IT’S a rare feat for a novice show horse to maintain enough composure to lift a championship in the Castle Arena at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. But in 2008, The late Queen Elizabeth II’s home-bred large riding horse Petition did just that. The Petoski gelding, who was just a six-year-old at the time, came to the fore to triumph against his much more experienced rivals, providing his producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable with a memorable career first.
“This was the first time I had won a championship on one of Her Majesty’s show horses at Windsor,” recalls Katie, whose first royal ride at Windsor was the lightweight hunter March Past, who was pulled top and dropped to third in the four-year-olds after being understandably spooked by the paparazzi who had flocked to the ringside.
“When I left the ring on Petition, I was beckoned over to a small area in the collecting ring to speak to The Queen, who was delighted,” continues Katie, who credits the late Queen’s head groom Terry Pendry for his consistent support throughout her career. “It was a feeling I still can’t put into words; I think it’s the principle that the horse was home-bred and I was winning on Her Majesty’s home ground that made it so special.”
Petition achieved great things during his career, including standing reserve riding horse of the year at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 2008 and 2010.
This story is from the May 04, 2023 edition of Horse & Hound.
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 May 04, 2023 edition of Horse & Hound.
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
