Badger has an ace up his sleeve in the Philip Judge International British Ridden Heavy Horse of the Year Championship

There were lots of happy tears out in the collecting ring following the result of the Philip Judge International British Ridden Heavy Horse of the Year Championship on day two of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). It was eight-year-old Shire gelding Horsmans Ace Card who was the judge’s pick, ridden by Helen Cowley.

Owned by Wendy Toomer Harlow, ‘Badger’, as he is known at home, has been with Nigel Fuller for the past two months in preparation for HOYS. The eight-year-old has qualified for all three years of this Championship and was second and fifth in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

“We’re an amateur team,” said Helen, “so to get here is a dream come true.” Nigel is a full-time hairdresser, while Helen works as a fashion stylist in London.

“I look up to the professionals, watch them in the ring and try and absorb everything they do, but it just goes to show that amateurs can do it too,” said Helen. “He was completely balanced in there; he’s like riding a hunter,” explained Helen, who describes the HOYS champion as a ‘smile and wave ride’. “He’s also the best person to hang out with and likes to have his two hours’ sleep before he goes into the ring!” she laughed. “He’ll go back to bed now!”

The Championship highlights the ability of heavy horses to perform on a world class stage, showcasing their potential as a true show horse under saddle. All four of the eligible breeds were represented among today’s 10 finalists: the Shire, Clydesdale, Suffolk Punch and Percheron. It was a Clydesdale who took second place; Brian Bisset’s six-year-old Stobilee Zac with Isla Miller in the saddle.

Ends

Image credit: 1^st Class Images

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