HOT FUSS exhibited by Laura Oughton-Auker, supreme champion of the Senior In-hand Grand Final at Olympia, The London International Horse Show held at Olympia in London in the UK, between the 16-22 December 2019
The oldest pony to ever compete and win at Olympia has died aged 33.
At 32 years old, Hot Fuss (Charlie) was crowned Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd (SSADL) in-hand supreme champion at Olympia. The New Forest/thoroughbred was 17 years older than the required age of a veteran contender.
His owner, Laura Oughton-Auker, led him to victory where the pair stormed the field by 10 marks. Charlie had qualified for Olympia at Suffolk County where he also stood supreme of show.
Laura originally bought Charlie after he was branded as an unsuitable riding school pony by the centre she used to ride at.
“He was and always will be our best boy,” said Laura. “When we bought him from the riding school my mum, Karen, was actually scared of horses but Charlie won her heart as he did so many others.
“There is a huge Charlie-shaped hole in our hearts but we were blessed to have him in our lives for 20 years. He was fit and well right up until the end when he just laid down and said ‘I’m tired now Mum, I’ve done it all’. That morning he had dragged me out to the paddock!”
Charlie only ventured into the senior showing scene aged 24 and he still enjoyed local pleasure rides and was out hunting in the new year after his Olympia victory.
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HOT FUSS exhibited by Laura Oughton-Auker, supreme champion of the Senior In-hand Grand Final at Olympia, The London International Horse Show held at Olympia in London in the UK, between the 16-22 December 2019
“He was a true showman; even going out for a hack he would prick his ears up and stand to attention so dog walkers could admire him,” added Laura. “He was my best friend and helped me overcome so many barriers. He had character by the bucketload.
“He taught me more than I will ever realise and it was an honour to have been his partner for so long. Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who has sent their messages of condolences. Charlie would want everyone to go out with their golden oldies and show them to their best.”
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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.
