THE winners of the Petplan Equine Novice Silver Freestyle Championship class this year were Chard-based Looby Marsden and Essentially Small Change.

At the event held in Lincolnshire earlier in October, the duo had to produce an extremely polished performance and show off ‘star quality’ on the day.

It was a serious accomplishment to finish on top of the leader board. Looby and Essentially Small Change, a 14-year-old, piebald mare were rewarded for all their hard work and dedication by the judges to achieve a winning score of 71.57%.

On Essentially Small Change’s performance today, overwhelmed with emotion Looby said: “I got emotional when I was told we’d won, she just deserves it so much I am so proud of her.”

The 14.2hh has an incredible story, being a rescue pony, she had not had the easiest of beginnings to her life, making the win even more special.

“I have ridden her for a few years for the lady who previously owned her, she was a hunting pony for her daughter.

Prior to that she was a rescue, she had a foal and we don’t really know a lot about her history. She hadn’t had a very nice time before being rescued, she has a scar on her tongue and her back leg.”

Rosie Bee, Marketing Executive at Petplan Equine said: “I am very happy to congratulate Looby and Essentially Small Change on their victory today. We wish them the very best of luck for the future."