Holly has just won the 1.45m Youngster Cup Final in St Gallen on Billy Sarafina.
Author: Hilary Manners
Tokyo shortlist
I’m absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for this summer’s Olympics games with ‘Denver’, owned by Ian Dowie.
We have an exciting time ahead of us all, with Tokyo very much within our sights. You can read the announcement HERE.
Ava’s first Nations Cup
My pupil Ava Vernon flying the flag for Team GB in Wierden, jumping clear with Jolie Fleur in her First Nations Cup. I’m so proud of what Ava has achieved with hard work, dedication and total commitment with a horse I sourced for her.
New sponsor
I am so happy to be working with my new sponsor, Stromsholm.
This exciting new partnership will ensure my horses have the best horse shoes and hoofcare possible, which is paramount to their success.
Houghton Hall
I’m delighted with Ava Vernon – Billy Sarafina took the win at the Houghton Hall International Horse Trials in Norfolk in the HOYS Grade C class. Great result!
Mexikann
Billy has potential to be a top-class event horse or show jumper. He has previously jumped up to 1.30 level before he started eventing, he is hugely talented and could excel in either discipline. A lovely horse to work with and we are very excited about his future.
Grennanstown Sarco Luxhill
Name: Grennanstown Sarco Luxhill
Former Owner: Graham Smith & Holly Smith
Foaled: 2010
Sex: Gelding
Height: 17h
Breeding:
Shannondale Sarco x Olympic Lux
Bart was purchased by Holly and Graham after seeing him jump in the 3yo loose jumping at Millstreet Horse Show. Always super careful and a great competitor, Bart and Holly went on to be crowned 7yo National Champions amongst many other age class titles.
Bart made the move a stone’s throw away in the same village to the talented young rider Tabitha Kyle. Tabitha went on to win a Team Bronze at the Children on Horses European Championships, whilst narrowly missing out on an individual medal.
Quarrycrest Echo
Name: Quarrycrest Echo
Former Owner: Graham Smith & Holly Smith
Foaled: 2007
Sex: Gelding
Height: 16.2h
Breeding:
Holly and Graham bought ‘Red’ from Cavan’s Elite 3 Y/O Sport Horse sale in Ireland. He was bought as a show jumping and eventing prospect and went on to successfully show jump up to 1.25m level with Holly. She also dabbled in the eventing scene with him and it became obvious that he would go on to achieve great things in the sport.
As a 6 year old Red and Holly won at novice level, before he was sold on to Kate Walls for Piggy March (nee French) to ride. The rest of his success is history…
He went on to win a Team Gold at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon – USA, followed by a Team Silver medal at the European Championships in Luhmuhlen – Germany the following year.
Red was a real character and full of mischief, but Piggy brought the absolute best out of him for his long-term owner Jayne McGivern.
Quality Old Joker
Name: Quality Old Joker
Former Owner: Graham Smith & James Mossman
Foaled: 2008
Sex: Gelding
Height: 16.2h
Breeding:
A mountain of a horse who was originally spotted and purchased by Graham Smith at Gorsebridge Sport Horse Sales as a raw 4yo.
In joint ownership with James Mossman and after a couple of seasons hunting with James, George returned to Holly @ Fox Covert to great success. A real Derby and Puissance specialist who could easily turn his hand to a speed class.
One of only 61 clears ever Hickstead Derby for a 2nd place finish.
Clean sweep of GB Puissance wins, Hoys, Olympia, Liverpool, Bolesworth.
HOYS Speed horse of the Year 2017.
2* GP winner Oliva Nova ‘16.
Dougie Douglas
This special horse was the start of an incredible story.
Doug was bought on Holly and Graham’s first trip to Goresbridge Horse Sales in an attempt to raise the quality of the trade horses they had for sale. He was bought as a lightly backed 4yo for €5,800.00. His talent and the partnership between Doug and Holly quickly became obvious. Despite offers at nearly every show they attended along the journey, we took the decision to let the dream carry on through as far as the partnership could go.
In a whirlwind 6 years, despite Holly never having competed above 1.20 level previously, he and Holly progressed straight through to 5* Nations Level. Despite a few obstacles along the way, including the birth of Holly and Graham’s daughter Rosie and a terrible leg break for Holly. Doug won all the way through his career before being sold for €1.4m as a 10yo.
Doug was a special horse, the type many of us dream of. I cannot thank him enough for everything he did to help my career and he truly deserves the wonderful home he has with Katherine Dinan in the USA, who loves him equally as much as I did.
Thank you Dougie.