Has Tappers found an alternative career as a ventriloquist?
Showjumpers, eventers and show horses aren’t the only equines proving a hit at this year’s Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).
The British Horse Society’s (BHS) hobby horses have been spreading the word about the charity’s Ride Safe Award, which was launched this month.
The hobby horses have been used for demos on the new educational scheme that educates riders on how to protect themselves on the road and elsewhere.
Many riders have been visiting the BHS’s horses, including four-star event rider Paul Tapner, who won the eventers’ challenge at the RIHS on Thursday (27 July).
“The hobby horses are hit!” a BHS spokesman told H&H. “We’ve even had one of them interviewing Paul…”
After a busy day, Magic has taken some time off from Ride Safe demonstrations to meet his hero Paul Tapner! ?Congratulations to Paul on winning the MS Amlin Eventers Challenge at All England Jumping Course at Hickstead!Posted by The British Horse Society on Thursday, July 27, 2017
Paul had a chat with the hobby horse Magic after his win with Bonza King of Rouges (King).
“G’day I’m Tappers,” said Paul. “I’ve had great fun here at Hickstead, have you Magic?”
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Magic agreed and told Paul that he had been lucky enough to meet King. “He’s a cool dude horse, he’s grey just like you,” Paul said, to which Magic “replied”: “Well grey’s the best colour!”
And Paul’s ventriloquism skills are top notch…
Continued below…
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Plenty of thrills and spills in today's eventers
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There has been a 29% increase in accidents
The BHS stand is situated behind the Derby Bank and will be at Hickstead for the duration of the RIHS (25-30 July).
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.