Well, what a cracking weekend! Three days of shopping, fantastic demonstrations, inspiration at every turn and lots of things to learn. It’s hard to believe that Your Horse Live is over for another year.
If, like us, you’re already suffering withdrawal symptoms — or perhaps you didn’t make it this year and want to see what you missed — here are our pick of the highlights.
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Stunning stunts
Atkinson Action Horses. Image by EJ Lazenby
We were blown away by action man Ben Atkinson and his team of stunt horses and riders. Fast-paced, adrenalin fuelled and downright jaw-dropping.
Watching Ben work at liberty with his beautiful stallion Sebastian was enough to bring a little tear to the eyes. And all this just a few weeks after he underwent major surgery. Ben, we take our hat off to you.
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Parade of legends
The Great War Horse, by Melody The Horse Barber
The Grand Horse Parade had the crowds running to find their seat in the BETA main arena when they heard which famous horses were appearing.
Nick Skelton’s Big Star and Arko III, Carl Hester’s Uthopia, Grand National winner Neptune Collonges and showing star Barbers Shop were paraded either in hand or under saddle.
We — and you — loved it!
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Teddy & Hovis
We can’t write Your Horse Live highlights without mentioning Teddy the miniature shetland and Hovis the Clydesdale, who were both in the rescue village (and various other places) helping to raise money for rescue charities. Hovis even enjoyed a little jump with Mary King — after trying to buck her off!
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Turnout galore
Mary & Emily King, with Chris Hunnable at the WOW saddles ELZ
Katie Jerram-Hunnable wowed with a turnout demonstration in our new Clippersharp Clipping Zone, showing how to transform a horse from muddy monster to show-ready diva.
We were amazed at how much work goes in to it and picked up lots of tips along the way. Our horses are going to be gleaming from now on.
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Incredible talks
The WOW Saddles Equine Learning Zone was the place to be to hear from some of the best riders, trainers and experts in the industry. A highlight was Sir Lee Pearson’s interview — so inspiring. What a journey he’s been on.
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Laughing with Geoff
Showing sashes and rosettes
When Geoff Billington is involved, it’s always going to be a hoot — and this year’s special evening performance from the man himself didn’t disappoint.
Packed full of training advice and lots of humour too, we laughed and learned over a packed three hours of entertainment. He even sported a Superman costume…
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Emotional tributes
We had a very poignant moment on Sunday at 11am when we held a two minute silence for Remembrance Day. The Great War Horse, wearing a tribute clip to mark 100 years since the end of WW1, stood in the arena, led by his artillery officer.
Horses from the Grand Parade, including Big Star, joined him. The last post played and you could have heard a pin drop during the silence — even the horses seemed to understand the significance.
If you haven’t seen the War Horse yet, checking out our video on the Your Horse magazine Facebook page.
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Racehorses on form
We love seeing ex-racehorses enjoying a second career and, in the Country & Stable arena, Re-training of Racehorse (RoR), Your Horse LIve’s charity of the year, showed us just what they’re capable of.
The crowd particularly enjoyed the musical routine, which was foot perfect.
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Unrivaled shopping — and brilliant bargains
Shopping galore!
There were hundreds of stall selling everything you could ever need for you and your horse, and much more too. We save up especially to splash out at this show, and splash out we did. It would be rude not to!
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The best demos around
With names like Florian Bacher, Sir Lee Pearson, Christopher Bartle and Mary and Emily King, Your Horse Live was THE place to be this weekend. All demonstrations were fantastic: entertaining, informative, inspiring and left audiences brimming with ideas and motivated to try with their own horses.
Thank you all.
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First-ever showing championship
Clippersharp Clipping Zone
In a first for Your Horse Live, we hosted a competition on Friday when the inaugural SEIB Search for a Star mountain & moorland champion was crowned in the BETA main arena.
The winners were Greenholme Falcon, a Fell pony, and Chantelle Chapman. Beautiful sashes and rosettes were awarded to everyone placed.
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And finally — you!
We couldn’t put on a show without our readers — and it was great to see so many of you there. Our subscribers’ lounge was constantly busy, several of our #hack1000miles gathered for a meet and greet and every demo was well attended.
If you made it along, thanks for coming. If you didn’t, make sure you book your ticket for next year as soon as you can. You won’t regret it.
Don’t miss the latest issue of Your Horse Magazine, jam-packed with training and veterinary advice, horse-care tips and the latest equestrian products available on shop shelves, on sale now.
