Hopwood pony gallops into championship final

Teddy

A Hopwood Hall College Shetland pony has made it through to the Your Horse ESUK National Championships to be held in July.

The ten year old chestnut Shetland called Teddy, arrived at the College two years ago and was entered into its first show earlier this year after training with the College’s animal management students.

On Sunday (14 June), Teddy was entered into the Rochdale and District Riding Club Open Points Show, where he competed in the Mountain and Moorland Breed Class. Judges were so impressed with him that he was awarded second place - and that has now qualified him to take part in the national championships!

Sarah Whitehurst, lecturer in the College’s life science and animal care department commented: “We are all unbelievably excited. We were entering competitions this year mainly for the experience so we could compete fully next year, but to win a rosette in our first show last month and now to qualify for a national championship is phenomenal.”