A HORSE breeder turning his hand to three-day eventing walked away with the top prize at a tournament in Somerset.

Nick Webb took The Jackaroo, also known as Harry, to the Aldon International near Yeovil and topped the field of 45 riders.

The 47-year-old, who lives at Bredenbury near Bromyard, said the event is one of a dying breed of three-day event gatherings.

“It’s one of very few events that still has a three day format nowadays,” he said. “Most are in a short format.”

Webb, who breeds and produces young horses, said it was pleasing to win the Aldon International even if the pair did their best to miss out on the top prize.

“We led the dressage, and the road and track day was fine, but the horse ran away with me on the steeplechase,” he said.

“I managed to regain my composure and get back in the saddle. So we did try our best to lose it but in the end it was fine.”

The Jackaroo, who is 12-years-old, is owned and bred by Herefordshire-based Anne James and trained by Webb who puts himself very much in the novice category.

“I wouldn’t say I’m an event rider,” he said. “I breed horses. But I was pleased to win this, even if it was the bottom end of eventing competition.”

He said a lot of thanks should go to Karen Nicholas who helps him and many others in the area to produce the young horses.