Miranda Wallace riding COLEBOURNE owned by Rosettes Direct, Champion in the Maxi Cob of the Year Championship during HOYS in the NEC in Warwickshire in the UK on 7th October 2016
A prolific cob who won various championships in the show ring — including the maxi cob of the year title at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 2016 — has been put to sleep after a serious joint injury failed to heal.
The stunning grey Colebourne (Pinky), owned by Rosettes Direct, was produced by Robert Walker and ridden by Miranda Wallace when he landed the coveted maxi sash at HOYS.
“Pinky gave Miranda her first first HOYS win and championship,” said his owner Emma Wallace. Emma bought him from Avril Gornall who had previously had him produced by Jo Bates.
“Avril got married and had stepped away from showing so he was put on the market. I believe he had previously been second at HOYS with Jayne Ross to the famous Hallmark.”
In 2016, Pinky also landed his championship at the Royal International Horse Show with his producer Rob, as well as taking the young riders’ cob title at the British Show Horse Association championships with Miranda at the helm.
“He was such a character and had several quirks,” Emma said. “He hated farriers and the vets but loved to go hacking. He always tried his hardest for us, even after his stifle had started to hurt him again the spring after his HOYS win; he’d had an operation on it as a youngster.
“He had enjoyed a happy year of retirement resting with our young Exmoors, which he loved. He gave us such fabulous memories and will be very sadly missed.”
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Emma added, in a Facebook tribute to her special cob: “You gave us such fabulous memories. You were always happy and willing to do your very best. RIP big chap and thanks for everything.”
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Former H&H showing editor and deputy features editor
Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.
