Try GOLD - Free

Softie

Horse & Hound

|

November 04, 2021

The huge field master’s horse on whom Bill Andrewes believed he could “rule the world”

- Bill Andrewes

Softie

THERE was only ever going to be one name for Softie. “He did have a proper name,” says Bill Andrewes, former master and chairman of the Ludlow.

“I can’t remember what it was, but Softie stuck, because he was. He had a lovely, gentle nature.”

A 17.2hh Danish warmblood, Softie arrived aged five and “very green”, having done nothing. “I think I bought him locally through Horse & Hound,” Bill says. “He was quite capable of having a hissy fit, but he was never nasty. He was a very, very well-tempered horse.”

A “weekend rider” by necessity, Bill turned Softie over to Judy Lloyd to school him.

“She turned him into the most wonderful horse.”

MORE STORIES FROM Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

The appliance of science

How can science help reduce the risk of fractures in racing, and in turn societal concerns about horses in sport?

time to read

6 mins

October 02, 2025

Horse & Hound

LUCKY CLOVER STRIKES AGAIN

MONSTEAD course specialists Pippa Warren and Clovers Reward chalked up their first BE90 win when they romped home in front in section A.

time to read

1 mins

October 02, 2025

Horse & Hound

Peaky Blinder steps up in style

From debut wins to emotional salutes, this week delivers rising stars, loyal partnerships and eye-catching comebacks

time to read

3 mins

October 02, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

'Beyond expectations'

The country's best producers and breeders will showcase some exceptional young horses in next week's HOYS finals.

time to read

4 mins

October 02, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

'Incredible' Augustus reigns with world title

A teenage rider and a home-bred, who suffered an accident as a youngster, shine in an unforgettable week for Ireland

time to read

3 mins

October 02, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

Smith's sweet Melody

A Valentine's gift proves a treasure, it's third time lucky for a Welsh section A and a senior Arabian is London-bound

time to read

2 mins

October 02, 2025

Horse & Hound

It's like driving a Ferrari

A former five- star campaigner dances in the rain before bad weather stops play

time to read

3 mins

October 02, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

Tools to change our behaviour to make horses' lives better

The RSPCA hopes its new tools will not “educate” owners, but help them look at equine welfare differently

time to read

2 mins

October 02, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

‘The right riders got the medals’

Andrew Nicholson reflects on an exciting European Championships

time to read

3 mins

October 02, 2025

Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound

Horse buyers and sellers warned of unintended phone contracts

A High Court case shows that even WhatsApp or text messages can count as contracts in horse sales

time to read

2 mins

October 02, 2025

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size