Tales from Hickstead: ‘I chased Allister Hood up the hill at the gallop’

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Natalie Chapples' maxi cob Aughoo Lad gallops up the Hickstead hill at the Royal International for the last time
Natalie Chapples' maxi cob Aughoo Lad gallops up the Hickstead hill at the Royal International for the last time
(Image credit: Antony Barker)

THE maxi cob championship at this year’s Royal International Horse Show will be a class that amateur rider Natalie Chapples will never forget. Riding her faithful maxi cob Aughoo Lad who was making his third and final RIHS appearance in the BSPA Native/Cob/Traditional Ridden Horse class, Natalie was pulled into the line up next to her showing idol Allister Hood riding Our Cashel Blue, both of whom have also subsequently retired from the showring.

“‘Doc’ was an absolute star and even received a compliment from a showing hero of ours – I was stood next to the once-in-a-generation superstar partnership of Allister Hood and Our Cashel Blue, and we had a lovely chat in the ring,” exclaimed Natalie. “I was on cloud nine when he told Doc ‘You’re a good boy’. It was so kind, and meant the world.”

Stephanie Bateman
Stephanie Bateman
Freelance journalist

Stephanie Bateman began her career working for Horse & Hound’s sister title HORSE magazine in 2009 after studying a BSc Equine Science degree at Hartpury university. After a few years working in-house for a national equestrian title, she went freelance in 2011, and now writes for a variety of print and online platforms, editing sections of national monthly magazines and contributing regular features and event reports to Horse & Hound. She juggles working with being a mummy and wife, and riding her coloured mare Matilda.