Ben Walsh wins FEI Ponies' Trophy Grand Prix: "I was trying all year, but it payed off today"

Ben Walsh wins FEI Ponies' Trophy Grand Prix: "I was trying all year, but it payed off today"

The pony riders competing in the FEI Ponies' Trophy had their final appointment at Jumping Mechelen. The final was ridden over two rounds without a jump-off. The 1.35m high course presented a tough challenge as no combination managed to stay clear in both rounds. The trophy came in the hands of Ben Walsh and his pony Derryvane Belle. 

Fifteen motivated riders gave their best in the first round of this final, only ten of them got a starting place in the second and decisive round. One of them was Jersey Kuijpers. In the saddle of Lafaletta (by Lasino), she started her second round with six penalties on the counter. The 10-year-old pony made only one jumping fault on the 1.35m high obstacles, thus finishing with ten penalties in fifth place under the Dutch pony rider. On fourth place came Rachel Törnblom with Helga TH O (v. Q Breitling LS). 

Home rider Laure Tijskens came in last. With four penalties in her backpack from the first round, she began the final in good spirits. Navayo (by Jerome van de Vondelhoeve) put down a powerful performance with only one jumping fault. The winning combination was Ireland's Ben Walsh and his 14-year-old pony Derryvane Belle. They started their second round with five penalties on the counter and managed not to add any more. Thus, they formed the penalest duo and were able to receive the cup. Ruby Barrs also passed the second round flawlessly with Casper, making them good for silver with their seven previous penalties. 

Full results