Fresh career for former flat star

Horses prove that it’s never too late to change it up and shine in a new sphere

- ALEX ROBINSON

Devon County, Westpoint Exeter

IT was third time lucky for Kieran Baslington and Don Barton’s impressive bay gelding Ballycreen His Lordship (Lordie) who jumped to the head of the working hunter class, making it three clear rounds from three starts in Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers.

The 11-year-old commenced his showing career in flat classes with none other than Katie Jerram-Hunnable and was a regular face at both HOYS and Hickstead. He was purchased by Don 18 months ago.

“He’s a super-easy ride and Katie’s done a fabulous job with him,” enthused Kieran, who also scored the colored section title with Don’s plaited horse Langaller Tarak (Carrot).

Despite his consistent formbook, this is Lordie’s first season as an open working hunter and he’s heading to the Royal International (RIHS) to contend the worker final later in the month.

“He’s got the biggest heart but he’s got all the scope, too; he could be a jumper when he’s done with showing,” Kieran added.

Kieran also enjoyed some good placings in hunter ranks with other rides. The Shropshire producer classifies Devon County as an annual “holiday” for the team.

“A lot of Don’s horses were bred down here, including Carrot,” he explained. “So we make a bit of a trip of it and stay with Charles Upham at Langaller Farm. It’s five hours door to door, but it was very much worth it.”