Ex-racehorse Carragghann made his first SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse qualifier a successful one, taking victory and securing a place at next month’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in the process.
Jasean Spraggett and Carragghann won the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse qualifier at the Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain (SHBGB) National Supreme Hunter Championships at Addington Equestrian.
The five-year-old former racehorse is enjoying a successful first season in the show ring having finished third at both Royal Windsor and Hickstead, and winning at Rutland Show.
“We’ve not over done him and this was his first HOYS qualifier. The ride judge was the same as at Windsor and said he’d improved since then,” said Jasean.
“Carraghann gives such a beautiful ride. For him to win today means an awful lot to me. The show ring is so natural for him and he tries so hard. He has an incredible brain for the job.”
Show producer Jasean had Carraghann in for pre-training for racehorse trainer Ian Williams as a three-year-old.
She also did some flatwork with him during his racing career.
‘I’d be mad to sell him’
Ian was aware of how much Jasean loved the horse and so when his racing career ended he got in touch.
“When the opportunity to have him came up I was delighted and thought he might make a nice hunter or a working show horse,” said Jasean.
“I’d done a bit with Carraghann and was at the time working for Cindy Henderson, who said I’d be mad to sell him, so he is now the first horse I’ve ever owned and competed.
“He also loves his jumping and I’m looking forward to competing in some working show horse classes. Royal International qualification is our goal for 2025.”
The ride judge was Jody Sole while Katie Jerram-Hunnable, who also judges the SEIB Search for a Star classes at Your Horse Live, assessed conformation.
“Our winner was nice moving and beautifully retrained,” said Katie.
“It was a bigger class than expected here today. The SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse is a super class and it’s so nice to have it here at the National Supreme Hunter Championship for the first time.”
Main photo by Spidge
