Fellthorpe Esther Jane claims 14th win for team Bedford in the Shire Horse of the Year Championship supported by the Shire Horse Society

Fellthorpe Esther Jane stood Shire Horse of the Year Champion on the final evening of Horse of the Year Show, making it 14 wins for Paul Bedford’s team.

They first took the Championship, which is supported by the Shire Horse Society, in 1985 and have had numerous winners including multiple champions, Landcliffe Laura and Metherington Upton Hamlet.

A delighted Paul said the win is “just as nice as the first time around.”

“The judge said that the minute he landed his eyes on her [the mare] there was nothing to touch her. That was really nice to hear.

“She represents the Shire breed right down to the final bit.”

When Esther Oliver was ready to sell Fellthorpe Esther Jane two years ago, she decided to sell her to Paul.  Esther had only ever competed the mare at a low level and wanted Paul to take her on and see how far she could go. Esther was in the audience tonight to see her wishes come true.

The nine-year-old bay mare had a foal in the Spring, which was weaned just a month ago, so she hasn’t been out to any major shows this year. The plan is to put her back in foal before another season showing.

Martin Fountain’s two-year-old colt, Woodhouse Rainman, took the runner-up spot. The colt is by the late HOYS Champion, Metherington Upton Hamlet, and out of another HOYS Champion, Woodhouse Calendar Girl.

The Shire Horse Society was formed in 1878.  The membership of the Society stands at about 3,000 of which 1,000 are actively involved with horses. The Society organise an annual breed show in mid-March, where 250 shire horses may be seen, both in hand, pulling turnouts, ridden and in farriery competitions.

For more information about the society visit http://www.shire-horse.org.uk/

ENDS

For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2019, please contact Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd. Tel: 02476 858205. Email: press@hoys.co.uk

Shire Horse of the Year Championship supported by the Shire Horse Society 2019, Paul Bedford riding Fellthorpe Esther Jane © Julian Portch