Horse of the Year Show Qualifying Story 💜
“This isn’t the HOYS qualifying story I ever wanted to be writing.
“Emerald came into my life as a skinny three year old I bought unseen 10pm one evening, and he arrived the following morning. Over seven years later, he had become my horse of a lifetime and my best friend.
“I backed and produced him myself, and ever since finishing 3rd in the HOYS Bronze League Final in 2021 on somebody else’s horse, I’d dreamed of one day getting back there with one of my own horses.
“After a tough couple of years with a few setbacks, this season wasn’t about chasing HOYS. It was simply about Emerald and me getting back out there, getting our groove back and having a good time.
“And somehow, we qualified for the HOYS Silver League Final.
“I thought we still had so much ahead of us. I never imagined it would become our final achievement together.
“Just a few weeks later he became poorly and despite everyone’s efforts I had to say goodbye to him.
“Seven years was never going to be enough, and I would give anything to be preparing for HOYS with him now.
“We may not get to walk into that special arena together, but he earned his place there, and I will always be so incredibly proud of him.
“My horse of a lifetime. I just wish we’d had more time.”
Kelly Read & Qemerald Van De Vogelzang qualified for the NAF Five Star Silver League Championship at Chard Equestrian – a qualification that became their final achievement together.
Horse of the Year Show:
“We are so sorry that Kelly and Emerald won’t be able to share the HOYS arena together. Qualifying for HOYS is a huge achievement in itself, but Kelly’s story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes it is the partnership and everything that leads to that moment that matters most. We are honoured to share Emerald’s story and celebrate his achievement.”