Harry Clarke Tomlinson and Shane Breen during of Class 13 (Mini Major) at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show at Echo Arena, Liverpool, UK; on 1st January December 2016
The mini major showjumping competition is a brilliant class to watch, as some of the country’s top young riders team up with their heroes for some high velocity jumping.
But at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International, competitors embraced the festive spirit with gusto and we saw every fancy dress costume going, from a bouncing Christmas pudding (step forward, William Funnell) to a flying Christmas turkey (guilty as charged, Guy Williams). Here are some of our absolute favourites…
1. Santa Claus is coming to town…
Isabelle Saunders-Cook and Laura Renwick during of Class 13 (Mini Major) at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show at Echo Arena, Liverpool, UK; on 1st January December 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
…Although he’s looking a lot less rotund this year. Laura Renwick decides who has been naughty or nice in her Father Christmas costume.
2. Follow the star
Henry Squibb and Billy Twomey during of Class 13 (Mini Major) at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show at Echo Arena, Liverpool, UK; on 1st January December 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Henry Squibb during of Class 13 (Mini Major) at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show at Echo Arena, Liverpool, UK; on 1st January December 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
While Billy Twomey dressed as a snowman, his team-mate Henry Squibb and his pony are tinsel-tastic — we’d happily wear that hat all year round, we love it!
3. Mud, mud, glorious mud!
Shane Breen during of Class 13 (Mini Major) at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show at Echo Arena, Liverpool, UK; on 1st January December 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Well this is Shane Breen as you’ve (probably) never seen him before — dressed as the very dainty Helena Hippo and making a high speed appearance.
4. He had a very shiny nose
Harry Clarke Tomlinson during of Class 13 (Mini Major) at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show at Echo Arena, Liverpool, UK; on 1st January December 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Some would even say it glows — Harry Clarke Tomlinson has found a fantastic Rudolf hat to complete his outfit.
5. Ho Ho Ho!
Harriet Birkby and Wilm Vermeir during Class 13 (Mini Major) at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show at Echo Arena, Liverpool, UK; on 1st January December 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Harriet Birkby has gone to town with her wintry ensemble — and check out those quartermarks!
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6. Soaring over rooftops…
Grace Shudall Hughes and Michael Kearins during of Class 13 (Mini Major) at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show at Echo Arena, Liverpool, UK; on 1st January December 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Santa Claus (Grace Shudall Hughes) takes time out of a busy present-delivery schedule to make a pit-stop in Liverpool, teaming up with Ireland’s Michael Kearins to finish third.
7. Who brought the brandy butter?
Ellie Burrell Squibb and William Funnell during of Class 13 (Mini Major) at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show at Echo Arena, Liverpool, UK; on 1st January December 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Ellie Burrell Squibb and William Funnell during of Class 13 (Mini Major) at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show at Echo Arena, Liverpool, UK; on 1st January December 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Christmas pudding arrives in the form of William Funnell, who partners Ellie Burrell Squibb for the runner-up spot.
8. Williams and all the trimmings
Guy Williams and Luli Loveridge winners of Class 13 (Mini Major) at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show at Echo Arena, Liverpool, UK; on 1st January December 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
We all know turkeys can’t fly, but this one — cunningly disguised as Guy Williams — certainly makes a bold attempt.
9. Santa’s little helper
Guy Williams and Luli Loveridge winners of Class 13 (Mini Major) at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show at Echo Arena, Liverpool, UK; on 1st January December 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Luli Loveridge joins Guy Williams to jump the quickest round of all and win the class. Great teamwork!
10. Looking angelic
Noora Von Bulow and David Simpson during of Class 13 (Mini Major) at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show at Echo Arena, Liverpool, UK; on 1st January December 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Noora Von Bulow and David Simpson during of Class 13 (Mini Major) at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show at Echo Arena, Liverpool, UK; on 1st January December 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Is that a halo we see above David Simpson’s head? Those wings certainly seem to have given the Irishman a boost as he helps Noora von Bulow finish fourth.
11. Baubles and tinsel
Tia Squibb and Christopher Megahey during of Class 13 (Mini Major) at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show at Echo Arena, Liverpool, UK; on 1st January December 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Christopher Megahey, fresh from his puissance triumph, dons this very fetching Christmas tree ensemble. Suits you!
Lucy Bowen Howard and Emauele Gaudiano during of Class 13 (Mini Major) at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show at Echo Arena, Liverpool, UK; on 1st January December 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Lucy Bowen Howard and Emauele Gaudiano during of Class 13 (Mini Major) at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show at Echo Arena, Liverpool, UK; on 1st January December 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Italy delivers its very own elf to Liverpool, Emanuele Gaudiano, who partners Lucy Bowen Howard to 10th place.
13. Winner winner, turkey dinner
Guy Williams and Luli Loveridge winners of Class 13 (Mini Major) at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show at Echo Arena, Liverpool, UK; on 1st January December 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Possibly the most Christmassy podium you’ll ever see. The prize-winners enjoy the celebrations — congratulations all!
Read the full report from the Liverpool International in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound (5 January 2017), on sale now
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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.
