Jemma Millman with Piglet and Eeyore Qualified: Osborne Refrigerators Double Harness Scurry

The little stars heve done it again! Piglet has once again qualified for the Osborne Refrigerators Double Harness Scurry class but this time, with her little brother, Eeyore. This will be Piglet's 10th consecutive HOYS which, at the age of 13 is an amazing achievement and shows what a star she is. Pooh Bear is now in semi-retirement, but is doing a few shows to keep him happy, so Piglet's full brother Eeyore (aka Rowfantina Hocus Pocus) has stepped up to be Piglet's main partner, which are very big shoes to fill! Eeyore, who is owned by their breeder Mandy Birchall-Small, joined the gang in 2007 having had a successful showing career with Mandys son Owen.

Unfortunately Eeyore had become severely laminitic whilst out on loan, so spent his first year getting fit and learning his new career as a driving pony. He has then spent the next few years learning the ropes. This year, the hard work has all payed off and he has proved he really has what it takes to be a top scurry pony.

The ponies went brilliantly at the first qualifier, Surrey County, despite the torrential rain but we were just pipped into second place. Just two days later at Suffolk County, we were drawn last to go. We waited in the collecting ring with the nerves building as the rounds seemed to be getting faster and faster. We set off at the gallop and the ponies were really listening. We had a scary moment in the box, but a well timed leap from Piglet meant we missed knocking the ball off. As we thundered through the finish line we held our breaths to hear what our time was. The crowd were cheering and we realised that we had won!

The buzz of qualifying never dulls and we are all looking forward to October already!