Humble horse from North Devon triumphant over big budget greats

In a classic story of the little fish swimming to success in the biggest possible pond, North Devon showjumping is celebrating a remarkable achievement at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show.

Taking on rivals with literally millions of pounds in backing and support, eight year-old Bill from the Follyfoot Riding School in Northam, produced by owner and former rider Sally Hobson-Scott and ridden by Cornish star Sammie Jo Coffin, was crowned Speed Horse of the Year after a sensational display of showjumping excellence.

“I have now given up riding myself because of arthritis but I’ve produced Bill since he was a yearling,” said Sally. “Bill has won a few big titles but this is his biggest international triumph.

“The Horse of the Year show is staged at the NEC in Birmingham, the biggest show in England and one of the biggest in the world.

“Bill qualified by finishing second in the Gold League out of thousands of horses. Not only did he bag a first, he also secured a second in another class. Sammie Jo Coffin is Cornwall’s top showjumping rider and she produced a brilliant display on the day.

“I have been involved in showjumping for many years and, as well as Bill, we’ve got some great young horses coming through, some of the top bloodlines in the world.

“It is the classic sport of dedication. You have to be incredibly passionate because, unless you’re a multi-millionaire, it is a very expensive sport, and obviously involves very early mornings, every single morning.

“Our days start at 6am and, whatever the weather, we are out there riding the horses. Sometimes, we won’t finish until 9pm, so very long days.

“We are not the top riders and owners in terms of budget, so to beat horses who are literally worth millions is a huge achievement. To ride in these big shows is amazing, and to win the top prize is unbelievable.

“We are now out to Spain for more competition and there are no days off in this sport, the horses always come first.

“As an owner, it is probably more nerve-wracking than the days of being in the saddle because you can’t do anything about it once they are out on the course. I probably jump more than the horses during a competition. We spend the entire show screaming support.

“I also have great support from my partner, Edward David Kersey MBE, who looks after the youngsters while we’re at shows.”