Horses | British Horse Society Share this Twitter FaceBook Arko III Arko III, a handsome bay stallion ridden by Nick Skelton, represented Great Britain in showjumping at both the European Championships and the Athens Olympics. Arko III won a clutch of Grand Prix titles and, in 2004, was named British Showjumping’s International Horse of the Year. He was also awarded the Leading Nations Cup Horse and Leading Horse titles in 2005 and won the Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in 2007. Be Fair Be Fair won Badminton with Lucinda Green in 1973. Beethoven Beethoven was an Irish 16hh brown gelding owned by Douglas Bunn and ridden by Douglas and by David Broome. Sired by the thoroughbred stallion Roi d’Egypte out of an Irish draught mare called Fanny, Beethoven was purchased as an unbroken three-year-old in 1961 by Jack Bamber. Sold on to Douglas Bunn he quickly proved his potential as a showjumper by winning the Foxhunter championship at the Horse of the Year Show as a four-year-old in 1962.

David Broome took over the ride in 1968 and they quickly established a successful partnership by winning the Derby Trial and the Embassy Grand Prix at Hickstead and a speed class in Dublin. They won the Toronto Grand Prix in 1965, the World Championship Gold Medal in La Baule in 1970 and made 12 Nations Cup appearances. Big Star Described by Nick Skelton as 'The best horse I have ever ridden' and with a glittering career, Big Star lived up to his name as part of the Gold-winning Great Britain showjumping team at the 2012 London Olympics. The stallion is owned by Gary and Beverley Widdowson. Colton Maelstrom Colton Maelstrom was arguably the most prolific winner of pony showjumping classes in the world, racking up more than 250 career victories and earning in excess of £50,000 in annual winnings. She went to her first European Championships in 1994 and then attended 12 consecutive championships, winning three individual gold, eight team gold, one individual silver and one team silver medals, with six different riders.

She also won the Junior Showjumper of the Year three times, had six career wins at the Hickstead Derby and was five times Pony of the Year Grand Prix winner. In international events Colton Maelstrom represented Britain with an unrivalled record of clear rounds between 1994 and 2005. She had more than 30 international wins and led Britain to Nations Cup Victories on many occasions. In 2004, at the age of 17, she was the leading pony in Britain and took home the highest annual winnings of her career. Cornishman V Cornishman won double Olympic team gold medals in eventing – in 1968 with Richard Meade and in 1972 with Mary Gordon-Watson. The only non-human Olympic medallist to pursue a successful film career, Cornishman V appeared in Dead Cert (1974), based on a Dick Francis novel, and International Velvet (1978). Doublet Doublet won the 1971 European Three Day Eventing Championships at Burghley with HRH The Princess Royal. They also finished fifth at Badminton Horse Trials in 1971.

Dutch Courage Dutch Courage was bronze medallist at the 1978 World Dressage Championships. Everest Forever Everest Forever became one of the great showjumping horses, although his career in Britain almost didn't get off the ground. Ted Edgar went to Germany in 1976 to see some horses at a leading yard but Everest Forever was almost not included, as he had recently had a wind operation. Ted bought him nonetheless. The 17hh chestnut gelding represented Great Britain in 19 Nations Cup teams between 1979 and 1986, and at the 1981 European Championships. Everest Forever chalked up winnings of almost £190,000. His victories included Queen Elizabeth II Cups in 1979, 1981 and 1982, the 1980 Hickstead Grand Prix, the 1980 Aachen Grand Prix, and Royal Windsor in 1983 when he helped Liz Edgar to her fourth ladies championship. Foxhunter Foxhunter, an imposing bright bay gelding, was a six-year-old novice showjumper when Colonel Harry Llewellyn bought him.

Remarkably, just one year later, the partnership won a bronze medal at the 1948 London Olympics. The pair then went on to represent Great Britain again at the 1952 Olympics, winning the team’s only gold medal. During their career together, Foxhunter and Harry Llewellyn won a staggering 78 international competitions and remain the only partnership to have won the coveted King George V Cup three times. High and Mighty High and Mighty won Badminton Horse Trials in 1957 and 1958 with Shelia Wilcox. King's Warrior King’s Warrior was a triple winner of the Horse of the Year Show Hunter Championship. Merely a Monarch Merely a Monarch was winner of Burghley Horse Trials in 1961 and Badminton Horse Trials in 1962 with Anneli Drummond-Hay. He won Badminton and an international showjumping Grand Prix within months of each other. Merely a Monarch helped launch Anneli Drummond-Hay onto the international scene and was short-listed in all three Olympic disciplines.

He was voted in a L’annee Hippique worldwide poll as one of the best 50 horses of the century. Milton Milton, a 16.3hh grey gelding, was bought by Caroline Bradley as a six-month-old foal and taken on by John Whitaker following Caroline’s tragic death. During his international career, Milton and John won almost every domestic and international showjumping accolade. Together they achieved European team gold medals in 1987 and 1989, and European individual gold in 1989. Milton was retired in at the 1994 Olympia International Horse Show, sparking an emotional response from the audience. He was the only horse outside of racing to win more than £1 million. Mister Softee Mister Softee was one of the most prolific showjumping horses of his time. His first major success on the world stage was at the European Championships in 1962 where he won individual gold with David Barker. In 1965 the ride passed to David Broome and over the following years the partnership amassed a remarkable record of successes.

Mister Softee helped David to numerous victories, including the King George V Gold Cup at the Royal International Horse Show and the Hickstead Jumping Derby in 1966 where they produced the only clear round of that year. The pair won consecutive Dublin Grand Prix titles in 1967 and 1968 and individual gold at the 1967 and 1969 European Championships. Perhaps their greatest moment was at the Mexico Olympics in 1968 where they won the individual bronze medal. Mistral Hojris Together with Laura Tomlinson (née Bechtolsheimer), Mistral Hojris represented Great Britain at both the 2008 Beijing Olympics (finishing sixth) and the 2012 London Olympics (winning Team Gold and Individual Bronze). He was retired in 2013. Nizefela Nizefela was easily identified by his famous ‘kick back’ over a fence – a sure sign that he was on form! He was known as the cornerstone of the British showjumping team and described by former BSJA Chairman Colonel Harry Llewellyn as a horse who was as "steady as a rock" and "jumps big and clean".

The bay gelding, bred in Lincolnshire, was owned and ridden by the great Wilfred White, and it was on him that Wilf achieved many of his greatest victories. Nizefela helped Britain to win its only gold medal at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952, and was a member of the Olympic bronze medal-winning team in Stockholm in 1956. In total Nizefela represented Britain in a dozen victorious Nations Cup teams. He is rightly regarded as one of the greatest horses in the history of showjumping. Over To You Over To You won eight medals for Britain with Jeanette Brakewell, making him the most medalled event horse in the world. Known as ‘Jack’, his medal tally included four European team gold medals, two Olympic team silver medals, a World team bronze medal, and an individual World silver medal. Over To You also finished five times in the top ten at Badminton Horse Trials, and recorded a British Eventing points tally of 2,170 which is unlikely to be surpassed. British team manager Yogi Breisner said: “Over To You is poetry in motion across country.

They threw away the mould when they made him.” Penwood Forge Mill Penwood Forge Mill was hugely popular during the time of his career and remains one of Britain’s best loved showjumpers. His early successes included winning the Grand Prix in Ostend and coming second in the Nations Cup competitions at Ostend, Rotterdam and Geneva in 1971. In the following year, he came second in the Nations Cup in Rome, before achieving a win in London. He then went on to win back-to-back Nations Cups in 1977 and 1978. Penwood Forge Mill also won the European Championships, the King George V Gold Cup and the Horse and Hound Cup within six days! Pretty Polly Pretty Polly, foaled in 2001, was an outstanding racehorse and broodmare who 22 of 24 starts, including fifteen consecutive races. Priceless Priceless was a prolific event horse, ridden by British Eventer Virginia ‘Ginny’ Leng during the 1980s.

Together the pair amassed a list of achievements including team and individual gold medals at the 1985 and 1987 European Championships and again at the World Championships in Gawler, Australia in 1986, as well as Olympic team silver and individual bronze in Los Angeles in 1984. Priceless also partnered Ginny to wins at both Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials. A fast and careful jumper, Priceless never refused or incurred a single penalty across country. Primmore’s Pride Primmore’s Pride became the first horse to take all three four-star eventing titles consecutively. With his rider, Pippa Funnell, he won Badminton, Burghley and Lexington Horse Trials, and picked up an individual bronze and team silver medal at the Athens Olympics. Ryan’s Son Ryan’s Son was born in 1968 and at the age of five was bought by Malcolm Barr and his future son-in-law, John Whitaker, for £2,500. The bay Irish-bred gelding formed a strong and prosperous partnership with John Whitaker, winning more than £250,000 during the course of his prestigious career.

Ryan’s Son was one of the most prominent showjumpers of his time. In 1980 at the ‘Alternative’ Olympics, Ryan’s Son took the silver medal in the team and individual events, going on to win another silver at the 1984 Olympics. He also won the coveted Cock o’the North Championship in 1975 at the Great Yorkshire Show and the Hickstead Derby in 1983. Other major wins include the Midland Bank Great Northern Championship, the Bass Grand National, the Everest Double Glazing Championship, and the King George V Gold Cup. He was a winner at the Royal International Horse Show, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and was the leading national money winner four times (1976, 1978, 1979 and 1983). In 1980, Ryan's Son won the Irish Horse Board's prize for the best horse bred in Ireland. In his career, he jumped nine double clear rounds in Nations Cups. Sefton Sefton was a Household Cavalry horse who survived the IRA bombings in London in 1982. He underwent eight hours of surgery and became a household name.

He was 19 years old at the time of the bombings and received much media attention and concern from members of the public. Sefton was retired to The Home of Rest for Horses shortly after and stayed there until 1993. He became incurably lame from the injuries he suffered and was put to sleep at the age of 30. Sefton’s legacy remains intact through The British Horse Society Sefton Awards, set up in 1984, and the Sefton Equine Referral Unit, which is based at the Royal Veterinary College. Household Cavalry tradition dictates that horses' names are re-used, which ensures that Sefton’s memory will live on. Shear H20 Shear H2O was ridden by Leslie Law to team silver in the eventing at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and team gold at the 2001 European Championships. When he retired he had amassed a total of 1,871 British Eventing points. Stroller Stroller is undoubtedly one of the most famous ponies of all time. Despite standing only 14.2hh, he was able to compete and win against much bigger horses in international showjumping.

Stroller and his rider, Marion Coakes, first achieved success as part of the victorious junior European Championship team in 1963. Despite attempts to move her onto horses, Marion refused to part with the courageous pony. He was only the third horse to jump a clear at the Hickstead Derby in 1964 and in 1965, Stroller helped Marion to secure the title of Ladies’ World Champion. Two years later, the pair won the Hickstead Derby. Stroller and Marion’s greatest achievement was perhaps their medal at the 1968 Mexico Olympics: the first individual silver to be won by a woman at the Olympic Games. The Poacher The Poacher was one of the greatest event horses of his era. He was considered the backbone of the British teams that between 1967 and 1971 won Olympic gold, World gold and three consecutive European gold medals. Partnered by his owner, Captain Martin Whiteley, he won Little Badminton in 1965 and individual silver in the European Championships at Punchestown in 1967.

Martin Whiteley then generously handed over The Poacher to the Combined Training Committee (the equivalent of British Eventing at that time) for the selectors to use as they wished for the British team. In 1968, The Poacher finished fifth in the Mexico Olympics with Sergeant Ben Jones, being last to go in the team and having to cope with the worst of the going after a violent tropical storm. In 1970 he was partnered with Richard Meade and together they won Badminton, team gold and individual silver at the World Championships in Punchestown, the National Championships at Wylye and team gold in the European Championships at Burghley before The Poacher went back to Martin Whiteley to retire to the hunting field. Tosca Tosca, a grey Irish mare of unknown breeding and named after the Puccini opera, was partnered by Pat Smythe. Together, they achieved the distinction of being the first combination to head the list of national showjumping winners for two consecutive seasons. Purchased very cheaply, Tosca was used as a hunt horse and was notoriously headstrong and ‘mareish’, but this did not affect her ability.

Her first showjumping appearance was in 1951, and she was quickly upgraded, becoming the biggest winner in the country in 1952 and 1953. Tosca and Pat were also part of the winning Prince of Wales Cup team, and Pat was the first woman to be selected to compete in the Nations Cup. Toytown Toytown, affectionately nicknamed 'Noddy', had a truly remarkable career in eventing, helping Zara Phillips win both World and European titles. Their debut for the British Team at the 2005 European Championships, where they won Individual and Team Gold, was undoubtedly one of their finest performances. Toytown won the hearts of the home crowd at Blenheim Palace as he battled his way through torrential rain to complete a clear round cross-country that was as brave as it was magnificent. Valegro Known at home as 'Blueberry', the 16.2hh Dutch Warmblood gelding has partnered Charlotte Dujardin to world-beating success on many an occasion, including Gold in both the Team and Individual tables at the 2012 London Olympics. In 2013, Charlotte and Valegro also became European Champions at Herning.

Later that year, the combination set a new world record of 93.975% at Olympia before improving on this at Olympia 2014 with 94.3%. 2014 also saw them become double world champions by taking the Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle at the World Equestrian Games. Valegro is jointly owned by Carl Hester MBE and Roly Luard. Where your money goes Arksey Village, A History: The Ice Cream Horse Arksey Village, A History David Broome on Mister Softee at the 1968 Mexico Olympics Ice Cream and Horses How many of us I wonder, ran from our houses yelling "Can I have one Mum?" whenever we heard the distinctive chimes of the Mister Softee ice cream van. With its blue and white livery, the van was always a welcome sight on a hot day. Although American by origin, Mister Softee ice cream came to have a strong connection to Bentley, and one local catering firm that many of us know well, that of Massarella. An Italian family who settled in South Yorkshire and prospered in the catering and distribution business.

What might not be so well remembered is the link the Massarella family had with international show jumping. Their aptly named horse, Mister Softee brought the family as much success as the ice cream did. Here is a brief look at their equestrian story. A Horse Named Mister Softee David Broome on Mister Softee In the 1960's John Massarella bought a young horse at the Dublin Horse Show. Named after their ice cream franchise, Mister Softee had a glittering career in the world of championship show-jumping. He won a Gold at the European Championships in 1962 with David Barker, but it was his partnership with David Broome that amassed the most successes. Winning the King George V Gold Cup and the British Jumping Derby in 1966, they also won consecutive Dublin Grand Prix titles in 1967 and 1968. They also won Individual Gold at the 1967 and 1969 European Championships. Undoubtedly their greatest moment came when they won Olympic Bronze in Mexico in 1968, just two fences short of Gold.

Mister Softee was stabled at John Massarellas' farm in Almholme where he shared a paddock with his best friend, a donkey, who accompanied Mister Softee whenever he travelled. David Broome on Mister Softee Equestrian greats inducted into BHS Hall of Fame | Horsetalk - International horse news Equestrian greats inducted into BHS Hall of Fame November 18, 2008 The British Horse Society has welcomed the latest laureates to its Equestrian Hall of Fame in a ceremony held yesterday at the Household Cavalry's Hyde Park Barracks. Those joining the ranks of the equestrian greats were riders Ian Stark, Michael Whitaker and Ann Moore, while Over To You and Mr Softee took their place alongside other equine legends. Lucinda Green, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005, also attended the ceremony to receive her certificate. BHS Chairman Patrick Print said: "Ian, Mark, Ann and Lucinda have all made remarkable contributions to equestrianism and deserve to be honoured.

Over To You has had a fantastic career while Mister Softee achieved a remarkable record of success." The laureates were selected by a panel chaired by Chairman Patrick Print FBHS and comprised Liz Edgar, Ginny Elliott, Richard Meade, Para-Dressage star and Olympic gold medallist Lee Pearson and Horse & Hound Editor Lucy Higginson. Members of the public can cast their votes to nominate equestrians and horses as laureates in the BHS Equestrian Hall of Fame. Suggestions should be emailed to [email protected] Citations: Ian Stark Ian's first major eventing win was at Bramham in 1983 riding Sir Wattie. In 1984, riding Oxford Blue, Ian helped the British Eventing team win a silver medal at the Los Angeles Olympic Games. He won two Silver Medals at the Seoul Olympics in 1988 for both Individual and Team Eventing, this time riding Sir Wattie. In 1990 Ian won a silver medal in the World Championships riding Murphy Himself and this was followed at the Sydney Olympics by another silver medal riding Jaybee in 2000. Ian has won seven European Gold medals over the years, and has won Badminton three times.

In 1988 he was first and second at Badminton, the only person ever to achieve this. In 2007, Ian retired from competition. Ian is now a British Team Selector, Cross-Country Course Designer and a local steward for the Jockey Club. He was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of The British Horse Society in 2005 and teaches worldwide. Michael Whitaker For many years Michael Whitaker has been one of the best recognised faces in British Show Jumping. He has achieved an impressive string of victories, winning the prestigious King George V Gold Cup on four occasions. In 1980 Michael became the youngest ever winner of the world-renowned Hickstead Derby at the age of 20, a title he reclaimed for three successive years in the early 90s with the talented horse Monsanta. Michael has an outstanding record with the British Team, having competed at four Olympic Games, four World Championships and a remarkable 12 European Championships. His medal haul includes a World Team Silver Medal, World Team Bronze, eleven European Championship Medals and a Team Silver Medal at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984.

Michael has also competed in no fewer than 169 Nations Cups, winning on 34 occasions. Ann Moore Ann Moore began her riding career as a member of the North Warwickshire Pony Club and competed in jumping competitions until she changed to horses at the age of 15. She soon formed a winning partnership with the brown gelding Psalm and from 1966 to 1972 the pair were virtually unbeatable. Ann's major wins included the Queen Elizabeth II Gold Cup at the Royal International Horse Show and Individual Gold Medals at the Women's European Championships in St Gallen in 1971, and Vienna in 1973. Her greatest achievement however, was winning an Individual Silver Medal at the Munich Olympics Games in 1972 with Psalm. Over To You Over To You is quite simply one of the most remarkable horses Eventing has ever seen. Together with the no-less remarkable Jeanette Brakewell, "Jack" has won eight medals for Britain, making him the most medalled event horse in the world. His medal tally includes four European Team Gold medals, two Olympic Team Silver medals, a World Team Bronze medal, and an Individual World Silver medal - an outstanding feat in any sport.

A consistent and reliable performer, Over To You also finished five times in the top ten at Badminton Horse Trials, and recorded a British Eventing points tally of 2,170 which is unlikely to be surpassed. British Team manager Yogi Breisner has said: "Over To You is poetry in motion across country. They threw away the mould when they made him." Mister Softee Mister Softee was one of the most prolific Show Jumping horses of his time. His first major success on the world stage was at the European Championships in 1962 where he won Individual Gold with David Barker. In 1965 the ride passed to David Broome and over the following years the partnership amassed a remarkable record of successes. Mister Softee helped David to numerous victories, including the King George V Gold Cup at the Royal International Horse Show and the British Jumping Derby in 1966 where they produced the only clear round of that year. The pair won consecutive Dublin Grand Prix titles in 1967 and 1968 and Individual Gold at the 1967 and 1969 European Championships.

Perhaps their greatest moment was at the Mexico Olympics in 1968 where they won the Individual Bronze Medal, and produced the best two rounds in the team competition. Lucinda Green Lucinda has achieved some of the highest accolades in the sport of Eventing, having been World Champion in 1982 and twice European Champion. She has helped the British team to win a whole host of titles including Team Gold at the 1982 World Championships in Luhmuhlen, European Team Gold at Burghley in 1985, three European Team Silver Medals and Team Silver at the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984 riding Regal Realm. In a sparkling career, Lucinda has also won Badminton Horse Trials, considered by many to be the toughest test in Eventing, on an incredible six occasions. In 1983 and 1984 she won consecutive Badminton titles with the super horse, Beagle Bay, a horse she also won Burghley with in 1981. Lucinda was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.

The Heroes of Hickstead | FEI The Heroes of Hickstead Discover the best-loved men and women associated with the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead As the 2008 Samsung Super League with FEI series moves to the All England Show Jumping Course at Hickstead this week, we take a look at a few of the most famous and best-loved names associated with this popular British venue in bygone days.... SIR HARRY LLEWELLYN AND FOXHUNTER Sir Harry Morton Llewellyn, OBE was born in 1911 in Aberdare, South Wales and forged one of the most legendary show jumping partnerships of all time with the great Foxhunter. Educated at Oundle School and later at Trinity College, Oxford, Sir Harry was more often to be found race-riding instead of attending lectures and was on the brink of retirement as a jockey when coming across the chestnut gelding Ego with whom he finished second in the Aintree Grand National in 1936.

He served as liaison officer to Field Marshall Montgomery during WW2 before resuming his riding career, this time in the show jumping ring, and although his partnership with Foxhunter, whom he bought in 1947, lasted only five years they were five spectacularly successful ones. They competed all over Europe and North America, winning the Grand Prix in Paris, Nice and Lucerne and were three-time winners of the prestigious King George V Cup while also excelling in puissance events. Together they represented Great Britain in 34 Nations Cups and in 1952 won team gold at the Helsinki Olympic Games to the delight of the British pubic who loved them dearly. Foxhunter died in 1959, and when Sir Harry passed away 40 years later his ashes were scattered over the great horse's grave on the Blorenge Mountain above Abergavenny. MARION COAKES AND STROLLER The daughter of a Hampshire farmer, Marion was born into a horse-loving family in 1947 and learned to ride on a donkey at the age of three. She is best-remembered for her successes with the lion-hearted pony Stroller whose diminutive stature disguised an enormous jump.

Stroller was imported from Ireland and was bought by Marion's father, Ralph Coakes, in 1960 as an eight-year-old. Marion followed her brothers, John and Douglas, into the British junior show jumping team but at the end of her junior career her father wanted to sell Stroller and to replace him with a horse. Marion didn't want to let him go and, fortunately, some sales opportunities failed to materialise so, together, the 14.1hh pony and his naturally talented rider emerged onto the horse scene with the most incredible results. In their second senior season they were on three winning Nations' Cup teams and helped secure the Presidents Cup, which was then the team World Championship. When Marion was just 18, she rode Stroller to win the Ladies World Championship at Hickstead sealing a fantastic year during which she also claimed the first of two victories in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, took the Leading Combination award in Dublin and Leading Lady Rider title at Warsaw and Copenhagen. In 1970 the duo scooped the honours in the infamous Hamburg Derby.

Their greatest triumph was taking individual silver at the Mexico Olympic Games in 1968 but this was a precarious outing as Stroller was suffering from a damaged, decaying tooth and he had to be medicated prior to the competition in which he jumped clear in the first round before lowering two fences second time out to finish runner-up to America's Bill Steinkraus and Snowbound. In the team competition Stroller refused for the first time in his life, and then fell after a second refusal. This was put down to his dental discomfort and he never did anything like that again, going on to compete brilliantly until his retirement in 1970. The stress of international competition had not taken a heavy toll on this wonderful exponent of the sport who was clearly more comfortable operating over bigger fences than the ones for which he was designed, and he lived on to the ripe old age of 36. The story of Marion and the pony who could take on, and beat, the best in the world is the stuff of every girl's dream and they are remembered with great fondness by generations of horse people. DAVID BROOME, CBE, AND MISTER SOFTEE The Welsh wizard remains one of the most respected riders of all time.

David Broome's extraordinary horsemanship set him apart from all the rest during his long and illustrious career. Born in Cardiff in Wales in 1940, he was taught to ride by his father, Fred, who was himself an expert horseman, and at the age of 19 he was already the leading money-winner in Britain partnering his first top-class horse, Wildfire. The following year, with Sunsalve, he recorded the first of his six King George V Cup victories, but this prolific champion's list of achievement are legion. David won the European Championships in 1961, 1967 and 1969 and Britain's first individual Olympic medal when taking bronze in Rome in 1960, a feat he repeated in Mexico eight years later. He won the individual World Championship title in 1970 riding Beethoven and, eight years later, was a member of the winning World Championship team when partnering Philco in Dublin. A great supporter of Irish-bred jumpers, he once said his favourite horse was Sportsman but it is for his partnership with Mister Softee that David is often best recalled.

Owned by John Massarella and bought at Dublin Horse Show as a youngster Mister Softee enjoyed a glittering career during which he and David won the King George V Cup in 1966 and back-to-back Dublin Grand Prix titles in both 1967 and 1968. He took individual European gold in Rotterdam in 1967 and at Hickstead in 1969 and topped the World Cup Qualifiers in Birmingham and Amsterdam in the 1979/1980 season. David and Mister Softee were only two fences off the gold medal when finishing third at those Mexico Olympic Games. Now retired as a rider, David continues to work as an administrator in the sport and, already awarded a CBE, he was the 2007 recipient of the coveted Ryan's Son Trophy which is presented every year at the Christmas show at Olympia in London by John Whitaker and his wife Clare to honour those who have made an exceptional contribution to equestrianism. HARVEY SMITH AND MATTIE BROWN Harvey Smith and Hickstead will always be intrinsically linked as a result of one memorable moment.

When the outspoken, rebellious Yorkshireman made what he afterwards insisted was a "V for Victory" sign towards the judges box after winning his second consecutive Hickstead Derby in 1971, the Churchillian gesture was interpreted otherwise by the authorities leading to a great controversy. However all this served to do was to attract huge publicity to the sport and to endear the larger-than-life anti-establishment figure to the public forever. The incident happened in the aftermath of Harvey's explanation to the judges that he had forgotten to bring with him the Derby trophy which he had first won the previous year. A disagreement ensued, making the rider all-the-more determined to win again and, when he did, the sign was directed – on live TV – in the direction of the judges. He was disqualified as a result, but subsequently reinstated as the winner following a hearing during which he produced a file of pictures showing Winston Churchill making his trademark V-sign for victory. Harvey's reputation as the "hard man" of show jumping was well-earned - the set of his jaw and his formidable glare was enough to leave people quaking in their boots - but his success rate was exceptional and the public adored him for his feisty nature.

Born in December 1938 and certainly not with a silver spoon in his mouth, he was about seven years of age when first sitting on the local milk pony and his show jumping career began in 1954 with Farmer's Boy, a horse bought for £40 at York Sales and who, in 1957, was the only British entry to jump clear in the King's Cup at White City. Another bargain buy, Warpaint, brought him further success and, although completely self-taught, Harvey's career went from strength to strength. Olympic honours eluded him but he earned five European Championship medals during his sparkling career including individual bronze in Rome in 1963 riding O'Malley, individual silver in Rotterdam in 1967 riding Harvester, individual silver in Aachen in 1971 riding Mattie Brown and team silver at both Vienna in 1977 and Hickstead in 1983. Mattie Brown was his companion on that fateful Hickstead afternoon in 1971, so he has gone into the annals not just for his jumping prowess but also for his role in one of the most amusing moments in the history of the sport.

Always the showman, Harvey embarked on brief careers as both a singer and a wrestler. His wrestling debut in the Royal Hall in Harrogate when fighting Cockey Kay, the "Lancashire Thunderbolt", was billed as the Battle of the Pennines and attracted 1,300 spectators but these days, along with his wife Sue, he is involved in fewer pitched battles as he successfully trains race-horses on his farm at High Eldwick on the Yorkshire moors. His colourful personality lent a great deal to the sport during his career and his absence is keenly felt.

His uncompromising attitude and his will to win, which led to plenty of confrontations with the powers of the time, may well be summed up in his own words when he said "as far as I'm concerned, losers don't count!" David Broome - Show Jumping Riders, Dressage Riders & Eventers David Broome Are you David Broome and need help with your website either building a website or redisigning a website from scratch, Stableexpress are experts at building websites for horse riders, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your requirements in more details - CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO OF HORSE RIDER WEBSITES David Broome CBE is a legend in show jumping born Cardiff, South Wales March 1st, 1940 David Broome attended Monmouth School and still maintains his stables at Mount Ballan Manor, Crick, near Chepstow in Monmouthshire. David Broome's successes include gold medals in European championships in 1961, 1967, and 1969, 2 individual Olympic bronze medals in 1960 and 1968 as well as winning the World individual championship in 1970.

In 1978 he was part of the world championship winning British team. He turned professional in 1973. David Broome has won the King George V Gold Cup a record six times on six different horses between 1960 - 1991, a record yet to be equaled. He has enjoyed most of his success on Irish Sport Horses and he has said his favorite horse of all was Sportsman. David Broome has a son Mathew Broome who has followed in his farther's footsteps as a professional showjumper, David Broome's is also brother to one of the most successful lady show jumping riders Liz Edgar . Now retired from the competition ring David Broome is still extremely active in the world of show jumping he is a member of the BSJA committee as well as running one of the UK's largest show center Wales & West . Famous British Horse Riders David Broome Appointed President Of British Showjumping The new members council decided on the appointment of the former international showjumper during its inaugural meeting last week. David, 72, takes over from Lis Astall, who stepped down 2 when her term came to an end at the end of 2012.

David was a hugely Succesful rider, his achievements include three gold medals in the European Championships, two Olympic bronze medals and an individual gold medal in the World Championships. He has won th David Broome CBE Appointed President of British Showjumping It is with great pleasure that British Showjumping announce the appointment of David Broome CBE in the role of President of the Association. David�s appointment was proposed by the Management Board and subsequently approved by the newly formed Members Council during their inaugural meeting last week. David brings a depth of experience and wealth of knowledge to the role in respect of the sport at both a National and International level. During David Broome Honoured For Showjumping Contribution David Broome, one of show jumping's iconic figures, is the 2007 recipient of the Ryan's Son Trophy, presented every year at Olympia by John and Clare Whitaker to a major contributor to the sport. David was a mainstay of the British team at the height of its success.

He became a household name when he won Britain's first individual Olympic medal, bronze, at the 1960 Olympics on Sunsalve, for which he was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year.BR David Broome Blasts Puissance Winners The decision of two riders to share first prize in Friday's Accenture Puissance at the London International Horse Show has sparked controversy. Britain's John Whitaker and Michael Aabo, of Denmark, agreed to call it a day at the end of the third round when the Puissance wall stood at seven foot.p>But David Broome, of the British Show Jumping Association (BSJA): "It is cheating the public./p>p>"Under the rules of the competition, it can David Broome Finds The Finesse Of Old FRANKE SLOOTHAAK and Optiebeurs Walzerkonig were at their brilliant best here when defeating David Broome on Ancit Lannegan in yesterday's marathon contest for the Nordrhein-Westfalen prize. However, Broome, riding with that extra finesse that he seems to reserve for Olympic years, could scarcely have done more to impress the British selectors.

He and Sloothaak were the only riders to go clear in the two rounds of the contest and so ensure a jump Kilbaha Defies Conditions: David Broome Announces Retirement p>CAPTAIN John Ledingham and Kilbaha made light of the glue-pot conditions on the opening day of the British Nations Cup meeting, when gaining a decisive victory in yesterday's West Sands Holiday Homes Stakes. The Irishman, who had won the equivalent class here last year, finished with 4.22sec in hand to defeat Jessica Chesney (also from Ireland) on Diamond Express./p>p>'All the horses found it hard work,' Ledingham said of the holding ground. Bu Franke Sloothaak Makes Giant Leap To Victory Over David Broome German showjumper FRANKE SLOOTHAAK rode a round of controlled daring to win yesterday evening's Modern Security Christmas Cake Challenge at the Olympia Show Jumping Championships. The German's mount was San Patrignano Corrado, a giant of a horse at nearly 18 hands, who made nimble turns and powerful leaps to defeat David Broome on Lannegan by 4.24sec.

BR />BR /> Germany also filled third place through Ludger Beerbaum, who had the only other David Broome Rides Out A Winner DAVID BROOME, who preferred to ride in Dublin rather than travel as reserve to last week's European Championships, earned Britain's first win of the show when he took the Kerrygold Classic last night. Broome, omitted from the British team who won silver in Spain last Friday, won a six- horse jump-off on Lannegan, leaving Michael Whitaker, winner of the European individual bronze medal, in fourth place. BR />BR /> p>Broome collected pounds 5,000 f David Broome Is Forced To Make Way: Mark Armstrong Leaps Into Limelight As Britain Omit Show Jumping Veteran For European Championships MARK ARMSTRONG, 32, will be one of the four British riders to contest the European Show Jumping Championships at Gijon in Spain from 28 July to 1 August. He joins three regular team members: John and Michael Whitaker and Nick Skelton. Ironically, David Broome (who had urged the selection committee to include Armstrong in the championship team) now finds himself named with Warren Clarke as one of the two reserves.

Broome, who had left the meeting Lannegan Hail Titan x - (1981 ) World famous showjumper Lannegan was ridden by David Broome with many great results at many of top showjumping events. Lannegan is sired by thoroughbred stallion Hail Titan with many excellent results. Last Resort - x - (- ) Pictures Of Horses - Sport Horses For Sale - Stallions At Stud - Website Design & Hosting. Stableexpress provides you with a selection of pictures of horses Equestrian Artwork & Photography. Browse through a selection of horse pictures in dressage, Manhattan (Showjumper) Nordlys x - (1963 ) Along with the British show jumping legend David Broome, Manhattan represented the United Kingdom at the 1972 olympic games amongst other showjumping classes and championships Mr. Softee - x - (- ) Mr Softee has an impressive competition record, along with British rider David Broome, Mr Softee represented the UK at the Olympics and won many major championships Philco - x - (1966 ) A grey gelding, owned by Lord and Lady Harris, was originally bought from Florida where he had been ridden by Rodney Jenkins.

The price was not disclosed, but this American thoroughbred was then rumoured to be the most expensive young show jumper eve Phoenix Park (ex Last Resort) Hildenley x - (21/05/1975) A legendary show jumping horse Phoinix Park was formally named Last Resort, competed by British show jumper David Broome. Phoenix Park is a stallion sired by the stallion Hildenley. Queensway Big Q Gotthard x - (06/02/1970) SIRE: Gotthard is truly one of the greats. For seven years he was the leading sire of showjumpers in Germany - and his influence continues to the present day. During his time he sired over 34 licensed stallion sons - the most highly rated of which wa Sodexco - x - (- ) Pictures Of Horses - Sport Horses For Sale - Stallions At Stud - Website Design & Hosting. Stableexpress provides you with a selection of pictures of horses Equestrian Artwork & Photography.

Browse through a selection of horse pictures in dressage, Sportsman - x - (- ) Pictures Of Horses - Sport Horses For Sale - Stallions At Stud - Website Design & Hosting. Stableexpress provides you with a selection of pictures of horses Equestrian Artwork & Photography. Browse through a selection of horse pictures in dressage, Sunsalve - x - (- ) Olympic show jumping horse Sunsalve was competed by the Welsh show jumper David Broome, together David Broome and Sunalve represented the United Kingdom at many major show jumping events. Top entertainment and sport at this year`s Belton Horse Trials 2012 at Belton International sees the continued development of this wonderfully popular event, set in the picturesque grounds of Belton Estate with Sir John Brownlows' exquisite 17th century house as the central backdrop to the events proceedings.

Three fabulously themed days designed to excite and delight the whole family, offering something for everyone, including exclusive retail therapy, fine dining, classic car displays, gun dog and canine Laminitis Supplements Laminitis is a problem that many horses suffer from, there are different ways to control and manage laminitis in horses, including feed, exercise as well as add in laminitis supplements into your horse�s diet. Stable Express has information on lots o Horse Website Directory If your are looking for an equestrian business search our online equine directory with 1000's of businesses from around the world we can help you find equine businesses & services what ever your needs. If you are own or run an equestrian business you can add your company into the equine directory FREE. Stable Express is a leading equestrian website getting thousands of unique visitors each month. Fashion Brands Stableexpress, is a leading equestrian portal offering horse lovers & enthusiasts many FREE services including information, news and results on horses & riders from equestrian disciplines including show jumping, dressage, eventing, racing and many others.

We also allow users to communicate with each other either selling thins in our equestrian classifieds section, chat in our equine portal, share your favorite equine web sites with other users or post your own equestrian news in your own blog. Stableexpress is not responsible for accuracy of the user generated content, if you find any mistakes in the data supplied on this site please contact us Arksey Village, A History: June 2012 Arksey Village, A History David Broome on Mister Softee at the 1968 Mexico Olympics Ice Cream and Horses How many of us I wonder, ran from our houses yelling "Can I have one Mum?" whenever we heard the distinctive chimes of the Mister Softee ice cream van. With its blue and white livery, the van was always a welcome sight on a hot day. Although American by origin, Mister Softee ice cream came to have a strong connection to Bentley, and one local catering firm that many of us know well, that of Massarella. An Italian family who settled in South Yorkshire and prospered in the catering and distribution business. What might not be so well remembered is the link the Massarella family had with international show jumping.

Their aptly named horse, Mister Softee brought the family as much success as the ice cream did. Here is a brief look at their equestrian story. A Horse Named Mister Softee David Broome on Mister Softee In the 1960's John Massarella bought a young horse at the Dublin Horse Show. Named after their ice cream franchise, Mister Softee had a glittering career in the world of championship show-jumping. He won a Gold at the European Championships in 1962 with David Barker, but it was his partnership with David Broome that amassed the most successes. Winning the King George V Gold Cup and the British Jumping Derby in 1966, they also won consecutive Dublin Grand Prix titles in 1967 and 1968. They also won Individual Gold at the 1967 and 1969 European Championships. Undoubtedly their greatest moment came when they won Olympic Bronze in Mexico in 1968, just two fences short of Gold.

Mister Softee was stabled at John Massarellas' farm in Almholme where he shared a paddock with his best friend, a donkey, who accompanied Mister Softee whenever he travelled. David Broome on Mister Softee

Question: Which show jumper achieved success on Mister Softee?
Answer: David Broome