Judge Norman Williamson gets a good gallop from Sizing Australia which won the Racehorse to Riding Horse championship at Balmoral (Horse is a former Cheltenham festival cross country winner and Punchestown banks course winner)
The 150th Balmoral Show (16-19 May 2018) in Northern Ireland saw visiting horses and riders winning several championship titles, while a Cheltenham Festival-winning racehorse bagged the Racehorse to Riding Horse title.
But who else turned heads at this annual show?
1. Retaining her crown
Robert Fallon's Frederiksminde Mellow II retained her Connemara mare championship at Balmoral
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Robert Fallon’s Frederiksminde Mellow II retains her Connemara mare championship.
2. Elegance
Robin Catterall and Carnsdale Irish Times on her lap of honour after winning the side saddle championship
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Robin Catterall and Carnsdale Irish Times on their lap of honour after winning the side saddle championship.
3. Royal Encounters
The Princess Royal congratulating Dessie Gibson with his champion yearling and champion young hunterat Balmoral
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The Princess Royal congratulating Dessie Gibson, who was in-hand hunter breeding champion with his yearling, Legacy.
4. Picture perfect pair
Blue Frog-sponsored coloured champion Courtney Stuart on Helens Gypsy and reserve Bethany Murray on Teeshan's Blue
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Overall coloured champion is Courtney Stuart on Helens Gypsy (right), while reserve is Bethany Murray on Kit N Kaboodle.
5. Flying high
Paulette Cooper from Leicestershire won Balmoral's workinh hunter championship with MJM Laslo
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Paulette Cooper’s MJM Laslo continues his winning streak by adding the working hunter title to his already impressive 2018 tally.
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6. Horse and hounds
Declan Feeney and the East Down foxhounds paraded at Balmoral
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Declan Feeney and the East Down foxhounds treat spectators to a parade.
7. Leaping to the red
James Hogg and Intuitive winning Dengie 6+7 yo championship
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James Hogg and Intuitive winning the Dengie six-and seven-year-old showjumping championship.
8. Lovely Cassanova
Rachel Moore and small hunter winner Birchill Cassanova
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Rachel Moore and her small hunter winner Birchill Cassanova.
9. Tough decisions
Youngstock judges Anne Leaver and Simon Somers deliberate
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Youngstock judges Anne Leaver and Simon Somers deliberate.
10. A grey affair
Sam McAteer with his champion and reserve champion cobs Randalstown Cromwell and Randalstown Raffles
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Judge Sam McAteer with his champion and reserve cobs Randalstown Cromwell (left) and Randalstown Raffles.
11. Who needs a horse?
The donkey display provided a spectacle of bygone days at Balmoral
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
The donkey display provides a spectacle of bygone days.
12. Galloping to victory
Judge Norman Williamson gets a good gallop from Sizing Australia which won the Racehorse to Riding Horse championship at Balmoral (Horse is a former Cheltenham festival cross country winner and Punchestown banks course winner)
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Judge Norman Williamson gets a good gallop from Sizing Australia, who won the Racehorse to Riding Horse championship. Sizing Australia is a former Cheltenham Festival cross-country winner.
13. Quality Clydesdale
Julia Wilson and Roeview Andrew won the ridden Clydesdale class at Balmoral
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Julia Wilson and Roeview Andrew land the ridden Clydesdale class.
14. We did it
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Phoebe Beaumont and Edie, who have qualified for HOYS, had two wins and also stood working hunter pony champions. (Credit: Prime Photography)
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.
In this week’s edition, out on 24 May, don’t miss our “cob special”, including how to find the perfect cob, meet champion cob Our Cashel Blue and more.
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Former H&H showing editor and deputy features editor
Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.
