A show cob who excelled as an open heavyweight for many years is adhering to the theory that many do get better with age.
The gelding Ballyell Turbo will be contending the SSADL ridden finals at the Olympia International Horse Show (16-22 December) with his owner and rider Lizzie Oseman. The pair qualified for the championship on their first attempt.
“‘Turbo’ was a hunter hirling in Ireland before show man Robert Oliver found him for me as a fun horse,” says Lizzie. “He was intended to run alongside my other show horses; this was 12 years ago. Little did we know Turbo would turn out to be one of the most prolific, consistent heavyweight cobs of all time.”
At just four years old, Turbo qualified for HOYS and has been placed in the top nine for a decade. Turbo and Lizzie also dominated in amateur ranks, taking the cob title at the Royal International on three occassions.
Lizzie adds: “He has won at most major shows across the county including Royal Cornwall, Royal Windsor, Royal Three Counties, Bucks County, Surrey County, Rutland County, Devon County, North of England, South of England, National Championships, as well as winning many side saddle classes and working show horse championships. We have hunted with the Ledbury, Warwickshire and Kimblewick.
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“Turbo has always been piloted by myself. He has carried me safely through two pregnancies and more recently through a very difficult time during my battle with breast cancer.
“Qualifying for Olympia is just the most perfect end to his competitive career. He is the most fabulous, kind and genuine horse.”
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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.
