Christmas dreams came true for Cumbrian rider Philippa Coates Wilson when she took the Senior Showing and Dressage In-hand Reserve Championship at Olympia with 18-year-old welsh section B gelding Laithehill Pasha – better known as Buzz.

He’s currently on loan to Philippa from Alice and Helen Stratton.

“The whole experience was amazing and having Buzz by my side made it so much more special,” Philippa says.

“It’s been my childhood dream to qualify for Olympia and this year my dreams came true.

“It was a surreal experience especially as they announce the placing in reverse order, so by the time they got to the last five my heart was racing and my legs had gone like jelly.

“Once it got to the final two – it was my friend Laura and me and we just hugged each other in the ring as we were so pleased for each other.”

The Supreme title went to 32-year-old New Forest x Thoroughbred Hot Fuss (Charlie), owned and handled by Laura Oughton-Auker, making their debut at the Christmas finale after narrowly missing out on a place last year.

Philippa was delighted with her friend’s triumph.

“Charlie is a lot older than Buzz and he’s amazing.

“I wouldn’t have wanted to be standing next to anybody else really.

“It still hasn’t quite sunk in what’s happened, but I would like to thank all the people who have supported me, wished me luck and congratulated me.”

Proving yet again that small is beautiful, Horninglow Penruddock (Dock) has won the Shetland Performance Trophy for most points in WHP and Open Ridden and his rider Leah Donald has taken the Champion Rider title for her age group.

A terrific way to round off a great season for an awesome pair.

There were huge entries at the Working Hunter Training Show at Greenlands, a special Christmas treat, open to all from lead rein riders up to adults.

A win for Sophia Stockdale also meant she was talent spotted for a scholarship award in memory of Victoria Waugh. She was riding her mother’s horse Murphy.

There were wins too for Carley Thwaites riding Waxwing Ragamuffin, Autumn Carruthers riding Chloe, and Chloe Metcalf riding Lacy Aldo.

The show was run by Heather Metcalf and a fantastic team of helpers. Their next shows will be on January 5, then February 22.

Meanwhile, there were lots of festive outfits, and decorated fences to keep the riders on their toes at the Christmas Special Arena Event at Nord Vue run by Sarah Metcalf.

Claire Chappelhow had a double win with Bambam and Crackenthorpe Seduction as well as taking the Best Dressed in both classes.

Tabitha Paul from Bleatarn won the Beginners class on her pony Iggle Piggle.

The next event at Nord Vue will be January 11.

n Please send your equestrian news and results to: gilly.fraser@gmail.com