Hallmark IX: a special Horse & Hound tribute to an outstanding show cob

Cobs

From being measured out to being hit by a car, six-time HOYS winner Hallmark IX thrived regardless of what was thrown at him. Alex Robinson speak to the connections of this unforgettable show cob

FOR a showing producer, there are fewer things feared more than the prospect of a show horse at the pinnacle of his career being measured out of class. So when Hallmark IX (Brandy), who died this month, was given a life-height certificate putting him out of the lightweight cob classification by one inch, uncertainty around the double Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) winner’s future mounted.

But all was not to be lost, as a change of direction – including a new owner, a new producer and a chance to qualify for a new maxi cob final at HOYS – gave the superstar another chance to stand in the spotlight.

In this sphere, the upstanding liver chestnut gelding rewrote the history books and became the pioneering horse to prove that the maxi had a place in the show ring and that the class was undoubtedly here to stay.

This exclusive feature can also be read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale date Thursday 17 June 2021

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Alex Robinson

Freelance equestrian journalist

Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.