Hektikos is a 15hh, 15-year-old chestnut gelding. He is an ex racehorse by Hector Protector that we bought as a five-year-old. Hektikos was bought to bring on and event, but at the age of seven he fractured his fetlock (this was due to an old racing injury) so we decided to call it a day with jumping him competitively. After sustaining the injury Hektikos spent a lot of time in rehabilitation and eventually we began to compete in local riding club shows and dressage competitions. We then went on to hunt a few times with the Coakham Bloodhounds.

Hektikos has unfortunately had a lot of injuries and time off (these include fractured withers, a fractured fetlock, lacerations to both hind legs, hock spavins and arthritis). He’s had the whole summer off while I have been focusing on my other horse, but we went to our first dressage competition in over a year last Sunday! I’m so happy that he’s back and sound.

Smokey is an eight-year-old, 16.1hh, dapple grey Irish Sport Horse by Crannagh Hero. My mum bought Smokey from a dealer as a five-year-old for her to have fun on and enjoy. However, we soon realised how talented Smokey is and I was fortunate enough to be allowed to ride and compete him!

Smokey has just finished his third season eventing, where he completed his first ever BE100. He did brilliantly and came tenth, I was so pleased with him! We’ve bought him on very slowly and are now aiming to qualify for Badminton Grassroots next year. Over the winter we will be out competing in both dressage and showjumping… and perhaps a bit of hunting with the Coakham bloodhounds. This horse really is one in a million!

If you want to know more about what Jessica Leroy, Hektikos and Smokey have been up to then make sure that you keep up to date with their blogs.