Strawberry Mojo
FROM an inauspicious riding school start to top-level jumping, the legendary Strawberry Mojo propelled several riders in the 1990s to pony stardom, including current Olympic individual gold medallist Ben Maher. Mojo was idolised by riders of that generation, the poster that pony-mad kids had on their wall, the one that every budding showjumper wanted to ride.
“My best memory was winning in Italy, ” says Ben. “It was a big class [Verona grand prix] and they paid lira back then and it seemed like we’d won millions – there were lots of zeros at the end.
“She was mareish with lots of blood and energy, had the wow factor of being coloured which made her stand out, but most of all she was a real winner.”
Memories of her “pony of a lifetime” bring Nicky Blythe (née Bingham) to tears.
“She trotted into a combination, but had so much ability and could jump from a standstill”
NICKY BLYTHE ON STRAWBERRY MOJO’S PARTY TRICK
“We won our first Paul Fabrications winter JA and Christy Beaufort qualifiers, but our best win was the HOYS [Horse of the Year Show] Christy final
