‘Dutch’ courage

PARTNERS: Claire Shepherd and Ayrton — a “bit of a show off", she says.

Ayrton carries Claire’s hopes

YOU are only as good as the horses you ride, says local showjumper Claire Shepherd.

And the 28-year-old, from Chadderton, is looking forward to 2011 with one of the most exciting young prospects on the circuit.

Ayrton, a five-year-old bay, will carry the hopes of Claire who, with her mum Angela, runs a stables and livery yard at Foxdenton Farm.

The surefooted gelding has qualified for next year’s winter novice final class at the famous Hickstead venue, in West Sussex.

Claire and Ayrton will also be action in the power class (newcomers) at the Winter Championships at Hartbury, Gloucestershire, in April.

The horse is held in such high esteem, he is on the ‘pathway programme’ after being identified as potential future medal winner.

It involves Claire receiving free tuition from showjumping greats David Broome, a double Olympic bronze medallist and former world individual champion, and Commandant John Ledingham, who represented Ireland and is a previous winner of the Hickstead Derby.

Ayrton is owned by Angela and Phil Nuttall, from Derbyshire.

They have pinned their faith in Claire after spotting her ability while having riding lessons under her guidance.

Claire explained: “They saw I had talent and said they would like me to ride their horse if they bought one.

“Ayrton’s stable name is ‘Dutch’ as he was bought in Holland.

“Angela and I went over there and saw a few horses, but we both fell in love with him the moment we clapped eyes on him.

“He is already jumping above the average for his age. He is very advanced and cocky with it. He knows how good he is and is a bit of a show off really.

“We’ve already had offers for him, but he was bought for me to ride, not to sell on.”

Claire’s life revolves around horses.

The former Radclyffe School pupil is following in the footsteps of her mum, who was also a showjumper.

With the help of Sarah Blackman, who Claire describes as “invaluable”, she looks after 10 of her own horses. There are 60 in the yard in total.

As well as Ayrton, Claire has high hopes of Maxwell and Tannique.

Maxwell, an 11-year-old dark bay, has qualified for the final of the star class and 125 Grand Prix at Hartbury.

She is also setting her sights on the Yorkshire International event at the Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield, in April, followed by the Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham next October.