DoB 28/01/1998
Occupation: Full time athlete
Discipline: Show Jumping
Who is your sporting hero? Why?:
Marcus Ehning - He does so much on the horse but never actually moves. I have followed his career and respect what he does. I would love to be able to emulate his success.
Date started on performance squad?: November 2011
Equestrian Ambition: Being selected to compete at an Olympic Games
Where are you based?: Kilmarnock
What are the benefits of being a member of the performance squad for you personally?:
I have picked up a lot of knowledge and it is brilliant working with John and Erik. I have learned more than I ever thought I would.
Being part of the squad I have learned a wide range of things, including a lot of knowledge about flat work and jumping and how to put it all together.
It is good to be in a squad of people, it allows me to compare what others are doing with what I am doing. It pushes me to do better.
There is a lot of support from the rest of the squad too.
Random/ Interesting fact about yourself:
I was not that interested in horses when I was younger. I used to attend shows with my sisters to watch them compete. I started riding when I was 7, and when I was about 8 I started really concentrating on it and going to shows to compete myself. I am now working on improving and trying to be the best I can be.
Sponsors:
Result/ accolade highlights:
Graham is currently in Holland then Belgium followed by Olympia Horse Show the week leading up to Christmas then Liverpool International on the run up to new year.
The highlights of our year so far are Ma Fleur moving into the number 1 spot on the FEI World Young Horse Ranking list. Boucheron being consistently placed in world ranking classes, Graham moving up approximately 600 places on the world ranking rider list, now sitting at place number 320 & Gijon.
1st - Winter Novice Qualifier on 15/11/18 with Ma Fleur at Morris Equestrians Winter Classic Show qualifying the pair for Hickstead.
1st - Grand Prix on Boucheron on 18/11/18
1st - Scottish Branch Young Riders Championship on Glencoe at SNEC 11/11/18
1st - Gents Championship with Ecosse 11/11/18
Glencoe: 3rd in 7 year olds (11/10/18), 1st in 7 year olds (13/10/18) & 1st in 7 year old Grand Prix (14/10/18)
Farao M: 3rd in 2* 1.30 on Friday 12th of October.
Ecosse: 3rd in 2* 1.40 on Friday 12th if October.
Blog/ Results:
table Name: Boo
Owner: George Babes
Age: 10
Sex: Gelding
Height: 16.2hh
Colour: Bay
Sire: Valentino
Dam: Hilandra - Burgraaf
Grade: A
Comments:
Boo is a horse with a great characer. Graham has had him since he was a seven year old. e won the National 7yo title at his third show. He is now jumping at 1.50m.
Images:
Stable Name: Polly
Owner: Graham Babes
Age: 9
Sex: Mare
Height: 16.1hh
Colour: Bay
Sire: Contact VD Heffinck
Dam: Ucayall VH Cambroeck x Darco
Grade: A
Comments:
Polly is a new addition. She is very quick and careful and has already won a few classes. She will be a great speed horse.
Stable Name: Faro
Owner: Trish Fraser and Graham Babes
Age: 6
Sex: Gelding
Height: 16.3hh
Colour: Bay
Sire: Verdi
Dam: Ester - ED King Hill
Grade: C
Comments:
Faro is a big scopey horse. Graham has taken his time with him this year to allow him to mature in his body and mind. He is now jumping a few 1.30m classes.
Images:
Owner: Patricia Fraser and Graham Babes
Age: 7
Sex: Gelding
Height: 17hh
Colour: Bay
Sire: Caretino
Dam: Vicky V1 By Contender
Grade: B
Comments:
Cluedo has a great character. He loves jumping and is a real winner. He has won everywhere he has gone. This summer he stepped up to two star level. He is a big scopey horse who will go onto jump Grand Prix.
Stable Name: Fleur
Owner: Graham Babes
Age: 4
Sex: Mare
Height: 16.1hh
Colour: Bay
Sire: Emerald
Dam: Da Bella x Cassini II
Grade: C
Comments:
Fleur is a lovely sweet natured horse with the best of breeding. She always does her best to please you. She is showing tremendous potential in her ability and attitude. She's a real prospect for the future.
Images:
Equiscot Photography
Stable Name: Glen
Owner: Graham Babes
Age: 5
Sex: Gelding
Height: 16.3hh
Colour: Bay
Sire: Chelltago Z
Dam: All Star - Numero Uno
Grade: C
Comments:
Glen is a super prospect for the future. He won the 5yo class at the Royal Highland Show. He has just moved up to 1.20m level and looking very promising.
Images:
Stable Name: Ecosse
Owner: Graham Babes
Age: 10
Sex: Gelding
Height: 16.3hh
Colour: Bay
Sire: Berlin
Dam: Aventurine
Grade: B
Comments: Ecossse was bred by us, his mother was competed by my sister Stacey. So he is very special to us & is progressing well at international level.
Images: