GILBERT  AMBROSE

The Butcher

The Showman

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WESTBOURNE

A village history in West Sussex

HACKNEY HORSE SHOWS

Apart from his butcher business, the passion of Gilbert Ambrose was hackney horses. In particular his first mare who is registered in the Hackney Horse Society records as: 27501 Lady Westbourne - Breeder. Mr. G. L. Ambrose. Westbourne. Emsworth. Foaled 1941 - Chestnut, blaze down face, white off fore and near hind legs, white off hind coronet. The prefix lives on as in 2009 a Society member had a pony called Westbourne Whiz Kid.

Each year Harry and I would spend several hours in the tack room polishing the buckles and harness for a forthcoming show. The carriage was carefully washed with soap and water and with chamois-leathered brought to a perfect shine. Beforehand, apart from the training of the rhythmic canter, there were walks on the roads, sometimes via Racton, to tone the muscles and increase stamina. On the days leading up to a show Lady was groomed with a curry comb, washed, coat brushed to a sheen, mane plaited and hooves polished. The photo is later in Gilbert's career that featured on the cover of the prize schedule for the annual horse show and flower show held at Romily Park, Barry, South Wales in August 1965. He also had a pony for his children, Clifford and Madeline. As required, these horses would visit Mr Goddard, the village blacksmith, for new shoes. If during the winter months the roads were slippery Sandy would be fitted with special shoes that had screw-in studs for extra grip.

His success with horses is best summed up in words from his daughter Madeline: "He couldn't see a horse without wanting to touch it. It was in his blood. He started his driving with a little pony and trap; he graduated to shows and was soon touring the country with his horsebox. Villagers would always take an interest, asking him where he was off to as he hit the road for another show. His first horse was called Lady Westbourne, and thereafter he gave all his horses the Westbourne prefix, ensuring the name of the village travelled the country wherever he went. He used to judge a lot. You could never keep him out of the ring. He was always in there, always involved. The cups he had were just incredible. His horses were always in physical perfection."

When I left secondary school in the Summer of 1950 with no qualifications it was perhaps not surprising that I began to work for Mr Ambrose full time. After a few months my father, who worked in Portsmouth Dockyard, suggested that I should apply for an apprenticeship. His advice was taken and somehow the examinations were passed. I entered as a shipwright apprentice in January 1951 to begin a major change in my future life.