Youngster continues show jumping tradition

THE BIBBYS: From left Dylan, 12, Hamish, Katie, 5, Kelly, Amy, 8, and Leah, 11. Photo/Diana Dobson

When 12-year-old Dylan Bibby rode into the show hunter arena at the 2017 Horse of the Year Show he continued a very special family tradition.

His mother, Kelly Bibby, had not only ridden in the show but lays claim to being part of a record breaking combination being groom for Merran Hain of Gisborne and Tregonning when they claimed a slice of HOY history.

When Ms Hain and Tregonning won the Olympic Cup in 2003, she was the oldest rider to do so and it marked the second time the combination had won New Zealand's most prestigious show jumping crown.

Mrs Bibby had looked back on it with plenty of pride and now her 12-year-old son Dylan holds similar dreams.

This year Dylan competed in the show hunter section aboard his lovely Daisy Patch (owned by Pam Hamilton and Lyn McPhail), much to the disgust of his three younger siblings who would all dearly love to be competing.

In this year's event Dylan's sights were set on the Pony of the Year crown and in years to come he aims to achieve the ultimate show jumping prize.

Currently at a mini prix level, Mrs Bibby said she is confident Dylan and Daisy Patch have the talent to go far.

"The Pony of the Year is his big goal for now, and he reckons he will be in it next year."

She would know because she's seen plenty of top show jumping over the years.

"I have so many wonderful memories from HOY and my time with Merran. It was a fantastic time and I learnt so much - now I am trying to pass that on to my kids."

The last time Mrs Bibby competed at HOY was 2009 with her then 4-year-old Piper's Gift in the rising star park hack classes.

While she would dearly love to get back into competition Mrs Bibby said with four youngsters it is a big ask.

"My time will come back round."

These days Mrs Bibby and her husband Hamish are busy with their crew, all of whom are students at Onga Onga School.

"At the moment we're just very dedicated supporters of this crew. This is the most incredible sport and I love that we can all go out for a ride together.

"Equestrian may be a lot of work, but it is most definitely worth it."