British competitors sweep the board at the Horse Agility Worldwide Champion League

After a close-cut finish, two British handlers and their Exmoor ponies were awarded the titles of ‘International OLHA! Video League Winner’ and ‘Worldwide Competitions League Winner’ at the Horse Agility Worldwide Champion League final.

The International Horse Agility Club awarded the two International league titles on 1 January 2012.

In the two International leagues, one accumulating points through Internet video competitions points, the other for real time competitions, the final places were nail bitingly close as Britain and Canada battled it out for Championship places.

Dawn Westcott of Exmoor, Somerset, with her pure bred Exmoor stallion Hawkwell Versuvius, was crowned winner of the International OLHA! Video League, sponsored by Leasefield Holidays.

Born wild on the moor Hawkwell Versuvius, affectionately known as Bear, has become a familiar face in the show ring as a Champion stallion earning a Gold Medal rosette at the NPS National Championships in 2011. He lives naturally with mares and young stock all year round as well as competing in shows across the country.

Dawn admits that when she started in this new sport she was doubtful that she could work a stallion completely loose over obstacles let alone win the World Championship but her hard work and commitment has paid off. Her video entry showing her directing her stallion over a number of challenging obstacles at liberty impressed the judge, especially the hoop jumping at the climax, which was spontaneous and energetic.



Susannah Muir, with her pure bred Exmoor Pony Threeshires Zanatan (known as Twiggy), was awarded as the winner of the Worldwide Competitions League Championship, sponsored by TheSaddleryShop.co.uk.

Susannah said: “Twiggy was bolshy and sometimes aggressive around food… However Horse Agility has made her very easy to handle.”

Susannah continued: “Horse agility has taught me how to approach new things with a pony to ensure they are confident and do not develop new issues.”

Horse Agility is based on the popular sport of dog agility, with horses working loose over a fixed obstacle course.

Judging of the Horse Agility events is very particular, with each obstacle being judged in two sections. Five marks are awarded for successfully completing the obstacle as per the criteria, and five marks are awarded for good horsemanship – especially for a positive relationship between horse and handler.

For more information on Horse Agility, visit the International Horse Agility Club website.

Picture: Susannah Muir and Threeshires Zanatan - winner of the International Competition with her Agility Trainer Chloe Elliston.