A member of King Country’s Fagan family has won the Horse of the Year event this month.
Javana Johnston and Starlight Samara took out the Horse of the Year top prize in her show hunter category. Photo: Heidi Clotworthy
Year 5 Ōtewā School student Javana Johnston, 9, won her category A show hunter class at the Tomoana Showgrounds in Hastings. The youngster has been riding horses since she was toddler.
There were about 1400 riders competing for titles. Javana and her pony Starlight Samara competed against children much older than her across four days.
Her mum Julia Johnston, niece of shearing legend Sir David Fagan, was proud of her daughter’s efforts.
180325HOY2: Mum Julia Johnston stands with Javana and Starlight Samara. Photo: Heidi Clotworthy
“It’s the second time Javana has competed at Horse of the Year,” Julia said. “Last year she was the youngest rider competing in show hunter and came home with a couple of wins and placings. This year we brought home the big one.”
Javana also rode a category B class pony, Starlight Sahara.
“She had her challenging moments with Starlight Sahara this year though. She started off okay with sixth in her first class but ended up having a couple of falls during the week.
“She got a sportsmanship spot prize for the way she conducted herself and the kindness towards her pony after her falls.
Julia grew up in Te Kūiti before moving north to Whitianga.
The family moved to Ōtewā, on the banks of the Waipā River near Ōtorohanga, when Javana started primary school.
Along with Te Kūiti-based sister Tina Fagan, Julia competed in pony events in her youth too.
Hannah Ashwell and Starlight Storm. Photo: Heidi Clotworthy
“I actually bred Javana’s ponies. Me and my sister Tina, we breed our Starlight horses and ponies. I’ve been breeding ponies since before I had kids in hopes that they would want to ride as well. I got lucky with my first one,” Julia said.
“I have always been trying to chase that quality of pony since I finished in pony Grand Prix way back in my day.
“This year, not only did one of my ponies take out the category A with Javana, but I also had my pony stallion take out the category C with one of my other riders, Te Kauwhata-based Cameron Young.”
Javana also placed in five other events as well as placing third in the national category A high point series, third overall in the 12 years and under national equitation series – the rider class, and third in the national series on her category B high points with Starlight Sahara.
In 2024, she placed sixth overall in all her high point series classes for the national series, bumping her way up three spots this year.
“Javana placed at the Takapoto showjumping event last winter as well, but we’ve concentrated on the show hunter this season because she wanted to go for those national classes,” Julia said.
“I think she would like to take out the win. She wants to chase those points for the national series.
“But it’s pretty amazing to win the pony of the year class this year. To come home as number one.”
Twyla Ashwell and Quince, pictured with parents Marcus Ashwell and Tina Fagan. Photo: Heidi Clotworthy
It was a family affair for Javana and Julia. Tina and her two girls Hannah, 12, and Twyla Ashwell, 11, also attended.
Javana’s cousins both brought home wins and placings in show jumping.
Tina said the competitive spirit is part of the girls’ blood and they understand the commitment it takes in any sport to be a champion.
Riding Starlight Storm, Hannah placed first in the pony 1.10m event and third in speed pony champion of the year 1.20m.
With her second pony, Starlight Irwin, Hannah came first in the equitation medal of the year 13 years and under event as well as third in the pony 1.10m championship.
Twyla Ashwell and Starlight Ishtar in action. Photo: Heidi Clotworthy
Twyla rode Starlight Ishtar, placing second in category C high points and fifth in the equitation medal of the year 13 years and under.
Riding her second mount Quince, Twyla finished sixth in the pony 1.05m
championship category.
The sisters also represented Waikato in the Pony Club’s Show Jumping teams event gaining second place.
“The three cousins did very, very well for themselves,” Julia said.
“Tina and I always rode as kids, but to also have our three girls come through, compete and do really well is quite amazing.
“I think they’ve been very lucky to have mums that have ridden and bred horses.”
Javana Johnston and Starlight Samara leap over an obstacle. Photo: Heidi Clotworthy
