Olly and Geoff set crowd on fire
Without doubt the most thrilling performance from Your Horse Live 2013 came in the shape of the sports funny man Geoff Billington along with Oliver Townend who was helping keep the session in tact.
Geoff and Olly performed several times across the two day period with a selection of different types of horses.
The crowd were alive with laughter and cheer as these 'quirky' professionals rode through different schooling and jumping practices to show us it's not just us that get the difficult horses.
Geoff rode a mare into the arena on one occasion, she was 5 years old and he had quite a time getting her use to the crowd, arena and the noise....mostly coming from his microphone!
Geoff rode through the difficulties he encountered with the mare, exposing her to the noise at this point in her career is a good move, it prepares her for the 'real job' in hand.
Oliver rode a slightly less nervous gelding, he settled into the work more easily whilst poor Geoff spent the majority of his time trying to stay on board as his mare reared and spun around.
As both horses settled the pair
went through the different fences expressing the importance of good jumping practice.
Half way through the horses were changed to a more experienced pair and the boys really got down to the job in hand. They jumped grids and also demonstrated the different types of item's around the yard you can use as fillers.
Amazingly despite the sarcasm that kept the crowd laughing the pair did make sure they gave some good points to remember when warming up.
This demonstration was only one of many over this two day event.
Over-all this was a great
performance, educational
but also very funny...one
to definitely to put in
'Your Horse' diary for next
year!
Geoff and Olly Ride Side by
Side for this funny yet
educational performance
subject of cruelty and neglect. We were looking for five star homes for them and are really pleased to say four fabulous homes were found for them during the event. This new initiative was a great success thanks to Your Horse Live and really exceeded our expectations.”
Exhibitor Debbie Harris of HorseHage said: “Our stand was busy all day long. Visitors to Your Horse Live really want to learn more about nutrition and how to feed their horses and ponies.”
With more than 300 exhibitors, Your Horse Live proved to be a shopping extravaganza offering visitors an unprecedented opportunity to shop for all things equestrian and more.
The BETA Best Stand Awards proved as difficult to judge as ever but the worthy winners were Best Large Stand – Countrywide, Runner-up Large Stand – Wow Saddles, Best Small Stand – Keyflow (UK) Ltd, Runner-up Small Stand – Wendy Darker Arts.
Your Horse Live 2013 once again provided visitors and exhibitors with two fantastic days celebrating the horse world and the success that have been achieved within British equestrianism.
Oliver Townend
Geoff Billington