H&H Festival of Eventing favourite: Katie Hughes — ‘this will be my last event with him’
With just over a week until the Horse & Hound Festival of Eventing we continue to meet the riders taking part and find out their stories…
With just over a week until the Horse & Hound Festival of Eventing we continue to meet the riders taking part and find out their stories…
We are still accepting limited entries for the inaugural Horse & Hound Festival of Eventing, so if you want to experience everything this event has to offer, hurry to make your entry as soon as possible.
Limited late entries are being accepted so enter now >>
Find out all you need to know about the H&H Festival of Eventing >>
Katie Hughes with Roche
Name: Katie Hughes
Horse’s name: Roche
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Class entered: 90cm
What’s the story?
“I bought Roche as a four-year-old from Jill Holt Equestrian and over the years, we have been attempting to event. We currently compete at BE90 level in British Eventing, National Schools and riding club. Now seven-year-old, Roche loves his cross-country and (touch wood) has never had a fault. He’s not so keen on showjumping and dressage as he would much rather be zooming around the cross-country, but let’s hope we have enough treats to bribe him!
“Roche is a really sweet and cuddly 14.2hh Irish pony and he is so straightforward to ride — he just does what I say and I think we have a really good partnership.
“I’m 15-years-old and am currently Lavington School and live in nearby Melksham in Wiltshire. I would love to pursue a career in equestrian television when I’m older.”
Why have you decided to enter the H&H Festival of Eventing?
“Sadly, the H&H Festival of Eventing will be my last event with Roche as he will be up for sale shortly due to me outgrowing him. He loves doing three-day events, particularly cross-country day. We also love the buzz of staying away from home.”
What are you most looking forward to about the H&H Festival of Eventing?
“Definitely the cross-country. Last year’s course looked amazing in the pictures and hopefully Roche will fly and we will enjoy our last round together.”
Do you have a secret weapon?
“My mum and dad are great as they drive me to to lots of competitions and are so supportive. But also whenever I’m competing, I have to wear something from Hardy Etc Clothing — whether it’s my jodhpurs, cross-country top or Roche’s numnah, I can’t compete without them.”
Tell us a fun fact about your horse
“Roche’s favourite party trick is smiling. Whether it’s for a treat or if I’m sad and he wants to make me laugh, he loves to smile!”
Have you entered the H&H Festival of Eventing and would like to feature as a Festival favourite? If so please email gemma.redrup@timeinc.com
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Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.