2024 HOYS present hunter of the yr championship outcome

The reigning Royal Worldwide Horse Present (RIHS) supreme champions ensured their place in Sunday’s supreme horse championship to vie for that elusive double as they landed the crown within the Catplant Group of Firms 2024 HOYS present hunter of the yr sash on the Horse of the 12 months Present (HOYS).

Craig Kiddier loved his first-ever HOYS victory within the middleweight class driving Susan Tennant’s distinctive chestnut gelding Mulberry Lane (Obi). Obi, a nine-year-old by OBOS High quality, has appeared at HOYS a number of instances on the flat and over fences.

On the NEC on Wednesday, Obi had an unfortunate pole within the working hunter closing, however he nonetheless completed third, impressing the judges a lot that he stood above clear rounds.

Obi is arguably probably the most constant present horses of the previous few years. His RIHS supreme victory got here after he’d gained the working hunter championship for the second yr in a row. Throughout the identical week at Hickstead, he was additionally second within the middleweights.

“They simply don’t make horses like him fairly often; he does each jobs so so properly and he’s very particular,” stated Craig, who has ridden Obi since he was a four-year-old. “I’m not that into the flat displaying that a lot, however we did it, and this occurred. He’s one of the best horse on the earth. He felt like he was on air at the moment within the championship.

“As he’s primarily my employee, the flat is simply an additional for us, so it’s so sudden to go champion,” Craig added. “I simply love driving him, although I do really feel the stress as I don’t wish to let him down.”

Will Morton completed reserve within the 2024 HOYS present hunter of the yr championship driving Sarah Tait’s upstanding heavyweight Ringwood The Specialist.

This was the 12-year-old’s first HOYS victory after being within the closing line-up a number of years on the trot. This additionally marked Will’s first Birmingham win in hunter ranks after just a few seconds.

“Felix” has gained for his proprietor within the beginner hunter finals on the RIHS and he’s gained at most main reveals for the workforce. At present marks his closing look within the ring as he now retires to Sarah’s residence.

“He’s phenomenal,” Will stated. “He’s all the time been there or thereabouts and he deserved it at the moment. I broke him as a four-year-old and he took some time to come back into himself, in mind and in maturity. It feels very becoming to retire him at the moment.”

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H&H displaying editor

Born and raised within the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the displaying scene. She has certified and competed ponies on the Royal Worldwide, Horse of the 12 months Present and Olympia and has first-hand information of the present points within the displaying world in addition to the horses, ponies and riders who compete within the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 since when she has cemented its place because the main equestrian publication for each displaying studies and present displaying information within the UK.