Forgive me for what might seem like a digression from your regularly-scheduled eventing chat, but I couldn’t resist the innumerable charms of this remarkably British video showcasing the heyday of showjumping.
The Hickstead Derby is arguably the most iconic showjumping course in the world, and in the 1960s, it was in its infancy, gaining in immense popularity after Hickstead owner Douglas Bunn sought to create his own version of the course he’d so admired in Hamburg. Mixing the best elements of top-level showjumping and cross-country prowess, it’s fast, it’s furious, and no matter which decade you watch it in, it’s always brilliant fun. These days, horses are chosen and developed as Derby specialists, but back in the ‘golden era’ of the sport, horses would tackle the Derby alongside running the gamut of showjumping classes. Follow along as Bunn chooses his next superstar and prepares him for the competition, and then spend the rest of the weekend speaking the Queen’s English, darling. Pip pip, cheerio!
