The Earl of Wessex presented Kit Houghton with the prestigious Geoffrey Cross Memorial Trophy at Windsor in May. This was in recognition of his commitment, dedication and services to the Royal Windsor Horse Show over the last 44 years.
Kate Houghton joined Kit for the presentation which was made at the prize giving for the Land Rover Driving Marathon on Sunday afternoon.
Kit has covered Royal Windsor Horse Show since 1978(ish!) and was the official photographer for a great many years. He’s been official photographer for London International Horse Show and Burghley Horse Trials. His stunning images have been published the world over, and his ability to capture horse and rider perfectly are second to none.
Kit is still the official photographer of Badminton Horse Trials and for Rolex on their equestrian projects. His body of work has included eight Olympic Games, many World Equestrian Games, all the major British and European equestrian events plus very many smaller shows.
Kit has built up one of the world’s largest equestrian picture libraries, with Kate’s help, covering all aspects of the horse world, which includes over 120 different horse breeds.
He recalls bringing ‘desktop photograph developing’ studios to events, including all the chemicals needed to turn film into prints – or having to black out the windows in hotel rooms to develop prints; a far cry from the instant digital images shot today. He also remembers John Whitaker having hair!