Posted: 3rd December 2015 | Back to news feed
Frank Grunnill is one of the most recognisable sights on showjumping's British and European circuits with his trademark bowler hat, bow-tie and three-piece suit - and visitors to the inaugural Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show can expect to see him dressed for the occasion.
But Liverpool's first international horse show - which takes place at the Liverpool Echo Arena from January 1-3 - will hold special significance for Frank.
Over the best part of 35 years, he was a member of Merseyside Police's mounted section and became a familiar face at Liverpool football games, helping with match-day policing around Anfield, while he also had the prvilege of leading in 1981 Grand National winner Aldaniti and his jockey Bob Champion after their unforgettable Aintree triumph.
Horses have been an integral part of Frank's life, and his connection to Liverpool is an incredibly strong one, so there will be few prouder people than him when he fills the role of FEI chief steward for a show that is the brainchild of Bolesworth International founder and president Nina Barbour.
"I think Nina's idea is really, really good," Frank said. "She is doing her own thing and not copying anyone.
"The sporting association of Liverpool is always football, but there are a lot of horsey people out there in places like Cheshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire, and it is a greatly varied show that she is putting on with top-class competitions and superb family entertainment.
"My function at the show is to basically see everything behind the scenes is well for horses, riders and grooms. There is a lot of liaison work done.
"It is about having a presence - a bit like when I first joined the police and you walked the beat. It's that presence which counts. You walk around, and people get to know you. I have been doing it for 25-odd years or more now, and it is an extremely varied role.
"I have seen some great changes during that time, and the shows now are so slick. They are like productions.
"When I was in the Mounted, we competed and did shows, and for me, it is this bond that you create with your horse. The bond between grooms and horses, for instance, is something else. I've said it before, and I will say it again - grooms fall in love with their horses, not with the riders!”
Chief Constable Sir Jon Murphy QPM said: “Merseyside Police has a proud tradition of policing with horses, with the oldest mounted section of a police force in the UK. The role of a mounted officer is incredibly varied and our officers are highly trained, qualified riders who assist to police a variety of incidents from large-scale events within Merseyside, such as Liverpool and Everton football matches, to protests and disorder situations.
“We are proud to support this year’s International Horse Show and hope those coming to the city enjoy this equestrian show.”
Each day at the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show will host both afternoon and evening performances. The action-packed schedule combines world-class show jumping with high quality shopping and an array of show-stopping displays and performances to give a truly unforgettable family experience.
Besides the thrilling 4* showjumping action, attracting famous names from around the globe, there will be a fantastic entertainment line-up for everyone to enjoy. This includes the ever popular Shetland Pony Grand National, The Bootleg Beatles tribute act, and Clémence Faivre, a truly spectacular horsewoman making her name in the equestrian arts and performance industry, who is set to give a spellbinding display, working closely with her Lusitano horses.
Besides the mesmerising displays and showjumping, there will be a fabulous shopping village in a hall housing the collecting ring, champagne bar and bistro offering a quality selection of trade stands.
To book your tickets for the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show or for more information go to www.liverpoolhorseshow.com
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