Joseph Stockdale wins on international showjumping debut riding borrowed horse

Tim Stockdale’s 14-year-old son Joseph made his international debut at the CSI2* at Oliva in Spain a winning one riding a borrowed horse he jumped for the first time just days before.

Joseph, who represented the Oakley Hunt (West) branch of the Pony Club in the Prince Philip Cup mounted games at Horse of the Year Show just a couple of weeks before (pictured right, on foot), was offered the ride on Paul McAteer’s horse Claudette. The pair collected a victory and a 3rd place in the bronze tour classes.

“I mentioned to Paul that Joseph might come to the show and Paul said to pack his boots as he might have a ride for him,” said Tim.

“He jumped Claudette for the first time on Friday, had a pop in the collecting ring and finished 3rd, then went on to win the next day.

“Watching him in the prize-giving with the national anthem playing — I was ripped to pieces, so delighted for him and so grateful to Paul for lending him the horse.”

Find out how Tim’s results in Spain compare to his son’s on p79 of today’s magazine…

Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.