Petite power at 2025 KBIS Young Pony Championships

On Saturday 5 July, Britain’s future FEI talents stepped forward to contest the KBIS Young Pony Championships, hosted Hartpury’s NAF Five Star Festival of Dressage in Gloucestershire.  

Naomi Maxted Massey’s MM Sweet Gucci showed designer class to win the four-year-old KBIS title, beautifully presented by Michelle Wakefield. Sired by the British-bred Woodlander Sir Gorgeous, previously campaigned with success to Prix St Georges level, and out of MM Sweet De Luxe, by the prolific pony stallion Champion de Luxe, ‘Gucci’ has the genes and the paces to match. Consistent marks across the board saw 7.8 rewarded for both trot and general impression, with Australian FEI judge Susan Hoevenaars and British Matt Hicks rewarding a winning total of 76.200.  

The Maxted Massey stud have been breeding multiple KBIS winners across the years, pouring their energy into breeding horse and pony stars. Speaking on Facebook, Naomi commented: “So where to start other than what an amazing day! Not only was it my late mum’s birthday today and I know she would of been over the moon and as proud as punch with MM Sweet Gucci winning the 4YO Championship at the NAF Festival Of Dressage Hartpury. She was expertly ridden by Michelle Wakefield who did a fantastic job to take the win by 3% on a score of 76.2% and also I have to thank Annie Hoire and Daniel Plumtree for making everything look amazing behind the scenes.” 

Naomi also paid homage to some of Gucci’s siblings, adding, “She is the youngest of three full sisters. Her oldest sister MM Sweet Pea who is six this year won the 5YO Pony title last year while middle sister MM Sweet Sensation was placed in the four and five-year-old National Young Pony classes. Both ponies were sold and have the most amazing owners I could ever wish for. Gucci’s dam MM Sweet De Luxe (Mango) was out of super mum MM Sweet Fancy, and is one of four offspring, and is by the famous pony stallion Champion De Luxe. Mango’s younger brother Amdem Golden Dancer was on the British Pony European Dressage Team.” 

In the Five-Year-Old category Lucy Goodman presented her own Daria LGD to success, taking the title on a score of 78.200 - the highest mark of the KBIS Young Pony Championships. Lucy, who works for Shannon Equestrian, has been taking her time the chestnut mare and campaigning her successfully at Prelim level with the goal of producing her to FEI level. The expressive pony is by the German Riding Pony Cosmopolitan D NRW, a successful breeding and sport stallion who’s offspring have had a significant impact on the international scene – such as the outstanding former FEI European Champion pony Cosmo Callidus.  

Speaking on Facebook Lucy said, “She’s a winner! My Daria LGD is 5YO Pony Champion! She took it all in her stride and loved the ‘big show atmosphere’ to finish on 78.2%! Thank you as always to Calum Whitworth and Shannon Equestrian for your training and support.” 

Former Pony team rider Evie Head used her skills honed in the FEI classes, having ridden down the European Championships centre line on WS Jackson last year, to produce her own Little Beanie to a win in the six-year-old championship. The British-bred, SPSS registered mare has gained mileage and arena time riding the FEI pony tests this season – and looks set for a bright future in the sport. The judges praised her all-round performance, with a high mark for the walk, which received a super 7.9. ‘Bea’ is by the late Littledale Bright Star, who stood at Catherston Stud and sired about 100 progeny in the UK, US, New Zealand and Australia. Her dam is Doreen 256, by Diamond Hit.  

Evie spoke about her mare’s success, “Unbelievably proud of Bea at Hartpury, she handled the big atmosphere like a pro and really showed the potential she has. If someone would have told me 11 months ago when I brought a five-year-old pony at Prelim that she would then go on to become 6YO Champion I would have laughed, but she really showed the talent she has whilst taking in everything she has learnt (I think she really enjoyed getting to show off in a big arena). Bea is so special, and I'm so excited for the future with her.” 

Congratulations to all winning combinations, placed ponies and those who took part. We’re proud to partner with KBIS to showcase future talent for those up to 14.2hh, with pony sport playing a large part in the development of our young riders on the national and international stage.  

Results – top five  

KBIS 4YO Young Pony  
1. Michelle Wakefield and MM Sweet Gucci, 76.200
2. Rebecca Bates and Bellscross Ferbo, 73.200
3. Shelly Reeve-Smith and No Doubt I, 71.000  
4. Gemma Moss and Ghabars Mondo's Girl, 69.600 
5. Clare Yetton and Dream On W, 68.400

KBIS 5YO Young Pony  
1. Lucy Goodman and Daria LGD, 78.200
2. Sofia Hyde and Wonder Boy III, 78.000  
3. Lily Crompton and Four Ashes Wembley, 72.600
4. Shelly Reeve-Smith and MM Sweet Sensation, 70.000
5. Claudia Davis and Denver de Doré, 67.200 

KBIS 6YO Young Pony 
1. Evie Head and Little Beanie, 74.600
2. Danielle Balsdon and Menai The Comrade, 72.000 

FULL RESULTS