Castiel’ (aka Sven to his friends) came to me from a photograph on Facebook with legendary cob finder Reid Finlay in Ireland. He was beautiful, even in the raw and a bit different to Reids normal cobs!
Originally he was going to be a project to break, maybe qualify for some finals and then sell but 6 years later he is still here and very much part of the family! He has become my absolute heart horse, he has such a kind character (my 8 yr old daughter can do anything with him) and makes us laugh on a daily basis with his goofy ways! My showjumping friend Neil Fiddes did a great job of breaking him and he has been produced through his career by the amazing Team Harvey, to whom I owe so much.
I qualified Sven for HOYS in 2019 and 2021, finishing 10th and 4th. Covid year he spent hacking, hunting and jumping which he absolutely loved and continues to do regularly. I also got my ticket in 2022 but then herniated a disc in my back 10 days before HOYS.. The doctor told me I could ride but would probably need surgery if I did. So Peter Green took the reins and I was a very proud owner. 2023 and my back was still playing up so Peter rode him for the season and stood 4th again at HOYS.
2024 and I was determined to ride him myself, qualified for RIHS first time out and HOYS at our 2nd attempt at Lincoln County. Lincoln has always been a lucky show for me – I got my first ever HOYS ticket here (longer ago than I care to admit) and several more along the way. Its is a lovely show to ride at with the gorgeous hedges around the rings and Sven tried his heart out for me. To say I was thrilled to be back in the saddle, collecting my golden ticket on my heart horse would be an understatement!
I cant wait to ride at HOYS once again and know how very very lucky I am to be doing it with my very special boy. The biggest thanks to my parents for everything they do, Team Harvey for being quite simply Amazing and of course Mr Sven, just for being him 🙂
