Katrina Braithwaite and the eight-year-old Kilderry Rupert were crowned the Nettex Supreme Working Hunter Champions at the Longines Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) this afternoon (31 July).
“He’s a horse of a lifetime. He lives with my mum and dad on a working farm and is completely home-produced,” said Katrina. “It’s an unbelievable experience to be in that main arena. Rupert carried me round and his gallop was sensational.”
The pair pulled off one of only five clear rounds over the Kevin Millman-designed track en route to winning their lightweight class before clinching the overall title.
“It was a tricky course from number one,” said Katrina, who works full-time in a farm shop to fund her showing. “It helped that my horse has done a lot of hunting, which meant the natural obstacles — like the ditch, bullfinch and water — didn’t phase him.
“This is also Rupert’s second time here — he came in 2014 as a baby — so he knew what to expect when he went into the ring.”
Watch Katrina talk about her victory in the video below:
Lightweight runner-up Oulart Pasquellino finished reserve supreme for Fiona Laing, ridden by Kirsty Aird.
Accountant Fiona Hirst topped the heavyweights on Dartans Barrack.
“It’s always been my dream to win here,” said Fiona of the bay who also competes in British Showjumping. “We’re in our second year together and he’s such a great horse to have. He’s really soppy and anyone can do him at home.”
High Treason triumphs
Brogan Taverner took the Saracen Horse Feeds Supreme Riding Horse Championship title on High Treason.
The eight-year-old large riding horse is owned by his breeder, Lisa Hall.
“He’s been with us since a four-year-old and had three championship titles this season,” said Brogan, who rides for producer John Harvey. “High Treason is a really great horse and I’m just enjoying him. He always does as you ask. He’s a nice horse to have around and always tries to please.”
Watch Brogan talk about her win in the video below:
Simon Charlesworth and Jill Marsden’s small riding horse Carrhouse Boston Legal stood reserve.
Don’t miss the full RIHS report in next week’s Horse & Hound (6 August).
