The show’s final session of competition continued with the presentation of HOYS’ Equestrian of the Year Award to The Late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
As an extraordinary person who led an extraordinary life, the Queen gave so much to the equestrian community. It is for this reason that Horse of the Year Show, felt that this award with a special place in the prominence of the event would be no better attributed to The Late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
It was accepted by The Crown Equerry, Colonel Toby Browne, head of the Royal Mews, while also in attendance were Royal Mews grooms Brandon Heaton and Charlotte Watson, former Royal Mews groom Alice Wilson and The Late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s great grand-daughters Savannah Phillips and Isla Phillips.
As part of an emotional tribute, there were appearances from Balmoral Erica, handled by Lizzie Finlayson-Briant and Barbers Shop, ridden by Katie Jerram-Hunnable. Joining them were the in-hand trio of Balmoral Leia, handled by Henry Hird, Sunbeam, handled by Oliver Moore and Fools Paradise, handled by Chris Hunnable.
Balmoral Erica has now retired from the show ring, having participated in three pageants – the Diamond Jubilee, the 90th birthday pageant and the Platinum Jubilee. Balmoral Leia, meanwhile, was overall mountain and moorland champion at the Royal Windsor Horse Show this year.
Barbers Shop was bred by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in 2002, earning more than £140,000 before retiring from racing 10 years later and being retrained as a show horse before claiming notable victories at Hickstead, Royal Windsor and HOYS.
Sunbeam, whose mother Tiger Lily IX was evented by The Late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s grand-daughter Zara Tindall, claimed five wins this year, while Fools Paradise competes as a small riding horse and qualified to compete at HOYS this year.
The tribute was concluded by Stephanie Hill singing “I Vow to Thee My Country” to the back-drop of a picture and video montage of The Late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, capturing her life with ponies and horses.
ENDS
For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2022, please contact Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd. Tel: 02476 858205. Email: press@hoys.co.uk
