Flash Dance, a mare once found abandoned and tied to a lamp post, has secured a place at the Horse of the Year Show after winning a junior coloured qualifier.
Eleven-year-old Matilda Mason rode the pony, known as Dolly, to victory in the HOYS junior coloured qualifier at the Lincolnshire Show on 17-18 June. The win came in their first attempt at the class and marked a turnaround for the family’s showing efforts.
The Mason family bought Flash Dance three years ago for Matilda’s older sister Clara. The previous owner had discovered the skinny mare tied to a lamp post before she worked in a riding school. The family initially used her as a safe hack and later discovered her good paces in dressage.
Matilda began riding Flash Dance last year after her own pony suffered laminitis. The sisters now share the pony with their father Richard and take weekly lessons from producer Kirsty Pickles.