‘This is only his second side-saddle show’: 21-year-old pilots riding horse to ladies’ glory at Windsor

A 21-year-old rider and a riding horse making only his second public appearance in a side-saddle clinched the BSHA Royal Windsor ladies’ show horse accolade at the 2023 Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Heather Rothwell’s Furstenball 11-year-old Happy Valentines (Harley) and recently-graduated English student Phoebe Price were the picture of elegance en route to securing the top position.

Both Phoebe and Harley are experienced Royal Windsor campaigners; in 2022, they each returned home with a red rosette, Harley after winning the amateur riding horses under his owner Heather, and Phoebe after netting the amateur hack honours with her own Kellythorpes Provocateur.

“This is only Harley’s second side-saddle class so I couldn’t be more pleased with this result,” said Phoebe, who has Harley on loan from Heather for the coming term. “He’s very new to the class and I’ve only been riding him for about two months.”

The new combination are already Royal International bound in the open riding horses after winning and standing section champion on their debut together.

“We’re so shocked at how quickly he’s taken to the side-saddle,” added Phoebe, who only began riding sideways herself last season. “I love these classes; they’re challenging but so rewarding.

“Harley sits up and takes you in the ring. He’s a goer and he always wants to please.”

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