Are you gearing your cob up for the 2023 Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) (25 – 30 July) at Hickstead? This year’s RIHS cob ride judge Lucy Seletto, who will be judging both lightweight and heavyweight classes alongside conformation judge Sarah Smith, talks to H&H about what she’ll be looking for on the day, and what qualities her winners will possess.
Who is Lucy Seletto?
Norfolk-based Lucy Seletto (nee Heseltine) is a show horse rider who has been successful in the ring on multiple horses, including the middleweight and ladies’ horse Kozee and the riding horse Funtime Frankie. Her horse Queenstown won the amateur riding horses at the RIHS three times. She last judged at the RIHS in 2019, when she was officiating in the maxi cob class, and she has also judged the amateur riding horses at the show.
What will she be looking for when each combination enters the ring?
“I will initially be looking for the cobs which are true to type with good limb. A nice, strong walk always stands out. I want the horses to be looking through their bridles, too. Overall, those horses who produce a nice go-round showing each of the paces well, finished off with a good gallop, will impress me the most.”
How will the winning cobs ride?
“I like a ride that is both comfortable and forward. Again, I want each horse to be looking through the bridle. I like cobs that are light on their feet and that take me forward.”
What are some of Lucy Seletto’s show ring pet hates?
“I dislike horses that lean down on the bridle, aren’t light in the hand and don’t ride straight. When either the jockey or I ask for the gallop, I want to see or feel that the cob is nice and straight and isn’t sitting to the edge of the ring.”
What are some key characteristics she looks for in show cobs?
“Horses that are fit, and not overly fat. When it comes to the championship in the main arena I hope that we’ll have four beautiful cobs to choose from. The result will depend on who rises to the occasion in the ring on the day. It’s a big atmosphere for a horse to contend with and how they deal with that will definitely be taken into consideration.”
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Finally, any sign off advice for those riding there for the first time?
“It’s a big occasion, especially if both a rider and horse are attending for the first time. But try to enjoy it and make the most of the day, as getting there is the hard part.”
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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.
