FEMALES were certainly to the fore at the Highland Pony Society's Breed Show, which was held at a new venue at Brechin Castle Equestrian on Sunday, winning not only the in-hand champion and reserve titles but also the supreme ridden and working hunter sashes as well.

Heading up a large in-hand section was Nicky Page's 10-year-old yeld mare, West Lodge Ashley, which first led the non-performance senior mare class before standing supreme with Paul Rawling on the end of the lead rope. Ashley - which is by a previous in-hand champion from the Royal Highland, Coulnacraig Highlander, and out of Laura of Craignetherty - is no stranger to the prize tickets having lifted the championship at the Aberdeen Highland Pony Show at Duthie Park in 2013 and the in-hand title at Echt, last year, for Nicky.

"The mare came into the ring and had that 'look at me' attitude which really made her stand out," in-hand judge, Jean Connell, told The Scottish Farmer of her champion. "She's very feminine and a nice mover too with plenty hair which, I think, is what a Highland pony should have."

Taking the reserve ticket was Money Penny of Whitefield from George Baird and son, Russell, of West Whitefield, Burrelton, Blairgowrie. Their 11-year-old Emperor of Whitefield daughter is out of a previous Breed Show champion, Heather Honey of Whitefield, and was shown with her HS of Fourmerk-sired filly foal at foot. Champion and Alyth last year and at Blair in 2011, Money Penny and her foal also picked up the Tarnach Trophy for the best combined mare and foal.

Over in the ridden section, Chris Grant and his mum, Jan's Dunedin Rhiona had a cracking outing as she first lifted the working hunter championship before going on to stand novice ridden champion and supreme ridden pony for the duo from Birks Cottage, Heddon Birks, Northumberland. Triumphing on her debut working hunter outing, this six-year-old by the 2009 HOYS ridden champion, Dunedin Marksman, also has a number of tickets under her belt, including the champion novice ticket at Northumberland as well as the in-hand tri-colour from Ayr Show.

Going forward to stand reserve to Rhiona was the open ridden champion, Strathmore McNair from husband and wife duo, Alan and Carolyn Munro, of The Firs, Loandhu, Fearn. Contesting his first open season under saddle, this Strathmore Cameron-sired eight-year-old gelding has already picked up the top title at Drymen Show and was well placed at the Highland.

Robert Davidson's Trowan Maverick was in the tickets too, winning both the over 14hh nursery novice ridden and novice classes before standing reserve novice champion to Rhiona. This 2009-born Rhuaridh of Mendick-sired gelding was ridden in the ring by Jo Jack.

Noah of Meggernie from Meggernie Estate, Glenlyon, Aberfeldy, gave Julie Voules and rider, Rose MacPherson, plenty to celebrate as he qualified for HOYS on his first ever attempt. Originally pulled in fifth and then top of the line following a foot perfect show, this 10-year-old stallion by Ben Ruadh of Meggernie stood supreme in-hand champion at Windsor Show in May and went on to stand reserve open ridden champion.

See this week's issue of The Scottish Farmer, out July 18, for a full report from the Breed Show, including all the leading awards and photos of the prize winners.