Title win follows devastating Decision for Dylan
Saturday, 14 March 2020

Dylan Bibby had to put aside crushing disappointment with one pony to refocus and get on with winning the Cat C Show Hunter Pony of the Year title.

The 15-year-old from Onga Onga earlier had to make the very tough call to withdraw Daisy Patch from the Pony of the Year (showjumping) class but quickly dusted himself off and got on with the jobs at hand.

He’s only been riding Greedy McCready for five months and is riding the pony for Pam Simmons. The 11-year-old skewbald gelding had not done show hunter before joining the Bibby family but was earlier showjumped by Isabella Narracci before an 18-month break. The Bibbys have two other ponies belonging to Pam and were happy to take on Greedy McCready when asked.

“Pam was keen for Greedy to do some show hunter and Dylan has done a lot of that, we were happy to oblige,” says mum Kelly. The combination did just six shows to qualify for HOY. “He does ride him well and it is a great little pony.”

They headed into the call back as top qualifiers and held the lead. “Greedy is quite an easy ride,” says Dylan. “He’s relaxed and chilled. I didn’t really expect to win and was just hoping for a place. It is exciting to win my first title.”

While he and Daisy Patch have previously placed in show hunter title classes, this was his first title. Kelly is a big advocate for show hunter. “It is very good for kids particularly as it teaches them to find a stride and stay on it. It is also a great base for other jumping (disciplines).”

Results –

Dylan Bibby (Onga Onga) Greedy McCready 1, Ruby Winder (Feilding) LVS Cookies and Cream 2, Jaime Hogg (Wanganui) Step it Up 3, Sophie Charlton (Hastings) She’s a Puzzle 4, Amelia Newsom (Tauranga) Mr Mexico 5, Holly Parkin (Levin) Oporaes Roulette 6.