The hugely successful Hallmark IX, who has dominated showing’s cob circuit with Simon Reynolds for the last four years, will now be home-produced and partnered by his owner, Heather Clay.
“There’s no pressure on me and enjoyment will be the key word this term,” said Heather.
“We have just purchased a four-year-old lightweight replica of Brandy [Hallmark], who is as yet unnamed, to be shown by Simon Reynolds later in the season.”
Simon told H&H that the decision was made over the winter and paid tribute to the “once in a lifetime” horse.
“What he has done, no other horse has achieved,” said Simon. “He is a phenomenal horse.”
“Brandy” won title after title in maxi-cob and supreme classes.
“For a horse to win the supreme twice at the Great Yorkshire Show and the North of England — you have to take your hat off to him,” said Simon.
Hallmark was originally shown as a lightweight and dominated those classes before measuring out and contesting maxi-cob classes.
“He won the 2013 supreme title at Horse of the Year Show, judged by Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin,” said Simon.
“Who would have thought two dressage stars would pick a cob!”
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By Welcome Flagmount, the pure-bred Irish draught has won around £15,000 over his career.
Before Hallmark was bought by Heather and Tom Clay, he was talent-spotted by Rosemary Hetherington at Dublin Show as a youngster and had major wins with Jack Cochrane.
“Every year when an owner sends you a horse of that calibre you are thankful,” added Simon.
Heather and the 12-year-old gelding have got off to a good start, winning an amateur class at the BSHA Northern Spring Show last week.
