New Champion for the veteran Horse Society

Last Christmas at Olympia, ten veterans competed for the title of Veteran Horse Society Supreme Champion.

It was a spectacular competition and every horse from 31 to 16 years looked stunning. Judged by Nigel Hollings, it was going to be a tough competition to win. As they lined up waiting for the results, the Achievement
Award winner made his appearance in the ring. This was Ypres, the Metropolitan Police horse, aged 16 years. He is a very grand dark bay gelding standing at 16.1 and looking fabulous. He and rider John Allan had a standing ovation and the presentation was made by Julianne Aston, founder of the Society, and Carrie Davis, Patron of the Charity Veteran Horse Welfare.

An Irish champion
As Ypres left the ring, it was time to announce who was the Supreme Champion and from thousands of veterans competing from around the country. Results were read out in reverse order and Supreme Champion went to Gill Bailey-Machin's Bowlands Diplomat, the second Irish Sport Horse to take the Championship. Aged 16, this horse is a stunning example of a veteran. The Veale family's Colliyers Eclipse (otherwise known as 'Nobby') was Reserve Champion, and was ridden side-saddle by junior VHS Member Georgina Veale.

Julianne Aston, founder of the Society, spoke of the class as she left the presentations. "It has been such a difficult year for the Society, and we have had to overcome some awful situations, but this final shows the world that we are a truly professional organisation and the new showing committee has done a fabulous job in bringing 10 truly beautiful veterans together."

The Society is actively seeking new members, and application forms are available from the VHS head offi ce 01239 881300 or by emailing theminfo@veteran-horse-society.co.uk

Applications for membership are also available by visiting www.veteran-horse-society. co.uk

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