Dorian Williams presented to Jeff Osborne

Jeff Osborne was presented with the Dorian Williams Trophy today at Hickstead, an annual award given to a person or group of people who has played a big part in the success of the Longines Royal International Horse Show. 

Jeff, who is still competing in scurry driving at the age of 87, received the award after the Osborne Refrigerators Double Harness Scurry took place in the International Arena. 

Jeff grew up near Chichester in West Sussex, and in 1960 he established his company Osborne Refrigerators, which went on to become one of Hickstead’s longest standing sponsors. He has had a long connection with Hickstead, and in his showjumping days one of his career highlights was riding in the Freshmans Final at the showground around 35 years ago.

When Jeff gave up showjumping, he switched his attention to showing, and among his proudest moments was winning in Hickstead’s famous main arena on several occasions. He won the Champion Hunter here three times – riding Instant Dancer, Hatfield and Fair Game, and won Champion Cob twice – riding Broadway and Hob Nob.

After giving up riding Jeff took up carriage driving, and he went on to win titles at both Hickstead and HOYS. Having been a pilot and a motorbike rider in his earlier years, Jeff’s ‘need for speed’ never faded; he took up scurry driving around 30 years ago and today is still competing in the Double Harness Scurry with ponies Tik & Tok and Twitter & Tweet. 

Jeff’s services to the horse world have been recognized many times, including in 1996 when he won The Ryans Son Trophy, and in 2004 when he was presented with the FEI Medal of Honour. He’s served on various judging panels and showing associations, and his yard has been used by local branches of the Pony Club and the RDA.

Through his company Osborne Refrigerators, Jeff has supported the equestrian world for more than 40 years, including three decades as sponsor of the Double Harness Scurry Championship. "Jeff is one of Hickstead's biggest supporters, and a very worthy recipient of the Dorian Williams Trophy," said Hickstead Director Lizzie Bunn. "He is still a formidable competitor in scurry driving, and shows no sign of slowing down any time soon."