Innholdsfortegnelse for 30-Nov-2017 i Horse & Hound

INTERNATIONAL eventing will have a renewed emphasis on the jumping phases, thanks to a significant rule change. The dressage coefficient will be dropped as of 1 January next year following a vote at the FEI general assembly (GA) in Uruguay (18-21 November). The coefficient multiplies dressage marks by 1.5 and has the effect of spreading the scores out more, so removing it will reduce the influence of the first phase (see box). British eventer Francis Whittington favoured the move for putting emphasis “back onto cross-country”. “Dressage is important — if you do an exceptionally good test, you should get the benefits of that, but we are event riders so it has to be about the cross-country and the jumping aspect as well,” he told H&H. “We are levelling the playing…

DESPITE the FEI choosing to remove collective marks from its competitions, British Dressage (BD) will not be following suit. Tamsyn Cowie, BD’s sport operations director, said this decision was made to help members progress with training. “While we supported the decision to remove the collective marks for paces, impulsion and submission at international level, we do not intend to follow this move for national classes,” she told H&H. “We’re aware that our members really value the collectives as a guide to their progress, and will look at these above everything else on the sheet. Many may not have the advantage of very frequent training so this assessment is vital to them. “In addition, at the lower levels where correct way of going is paramount, the collectives are the best way…

PERFORMANCE-enhancing hind boots will be phased out of international showjumping competitions by 2021, with a staggered removal getting underway from 2019. National federations were divided ahead of the general assembly over whether or not the boots should be banned; if a ban should be phased or immediate; and if it may be more helpful to have a list of “FEI-approved” boots instead. The European Equestrian Federation called for a phased ban to be brought forward to 1 January 2018. Britain mooted the idea of permitting boots with an elastic strap and popper fastening that cannot be overtightened; while Belgium suggested a panel of vets and professional riders establish a number of approved boot models. There was “considerable discussion” at the general assembly before the proposal was voted on and approved.…

VETS are asking for assurances over workforces and access to medicines as the UK prepares to leave the EU. The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) has made a plea to negotiators on several issues, including ensuring mutual recognition of veterinary degrees from approved vet schools and that there is no reduction in the availability of medicines. “More than ever, a continued close collaboration within the European veterinary profession and with international stakeholders is essential for ensuring the interests of animals and people everywhere,” said FVE president Rafael Laguens. This came ahead of the news the European Medicines Agency will have moved from London to Amsterdam by April 2019. Half of vets registering in the UK annually come from overseas and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and Royal College of…

GETAWAYS A loose horse helped police to apprehend a wanted individual in Wales when it was hit by a car. Officers responding to the collision, in which the horse was unharmed, found the driver had outstanding arrest warrants for drink-driving and unpaid fines. Could there be a job going in a mounted section for this one? SPONTANEITY So the BE fixture list is out and eventers everywhere are planning their 2018 seasons. To the amazement of the showjumpers, who don’t know what class they’re doing this afternoon, let alone next August... LORRIES Overheard in a garage on D-Day, aka lorry plating day: “Ah, another girl with a horse and a horsebox; two money pits.” Cue much guffawing followed, sadly, by said lorry failing its MOT in quite spectacular style. To…

Sir — Your letter of the week (23 November) highlights just one of the skills needed for a good riding school instructor — excellent communication skills are just the start. The best ones rise to the challenge of understanding riders who come with a range of both mental and physical conditions. They take into account the abilities and temperaments of the horses and they encourage horse and rider into a union. Such are the challenges of the job, a degree in psychology — horse and human — would not go amiss. Patience and a sense of humour are also needed. I’ve had lessons in many different riding schools over a number of years from a wide variety of instructors and am so grateful to the ones who do a difficult…

AIM RIDERS often think too much about going sideways in half-pass when in fact it is a forwards-flowing movement in travers, which gives the illusion of going sideways. For those that learn visually, this exercise is a good way of riding the movement without getting bogged down technically with what a half-pass is. Once you have control of the forehand and have established the rhythm (the first scale of training), then add a little extra to the recipe — travers. In short, you point, you bend and you move the quarters. It’s easy! THE EXERCISE 1 Your horse should be working at elementary, wanting to progress to medium level. They should have shoulder-in established and be working on the travers (quarters-in), with the horse looking in the direction they are…

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SNEC, West Lothian | West Kype, Lanarkshire Lucy McDaid rode Tijsse N to achieve a day-high of 75.63% in a silver elementary at SNEC. “He’s a nice, willing ride,” said Lucy, of the Brandus 10-year-old Friesian gelding, whom she started riding for her trainer Susan Dunlop last year. “He was previously a carriage-driving horse with Andrew May before I bought him a year ago,” said Lucy. “I’ve been working to improve his balance and started on some lateral movements with the view of starting medium next year, and he’s begun flying changes. He has an amazing temperament and is lovely to ride.” Scott McLellan completed winter regional qualification for Robert Morris’ Lemiroff LS at West Kype with victory at advanced medium. “We’ve been training hard and competed in our first…

Bury Farm, Beds | Fairoak Grange, Berks | Quob, Hants | Sparsholt College, Hants The four-year-old Dream Boy x Kennedy stallion Indigo TC, who was purchased at the end of last year, won both novices at Bury Farm and the novice freestyle at Sparsholt. “He’s green and was a little bit wobbly outside, but he was better indoors,” commented Thomas, who scored more than 76% in the Bury Farm qualifier. Six-year-old Vilan (Vivaldi x Hotline) won both elementaries at Bury Farm. “He’s 18.1hh and has found his balance in the last couple of weeks,” said Thomas. “He has three huge paces and really lights up at shows.” Charlie Samuel-Camps, winner of the elementary qualifier at Quob, has been riding Gwen Wiendebank’s Wolkenzeta for almost two years. “She’s been spooky and…

I WOULD like to congratulate the organisers for running this show, as we desperately need CSIs in Britain. However, it was a shame that there were power problems and some competitors were left without electricity on the coldest nights of the year so far. The Keysoe team did their best and I don’t envy them, but if the show had been actively seen to be doing something, there would have been fewer moans. We riders love our sport. All we ask for in return is good food and warmth. A big thank you must also go to the hard-working grooms. Those in action at Keysoe are top-class professionals and we would be lost without them. The facilities here are top-notch, although they do need finishing touches such as more attention…

IF I had a wish list for 2018, it would be for showing to become more exciting to watch. Competitors and judges alike have become frightened to have a horse show any sparkle or, God forbid, any exuberance. Maybe this is the reason why calmers, both legal and illegal, are on the rise? I find it a sad state of affairs that horses are worked to the point of exhaustion, to behave like worn-out robots in order to appeal to the health and safety police. Let’s get back to finding the best horse in the class, not the best-behaved. I do believe the marking system is a major reason for this. I thought Robin Sharp, who rode the show hunters at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), was a prime…

THE winners are continuing and we had a fantastic November Meeting at Cheltenham with Perfect Candidate’s victory in the Grade Three BetVictor.com Chase. He’s a real star for the yard and Paddy Brennan gave him a great ride in some tough ground. We bought him in Ireland for £16,000 and he’s now won seven times, totalling career earnings of nearly £110,000. Jennys Surprise also won for us recently in a handicap chase at Uttoxeter. This mare made the news when winning the Royal Artillery Gold Cup last year under Brodie Hampson, riding for her late father who was terminally ill. It was Jennys Surprise’s first run after a long injury lay-off and so it was great for her to return with a victory. Colin’s Sister and Cap Soleil run at…

“GO out and enjoy it,” was the advice David Brace gave his 16-year-old grandson Connor Brace as he left the paddock to contest his third-ever race, riding William Money. “It’s such a buzz to win my first race,” said Connor after landing the novice riders’ race. “He felt full of running so I kicked and he responded. “I’ve been itching to get started racing,” he smiled. “We’ve got 16 at home and I hope I’m allowed more rides now,” added Connor.…

THE GA also saw the sign-off of a new eventing structure (news, 2 November), which will come into play from 1 January 2019. This includes the Olympic and World Equestrian Games (WEG) being recategorised as five-star long, and current CCI4*s as five-star major. Changes to categorisations continue through the levels down to a new introductory level. FEI competitions at the new 1.05m level will be held during the 2018 season. This will be renamed one-star in 2019. “The FEI appears to have listened quite carefully to the consultation process,” said Hugh Thomas, director of Badminton Horse Trials. “We thought, in common with all the other existing four-star events, to be outside the star system [as the FEI proposed in an earlier draft of the rules] was a bit of a…

WASTING LIGHT Irish eventer Aoife Clark has paid tribute to her three-star ride Wasting Light, a yard favourite who was an “absolute machine” across country. The 10-year-old was put down after an inoperable foot condition took a turn for the worse. WINTER The dual Classic-winning filly is to swap the racetrack for the breeding sheds in 2018. The three-year-old grey by Galileo was trained by Aidan O’Brien, who said: “We’re looking forward to her foals.” NINFIELD EUREKA The stallion, bred by Marlene Davey of the Ninfield Pony Stud, has died aged 23. “Arthur” was “wonderfully tempered” and bred successful lead-rein, first ridden and 12.2hh ponies. He was by Vean Cockalorum and out of champion HOYS mare, Ninfield Great Expectation. BRISTOL DE MAI The Nigel Twiston-Daviestrained grey won the first leg…

CONCERNS that equine fractures are being concealed in official results sheets have been raised again, following three incidents in Dubai over a 10-day period. At the 120km Al Marmoom Cup on 18 November, Catswhiskers Tiro Centauri and were listed as catastrophically injured. By the end of the day, timings supplier Tawqeet — which also officiates at rides in Britain including Euston Park — amended their sheets to show them as failed to complete (FTC). Yet, by the next day, both were shown as deceased on the FEI’s horse database. The same anomaly occurred on 8 November in a 80km CEI for fatally injured Estel De Montfluq. An incentive to conceal horse deaths as FTCs may be an unintended consequence of FEI rules that since January 2016 have allocated 80 “demerit”…

WHEN visiting a pack of hounds for the first time, my advice is to be polite, friendly and unobtrusive. No one likes a show-off, after all. If you want to make an impression, it should be for leaping off and doing gates, or something similarly worthy. What I do not recommend doing is completely submerging yourself and your horse in a river within half-an-hour of leaving the meet. This, to my shame, is what I did with the Beaufort last Thursday. Instead of obediently following the horse in front across a narrow, underwater “bridge”, Molly Austen boldly took her own line, which didn’t go well. We were both absolutely fine and, with the help of Richenda Deutsch, I clambered back on from a gate, pouring water in all directions. After…

THE term “bone bruise” has come into common use in horses since the advent of medical MRI. Rather than the well-known “bruise”, which comes up following a blow to soft tissues, the term encompasses a variety of types and causes of injury — grouped together due to their similar appearance on MRI. Bone bruise is one of a number of names given to a specific appearance on MRI. Other terms used to describe the same MRI features include bone marrow lesions, bone oedema, bone contusions and occult fractures. The term bruise implies a traumatic cause, but the distinction relies primarily on a clinical history of trauma. The characteristic feature of a bone bruise is increased fluid in the bone, most accurately defined by high signal (white) on a specific type…

The Sportsman's Inn, Somerset HE waded out from among their frantically waving sterns, stumbled over the molinia and went to get on his horse, which was still heaving, vigorously rubbing its sweaty head against a knee. Minutes earlier John Nicholson, huntsman with the Dulverton West, had jumped off to praise hounds for exceptional work. He was grinning from ear to ear; bursting with pride. “Now you know they hunt as well as win in the show ring!” he laughed. I couldn’t contain a sense of euphoria that hadn’t surfaced in years. We had just enjoyed the best hound work I had seen in 14 seasons. John trotted past, turned with a twinkle in his eye and casually remarked the quality of that trail had only been “average” for these hounds.…

THE social media “jungle drums” have been at full volume over the past couple of weeks with British Dressage (BD) bearing the brunt of a few members’ grievances. It would seem that they are damned if they do, damned if they don’t, when the current board, chief executive and management team have been working tirelessly to bring the sport into the 21st century and modernise it for the benefit of members at all levels. It’s no longer a club, but a professional Olympic sport, which has to adapt and change to survive and thrive. If we lost our funding, we would have to support our international teams financially somehow. I do not fancy our chances should that happen. While we may not all agree with every single decision made by…

Keysoe CSI2*, Beds HAS there ever been such a dynasty? After William Whitaker won the world-ranking grand prix here in 2015 and Michael Whitaker did the same last year, Robert Whitaker made it three in a row for his extraordinary family at this year’s show. It took a special round to capture the £6,250 top prize after 12 of the 40 starters were clear over Paul Connor’s superb course. The jump-off field included a healthy mix of star names and up-and-coming riders, and Ireland’s Trevor Breen set a fabulous standard. The 10-year-old mare Bombay has been on superb form since winning the grand prix at Hickstead’s September show and she and Trevor galloped through the finish. But next to go was Robert Whitaker on his old friend and great campaigner,…

AFTER spending much of the summer sidelined through crush injuries sustained in a fall at the beginning of the year, Imogen Marmont is making the most of her final year on ponies. Riding Michelle Pool’s Little Red Riding Hood, Imogen claimed an early 16th birthday present when recording a win in the Blue Chip JC/ JA Sparkle qualifier. Just after she had the all clear to ride again in July, Imogen rode “Red” in the winter JC championship at Hickstead and the pair have enjoyed lots of success since. “Red jumped the third oxer across a tight angle and I let her run on to the final upright and she pinged it,” said Imogen, who also finished fourth in the Coral qualifier. Imogen claimed another ticket to Hartpury when Danubertha…

Haydock Park, Merseyside HOW do you measure impressive? Well, racing might have to recalibrate the scale after Bristol De Mai won the 13th Betfair Chase at Haydock by a staggering 57 lengths from Cue Card on Saturday (25 November), continuing a terrific start to the season for Nigel Twiston-Davies. The trainer, whose run of big Saturday winners was kick-started by Bristol De Mai when he won the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby and continued the weekend before last when Splash Of Ginge won the BetVictor Gold Cup, has always regarded the grey as Gold Cup material. Although that did not happen last year, maybe we are beginning to see the fruits of that potential. Three of his rivals, Cue Card, Outlander and Tea For Two, have between them won a…

IT was great to be back on a point-to-point course on Sunday at Barbury. Communication is one of my favourite subjects and I applaud the organisers for their use of an innovation. A series of text messages were sent by Steven Astaire to keep racegoers informed of going changes and roadworks. The service is free for subscribers and it would be good to see this innovation adopted by other fixtures. My summer and autumn have been taken up with a very worthwhile project. This involved a brave group of point-to-point ladies, led by Leanda Tickle, who have bared all to raise money for the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF). The result is a calendar — The Big Reveal — which is now on sale for £10. While this concept doesn’t appeal…

Alan Davies was named FEI best groom 2017 at the FEI Awards Gala on 21 November. “It’s just incredible, I’m over the moon,” said Alan, groom to Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin. Showing rider Stephanie Hill came third in the Miss World final in Sanya, China, on 18 November. “It was exhilarating, exhausting, inspiring, incredible and unbelievable,” she said. Young Irish showjumper Harry Allen won the rising star award at the FEI Awards Gala. The 16-year-old won two gold medals at the European Pony Championships in July. Carl Hester has shown his support for the Movember Foundation. Members of the charity mowed a giant moustache into one of Carl’s fields as part of this year’s Movember campaign. German dressage rider Isabell Werth said she was “really proud” to receive the…

H&H GRASSROOTS IS AWARDS FINALIST THE first Horse & Hound Grassroots Eventing Championships is in the running for a major award. The competition, which was held at Keysoe (27-29 May), is one of four finalists in the best event launch (consumer) of the PPA Connect awards. H&H magazine editor Pippa Roome said: “This is a credit to the team who ran the event. It was a huge success and very popular with our readers; we look forward to building on it and making the 2018 Horse & Hound Grassroots Eventing Championships even better.” ACCOLADES FOR RETRAINED JOCKEYS A PLUMBER and a financial adviser were among the winners of the 20th JETS (Jockeys Education & Training Scheme) Richard Davis awards. Former flat jockey and financial adviser Ben Swarbrick won the Jockey…

BREEDING Spotted, a breeder ruminating over whether or not to sell their youngster by Big Star. “I’d sell the wife and kids,” said one hopeful potential buyer. “Let me know when you’ve sold them and we’ll discuss which of his ears you can have,” replied the seller. Ouch. HACKERS Talking of selling, one was intrigued by an ad for a horse the buyer claimed was “god to hack”. Do celestial beings accompany its every move? Was it born in a stable? (Not funny, Ed) Or is it just good on the roads? I really think we should be told. WATER POWER And lastly on the theme, riders looking for a new lorry may have been confused by one that boasts, apparently, a “hydroelectric” ramp. Hydraulic ramps are sooo last season,…

WORTH THE JOURNEY Sir — Recently, I travelled almost three hours to attend Chris Bartle’s (left) British Eventing (BE) masterclass and found it thoroughly worthwhile. His opening comments, however, were most humbling, acknowledging a slight trepidation for such events that resonated with Carl Hester’s column (2 November). Coming from the corporate world, I can fully appreciate the enormity of public speaking. But this lecture demo was well thought out, with a similar training theme carried through the three sections, and horses which had different experience. As a grassroots rider, I am in the “thirsty-for-knowledge public” camp that Carl highlighted. I applaud, and thank, these riders and trainers who have not only achieved the top level but can also captivate, educate and entertain an audience of hundreds. Thank you also to…

‘I can’t survive the day unless I’ve had my pain au chocolat for breakfast’ Looking back... At my first senior Pony Club camp, a friend and I were carrying my suitcase down the stairs when we tripped and fell to the bottom. I laughed so hard — I’ve never been so embarrassed. Watching… I don’t have much time for television, other than livestreams of ERM (Event Rider Masters) and other big events. But I do make time for Love Island every summer. Getting away from it all... I love skiing at Christmas, but my favourite holiday is relaxing in the sun by the pool in France. Not for too long though, as I’m not good at doing nothing. Listening to... My mum [Teresa] and I have very different thoughts on…

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Yorkshire Dressage, South Yorks | Manor Grange Stud, West Yorks Katie Owens and her own Saffira earned a personal best of 78%, which put them firmly into the top spot in a novice at Yorkshire Dressage. The five-year-old Showmaker x Fleurop mare showed her angelic side in that class, but in the novice qualifier she was distracted by a log close to A in the arena and dropped nearly 15%. Katie bought Saffira as an unbacked two-year-old from a dealer she used to work for. “She used to be quite tricky and ditched me a few times when I was starting her,” said Katie, who is based with the Moody sisters. “I had to learn how to harness her energy for good and not for evil, and the Moodys have…

Burrows Court Farm, Glos | Hartpury College, Glos Belysium was found by owner Jo Dalton in a showjumping dealer’s yard, unschooled and uncompeted. The eight-year-old, who is by Kyra Kyrklund’s Swedish warmblood stallion Master 850, made her British Dressage (BD) debut at novice a year ago. “She has surprised us all — she’s a huge talent,” said Melissa Gerrard, who rides the low-mileage mare for Jo. “She is quite high-maintenance; we call her The Queen, as she has us all running around after her. “I love riding her as she’s quick and clever with three fantastic paces,” added Melissa, who trains with Isobel Wessels. “Her natural ability for lateral work is incredible. We’ve only really just got going with shoulder-in and half-pass, but I think we’ll get some big scores…

SCOT HEADS TO MECHELEN ABERDEENSHIRE rider Nicole Lockhead Anderson, 15, finished second in the pony World Cup jumping trophy qualifier with Gangnam Style at Stuttgart, Germany. She will join Great Britain’s Claudia Moore in the final at the CSIO5* Mechelen next month. HOT WIN FOR WHITAKER MICHAEL WHITAKER and Jayne Bean’s JB’s Hot Stuff secured a British win at the CSI5* Madrid. He also produced a double clear with Calisto Blue in the World Cup qualifier, which went to Frenchman Roger Yves Bost (Sydney Une Prince). Mark McAuley was best of the Irish in third — by just 0.01 of a second — on Miebello. RENWICK’S NEW RIDE OFF THE MARK LAURA RENWICK returned to the winner’s enclosure at CSI4* Samorin at X-Bionic Shere, Slovakia. She scooped a 1.40m speed…

AN impulse buy from an advert on Facebook has brought Karen Ledger out of retirement from the show ring. Isle of Wight-based Karen, 66, formerly a regular Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) contender with cobs and hunters, gave up showing in 2014 in order to concentrate on fundraising for her Cyprus dog rescue charity All Because Of Freda. The charity has now seen more than £55,000 donated — much of it by H&H readers — since its launch in August that year. Now, despite undergoing a hip replacement operation in July this year, Karen is back in the ring, campaigning in coloured ranks with the skewbald traditional Mr Red. “I got very bored while I was recuperating from the op and one evening, I saw the advert for Red…