When Amy Canavan-Smith’s husband bought her a foal as a Valentine’s Day present six years ago, he couldn’t have imagined the stallion would go on to claim Championship glory at Horse of the Year Show 2025. Yet that’s exactly what happened on day two, as Amy and Clonfert Melody’s Boy triumphed in the Jacksons of Yorkshire Mountain & Moorland Working Hunter Pony of the Year Championship.

From Valentine’s Gift to HOYS Champion

The seven-year-old stallion, affectionately known as Dave, won the 143cm section earlier in the day before claiming the overall Championship title. The victory was particularly poignant given Dave’s origins as a Valentine’s Day present when he was just a foal.

“John bought him for me as a Valentine’s present six years ago… and I knew he always had this win in him. I’m so proud of how far he’s come,” said Amy.

The stallion’s breeding is equally romantic – he’s by I Love you Melody, making the Valentine’s connection even more fitting.

Proving She’s Not a One Trick Pony

Amy Canavan-Smith is no stranger to HOYS success, particularly in the M&M working hunter classes. She previously won on her other Connemara, Laburnam Richard, in 2017 and 2019, with Richard competing at HOYS for 12 consecutive years until this season.

“To come back on another pony I’ve made myself from a foal clarifies for me that I’m not a one trick pony and I can make Champions, and that means everything to me. I’ve done everything with Dave myself from the beginning. I’m absolutely elated with him,” said Amy.

Exmoor Ponies Steal the Show

The rare but versatile Exmoor breed enjoyed two centre-line moments in the TopSpec Arena, demonstrating the breed’s exceptional capabilities.

Reserve Champion Success

Katherine Bowling-Hartenfeld’s nine-year-old Exmoor mare Anchor Lullaby (Lulu) claimed Reserve Champion after winning the Junior 122cm section with eight-year-old Alice in the saddle. The partnership, now in their second year together, had previously competed at HOYS last year.

Demonstrating the breed’s versatility, Katherine also rides Lulu and finished fifth in the Open class the previous day.

“I’m feeling blown away. I’ve never ridden in there before,” said an excited Alice.

122cm Section Victory

Exmoor gelding Moonpenny Delphinus took honours in the 122cm section, owned by Debbie Barker-Runiewicz and ridden by first-time HOYS competitor Molly Barker. Debbie previously rode the 14-year-old pony to HOYS victory in 2022 before handing the ride to daughter Molly this year following an injury.

Additional Section Winners

133cm Section

Chloe Tyler’s Welsh Section C, Dycott Special Delivery, delivered the goods for jockey Georgia Love with a win in the 133cm section.

Exc. 143cm Section

Eleven-year-old Connemara gelding Highland Des secured first-time HOYS wins all round in the Exc. 143cm section – for himself in his first worker season and first time at HOYS, for owners Georgina and Issy Williams, and for producer Rachel Turner who rode him.

“I’ve produced about 15 HOYS winners but never actually ridden one myself. I’m so pleased for his owners, their input is amazing,” said a delighted Rachel.

Small Show Hunter Championship Glory

Alan Marnie’s stunning grey gelding Highview Overado showed maturity beyond his years to take the Hamilton Tarmac Small Show Hunter of the Year Championship with Jayne Ross in the Andrews Bowen International Arena.

The six-year-old, known as Reggie, was purchased by Alan in July 2025, marking his first individual win as an owner working with his own team of producers after years of competing at HOYS.

“It’s a big win for me and a big win for our team. He’s a beautiful, well-shaped horse. He’s got everything going for him… stands well, very forward, clean limbs… he’s my type of horse,” said Alan.

Reggie qualified on his third time out with Jayne at Bucks County Show, after narrowly missing out with two seconds.

A Touch of Bernard

Jayne noted an endearing similarity between Reggie and the celebrated Twinshock Warrior (Bernard), whom she piloted to Show Hunter Champion and Supreme Horse of the Year in 2019.

“He was a little bit surprised when they all left him on his own for the lap of honour and he had a whinny. That was a Bernard trait – he used to whinny when they all left him as well, so it’s rather sweet,” Jayne explained.

Reserve Champion was Morean Hamilton’s nine-year-old bay mare Annaghmore Huntress ridden by Kirstine Douglas.

Looking Ahead

With emotional victories, breakthrough performances, and the continued success of rare native breeds, day two of HOYS 2025 delivered unforgettable moments that will be remembered for years to come – none more so than the Valentine’s Day present that became a Champion.