= Winner. Sebastian Hughes (GBR) and Colorado Volo in The CSI 5* Cavago Six Bar at The London International Horse Show, Excel London, London, UK. December 20th 2025
Meet Seb Hughes’ six-bar superstar, who stands at a mighty 18.2hh, with a jump to match, and wears a nose net at all times – “because it keeps him happy”.
They’re often found tackling the red wall in puissance classes, and have had a couple of tilts at the Hickstead Derby, but they’ve also been placed in area trials, and in the 1.50m CSI4* Derby Tankard at Hickstead.
“He’s been so consistent, he’s so versatile – he’s not just a ‘power’ horse,” Seb said.
“In a big atmosphere, he can be quite sensitive but at home, he’s like an overgrown labrador. He goes out every day, he hacks, has a very normal life – then he comes to shows like this.
“He’s started to realise where he is at these big shows now; he gets a bit enthusiastic at the trot-up!”
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“Because he’s so big, I took so much time with him as a young horse; letting him grow and not rush him,” he added. “He’ll be 14 next year and he feels as good as he did when he was eight – and he loves it.”
= Winner. Sebastian Hughes (GBR) and Colorado Volo in The CSI 5* Cavago Six Bar at The London International Horse Show, Excel London, London, UK. December 20th 2025
(Image credit: Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves)
Chief sports a nose net in the ring, and Seb explained that he wears it at all times.
“He’s very sensitive, and that’s almost like his comfort blanket,” he said. “I don’t know if there’s any reason for it but I’ve kept it on, it seems to work and if it’s not broke, don’t try to fix it.
“He knows it’s there and it keeps him happy. He’s been a fantastic horse for me.”
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
