2023 New Forest Pony Breeding and Cattle Society Boxing Day point-to-point at Matley Wood, near Lyndhurst – with results
MILD Boxing Day weather drew several hundred spectators to Lyndhurst for the annual New Forest point-to-point races.
A highlight of the commoning calendar, the event saw 71 riders line up in a series of races for pure breed and part-breed New Forest ponies over one-and-a-half, and three-mile distances.
Racing was paused mid-event when a pony taking part in the junior races was hurt after falling on uneven ground.
James Young, chair of the event’s organising committee, said: “Everybody was fearing the worst but its leg was not broken – it suffered nerve damage.”
“The young rider was unhurt and although the pony is still being treated by an equine vet, the prognosis is very good – it is expected to make a full recovery which is wonderful news for everyone involved.”
Organised by the New Forest Pony Breeding and Cattle Society, the event finished at Matley Wood on Beaulieu Road, with its two race starting points only revealed as the event began. The children's races started at the water trough at Ashurst Lodge, the adult races at Foxhills Faircross.
James explained: “We preserve the location of starting point until the riders actually arrive there on the day. It was at least a mile or more that the competitors rode across the Forest before they reached the start.
The event is regarded as an important part of the New Forest’s heritage, requiring riders to navigate an unknown course through the open Forest.
James added: “The event is also a showpiece for the New Forest pony breed – races are limited to 100% New Forest breed ponies and part-breed New Forest ponies only. It is the ponies not the riders who must meet the entry criteria – however, there are a lot of commoners and local people who take part.”
“We believe it is the only authentic Forest point-to-point in the country – there are other point to point races but these are on race tracks so they are very different.”
This year there were 10 point-to-point races across seven categories, including veterans’ and children’s contests.
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Results:
RACE 1B VETERANS 55 YEARS AND OVER ON NEW FOREST PONIES
1st Janesmoor Jasper Conran owner and rider Anita Smith
2nd Sladeshill Guns’n’Roses owner and rider Julie Brown
3rd Staghill Polar Flight owner and rider Katie Macey
4th Rowdown Midnight Stroll owner and rider Andrew Luker
RACE 2 CHILDREN 10-13 YEARS ON NEW FOREST PONIES
1st Ipersbridge Whisper owner Erika Dovey rider Faith Shore
2nd Shatterford Golden Lad owner Andrea Good rider Mary Mansbridge
3rd Staplewood Cruz owner Richard Carr rider Imogen Loades
4th Brockenhurst Ginger Thomas owner and rider Emilia Loades
RACE 3A CHILDREN 14-16 YEARS ON NEW FOREST PONIES
1st Lyndhurst Sunlight owner Mike Lovell rider Sonny Lovell
2nd Sandhole William Tell owner Laura Rangecroft rider Ryan Luker
3rd Sandhole Brandy Snap owner Rebecca Dunn rider Millie Francis
4th Doorage Perfection owner Julie Hunt rider Lara Mills
RACE 3B CHILDREN 14-16 YEARS ON NEW FOREST PONIES
1st Staghill Rocket owner Cassidy Francis rider Cassidy Francis
2nd Farringdon Thunder owner Sophie Kyles rider Eloise Bignold-Kyles
3rd Crabbswood Serena owner Honor Humble rider Hugh Humble
4th Pigbush Joseph owner Sarah Battersby rider Connie Battersby
RACE 4A NOVICE NEW FOREST PONIES
1st Silverlea Sweet Dreams owner and rider Sonja Waite
2nd Longwater Shining Star owner Anita Smith rider Amy Howells
3rd Brookshill Brandy owner and rider Marie Parkes
4th Newlands Farm Lucky Boy owner and rider Isabelle Knighton
RACE 4B NOVICE NEW FOREST PONIES
1st Brookswood Top Gun owner and rider Heidi Whetren
2nd Brookshill Jacob owner and rider Jodie Thorp
3rd Carterstone Tickled Pink owner Erika Dovey rider Maddison Randall
4th Brookshill Pipalong owner and rider Katie Mathews
RACE 5 OPEN NEW FOREST PONIES
1st Warren Trail Layer owner Erika Dovey rider Isaac Lovell
2nd Delhurens Iggle Piggle owner and rider Paris Wyles
RACE 6 YOUNG COMMONERS
1st Oakwood Jester owner and rider Abbie Horsburgh
2nd Fritham Utopia owner and rider Sophie Grimes
3rd Sladeshill Tinkerbell owner Julie Brown rider Sophie Green
4th Vicarshill Little Mole owner and rider Satiah Austin
RACE 7A LADIES ON PART BRED NEW FOREST PONIES
1st Nutschullying Bewitched owner and rider Erika Dovey
2nd Lyndhurst Frankie owner and rider Natasha White
3rd Rowdown Union Jack owner and rider Louise England
4th Sahara owner and rider Louise Murrell
RACE 7B GENTLEMEN ON PART BRED NEW FOREST PONIES
1st Wootton Heath Romeo owner and rider Jake Moore
2nd Wootton Heath Obi owner and rider John Adams
