Celebrating the much-loved horse or pony who has enriched and bettered the life of their owner, with whom they have a unique and special bond
The Agria Horse of a Lifetime 2023 winner is the superstar working hunter pony Cashel Bay JJ.
“Cash” was bred by Robbie and Barbara Fallon and enjoyed early success with Victoria Leavesley, before he was bought by Polly Eddis in 2014 for her daughter Lucy. The pair won championships at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), Royal Windsor, the Royal International (RIHS) and Royal Dublin, to name a few – as well as eventing to BE100 level. Lucy’s sister Susie also enjoyed success with Cash, taking his HOYS tally to seven wins.
In his final season as a working hunter pony this year, 20-year-old Cash was second at RIHS with Maisie Kivlochan, who leases him and also events him. Maisie collected his award on the night.
“He has been quite phenomenal,” says Polly. “He’s the Roger Federer of ponies; he’s cool, calm and composed, and he’s just the hardest boy to beat – but he does it all in the most charming, effortless way. He brings joy wherever he goes.”
The other horses shortlisted for the Agria Horse of a Lifetime 2023 were:
Bomber – the much-loved Shire bringing history to life and helping to promote the breed
History enthusiasts Eve Millar and Jon Davison bought Bomber as a foal in 2015 from breeders William and Josephine Boulderstone to fulfil Jon’s dreams of owning a heavy horse. Bomber, who stands at 18.1hh, joins the couple at 1940s and World War II commemorative events around the country, taking part in ploughing and logging displays to demonstrate some of the work Shires were used for, and highlighting their “at risk” status on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s watchlist.
“I don’t know any other horse that would stand next to a tank being fired off – he takes it all in his stride,” said Eve. “He’s so placid and really knows his job at these events. If a child comes over, he’ll put his head down and let them stroke him. He really makes an impact on the people he meets.”
Lovelocks Simba – The recognisable 16hh polo pony who took the discipline by storm
Simba was bred in Argentina by Charlie Hanbury and bought as a six-year-old by Ollie Cudmore in 2013. It was a partnership made in heaven and the pair went on to play in nine high-goal seasons and six internationals, including the prestigious Coronation Cup. Simba retired from polo fit and healthy at the end of the 2023 season, aged 16.
“He means a lot to me,” says Ollie. “I played for England with him in both Argentina and England. We beat Argentina when I first bought him, which was a big achievement – and winning the British Open was also a highlight. I’ve never played on a horse that loves it like he does. He has this big white face, and he’s very agile and fast, with a big character. He loves human contact and has always been the favourite with grooms.”
Springfieldpark Razzle – The ultimate Pony Club pony showing children the ropes
Paula and Katy Seedhouse bought Welsh section C Razzle as an eight-year-old and Katy competed him successfully in working hunter classes, with wins at HOYS and multiple British Show Pony Society championships. After stepping down from top competition, Razzle went on to teach a number of children the ropes, excelling across the disciplines at Pony Club – and firmly earning himself legend status.
Razzle, now 24, has been with current rider Daisy Burman, 10, for two years and the pair are members of the West Warwickshire branch of the Pony Club.
“There weren’t many working hunter titles he didn’t win, but the best bit about Razzle is that he’s still out there now doing things with lovely, tiny little jockeys,” says Katy. “He’s so loved by everyone who has been involved with him over the years.”
Previous Agria Horse of a Lifetime winner
A new award introduced last year, the inaugural winner of the Agria Horse of a Lifetime title was Carltonlima Emma: The late Queen’s beloved hack.
The Queen’s stud groom and manager Terry Pendry bought the Fell pony from Thomas Capstick when she was eight. Aged nine, she had a foal by Murthwaite Look At Me, named Balmoral Vision, after which she was produced for the show ring by Lizzie Briant, who collected the award on the night. Emma had a short but successful showing career, including Cuddy supreme champion at Devon County, and qualifying for HOYS ridden finals and the Olympia mountain and moorland supreme championships final. She also appeared in three pageants at Royal Windsor.
Following her retirement from competition, she went on to be hacked out in Windsor Great Park by The Queen for 15 years, their final ride on 18 July 2022. Emma achieved worldwide fame at the age of 26 as she waited patiently for Her Majesty’s coffin to arrive in Windsor.
Terry Pendry said: “Her Majesty adored Emma. She was a comfortable ride, and sure-footed. Emma always enjoyed a carrot out of a brown paper bag after riding.”
About the Horse & Hound Awards 2023
The Horse & Hound Awards returned for the eighth year in a row, running again in partnership with NAF.
As ever, the H&H Awards winners were nominated and voted for by you. We recognised both the big names who have made 2023 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at whatever level.
This year, we hosted a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire where some 300 people, including Olympic and Paralympic superstars, enjoyed a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, Oscar-style speeches and dancing.
