THE Monmouthshire Branch of The Pony Club have won the Virbac 3D Worming Prince Philip Cup after five nail biting days of competition at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

The Monmouthshire team, consisting of Ben Hopkins (13), Erin Beach (14), Emma Lockyer (14), Emily Adams Norton (13), George Knight Eddins (14) and Sam Hopkins (9), were first timers to HOYS and finished on 118 points to clinch the victory, just one point ahead of runners up Romney Marsh.

Four other teams, including the Badsworth Hunt, Strathearn, Lanark & Upperward and East Cheshire, also qualified to compete at HOYS after battling it out at the area competitions.

The final on Sunday evening at HOYS captivated the crowds, with the teams giving it their all to thrill spectators with some very close finishes.

Iain Hopkins, trainer for the Monmouthshire team, was delighted with the win and said, “The team stuck at it all through the week and the first time we were in front was the second from last game so the win feels absolutely superb.”

Iain, who rode himself at HOYS in 1986 and whose sons were part of the team, went on to thank the team members’ parents. When asked about the team’s plans for the future Iain said, “We’ll have a nice rest first, and come back next year!

“We have been amazed at the local support it really has helped put Monmouthshire of the map in the equestrian world, we can’t thank everyone enough for all they have done for us as a team in helping these six children reach the top of their sport.”

The Pony Club Mounted Games is a competition requiring courage, determination and all round riding ability. The concept of the competition was first introduced by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT, who suggested that Cavalry competitions could be adapted for young riders on ponies in an entertaining and visually engaging format. The first competitions were held in 1957 and the winner received the coveted Prince Philip Challenge Trophy.