Annabel Jenks’ Large Riding Horse, Diamonds are Forever secured Allister Hood a hatrick of wins at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2016 with a victory in the Riding Horse of the Year Championship. The seven-year-old by Diamond Hit was bred by Annabel. He was shown twice as a four-year-old and then left to grow until this season, making him quite a young horse in terms of mileage. HOYS is his fifth show this year and he has been unbeaten as a Riding Horse, going first and Champion at every outing.

When asked about the Warmblood X’s routine, Allister said: “He never goes in the school. He hacks out every single day. Everything is so natural; his balance, rhythm, everything.” Allister had already partnered two more Champions earlier in the week; the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse of the Year and The Humdinger Consultancy Cob of the Year.

Reserve Riding Horse of the Year went to Samantha Coates’ Large Riding Horse Bronte, a Dutch Warmblood by Riverman.

In the Small Riding Horses, Dianne Stennett’s Casino took the honours ridden by Jayne Ross with Patrick Lobb’s Champagne Fever in Reserve and Samantha Quiney in the saddle.

Image credit ES Photography