Sport & Results
Former Racehorse Communion Qualifies for HOYS
Communion triumphs at the BSHA Championships in the Racehorse to Riding Horse class. Owner Donna Bamonte celebrates her second HOYS qualifier from her yard.
Equidara editorial team · 24 September 2026 · 1 min read
Communion has clinched victory at the British Show Horse Association Championships in the Racehorse to Riding Horse class. This former racehorse has thus secured a coveted spot at the Horse of the Year Show. Owner Donna Bamonte personally trains the seven-year-old Communion, affectionately known as Monkey at home. For this particular event, he was ridden by Sophie Staveley.
Double Success for Bamonte
Donna Bamonte was pleasantly surprised by the win. She had already secured a HOYS ticket with her first former racehorse, Hagar, who had qualified earlier at the Wiltshire Spring Show. At the BSHA Championships, Bamonte and Hagar also earned a second-place finish in the Amateur Owner Rider Class, securing their place in the evening performance. Following this, there was little time to prepare for Monkey's class, so Staveley stepped in spontaneously to ride the horse.
From Racehorse to Show Star
Donna Bamonte discovered and purchased Monkey from his previous owner, Amanda Picillo, in March. The horse had already qualified as a Large Hack for the Royal International Horse Show and had been shown infrequently but successfully. Bamonte remarked, “He went beautifully for her and won the class.” She expressed her delight that two of her home-produced horses are now qualified for the Horse of the Year Show, emphasizing that the routine and focus her animals provide are especially important during these times.
Read more at Horse & Hound.
Sources
- Former racehorses provide focus, comfort and HOYS tickets for owner in difficult times (Horse & Hound) (24.9.2026)
Written by Equidara editorial team. Last checked: 3 October 2026.
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