​Bridlington’s Fliss Watts, 11, earns Horse of The Year Show victory

Bridlington's Fliss Watts, 11, and Precious Gem on their way to victory in the Horse of the Year Show. Photos by 1st Class ImagesBridlington's Fliss Watts, 11, and Precious Gem on their way to victory in the Horse of the Year Show. Photos by 1st Class Images
Bridlington's Fliss Watts, 11, and Precious Gem on their way to victory in the Horse of the Year Show. Photos by 1st Class Images
Eleven-year-old Fliss Watts, from Bridlington, claimed the Mole Valley Farmers NPS 133cm plaited working Hunter pony title at the Horse of The Year Show.​

Piloting her piebald pony, Precious Gem II, owned by Rachel Bailye Hawkins, the pair went on to claim Reserve Champion Working Hunter Pony at the prestigious show, staged at the NEC Birmingham.

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It was Fliss’ first time in this class, she was one of the youngest competitors in the class, which is open to children aged 14.

Proud mum Sharon said: “To win at The Horse of The Year Show is something Fliss has dreamed of since she was tiny.

Bridlington youngster Fliss Watts and Precious Gem on their way to winning at the HOYS. Photo by 1st Class ImagesBridlington youngster Fliss Watts and Precious Gem on their way to winning at the HOYS. Photo by 1st Class Images
Bridlington youngster Fliss Watts and Precious Gem on their way to winning at the HOYS. Photo by 1st Class Images

"This is the biggest class she has ever jumped at the Horse of the Year Show so she has been training hard in the run up.

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“She was under pressure from the outset as she had been drawn to jump first - this can be a disadvantage as you don’t have the benefit of watching any other competitors jump first.

“Fortunately Fliss overcame this and she jumped a clear round, which in the end won her the class as William Fox-Pitt awarded them the highest style mark of the whole class, 19 out of 20.

“Precious Gem (which is owned by the Bailye Hawkins family) is just the loveliest character - Fliss thinks the world of her. She’s very opinionated and loves her food!

“We are so proud of them both.”

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Fliss and Precious Gem II (stable name ‘Star’) were also second at the Royal International Horse Show earlier on this year.

In August this year the pairing were selected to ride on the England team at the BSPS championships, where they came third individually.

Fliss also rides Annandale New Approach in the Jacksons of Yorkshire Open 122 M&M working Hunter pony.

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Last year they claimed the Champion Open 122 NPS M&M Working Hunter pony title at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead.

This class is open to riders of all ages, so children and adults compete against each other.

Fliss and Annandale New Approach finished in fourth position in the class at The Horse of The Year Show.

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