A legend in equestrian circles who has spent five decades cultivating role at Balmoral Show

It might also come as a surprise to learn the Co Down man - he spent his childhood years in Banbridge but now lives “in the centre of a triangle taking in Dromore, Hillsborough and Moira” - clocked up an astounding 50 years’ service with the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, displaying what officials described as “exceptional expertise in the horse section”.

And just last month, at the organisation’s annual meeting, the father-of-three was awarded the prestigious President’s Plate, which recognises excellence within the agri-sector here in the Province, and acknowledges members who have made a significant contribution to the society over a period of years.

Having served on Council and the Horse Committee since 1974, James has also stewarded the Breeding & Young Stock section since 1960, in which he excelled in his role as chief steward.

For decades, hunting and livery became a key feature in his life.

He took up hunting with The Iveagh Harriers & County Down Stag Hounds, owning several well-bred horses, even competing in many point-to-point meetings.

It was during this period that he met his wife Elise, also a keen horsewoman. The pair married and had three daughters - Caroline, Anne and Jacqie - who are all, unsurprisingly, horse mad as well.

In the present day, he has forsaken the saddle, and now follows hounds on foot.

And outside of the society, James is well known for his compassion and dedication to helping the older generation and hosts regular lunches for those who are alone.

“I was born in Belfast, but my family have been in Banbridge since around 1870,” James tells me, speaking from his home on the 32-acre farm site which has belonged to the Coburns for many years.

“The family grass seed business, James Coburn and Son Ltd, had been established a few years previously, and it still operates out of Banbridge today.

“I myself retired many years ago.”

James was only about seven when he discovered his passion for horses and riding.

His father owned them, and he started off initially riding ponies.

“I also used to play with my friend across the way whose father was a horse dealer, and I used to watch him tend to them, watch them being shorn and clipped and worked with, and that’s where I really got my interest

“We used to keep horses at livery and we used to show them and hunt with them too.

“Riding came naturally to me, I had no fear.

“I enjoyed the physical aspect to it, the jumping and the hunting - it was all fun and quite exciting when you were young.

“Then when we got older and I got married we took it more seriously. We had stables here and built up a small business really, looking after people’s horses.”

The other big passion in James’ life was the RUAS, of which he became a member in 1966. He says: “I was later approached by the powers that be to see if I would I chair the Council, which I did, and then I became a steward and then a chief steward, which I was for about 40 years.”

He has fond recollections of the Balmoral Show, at which he would have played a prominent role.

“In those days it was all rather different; the judges would have come and stayed with you and you would have driven them back to the show the following morning.

“You got to know them and also all sorts of people whom you wouldn’t normally have come across.

“In my role as a steward, I would have had to go and look at the ring and make sure all was in place, be in charge of the horses that come, call their numbers out, keep the judges happy, and generally ensure things ran smoothly.

“I enjoyed it, and it was very social. I would always have met lots of my neighbours at Balmoral too.”

Being a friendly and sociable person is something that James has, in recent times, taken to the next level.

Around 12 years ago, he and one of his friends began hosting regular lunches and meet-ups for older people, or those who were on their own.

“We used to invite friends - mostly bachelors - around to have a lunch together every six or seven weeks - it was great fun.

“These would have been people who wouldn’t have seen each other for maybe 40 years - they knew each other but had had families and son on, separated off, and gone in different directions.

“We might have had up to 18 or 19 on occasion.”

Needless to say, James was still utterly shocked when his name was called out on the night of March 6 as winner of the President’s Plate.

“It was a complete surprise and totally out of the blue,” he admits.

“Then I got over the shock of it and it sank in.”

These days, James is still enjoying country life, although of course what with the times we are living in as they stand currently, that has been somewhat restricted. However, he says that and he and wife Elise are being well looked after by their three daughters, all of whom live close by, and are ensuring they have all they need.

His fond memories of his times spent as part of the equestrian world, but has sensible and practical advice for anyone who might be considering getting involved in the sport, horse ownership, and all that entails.

“A lot of people take up horses who haven’t really had any previous experience, and I would say to them to be sure to find out all about the animal.

“Some people don’t realise how you have to look after them and how they need exercised three times a day.

“They may go and buy ponies and then realise after two or three months how much that involves.

“It just doesn’t work out sometimes, and it can be extremely expensive keeping a pony at livery.

“Or if you keep it at home, you will need a lot of space.”

**For more information on the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, log onto www.balmoralshow.co.uk

To find out more about becoming a member, call 9066 5225 or email [email protected]

There is also an application form online.