On-form Adam Taylor, a show jumper from Newark claimed two qualifying places to compete at the iconic Hickstead Showground at the Royal International Horse Show next year
An on-form Adam Taylor claimed two qualifying places to compete at the iconic Hickstead Showground at the Royal International Horse Show in July 2024.
Taylor from Newark, jumped to victory in the UNIBED – High Performance Equine Bedding Winter B and C qualifier at Arena UK in Grantham, Lincolnshire, with horse, Gangster II.
“He’s my heart horse," said Taylor.
"He came in as a sales livery and I fell in love and kept him."
Ten of the original 16 competitors supplied initial clear rounds over the course to make their way into the jump-off.
Taylor found the shortest route on Gangster to comfortably take the top spot by almost two seconds.
“It was our first time in this class and the first time we’ve really had a go against the clock," said Taylor.
"It was a good course, up-to-height and there was enough in the jump-off for me to go for it.
"We’ve been learning together going up the grades and we did our first 1.45m class at Great Yorkshire in the summer.
The rider added that his Dutch-bred 12-year-old horse is Gangster by both name and nature.
“At our first show in the warm-up he spun round and left me on the floor – he doesn’t like horses coming at him and he’ll have a bit of a bronc but it’s all in a fun way.
"He has a lovely personality and genuinely loves his job jumping — we have a great bond.”
Adam admits he wouldn’t be able to afford to go out and buy a horse of this calibre.
“I have to produce my horses myself and I’m enjoying the journey.
"He’s my best horse with more to come and the shop window for my equestrian business,” he added.
“This winter I’ll follow British Showjumping’s indoor Winter Classic series and next summer I want to move up to compete on the county show circuit.
"I love the atmosphere of the county shows.”
Taylor's second Hickstead finalist place came as he steered owner/breeder Lily Ennis’ 6-year-old Basingwerk Imagine into second in the SEIB Winter Novice qualifier to claim another Hickstead qualifying pass.
“I let the handbrake off in the jump-off," said Taylor.
"He was originally bred to compete as a Working Hunter in showing classes but he was too feisty and too much of a showjumper."