‘Thanks for backing the Brits’: Lordships Graffalo rocking horse in prize draw to spice up Olympic fund

A bespoke rocking horse model of the 2023 Badminton and European champion Lordships Graffalo is the highest prize in a draw that may enhance the British squads in Paris this summer season.

British Equestrian (BEF) and the British Equestrian Federation Fund (BEFF) have launched their “path to Paris” prize draw, all funds raised from which can assist our horses and riders on their option to the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.

The Stevenson Brothers rocking horse model of “Walter”, value over £12,500, is constructed from oak, together with a few of the fallen tree that was used to make the brand new Mars Badminton Horse Trials trophy. It options one in every of Walter’s footwear and a few of his tail hair, in addition to duplicate tack, a seventy fifth anniversary Badminton saddlecloth and a BEF journey rug.

Marc Stevenson of Stevenson Brothers, which has made replicas of Valegro and The late Queen’s displaying star Barbers Store, instructed H&H he prompt the concept to Badminton director Jane Tuckwell final 12 months. It took three months to construct the duplicate of Walter, who gained Badminton and group and particular person European gold with Ros Canter final 12 months.

“It’s exhausting to allow them to go, however we’ve had plenty of observe,” he stated, including that the corporate has made 9,879 rocking horses in its 42-year historical past. The duplicate Walter additionally “has a secret secure in his tummy, the place Ros has hidden a shock for the winner!”, a BEF spokesman stated.

Different prizes on supply within the draw, donated by BEF group suppliers, are a Fairfax & Favor holdall, a yard tour with Harry Meade plus a £100 voucher, jacket and numnah from Dodson & Horrell, a £500 Bates Saddles voucher and a yard expertise with world champion Yas Ingham. Different prizes are to be added, and all entry particulars are on-line.

Enter the draw

“Each penny made goes in direction of supporting our groups on the trail to glory on the world’s greatest stage, the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Video games – entrants will actually be a part of the Paris journey!” a BEFF spokesman stated, including that the fund is proud to have been chosen as Badminton’s fundraising accomplice in its seventy fifth anniversary 12 months. Spectators can donate to the fund when reserving tickets, by becoming a member of course-walks or in buckets or on the BEF tradestand at Badminton, the place they’ll additionally enter the draw.

BEF World Class efficiency director Helen Nicholls stated: “The joy forward of Paris is de facto starting to construct and the group is working exhausting behind the scenes on the ultimate touches to organize and assist our horse and rider combos to the Video games. The added assist we get from BEFF, along with our UK Sport and Nationwide Lottery award, actually helps us go the additional mile with these closing particular preparations that may be the distinction between a medal or ending off the rostrum.

“Every one in every of you may be part of the group’s success – whether or not it’s shopping for a draw ticket, becoming a member of us on a Badminton course-walk or donating a couple of pennies, all of it helps and we’re extraordinarily grateful to all who assist us through BEFF each Video games 12 months. We hope that we make you all proud this summer season and we thanks for backing the Brits.”

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Keen about equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all facets of the trade, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of alternative is showjumping, through which she competes her personal horses, and he or she additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping reveals by way of to worldwide championships.