FORAYING into the world of show horse production is not for the faint-hearted. Yet Elliee Stunt is proving that talent, a keen eye for detail and a clear vision can set you on the right path.
Elliee, 29, is currently heading into her third year as a full-time professional. She concluded her 2023 season with her client Stephanie Fitt’s home-bred mare Castra winning the ridden coloured horse and pony of the year tricolour at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) with her good friend Rhianon Loader in the saddle. Castra became the first HOYS champion Elliee has produced from her own yard.
Elliee’s 2023 tally as a rider was equally impressive, her highlight undoubtedly being lifting the supreme accolade at the
British Show Horse Association (BSHA) National Championship Show aboard Rebekah Pring and Charlotte Coppard’s small hack Howetown Holly’s Legacy (Lacey) with an untouchable score of 30/30 from the three judges.
Elliee has developed a growing passion for hacks, displayed in her awe-inspiring performance aboard Lacey at the national championships, and she hopes to further pursue this section over the next few years.
“I was so excited to put Lacey through her paces in the supreme,” reflects Elliee, also second at the Royal International (RIHS) with Lacey last July. “She’s really educated and she gives a wicked ride. She loved every bit of her performance, as did I. The more I asked, the more she rose to the occasion. When I saw the marks I said, ‘Oh my God!’ – I just couldn’t believe it.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
