Show Jumping
Horse & Hound|March 16 2017

A change of bit makes all the difference for ‘fun horse’ Havana

Sarah Radford
Show Jumping

Hartpury College, Glos

SHE may have low mileage, but Alice Watson’s KEC Havana proved she has plenty of ability as she headed a strong winter B&C qualifier.

Jumping one of just three clears from 14 jump-off contenders, the 14-year-old mare cut an impressive two seconds from leaders Vicky Burns and Denzel II to claim the top ticket. Bought last year from Belgium to be a “fun” horse while Alice’s top ride Billy Lemon had a lay-off, this naturally zippy mare came over with just £100 on her record.

Alice said: “I was looking for a young horse to produce and rang Sean Aston about one he had. I said I didn’t have a lot to spend: I was after something to be a 1.30m/1.40m diesel-money horse.

“He said, ‘I know one out here in Belgium. She’s been with an amateur since she was six and isn’t young but is very low-mileage.’ I like little blood horses and I fell in love with her,” Alice added.

While the combination hit form in Spain last month, picking up a 1.40m win, they have taken a little time to gel.

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