The Leeman Family Maxi Cob of the Year Championship witnessed its third winner in its six-year run on day three of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). Previous winners have included four time winner Hallmark IX and Starry Night. Nine-year-old grey gelding Colebourne, owned by Rosettes Direct, took the honours with recent graduate, Miranda Wallace in the saddle. Miranda, who is the first lady rider to win this Championship, said: “He felt incredible in there; he was up into my hand and very balanced. I’ve had two maxi cobs before this one, but never had a win here.”

Colebourne produced a flawless performance and, during the ride judging, Miranda rode every stride from the middle of the arena as Matthew Lawrence put the cob’s paces to the test.

Having finished second in 2013 with Jayne Ross, Colebourne has been with Jo Bates for the last two years. Miranda started riding the “gentle giant” at the start of last year and they qualified for HOYS at the Lincolnshire Show. They have no ménage at home and so make use of the countryside for exercise out hacking. Second place went to Elizabeth Bury’s seven-year-old Chestnut gelding Lord Alexander with Stephen Norris in the saddle, and Susan Guild’s Tank Top ridden by Ian Smeeth took third.

Image credit ES Photography