FORMER master and huntsman of the Border Foxhounds Michael Hedley has never claimed to be a horseman. To him a horse was a means of getting from A to B and if asked about his favourite he might have joked about "a Can-Am"; the quad bike from which he hunted hounds at the latter end of his career.
But there was a horse that stood out, from the 1970s, and he was called Hotspur.
Hotspur was a 16.1hh chestnut with a white blaze that Michael's father bought from a local farmer.
"Tom wanted £450 for him and Dad got him for £400," Michael recalled. "He wasn't a jumper, but then nor am I.
Esta historia es de la edición March 14, 2024 de Horse & Hound.
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Esta historia es de la edición March 14, 2024 de Horse & Hound.
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Better judges' cover a must to protect the sport's future
A group insurance option has been found to protect the officials showing needs but only if enough sign up
IVF with frozen sperm is a 'milestone' in equine breeding
The first successful use of frozen semen in the technique has been recorded in an American study
Challenging ourselves to be and do better for our horses
The 2024 FEI general assembly heard how we should all challenge ourselves to give horses the best lives possible
Scottish jockeys to benefit from fund's top services
A new centre in Galashiels has been built thanks to a legacy donation
How horse simulators could help encourage people into riding
It is hoped the new model will help break down barriers to the sector for a wide range of people
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Researchers say all must ensure horses have space, friends, forage and good experiences
Humble pie
How many ladies does it take to cook a shepherd's pie? It’s a complicated one, says Tessa Waugh, on a quest to find appropriate ovens for the impending hunt auction dinner
I love an underdog
The arrival of the winter mud brings with it a Venetia Williams hat-trick, but the day belongs to a warrior gelding, who never stops trying”
Jumping Jack cracks it
A scopey grey is learning to be quick” anda broodmare makes up for lost time
A star is born
A nine-year-old mare helps put Luxembourg on the map and we celebrate a remarkable grey’s comeback
