Sweet success for Sponer
Arena UK small pony premier, Lincs
PONY riders chased hard to claim the final qualifying places for the 2020 Royal International (RIHS), but already-qualified competitors took the top spots at the fifth and final 2020 winter small pony series.
Olivia Sponer left the best until last as she cut every conceivable corner to take Saturday’s winter 138cm second round, on Top Silvio Hastak, in a competitive third and final decider.
“There were lots of options with some really tight turns; I was as tight as possible everywhere,” said Olivia of course-designer Jason Abbs’ clever jump-off track.
Olivia followed trainer Paul Kelly’s instructions to the letter.
“We galloped down
