Showing stars shine at Hickstead

In the RoR Tattersalls Thoroughbred Show Series Championship, Hannah Horton claimed the honours riding What Of It.

“The bigger the occasion, the more he rises to it. He’s such a natural showman, a real powerhouse. You feel like you’re floating on air," she said. 

“He only started showing last year, so this is his first full season. We didn’t bring him here last year because I don’t think he’d have coped with the atmosphere. He can get very extravagant and then his trot goes like Valegro! I just love that big ring out there.”

In the Supreme Coloured Horse Ridden Championship, Oliver Hood won with Kellythorpes Master Key. The horse, bred and owned by Lisha Leeman, was also Supreme at the Royal International last year.

“He’s a great horse, an absolute gent; because the Championships clashed, I literally got on him before I came into the arena – there aren’t many you can do that with," said Oliver. 

In the AllTech Supreme Hunter Championship, amateur rider Henrietta Spencer from Hertfordshire took the title with Lord John. They’ve won their class for three years running and stood reserve each time, but have been crowned supreme this year.

Emily Proud rode Randalstown Top Notch to win the Supreme Cob Championship.

Owner Sue said: “We bought him as a fairly wild, unbroken four-year-old. I’ve ridden him for all of his career; we actually won the amateur cob class at the Royal International last year.

“I’m a Hickstead regular, this is our local show and we’ve been coming here for years. It’s absolutely amazing to win here. I’m fine when I’m riding, but a nervous wreck watching! Emily has done such a cracking job.”

In the Alltech Small Show Hunter HOYS qualifier, Georgina Wilkes took the title on Mexican Summer. This is the fifth HOYS qualifier they have won together.

Jo Bates from Oxfordshire won the AllTech Supreme Hack Championship with Elusive. They are now focusing on the BHS Royal International Horse Show and HOYS, having qualified for both.

 “He was hack champion at the Royal International Horse Show last year, and he just loves these occasions."

For full results click here.