The recent Bolesworth grand prix victor has come of age for rider Jay Halim. Jennifer Donald meets this “Jekyll and Hyde” nine-year-old who needs a manual for his many quirks, but has exceeded expectations in the ring
Aragon Z
Stable name: Flint
Age: nine
Breeding: Asca Z x Karlstad (Ramiro Z)
Owner: Barbara and Duncan Arthurs with Jay Halim
Rider: Jay Halim
Breeder: B Welten (Belgium)
Greatest achievements: joint-winner of 2019 talent seekers championship (HOYS, October 2019); winner of the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth grand prix (August 2020); third in the national grand prix at Royal Windsor (May 2019); winner of the 1.50m Wales and West area trial (2019)
Rider Jay Halim
“‘Flint’ first caught my eye as a six-year-old in the collecting ring at Hartpury with Alfie Bradstock, as he was with Graham and Tina Fletcher to sell.
“He was very lean and I’d go as far as saying he was too small for me, but there was something about the feeling he gave me when I tried him – I like that you can ride him quite loose. But he didn’t feel like he was going to become the horse he is today; from the start he’s just exceeded expectations.
“Royal Windsor was his first proper show, where he was third in the Walwyn novice championship – he knew nothing, but every time he goes through those start gates, he’s been the ultimate professional. He’s not flashy and you certainly wouldn’t have picked him out in his young horse classes, but his heart completely over-rules everything – he tries every time.
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H&H showjumping editor
Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.
