Horse hero

The eye-catching ‘Queen Bee’ who took her rider to four-star level and went double clear at Badminton 2017

Eye-catching four-star eventer My Royal Touch

“THE Harris’ kindly bought ‘Missy’ for me when she was a six-year-old and I was a working pupil for Lucy Jackson,” says four-star eventer Lydia Hannon. “She came from John Bannon in Ireland — who had competed her up to one-star level — via agent Clare Ryan.

“She was bought as a horse who could help me go through the ranks and I genuinely didn’t know what I was sitting on when I tried her in Ireland — I just knew I felt really happy and safe on her. I’ve totally learnt my trade with her and we’ve established a wonderful partnership over the years.”

Does her temperament match her good looks?

“At home she’s an absolute sweetie and I would happily put a child on her back as she has a lovely nature around people,” says Lydia. “However, she never goes out with other horses as she’d probably kick them to death for being on her turf. She definitely knows she’s Queen Bee and prefers to travel by herself, too.”

Competition-wise, crosscountry is Missy’s strongest phase, as her clear round at Badminton last year demonstrated.

“She knows exactly where she’s going and is 100% genuine — it’s like someone gives her the course map beforehand,” says Lydia. “As she’s got older, she’s had a tendency to have the odd pole down showjumping, which is frustrating. She just doesn’t try as hard as she used to. But she is definitely a ‘big time’ performer and really lights up at big events.”

Touch wood, the mare has been pretty injury free and the pair’s goal is Badminton again this year.

“Our double clear there last year and our third place at Blenheim in 2016 have definitely been our career highlights,” says Lydia. “She’s my horse of a lifetime — I’ll never have another one like her. She’s beautiful and every girl’s dream.”