Double Hickstead celebration to treasure for Jeff and Alison Osborne

Horseman, sponsor and competitor Jeff Osborne, 87, is reconsidering ideas of retiring from competitors at 90.

The founding father of Osborne Fridges was honoured for his big contributions to Hickstead with the Dorian Williams trophy on the Longines Royal Worldwide Horse Present immediately (29 July).

Watch the complete interview with Jeff and Alison under

Jeff was shocked with the accolade throughout the prize giving for the Osborne Fridges Double Harness Scurry Championship, which was fittingly received by his spouse, Alison, with ponies Chip & Dale. He joined her for a really particular double celebratory lap of honour within the Longines most important enviornment.

Alison informed H&H that they “couldn’t have had a greater day”, crediting the “entire workforce that has received us right here”, whereas Jeff admitted that the award was “each bit a shock”.

“Usually I see by every thing – it fully took me abruptly, and it was a pleasant shock! I bear in mind Dorian in his judging days right here at Hickstead, however I by no means anticipated to win this award,” Jeff informed H&H.

Jeff, who has had a lifelong ardour for “issues that transfer quick”, raced bikes and was a pilot earlier than taking over driving aged 40.

“My kids stated, ‘you make Mummy go snowboarding, why don’t you go and journey horses?’” he stated, recalling how he duly took them up on the suggestion and found how a lot he loved it.

Planes took a again seat to 4 legs after that. Jeff loved success displaying and showjumping, additionally serving as discipline grasp of the Chiddingfold Leconfield & Cowdray.

He has a protracted reference to Hickstead, remembering the late Douglas Bunn as amongst his first prospects a few years in the past. He is without doubt one of the showground’s longest-standing sponsors and has had success throughout the disciplines on the West Sussex venue.

He stated that the household nature of Hickstead makes it so particular, and added that he at all times likes to throw his rosettes to the kids within the crowd.

“I did say that I meant to retire at 90, however now there’s solely three years to go… I feel it may be 95,” he stated.

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