Brothers keep it in the family and qualify for Hickstead

Two pony-mad brothers have qualified for pony showjumping at the Royal International Horse Show

Brothers Alex Leggott, aged 9, and Henry Leggott, 13, have both picked up Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) qualifications for Hickstead in July. The pony-mad brothers from North Allerton, Yorkshire, have qualified for the 128cm and 138cm finals. Alex secured his place at Morris Equestrian Centre in Scotland on Bubbas Delight, while Henry qualified at Arena UK with Letterkeen Bettyn.

Henry Leggott riding Letterkeen Bettyn

Both boys are completely dedicated to their sport and, on early mornings, join their father, John, each riding two ponies before school and one pony after school. John said:

“Like any sport at the top, it’s hard work…but we fit it in.”

Alex has ridden 17-year-old Bubbas Delight for nearly two years, having started jumping at 80cm and then making his way up the levels. Alex is diagnosed as high-functioning autistic and if ever he has a difficult time, he goes back to the lorry to calm down.

Henry stopped riding for a while after breaking his arm when he was five, and he only started competing again two years ago. He established an immediate bond with 15-year-old Letterkeen Bettyn (aka Betty) who he has been riding since just before Christmas last year.

The boys, who train with their hero, showjumper Guy Williams, are hoping to follow in his footsteps and his many wins at Hickstead that include the famous Hickstead Derby in 2010 with Skip Two Ramiro. Alex and Henry follow Guy’s mantra of ‘you’re in it to win it’.

The boys are now turning their attention to qualifying for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and they’d love to be on the English home pony team.

Their proud father, John, said: “They’ve done amazingly well – you don’t get many young brothers showjumping and both qualifying for Hickstead.”

For more information visit britishshowjumping.co.uk