OTHERY-based amateur rider Helen Pavey finished the season on a high by achieving a very creditable second place at the Horse of the Year show in the Ridden Hunter class on Saturday, riding her own Knockenpower Rory, fondly known to his friends and supporters as Mr Pinks.

Respected Judge Mr Robert Oliver described Pinks at HOYS as ‘a grand stamp of a horse, with a tremendous outlook’.

Helen bought Pinks as a four year-old in 2011 - having spent four years producing him to go eventing and having done exceptionally well as a five and six year-old, it soon became clear he was finding jumping on the hard ground during the summer months too strenuous, not at all unusual for such a big horse therefore the decision was made for a career change to go Showing and Dressage.

This is his first year competing at affiliated shows and registered with British Dressage Qualifying for the Winter Regional Dressage Finals, Summer Regional Dressage Finals together with the Pet Plan Regional Festival.

The showing season started well with a win at North Somerset Show in May qualifying the pair for the Royal international in August.

Further success winning the Irish Draft Championship at The Royal Bath and West and Dorset County Shows together with numerous other wins throughout the summer months.

The HOY’s qualification was gained back in July at Bury Farm in Bucks, so preparation for the biggest show of the year had begun.

With his very endearing character and kind nature and standing at over 18 hands the very distinctive Rose Roan colour Pinks never fails to turn heads making the show ring his own.

Now enjoying a short break at the end of the season, having already qualified for the Royal International for 2016 the campaign for a HOY’s qualification for next year begins in the spring.