Young rider Harry Edwards Brady, who lifted the inaugural Robert Oliver showman’s award at the 2022 British Show Pony Society (BSPS) summer championships, got the opportunity to meet legends of the equestrian world, equine and human, as his prize.
Harry, 12, and his mother Emma Edward’s home-produced 122cm show hunter pony Gryngallt Page Too (Billy) were judge Claire Oliver’s choice to take the new accolade at the summer championships, in August.
During his show, Harry rode two gallops and a walk to canter, the presented Claire with a red rose.
“He really is a little showman – he had so much character and charisma, and rode to win,” Claire told H&H on the day. “I’m sure Robert would have been very happy with my choice.”
Part of Harry’s prize package was a visit the yards of Claire and Olympian Carl Hester:
Harry and 2022 HOYS winner Shanbally Legacy
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
“We firstly went to Claire’s yard and she showed us the horses and the tack room, which was full of wonderful pictures of her and Robert’s many Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) winners,” said Emma. “Harry also had a ride on Claire’s 2022 HOYS-winning small hunter, Shanbally Legacy (Lego). He loved riding Lego and thought he was just like a bigger version of Billy.”
Harry and Emma then drove to Carl’s yard, where they met Carl, Charlotte Dujardin and supergroom Alan Davies, as well as the team’s other grooms and horses:
“Valegro had just been washed down so Harry led him round and had pictures with him,” said Emma. “Someone had just finished a lesson on Uthopia and Carl asked Harry if he’d like to have a sit on him. Of course, Harry said ‘yes please.’ Carl then asked Harry to try some moves with Uthopia. Harry has never done dressage before and he was completely amazed to ride an Olympic horse; he said he’s never felt power like it. He had a dream day and everyone was so welcoming. Harry was a bit starstruck but he had so much fun.”
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
The award was introduced this year in honour of the late showman Robert Oliver, who died aged 80 in March 2021, and it will now become an annual feature at the championships. Finalists, who must be under 25 years old, were selected by members of the BSPS council who were talent-spotting competitors at shows across the country.
“Harry was so determined to win the final at the championships,” said Emma. “There were six riders in total, and they were all incredible. It is lovely for Harry to win the first one and have his name on the cup.”
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
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.
