Whether you’re showing a coloured this season and want to check out the opposition, or you’ve just got a soft spot for two-tone equines, here’s our shortlist of some beautiful coloured show animals that recently got the nod from the judges.
1. Makers Of Jar Hearts
After being sidelined for much of last season through a brain virus, Wayne Thorneycroft claimed the coloured tricolour at Cheshire Premier (1 May) and stood reserve supreme riding Jane Turnbull’s Makers Jar Of Hearts.
The mannerly cob is the horse Wayne credits for getting him back in the saddle last summer.
2. Gallifrey SWS
Judge Katie Jerram found her RIHS ridden coloured champions in Jo Bates and Lady Benton-Jones’ classy Gallifrey SWS at the British Show Horse Association (BSHA)’s Southern Spring (30 April).
Five-year-old Gallifrey has also won sport horse classes and he qualified for the British Dressage novice regional final in two outings.
“The best thing about him is his work ethic. He has a great brain,” said Jo.
3. Wee Big Man
Heath Emson’s Wee Big Man stood champion over two well-attended coloured classes at The Showing Register (2 May).
The five-year-old, who topped the native and traditional section for Pam Brown, was originally bought unbroken from the breeders SD Gypsy Cobs and was graded as a stallion with the Coloured Horse and Pony Society and British Skewbald and Piebald Association last year.
“He has covered a few mares, but our main aim is to qualify for RIHS and HOYS,” said producer Liz Cross.
4. Randalstown Top Notch
This beautiful coloured cob clinched the home-produced title for Sue Phillips at BSHA Southern Spring. Sue lives on Hayling Island, off the south coast of England and officially a part of Hampshire, where she farms Angus cattle and runs a golf course. She bought Randalstown Top Notch 18 months ago and rode him into second place in his coloured class at HOYS last year.
5. Blue Shamrock
This eye-catching mare stood champion gypsy cob and ridden class winner with Terri Guyett at Brook Farm (3 April). The mare was originally found fly grazing near Gatwick airport and came to owner Victoria Ward just over a year ago as a broodmare without a name or a passport.
“She lost her own foal and then fostered a thoroughbred, so she’s a real novice under saddle,” said Victoria.
6. The Muffin Man
Felicity Taylor’s traditional coloured The Muffin Man triumphed in a well supported mixed open ridden section at the Northern Counties Pony Association’s Lancashire Spring Show (3 April).
Muffin was originally rescued from an abattoir in Ireland.
“After such a harsh start to life, Muffin is a cherished family member and he even attended my wedding,” said Felicity.
7. Heather
Izzy Walker’s Heather was a native and traditional winner at Kelsall Hill Showing Festival (23-24 April). The cob mare claimed Izzy’s first Royal International Horse Show ticket and went on to stand reserve champion in the coloured section.
Izzy, who works for Cheshire producer Joanne Shaw, bought the eight-year-old lightweight unbroken four years ago and it will be the rider’s first time competing at Hickstead.
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8. Stoneyraikes Ringmaster
Another coloured winner at Kelsall Hill was Stoneyraikes Ringmaster, who carried Danielle Heath to victory in the plaited class and then stood champion.
The eight-year-old skewbald spent two years competing in dressage classes with his owner Marie Charlton before joining Danielle’s yard half way through last season.
“He’s so laid back with a great outlook on life and he goes with his ears pricked all the time,” said Danielle, who added she may try side-saddle classes with the horse this season.