The King’s rare breed Cleveland Bays win ridden classes at Royal Windsor Horse Show

The King’s Cleveland Bays emerged victorious in the ridden pure- and part-bred classes at Royal Windsor Horse Show, while a three-year-old gelding won the prestigious Cholderton Cup for the best overall in-hand.

Isabel Oakley, a liveried helper at the Royal Mews, rode The King’s 13-year-old Wyevale Harry to win the pure-bred ridden Cleveland Bay class on her debut. Isabel, whose job involves the daily exercise and care of the state carriage horses, looks after Harry.

“When I was asked if I wanted to take Harry to Royal Windsor, I wanted to make this year a successful one for him,” said Isabel. “I have been working hard creating a bond with him during the last three months and have loved every minute of every schooling session and show preparation with him

“It’s taken a lot of preparation due to him being a carriage horse at the Royal Mews and having to be so versatile in his job as both a ridden and driven horse. Harry takes part in numerous state occasions throughout the year including state visits, credentials and also Royal Ascot.”

Harry will now have a short rest before being prepared for his duties at Royal Ascot in June.

“Winning at Royal Windsor has been a very proud moment in my equestrian career and a memory that I will treasure forever,” said Isabel, whose colleague Bethany Atwell partnered The King’s St Ives to win the part-bred ridden Cleveland Bay class.

Three-year-old wins the coveted Cholderton Cup at Royal Windsor

Emily Fisher made the long trip from Devon worthwhile with her three-year-old gelding Bahain Terminator (Arnie) to not only win the youngstock class from a exceptional class of six, but also take home the coveted Cholderton Cup for the overall best pure-bred Cleveland Bay in-hand, fending off competition from Daniel Cracknell’s Willowhall Jim, who won the four-years-and-over class.

“Arnie’s results left me speechless; he walked into that ring and strutted his stuff,” said Emily, who added: “The standard this year was incredible with nine incredible Cleveland Bays being presented [for the in-hand].”

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