“The best things in life come when you least expect.”
Clare Blaskey, the founder of Blue Chip Feed, scored an “unimaginable” win at the London International Horse Show with her coloured cob Ranchella Rolex.
The now 16-year-old gelding, known as Roly, stood supreme champion in the Senior Showing & Dressage (SSADL) final at the pre-Christmas show.
Claire says she “never could have imagined” Roly – who originally went through Beeston market as a foal and whom she bought in 2024 - taking the title.
“I’m 72 now and bought him to be my happy hacker and have some fun. He has given me such excitement and joy,” she added.
“It’s proof that the best things in showing horses, and in life, can come when you least expect them.
On the road with a rock band
Roly was shown in London by Claire Howie, an HGV driver who spent last year behind the wheel of a 50ft truck on tour with rock band Iron Maiden.
She initially teamed up with Clare Blaskey to drive her horsebox to a show. “I’d had a hard time last year after surgery on a back injury meant I couldn’t ride,” she said.
“I can’t thank Clare and Roly enough for giving me this experience of a lifetime. It was totally surreal.”
SSADL is a home-produced series for horses and ponies of all breeds and types aged 15 and over.
Blue Chip Feed, founded by Clare Blaskey in 1996, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
