Horse of the Year Show, NEC, Birmingham
A FAIRY-TALE season concluded with a happy ending for one showman and his horse of a lifetime, as they won the Supreme Products horse of the year accolade, three months after standing supreme at the Royal International (RIHS) under a different guise.
Craig Kiddier and Sue Tennant’s Mulberry Lane were assessed by a stalwart of the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the larger equestrian world, Tissie Reason, and Ann Overton-Ablitt of the prolific Colne Stud.
Craig and “Obi” are more than used to the pressure of a supreme, having also finished reserve overall at the RIHS in 2023.
On this occasion, they booked a supreme spot after winning the middleweights and Catplant Group of Companies hunter title.
This was a historical achievement given that their previous major championships have been awarded in worker ranks. During their week at the NEC, they finished third – with a pole – over fences.
Craig’s supreme show had it all – effortless transitions, and a flying change followed by two forward gallops.
Tissie commented: “He had tremendous presence and yet floated across the ring, and he had a great gallop.”
Craig was bowled over to reign supreme on the OBOS Quality nine-year-old, who Sue found at the bottom of the line at Dublin Horse Show.
“If I never win another rosette ever again, I wouldn’t care,” he said. “Horses who do both the workers and flats are so rare. We’ve been trying to find another one like him, and I don’t think we ever will.”
Sue was ringside to watch their triumph: “In Dublin, I just thought he was a lovely, big, raw horse. They are an amazing partnership.”
GLOBE-TROTTING JUDGES
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