An Unforgettable 2024 Horse of the Year Show
The 2024 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) was as riveting as it was spectacular. The event reaffirmed its place as a cornerstone of equestrian sports, with talented horses and riders showcasing their exceptional abilities. Among the stars that shone brightest was Craig Kiddier with Mulberry Lane, fondly called Obi, who captivated audiences with a sublime performance in the middleweight class of the show hunter of the year championship.
A Middling Master: Mulberry Lane's Triumphs
Obi, a magnificent nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse, has been nothing short of a versatile champion. Being the progeny of OBOS Quality, Obi has carved a niche for himself in both flat and working hunter classes. A third-place finish in the working hunter class, after an unfortunate pole tumble, certainly didn’t hinder him from claiming victory in the show hunter class on the flat. His adaptability and killer instinct, even when the chips were down, were astonishing.
Craig Kiddier: A Dream Realized
For Craig Kiddier, this year's HOYS was more than a simple accomplishment; it was a heartfelt victory. He expressed his emotions bluntly, "If I never win another rosette ever again, I wouldn’t care; he’s made all my dreams come true." Talk about putting all your stable deposit in one stallion! Kiddier’s caressing admiration for Obi wasn’t lost on Sue Tennant either—the person responsible for finding Obi in Dublin as a tender four-year-old. Tennant fittingly said, "They are an amazing partnership, the pair of them." And indeed, the duo's relationship was more profound than it looked at trot-speed.
The Year's Spectacular Highlights
The season has been sparkling for Kiddier and Obi. Earlier, they triumphed at the Royal International Horse Show—winning not just the working hunter title but the horse supreme as well. The HOYS victory was the icing on their competitive cake. The thoroughbred prowess displayed at the Supreme Products Supreme Horse of the Year championship left the audience thrilled, proving that in equestrian sports, both flat and working classes can indeed gallop together harmoniously.
The Farewell of Ringwood The Specialist
In contrast to Obi’s joyous ascension, there was a bittersweet retirement as well. Ringwood The Specialist, a distinguished 12-year-old heavyweight, bid adieu after placing second at HOYS with rider Will Morton. Morton's first position in the hunter category seems a little late given the horse's illustrious career, but as they say, "Better late than never!" Morton’s praise of his faithful companion was as abundant as hay in a barn, highlighting the horse's steadfast dedication and reliability through the years.
The Legacy and Future of HOYS
The 75th anniversary of the Horse of the Year Show marked a monumental collective of emerging and retiring talents. All exhibitions culminated in a feast of final fanfare where every flushed hat raised, and every applaud echoed spoke volumes of what makes HOYS a celebrated event in the equestrian calendar. For those hooked to equestrian vibes, subscribing to Horse & Hound's in-depth equestrian coverage is a canter—and trot—away into more of such gripping stories.
Concluding Thoughts
The 2024 HOYS wasn’t just about wins and loses. It highlighted the unique bond between horse and rider, the relentless pursuit of perfection, and the joy of achieving the unthinkable. Mulberry Lane, with Craig Kiddier's riding finesse, has shown us a glimpse of what equestrian sports is all about. As we take a breather from this year’s gallops and grins, let’s toast to the bonds that keep this sport vibrant and the tales that make it timeless.
Sources: Inspiration and details for this article were gathered from trusted equestrian coverage. For more on similar events, check out Horse & Hound.
