Team Skelton vs. snow — and when Big Star was met with eight inches of the stuff

While much of central England ground to a halt after Sunday’s “snow bomb” dumped several inches of the white stuff, in a Warwickshire field a certain bay stallion was having an absolute whale of a time.

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Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.

Team Skelton vs. snow — and when Big Star was met with eight inches of the stuff

Nick Skelton’s double Olympic gold medal-winning ride Big Star, now enjoying a very happy retirement from competition at the age of 14, couldn’t contain his excitement at being met by knee-deep snow when he was turned out today (11 December).

“He was having a great time playing around,” said Nick, whose stables received a massive covering of around eight inches of snow.

“Henry” maintained all the grace and athleticism he showed in the ring as he kicked up his heels — and posed majestically for the camera — loving every minute of his “snow day” in the magical winter wonderland.

Just down the road, it was all hands on deck at the racing establishment of Nick’s son, National Hunt trainer Dan Skelton, when staff struggled to negotiate the country lanes to get to work.

“A few turned up but the roads were blocked — luckily Sunday is a pretty quiet day though,” said Nick.

As you would expect from the Skelton team, they managed to keep the show on the road with a 4am start on the gritter and tractors and after some expert harrowing the gallops were open for business as usual.

Continued below…

Nick Skelton: exclusively behind the scenes at home