Everyone's wild about Harry - and he's a horse who deserves the love

ABOVE: Global PPS (Harry) and Stephanie Barrington. Picture: DEREK O'LEARY

THERE’S always a story behind a great show horse and Global PPS –known at home as Harry – is no exception.

Greg Mickan and Terry Van Heythuysen of Romsey Park have always had an eye for a potential star and bought Harry as a yearling from Parnell Park.

He is by the well-known dressage sire Furstenball out of a mare named PPS World On Ice (Weltmeyer from a Thoroughbred mare).

Terry and Greg sold him onto Stephanie Barrington as her next project horse. 

It was right before the pandemic, so he spent the first couple of years enjoying Romsey life and growing up.

Handled and broken in by Greg and Terry, Harry showed from early on he was going to be a star.

Campaigned with success by both Greg and Stephanie in his first season, he went from strength to strength, with a great partnership developing with Stephanie in the saddle over the last two years.

Sue Thompson became Harry’s owner last year and his fan club went with him.

“Everyone is enjoying being part of ‘Team Harry’ as we call it,” Terry said.

At just seven years of age, the horse’s record is remarkable.

Harry’s show hunter horse championship at Sydney Royal was his fifth royal championship in a row – he has won the class at both Melbourne and Sydney royals two years running and at his first Canberra Royal this year he took that championship as well.

He has one award that not many show horses can claim and that is as the mount for Stephanie’s Garryowen win in 2024.

The special relationship between the pair can be seen in the beautiful series of images taken by equestrian photographer Lisa Green after the win.

ABOVE: A special bond - Stephanie Barrington and Global PPS after winning the Garryowen Trophy at the Royal Melbourne Show in 2024. Picture: LISA GREEN/MANE MEMORIES

ABOVE: Team Harry – Sue Thompson, Hamish McDonald, Jan Barrington, Andrew Barrington and Greg Mickan with Stephanie Barrington and Global PPS. Picture: LISA GREEN/MANE MEMORIES

Harry also has three successive Equestrian Victoria Horse of The Year titles, plus an Equestrian Australia national title.

“It is safe to say we are all incredibly proud of his achievements and he is still only a seven-year-old,” Greg said.

“He has that something you can’t give a horse – it’s indefinable. He carries himself, looking through the bridle, a real show horse.

“Added to that he’s a gentleman to deal with, what more could you ask for.”

ABOVE: Harry and Stephanie Barrington competing at Sydney Royal Easter Show this year. (Picture supplied)

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