Retired Champ enjoys show in style

EX-international show jumping horse Belle De Harlequin watched this year's Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead in style.

By The Newsroom

Published 4th Aug 2009, 14:46 BST

Updated 8th Jun 2018, 04:42 BST

She was stabled in luxury on site at Hickstead, overlooking the main arena, and this year was found in the stable watching action in high definition on her 52inch TV and Sky+HD box surrounded by her trophies.

Owner, Vicky Davies from nearby Twineham, created the stable to ensure the horse, which retired from competing last year, didn't miss out on the action and the mare pricked her ears as she watched others from her yard competing at the event.

Known affectionately as 'Belly Bumps', the eight-year-old was originally broken and ridden by top showjumper Shane Breen, who is based at Hickstead.

She competed internationally all over Europe, mainly in speed classes, winning countless events, until injury forced her retirement.

For full story and other equestrian news see Sussex Horse World, West Sussex Gazette August 5.