2023 Royal Windsor amateur cob championship

A 76-year-old rider ticked off another mark on her bucket list, as she triumphed in the Martin Collins Enterprises Royal Windsor amateur cob class at the 2023 Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Avril Bartolomy’s ride was her own and her husband Robin’s Epimetheus (Em), a 10-year-old bay maxi cob, who Avril produces from home.

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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.

‘It’s only taken me 76 years to win here!’ Amateur’s joy with home-produced cob

“I’ve been second here at Windsor three times, last year with Em and twice with my now retired maxi cob, Clantara Shadow Play,” said Avril. “It’s only taken me 76 years to win here! This is the one thing I wanted to do before I retire.”

Avril bought Em, who was started by cob specialist Lynn Russell, from a family friend.

“My friend came over to go hacking and noted that Em was for sale,” said Avril. “At 75 years old, I wasn’t in the market for a new horse, but Robin and I both loved him so much that we bought him.”

“I’ve never sat on anything like him,” Avril added. “He’s a true gentleman and is an amazing sit on, which helped him come up to win after his initial second place pull.”

Ali Talbot and 13-year-old lightweight contender Bling Cobsby, a former open cob champion at Windsor Castle, posted second place in the Royal Windsor amateur cob class.

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