Ben Hobday and Shadow Man impress at Pau Horse Trials after reunion

Ben Hobday and Shadow Man’s reunion has gone from power to power because the pair impressed with a five-star cross-country leaping clear at Pau Horse Trials at the moment (26 October).

Australia’s Christopher Burton received particular person Olympic silver with Shadow Man in Paris this summer time; the horse joined Christopher on a short lived foundation with the 2024 Video games because the goal, and returned to Ben after the distinctive feat.

Ben and Shadow Man, a 14-year-old gelding who Ben has produced to prime stage, completed tenth at Lignières and second at Strzegom on their most up-to-date outings.

These short-format four-stars have led to a tilt on the remaining five-star of 2024 in France. The pair adopted up their sub-30 dressage with a assured cross-country efficiency to carry fifteenth place within the massive Pau discipline forward of Sunday’s showjumping on a rating of 53.6.

“Initially of the 12 months, we determined to offer the horse an opportunity at Olympics, which Chris executed completely,” stated Ben, after his dressage check.

“The horse received to fulfil what we had dreamed of since he was a four- or five-year-old.”

He added that the horse means a lot to him that it was “very bizarre” not having him within the yard and watching another person trip him, whereas crediting Christopher for doing “a incredible job”.

“When he got here again, it was an actual second for us, so we’re simply having enjoyable,” stated Ben, who has just lately been having assist from Bettina Hoy on the flat.

“There’s no strain now. That’s the way in which I’m it. I’m simply going to get pleasure from him and if good issues occur, they do. He has to get pleasure from himself, and so have I.”

After cross-country, Ben added that he’s “extraordinarily proud” of Shadow Man.

“He’s had a busy 12 months and been very profitable,” stated Ben, who owns the horse with Jane Chambers and Stephen Hobday. “He actually gave his coronary heart at the moment, and also you’ve received to be thankful for that.”

Britain’s Caroline Harris and D.Day head the Pau Horse Trials outcomes after cross-country, with Ros Canter and Izilot DHI in second and Tom McEwen on Brookfield High quality third at this stage.

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H&H senior information author

Lucy is an skilled information journalist, reporter and presenter. Since becoming a member of the Horse & Hound group in 2015, Lucy has reported from main international sporting occasions together with the Tokyo Paralympic Video games and a number of European Championships, in addition to Badminton, Burghley and London, to call a number of. She has lined present affairs and sports activities information throughout the complete spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, in addition to human and equine welfare, trade information and court docket instances.