Top show producer in hospital with serious illness
Leading show horse producer and judge Robert Oliver is currently in hospital after falling ill at his home on Wednesday 14 November.
Family friend and fellow producer Matthew Ainsworth said Robert’s condition has now improved after what has been a “serious and scary” 24 hours for the Olivers.
“It was hit and miss for 24 hours but Robert has made a miraculous turnaround overnight,” said Matthew, who worked for top showman for many years and still lives close to the producer.
“It was originally thought that he might have been struck down with meningitis, but after some tests, it turned out to be a severe case of pneumonia.
“This morning he’s got his character back and was even sat up in bed eating porridge. Fingers crossed it is all looking positive.”
Robert has been in intensive care, but it is hoped that he will be able to move to a ward later today (16 November).
At Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in October, Robert was awarded the the Equestrian of the Year trophy for his dedication to the showing and equestrian industries. Robert’s wife Claire also topped the middleweight hunter of the year class at the end of season show on Sue Granger’s Treganick.
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Robert has been a judge at the SEIB Search For A Star finals since they began in 1998 and this year marked his 21st and final year officiating them.
In 1977, he broke records by winning the cob, small hunter and hack titles and taking reserve in the hunter championship at HOYS. He also landed the cob of the year championship six times on the legendary Super Ted between 1987 and 1994.
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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.