Ilar Vincent, a 13-year-old 14.2hh Welsh cob gelding, has clinched himself a coveted ticket to Badminton Horse Trial’s Mitsubishi Motor cup in a few weeks as an Eventer. Piloted by mother-of-two, and Chiddingfold’s Pony Club chief instructor, Heidi Reed from Surrey, the duo have previously competed with success in British Dressage advanced medium level. The partnership started four-years-ago when Heidi saw Vincent being led out to be examined for her BHSI exam.

Vincent is sired by Gwenllan Sam and out of Ilar Fictoria by Nebo Daniel. Fictoria was previously top-priced animal at the Brightwells Spring sale. Both his grandmother and grandfather’s success as in-hand champions at the Royal Welsh Show, and Vincent’s own success in Eventing, highlights the versatility of the Welsh breed.

The hard work his owner, Heidi Reed, has invested in bringing on Vincent to compete at this level must also be acknowledged.

Photograph by Nigel Goddard