Versatile Bobby is crowned Olympia veteran champion

Few horses that can boast such a comprehensive CV as 30-year-old Bobby, the 14.3hh skewbald who was recently crowned the Veteran Horse Society’s in-hand champion at Olympia.

The Helme family’s much-loved gelding started his ridden career competing in endurance with Becci Elme, who then passed over the reins to her younger sister Donna (now Kenyon).

Donna and Bobby went on to represent Great Britain in endurance at the World Equestrian Games in The Hague in 1994.

After Bobby hung up his endurance boots, he then starred in the showring under Lucy Helme, who partnered him with much success in coloured ridden classes.

Aged 30 — but not looking a day over 15 — Bobby stole the limelight at Olympia with the youngest member of the Helme family, 12-year-old William, who was making his show ring debut.

“This [winning at Olympia] is a dream come true and there wasn’t a dry eye in our household. We are proud to be custodians of such a wonderful horse and this achievement is well-deserved recognition for him,” said the family.

Don’t miss H&H’s full reports on all the action at Olympia, on sale today (23 December, 2010)

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