Guernsey horse getting national success

Saturday 06 July 2019

A horse owned and trained by a Guernsey-woman has recently taken top prize at Hickstead - one of the most prestigious show jumping grounds in the UK.

Eric, and his rider Joss Williams took two wins at the event and another - Bolesworth - toward the end of last month, bringing the horse to 105 wins in his lifetime, with 60 of them alongside Mr Williams.

But he is only given the honour of riding the veteran horse after, some years ago, he got a message from one of Guernsey's show-jumping and horse riding legends, Jan Coomer.

A veteran of the sport herself, Ms Coomer matched Mr Williams with her horse, and since then, they have found unbridled success. 

She was elated with his most recent victories: "Guernsey manages to breed such excellent sports people, and this is an example of it having an excellent sports horse as well. 

"Show jumping is such a good discipline, especially for children, to get in to, because win or lose, you still have to look after your horse. The rapport you build with them can be so rewarding." 

Hickstead is one of the most prestigious show jumping events and grounds. Stock image from Hickstead's website. 

Ms Coomer is now the Vice Chairperson of the British Show Jumping Association, and is also in the midst of organising the Horse of the Year Show in Guernsey, which is taking place at the end of the summer. 

The second biggest sporting event in Guernsey, the show will see people come from all over the UK to take part in the range of show jumping events they put on.

And Mr Willaims is coming to the island to act as a judge in the competition. 

Having been involved in equestria for something like 55 years, Ms Coomer said organising these events was her way of giving back to the community. 

"We have the biggest show in the Channel Islands, we put on a huge event," she said.

"We will have show jumping for all sizes, ages and capabilities, from the little ones up to the older people, and from amateur jumpers to more experienced people."

She said when it came to judging events like these, it was about spotting mistakes people made. Mistakes though are something Mr Williams evidently avoids, as Ms Coomer expects his success to continue going forwards. 

The HOYS will be free for people to get in to, and is taking place behind the St Margaret's Lodge Hotel from the 21 August until the 25. It has been running for more than 50 years, and if you want to find out more, Ms Coomer said to either contact her, or their committee secretary Katie Leaf, on Facebook. 

Pictured top: Joss Williams riding Eric.