Follett Stock Show Jumping Team

The search to find two up and coming young riders to complete the exciting new Follett Stock junior show jumping team came to a climax at Frogpool and Gwennap Show when  Katy Davies from Camborne and Lauren Blunsdon from St Agnes clinched their places with polished performances.

Initiated by Penny Paddle, head of our Commercial department and Equine law specialist, the five-strong Follett Stock junior show jumping team consists of Poppy Joshi, Hannah Lingard, Amy Meeson, Lauren Blunsdon and Katy Davies.

 “The aim of our team is to compete in at least three team events over the forthcoming year, fly the flag for Follett Stock and Cornwall and have a lot of fun,” said Penny who joined our team at Follett Stock at the beginning of the year on moving to Cornwall from Sussex.

“It’s also another way in which Follett Stock can become involved in the local community, which is very much the ethos of the firm.”

On starting her new position, Penny discovered that the daughter of managing partner, Chris Lingard was not only the same age as her own daughter Poppy, but that they shared a love of horses. 

This ignited Penny’s initiative to combine business with pleasure which led to the launch of the Follett Stock junior show jumping team.

“Our first three team members were easy to find,” said Penny who provides advice on all manner of commercial agreements and intellectual property matters and has started an Equine law practice as part of Follett Stock’s new Sports and Leisure Group.

“My daughter Poppy; Chris’s daughter Hannah and their good friend Amy were all keen to be part of the team. We then started a search to fill the remaining places. To assist this quest Follett Stock sponsored the Frogpool & Gwennap District Horse Show and offered team places to the highest riders in the open 2ft 6” jumping class under 14 years of age.”

The show proved a perfect platform for team selection with the top spot claimed by Katy Davis riding One in a Million.

Katy held off a strong challenge from fellow team member Poppy (Joshi) riding Little Mavros into second place.

“I’m really excited about being picked for the Follett Stock team,” said Katy.

“I could not believe my luck in being picked for the team. They’re all excellent riders and I’m looking forward to representing Follett Stock. I’ll do my best and hope to be a credit to the team.”

Finishing in third place and clinching the final coveted place on the Follett Stock team was Lauren Blunsdon and her pony Rosewall Miss Dream Girl.

“I’m really pleased to be asked to be on the Follett Stock show jumping team,” said Lauren. “I can’t wait for our first event and to meet up with the other members. I really enjoy team competitions - everyone feels just as nervous but in a team you all support each other and have a laugh. I‘ve got two great ponies, Bofarnel Lottery (Lottie) and Rosewall Miss Dreamgirl (Gem), who both love jumping.”

Penny said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Katy and Lauren onto the team. From a personal perspective it’s a great way for Poppy and I to make new friends in the equine community. We’re now looking for team events to enter and all suggestions are welcome. We’re aiming to field a team at the Wales and West championships next year.”

The Follett Stock team of Poppy Joshi, aged 11, from Lockengate, St Austell;  Hannah Lingard, aged 12, from Truro;  Amy Meeson, aged 12, from Blisland;  Lauren Blunsdon, aged11 from Goonlaze, St Agnes, and Katy Davis, aged 12 from Camborne can be easily spotted carrying the company’s colours and logo on their saddle cloths.

Picture caption: Follett Stock junior show jumping team members, left to right: Katy Davis of Camborne and Poppy Joshi from St Austell pull off a one-two at Frogpool and Gwennap Show.

For further details please contact Penny Paddle on 01872 245989 or email her at penny.paddle@follettstock.co.uk