THE working hunter course built at the Royal International (RIHS) is arguably the most famed on the showing circuit. A true hunting-style track with iconic permanent fences and tricky lines, it requires agility and bravery, from both horses and riders, in equal measures.
Only the best-prepared combinations will return home with a clean score sheet and just four standout horses from the lightweight and heavyweight classes make it into the main arena championship.
In 2022, one of the youngest riders on the horse worker circuit came to the fore to lift the RIHS working hunter supreme title. It was Ellie Hirst – just 25 at the time – and her heavyweight winner Noble Gladiator (OB), who was competing in his third class of the week, after also appearing in the middleweight and ladies’ hunter finals. The victory was a bucket-list moment for Ellie, now 26, who had watched older sister Fiona Hirst win the same heavyweight class in 2015 and 2016 aboard the family’s Dartans Barrack.
“That track and the atmosphere are just made for OB,” reflects Ellie, who achieved another dream result earlier this year with the 12-year-old – bought from Kelly Ward in 2017 – when he was champion at Royal Windsor. “I’d jumped clear [at the RIHS] and finished third on my lightweight, Lord Domino, just missing out on getting into the championship in the main ring, something I’d always dreamt of. I tried to keep the nerves at bay while on OB, but I think he wanted to win as much as I did. When they called us forward as class winners, I couldn’t believe we’d done it.”
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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
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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
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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
