Record entries and a fabulous atmosphere awaited horses and riders at the recent Irish Draught Horse Society (GB) 40th Annual Breed Show, held at Arena UK, Lincolnshire.
“I still can’t believe we won” says rider Faye Ludlow, after they took the honours with Michael Lewis’ Carnsdale Irish Times in the Blue Chip & IDHS (GB) £2000 Challenge.
Judge Mark Fitton commented "This Championship is the best advertisement for the Irish Draught horse and this years' final was a sight to behold. It was the best days judging I have had in years."
Clare Blaskey, founder of title sponsor Blue Chip Feed, expressed that “Blue Chip are extremely proud to support the Championships and to reward the impressive level that amateurs compete at.”
50 horses and riders presented for the final, to form an incredibly strong class; including both HOYS qualified horses and previous winners coming forward. Faye was delighted to reach the final 16 with Murphy as he’s known at home, but says “To win was just absolutely incredible.”
Faye and Murphy picked up the reserve spot last year, at their first ever show together, 3 days after he arrived with Faye, and went on to qualify for HOYS at their very next show. This season, they have added wins at Royal Windsor, The National Hunter Show, and gained two HOYS tickets within a week.
Faye goes on to explain that Murphy relishes being in the ring, “I was so proud of how he carried both judges beautifully, he loved every minute of the evening performance, particularly our lap of honour, the crowd were so behind him, his exuberance shone out, which is him all over, and I’m so grateful to Mike that he entrusts me with his special boy.”
Behind the scenes Faye works full time as a Civil Engineer, but does managed to enjoy plenty of hacking with Murphy around the Belvoir Estate, which he loves, as they don’t have a school.
The 2020 IDHS (GB) Annual Breed Show takes place on August 22nd and 23rd.
Image credit: Real Time Imaging