WHEN Vicky Smith first took the reins on a gangly four-year-old coloured hunt horse named Bart, she instantly knew she was riding a potential champion.
“Even when he was green he had three unbelievable paces,” says Vicky of the 16.1hh skewbald horse she owns with partner Alan Marnie. “He’s always stood four square with his ears forward and I’ve always loved his limbs; he has proper Irish bone.”
Despite now having two Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) titles to his name, Bart wasn’t always destined for a career in the show ring. Of unknown breeding, the gelding was found in Ireland by Shane O’Grady who hunted him as a four-year-old. He was then bought by Gillian Hickford who approached Vicky about taking the ride in a few showing classes.
“I rode Gillian’s coloured horse LWS Artful for a few seasons,” continues Vicky. “I showed Bart as a five-year-old and he was fourth at the Royal International [RIHS] before he was turned out to grow on. The following year he went to eventer Harry Horgan’s yard and competed up to BE100, but due to circumstances he came back to Gillian and I started showing him again.
“He was quite weedy at this point but we decided to enter the HOYS qualifier at North of England summer show. To our surprise, he won, got his ticket and went champion. He really burst on to the scene there. He beat all the top coloureds of the season; everyone wanted to know who he was and where he’d come from.”
Denne historien er fra June 25, 2020-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra June 25, 2020-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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
Many horses' needs aren't met: study finds chance to improve
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
