‘He lit up and owned it’: first Royal International ridden Arabian title for successful cob and hunter producer

Will Morton claimed the pure-bred Arabian championship aboard LVA Winters Rascal at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show, steering the 13-year-old to a memorable victory in just their fourth show together.

Owned by Susan Rose, the son of LVA Maximus out of Winters Lilly B has enjoyed a remarkable start to the season with his new rider. After joining Will’s team at the beginning of the year, the gelding stood reserve champion at Royal Windsor before taking the championship at Suffolk, arriving at Hickstead in impressive form.

"He's new to me this year and this is only our fourth show together," said Will. "Coming here was a bit unexpected, but it's such a fantastic ring to ride in. I've been lucky enough to ride cobs and hunters in the International Arena before, but this was my first Arab, so it's been a whole new world."

Latest Videos From

Watch full video here:

Reflecting on the 13-year-old’s championship-winning performance, he added: "He lit up and owned it. He doesn't even wear ear plugs in that atmosphere. Now we're looking forward to trying to get our Horse of The Year Show ticket and then hopefully going to party in Birmingham."

Susan Rose, who has owned LVA Winters Rascal since he was a yearling, praised his versatility.

"He's a proper all-rounder," she said. "We also do dressage and showjumping with him, and he's a real member of the family. To see him come here and win a championship like this means so much."

Reserve championship honours went to Arimathea, the 12-year-old ridden by Louisa Biles and owned by Katie Gore.

• To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news throughout the Agria Royal International Horse Show, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website