Presented at the Royal Highland Show 2026, the second Animalweb Good Horsemanship Award was awarded to Philip Moon and his donkey, Beechfield Stirling Moss.
Philip was recognised for the obvious bond he shares with his donkey and for his calm, empathetic handling skills throughout the event. The trust and partnership between them were clear to see, providing a wonderful example of horse and donkey welfare being placed at the heart of competition and showing.
Donkeys have always been an important part of Philip’s life. As the youngest son in a family that already owned donkeys before he was born, he became a member of the Donkey Breed Society when he was just three weeks old and has remained a member ever since.
Philip has a naturally gentle way with all the family’s donkeys, but his bond with Moss is particularly special. He witnessed Moss being born and spent several hours quietly watching from the shadows, waiting to see him take that precious first drink from his mother, Poppy.
Although Moss is a much-loved family donkey, Philip has taken on the responsibility of showing him most frequently because he is young and strong. Now three years old, Moss has already achieved considerable success in the show ring, earning numerous Championship and Reserve Championship titles.
As a foal, Moss won the Foal Championship at the Donkey Breed Society Championship Show. He went on to be named Youngstock Gelding Champion and Overall Reserve Youngstock Champion as both a yearling and a two-year-old. In September 2025, he secured the Donkey Championship at a local show before competing against the champions from several horse and pony sections. Moss was ultimately crowned Reserve Overall Champion of Champions, finishing behind a Shire horse.
His success has continued this year, including being named Reserve Champion at the Royal Highland Show.
Philip has been showing donkeys since he was three years old and remembers eagerly waiting until he turned 18 so he could show the family’s stallion, Harvey Moon. He continues to value the friendship and camaraderie within the donkey-showing community and is always willing to help and encourage its younger members. He is now passing that same enthusiasm on to his own son, Rueben, helping him to enjoy the donkeys and the showing community that have been part of Philip’s life for so many years.
Philip’s lifelong dedication, quiet manner and strong partnership with Moss demonstrate the patient, considerate horsemanship that the Animalweb Good Horsemanship Award was created to recognise.
