‘I felt like we were flying’: showjumper claims Royal International working hunter supreme title

Showjumper Adam Taylor and Loughview Verdis Dream (Verdi) claimed the Baileys Horse Feeds supreme working hunter championship at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show, ending Mulberry Lane's remarkable run after three consecutive supreme titles.

Adam and Verdi, an eight-year-old bay gelding owned by Beverley Vaughan, secured the championship after winning the Baileys Horse Feeds heavyweight working hunter final. The pair had finished reserve to Mulberry Lane in 2025 before returning to reverse the placings this time.

The gelding boasts world-class jumping bloodlines. Out of Loughview Lala, he is sired by the internationally renowned Verdi who enjoyed success at the highest level of international showjumping before becoming one of the world's leading jumping sires, making Loughview Verdis Dream's ability over a fence no surprise.

“I mainly do showjumping,” said Adam. “But we've got this amazing horse and, after finishing reserve last year, we thought we’d have another go. He's bigger and stronger this year and has really matured.”

Despite lifting one of showing‘s most coveted titles, Adam admitted the discipline still feels outside his comfort zone.

”I'm not a show rider,” he laughed. “Mulberry Lane is one hell of a horse to beat, but I've worked so hard with Verdi.

”I felt like we were flying – it was like I was on ‘Verdi Airlines’. It can be overwhelming riding in that ring, but getting to gallop round the International Arena in the lap of honour was just something else.”

The victory brought an end to one of the most dominant runs in recent Royal International working hunter history, with Mulberry Lane having claimed the supreme title in 2023, 2024 and 2025 before finishing reserve this year.

Owned by Susan Tennant, the 10-year-old chestnut gelding ridden by Craig Kiddier has become one of the sport’s most recognisable working hunters, renowned for his scope, presence and impeccable temperament.

A firm crowd favourite, Mulberry Lane once again delighted spectators with his trademark lap of honour alongside the hounds, receiving a warm reception after another memorable Royal International performance.

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