With a team chasing name like Dapper Dobbins Licensed Lovers, you may be forgiven for thinking this team is made up of four lusting male riders. In fact, the name refers to the team’s quartet of licensed stallions (pictured) — a first in team chasing history.
The foursome, made up of Tash McKim (on Bandit), Sabrina McClumpha (on Carrigfada Grey Mist), Rowan Cope (on Cos Me Is Black) and Bruce Langley McKim (on Sox), stormed round at the Grafton team chase on Sunday (19 October) at Salgrave in Northants.
They finished the runners-up in the intermediate bogey class.
Team captain Bruce’s multi-talented Cos Me is Black (who was featured in H&H’s Hunt Heroes in 19 December issue) was the first stallion to complete the Melton Hunt Ride and the first horse to win an equitation class at the side saddle championships this year with a male rider. He also led in the winners for the Topham Chase at Aintree’s Grand National meeting this year.
The Irish draught stallion has clearly been busy. “He has 24 foals on the floor already and 17 due this spring,” said Bruce. “All the stallions travelled in the lorry together and were amazingly well behaved — I don’t think anyone realised they were stallions.
“Sabrina did have a slight hairy moment at fence three but Carrigfada Grey Mist was an honest lad and popped himself out of trouble. Rowan and Tash had also never sat on their mounts until the day. All four stallions are snaffled-mouthed and so genuine — they are a joy to ride,” Bruce added.
“The stallions have been out team chasing this season as individuals with other teams but myself and the owners decided to run them as a team together — we were delighted that all four went clear.”
Don’t miss the team chasing report from the Cotswold in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound (30 October)
