Taylor's future stars deliver

Young horses, an Olympic gold medallist and a comeback grey score in the sunshine

- PIPPA ROOME

LAST year’s British six-year-old champion, Barrington Boy, has stamped his style on 2025 already – having taken an open novice at Poplar on the opening weekend of the season, he won the sole intermediate at Tweseldown by more than five marks.

When I first met him, I didn’t want to like him because he’s so tall and I’m not, but I can’t help but do so because he’s so talented and I really enjoy riding him. He’s mannerly but equally brave and bold,” said Izzy Taylor after the pair punched in a 23.9 dressage and finished two seconds over the time.

“He’s had time to grow and learn and come out even better, which is what you’re trying to do all winter. It’s just building his strength, as with all young horses. He has a beautiful brain and is always looking to me for reassurance, to hold his hand a little, which is great because then we’ve got a relationship where he’s happy to check in and see if everything is OK.”

Bred in Ireland and by Sligo Candy Boy, Barrington Boy is one of a number of horses Izzy rides for Johnny Hornby of Barrington Sport Horses.

“It’s exciting for Johnny as he’s put a lot into the sport and to have great horses coming through is what everyone wants, but you don’t often get that,” said Izzy.

Izzy was also third in open intermediate (OI) section D on the promising 10-year-old SBH Big Wall, who has been with her since he was four.

“He’s a little one who has taken some strengthening because he’s quite long and another with a beautiful brain,” she said. “I’m excited for him this year. He will aim for Bramham CCI4*-L, which is a great track and gives you a good marker for where horses are at in real, grown-up life."

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