Former showjumper wins Royal Windsor senior in-hand championship

A former international showjumper came to the fore in the Royal Windsor Horse Show senior in-hand championship, giving his owner/handler her first ever victory at the show and securing his pass to the Royal International (RIHS).

Oxfordshire-based Lucy Ashworth took the lead on her own Lux 24-year-old gelding, Randall IV, who she has owned for eight years.

“I don’t quite know what happened in between him finishing jumping and getting imported back over to the UK, but he ended up in a riding school before moving homes a few more times,” said doggy day care manager Lucy, who said that it was Randall’s first show of the term. “The owner who had him before me had looked after him well, and then we met and I always thought he had potential as a show horse.”

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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.

‘He’s the comedian of the yard’: former international showjumper shines bright in the show ring at Royal Windsor

Prior to his showing career, Randall excelled on the international stage as a Grade A show jumper, before finding his way to a riding school.

Lucy, who home-produces her horses, was first acquainted with Randall when she went to view another horse at a yard.

“I’d been to see an ex-racehorse, but I saw Randall and couldn’t leave without him,” Lucy added. “My other half actually bought him for me as a birthday present. He was the best gift ever.

“He’s got so much character it’s unbelievable. He’s the comedian of the yard and he acts like a young colt most of the time.”

Randall suffers from a rare mouth condition, which means he’s missing some of his teeth.

“He gums everyone and drinks with his tongue sticking out,” said Lucy, who also re-trains and re-homes racehorses. “He’s so loved and he’s phenomenal.”

Reserve in the Royal Windsor senior in-hand championship was Sammy-Jo Oates and the 17-year-old Newtonhill Casanova.

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