Poppy had her first outing of the year at Ballymena Show. On a real bad day of rain and a rather hurried preparation Poppy was asked to settle quickly after the journey. She bahaved like a real star, no messing, no spooking and cool as you like led the first class round the ring. This was a mixed M&M class for all ages and sexes, quite an ask really, but she walked away from a few rather large (15hh plus) connemaras much to their surprise. The judge had a very difficult task and she showed really well to be third.
Her next class was the 1,2 or 3 year old connemara fillies. The opposition was stiff, there were some very experienced ponies in a really strong class. Again poppy went superbly, I was really delighted with her attitude and her presence in the ring and so was the judge. She placed Poppy first and qualified her for the Ponies (UK) National Summer Championships in England and also allowed her to go forward to the M&M Championship of the show.
The mare class had been strong with two of the top mares in Ireland through to the Championship. The Champion was chosen quickly but the reserve was not so clear cut, we were in the mix but narrowly missed out to the All Ireland mare! The judge came to me before she presented the prizes and said how much she liked her movement and behaviour. She added that it was so close between her and the mare but she loved Poppy and would watch her progress with interest.