Reds all round for Team Heath
“He rides like a hunter and
he’s got that swagger”
BSHA Northern Spring, Kelsall Hill EC, Cheshire
“WE’RE on a flyer so far,” said producer Danielle Health when reflecting on her hat-trick of wins, two of which were achieved by novices.
Making his show ring debut was Mo Haslam’s lightweight show cob Red River, who landed the novice accolade.
The five-year-old of unknown breeding was bought from Val
Sheenan last summer.
“We’ve played about with him and he’s the most fantastic sit-on,” said Danielle. “He rides like a hunter and he’s got that swagger.”
Danielle was back on board Guy and Issy Mears’ reigning
Royal Windsor riding horse champion Times Square, who netted a Hickstead place and the RIHS riding horse title over Paul Mortimer’s Royal Illusion and Jordan Cook.
“He’s come back this year with a stronger brain,” said Danielle of the eight-year-old. “We’ve only just scratched the surface with him.”
Lindeth Seclusion took the novice hack class with Danielle, before owner Issy jumped on for the championship. The nine-yearold was novice champion at North of England the week previous and Danielle said he’s improving on each outing.
“He was a stud stallion until he was seven,” added Danielle, who sourced him from Carlisle producer Emma Burrow.
“We mithered Emma about him for a while as we were desperate for a quality small hack. He’s classic and true-to-type, but has presence.
Issy will ride him in intermediate classes, too.”
Greenhall Treasure Island (Robert Walker) took the hunter spoils over Bloomfield Aristocratic (Sean Scallon).