Innholdsfortegnelse for 24-Mar-2016 i Horse & Hound

NIP TUCK Carl Hester’s European dressage team silver medal-winning ride destroyed a wall after taking a dislike to some bins. “Barney” spooked and knocked over the brick gate post. “The wall came off worse - he hasn’t even got a scratch,” Carl told H&H. SMOKIN SUN Olympic gold medallist Wendy Schaeffer’s intermediate eventer was put down on 11 March after suffering from kidney failure. The nine-year-old gelding arrived from Australia in 2014 and achieved top-10 placings at one-and two-star level. BLACK TIE II Oliver Townend’s 2014 World Equestrian Games ride currently heads the British entries for Kentucky CCI4*. The 15-year-old black gelding won his first outing this year - the open intermediate at Oasby Horse Trials (10 March). BINTANG II The 10-year-old gelding and Laura Renwick are the only British…

“NOBODY knew if this was possible, myself included,” said Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton after finishing fifth in the Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. A year after she first sat on a horse, Victoria successfully completed her “Switching Saddles” challenge. “It was ambitious, it was a dream, it was audacious, it was ridiculous,” she said. “I feel awesome.” Some had questioned whether Victoria was ready for Cheltenham after she was unseated at Fakenham (19 February). Victoria plans to continue riding out for trainer Lawney Hill. “I will just enjoy riding out and the training aspect of it, working with the horses every day,” she said. • See report, P54…

THE 2019 dressage and showjumping European Championships could be held in Britain, H&H has learned. As part of a “major events strategy” developed with UK Sport and the British Equestrian Federation (BEF), British Dressage and British Showjumping have been working towards a bid to stage the prestigious competitions. A tendering process has identified Grandstand and the National Agricultural and Exhibition Centre at Stoneleigh as the preferred organiser and venue. A BEF spokesman said: “UK Sport has agreed to support the bid and at this stage we are evaluating the bid guidelines and questionnaire, which were released last week by the FEI.”…

A showjumping course designer who broke his spine when a hydraulic horsebox ramp fell on him is calling for measures to prevent similar incidents in future. Brian Lear was left wheelchair-bound after being crushed beneath the weight of his own ramp at the 2011 Royal International Horse Show (news, 4 August, 2011). The accident probably happened after an unknown individual raised the ramp on Mr Lear’s horsebox to make more space, it was claimed. In doing so, the automatic hydraulic lifting gear was disabled, resulting in the ramp crashing down when Mr Lear tried to reopen it. Mr Lear was unsuccessful in his bid for compensation from Hickstead and contractors WH Security in a High Court case. Judge Justice Picken described the case as “truly tragic” as he cleared both…

FAN of the Lloyds Bank black horse adverts? Well, the eye-catching equine has returned to front a new advertising campaign. The clip, titled “For Your Next Step”, is set to a cover of Tears For Fears’ Mad World, by Jennifer Ann. It features the iconic horse galloping past customers as they reach major milestones in their lives. Created by adam&eveDDB, the 60-second film starts with a new mother reaching to hold her baby before cutting to a busy street where a man is proposing to his boyfriend. The horse’s journey continues past a playground on the first day of school for a young girl, and through a fairground where a couple have their first kiss. “This is real life, but none of us are standing still,” says the voice-over. “We…

How exciting to be asked to guest edit this issue. I have always loved reading H&H , for the very reason that it offers something for everyone. I wanted my pieces to reflect this, and so chose broad topics that relate to all levels yet are close to my heart. First, preparation in competition is essential (p38)and I have benefited greatly from being part of the World Class Programme, enjoying their attention to detail at the big events. In dressage I don’t think anyone is completely innocent of the odd bout of “judge bashing”, but how do the judges themselves feel (p34)? We all know riders are under pressure at the big events, but what about that faced by the judges? My daughter Annalisa is nearly two, and I am…

Ditch the emotion • By learning to remove emotion from my riding I’ve been able to see things and act much more objectively. • In turn, this has helped me to develop patience, which wasn’t something I initially had in abundance. Pounding the roads • All our horses spend the first four weeks following their winter holiday walking and trotting up and down the two-mile lane outside our yard. It’s old-fashioned but I’m a firm believer that it builds strength in tendons and muscles, and contributes hugely to soundness in the long term. Seize the day • I’ve always been quite tough mentally, so I find it fairly easy to keep calm on tough days at big events. • I try to reverse tough situations and look at them as…

Contact: between the rider’s hands and the horse’s mouth. A good contact is steady, light and even in both reins. Connection: the combination of leg and hand - riding a horse forwards into the reins (contact). Outline: the horse’s frame, relating to neck position, height and length. Half-halt: a quick aid, where the rider sits deeper, squeezes the reins and gives again immediately without dropping the contact. The rider keeps the legs on to maintain the forward impulsion. The effect should not be seen in the length of the neck decreasing but in the horse’s hindleg, and felt in the lightness created in the hands. It is used to rebalance a horse, to create energy that is to be contained so as to create suspension, and also to prepare a…

COLLECTION We feel a lighter but steady contact as the horse transfers more weight on to the hindleg and achieves self-carriage. STRAIGHTNESS With a good contact/connection we can bend a horse to be supple and hence straight in the body and even in both hands. IMPULSION This is contained energy, where the horse is in front of the leg and into the hand. Impulsion without connection would lead to speed not suspension. CONTACT OR CONNECTION These are in this case the same thing, as it means pushing forwards into the hands with the poll at the highest point. RHYTHM Steady, correct rhythm in all three paces. The horse does not speed up or slow down; it is starting to find its balance. RELAXATION Throughout the work the horse’s relaxation must…

Maria Colliander: “I hope that in the future we - judges, riders and trainers - will be able to become a more homogenous group that understands and respects each other more, and is willing to listen and learn from each other. “At the moment I sometimes think that there is too much separation between ‘us and them’, as if riders and judges were some sort of enemies. “I hope that we can develop our sport so that it becomes even more professional, with more and broader education, training for, and testing of the judges, perhaps by involving trainers, so that there is no need for finger-pointing and dramatic headlines.”…

LAURA TOMLINSON SAYS: “I’M interested in how horses and riders - and handlers - deal with difficult conditions. We know things can be out of our control at shows, so how can we best prepare for this and guard against negative side effects? “For example, my experiences competing in Beijing [Olympics, 2008] were challenging due to the heat and humidity. Everything was wet, even at a walk - our tack, gloves and clothes. This not only meant that horses and riders had to be fit to cope, but also brought with it veterinary challenges, for example horses with white socks got infected heels with the constant damp and warmth, and sand rubs became an issue. “We had to think about so many things in advance and deal with issues on…

WITH her first baby due in June, Lara Dyson is still competing and plans to ride at the British Dressage summer regionals in July. “That might be pushing it somewhat,” she laughs. “But I have always been a very driven person and I have a very understanding husband and parents. I want to compete. “I’ve spoken to a few riders who say that unless you have complications you can be back on within 10-14 days,” adds Laura, who runs a busy yard, a stallion breeding programme and a coaching company. “Initially I’ll do lots of swimming to lose the baby weight, then I’ll up the sessions with my personal trainer to two or three per week to work on core strength and identify any weaknesses. “Bodyguard [Lara’s top ride] will…

IN many a jumper’s yard, four-year-olds happily do smooth stops and starts, going sideways and flying changes. All at an age when many dressage horses are still perfecting trot circles. I’ve often bought horses from showjumping yards, including two of my successful international rides. And the best lesson I’ve ever had on achieving a canter with proper impulsion was from David Broome. It took over an hour and is something I’ve never forgotten. Maybe the jumpers get on with things because, for them, schooling is a means to an end. Sometimes in the search for dressage perfection, the “getting stuck in and doing” is forgotten. I love the slang term “to wagon” meaning “just ride”. Our international trainer Henk van Bergen once remarked: “If you’re walking your dog and he…

LAST week’s racing at Cheltenham provided two notable landmarks, each part of a series of fascinating threads running through jump racing’s breeding tapestry. The meeting’s leading sire Kayf Tara was the first to take the Festival title with three top-level winners and Don Cossack was the first winner of the Gold Cup foaled in Germany. No stallion has provided more than three winners at one Festival and, since the occasion was first established in 1911, only eight have notched up a treble, starting with Fortina in 1958. Then, there were 18 races; now there are 28, but though numbers have made the feat easier — it has been achieved three times in the past five years — it is nonetheless no mean one. Kayf Tara’s unique Grade One Festival tally…

KITTY KING replicated her 2015 winning start to the season at Lincolnshire with Ceylor LAN, this time in the event’s inaugural advanced intermediate class. The section attracted a disappointing 11 starters and the pair’s win was never really in doubt after dressage leaders Bill Levett and Improvise had a showjumping round to forget. But Jacqueline Owen, Diana Bown and Samantha Wilson’s nine-year-old winner jumped clear and cruised round Joe Weller’s cross-country track for two time-penalties. “I’m really pleased as this was his first outing and it usually takes him a couple of events to settle down, but he was on side and listening well,” said Kitty. “He did a lovely test although I think I gave him a tad too much warm-up. “He’s come out stronger this year and is…

NICOLA BARRY hit top form at the final development classic of the 2016 winter series to head the Hickstead winter B&C and Blue Chip B&C with her consistent British-bred True Blue III. “He’s just stepped up to this level, jumping 1.35/1.40m; I’m very pleased,” said Nicola, who is part of the BEF Equine Pathway — for horses selected for their potential — with this eight-year-old. The gelding is the result of an embryo transfer by Chacco Blue and out of the Manhattan mare Trueleva, who carried Millie Allen to children-on-horses European Championships medal success. “He is very like his mother, he has the same technique and he’s a pleasure to ride — he wants to jump clear and he wants to win,” said Nicola, who bought True Blue from breeder…

AT the last winter pony premier at Keysoe, Beds (5-6 March), 12-year-old Emily not only qualified for the Scope Festival with two ponies in the Graham Heath Construction 128/138cm championship qualifier, but she also won the 128/138cm special, qualifying Take A Chance II for Pony of the Year Show. The previous week at Bury Farm, Bucks (25-28 February), she won the 128/138cm handicap on Take A Chance II and came second on Bailey XII, who had already won the class and qualified two weeks earlier at Arena UK. “We have attended three pony premier shows and jumped the 128/138 special on five occasions over the past few weekends, and they’ve won three classes,” said Emily’s mother, Sarah. “Emily has only been registered for 16 months, but after her success at…

ALONGSIDE showjumping, Sarah Langley has two young boys, works as a self-employed veterinary nurse and runs her own dog grooming business. Lives: Gloucester Recent wins: I won the newcomers at Summerhouse EC, Glos (8 March). It was my birthday and my dad came with me, which he hasn’t done for years so it was a good day. Horse: Edelman (Freddie), is a seven-year-old Dutch warmblood I bought as a three-year-old and backed and produced myself. He’s by Cassini II and has won £350 at newcomers, and that was his fourth double clear. He’s got his double clears for discovery as well. He’s quite sharp, especially in the warm-up, but once he’s in the ring, he does his business. He’s quite quick in the jump-off and makes the turns. How I…

Joint-masters: Gia Shaw (2013), Alice Nicholls (2013), John Harris (2014) Huntsman: James Pearson Chairman: Kim Courtauld Whippers-in: Kim Courtauld, Christine Spurgeon, Ray Knight Countryman: Ted Blake Hon secretary: Sue Coates, 01209 713165 Trail layers: Gill Courtauld and assistants The country: lies in the Lizard Peninsula, mainland Britain’s most southerly point. It is bordered by the sea on three sides and is Cornish bank country. Adjacent packs: Four Burrow and Western. The hunt: was on loan from the Four Burrow and originally hunted by harriers and beagles. It was recognised by the MFHA in 1965. Hounds: huntsman James likes his hounds to have drive and independence. This country makes it difficult to keep with hounds at all times. He is pleased with three by their own Dunster 12 and two dogs…

AFTER winning their novice and open SHP classes, Jasmine Radford and Romanno Talk Talk stood champion of the BSPS sections. Jasmine is in her first season with the Jackets Pipedream eight-year-old, who is on loan from Melanie Firth and Kathryn Pitt. “It was a big jump for Jasmine to go from 12hh to 14hh, but we had a tip-off about him. They gelled straight away,” said Jasmine’s mother, Di. Jasmine, 12, added: “Talk Talk knows his job and has so much ring presence. He is a big mover and gallops well, but I have complete confidence in him.” The new partnership of Katy Marriott-Payne and Atlantic Morning Mist have enjoyed an excellent start this term. After recording three wins in four outings, the pair clinched their first title when standing…

Ireland’s first Cuddy A posse of English judges will make the trip to Cavan (22-24 April) to officiate at the Northern Ireland Festival next month when, for the first time, six HOYS qualifiers will take place, including Ireland’s first Cuddy, judged by Kendal-based Tracey Brooks. Senior and junior workers will also carry HOYS tickets. Comeback Claire CLAIRE OLIVER is back in the saddle after her hip replacement operation and aims to make her comeback at North Somerset on 2 May. Her principal aim is to ride three horses at Royal Windsor (11-15 May). Team Ross gains new rider IRISH rider Jamie Smyth has crossed the water to join Team Bardo/Ross. Jamie, 26, swept the board in Ireland last season with the small hunter Colorado. “Jamie originally came over in November…

LUCKY STRIKE was an extraordinary horse, and the most beautiful-looking animal you’ve ever seen in your life — and he knew it. He was a small horse but he had a big heart. He was a dark brown, exuberant hack, who went on to jump and win several puissances. He was champion hack at Horse of the Year Show in 1962, and we won the puissance there in 1971. John and Ronnie Massarella bought him for me to ride for £1,000 when I was working for his owner Christine Harris. He was a windsucker, he had a heart condition, and he was wild, but he had a great brain. He was always a superstar. Lucky Strike went to someone else for two years, but when you get a horse to…

RSPCA equine inspector Leanna Rice has worked with the charity for eight years. After studying sport and education at Winchester University, she had planned to become a teacher. “My nan saw an ad in the local paper for volunteer drivers and I thought I could do that on my days off,” she said. When she arrived for her interview the RSPCA told her they had an animal collection job (rescuing and transporting animals) available, which she took. Leanna worked her way up to the position of inspector. She said the best part of her job is the round-ups and seeing rescued horses go on to lead better lives in new homes. But unfortunately, there is not always a happy outcome. “The most upsetting part is when these poor little things…

WILLIAM FOX-PITT and Andrew Nicholson, who suffered serious falls last season, have both entered Badminton Horse Trials (4-8 May). Andrew plans to start on Avebury and Nereo, while William has only entered Parklane Hawk. Alice Dunsdon, who will become the first person to complete the world’s six four-stars on one horse if she can finish with Fernhill Present, is 22nd on the wait list. Over the past eight years between 15 and 43 horses have been accepted from the wait list, so it will be touch and go whether she can compete.…

ALL scores will count in Olympic team showjumping competitions, if FEI proposals for the 2020 Games are given the go-ahead. The FEI jumping committee’s proposals will be debated at the FEI sports forum (4-5 April). They are in connection with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Agenda 2020 requirements. One key change is although each team will consist of four riders, only three will contest each round — but all three scores will count. This makes space for 20 teams, rather than the current 15. If the team competition goes to a jump-off, three riders per nation will take part, but only the best score will count — meaning two combinations’ scores will be dropped. The suggestions also shorten the individual competition to a speed contest and a jump-off class. It…

CHELTENHAM racecourse and the RSPCA are to work together to assess the seven equine deaths during this year’s festival. The Govaness, Pont Alexandre, Rezorbi, No More Heroes, Niceonefrankie, Long Dog and Montdragon died in separate races between 15 and 18 March. An RSPCA statement said it was “deeply concerned” by the deaths. A spokesman for the British Horseracing Authority said four of the injuries were not sustained over a hurdle or fence. He added: “We have a good relationship with the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare, and, as always, we will work with them to ensure we continue to do all we can to make racing as safe as possible.”…

THE DONKEY SANCTUARY Northern Ireland-based Eugene “Oggie” Winters has raised £520 running four marathons over one weekend in February. He sponsored himself £5 per mile to raise funds for donkeys in need at the charity. A LONG-SERVING STARTER David Ringer has retired as official point-to-point starter at Ampton racecourse, Suffolk. On 13 March he lowered the flag for the final time, bringing to a close his 45-year career at the course. WORLD HORSE WELFARE The charity has welcomed four-time Olympian and dressage star Richard Davison as a new trustee. Richard recently visited World Horse Welfare’s Penny Farm. A NEW ARRIVAL US event riders Buck and Andrea Davidson welcomed their new baby girl, Aubrey Brook Davidson, on 14 March. Aubrey weighed in at 6lbs 9oz.…

A research project is aiming to improve the control of the most common equine tapeworm by finding out more about its intermediate host, the oribatid mite. The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and Austin Davis Biologics will monitor three yards infected with tapeworms, each with 20 horses, over an 18-month period after receiving funding from Petplan Charitable Trust. Routine sampling of pastures will enable the mite populations to be monitored. Horse saliva will also be tested to track tapeworm infection. “Infected horses pass tapeworm eggs in their faeces, which are ingested by oribatid mites, an essential part of the tapeworm’s life cycle, that are found on the pasture,” said the RVC’s Professor Mark Fox. “Larval tapeworms develop inside the mites within eight to 20 weeks, after which they can infect grazing…

A FLEXIBLE APPROACH Sir — I thought I should let you know that, after reading Sasha Evely’s letter “Who rescues the rescuers?” (10 March), I got in touch with her and have now taken on the two abandoned ponies she rescued. I have been developing a form of therapy and fun — horseback yoga — and I thought the ponies would be perfect for some of the children I work with. My partner also trains horses using natural horsemanship and, together, we are combining skills through the development of a small, holistic equestrian centre to help children and adults learn to be better leaders and communicators, de-stress and heal themselves. I have started a fundraising campaign to help cover the costs of rehabilitating and training the ponies and buying the…

My favourite restaurant… Byron Burger — they do the most amazing Oreo milkshakes. Money-saving tip… A great tip for training is to go to shows and watch top riders. It’s a free way to improve your riding simply by watching the pros. Getting away from it all... I try and go skiing at the beginning of the year. This year 17 of us went skiing in France. It was with all my showjumping friends and it got a bit messy… Listening to… Ed Sheeran (left) is fantastic and I’d love to see him live. Warming up… I’ve always been taught to approach the practice fence differently every time to keep the horse switched on and listening, so I’ll ask for a long or a short stride, or come from a…

‘Stones can act like a ballcock’ A bladder stone is a formation of lots of tiny calcium carbonate crystals, writes Lewis Smith MRCVS . Calcium carbonate is usually present in the urine, and small crystals are washed out as the horse empties his bladder. Larger rocklike masses can measure from 1-2cm in diameter and can reach up 10cm. They are relatively rare, but occasionally cause a medical emergency. In mares they’re not too much of a problem. The urethra (the tube that connects the bladder to the outside world) is able to expand sufficiently to allow the stone to pass in the urine. It’s even possible that the vet can reach a hand into the urethra to retrieve a larger mass. In male horses, however, stones can be a nightmare.…

In conversation with O-judge Linda Zang THE judge’s job is to evaluate the degree of training: is where the horse and rider are appropriate to their level of competition? Is the rider helping to develop the horse’s entire body to move with ease and harmony at its level? The judge should have the training scales in the forefront of their mind, as the scales are there to keep the rider on track, create clean paces, bring the hindlegs under, increase engagement and impulsion, and ultimately put the horse into self-carriage. The judge should assess how the horse uses its back, brings its hindlegs through, allowing the energy forwards to the rider’s hands, which should in turn be still and soft, and go with the movement of the horse rather than…

Isobel Wessels “A future development may be a smaller pool of top judges, perhaps employed in a more professional capacity. The FEI might have to pay a smaller, more global group of judges, who will be responsible for championships, perhaps on a two-year rota, having received specialised training from the likes of top O-judges such as Stephen Clarke, so that judges are really honed but paid properly [currently, judges are only paid a nominal fee of €120 (£93) per day]. “Training is essential. There needs to be a system of judges winding down, moving on to more of a training capacity, and bringing some new ones in, so that we are never left with a group of brand new judges.” Enzo Truppa “I agree with Isobel that the future of…

• Plan, plan and plan again, so that when you arrive at the show you have the headspace to deal with the unexpected. • Consult your vet, farrier and physio in advance. They’ll be happy to help you draw up a plan. • Feed companies can be helpful when you are managing change, like travelling or a different climate. • Involve your support team and communicate your plans to them so that everyone understands their role and what you want to achieve. • Never be afraid to ask advice from someone who is more experienced than you, whether it’s another rider who knows the show or a professional groom who knows the ropes.…

IT’S been an exceptionally busy year so far for Nicky Fletcher, whose high-viz company Equisafety secured £100,000 of investment in January 2015 during an appearance on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den. Nicky and her 10-year-old “gentle giant” Brenville VDL (Oscar) won an elementary at Maelor EC, Flintshire (13 March). So how does Nicky juggle dressage with business? “Full livery is a godsend, as I’m often away travelling for a few days at a time,” says Nicky. “Oscar spends a lot of time in the field but maintains fitness even though no-one rides him - he just says “give me a Polo” and I get straight back on him. We train with Anna Davey. “I came out of the den with two dragons willing to invest, but they wanted too much from…

SPRINTER SACRE had to be the standout moment at Cheltenham. I was gobsmacked — horses aged 10 don’t tend to win Champion Chases. For him to come back, three years after winning the race, is some training performance from Nicky Henderson. And to win so decisively over what I thought was an unbeatable prospect, Un De Sceaux, was remarkable. A Champion Chase winner needs speed, jumping and accuracy and Nico de Boinville gave Sprinter Sacre a fantastic ride and the crowd loved it. Another star was Annie Power. It was very special for a mare to win the Champion Hurdle for the first time in 22 years. It was also an exciting Gold Cup — you felt the heartache for Cue Card’s team after he fell three from home, and…

Leading trainer [based on total prize-money] 1. WILLIE MULLINS: seven winners (Annie Power, Black Hercules, Douvan, Limini, Vautour, Vroum Vroum Mag, Yorkhill) £1,291,481 2. GORDON ELLIOTT: three winners (Cause Of Causes, Don Cossack, Diamond King) £481,437 3. NICKY HENDERSON: two winners (Altior, Sprinter Sacre) £452,745 Leading jockey 1. RUBY WALSH: seven 2. SAM TWISTON-DAVIES: three 3. BRYAN COOPER: two 4. TOM SCUDAMORE: two 5. NICO DE BOINVILLE: two 6. DAVY RUSSELL: two Leading owner [based on total prize-money]: 1. MRS S RICCI: five (Annie Power, Douvan, Limini, Vroum Vroum Mag, Vautour) 2. GIGGINSTOWN: two (Don Cossack, Empire Of Dirt) 3. JP MCMANUS: four (Cause Of Causes, Ivanovich Gorbatov, Minella Rocco, On The Fringe)…

‘I was laughing while cross-country schooling — he goes virtually on autopilot’Paul Tapner on the 15-year-old Kilronan ANTIPODEAN riders made the headlines at the 37th running of this busy West Country fixture. Andrew Nicholson crowned an extraordinary comeback from serious injury by taking top honours in open intermediate (OI) section O (see box, right), Paul Tapner collected the Aplin Trophy for the fifth time in his career thanks to victory in the advanced intermediate (AI) aboard the 15-year-old Kilronan, while Tim Price pulled off a one-two in the CIC*. Aussie Paul Tapner, who won here three times with the great Inonothing, admitted that Aldon’s blue riband class is always on his “to do” list if he has the right horsepower. “Kilronan is an experienced old campaigner,” he said. “I was…

I recently returned from the Sunshine Tour in Mijas, Spain. It was good for bringing on the young horses and it was even nicer to spend some time with my fellow columnist William Funnell and his wife Pippa. I was pleased to see William’s stable jockey Alex Gill going particularly well out there. He’s a year younger than my son Harry and, having watched him progress through the pony ranks, I was able to recommend him to William when he was looking for a young rider to join them. It’s a fantastic opportunity for him to go on a tour — where in England now can these young riders go to gain such a valuable apprenticeship? It takes me back to the days when I was starting out, and it…

THE “Breeding for Gold” symposium at the Royal Agricultural University (9 March) provided food for thought. The presentation by Dr Ludwig Christmann of the Hanoverian Verband was particularly interesting, not only because of the fascinating history of the breed, but because of the underlying emphasis on the Hanoverian system used to produce this successful horse. I was particularly intrigued to learn that any Hanoverian breeder wishing to breed their (already graded) mare has to register her each year and pay to do so. Imagine the outcry if any British breed society made that a rule. Why is it that we applaud the European systems but dislike anything similar being initiated here in the UK? Most British mare owners baulk at grading their mares, yet grading is a fact of breeding…

EMILIE BAGNALL’S Bookham Lodge Painted Lady made a welcome return to showing when the Danaway Tango 12-year-old took the junior ridden title for Chloe Fulcher. “Lady is normally on broodmare duties but as she is empty this year I thought we would have some fun with her,” said Emilie. This was the mare’s first ridden class for six years and her first time in the ring since showing at the Royal Welsh in 2014 with her foal at foot. “She thrives on going out and loves to jump,” added Emilie, who took the reins of her chestnut roan mare in the pure novice class, where they finished second. Joanne Eldridge clinched the ridden tricolour with her Dales pony Byersgreen Alfie, whom Joanne bought unbroken and unseen two years ago. After…

THE season has started with a familiar debate resurfacing. Are some mountain and moorland (M&M) riders too heavy for their ponies? Discussion centres on classes for Welsh sections A and B, which are obviously not bred or built to carry as much weight as, say, Highlands. However, there is another side to this question, which is often overlooked. Riders who may not be too heavy for their ponies but are taller than ideal often pull up their stirrups to try and make themselves look shorter in the leg, thus presenting what they feel is a more balanced picture. Doing this does nothing for your riding or your pony. Instead, it teaches you to ride behind the movement, with a fixed hand, rather than riding from your legs, seat and core…

15 May 2015 Members of the public report a foal stuck in a hole in Petersfield, Hants, to the RSPCA. An inspector attends immediately and finds the foal trapped in a badger sett, but cannot see the mare. The foal appears to be in good health, despite having no mother present, and tries to suckle the inspector’s hand. It is later discovered that a group of horses had been removed from the field the previous evening. The RSPCA assumes the mare was taken away at that point. “Anna”, as the foal is first called, is taken straight to boarding (temporary care), where she is hand-reared. A notice is left at the field, asking for information and for the owner to get in touch. However, the RSPCA hears nothing. June 2015…

THE Eilberg siblings Michael and Maria picked up a treasure trove of rosettes during the second week of Valencia CDI in Spain (17-20 March). Michael won five classes with three horses: Woodlander Dornroschen topped the grand prix and the freestyle at the level, her daughter Woodlander Farouche won the intermediate B after retiring in her previous test when she was “not feeling quite herself”, and Der Designer led the prix st georges and inter I classes with over 71%. H&H’s columnist Anna Ross scooped the grand prix special riding Die Callas to 71.78%.…

DUBAI’S hosting of the World Endurance Championship in December looks once again in doubt after the FEI disaffiliated last weekend’s test event at short notice. The Crown Prince Dubai Cup went ahead on 21 March under national rules at Sheikh Mohammed’s Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC) instead. However as riders from more than four visiting countries took part, this placed the ride in breach of FEI rules for national competitions (CEN rules). Matters came to a head on 18 March when FEI endurance director Manuel Bandeira de Mello raised a number of issues before the pre-ride inspection, including wanting to change the heart-rate parameter of the final loop. Under the current Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF) rules, which were put in place in response to recent welfare issues at rides in…

CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN cannot defend her World Cup title this year due to a legal dispute over her ride’s ownership, writes Lucy Elder. The reigning champion had qualified Uthopia for the FEI World Cup dressage final in Gothenburg, Sweden (24-28 March). However, the ongoing dispute over the horse’s ownership that began in 2012 means he cannot be competed abroad, due to an injunction issued after Charlotte contested the Amsterdam leg of the series in January. “It is an ongoing saga — nothing has changed. This has been going on for four years now,” said Carl Hester. “[Uthopia] was on such great form — at Olympia especially — that it would have been lovely.” Doubts over the 15-year-old horse’s future have also been raised. The Metall stallion was on the British gold…

MANNERS Professional footballers Samir Carruthers and James Collins were caught on camera urinating into a glass at Cheltenham Festival. Both sportsmen have since apologised and been fined two weeks’ wages each. WORLD CUP FINALS The 2016 dressage finals (24-27 March) will be without star riders Charlotte Dujardin, Edward Gal and Beatriz Ferrer-Salat. Isabell Werth’s entry for the competition in Gothenburg, Sweden, is also uncertain. DONKEYS IN DEVON Paignton Green’s donkey rides will be replaced by trampolines this summer. The owners of the donkeys have said they may have to find new homes for the 15 equines. LISA NOOREN The 18-year-old Dutch showjumper fell from Royalty Des Isles in the 1.45m class at Indoor Brabant on 12 March. Lisa was taken to hospital and found to have a broken collarbone.…

EVENTING Watch top combinations compete at Burgham Horse Trials in Northumberland (25-27 March). The event features a CIC2* and CIC3*. www.burghamhorsetrials.co.uk RACING Go to the All-Weather Championship Finals Day at Lingfield Park on 25 March. The event features a £1 million prize fund. www.lingfieldpark.co.uk WORKSHOP Charlie Unwin is hosting a one-day “competing at your best” psychology workshop to boost rider confidence and performance. The session will be held at Baschurch Village Hall, Shrops, on 30 March. www.equoevents.com POINT-TO-POINT Fixtures on 26 March include the Puckeridge at Horseheath, Cambs, and the Kimblewick at Kimble, Bucks. www.pointtopoint.co.uk OPEN DAY See inside the racing industry at the 25th Lambourn Open Day on 25 March. Trainers will open their yards and there will also be displays. lambournopenday.com TEAM CHASING The Fernie is holding its…

I thoroughly enjoyed the article about show ring types (Showing special, 17 March). I was especially interested to read the comparison between Right Royal and Pearly King (a truly beautiful horse). I wanted to add that Right Royal was not produced from David Tatlow’s yard to win the Horse of the Year Show in 1971; he was home-produced by my mother, the late Sue Spencer Cox, and ridden by my sister Vicki (now Macdonald), who was 18 at the time. He did spend a period of about three weeks with David while my sister did exams, but he had been very successful before this. “Trampas”, as he was known at home, had a great personality. Perhaps his superb manners had much to do with the many Pony Club rallies he…

WHY is this such a huge topic? I would go as far as to say 90% of problems when riding a horse stem from contact-related issues. Whether a top-class dressage rider has a problem with a horse taking over in the canter pirouette or a rider hacking for fun has problems with a nappy horse, the solution is founded on the same principle: contact is key. Behavioural issues as well as problems with certain movements or one-sidedness, a strong horse or a horse that is too light; in each case the rider must learn how to ride with a good contact. This achieves the right connection between hand and leg to enable a functioning line of communication with the horse. It allows the horse to work correctly in an appropriate…

Holding on for too long: we often consider some riders “strong” and “effective” when they create lots of energy and then hold on tight in front. For example, in young horse classes horses can look flashy, but aren’t using their backs correctly. They won’t be able to sustain this way of going in the long term without physical damage or denting their confidence in the rider and their willingness to work. Giving too early: sometimes a horse that looks lovely and light in front is actually not giving the rider enough contact and hence the connection is not there. The horse can make mistakes or spook much more easily as the lines of communication with the rider are down, and the rider cannot respond as quickly to what the horse…

Irina Maknami: “We are aware that we need to make dressage more attractive to remain in the Olympics, but introducing modern changes while remaining faithful to our sport’s fabulous history and classical traditions is difficult. “Judges have a special responsibility in this process - we must be guardians of classical training so that the six elements of the training scale are being fulfilled. I think that the fact that our sport is cherishing its classical traditions is very valuable, and in our mad, ever-changing world, our beloved sport gives us stability, because the horse stays the same: training a horse still requires just the same immense patience and time as it did 100 years ago. “So I hope that any changes in dressage are not too drastic, and that we…

LAURA TOMLINSON SAYS: “WHAT do riding mothers do to get back in the groove and how hard is it really? “I’d like H&H to speak to a few women who have come back after a baby break. How did it feel for them and what challenges did they face? “Does it make a difference if they have a top horse already established to carry on with or, like me, were they starting again with a horse that hadn’t been at the top before? “I wonder whether there’s a big push to regain fitness with things like Pilates and running, or whether just riding and being a mum fills too much of the day already. “Does being a mum change the way people ride? Does it affect nerves or their bravery…

CHARLOTTE CUNDALL triumphed at advanced medium on her first attempt at the level with KBIS, Alex Colquhoun, Jo Meyer’s KBIS Starchaser. The pair also clocked up a win in the medium qualifier. Charlotte, who is on the Excel Talent programme, used to event and point-to-point, but turned to dressage after breaking her back twice. She now competes in both able bodied and para dressage. Last year she won the grade IV KBIS Summer National title, and was introduced to Alex and his mother Jo. “They heard I was looking for a second horse, and I was lucky enough to be offered Starchaser when he was retired from top class eventing because of soundness issues,” said Charlotte. “He was evented to three-star level by Izzy Taylor so he has all the…

Winners’ reactions • An emotional Rich Ricci, in a green-checked suit, after Annie Power won the Champion Hurdle: “I’m a mess.” Willie Mullins: “Not just the suit then.” • Tom Scudamore after winning the Ryanair Hurdle on Thistlecrack: “I spent my whole life running round in these races, whether it be the Gold Cup, Champion Chase, Champion Hurdle and now I finally have a horse like this. It is unbelievable. I never realised it would be so easy.” • Colin Tizzard after Thistlecrack’s Ryanair World Hurdle romp: “I wasn’t going to drink today, but I feel as though I could do with one now.” • Nicky Henderson after Sprinter Sacre’s Champion Chase win: “We say thank you to everybody who has supported us and him but, in a funny way, I think this…

Breaking Festival ducks THERE were more races than ever at a Festival - 28 - but getting on the score sheet seems harder than ever, such is the domination of the few. Only two jockeys broke their Festival duck at Cheltenham in 2016 while five trainers managed to get their names on the honours board for the first time - or six if you include Joseph O’Brien’s Ivanovich Gorbatov in the JCB Triumph although, until his licence comes through in May, all his winners will officially go down as his father Aidan’s. JOCKEYS HARRY SKELTON: Superb Story - Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle JACK SHERWOOD: Ibis Du Rheu - Martin Pipe Conditionals’ Hurdle TRAINERS IAN WILLIAMS: Ballyalton - Close Brothers Chase MARTIN KEIGHLEY: Any Currency - Glenfarclas Cross-Country Chase PAT KELLY:…

‘I hope I can do my horses justice’ A surgeon told Andrew Nicholson last year that he had a 98% chance of being paralysed after breaking his neck in a horror fall at the Festival of British Eventing in August. However, after sticking rigidly to his rehabilitation programme, the Kiwi star returned to the saddle in November and, feeling ready for the competitive fray, put in six late entries to Aldon. He completed with every horse and, extraordinarily, the London Olympic team bronze medallist won with one - Alex Phillips’ chestnut Perfect Stranger (below). “I’m trying to be as careful as you can be riding horses,” said the Marlborough-based rider. “I know very clearly what went wrong [at Gatcombe when he fell] and I’m confident in what I’m doing now.…

WITH edict after edict from the FEI, I really don’t understand where eventing is going (news, 17 April). Regarding the proposal to change the sport’s name, I cannot understand why we are hung on “tri” or “equestrian”. Squash is not called after the black ball or tennis after the furry one! We could do worse than stick with “horse trials” or even the old “military”, as our sport is still called in Europe. The FEI continues to say that it is canvassing the stakeholders (national federations, officials, owners and riders) on all issues and making informed decisions, but if they are not going to actually follow that policy, why keep professing it? I have not heard from one stakeholder who thinks three in a team at the Olympics is a…

WHEN Aimi Partrick-Winstanley’s beloved husband Shaun sadly passed away, he left his wife with a fund to enable her to fulfil her dream of owning competition horses. He now lives on in the horses, who all have the name Shaunies as their prefix. Shaunies CDS Grandtessa is one such horse, who is being successfully produced and competed by Ashton Bricka. At their first show of the season and after a long break, the pair topped the 90cm open and were third in the 95cm at Coombelands, West Sussex (13 March). “Nessa” is an eight-year-old Oldenburg mare by Grandino. “Ashton backed Nessa and has been riding her ever since,” said Ashton’s mother, Tonia. “She was very difficult to back and threw everything at Ashton, but Ashton stuck by her and they…

BY coincidence it was Cornwall’s national day — St Piran’s Day — when the Cury held its annual farriers’ meet at Gweek. St Piran is the patron saint of Cornwall and is said to have discovered tin. In times gone by this holiday was recognised by the consumption of large amounts of alcohol and food. I’m pretty sure there weren’t any tin miners at the meet but everybody must have a mining relation in their family tree because I have never seen such a magnificent hunt breakfast in my life. The hunt’s mobile catering unit was put to task and proved you do not need the most salubrious kitchen to produce great food. The pack of terriers working the floor for titbits was certainly keen not to miss out on…

ELINOR STRAPP gained a hat-trick of wins riding the Connemara Hudson Bay Princess. The five-year-old by Shannon Prince topped the novice, restricted and open classes in the Heritage working hunter pony (WHP) sections. Having ridden Princess’ full-brother Dancing Hero to win at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 2010, Elinor and her mother Tamara jumped at the chance to buy Princess as a yearling. However, soon after her arrival she developed pneumonia and was not expected to survive. “We are thrilled with her progress,” said Tamara. “She has Hero’s temperament and scope. Connemaras are great sports ponies who are rider friendly. She loves her work and just wants to please.” After a successful novice season last year, Princess wintered out and had been in work six weeks before her…

AFTER winning on their seasonal debut (see Area 3A, left), Martha Jobling-Purser and Hightopps Jazz continued their winning form and took the supreme ridden title here. M&M working hunter champions Amelia England and Rosshill Paddy stood reserve supreme. Amelia is just a few months into her partnership with the I Love You Melody six-year-old Connemara, and this was their first affiliated outing, the pair making the perfect start with a win in the Heritage novice/restricted. Although 11-year-old Amelia is a seasoned campaigner in working hunter classes, this was quite a step up into 14hh classes. “Paddy is a well-built pony and he is quite forward going, but he settled into a lovely rhythm,” said Amelia’s father James. Amelia added: “We’ve had a shocking winter, so we haven’t managed to do…

AFTER going nine months without a winner before Duhallowcountry obliged at Sedgefield Races earlier in the week, Victor Thompson’s Newton-by-the-Sea yard showed that it is definitely back in business with a four-timer at Overton. Sharivarry set the ball rolling in the club members’ race to initiate a treble for Kit Alexander. “He picked up well off the home turn to take a narrow lead over Little Fritz (Ryan Nichol) two out, before quickening again and putting the race to bed by the last,” explained Kit. After doubling up on Mr Shahady in the restricted, Kit completed his treble on Court Painter in the two-and-a-half mile open maiden. Sent straight to the front, he dictated a strong pace and could be called the winner a long way from the finish, eventually…

EILEEN and Tony Worth’s Robin De Souza made it five from five at Kilworthy (20 March), where he continued his unbeaten season under H&H columnist Darren Edwards in the men’s open, writes Megan Furse. The six-year-old’s trainer, Dean Summersby from Lifton, said: “The area novice title is the aim for Robin this season — we don’t want to put him in an intermediate too quickly.” Another improving horse of the season is Jackie McCullough’s Master Baker. Trained by Les and Lisa Jefford, Master Baker (Jo Buck) was the sole finisher in the mixed open as his only contender Ace High (Darren Edwards) fell on the final circuit. Jackie bought the seven-year-old as a yearling from breeders Stuart and Monique Pyke as a birthday present. “He hasn’t had much of a…