The owner of a horse who excelled across the country has paid tribute to the “miracles” that can happen with a strong partnership – and a “heart the size of a lion”.

Becky Taylor’s Important Moment (Mo) had to be put down in March after an injury, aged 16. In the years Mo and Becky were together, they won the Silver Spur and the Harborough hunt races, came second in the Wynnstay and Gloucestershire steeplechases and finished third in the Melton and Quorn hunt races. They also “won” the Golden Button; they finished first but as Mo’s weight cloth came off before the last fence, they did not officially take the title.

“I wish I could bottle the feeling he gave me; he felt like he would do anything for me,” Becky told H&H. “It was just ecstatic. He was the horse of a lifetime, in so many ways.”

Becky bought Mo, who had point-to-pointed, in early 2019, with the aim of fulfilling her “burning ambition” to compete in hunt races.

“And he just turned out to be amazing,” she said. “In all ways; not just the races but in temperament and how easy he was. He was my world.”

Covid scuppered Becky’s initial plans but they hunted when they could, which Becky said was a positive as they both enjoyed it, and built their partnership.

“Then I decided to go for it and entered the Wynnstay, my first ever hunt race – and we came second,” she said. “A really kind man called Paul Ikin, who had done lots of races, said I should sit middle of the pack on my first one, so that was the plan, but Mo just dragged me all the way to the front, and we were top three the whole way.

“It was surreal, and I think if I’d had more experience, we could have won, but I was over the moon with second, and had such a buzz from it. Then I think our next one was the Silver Spur, and we won, which was amazing.”

Mo had that summer off, then the pair started hunting again, with an eye on the next February’s Golden Button.

“The entries opened in November but I fell asleep on the sofa!” Becky said. “They filled up straight away, and I woke up the next day horrified I’d missed it.”

Becky and Mo were put on the waiting list, and they got their ticket.

“I went into the Golden Button not really knowing how massive it was – and had the ride of my life and won,” Becky said. “But the twist was that I lost my weight cloth just before the last fence, and got disqualified because of course I couldn’t weigh in. We’d won by a long way, round such a huge course, and the organiser was so kind, and did give me a golden button. So I didn’t get the official win, but I had never jumped hedges like those, and Mo was just insane.”

But shortly afterwards, Becky did get her “ultimate dream” win, in the Harborough ride.

“That’s our home race as I’m with the Fernie hunt,” she said. “It was a super-long course and we won by such a long way; he was fantastic.

“That was the best day ever – better than my wedding! My husband knows that, and he’s fine about it. That year, 2022, was the best of my life; the Golden Button, the Harborough, other races, and I got married. Ollie my husband doesn’t mind; he always knew he was below Mo in the pecking order!

“Mo was at my wedding; I wasn’t sure whether to have him there but he was a saint and I’m so glad he was there. He loved it.”

Mo had a break while Becky was pregnant – and Becky said the timing fitted perfectly.

“I pulled up in the 2023 Harborough as he didn’t feel quite right,” she said. “It turned out he’d picked up a thorn so he had some time off, and I thought ‘Now’s the time to have a baby; while he’s off, I can be off’! I had my little girl, Winnie, and my sister Penny kindly got him fit for me. So 10 days after giving birth, I went for a hack, and three days after that went hunting. I couldn’t get my boots on as my ankles were so swollen but I was determined to go with him because he was the best boy.”

Becky praised Mo’s gentleness, especially with Winnie, and how easy and relaxed he always was.

“He and my sister’s horse Problem, who she raced, were the ultimate best friends, they were inseparable,” she added. “He did fabulously in the Harborough the other week, and Penny took a bit of Mo’s tail, so he went round with her.

“He was unbelievable. I didn’t really know what I was doing but the partnership we had – we aren’t professional, or have the facilities to train to our full potential. But it just shows if you have a horse who has a heart of a lion and the partnership me and Mo did then miracles can happen, and boy did that happen for us.

“What a horse. Fly high, my beautiful boy. I owe you everything.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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The 2022 running of the The Equestrian Notice Board Golden Button at Town Street Farm in Glos was full of drama with the first past the post disqualified

ROWAN COPE and Arthur triumphed in an eventful edition of the Ledbury’s Equestrian Notice Board Golden Button 2022 hunt race, meaning the valiant ex-racehorse has won the “triple crown” of the Melton Hunt Club Ride, the Harborough and the Golden Button. The 13-year-old son of Old Vic has now been retired with eight hunt ride wins.

“I cannot tell you what he means to our family. Last weekend he was hunting at the Maidwell School with our daughter Edie on the leading-rein,” said Quorn joint-master Rowan, for whom this was a long-awaited victory.

The pair were second past the post, however. Becky Smith and Important Moment, winners of the Bicester with Whaddon Chase’s Silver Spur race last spring, finished six lengths in front of Rowan and Arthur, but sadly Becky’s weight-cloth had fallen off a couple of fences from home and she therefore had to be disqualified for weighing in a stone light.

“I had the best ride,” said Rowan. “I got a good lead to fence three [a hedge and ditch that produced several fallers], then jumped the next three in front before Billy Chatterton came up to me. There were loose horses everywhere and I settled into second behind Billy.

“Becky came past me at about fence 16, and it was then the three of us until Billy slipped up round the bend half a dozen from home. Alex Vaughan-Jones came up to us, then I led for a couple of fences until Becky passed me three out.

“I know I won’t ride him again, but Arthur has given me and [wife] Lydia everything. He’s been so brilliant in these races, he’s field-mastered the Quorn, he led [team chasing squad] Relentless for God knows how long, you can lead a child off him – and he was kicked out [of his racing career] by [owner] JP McManus!”

Arthur’s incredible record includes 14 runs for the Copes (nine with Rowan Cope, four with Lydia Cope). Of those he has won the Daylesford Cup, Harborough (twice), Melton Hunt Club Ride, Wynnstay (three times) and the Golden Button this time. He has also finished second in the Golden Button, Wynnstay, Quorn, Melton Hunt Club Ride and a point-to-point at Dingley. He has only fallen once in the Melton.

The Equestrian Notice Board Golden Button 2022 results

1. Rowan Cope riding Arthur

2. Maurice Linehan riding Woody

3. Holly Smith riding Gold De Riverland (first lady rider and first non-thoroughbred)

4. Jason McKeown (best overseas rider)

5. Indie Vaughn-Jones riding Bug (best Retraining of Racehorses-registered runner)

6. Max Comley riding Alvarado

• Read full report on the Golden Button hunt ride in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 17 February

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

British Olympic showjumper Holly Smith demonstrated her all-round horsemanship by finishing third in her first hunt race, the Ledbury’s Equestrian Notice Board Golden Button Challenge, last weekend (12 February).

Holly, 32, decided to take part in the three-mile race over natural country after she enjoyed a day’s hunting with the Ledbury last year. She regularly hunts with the Quorn and the Readyfield Bloodhounds in Leicestershire, where she is based.

“Showjumping is my job, but things like this are my hobby and I have always wanted to have a go at a hunt race,” said Holly.

Holly Smith took on the Golden Button on the six-year-old Gold De Riverland, who was bought, and bred, to showjump, winning the buttons for first lady rider and first non-thoroughbred.

Holly explained: “He was a real rogue as a three-, four- and five-year-old, so we decided to hunt him all winter and make a man of him in the proper, old-fashioned way.

“I came down here for a visiting day with the Ledbury, and he seemed to be getting fitter and fitter, jumping better and better and loving his job, so I just thought, ‘Why not?’ He’s an athlete of a horse and he was a little angel today, actually. The feeling of survival when we finished was fantastic and it was a real buzz.

“The start of the race was quite chaotic as a few people fell [fence three, a big hedge and ditch, caused some trouble] and then there were loose horses. We had a lovely ride round the middle part of the race, and then there were some horses stopping towards the end, but ‘Max’ was brilliant — he just jumped straight past them.”

Gold De Riverland jumped double clear at 1.25m last weekend, but Holly might also take him eventing this summer. She enjoys producing a few young eventers to sell alongside her international showjumping career, and in 2020 finished 12th in the CCI2*-S at Cornbury House Horse Trials in Oxfordshire.

Holly’s Tokyo Olympics ride, Denver, was sold to French rider Sadri Fergaier, towards the end of last year. She also rode for Britain at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon and was part of the team that won the bronze medal at the 2019 European Championships in Rotterdam, both times aboard Hearts Destiny.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Most people have a “bucket list” of things they would like to experience at some point in life – and equestrians are likely to have a “horse bucket list”. Here’s Horse & Hound’s list of suggestions that we think you should consider including – some will be relatively easy to tick off, while others will take a bit of saving up to do. But all of them will be totally worth it when you get there – and even better if you can capture it on one of the best riding hat cameras!

Horse bucket list suggestions to consider

1) Gallop in the sea

Splashing in the surf, galloping along the sand – or even full-on swimming in the sea. Training on the beach was the making of Red Rum, and it’s a treat for any rider and horse.

If you have a horse you can take, here’s what you need to know before you go for a beach ride. If you don’t have a horse you can take, check out these horse experience days to see if there’s a beach riding venue near you.

2) Ride among giraffes in Africa

An African safari is the rider’s equivalent of swimming with dolphins. The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a wilderness paradise of lagoons, islands and forests with the best game viewing in Southern Africa. Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia and South Africa also offer great riding experiences. Here are some tips to help you choose the right safari for you.

3) Ride out for a racehorse trainer

Wangle an introduction and convince the trainer that, perched atop half a ton of galloping horse, you’ll be able to restrain its power. Be prepared for cold, early mornings – but nothing beats the feeling of having galloped three thoroughbreds by breakfast.

If you don’t fancy riding yourself, why not book a behind-the-scenes tour in Newmarket?

4) Fall off in a water jump

Perhaps not top of your list of priorities, but a rite of passage. Tackle them often enough and it will happen. Just try to ensure a photographer is there to capture the moment.

5) Ride side-saddle

Side-saddle riding has gained new interest since period dramas such as Downton Abbey. It’s elegant, skilled and – once the initial awkwardness is overcome – some riders believe it’s more comfortable than astride. Read this tips on how to ride side-saddle before you give it a go.

6) Jump a 5ft fence

Take your pick and pump up some pluck: a Chase-me-Charlie pole, a hedge out hunting or an Irish wall.

7) Go hunting in Ireland

Not for the faint-hearted – but if double banks, cavernous ditches and a totally gung-ho attitude is up your street, there are plenty of ways to fulfil your dream of hunting on the Emerald Isle. If you’re adding this to your horse bucket list, make sure you book an experienced hireling who will know the lie of the land, fill up your hip flask with some Dutch courage, and find out what people say about hunting in Ireland.

8) Drive a horse

In honour of the late Duke of Edinburgh, who took up driving after retiring from polo, this is one sport every horseman should try. The British Driving Society has a list of contacts for all qualified instructors in all areas of the UK, including those catering for the disabled. We’ve also found a few and rounded them up in our guide to horse experience days.

9) Do tempi changes

One to tick off as and when you are ready rather than pushing for something outside your skill level. But if you are not yet up to training your horse to do them yourself, then you can book in a lesson with a dressage schoolmaster at various training centres around the country, although you will need to prove a certain level of riding ability.

10) Have riding boots made to measure

Although they don’t come cheap, nothing feels as good as slipping on a pair of made-to-measure riding boots. No rubbing, no awkward baggy gaps, and the feel of perfect unison with your horse. Here’s a selection of the best long leather riding boots, some of which are available in made-to-measure sizes.

11) Back a horse or pony

Not for the inexperienced horseman, but everyone who backed a horse has had a first time – just make sure you have someone experienced on hand to help and guide you. The joy of backing your own horse, developing mutual trust and going on to compete is immeasurable and definitely one for the horse bucket list.

12) Have a spin round the Golden Button

If you’re an equestrian adrenaline junkie then look no further than the three-mile race over Ledbury hunt country held in February. Anyone can enter – there’s just 22 natural obstacles between you and the finish line.

13) Lead a winner into the paddock

If you can’t afford the Tattersalls Sales, you could join a syndicate. Most racing stables run syndicates with an enormous variation in

numbers of owners and costs, or there are also racing clubs where you can pay an all-in fee. For instance Elite Racing Club has membership for £17 per month. You may not end up leading in a winner, but you’ll be able to visit the horse training and at the races and be privy to some special owner perks.

14) Be a stunt rider in a movie

“Real” stunt riders need a minimum of six skills (fighting, falling, riding/driving, agility/ strength, water, and miscellaneous – any

skill performed to elite standard). However, many riders have been in the right place at the right time and called up to film a riding scene because they look the part and know how to look authentic on a horse.

15) Ride at sunrise in Hyde Park

The Household Cavalry has a small pool of civilian riders who help exercise their horses, but a serving soldier needs to nominate you

to be added to the waiting list. Alternatively, there are a couple of riding stables on the edge of the park: Ross Nye and Hyde Park Stables, where you can pay for the pleasure. There is also a Civil Service Riding Club for those eligible, which uses Hyde Park.

16) Ride up the centre line at Horse of the Year Show

For showing riders, this is the pinnacle. Ride up the centre line in that hushed arena and you know you’ve made it.

17) Play polo

The feeling of (finally) being able to canter after that white ball and whack it is intensely satisfying, never mind the exhilaration of a ride-off. Check out some venues that offer polo lessons in this collection of horse experience days if you’re adding this to your horse bucket list.

18) Hear the roar at the start of Cheltenham

When the first race of the Cheltenham Festival begins, the crowd’s roar is enough to make your blood sizzle. There were no crowds last year, but hopes are high that this year we will again hear the roar as the tapes are raised for the Supreme Novices on 15 March. Find out more and buy tickets at thejockeyclub.co.uk

19) See a horse being sold for a million

For astronomical prices, head to Newmarket or Kentucky. Records of some kind are smashed year by year, and the buzz of the sales ring is spellbinding.

20) Volunteer at a show

If you phone up any event organiser, chances are they’ll take your hand off. Surprisingly rewarding and for hardcore volunteers, the route to championships around the world. Here are five ways to volunteer in the horse world.

21) Ride at Badminton

An advanced eventer with five-star potential is going to cost you an arm and a leg, and then you’ve got to be able to ride it. However, the Voltaire Design Badminton Grassroots Championships brings together winners from BE90 and BE100 regional qualifiers from around

the country to contest for the championship. This year, Badminton takes place from 3–8 May – find out how to get tickets here. Failing that, or if you fancy the thrill of the chase, take a day out with the Beaufort hunt. You never know where the trail might lead you…

22) Watch the Grand National live

If you’ve never ventured up to Aintree, this is a must. This season, the Randox Grand National Festival takes place from 7–9 April, with the great race on Saturday, 9 April. Get more info at tickets at thejockeyclub.co.uk

23) Watch the Spanish Riding School

Under glittering chandeliers, the famous white Lipizzaner stallions perform the purest form of dressage in Vienna.

24) Get your photo in H&H

Either beat one of our Olympians, or be at the top of your level and send a completely brilliant photo to wow the picture editor.

25) Spend a day at the Calgary Stampede

“The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”, as it is billed, brings out the cowboy in everyone. Top-level rodeo riding, barrel racing and more. It takes place in Calgary each July (8–17 July 2022).

26) See a foal being born

Offer to do the last week of nightly vigil for a friend’s in-foal mare. Or, if you’re extremely lucky on a National Stud tour, you might see a live birth during the foaling season, but probably via a video link. A tour of the National Stud is part of this behind-the-scenes day at Newmarket.

27) Ride in a charity race

A number of charities, such as the British Horse Society (BHS), hold special races on allocated days, usually a one-mile Flat race. Riders usually have to source their own racehorse, raise a set amount of money and physically it’s no walk in the park, with riders facing a gruelling assessment and fitness test. Horse & Hound’s Gemma Redrup gave it a go in 2018 and blogged about the experience.

28) Watch the action on the frozen lake at St Moritz

With freezing temperatures and 1,800m above sea level, the Swiss venue of St Moritz is a dazzling setting for elite polo teams, racing and skijoring. White Turf runs on three Saturdays in February, featuring international horse racing, while the Snow Polo World Cup will take place on the lake 28–30 January. Horse & Hound went behind the scenes at St Moritz to check it out.

29) Herd cattle across the plains of Montana

Unless you have a long-lost cowboy uncle, you’ll need to join a trip or work on a ranch. It’s not a cheap riding holiday, but it’s an unmissable experience.

30) Ride a bucking bronco

Either head to the Wild West for the real thing (madness), or hire one for a party.

31) Try reining

Fancy embracing your inner cowboy/girl? Then why not give reining a go – from spins to sliding-stops, reining could offer you a completely new equestrian experience.

32) Give vaulting a go

If you’ve got a pair of leggings and some pumps to wear, you can try your hand at vaulting. You don’t need your own horse and new vaulters are welcomed into the fold. For more information visit the British Equestrian Vaulting website or book yourself onto a vaulting and trick riding session.

33) Ride a heavy horse

Are you a thoroughbred snob? The rolling gait of a heavy horse gives a completely different feel in the saddle. Cumbrian Heavy Horses is the world’s only BHS-approved heavy horse riding centre and offers a range of riding on fields, fells and beaches in the Lake District National Park aboard magnificent Clydesdale, Shire, Suffolk, Comtois and Ardennes heavy horses.

34) Compete in the Mongol Derby

The longest and toughest horse race in the world – over 1,000km of Mongolian Steppe, on semi-wild horses, changing steeds every 40km. You navigate and survive on your wits and skill, living among the herders. It’s you and your horse vs the wild. Here’s eight things you need to know before you start planning your trip.

35) Enjoy the thrill of a team chase

The exhilarating sensation of galloping across the country, over whatever fences block your path, with a group of mates. No one takes themselves too seriously and it’s a lot of fun. Here are some tips on how to get started.

36) Jump bareback

If you want to have a go, the answer is to start small, build up and practise. Just remember, canter is more comfortable than trot! If you feel insecure riding with no saddle, start on the lunge so you can concentrate on your position rather than what the horse is doing. Here are some riders taking part in the Bareback Challenge at Bury Farm to give you some inspiration.

37) Ride an Icelandic in tölt

The small and compact Icelandic horses are famous for their fifth gait, the tölt. Book yourself up on a trip to Iceland to put it to the test – and if you time it right you could see the Northern Lights.

38) Have a go at horseball

Do you back yourself to be able to cling on for a fast-paced game of horseball? A number of riding schools offer lessons and clinics, and the British Horseball Association has a list of registered trainers who are available to come out to groups of riders who want to learn the sport.

39) Ride in the main ring at Hickstead

Hone your dressage, showing and showjumping skills and get out there and get winning.

40) Represent your country

Competition will be exceptionally hot for this year’s World Equestrian Games teams, but there are opportunities at lower levels, such as the CCI3*-S European Cup or the Home Internationals in dressage.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

With the Melton Hunt Ride now clearly on the horizon (7 February) the time has come for those who want to take part in the thrill of a ride across serious jumping country — or for those spectators who wish to get a glimpse of the action — to start putting dates in the diary.

As well as the chance to hunt afterwards, some events are run in conjuction with a hunt scurry, a gate-jumping competition or the option to ride the course behind a field master at less-than racing-pace.

Horse & Hound takes a look at some of the hunt rides that are already confirmed for the 2016 season.

1. Melton Hunt Ride

This takes place over a course of 3.5miles of open grassland between Freeby/Waltham on the Wolds and Stonesby in Leicestershire in the cream of the Belvoir Hunt country on Sunday, 7 February. For entries and further details visit www.melton-hunt-club.org.uk

2. Ossman’s Ride

Take part in the 2.5-mile Cheshire Hunt Ossman’s Ride at Haughton Hall or enter a relay team of three for the scurry over a shortened course of one mile that includes a port stop! Hunting will take place afterwards over some of the best of their hunt country (20 February). Stabling and B&B can be arranged too for those travelling longer distances. For all enquiries contact Charlie Barlow on 07802 560182 or charlieb@eximus.org.uk

3. Old Berkshire

The Old Berkshire is running both a hunt and a regimental race across a course of approximately 2-miles at Manor Farm, Little Coxwell (28 February). There is an alternative fun ride for those wanting to try the course following a field master. For further details contact Lucy Lewis on Lucy@hpa-polo.co.uk

Continued below…

How daring are you? Six equestrian events for the ultimate adrenaline junkie [VIDEOS]

Take a look at our pick of equestrian activities for adrenaline junkies — from side-saddle racing to riding across Mongolia

4. Wynnstay

Choose your own line over the Wynnstay’s two mile course being held over excellent hunting country at Manor Farm, Wychough (5 March). The course will be approximately 2 miles with over 20 hedges and fences mostly over old dairy farmland, where riders can choose their own line. The shortest route will involve tackling more substantial obstacles while the slightly easier alternatives will take longer to negotiate. Any competitor, non-subscriber, wishing to hunt after the ride, must book with the hunt secretaries Mr and Mrs A F Anson 01948 830611 before the day of the ride.

Riders must be aged 16 years or over. For entry forms email Shirley@bbsltd.co.uk

5. Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight Grand National and Hunt Scurry takes place at West Ashey Farm in Ryde, in which competitors complete two laps of the left-handed course (20 March). For further details visit www.iwfoxhounds.com

6. The East Sussex & Romney Marsh

The hunt Scurry takes place on Good Friday (25 March) at The Glebe, Burwash, East Sussex. Held over approximately two miles of hedges and timber across well-drained seasoned turf. There are some excellent prizes on offer including the Parker Challenge Cup for the fastest horse and rider to complete the course and a half subscription to the East Sussex & Romney Marsh Hunt for the first non-ESRM member home. There are also prizes for the first lady side-saddle rider home and the winning heavyweight. For further details visit www.esrmclub.co.uk

7. Harborough Ride (pictured)

Competitors in the Fisher German Harborough Ride will take on a grass course in the Saddington Vale, in the heart of the Fernie Hunt country (2 April). Run over approximately 3.5miles, prizes are awarded for each of the three divisions — heavyweight, middleweight and lightweight. An alternative fun ride, following a field master, will take place after the main ride, over a shortened course of approximately 2 miles. For further details please contact Mrs Kate Foster, kate.foster@fishergerman.co.uk

8. The Silver Spur

A new event for 2016, the organisers have created a course of approximately 2.5miles of undulating country across old turf in the Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase country. With 21 hedges and three open ditches and a variety of different classes, this is sure to be a great addition to the hunt ride calendar. For further details contact Lucy Holland, 1lucyholland@gmail.com or 07810 503450

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A review into the Golden Button Challenge has been undertaken after three horses died at the cross-country race near Tewkesbury, Glos, earlier this month (14 February).

One horse broke its back and another two suffered suspected cardiac arrests after completing the race, which covered three miles and 25 obstacles.

Catherine Atkinson, who was second in 2011, was also airlifted to hospital after a fall but released later that evening with rib injuries.

Thirty-nine out of 62 combinations completed the event.

The high number of fatalities led to some people questioning the safety of the competition, which was run for the first time since 2011.

However, the organisers announced in a statement that after considering “all aspects of the event” they could find “no cause” for the death of the three horses.

“The Golden Button Challenge is an enormously popular rural event that has attracted a vast crowd and a maximum field of runners in each of the six runnings,” the statement added.

“It was accepted in advance that all owners and riders would ensure their horses were fit and ready for a three-mile gallop across country and were responsible for the welfare of their mounts during the event.

“However, future entry forms will stress the need to ensure horses and riders are fit to compete in a test of this nature.”

One of the riders whose horse died of a heart attack after the race has praised the organisers of the event. She has released a statement and a picture (right) but has requested to remain anonymous.

“I had a fantastic ride around on my superstar ex-advanced eventer — he flew everything and loved every second,” she said.

“No one can doubt his fitness, as he probably finished more full of running than any other horse there that day.

“I sadly lost my superstar Georgie from a heart attack five or so minutes after he completed the course. But these things happen — if your time’s up, your time’s up — and, in my opinion, no better way to go.

“He was an old boy and had a great life, and I’m delighted he went out on a high doing what he loved. As you can see from the picture, he absolutely loved the game and was smiling with pricked ears posing for the camera literally seconds before he passed away.

“The Ledbury dealt with the situation as quickly and professionally as they could in the circumstances, and we could not be more grateful.”

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Dominic Gwyn-Jones emerged victorious from the Golden Button Challenge, which took place last weekend (14 February) for the first time since 2011.

Sixty-two horses and riders took on the hunt ride’s stiff test cross-country challenge over farmland near Tewkesbury. The course covered three miles and 25 obstacles, including hedges, ditches and rails, having moved from Forthampton to Longdon for this year.

The Ledbury’s Equine R-Oil and The Buying Solution Golden Button Challenge was a tough course, with muddy going, but 39 combinations completed.

Dominic (pictured below) rode 11-year-old thoroughbred Another Puzzle to his first hunt ride victory. He starting taking part in similar rides three years ago.

“You live for days like this,” he said. “This sort of race over natural country is the ultimate test.”

The first three from the last renewal of the race – Leicestershire’s Zoe Gibson, Dorset’s Catherine Atkinson and Wiltshire’s William Fox Grant – were all back in the line-up again.

Zoe Gibson and Tempo led from the start but fell at fence 11.

Catherine Atkinson and Ace, second in 2011, fell a couple of fences after Zoe. She was airlifted to hospital, but released later that evening with rib injuries.

William Fox Grant and Ferrari (pictured bottom) filled the runner-up spot.

“I had two stops at the same upright [11] where Zoe fell and was well behind, but he flew across the last few fields,” said William. “I nearly came down at the last when a horse stopped in front of me. The course was fantastic and it was beautiful going for the middle of winter.

“Ferrari is 14, but he’s been fantastic. He carried me into second, which is one better than last time [in 2011], so I’ll be back to win it next time.”

Former Flat jockey Paul Scallan was third on the 13-year-old grey thoroughbred Los Galacticos.

Clerk of the course Tom Leeke, who finished 29th on Oliver, said: “The majority of competitors completed the course and I think it’s been a great success. Fence four [on a 90 degree bend] didn’t cause any of the problems that people predicted and the fences overall jumped really well. I wasn’t really racing, but Oliver was very clever and sensible and jumped past a few.”

Despite 39 combinations finishing, three horses died, two from heart attacks at the end of the race.

The eight Golden Button winners were:

• Dominic Gwyn-Jones riding Another Puzzle – 1st overall
• William Fox Grant riding Ferrari – 1st Veteran, 1st Military
• Helen Luke riding Millie – 1st Lady, 1st Non-Thoroughbred
• Tom Lancaster riding Empress Ming – 1st Heavyweight
• Hugo Hunt riding Pepper – 1st Under-21
• Sam Dukes riding Raleagh House – 1st Ledbury Hunt Subscriber

Video courtesy of Alice Pearson

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An industrial-sized hip flask can be the only explanation for the riders who sign up to an array of equestrian activities that ‘verging on bonkers’ would aptly describe. Watching from the sidelines may well provide a sufficient kick…

1. Dianas of the Chase, Ingarsby Old Hall, Leics

Until February 2013, side saddle steeplechases were dead — one hadn’t been run since 1927. But jewellery designer Philippa Holland and Captain Fred Hopkinson from the Household Cavalry decided that needed to change. Step forward the Dianas of the Chase race.

Get your fix: 29 November 2015 (TBC)

2. Dromin Athlacca Community Ride, Co. Limerick, Ireland

Don’t be fooled by the comforting word “community” in the name — checking the small print on your insurance policy might be the best use of your time. Despite efforts to make the race more rider-friendly — “we’re keen to get everyone safely across the country” one of the organisers tells us — there is no escaping the robust ditches, banks and walls on the 15-mile course covering famous Limerick country.

Get your fix: October 2015 (TBC)

3. Mongol Derby, Mongolia

Anything that claims to be the “longest and toughest horse race in the world” is unlikely to show your body a good time. “This is no guided tour, or pony trek,” declare the organisers. “There is no marked course, no packed lunches, no shower block, no stabling. That’s the whole point. It’s just you, your team of horses and a thousand kilometres of Mongolian wilderness. And possibly a GPS.”

Get your fix:  2-16 August 2015

4. Velka Pardubicka, Pardubice, Czech Republic

George Williamson was the last jockey to win both the Grand National and the Czech Republic’s answer to our iconic race, the Velka Pardubicka. And that was in1899 — which gives an indication of what we’re dealing with here. The gruelling four-and-a-quarter-mile race features the terrifying Taxis Ditch — a towering hedge with a ditch on landing, which allegedly dwarfs Becher’s Brook.

Get your fix:  11 October 2015

5. Skijoring, St Moritz, Switzerland

It would be hard to make up a stranger equestrian discipline than skijoring — horses towing “jockeys” behind them on skis for 2,700m across 60cm thick ice, with speeds reaching up to 50 kilometres per hour. The start of the race is where things can get particularly precarious — tangled reins and horses setting off in different directions is not unheard of. In 1965, not a single skier succeeded in crossing the finishing line. Efforts have since been made to make the sport safer — coloured skis are now compulsory so that horses can see them in the snow and competitors undergo stringent testing in the run-up to the event. Nonetheless, strength, athleticism, balance, toughness — and an element of luck — are crucial to succeed.

Get your fix:  8, 15 and 22 February 2015

6. The Golden Button Challenge, Longdon Marsh, Glos

If hurling yourself over 28 natural obstacles across three miles of Ledbury Hunt country, styled on an original steeplechase, is your idea of a good day out — you’re in luck. After taking a break from the calendar, the race is back in action. The Golden Buttons up for grabs include those for the first veteran, first non-thoroughbred and for the first military person.

Get your fix:  14 February 2015

Don’t miss the adrenaline special in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine (29 January 2015), where we find out how to manage your adrenaline and take a look at the facts and figures that show just how fast and furious horse sport is

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Equestrian adrenaline seekers are in luck — the Gold Button Challenge makes a popular return to the calendar next month (Saturday 14 February).

The cross-country ride, styled on an original steeplechase, will take place at Manor Farm, Longdon. It will be run over a course of three miles with approximately 28 natural obstacles in the heart of the Ledbury Hunt country.

The event is open to anyone over 16-years-old and riders can compete for one of seven “Golden Buttons” including those awarded for first past the post and first veteran (over 50).

The original Golden Button event took place in 2005 in between the villages of Forthampton and Tirley on the banks of the River Severn.

Five runnings of the event proved to be very popular, however after a break for a few years, it is anticipated the new venue will produce an equally exciting but challenging course.

Ben Leeke, one of the organisers, told H&H: “Within 24hr of announcing the relaunch, the response on social media has been enormous and we have already started taking entries which is really exciting.”

Previous winners of the event include jump jockey Paul Carberry who flew over from Ireland especially to take part on New Year’s Eve in 2009.

Partnering the Brendan Powell-trained Blaze Ahead, the combination survived a refusal at fence 18 but made up ground in a thrilling finish to win by two lengths with renowned team chaser Zoe Gibson in second.

Zara Phillips and Top Gear’s Richard Hammond have been among those who have started the ride that was previously held on New Year’s Eve.

In addition to the thrills and spills of the Equine R-Oil and Buying Solution Golden Button Challenge, there is also a fun run over the same course for those not wanting to take the fences on at speed, and the Golden Button Ball in the evening for those still standing.

For further details see www.golden-button.co.uk

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The Golden Button Challenge has been cancelled this year.

The Ledbury hunt’s three-mile cross-country race will not run this December to give the course a break.

But the challenge, which takes place annually on New Year’s Eve, will be back for 2012.

First run in 2006, the Golden Button has been won by team chasers, professional jockeys,amateurs and hunt ride specialists.

Event secretary Louise Daly said: “Landowners have been supportive, but a very cold winter and dry spring made growing conditions difficut.

“It and it is sensible to give the venue an additional 12 months to recover.“

“We’re sorry to those who had been preparing horses, but we were unable to release this information sooner while other avenues were being explored.”

This story was first published in the current issue of H&H (24 November 2011)

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After receiving my ticking-off from the starter (see part-one of this week’s diary) I departed from Wolverhampton to go to Cheltenham to stay with a friend who was providing me with a horse to ride in the Hayes Golden Button Challenge, the Ledbury hunt race, on Saturday morning.

I left for Tirley and arrived to walk the course with a couple of friends in the dark. On arriving at the third, an open ditch into a hedge, it didn’t look too bad. The fifth fence was slightly bigger again, or seemed it in the dark, as it was hardly a ditch but more like the River Severn flowing in front of it! The rest of the course consisted of a variation of upright wooden post-and-rails with telegraph poles on the top, open ditches, hedges with ditches behind, and downright hairy ones!

Weighing out

My horse arrived in plenty of time and I was able to weigh out at just gone 9am. On weighing out I was told to make sure that I drank something and ate a healthy breakfast as I was just under the minimum weight of 11st 7lbs with my saddle. Jo Holder, whose horse I was riding, seemed to be terrified! After some encouragement from her friends and legging me up there was no more for them to do other than watch.

A sprinting start

As we set off for this three-and-a-half mile race, the leaders set off faster than any of my five furlong sprinters would dream of going! The Big Horse and I were happy to take a back seat and try to pick our way through the field.

Approaching the third, I had now realised why those at the front had gone off like a bat out of hell. Firstly, they would not have to thread their way through the mayhem which ensued and secondly, as both the third and fifth fences needed a huge amount of speed to clear both the river in front and the hedge behind. The third took the stuffing from my horse as we had smashed our way through the hedge and had only just managed to keep intact.

On approaching the fifth we attacked it with slightly more gusto and jumped it with a little more precision and by the time we approached the eighth, an upright post and rails which had claimed an ever-increasing number of victims, we were in full flow and jumped it in great style.

Loose horses everywhere

By the time we reached the 18th I had gone past both huge numbers of loose horses and bodies strewn from fence to fence. By the time I reached six from home I counted nine loose horses galloping across the large hedge and ditch in front of me. My mount and I managed to time it so we reached the hedge just as the last loose horse had gone by.

After crossing the large ditch, which I had nearly forgotten existed, we turned into the last upright of the race which seemed rather like the battlefield of Balaclava, as chaos had ensued on the other side.

I, myself, very nearly came to grief but somehow managed to lift my mount’s head and we ploughed on towards the next two hedges, both of which had horses lying the landing side exactly where I wished to jump. A quick change of plan into the first and a change of angle into the second saw us clear them both, much to the relief of some poor girl (Ali Galliers Pratt, pictured above, whose horse was not injured in the fall) as I missed her horse’s head by a matter of inches.

By the time I approached the last two fences my mount was nearly empty of fuel, but we managed to complete and we finished ninth.

Thanks to Jo Holder

I must thank Jo Holder, whose horse I rode, for allowing me to take it to the limit. The Big Horse did tremendously well as most who had started the race barely got halfway round and it is credit to him that we finished at all.

Now for the running race

Half an hour after finishing the Button, I was again on the course, this time under my own steam. I was taking on last year’s winner of the running race, reportedly a former special forces member (I had my suspicions as he had the customary black square covering his eyes!). Every time I got within reaching distance of him, he just motored on. He was a machine amongst men and I came home second a couple of hundred yards behind him. He, however, had not ridden in the race and, I therefore, held a moral victory over him!

What a day — I returned to Newmarket to hay my “ponies” in the evening accompanied by a Golden Button, awarded for the first combined rider and runner!

Sunday and back to reality, freshened up even though exhausted.

After our mammoth 300yd move from Chestnut Tree Stables to Cedar Lodge, we began preparing for the weekend which has just passed. We had four runners on Friday, three of which were at Lingfield and one at Wolverhampton.

On the Tuesday Main Beach decided he was going to add just a little stress to the mixture as he had developed a very small quarter crack on the inside of his off-fore in exactly the same place as the one on his other hoof. Thankfully, it had not gone the depth of the other and was easily patched.

Coles Racing’s busiest day yet

Friday morning was an early one as we set out on what was to be Coles Racing’s busiest day thus far. My landlady, Mrs O’Neill, and a part-time member of staff took Main Attraction, Batya and Cotton King to Lingfield where I was to join them an hour or two later. Thankfully, the traffic was not too bad and I got to Lingfield with plenty of time to spare. The owners of both Main Attraction and Batya were unable to make it but the long-standing Mrs Hamilton was there to watch her Cotton King, half-brother to her treasured mare Pivoting.

The first to take to the racecourse was Main Attraction. This sizeable filly sprung to the lead under Ian Mongan and remained there until just over a furlong out. I was happy with the race she ran as she showed some good travelling speed and she will have come on well for it as it had been nearly three-quarters of a year since her last start.

Batya, a German-owned filly, was the next to stick her head above the parapet in a mile handicap. The race was run at an extremely slow pace to begin with. With this in mind and the slight downhill finish, the sprint that the race turned into did not suit her in any way. She was beaten four lengths.

Cotton King took his place in the mile and a half handicap, where he finished a pleasing fifth after a short lay-off.

On to Wolverhampton

After a quick goodbye to Mrs Hamilton and checking that all three runners had come through their bouts without any significant damage, I was on the road north to Wolverhampton, a journey that is not particularly nice on a quiet day, never mind on a Friday evening.

I made it in just the nick of time to collect the saddle from an expectant Eddie Ahern who was to ride Main Beach in the mile maiden.

Unfortunately, Main Beach and his giant bulk did not particularly appreciate being squashed into a starting stall. He had no malice about him, but took a little time to load, and unfortunately in the eyes of the starter was not up to standard and will, therefore, have to do a stalls test before he is to run again, something which nearly drove me to distraction! However, the rules are the rules and there is no point belly aching about them.

Despite his lack of obedience in the starting stalls I was very pleased with the way he ran. He dwelt badly at the start, maybe not quite as badly as Zenyatta, but he would come a close second. Without a clear run into the straight he ran on strongly at the end finishing just four lengths from the winner carrying 22lbs more.

Friday had been a trying day at the office as all four horses were just outside of a place, but they all ran with promise and with a little bit of luck we will have some exciting times coming up.

Find out how Toby got on in the Golden Button Challenge

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Zara Phillips is to act as the starter at the Ledbury’s Hayes Golden Button Challenge this weekend (Saturday 15 January).

The three-mile cross-country race was originally due to be held on New Year’s Day but was rescheduled due to the cold snap.

The event rider and Royal, who recently became engaged to rugby player Mike Tindall, will start the race at 10am from the village of Forthampton, Gloucestershire. The race finishes at Town Street Farm in Tirley.

Organisers expect around 40 horses to take part in the fifth Golden Button Challenge.

Zara will also start the human running race, which takes place over an adjacent course once the horse race has finished.

“The ground was perfect yesterday morning (Monday, 10 January), but we had a lot of rain during the afternoon and evening, and I am expecting more before Saturday, so the going is likely to be on the soft side. The weather forecast is for a dry day on Saturday,” said clerk of the course Roger Warner.

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The Hayes Golden Button Challenge, the Ledbury’s New Year’s Eve hunt ride, has been postponed until 15 January.

Heavy snow and dismal forecasts meant the race was called off well in advance to give competitors and attendees a chance to reorganise their New Year.

Now into its fifth year the ride takes place by the banks of the River Severn between Forthampton and Tirley, and comprises a three-mile gallop across country.

Horses and riders jump some 25 fences consisting of natural hedges, timber and ditches.

Past winners are team chaser Yvonne Goss, flat-race jockey Eddie Ahern, point-to-point rider Patrick Millington and Grand National-winning jump jockey Paul Carberry.

There is also a team competition and human running race.

Sixty horses have already entered the race and those entries will stand, but the race has also been reopened.

If you would like to take part, contact Louise Daly, tel: 07721 1956599.

If ground conditions are still unsuitable for 15 January, it will be run on 12 February — either two weeks before or two weeks after the Melton Hunt Club Ride on 30 January.

The Ledbury hunt ball on 31 December will go ahead as planned.

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Top National Hunt jockey Paul Carberry and his sister Nina are hoping to take part in this year’s Ledbury Hunt’s Hayes Golden Button Challenge.

The three-mile race, which takes part along the banks of the River Severn in Gloucestershire, happens on New Year’s Eve.

The Golden Button Challenge involves a gallop across natural countryside over hedges, ditches and timber jumps.

Paul, who won the 1999 Grand National aboard Bobbyjo, trained by his father Tommy, said: “We’re just trying to sort out horses at the moment, but if we can find a couple of point-to-pointers or similar it would be good. I’m ringing around trying to sort something out.

“I’ve heard about the event and was chatting to Nina about it. She’s suspended on New Year’s Eve for a stick offence so said she’d give it a go. I’ve done a lot of hunting, but never ridden in anything like this before.”

Former champion jockey Richard Dunwoody will act as a starter and will run in the human race, which takes part alongside the equestrian version.

Up to 50 horses will take part in the race which starts at 11.30am on Thursday, 31 December.

Other famous faces include Flat jockey Eddie Ahern, who won the event in 2007, and his colleague Adam Kirby.

Entry is £10 per car and the finish line is at Town Street Farm, Tirley.

Highlights can be seen during Channel 4’s Cheltenham coverage on New Year’s Day.

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Richard Dunwoody will be taking a different position in a race on New Year’s Eve — as the starter.

The popular former champion jockey has been lined up to drop the flag at the main event of the Hayes Golden Button Challenge 2009 on 31 December.

But as guest of honour at the popular Ledbury hunt country event, Dunwoody’s duties don’t stop there.

He will change into his trainers and run the three-mile human race along the banks of the River Severn, and then jump into his dinner jacket to open the dancing at the Golden Button Ball.

Which part Richard will look forward to the most is anyone’s guess — he is still cringing at the mention of his performance on Strictly Come Dancing.

The Hayes Golden Button Challenge is 3-mile cross-country ride styled on an original steeplechase. It takes in around 24 natural hunt jumps, between the villages of Forthampton and Town Street Farm in Tirley, Gloucestershire.

Last year Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond started the race, and in 2007, it was the role of John Francome.

For more information, visit www.goldenbutton.co.uk

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Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond had to watch the Hayes Golden Button Challenge from the sidelines last weekend (17 January) as he nursed bruises after falling from a horse.

Richard, 39, was due to take part in the 3-mile steeplechase in Gloucestershire but a fall just days before the race left him on crutches and unable to ride.

He was hoping to ride the same horse as when he went hunting with the Ledbury last April for an episode of Top Gear.

In the show, Richard Hammond learnt to ride to ‘hunt’ co-star Jeremy Clarkson — who was driving a car decorated as a fox.

But the horse was lame so he had to try a new one — who turned out to be a little too fresh.

Ledbury joint-master David Redvers told H&H: “The horse spooked going into the school and Richard fell off and landed on his backside.

“He’s ok though — apart from a bruised derrière he hasn’t done himself much damage.

“He was going to go out hunting with us after the Golden Button but sadly due to his fall he was unable to.

“It was a shame but he still turned up to support and present the trophies which was good of him. The day was a great success.”

The race was originally scheduled for New Year’s Day but because of the freezing weather had to be postponed. On that occasion Richard gamely joined the runners in the on foot version instead.

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The Ledbury hunt’s Hayes Golden Button Challenge, called off on New Year’s Eve due to bad weather, like many hunting and racing fixtures, has been rescheduled for Saturday 17 January.

Frozen ground thwarted plans to hold the three-mile Gloucestershire race, although a human running race was staged with 40 competitors.

Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond acted as starter and sportingly joined the runners.

Ledbury joint-master David Redvers said: “I was touched by the number of people who came along to support us on the day of the abandonment .”

Visit www.goldenbutton.co.uk

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (8 January, ’09)

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Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond will start the Ledbury Hunt’s Hayes Golden Button Challenge on New Year’s Eve.

Hammond first got involved with the Ledbury earlier this year, when he rode in a mock hunt, pursuing fellow presenter Jeremy Clarkson who was in a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Forty entries have been received for the three-mile chase across country and up to six teams will take part in the JCB Diggers inter-hunt competition.

The hub of this year’s event is Town Street Farm, Tirley, Glos, and the Golden Button starts at 11am.

Entry for spectators is £5 per person, £10 per car.

See www.goldenbutton.co.uk

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (25 December, ’08)

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Anyone interested in entering the Ledbury’s annual hunt race are urged to register now — before the card is full.

The Hayes Golden Button Challenge will be run on New Year’s eve. This year it includes a minimum weight — of 11st 7lb — and a human cross-country race.

The Golden Button is run by the Ledbury Hunt and is now entering its third year. Last year 28 riders took part in the race, which is run over 3 miles of “substantial” hedges and hunt jumps.

Held on the banks of the River Severn, the race on New Year’s Eve will be run in reverse this year.

Entries are on a first-come, first-served basis, and are filling up quickly.

Race organiser David Redvers said: “We may have to limit numbers, so we urge competitors to get their entries in soon.”

The human cross-country race involved athletes from the Ledbury Harriers Club, and will take place between the Hayes Golden Button Challenge and an inter-hunt challenge for teams of four

Entries cost £70 per horse, £200 for inter-hunt challenge teams. All entrants are offered hunting with the Ledbury on New Year’s day.

For more details and to enter, visit www.goldenbutton.co.uk

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There is still time to enter your team for Ledbury’s inter-hunt challenge on New Year’s Eve.

Competitors will race mostly over the same course as the Golden Button Challenge — with a few smaller fences. All teams will set off at the same time, and the three quickest finishers in a team will be crowned the winners.

Any competitors who also attend the Golden Button Ball that night will be invited to the meet on New Year’s Day — at 12pm to allow recovery from the previous day’s excesses.

For more details visit www.goldenbutton.co.uk or call 07767 436373.

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The Ledbury hunt’s Golden Button Challenge — a three-mile race over hedges and ditches alongside the River Severn — will feature an additional event this New Year’s Eve.

This year’s renewal will involve an inter-hunt challenge for teams of four, as well as the feature race, which was won last year by Yvonne Goss on Perry. The inter-hunt challenge will cover an easier course, to enable more riders to be involved.

“We learned plenty at the inaugural running 12 months ago, and wanted to expand the event,” said race organiser David Redvers. “Last year’s challenge proved enormously popular — the sight of some 40 horses and riders galloping across the Ledbury hunt’s wonderful vale country was spectacular.”

Closing date for entries is 14 December.

For further details, call Louise Daly. Tel: 08452 609618 or visit: www.goldenbutton.co.uk

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (22 November, ’07)

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