Remarkably, the 17h gelding known as ‘Walter’ had just six eventing competition starts in 2023 and his second start of the year, which proved to be a very wet one, was in the CCI4*-S at The Eventing Spring Carnival, Thoresby Park International in early April. They completed in sixth place but their ease on cross country heralded what was to come at Badminton a few weeks’ later and the Europeans in August.
Emma Webb #doitforbrodie at London International Horse Show
Emma Webb’s 19-day 158 mile walk, whilst towing ‘Miles’ – a life-size resin horse – from the David Broome Event Centre in Chepstow to the London International Horse Show, finally came to an end at 1pm on Wednesday as the London International Horse Show got underway.
Many spectators and supporters watched on as Emma, who has been walking in tribute to her daughter Brodie, who sadly died in March 2020 to raise money for Papyrus (Prevention of Youth Suicide) and Riders’ Minds, ended her walk outside the ExCel stadium.
Piggy March on Vanir Kamira at Burnham Market International Horse Trials (1) 2023
We’ll miss the great mare Vanir Kamira, who was retired at the age of 18 in 2023 after a glittering career that included CCI5* wins at Badminton (2019) and Burghley (2022).
Her rider Piggy March and owner Trevor Dickens decided to retire “Tilly” early in the year, but she had a couple of early season runs at Lincolnshire and the CCI4* at Burnham Market International, where she finished second, that showed what great form she was still in.
Vanir Kamira’s retirement was celebrated at Burghley later in the year but we’re sure you’ll enjoy watching her last ever cross country run at Burnham Market International 2023 as much as we do!
2023 Puhinui International Horse Trials Cross Country Press Conference
Charlotte Penny, Kyle Calder & Scout Lodder lead the CCI international eventing classes after cross country at 2023 Puhinui 3 Day Event, taking place in Auckland, New Zealand from 8th – 10th December.
Watch the full press conferences and find out what the riders thought in our full wrap up here
Isabelle Cook on Emerald Katie at Brightling Park Horse Trials 2023
Isabelle Cook, daughter of British team stalwart and multiple medal winner Tina Cook, had another strong year in 2023, culminating in her win of the Edy Goldman Trophy, awarded to the British U21 rider gaining the most points throughout the year.
Riding the 11-year-old mare Mexican Law, Isabelle finished fifth individually as well as taking team silver at the FEI Junior European Eventing Championships in Montelibretti but this is not the only string to her bow, with a team of talented horses coming up through the grades.
One of these, the nine-year-old Emerald Katie enjoyed a successful year, starting the season at BE100 level, including this win at Brightling Park in July, and had her first few starts at CCI2* by the end of year. Ones to watch in 2024!
