, and we never thought we would do it with the driving."

 Carriage driving was once a main mode of transport, and that tradition has been kept alive through the harness horse and pony classes, with qualifiers held throughout the season and culminating in the Horse of the Year Show Championship.

 Judges assess areas such as turn-out, harness fitting, presentation and suitability of horse and pony to the carriage.

harness horse HOYS

Paul Atkinson and Black Boy

Image credit: 1st Class Images

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