‘Thanks for backing the Brits’: Lordships Graffalo rocking horse in prize draw to spice up Olympic fund

A bespoke rocking horse model of the 2023 Badminton and European champion Lordships Graffalo is the highest prize in a draw that may enhance the British squads in Paris this summer time.

British Equestrian (BEF) and the British Equestrian Federation Fund (BEFF) have launched their “path to Paris” prize draw, all funds raised from which can assist our horses and riders on their technique to the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.

The Stevenson Brothers rocking horse model of “Walter”, value over £12,500, is constructed from oak, together with a number of the fallen tree that was used to make the brand new Mars Badminton Horse Trials trophy. It options considered one of Walter’s footwear and a few of his tail hair, in addition to duplicate tack, a seventy fifth anniversary Badminton saddlecloth and a BEF journey rug.

Marc Stevenson of Stevenson Brothers, which has made replicas of Valegro and The late Queen’s exhibiting star Barbers Store, instructed H&H he advised the concept to Badminton director Jane Tuckwell final yr. It took three months to construct the duplicate of Walter, who received Badminton and crew and particular person European gold with Ros Canter final yr.

“It’s arduous to allow them to go, however we’ve had a number of follow,” he stated, including that the corporate has made 9,879 rocking horses in its 42-year historical past. The duplicate Walter additionally “has a secret secure in his tummy, the place Ros has hidden a shock for the winner!”, a BEF spokesman stated.

Different prizes on provide within the draw, donated by BEF crew suppliers, are a Fairfax & Favor holdall, a yard tour with Harry Meade plus a £100 voucher, jacket and numnah from Dodson & Horrell, a £500 Bates Saddles voucher and a yard expertise with world champion Yas Ingham. Different prizes are to be added, and all entry particulars are on-line.

Enter the draw

“Each penny made goes in direction of supporting our groups on the trail to glory on the world’s largest stage, the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Video games – entrants will actually be a part of the Paris journey!” a BEFF spokesman stated, including that the fund is proud to have been chosen as Badminton’s fundraising companion in its seventy fifth anniversary yr. Spectators can donate to the fund when reserving tickets, by becoming a member of course-walks or in buckets or on the BEF tradestand at Badminton, the place they’ll additionally enter the draw.

BEF World Class efficiency director Helen Nicholls stated: “The thrill forward of Paris is de facto starting to construct and the crew is working arduous behind the scenes on the ultimate touches to arrange and assist our horse and rider combos to the Video games. The added assist we get from BEFF, along with our UK Sport and Nationwide Lottery award, actually helps us go the additional mile with these ultimate particular preparations that may be the distinction between a medal or ending off the rostrum.

“Each considered one of you might be part of the crew’s success – whether or not it’s shopping for a draw ticket, becoming a member of us on a Badminton course-walk or donating a few cents, all of it helps and we’re extraordinarily grateful to all who assist us through BEFF each Video games yr. We hope that we make you all proud this summer time and we thanks for backing the Brits.”

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Obsessed with equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all features of the business, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of selection is showjumping, wherein she competes her personal horses, and she or he additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping reveals by way of to worldwide championships.