Andrew James & his 8-year-old home-bred mare
Andrew was presented with an Animalweb Good Horsemanship Award at the Royal Cornwall Show in recognition of his thoughtful and horse-centred approach. After knocking a pole during the stop before Class B, Andrew immediately rewarded his mare with a reassuring stroke and left the arena on a relaxed walk with a long rein, demonstrating calm, empathetic horsemanship and putting his horse’s wellbeing first.
Cibel is a homebred 10-year-old mare who has been with Andrew from the very beginning. Having bred her himself, he always intended for her to become a showjumper, taking his time with her development by backing her at four years old and not introducing jumping until she was five.
Now competing successfully in 1.30m and 1.40m classes at county shows, Cibel is Andrew’s sole competition horse. As a full-time farrier, time is precious, making their partnership all the more meaningful. Producing one horse to this level has been a long-term commitment, and Andrew clearly takes great pride in everything they have achieved together.
Away from the ring, Cibel is described as the sweetest horse on the yard. Despite her enthusiasm for jumping, she has a kind temperament and is gentle enough to be around Andrew’s young family, making her every bit as valued at home as she is in competition.
Although the pair had the final fence down in the 1.35m class at the Royal Cornwall Show, Andrew came away delighted with Cibel’s attitude and performance. The round reflected the confidence and willingness that have become hallmarks of their partnership.
Winning the Welfare Stewarding Group Award came as a genuine surprise. For Andrew, the recognition was especially meaningful because it acknowledged the horsemanship behind the result. Having bred and produced Cibel himself, he was proud that their partnership—competing in simple tack and without a whip—had been recognised.
Their story highlights that successful showjumping is built on a strong partnership between horse and rider. Years of consistent training, trust and understanding have allowed Cibel to develop into a confident, willing athlete, demonstrating that performance and good horsemanship go hand in hand.
