JENNIFER MURRAY PERPETUAL TROPHY COMPETITION 2017/18 - RESULTS
We are pleased to announce the results of the FHNSA of GB Annual Jennifer Murray Perpetual Memorial Trophy Competition 2017/18. The number of entries this year was amazing and the judges were delighted to see so many photos of well turned out fjord horses on the judging table. The competition as most of you all know by now is judged on who is considered to have achieved the best promotion in professionally judged classes for the season. Now the competition is established, it is good to see more entries from competitors who are spreading their wings away from events local to them. The competition is not judged on 'well she came 1st last year so someone else must win this year'. So there is every possibility that the same people will remain at the top until toppled by up and coming entries. That does not lessen others achievements. As someone said, 'I consider that if I come 3rd or 4th to those at the top, I have made it with flying colours'.
A big thank you also to all those who were unplaced this time. We were pleased to include western riding, a new discipline to the competition, but not to fjords.
The judging was headed by Catriona Murray, daughter of the well known and respected breeder, owner and judge of fjord horses, the late Jennifer Murray who owned fjord horses before a large percentage of us were born.
Catriona who in her own right is a formidable competition rider and judge with exacting standards, was as always assisted by her judging panel who were again joined by an 'old school' veteran show judge who is akin to an 'old style' no nonsense hospital matron! Judging was based on results achieved and compiled throughout the show season including the early part of this year and included riding, driving & showing disciplines which individually were judged at established recognised shows & events. The judges particularly like to see fjord horses being not only shown in hand but ridden if age permits. So that is a tip for next seasons entries with older fjords. As one of the judges said, 'good breeding is essential and showing in hand against quality competition proves that tenfold but the fjord horse must then go on to establish that it is capable of being safely ridden and capable of taking instructions.
The purpose of the JMP trophy, apart from enjoyment and fun is to promote the Fjord horse as being capable of winning/ being well placed at quality showing, riding , driving events throughout the UK.
Classes have this year been won and well placed against tough competition from top class horses, which again proves the high quality of our UK fjord horses who continue to hold their own and impress the show judges. Some placings amazed even us and we are quite rightly considered biased!
We are all so very proud of every one of our entrants and their fjord horses and hope you agree.
Do give encouragement and a 'like' to our main page if you are seeing this on social media and to this article and it's follow ups. They all deserve it.
Now the results:
1st - Gaia & Shuna Mardon ; 2nd Ausdan Karin & Michaela McGrath ; 3rd Jornvic & Peter Williams ;
4th Alexi & Jodie Smith ; 5th Hesta & Meghan Smith ; 6th Pumba & Abbey Brotherton
Our winners and entrants put tremendous effort into a season of hard work and early mornings. Presenting both horse and rider/handler in a well groomed, immaculate state is no easy feat and is essential for correct showing etiquette and respect.
Again, well done to all our participants both placed and unplaced. Catrona told us that the choice between the first two was difficult and extremely close. So much so that joint first was considered but you can't split the Trophy in two and six months each is not an option!
WE KNOW YOU WOULDN'T DO IT IF YOU DIDN'T ENJOY IT BUT THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT PROMOTION OF OUR WONDERFUL FJORD HORSE