From The Arabian Breeders’ Magazine Collectors’ Edition 2023.
Jade Hateley’s childhood dream came true in October last year as she won the prestigious title of Ridden Arab of the Year at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in the UK. Samantha speaks to Jade about Cipriana, the gelding who took her to the top of the world.
“I feel absolutely elated to win the Horse of the Year Show,” says Jade. “This has been a dream since I was a child. I absolutely love HOYS, and I always feel so lucky to be riding there. This year was just a dream.”
Under the spotlights, with all eyes upon them, Jade’s 11-year-old chestnut gelding, Cipriana, gave an almost foot-perfect performance to win the coveted title. Bred by Joanne and Chris Lowe, Cipriana – known as ‘Raj’ at home – was Jade’s surprise Christmas present six years ago. Sired by Mascot des Alpes (Marwan al Shaqab x EAMT Marihuana by BJ Thee Mustafa) and out of FS Cinderella (Essteem x Galva by Vatican), Raj and Jade make a great team and she has done all the work with him herself.
“My mum, Tracey, bought Raj as a just-backed, just-gelded five-year-old. He arrived on Christmas Eve, and I honestly couldn’t have had a better present! He is just a dream horse – so chilled, kind, and gentle at home – although, typical boy, he is always hungry! I keep him at Talal Aggad’s Round Oak Stud and he nannies all the youngsters there – he’s even head of weaning when the time comes. Honestly, I couldn’t have dreamed of a better horse.”
Jade also owned Cbeebies, Cipriana’s maternal half-brother and out of Monther al Nasser (Ansata Hejazi x Aliah al Nasser by Imperial Mahzeer) foaled in 2011. “He, too, was such a gentle soul, and we loved owning our beautiful boys,” smiles Jade. “However, when I moved out of home and down to Round Oak, I got a full-time job and had to give up one of the ridden horses. Amanda Miller contacted me, and I could not of wished for a better home for Cbeebies – I mean, who wouldn’t want to live with Amanda! With us, he was Reserve at HOYS in 2019 and he won Royal Windsor in 2022. With Amanda, he stood third to Raj this year, which made the celebration even more special.”
From the moment Raj stepped foot into the HOYS arena this year, he impressed, and he would also take him the Elustarius Trophy for the Highest-placed Gelding. “Last year, Raj was reserve at HOYS, and he loves the atmosphere at this show,” says Jade. “Riding him there is always exciting, and he is so trustworthy. When I got called in as Champion, I couldn’t believe it! To win at HOYS is a dream, but to win HOYS on a horse you have produced from home since he was a novice is something else entirely.
“Raj means the world to us all, and I am so happy that we had this moment together. I will never forget it. Thanks must go to my fabulous mum, Tracey, for finding Raj in the rough, believing him in, and buying him for me. I also need to thank my fiancée Jake Bermingham for looking after Raj when I’m at work.”
Jade and Cipriana truly shined in the spotlight at HOYS this year, no more so when he upped a gear and went into a hugely powerful, flashy trot at the end of his lap of honour, exciting the arena in true Arabian style. “Dreams can come true,” grins Jade. “Raj is proof of that – and I cannot thank him enough for making my childhood dream come true. He is one in a million, and I am so lucky to have him.”
Photography Diana Volpe
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