MELISSA JOANNIDES might have completed her first five-star at Luhmühlen earlier this year, but her BE90open victory at Chard on Louise Lewis's home-bred, Hallmarked (Artie), gave her equal amounts of pleasure.
“Eleven years ago, I rode Artie's mother, Lady Ballina, around my first Badminton grassroots championship,” explained Melissa. “She was a very special chestnut mare, so Artie had big shoes to fill, but I would say he is doing very well.”
Although Artie, who is by the Irish-bred eventing stallion Hallmark DS, is taller than his mum – 16.1hh compared to 15hh – both share similar characteristics, according to their rider.
“They are both brave and honest, and enjoy life at a ‘forward’ pace,” said Melissa. “Artie is very bossy and thinks he is rather special – which he is.”…