Alex Barr is HOYS-bound with a British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet Horse of the Year Show Grade C qualifier win at Royal Highland Show
Monday 26 June 2023
Alex Barr secured victory in the British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet Horse of the Year Show Grade C Qualifier at Royal Highland Show with Laura Garden’s home-bred Talkabout Me.
“She’s a real winner, small but thinks she’s 17.2hh with a big heart and a big personality,” said Alex.
Thirty-seven competitors came forward over the course which started at a height of 1.35m, with 11 of them jumping initial clears to go forward into the jump-off and chase the three HOYS tickets on offer.
Lesmahagow, Lanark-based Alex nailed the shortest route on the Follow Me x It’s the Business 11-year-old mare Talkabout Me to win by 0.61 seconds.
“She wasn’t the fastest at the beginning but she’s very intelligent and quickly understood what was wanted from her and now knows exactly what the job is. It was a flowing track and opened the horses up in the first half, but a careful horse was needed for the final line with a double of verticals; it caught a lot out in the jump-off but she’s switched on,” said Alex, who introduced this mare to competitive life.
Covid lockdowns disrupted Talkabout Me’s progress.
“She was a late starter – Laura doesn’t rush her horses – then spent time at home during lockdown,” added Alex. “We’ve only jumped at national shows so far but we’re looking at international in the future. It’s lovely for Laura as a long-time owner and supporter of ours for the past 12 – 15 years – and to qualify a home-bred for HOYS is something special.”
James Smith guided the Odermus R 10-year-old Jazmin II into second spot and Jonathan Dixon claimed the third and final qualifying place aboard the nine-year-old Jack JL (Quasimodo Z x Astrello).
Royal Highland Show – Thursday, 22 June 2023
British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet Horse of the Year Show Grade C Qualifier
1st Alex Barr & Talkabout Me – 0/0 - 42.32 seconds
2nd James Smith & Jazmin II – 0/0 - 42.99 seconds
3rd Jonathan Dixon & Jack JL – 0/0 - 44.70 seconds
NB: Qualifications pending official grading of results.
Image: Sinclair Photography
British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet:
Long term sponsor British Horse Feeds is the equine feed division of the family business, I’Anson Holdings, animal feed manufacturers based in Masham, North Yorkshire. British Horse Feeds is best known for its flagship product Speedi-Beet which, thanks to the unique patented process has revolutionized the feeding of beet pulp. Speedi-Beet has improved nutrient availability and soaks in just 10 minutes, compared to 24 hours for sugar beet pellets. It’s a great way to add quality fibre to your horse’s diet for slow release energy. Fibre-Beet, a formulated blend containing Speedi-Beet and alfalfa has the benefits of Speedi-Beet with extra conditioning.
For more information and expert advice from our nutritional team contact British Horse Feeds on 01765 680300 or visit our website on www.britishhorsefeeds.com.
