Ellie McDonald is the first to admit that winning the Cat A Pony Show Hunter of the Year is all her dreams come true.

The win was made all the more special because it was the last outing for the Waimauku 12-year-old and Wai Ora Addiction before the 12.2hh Welsh/Arab cross headed to his new home in the South Island.

“To canter around the arena to Stand up for the Champions was just so cool,” says Ellie of her first ever LRHOY title as well as finishing second behind Dressage Horse of the Year winner Wendi Williamson in the Lowry Medallion for most points across the show.

Astro, as he is known at home, has been with the McDonald family for three-and-a-half years. When Ellie first tried him, she was smitten but it took her a season to click with the cheeky, sassy pony, but it’s been nothing but gold for the past two years.

This season has been a cracker with them winning all their Cat A classic classes at the big shows, so to win a title was just the icing on the cake.

“He has the coolest and most awesome personality,” says Ellie.

Mum Emma will tell you they’re actually two peas in a pod. “He really is a one in a million pony,” she says. “Astro has really matured and knows his job. Ellie is a gutsy little rider and together they have been unbeatable.”

Emma was also a rider, competing in eventing and dressage, and she’s passed her passion for all things equestrian to both her daughters. She was always keen the girls did show hunter before moving to showjumping. “I have seen just how amazing it has been for their riding and really sets them up so well,” says Emma. “It teaches them rhythm, striding, straightness, correct lines and using the whole arena. I love what it has done for their riding.”

Ellie has thrived in show hunter and is now eyeing a shift to showjumping

She started training with David Collett with input from mum and Brooke Scrivener. Ellie also competed in Cat B aboard her new mount Hidden Warrior and placed fourth in the title class.

For full results, head to https://www.evoevents.co.nz/resultClass/2135886027/143/9