Highland dazzles

WORKING Highland stallion Islesman Of Mendick headed his first-ever medium.

“I knew there might be some wobbly moments, but he was a star,” said Ruth Darling, who backed Islesman as a four-year-old for the Mendick Stud and whose partner John later bought him for her as a surprise birthday present.

“He has amazing cadence for a Highland and he’s a quick learner,” added Ruth of the striking mouse dun, a prolific winner in the show ring both in hand and under saddle. “I’m trained by Jane Bartle-Wilson and we’re already playing with Islesman’s changes, but I spend a lot of time hacking him around the farm. He’s lucky if he gets schooled twice a week.”