29/11/2025
Unfortunately no photos at the show, but we have been working hard with Riverbank Magician together with Miranda Lee in getting Humphrey ready for VAWS. We decided to enter him in the working hunter and with 2 sessions jumping he entered the Working Hunter that had 21 entries. This was his first time under cover and he behaved like a dream, with only 1 fence knocked over. He ended up in the indoor school, another first for him, for his flat workout. He did this beautifully only to discover that he had done the advanced working hunter workout and so had to do another one. He did not place but we were so very proud of him and Miranda who works so well together. Humphrey was so full of beans having a great time.
In the afternoon he had his Welsh D Ridden stallion class. Miranda gave him a small workout, now outdoors, to be sure he was happy with the white marquee. He worked beautifully. However, once the judge arrived things changed. Humphrey didn't want to do a workout. Refused to move, though he can do this sometimes, once he did move off he didn't want to trot (this was not normal). Miranda, who I am sure was feeling quite embarrassed got him working and did a lovely workout. He got first, being the only one in his class.
We noticed that he was not walking correctly but Miranda still believed him ok to work out for the Champion as he was not lame. He walked, trotted and cantered without hesitation. After the class we noticed that Humphrey was plaiting with his near front fore, something I have never seen before. Though he appeared bright something was wrong. He was subsequently scratched from the 3 classes the following day, both led classes and another ridden class.
Humphrey will be fully checked out to make sure that it is nothing too serious, though we suspect either suspecting a hoof or muscle issue.
Hopefully, we will soon be working towards the Nationals in March 2026.
Photo: Humphrey at Welsh Nationals 2019 Ridden by Keith Hamilton