For the second year on the bounce, Claire Oliver took top honours in the Hamilton Tarmac small show hunter of the year championship at the Horse of the Year Show aboard her own chestnut Irish Draught Shanbally Legacy.

The Pride Of Neath 11-year-old was bred by Joseph Egan out of Kilthomas Lass. Despite holding an impressive record, “Lego” has only been very lightly shown under-saddle. This term his results include winning at Royal Windsor, again for the second time, and picking up his HOYS ticket at the Hickstead Derby.

“It was a perfect example of an old-fashioned small hunter,” said conformation judge Jane Hall, who judged alongside ride judge Katie Duxbury.

After her win, an emotional Claire said: “He just loved it in that ring. He gave the judge the most amazing ride. Both judges just said to me ‘he’s a true small hunter; a miniature middleweight’.”

At home Lego thrives off variety, and he partakes in hacking and jumping, and he also hunted last season.

“I don’t overshow him,” explained Claire. “I just pick a few shows that I enjoy. He’s a real happy horse. We’ve had a wonderful partnership throughout the years, and to come back and win again is the icing on the cake.

“We’ll show him again next season and try and win it [the HOYS championship] three times in a row!”

Reserve champion to Shanbally Legacy went to Vicky Smith riding her own Irish Sport Horse, Irish Invention.

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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.

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The British Show Pony Society (BSPS) has announced the introduction of a new award in honour of the late showman Robert Oliver.

During the 2022 showing season members of the BSPS council will be talent-spotting competitors at shows across the country.

Riders, who must be under 25 years old, will be selected for their display of “flair, showmanship and presence in the ring”.

The following categories will be assessed: show ponies, show hunter ponies, working hunter ponies, Heritage working hunter ponies, mountain and moorland ridden and intermediates.

“Robert loved being president of the BSPS; it was a role he really valued and enjoyed,” said Robert’s wife Claire Oliver. “He would be thrilled that young riders who display real showmanship are being recognised and rewarded by this award given in his honour.”

Paul Cook, BSPS national chairman said: “We are delighted that this award not only spots talent in show riders of the future but in doing so honours one of our greatest ever showman and producer. Robert epitomised style, tradition and showmanship with charm and manners and true sportsmanship. This is something I hope our young riders can emulate and aspire to.”

The winning riders will have the opportunity of competing in a final at the BSPS summer championships at Arena UK, with a prize package that includes an afternoon tour of Carl Hester’s yard.

Robert, who was known industry-wide as the ‘greatest showman’, died aged 80 in March 2021. His career spanned seven decades and he was champion in every category of horse class at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) numerous times, and his animals have stood supreme multiple times at both shows.

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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

Simon Reynolds on the showman who kick-started his zest for the sport

BY the time this column goes to print I will have completed my first show of 2021. I’m keeping to the guidelines of “stay local” as the show is only half an hour away from my front door, though I will be heading out under very strange circumstances; due to restrictions I will not have done my usual show preparation.

I really hope that people aren’t too eager to run before they can walk. It’s still very early in the season and looking at the calendar there will be an influx of shows, especially in June, when people will start the inevitable scrabble for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifications.

The prospect of shows is wonderful, but let it not be at the expense of a horse’s welfare. In some ways it feels like a long time since our last outing, however it also seems that shows have sprung up all of a sudden.

At the moment, it’s not uncommon to have the release of a schedule and the opening of entries on the same day, followed by an entry time limit and restriction of class numbers.

Unless you are a Facebook fanatic you could very easily miss show announcements as organisers take to social media spaces for communications. It’s very stressful to have to speed read a schedule, decide which classes don’t clash and then discuss with your owners before frantically entering, hoping you’ve not missed the deadline.

A TRUE SHOWMAN

I WAS extremely saddened to learn of the death of showman Robert Oliver. It’s such a great loss to showing.

I first met Robert and his then-wife Ali at a show in Malvern in 1988. I was 18 years old and studying at Hartpury College, as well as doing an apprenticeship at a hunting and dealing yard. We had gone to the show for a day out and I was introduced to Robert.

As I hailed from a showjumping and hunting background, I had never taken any interest in showing. However, watching Robert compete that day had an impact on me and was to be a pivotal moment in my career.

I noticed how his horses were immaculately turned out and how much attention to detail had gone into the picture. He confirmed the importance of a horse’s way of going and his command and presence in the show ring was something else. He was a true showman and a gentleman. I will never forget how he made time to speak to me and was without arrogance.

A few years later we met again, but this time I was also producing show horses for Lord and Lady Kirkham. Robert was generous with his time, knowledge, and advice. He said what he thought, but he had a way of giving constructive criticism that also evoked confidence.

There are not many of the “old school” horsemen left now, and I think that is very sad. Those golden days of showing really were the best. I always got on well with Robert, and I can honestly say we never had a cross word. He was always the consummate professional.

Robert was a staunch supporter of the Irish Draught breed, being vice president and president of the breed society for many years. He had a formidable record in the ring and his final win at HOYS in the heavyweight hunter class aboard the chestnut Irish Draught Loughkeen Dancing Lord was very fitting.

I became the Irish Draught Horse Society (IDHS (GB)) vice president just over two years ago. I – as well as the president John Newborough, chairman Sue Benson and all of the IDHS (GB) committee and members – owe Robert a huge debt of gratitude for his support, promotion and knowledge of the breed.

Our condolences go out to Robert’s wife Claire, his daughter Sophie, and all his family. Thank you, Robert, the likes of you will never be replaced or forgotten.

This exclusive column is also available to read in this Thursday’s H&H magazine (15 April, 2021)

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Carl Hester shares his thoughts on the difficulties of competing abroad and team selection ahead of this year’s championships, as well as remembering a very special neighbour...

THE devastating news of a virus threatening our horses could not have come at a worse time, as we are all looking forward to a gradual release from Covid lockdown.

With all FEI shows, including the World Cup Final, cancelled until 11 April, the key thing we should all bear in mind with the equine herpes virus (EHV-1) is that, while member bodies can control competition riders, they cannot control travel for sales, training, stud work and so on, apart from urging everyone to follow the protocols.

We all have a part to play in safeguarding the UK’s equine population, so please, if you must travel horses across our borders, ensure you employ the highest levels of biosecurity and good practice. We are lucky to have some of the leading vets in the world on the subject who are happy to lend support, but it boils down to everyone taking responsibility, as with Covid-19.

National hope

IT is great to see that British Dressage (BD) has managed to reschedule 60% of fixtures affected by lockdown. While we wait on confirmation of the date for the winter championships, as many opportunities as possible are on offer from grassroots to preparation for the Tokyo Games – if the Olympics run – and the Europeans.

Frankly, competing abroad seems unlikely for Charlotte Dujardin and I, so we are hoping national preparations will do the job this year.

Several top combinations, like Charlotte and Gio and myself with En Vogue, are not yet qualified for the Olympics and at present the FEI has not adjusted the qualification rules. This will have to be addressed as many international riders face the same challenge of being physically unable to get out and qualify. The first plan for Charlotte and me was to ride at Hagen in April, but with EHV-1 and the rising Covid cases in Germany, the prospect is daunting.

It is great news that Wellington Riding has the go-ahead from the FEI to run a CDI3*, in place of the cancelled Keysoe CDI, in early May; a brilliant development at a great venue. It is disappointing, however, to learn that this show may not count towards the points needed for Olympic qualification.

Team selection used to be via a selection trial where the best four would be picked. It might be time to return to this. Whatever we do, it would be advisable for us all to have a few dry runs before venturing out. A few important checks might include: do your competition boots zip up, do your tailcoat buttons do up and does the lorry start? Then remember to put both horse and tack on the lorry. Yes, both have been forgotten…

I would also like to highlight two opportunities to get involved at the sharp end of BD. There are two board director vacancies: training and para. Nominations are to be in by 4 May for those with the vision, and experience to get involved.

Goodnight to a great horseman

I WAS saddened to hear of Robert Oliver’s death. I first met Robert in 2000 when H&H asked me to go and ride a lovely middleweight champion he produced, Irene Susca’s Jamaica Bay, for an article. Although initially unenthusiastic to ride a show horse, I had an amazing day, a fabulous gallop and lots of laughs with Robert.

At our housewarming here years later, sitting in the garden with friends as midnight approached, what did we hear but a hunting horn, followed by the sound of hooves clattering up the drive and hounds in full cry. We all went to the front of the house and there, accompanied by two grooms, bareback in their pyjamas, was my new neighbour – Robert – sitting on a large cob.

Robert and his crew stayed for a while laughing and chatting before he announced, “Hester, don’t ever have a party again without inviting me,” and blew for home.

One of the greatest storytellers I’ve ever known, Robert was invited to every party thereafter, and will now always be there in spirit. My heartfelt condolences to his wife Claire and his family.

.

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, out Thursday 25 March

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The equestrian community has been devastated to hear that legendary showing producer Robert Oliver has passed away at the age of 80. 

Robert — whose career in the saddle spanned some 70 years — posted 29 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) section championships, 23 Royal International (RIHS) championships and six supremes at both HOYS and the RIHS.

As we remember the ‘ultimate showman’, here is a look back at five of his special horses who he rode in the spotlight.

1. Kings Warrior

During his time on the circuit this strapping bay middleweight claimed the hunter of the year accolade at HOYS in 1991, 1992 and 1994. He also won the RIHS hunter championship three times.

Robert was first acquainted with Kings Warrior when the gelding was a four-year-old and the pair made their ring debut the following year at Royal Windsor, where they won the novices. Later in his career Kings Warrior took the coveted hunter tricolour at Royal Windsor four years running.

“I don’t think we’ve ever had a hunter who was as prolific as him,” said Robert to H&H when Kings Warrior was featured in the 100 Greatest Horses Of All Time special. 

2. Lord Sorcerer

Robert’s first HOYS winners were Major Helme’s small hunter Lord Sorcerer and the middleweight Gay Moss, who came from David Somerset – later Duke of Beaufort.

“These two horses put me on the map,” Robert told H&H. “When I won the small hunter of the year at HOYS with Lord Sorcerer I was referred to as a ‘young lad from Wales’. That was in 1970.”

3. Tenterk

Alongside fellow Oliver-produced hack Rye Tangle, large height contender Tenterk was a triple HOYS champion. Tenterk once earned 100/100 for both ride and show at HOYS.

4. Super Ted

Super Ted was one of the most successful and loved show cobs of all time. He had an eight-year unbeaten run at RIHS between 1987 and 1994 – standing overall supreme in 1990 and 1991 – and also won HOYS on several occasions.

“My highlight with him would have to be when we were supreme champion at HOYS in 1990; he gave the most amazing show,” Robert told H&H when Super Ted was featured in the 100 Greatest Horses Of All Time special. “He had unbelievable presence in the ring and, unlike many horses shown today, he was always fit and never fat — even though he loved his food and would eat anything from bread to a cabbage.”

5. Loughkeen Dancing Lord

One of Robert’s later rides was the impressive chestnut hunter Loughkeen Dancing Lord who was at the top of the heavyweight ranks for seven seasons.

Following Robert’s retirement, the gelding was ridden by his wife Claire. He was a multi-HOYS and RIHS winner during his career and Robert also took his last HOYS ride on him, winning the heavyweights and standing reserve hunter of the year.

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 to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens 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

TRIBUTES have flooded in for the “ultimate showman” Robert Oliver, who has died at the age of 80.

In his seven-decade career, Robert won and was champion in every category of horse class at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) numerous times, and his animals have stood supreme multiple times at both shows.

Born in Herefordshire to non-horsey parents, his uncle, farrier William John Watts, encouraged Robert to ride, and he started showing on ponies for the Eckleys at Cusop Stud.

He spent five years as a farm student, going on to work for Ernest Evans, who had showjumpers and pointers, and Derek Crossman, during which time he was in charge of a range of horses from racehorses to hunters. He had a passion for hunting; starting aged eight and hunting with seven different packs. He field-mastered for the South Herefordshire, and the Ledbury for five seasons, after which he was joint-master for seven more seasons.

Robert’s first HOYS winners were Major Helme’s small hunter Lord Sorceror, and middleweight Gay Moss, who came from David Somerset. Robert credited these two horses as “putting him on the map”.

In total, he won 29 HOYS section championships, 23 RIHS championships and six supremes at both HOYS and the RIHS. His last ride in the ring at HOYS was in 2010, on Loughkeen Dancing Lord, who stood reserve.

Robert’s wife Claire said she had been “deeply comforted by the numerous cards and messages received in the last couple of days”.

She added: “Robert had influenced and touched so many lives as well as being an adoring husband. He was a wonderful, warm-hearted and real gentleman and in all respect charm personified.”

Daughter Sophie said: “I will cherish my memories of Daddy. He taught me to laugh, he taught me to ride. His wicked sense of humour was infectious. He passed to me his love for hunting and knew the sport intimately, he was fearless across country and his time as master was a purple patch for the Ledbury. He was more than my father, he was my best friend.”

British Show Horse Association chairman Nigel Hollings said Robert was his inspiration.

“He was a hero to me,” he said. “He was the ultimate showman; whether he was on a 15.3hh hack or a 17hh heavyweight, he always rode in the most beautiful, elegant way; he would adapt to each horse and show any type to perfection. Every horse went beautifully for him.”

Mr Hollings said Robert always had time for young people, sharing advice and tips on horses and judging.

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“He was so kind, so warm,” he said. “Despite the fact he’d won all these things, he always had time for you. He was British Show Pony Society [BSPS] president for years, and all the young people looked up to him. He had a quiet manner, but he had a commanding presence; he walked into a room I suppose in the same way he rode into the ring. He was an inspiration to so many people.

“He’ll be missed, but he’ll never be forgotten.”

The BSPS described Robert as “a gentleman whose wealth of knowledge, loyalty and support for the BSPS over many years has been amazing”.

A spokesman added: “He has been without question one of the greatest showmen and producers of our time. As a society we have been so privileged to have been part of his life and words cannot express how much we will miss him.”

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 to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens 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

The winner of more than 40 HOYS championships, Robert Oliver’s breadth of horsemanship is such that few can match. Tricia Johnson looks back at his stellar career

Showing legend Robert Oliver, who celebrated his 80th birthday in May, holds a unique place in the record books. In a career spanning some 70 years, he has won and been champion in every category of horse class at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Royal International (RIHS) – many times over – and his animals have stood supreme multiple times at both shows.

Since posting their first HOYS wins in 1970, Oliver-produced horses have claimed more than 40 HOYS championships in total, including 12 cob, nine hunter, six hack, two riding horse, two ladies’ and five small hunter titles.

Robert took the coveted hunter tricolour at Royal Windsor four years running with the middleweight Kings Warrior, who also topped the line at RIHS and HOYS three times, standing supreme at the latter in 1991/92.

Other Oliver horses are legends in their own right too, and none more so than the amazing cob Super Ted, who had an eight-year unbeaten run at RIHS between 1987 and 1994 – standing overall supreme in 1990 and 1991 – and also landed six HOYS titles.

These two stand out in Robert’s memory. “I’ve been so very lucky with the horses I’ve had, but I suppose my favourite would be Kings Warrior,” Robert says. “He won so much for me, was always sound and was a great hunter as well. Super Ted was amazing too; he never missed a show, apart from when he got injured.”

Another star was Kempley, who took his first of three consecutive HOYS championships in 1977, going on to land his first of two titles at RIHS and the overall supreme there the following year.

The hacks Tenterk and Rye Tangle were both triple HOYS champions – the latter standing supreme in 1986/87 with Robert’s third wife Ali, who also partnered the Bamfords’ JCB to the top riding horse spot at both HOYS and RIHS.

Another hack, Tomadachi, was champion at RIHS three times for Robert.

The year 1979 perhaps capped them all, though, as Robert won the cob, hack and hunter titles in addition to the remaining hunter weight and small classes at RIHS, receiving the Sherry Slippers Trophy as outstanding personality of the show. Three months later, at HOYS, he produced the champion hack, cob and hunter – Tenterk, Kempley and Dual Gold – as well as the winning small hunter, Footpath.

More recently, the imposing heavyweight hunter Loughkeen Dancing Lord campaigned at the very top of the tree for seven seasons, ridden first by Robert and, following his retirement, by his wife Claire.

In 2006, Robert was inducted into the British Horse Society Hall Of Fame for his outstanding achievements in showing, and he was presented with the HOYS equestrian of the year award in 2018. He has also been a long-serving president of both the British Show Pony Society and the Irish Draught Horse Society.

Robert is also very proud of his 21-year judging stint for the SEIB Search For A Star (SFAS) series.

“I was involved right from the word go and never missed a final,” he says.

‘A very strict disciplinarian’

Robert was born in Herefordshire, the son of non-horsey parents, but his uncle – on his mother’s side – was the renowned farrier William John Watts, and he encouraged the young boy to ride.

“He had stables behind his farrier’s shop and I also used to go all over with him,” says Robert, who began showing when riding ponies for the Eckleys at Cusop Stud. “He taught me a hell of a lot about conformation and I also learned a huge amount from the eminent equine vet John Ryan.”

Next came a five-year stint as a farm student. “This was the making of me,” Robert maintains. “My boss, Colonel Cleghorn, was ex-army and a very strict disciplinarian. Everything had to be just so, done right and with no mistakes – I’ve never forgotten that.

“He had a herd of 100 pedigree Friesian cows, and I’d even have to clip and wash their tails to make them look smart when they came in for milking!”

Robert reckons that he had an easy choice of career. “I’ve always had an eye for a lovely horse and a pretty lady, so horses gave me the obvious way to be involved with both,” he jokes. “Livestock farming would have been my second choice, but I was very lucky that my parents never put any pressure on me.”

He also had the chance to hone his skills when working for the great nagsman Ernest Evans, who had showjumpers and pointers – among them horses belonging to showjumper Sir Harry Llewellyn of Foxhunter fame.

A period working for wealthy landowner Derek Crossman at Harwood End, Ross-on-Wye, saw Robert in charge of everything from racehorses to hunters, and he also field-mastered for the South Herefordshire Hunt.

Robert’s first HOYS winners were Major Helme’s small hunter Lord Sorceror and the middleweight Gay Moss, who came from David Somerset – later Duke of Beaufort.

“These two horses put me on the map,” says Robert. “Gay Moss also won at the Royal and RIHS, and was later sold to top eventer Sheila Willcox, who renamed him Law And Order and was very successful at top level with him.”

Another successful Oliver show horse to change direction was Andy Guy, who went to Olympic gold medal event rider Richard Meade, and Robert also found Bertie Blunt, who won Badminton under Mark Todd.

Robert’s final move came in 1974, when he and his second wife Gilly bought Upper House Farm, Gloucestershire, where he still lives.

“We had some lovely horses,” he reflects. “One year we had seven winners at Windsor.”

A lifelong passion

Hunting has been Robert’s lifelong passion after showing, and he has hunted with seven different packs in all – including the cream of the Shires. He was field master for the Ledbury for five seasons and then joint-master for a further seven.

His daughter Sophie – who helped him produce show horses for 10 years – now carries on the tradition as her partner, H&H columnist John Holliday, currently hunts the Belvoir hounds.

“I started hunting when I was about eight, and never missed a season after I was 10,” Robert recalls. “I remember once hacking seven miles from Hereford to a meet of the Ross Harriers, and even back then, my pony was clipped out and looking smart.

“I’ve always loved the thrill of crossing the country on a high-class horse – I’ve been very lucky as I’ve never had to ride any bad ones – and I’ve hunted most of my show horses.

“It kept them sweet and I can honestly say that none of my family ever crocked one up by hunting it,” he says proudly.

“My only fear was getting one kicked by another horse so woe betide anyone who came too close – they got a proper bollocking!

“In 1981, I was kindly invited by the Duke to send down a couple of horses I would like to hunt with the Beaufort, so off went the show champions Dual Gold and Brigadier; I had the most wonderful season with them. Plus, they both stayed sound, which I wonder how many show hunters would today.

“After that, my great friend Guy Landau would always call me ‘Lord Oliver’ in the ring, much to everyone’s amusement.”

Sadly, at the opening meet of the Ledbury in 2005, a crashing fall resulted in Robert’s hospitalisation with several broken vertebrae.

“We jumped a ditch, but it had concealed wire which flipped the horse upside down,” he relates. “I hit the ground very hard and was taken to Gloucester Royal. I wouldn’t let them call the air ambulance – apparently I lay on the floor shouting, ‘It’s too bloody expensive!’

“After that I wasn’t allowed to hunt or jump, and my last ride in the ring was on Loughkeen Dancing Lord in 2010, when he was reserve at HOYS.”

Winning many trophies

Robert still helps from the ground, but no longer rides at home. “I used to mind a lot, but I don’t really miss the riding now,” he says. “I have plenty to keep me busy.”

The Olivers breed Norfolk terriers, and have had the champion bitch at Crufts. Robert also bred and showed Border canaries very successfully for several years, winning many trophies. But that ended after his helper, Graham Booth, bought a champion show bird for £400, only for it to die the week after.

“That finished me,” says Robert. “Within a week I’d sold the lot.

“This is something I’ve done all my life: I’ve always made snap decisions, saying yes or no on the spot, right or wrong. My other fixation is punctuality. That dates from my time with Colonel Cleghorn; to this day, I can’t abide people being late.

“I also never bear a grudge. Forgive and forget is my motto, but I can’t stand bad losers – in or out of the ring. My school motto was ‘manners maketh man’ and I’ve always tried to stick to that.”

Robert on Bill Bryan

“I really looked up to the great showman Bill Bryan, with whom I spent a lot of time when I was young; I used to ride for him sometimes,” says Robert. “Year after year, he would break in a youngster, show it to be champion, hunt it and then point-to-point or hunter chase it. He did this on several occasions, and one was a lovely brown middleweight called Basnet, who won many classes and was second with me at The Royal. Then he went chasing and was favourite for the Grand National one year.”

Jethro on Robert

“I’ve been passionate about horses ever since I was a small child, and then when I had some nice ones of my own, the next step was to find a good rider,” recalls Cornish comedian Jethro. “I thought to myself, ‘Who is the best around?’ and came up with Robert’s name.

“Our association lasted more than 15 years; my word, did we have some fun along the way and we never disagreed.

“We used to party at people’s wagons after the day’s classes – it was all about nonsense and mickey-taking then; there was never any bad feeling between competitors. I remember once at Royal Cornwall, Robert got me so drunk I couldn’t walk – somehow he got me back to my lorry. To this day, I have no idea how.”

Racehorse training

Robert and his wife Claire were among the first to embrace the concept of retraining racehorses for the show ring, and one of their success stories was Another Man, a full-brother to the Hales family’s Cheltenham Gold Cup winner One Man. This smart grey won the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse final at HOYS in 2008.

Allister Hood on Robert

“Robert always made his horses look so good, and I hoped I would be able to get mine going as well as he did,” says Allister, Robert’s friend and rival. “He invariably looked comfortable, as though he was just sitting there enjoying himself.

“He once gave me a piece of advice which I’ve never forgotten. We were at HOYS when it was at Wembley, and he told me the preparation for this show was like no other. He said that when you work your horse in, and get to the point where you feel it’s going well and you’ve done enough, give it 10 to 20 minutes more work – 20 if it is a bit sharp; 10 if it’s more level-headed. I still do that.”

Alan Edmunds on Robert

“When judging Robert’s horses, you knew they would all ride in a very similar way,” says Alan, a judge. “They’d be light in the hand and going forward from the leg; you only had to think of the next gear and they went straight into it, taking a good contact and holding their shape.

“One of my favourite horses of Robert’s was Meynell Tumbler – he was a grand horse: a true lightweight. He stood only around 16.1hh, but with great depth and front and a lovely line of shoulder. He was a lovely mover that just stroked the ground, and he was ideal to carry up to 12st 7lb.

“Robert always convinced you – or tried to! – that he had the best horse in the ring.”

Robert’s highlights

“Apart from the 1979 HOYS and RIHS tally, which was magical, my best result came in 2008, when Claire was hunter champion and supreme at the Royal of England with Jethro’s hunter, Masterful,” Robert says. “This was particularly special for me as I’d bought the horse for £2,000 at Malvern Sales as an unbroken three-year-old and persuaded Jethro to buy him.”

Things haven’t always gone according to plan, however. “I was in the hunters at HOYS one year when my horse bucked me off in a corner of the ring,” he remembers. “I was so badly bruised that I couldn’t ride for the rest of the week… Ali [his then-wife] took over all my rides.”

Robert’s career in numbers

29 HOYS section championships

23 RIHS championships

6 HOYS supremes

6 RIHS supremes

Ref Horse & Hound; 2 July 2020

Leading show horse producer and judge Robert Oliver is currently in hospital after falling ill at his home on Wednesday 14 November.

Family friend and fellow producer Matthew Ainsworth said Robert’s condition has now improved after what has been a “serious and scary” 24 hours for the Olivers.

“It was hit and miss for 24 hours but Robert has made a miraculous turnaround overnight,” said Matthew, who worked for top showman for many years and still lives close to the producer.

“It was originally thought that he might have been struck down with meningitis, but after some tests, it turned out to be a severe case of pneumonia.

“This morning he’s got his character back and was even sat up in bed eating porridge. Fingers crossed it is all looking positive.”

Robert has been in intensive care, but it is hoped that he will be able to move to a ward later today (16 November).

At Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in October, Robert was awarded the the Equestrian of the Year trophy for his dedication to the showing and equestrian industries. Robert’s wife Claire also topped the middleweight hunter of the year class at the end of season show on Sue Granger’s Treganick.

Robert has been a judge at the SEIB Search For A Star finals since they began in 1998 and this year marked his 21st and final year officiating them.

In 1977, he broke records by winning the cob, small hunter and hack titles and taking reserve in the hunter championship at HOYS. He also landed the cob of the year championship six times on the legendary Super Ted between 1987 and 1994.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday. In this week’s issue, find reports from this winter’s latest hunting fixtures, dressage and show jumping competitions. 

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

If you're competing at Olympia later this month, take a look at these top tips from showing experts Robert and Claire Oliver to give you the edge in the ring

1. Practise riding indoors

To prepare for Olympia your horse or pony needs to be accustomed to being indoors in a confined space — you need to have several practices in local indoor schools, to accustom to the confines, noise and banners that will surround Olympia. This applies to both horse and rider.

2. Focus on presentation

Presentation is all important. Often at this time of year it is difficult because of the shorter hours available to prepare the horses, and with the weather turning you don’t want them to be outside for too long as this can cause their coats to stair and go wiry. To maintain a fine coat the animal must be kept warm.

3. Work out a clipping plan

The next decision you have got to make is clipping, which will need to be done to the standards of your breed. If you are going to clip your horse, you need to do it at least a week before — but bear in mind if you are going to work them harder than usual in preparation they will need to be clipped earlier.

4. Check the horse for any discomfort

We always have our horses checked by our sports massage therapist (pictured above), before any big event. If you are in any doubt about your horse’s movement or ability to carry the rider then it would be advisable to have the horse checked for any discomfort.

5. Check your paperwork

Prior to the show, check all your necessary passes and paperwork, particularly exercising times and bedding availability. You don’t want to be in a situation where you arrive and find you have to supply your own shavings.

6. Check your vaccinations

Thoroughly check your vaccinations. It is a must that it is an expert veterinary check — even if there is an incorrect vaccination date in the past two years, it will not be accepted.

7. Beat the dark

Get hold of a head torch — they are perfect for plaiting in limited light.

8. Leave ample timeAlways ensure you have ample time to consider traffic, parking and stabling. You must check your veterinary cabinet and grooming kit along with all your necessary riding equipment to ensure you are covered for every eventuality.

9. Have a helperYou will also find it helpful to have someone with you at all times as a helping hand with things like time-keeping and last-minute adjustments before entering the ring. A final wipe over your boots and around your horse’s mouth are important when a prestine turnout is key.

Watch Olympia Horse Show on TV

If you can’t make Olympia this year, there are plenty of ways to keep up with all the action

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

Every top rider has a particular forte — whether it’s gleaning every possible mark in a dressage test, riding a perfect jump-off turn or giving a young horse confidence across country.

We might be in awe of how Michael Whitaker sets his horses up for a fence, how Scott Brash rides a jump-off or how Piggy French makes cross-country riding look so effortless.

But who did some of our biggest names aspire to emulate when they were starting out in their careers?

5 top equestrians reveal their riding icons

1. Yogi Breisner

“When I started out in eventing Mark Todd was winning the first of his two Olympic gold medals, so I took a great deal of interest in what he was doing. The British riders Richard Meade, Sheila Willcox and Mary Gordon-Watson were all in a league of their own in the mid-1980s and I really admired both their success and their level of horsemanship.”

2. Geoff Billington

“When we were kids, John Whitaker and I used to sit in the stand at Olympia and watch all the top riders. Our eyes and ears would prick up when Harvey Smith, David Broome or Eddie Macken (pictured) came into the arena. They all had very different styles and we used to pick the things we liked about each of them and try to emulate them.”

3. Lucinda Green

“Mary Gordon-Watson took me under her wing. I can remember my training stays with her at Blagdon Farm in Dorset in the early 70s: they consisted of wonderful riders across the Dorset downs, more often than not coursing behind her whippets. I suspect all that a budding young rider would see of a world champion’s facilities nowadays would be the inside of their arena.”

4. Robert Oliver

“The late Roy Trigg. He was one of the last great nagsmen and he was an inspiration to me and countless other riders. He was a perfectionist and a showman.”

5. Rob Hoekstra

“Harvey Smith and David Broome were in a league of their own. They were great technicians over a fence. Then they handed over the mantle to the likes of Nick Skelton and John and Michael Whitaker. Now, Scott Brash and Ben Maher are fast stepping into their shoes.”

Don’t miss this week’s ‘The moment’ in Horse & Hound magazine (16 October 2014), where Mary Gordon-Watson talks about taking part in the first ever team chase

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

Showman Robert Oliver tells H&H about the gentle giant with a huge heart.

Fact file

Stable name: Ben

Age: 8

Height: 17.2hh

Breed: Irish draught

Sire: Crosstown Dancer

Discipline: showing

Owners: Bernie White & Dave Harries

Rider: Robert Oliver

Groom: Lorna Faulconbridge

Best ever results: 2009 1st hwt hunter at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). 2010 1st hwt at HOYS and hunter champion at Royal International (RIHS).

Five things you didn’t know…

1 He was bred in Ireland and bought by Bernie White when she was viewing another horse at a yard in Pembrokeshire.

2 Ben had 16 consecutive wins over the 2010-11 period, the only time he was beaten was at HOYS last year when he was second (to Act Flyn Lad).

3 Unlike many seasoned horses, Ben has fortunately not become ring-crafty nor failed to give a judge a good ride.

4 He loves people and is the kindest horse in the stable, but he does get nervous when he knows he’s going to a show.

5 When he first arrived we didn’t realise what a big natural jump he’s got.

To read the full interview with Robert Oliver about Loughkeen Dancing Lord see the current issue of H&H (26 April 2012)

Do you want to read all the latest showing news?

Robert Oliver’s lightweight show cob The Duke has been retired.

The 11-year-old will be hunted by Robert’s daughter Sophie with the Belvoir, Leicestershire.

Simone Cuddy’s The Duke won on many occasions with Robert — including claiming the cob of the year title at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 2007, beating the 2006 HOYS supreme So Smart, and the Queen’s Cup at the Royal Cornwall.

Sophie is in charge of the Belvoir hunt horses.

“Sophie’s really looking forward to it — it’s a wonderful Christmas present for her,” Robert told H&H.

“We will miss him though, he’s been part of our yard for over five seasons and has won many times.”

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

Robert Oliver and Loughkeen Dancing Lord claimed the coveted hunter championship on day three of the Royal International Horse Show.

After standing top of a strong heavyweight line up an the outside ring, Bernie White’s Irish-bred chestnut relished the space of Hickstead’s international arena, and produced a stunning gallop in front of the stands.

In his third season with the eight-year-old, Robert has enjoyed a successful summer so far, with their most recent victory at the Royal Welsh Show last week.

Standing reserve was Oliver Hood riding his middleweight winner and Windsor champion Jennys Prince.

Also coming into the final reckoning were the lightweight winners Katie Jerram (Azarax), plus the lightweight Loch Royal (Leon King), middleweight Standing Ovation II (Camilla Davies) and heavyweight Silverstream II (Jayne Webber).

For the second successive year, Pippa Moon and Time Lord IV stood top of a strong ladies hunter championship.

Time Lord IV enjoyed one of his best seasons last term, when he rounded off the year with second place at the Horse of the Year Show, and he has a long list of wins and places to his credit this year.

The amateur riding horse championship went to Clare Heseltine riding her small winner, Funtime Frankie (pictured right).

Clare refers to her Fulton sired eight-year-old as “Mr Perfect”, and he gave Clare, and South African judge Gregory Goss super rides.

After heading the large section, Harriet Raley and Kings Gold took the reserve.

Don’t miss next week’s Horse & Hound (out 5 August) for a special RIHS report, including comment and analysis of all the action

Results

Patey Hats hunter (Hon D Gooch & Mr N Hollings) lwt. 1, Mr & Mrs Jerram’s Azarax; 2, M Underwood’s Loch Royal II; 3 C Bardo’s Kings Road. mwt. 1 & res, O Hood’s Jennys Prince; 2, C Davies’s Standing Ovation; 3, P Duncan’s Lowmoor Playboy. hwt. 1 &ch, B White’s Loughkeen Dancing Lord; 2, C Bardo’s Silverstream; 3, Mr & Mrs Hall’s Major Moylaw. ladies (Ms J Darwin & Mr G Goss). 1, N & P Moon’s Time Lord IV; 2, L Rowe’s Millrowes Say No More; 3, A Hunt’s Romany King. Hutton Management amateur riding horse (Ms J Darwin & Mr G Goss) sml. 1 & ch, N Heseltine’s Funtime Frankie; 2, K Smith’s First Class; 3, S Facchino’s Bowood Diamond. lge. 1 & res, P Baker-Beall’s King’s Gold; 2, H Whiteley-John’s Sea Ocean Field; 3, H Grime’s Craigmanchie Flyer.

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

The first major Blue Riband title of 2009 went to Vanessa Ramm’s riding horse Sirius II, after heading the Large section at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on Thursday.

Vanessa, who is joint Master of the Tynedale hunt in North Yorkshire, and the bay gelding had triumphed at Newark & Notts on their only other outing this term. Carol Bardo’s The Philanderer was in second with Jayne Webber, and held position to claim reserve.

Judges Henrietta Knight and Sarah Leatherbarrow were not afraid to move their top three about in the hunter classes, but they had no hesitation in calling Guy Landau and Finn McCool III in top of the first pull and the pair remained there to head the lightweights, before going on to claim the title for John Dunlop.

“This is his first outing since taking supreme at the Horse of the Year Show,” said Guy, “Since then we’ve been out hunting with the South and West Wilts.”

The heavyweight Loughkeen Dancing Lord and Robert Oliver took reserve for Bernie White and her partner Dave Harries, who had found the chestnut gelding locally in South Wales last summer.

Claire Oliver headed the novice heavyweights with the five-year-old Zolan, and then took reserve. Robert Oliver had bought the bay gelding two years previously.

“He was one of the top four-year-olds last season,” said Robert, “He won Devon, Cheshire & Three Counties in a row and was reserve at the Hunter show.”

However, the top novice prize went to Ladies Man III and Robert Walker for Monserratt Sport Horses. This was a Royal Windsor debut for the Irish-bred five-year-old lightweight, who had won at the Royal and Yorkshire show last season.

Stay in touch with all the news from Royal Windsor at Horseandhound.co.uk and don’t miss H&H’s special report on the show, on sale Thursday 21 May

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 day’s showing instruction with Robert Oliver, a private lesson with Pippa Funnell and Irish Draught and sport horse stallion coverings are just some of the items included in a silent auction being run by the Irish Draught Horse Society (GB) on their website.

The closing date for bids is 28 September at noon and all proceeds go to help the protection of the Irish Draught horse.

To place your bid, go to www.idhsgb.com and click on “silent auction”.

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

Cob championship

Robert Oliver clinched his second tricolour of the week at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) with Simone Cuddy’s The Duke.

The nine-year-old bay gelding was bought at Brightwells Sales four years ago, and since then, he’s been highly successful in lightweight cob classes with Yasmin Cuddy, Claire Oliver and Robert.

“He is a great character, and one of the yard favourites,” said Robert.

Taking the reserve was the 2006 defending champion So Smart who was ridden by Robert Walker.

Intermediate championship

Vicky Hesford clinched the intermediate championship riding Marshbrook Sir George, who headed his large show riding type section.

As Vicky is in her final intermediate year, this was her last ride on the quality eight-year-old who is jointly owned by his breeder Wendy Lloyd and Vicky’s mother Dianne Hesford.

Sunday’s supreme ridden horse championship is turning out to be a real family affair, as Vicky and Marshbrook Sir George join two more family members vying for those final honours — sister Sarah, and her husband Robert Walker also have the coloured and hack champions So Smart and Silent Words II through to the final supreme.

Small hunter

Horse & Hound columnist Katie Jerram took the Integrated Packaging small hunter title riding Vanessa Ramm’s Irish bred Temple Bready Fearnot.

Bought this spring, the five-year-old qualified with his owner on his debut at Yorkshire Sport Horse Show.

“We’re all totally shocked. He’s never seen anything like this, but he behaved beautifully” said Katie.

Show hunter pony championship

Having stood second here last year, Jack Starkie and Tony and Alison Georgakis’s Yealand Angelina clinched the Bewley Homes championship.

The eight-year-old chestnut mare, who headed her 133cm class is in her second season with Jack.

“A lovely pony, a cracking jockey — a very nice overall picture,” said Peter Molloy, who judged four strong classes with Tom Best.

Stay in touch with all the latest news from HOYS with HorseandHound.co.uk, plus read H&H’s full report in next week’s magazine

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

It has been the partnership of a lifetime — and it all started through Horse & Hound.

Helen Seymour was 21 when she beat hundreds of other entrants in the win-a-horse competition run by H&H back in the summer of 1984. Her prize, Mountwood Bally Hy, turns 30 on 24 March.

“Winning ‘Monty’ changed the whole direction of my life,” said Miss Seymour. “I’ve learnt so much from him, moved house because of him and made a whole new set of friends thanks to him.”

Suffolk-based Miss Seymour, who has ridden since she was a child, won the competition after answering a set of questions published in H&H throughout 1984.

“The prize was £3,000, which was a lot of money back then, and as I was keen to get into showing, Robert Oliver picked Monty out for me,” she explained.

“I was a bit unsure when I first rode him, but Robert told me he’d be perfect for me and he was absolutely spot on.”

Read this story in full in the current issue of Horse & Hound (15 March, ’07)

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