Horse of the Year Show Qualifying Story 💜
“Myself and Lumcloon Susie have qualified in the SEIB SFAS Show Cobs & Maxi Cobs class. I have owned Susie since she was a 3 year old (she’s now 9) and I have done everything with her myself (backing & producing) but the road to qualifying for HOYS really hasn’t been easy for me or for her.
“I have been trying to qualify for HOYS since I was a first ridden (I’m now 22) and I feel so privileged to have done it on my Susie. When Susie was 4, she was diagnosed with arthritis in her coffin joints, she had her 5 year old year off then came back as a 6 year old to qualify for RIHS in the Amateur Maxi Cobs, we didn’t place, however I felt so lucky to be there with her.
“Unfortunately after RIHS 2023, she was diagnosed with arthritis in her stifles. Myself, my mum and my farrier Thomas Oliver Dyson (who is a very good family friend) decided Susie needed time off so we were going to put her in foal.
“She bred the most stunning Stepping Cob colt for Tom who absolutely adores the ground he walks on. After weaning, Susie returned to work where we took part in the SEIB SFAS classes in 2025, in my first one at Greenlands we stood 3rd (so close but yet so far), after nearly qualifying we made the decision to partake in one of the final qualifiers at Equifest.
“I had an absolute nightmare with Susie on the go round to be pulled last (17th), but after the ride judge and the conformation, we brought up to fifth. As we headed into the new year, 2026, something was not quite right again with Susie. We took her to vets to discover more arthritis, meaning she now has degenerative joint disease.
“At this point, myself and my mum were unsure if Susie would ever be the show horse we looked forward to. With the correct rehabilitation, taking it steady and just enjoying having her around she was ready to hit the 2026 season in the ground running!
“In May this year, we picked up both RIHS tickets (Maxi Cobs & Amateur Maxi Cobs) to then go to the North Of England Summer Show for our first SFAS qualifier to only go and win it!
“Honestly, myself, my mum, friends and family could not believe what had happened and how it had happened after everything we have been through with Susie. After most of her ridden career being so touch and go, not knowing if she would ever be the horse she is today this meant more to me than most people would ever believe.
“If you told 16 year old me (who was backing this wild 3 year old mare) that we would one day qualify for HOYS, I definitely would’ve laughed in your face. I really really can’t wait to trot round the TopSpec Arena with dreams with my one and only Golden Girl, Susie Cob!”
Morgan Yeomans and Lumcloon Susie qualified for the SEIB Search for a Star Show Cob & Maxi Cob of the Year at the North of England Summer Show