Innholdsfortegnelse for 29-Oct-2020 i Horse & Hound

ALL eyes were on Pau this weekend for the only five-star event of the season, and it was wonderful to see the hugely popular Laura Collett secure her first five-star win there on London 52 (report, p70). Laura writes in her comment (p16) about how she turned her own and “Dan’s” fortunes around after a fall at last year’s Europeans – her approach being one we could all learn from. Now that London 52 has started to “believe in himself”, as Laura puts it, we look forward to following more successes. We learnt this week that Badminton will be running in 2021 – huge celebrations all round – albeit probably behind closed doors. Yes, disappointing for all desperate to attend, not to mention tradestands who do a roaring trade at…

TOUGHER sentences for the worst animal abusers have moved a step closer as a new Bill makes progress through parliament. The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons on 23 October. The Bill would mean those guilty of the most serious acts of cruelty will face a maximum penalty of five years in prison, up from the current six months. It is not the first time the Bill has started its progress through parliament; the most recent previous attempt was brought to a halt when the general election was called last autumn, but it was reintroduced in February by West Dorset MP Chris Loder. Mr Loder said: “It is high time as a nation that we take the lead on global standards for animal…

A FUND has been established to protect racehorses in training from abandonment if their owners can no longer afford their fees owing to Covid-19. Applications to the Racehorse Relief Fund, set up by the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) and funded by the Racing Foundation, opened this month. The fund is part of a package of measures agreed in April by leading bodies including the British Horseracing Authority to protect the industry from the effects of the pandemic. Results of a survey conducted at the time indicated that there were already 77 owners unable to pay fees. Up to 1,500 horses were expected to be at risk of abandonment, although the impact of Covid-19 has not yet been as severe as predicted. ROA chief executive Charlie Liverton said the fund was…

JENNIFER BARNETT was overjoyed when, at 17, she was bought her first pony – a months-old Welsh section B called Josh. As she grew up, he was sold and they lost touch. But, last winter, when she took her daughter Isla for a riding lesson, Jen recognised the pony she was allocated at once. “I walked round to the stable and thought, ‘No, it can’t be,’” she told H&H. “I burst into tears because I couldn’t believe it, and was an emotional wreck the whole lesson.” Six months later, Jen was able to buy Josh back, and he now “whizzes round with Isla”. “I’m ecstatic,” Jen said. “Every time I walk in the barn, it makes me want to burst into tears because I can’t believe he’s come back to…

pippa.roome@futurenet.com @diddaroome AFTER my fall with London 52 (Dan) at the Europeans last year, Tina Cook said to me on the Sunday, “Surely you’re going to take him to Boekelo? You don’t want to fi nish the year on that note.” Between the Europeans and Boekelo, we went cross-country schooling a few times. We treated him like a baby, trotting to fences, trying to build his confidence and encourage him to trust himself because he’s always been quite a shy horse. Going to Boekelo, I just wanted to put things right - to win was a lovely extra. It felt like the event was a turning point; now, Dan has belief in himself. He felt amazing cross-country and finished knowing he’d done well. After Boekelo, he had eight weeks in…

Need to know FUMET D’OUDAIRIES Age: five Breeding: by Della Francesca (USA) out of Brise D’Oudairies (FR). Damsire Califet (FR) Breeder: Comte M De Gigou Trainer: Tom Ellis Owner: The Ice And A Slice Racing Club Jockey: Jack Andrews Greatest achievements: four wins from four starts between the flags last season, including 2m4f open maiden 4, 5 & 6yo at Cottenham; 3m restricted at Cottenham; 3m conditions at Horseheath; 3m intermediate at Horseheath. CO-OWNER GINA ANDREWS “WE actually found Fumet D’Oudairies by pure luck. I was with my husband, Tom Ellis [the horse’s trainer], and my brother, Jack, at the Doncaster sales. It was nearing the end of the day and Fumet D’Oudairies was one of the last to go through the ring. “However, there was no one bidding for…

1 Keep a suspect horse isolated and don’t groom or clip him until you know it is not ringworm - ask your vet. 2 Avoid riding an infected horse - this helps to minimise the spread and prevent tack rubbing his sore skin. 3 Wear protective clothing and disposable gloves when handling him, seeking prompt medical advice if you develop a rash. 4 Treat the horse as well as his stable and lorry or trailer. Remember your riding boots and half-chaps, too, to avoid cross-infection. 5 Avoid sharing rugs, tack or grooming kit at the yard. Girths are a common cause of ringworm spread. 6 Check competition rules - the British Horseracing Authority, for example, prohibits horses with active lesions from attending a racetrack.…

CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN 35 years old; back-to-back Olympic dressage champion Top horses this decade: Valegro and Mount St John Freestyle Charlotte and Valegro won double gold at London 2012 and retained their title at Rio 2016. In between they claimed world, European and World Cup golds. Charlotte then went on to win world individual bronze with Mount St John Freestyle in 2018. OLIVER TOWNEND 37 years old; eventing world number one Top horses this decade: Ballaghmor Class and Cooley Master Class The current world number one and top British Eventing points winner in six of the nine years 2011-2019. Oliver has won three five-stars this decade (Burghley 2017, Kentucky 2018 and 2019) and been a European team gold and silver medallist. ● The Professional Rider of the Decade award is kindly…

SMURF Shetland therapy pony, died in 2020 aged 31 Lisa Walker’s Smurf was a popular therapy pony who cheered up the lives of hundreds of people in care homes and schools. “Every toddler, elderly, special needs or disabled person who he comforted told me they felt blessed to meet him,” says Lisa Walker of her 28-inch high, blind miniature Shetland, who died earlier this year. SL LUCCI 18-year-old Danish-bred riding pony; Lukas x Bazar SL Lucci broke every world record in FEI pony tests with Phoebe Peters, as they became record holders in the European team, individual and freestyle events. They finished their partnership ranked world number one, having won triple gold in 2015 and double gold in 2013. TEDDY THE SHETLAND Five-year-old miniature Shetland pony The 28-inch high palomino…

JAYDENE MCGOURTY “I was introduced to the grooming world 15 years ago at a showjumping stables in the US run by my aunt. My passion for dressage started seven years ago at college when my trainer Alison Keogh demonstrated a freestyle routine; I now work for Luke Baber-Davies Dressage.” “No problem is ever too big or too small for Jaydene”LUKE BABER-DAVIES Funniest moment: “At a show I surprised one horse when I walked into his stable - he got a fright, double-barrelled me into a corner, I slipped and hit the wall. My head was so wet, I thought I was covered in blood, but it was horse poo. I had to wash my head quickly in the sink.” Best grooming tip: “Be early and organised so you don’t have…

CARROL SIMPSON Carrol, 78, founded West Midlands Dressage Group 23 years ago and remains dedicated to the cause, putting on six clinics a month for riders aged 25 and under. The retired school teacher has ridden throughout her life, owning a pony as a child, but has now “hung up her boots” and enjoys spending her time dressage writing. Why did you become a volunteer? “To provide a pathway for children from the very beginning of their riding career. Our aim is to take the ordinary child and the ordinary pony, and help them achieve whatever they want to do.” Proudest moment: “Around five years ago, nine of our members rode at FEI level in one year which was a huge achievement.” “Our aim is to help them achieve whatever…

LAST season was brought to an abrupt halt by the unprecedented wet weather. With barely a fi eld drilled in the country, it is hoped it will be many years before we experience the like again. It did mean good scenting conditions for hounds and they had an outstanding season, even if the ride was somewhat curtailed by the impossibly deep going. This year’s offering thereafter has been Covid-19. No sooner was the season ended than I was laid low by the virus. After a pretty miserable month, I was thankful to fi nd myself back in the glories of Belvoir Park basking in the spring sunshine, making recuperation that much speedier. The ensuing lockdown has, of course, brought serious financial implications for everyone. Hunts are no exception; virtually every…

● Remain with and follow the field master, do not pass them, and abide by his or her instructions. ● Pass down any instructions given by the field master so that everyone to the back of the field is aware of and adheres to instructions given. ● Ride at all times with care and consideration for growing crops, stick to field margins (headlands) unless told not to - single-file is often necessary. ● Shut gates and ensure you are riding at a speed at which livestock will not be upset. ● Inform the hunt secretaries, masters or field master of any damage to fences/hedges immediately, and ensure livestock are secure. ● Your horse’s head and shoulders should face hounds at all times, but especially when hounds are passing the field…

alexandra.robinson@futurenet.com @AlexRRob BSPS Heritage Championships, Arena UK, Lincs A NEW star emerged on the native scene when showing legends David Tatlow and his daughter Loraine Homer chose Zoe Clarke’s Heritage ridden novice champion, the Dartmoor Kingshaugh Hailstorm (Harry) to head a quality-filled field of 16 overall supreme finalists. The four-year-old gelding - attending only his fourth-ever show - was partnered by young producer Charley Baxter and never missed a beat. After watching the individual shows, David adopted his familiar “chessboard” style of moving ponies around in order of preference, then pulling others forward, creating a truly electric atmosphere to keep everyone guessing until the very end. The line-up included several Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), Royal International (RIHS), Royal Windsor and breed show champions, but both David and Loraine…

polly.bryan@futurenet.com pollybryan Vale View EC, Leics FAMKE PF cruised to a confident 73.3% win in her first grand prix, rewarding Becky Moody for nailing the training foundations with the Houston mare over the past two years. “I’ve spent the time developing her balance and self-carriage,” said Becky, who rides 10-year-old “Iris” for owners Jo Cooper and Pat and David Webber. “Once these are more established and I can really turn the power on, I think she’ll be pretty epic. “Iris is not the biggest and flashiest-moving, but she finds a lot of the double-point movements very easy and has real talent for piaffe and passage,” added Becky. “She’s very level-headed for the amount of mileage she has. We call her Queen Iris, as she is a bit of a girl,…

jennifer.donald@futurenet.com donaldjdonald Pyecombe, West Sussex ALEX HEMPLEMAN and the promising seven-year-old Genius III posted the fastest of four double clears to take the top ticket in the Blue Chip Dynamic B&C qualifier. The gelding has an interesting pedigree as a nephew of the legendary showjumping pony Colton Maelstrom. “He is a lovely horse who I have high hopes for and have been taking slowly,” said Alex, who has been riding him for the past 13 months. Alex, who is based in West Sussex, was able to keep the horses ticking over with schooling outings to Hickstead before competition was back in full force and has been able to hit the ground running since. “It’s been a shame not to have been able to get him out competing much, but at…

hannah.lemieuxfuturenet.com @hannah_lemieux1 Cheltenham Racecourse, Glos IF there has been a recurring theme of the truncated 2020 Flat season, which is grinding to a finish in the mud, it has been the success of the five-and six-year-olds like Ghaiyyath, Magical, Enable, Battaash, Addeybb and Stradivarius. The list of top horses who have been around long enough to become our familiar friends is endless. That has always been one of jump racing’s advantages - where most horses are around for a long time, to allow us to get to know their characters and their foibles. The Paul Nicholls-trained Frodon, although only eight, has almost become part of the furniture at Cheltenham since his first win there four years ago. There was no better way to signal the start of the National Hunt…

THE Foxhunter championship may be something many British showjumpers dream of winning, but the class had a low-key start after Harry tried to think of a way to use up some of the countless trophies he and Foxhunter had won. The competitions ran for around four years in South Wales before becoming a national series in 1954. “The class mushroomed more than I ever thought it would. The fences were set at 3ft 6in [around 1.10m] in round one and the idea was to attract more hunting people into showjumping,” said Harry at the time. Exeter riding school owner Frances Stanbury won the fi rst Horse of the Year Show final on Dreamboat, and since then the champions have included some top names. Among them was Beethoven (pictured), who took…

I WAS sitting at the kitchen table on the laptop the other morning when my mobile rang. Adam’s name flashed on the screen. Now this was not a particularly good sign. He was hunting this morning, like every other Thursday at this time of year, and I wasn’t expecting to see him until lunchtime. What on earth could have happened? Various scenarios sprung to mind as I reached for the phone. Adam had taken my horse, Jim, that morning. Was he the cause of the problem? Was I a fool to suggest that Adam took him? Everyone knows that huntsmen’s horses have a different job to horses in the field. Adam’s voice at the end of the line ended these pointless meanderings. “I thought I should tell you,” he reported,…

EVENTO The 11-year-old gelding, owned by Sarah Arrowsmith and produced by Francis Whittington to five-star level, has been put down. Francis said the gelding was found to have arthritic damage to his neck. DENVER The eventer turned jumper has topped the 2020 World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses world ranking list for breeders of jumping horses. The 12-year-old has notched up 1,155 points with Holly Smith. ISLANMORE GINGER The retired five-star eventer has died aged 22. Owned by Paul and Elaine Newbert, and ridden by Alex Postolowsky, Ginger enjoyed completions at Burghley and a top-10 fi nish in the British open championship at Gatcombe.…

PUISSANCE The former top jumper and sire has been put down aged 32. The Imperius son, who stood at Ballyquirke Stud, Co Kilkenny, sired eventers including Sam Watson’s 2018 world team silver medallist Ardagh Highlight. GHAIYYATH The Charlie Appleby-trained Group One-winning five-year-old has retired to Kildangan Stud, Ireland, after showing signs of muscle soreness. He won nine of his 13 races, including Newmarket’s Coronation Cup. LINGH The retired KWPN breeding stallion, ridden by Edward Gal at the 2006 World Equestrian Games, moving to the US’s Karin Reid-Offield, has been put down aged 27. Karin thanked him for “all the wonderful rides”.…

▲ CHALLENGES Eventer Andrew Nicholson was confused when he arrived at what he thought was Broadway Horse Trials but could not see the novice track he was supposed to be jumping. On asking, the Olympic medal-winner found he was at Waverton unaffiliated hunter trials, and made a swift exit. Obviously didn’t fancy the 60cm class… ▲ MATCHY A rider posted on social media a picture of a saddlecloth she just had to have – without realising her other half was in the group. “What has this one got that the 500 you already have doesn’t?” he asked. Some just don’t understand. ▲ CHAFING Typo of the week to the rider who, in a text on her plans, said she was “going team chafing”. Think we’d rather take on the open…

Email to hhletters@futurenet.com Name and address must be included. Letters may be edited. @ horseandhound facebook.com/horseandhound instagram.com/horseandhound OUR GOLDEN OLDIE YOUR veteran special (8 October) really resonated with me. Four years ago, I was scrolling through a ponies-for-loan page after my daughter’s 14.2hh was diagnosed with a career-changing injury. An advertisement for a talented but quirky 14hh, 19-year-old caught my eye. I enquired and the rest is history, for our pony has made all our dreams come true. He got my older daughter through a tough patch before she moved on to horses, then he looked after my younger daughter, who had two clear goals - to qualify for Royal Windsor and the Hickstead main arena - and she achieved both with him. He’s now 23 and still giving us…

polly.bryan@futurenet.com @pollybryan FIFTY years ago, and long before Bridget Jones, I opened a new diary and pencilled in my weight daily. It started when I rode an event horse for whom I had to be exactly the right weight; seven pounds over and he ran less well. Then I had to have the right equipment; soft yet strong boots, gloves that didn’t slip if it rained, immaculate tack, hairnet in place and, of course, no bling. Recently I’ve been reminded of the importance of attention to detail to achieve some success. Having dieted away eight pounds, ridden more without stirrups and straightened myself up as much as humanly possible, a win locally in a tiny grand prix might be little to crow about. But it was how I rode, how…

I started learning to ride at the local riding school when I was 10. A couple of years later a friend lent me a pony and I went out with the South and West Wilts and caught the bug. Once I had my own pony, I used to skive off school to go hunting. I started doing a few hunter liveries alongside my freelance jobs when I was 19, before setting up my own yard 16 years ago. I have been working with hunters for 28 years and it has got harder. Owners are more demanding, staff are harder to source and the horses are more difficult. Many horses that arrive from Ireland have had a poor start, so it takes longer to put them right. “Turning a difficult horse…

“FUMET D’OUDAIRIES can be very naughty to ride at home, particularly on Mondays after a day off when he is feeling at his most fresh. When he first arrived at the yard he was actually a quiet horse, he’d come back in from his summer break not looking too good, but he is now a bull of a horse. Once he started winning races, he became much more cocky and grew in confidence. “The fitter he is, the naughtier he is and he will try anything from bucking to whipping round - you name it, he will try it. Because I am quite tall and he’s only small, I don’t ride him everyday, usually just on schooling days, although I usually get him on a Monday morning when no one…

BIG STAR 17-year-old bay stallion Quick Star x Nimmerdor Rider: Nick Skelton Owners: Gary and Beverley Widdowson Breeder: Cees Klaver This charismatic megastar, Nick’s “horse of a lifetime”, was a winning machine until his retirement in 2017. He amassed global grand prix victories, but his crowning glory was a brace of Olympic gold medals: at London 2012 he led the British team to victory, while at Rio 2016 he claimed individual honours. He really was the best in the world. CHILLI MORNING Died as a 20-year-old in 2020, chestnut gelding Phantomic x Kolibre Rider: William Fox-Pitt Owners: Chris and Lisa Stone Breeder: Rainer Schicketanz A brilliant championship campaigner for Britain this decade with two individual bronzes and a team silver. He also became the only stallion ever to triumph at…

PIPPA FUNNELL’S 2019 BURGHLEY WIN Pippa’s victory, riding MGH Grafton Street, came 14 years after her last top-level win - Badminton in 2005. “Hopefully it meant something to people because of my age and the gap between wins. The road is not always straightforward and I hope the achievement will inspire others to keep persevering,” she said. BRITAIN’S TEAM GOLD AT LONDON 2012 Carl Hester, Laura Tomlinson and Charlotte Dujardin made history in Greenwich, winning Britain’s first Olympic dressage medal - and it was gold. Charlotte was last to go for Britain on Valegro in her second season riding at grand prix, aged 27. She said: “It was the ultimate dream to get there and win gold.” FRANKEL’S FINAL VICTORY Superstar Frankel concluded a stunning career and remained unbeaten when…

SAM DRACOTT How long have you been a farrier? “I have been properly qualified for around eight years, but including my apprenticeship it would be 12 years in total.” What made you become a farrier? “My mum used to compete in driving trials and with my hands and horses were all I knew. I love my job – every day is different and it keeps me on my toes.” Your best shoeing achievement: “There isn’t one stand-out horse over the years, but I have shod a few high-end dressage I used to do eventing. When it came to choosing a career, I wanted to do something that involved horses. I could not have worked in an office – I wanted to do something practical horses. However, my best achievement is…

THE EQUI-FUN CLUB (SOUTH-EAST) Founded: 2002 Number of members: 250 Members’ best moments of 2020: “This year has been strange for everyone, but the club’s highlight has to be all the members coming together online to help support each other through our virtual events, training and fun, while raising money for the NHS and other local charities.” “There’s a huge variety of activities for all ages. During lockdown, the club organised virtual dressage, photo shows, and even virtual hobby horse dressage and showjumping! “Since lockdown eased, the club’s programme of regular shows and clinics has recommenced with appropriate Covid-19 measures in place. “The organisers are always encouraging and supportive to everyone, whether they are junior members or pensioners, such as me.” “All the members came together to support each other”…

Edited by Pippa Roome pippa.roome@futurenet.com @pipparoome PAU CCI5* 1st Laura Collett (GBR) on London 52 2nd Piggy March (GBR) on Brookfield Inocent 3rd Tim Price (NZL) on Wesko Les 5 Etoiles de Pau, France LAURA COLLETT led from start to finish at the only five-star of the 2020 season, showing the world London 52’s exceptional talent in all its glory on his debut at this level. The son of Landos, who belongs to his rider, Karen Bartlett and Keith Scott, has won four times at four-star, but also had some high-profile failures, such as falling at last year’s Europeans. “I’ve always believed in him - there’s always been a reason behind his problems and [Irish rider] Sam Watson said to me that every horse has ups and downs, but because…

WORKING from home has been a game-changer for Jessica Bluhm, who won a BE90 section at Norton Disney (3) with her own Carlingfords O Reilly. The Nottinghamshirebased rider, who buys and sells feed commodities, such as soybean meal and wheat, for livestock feed, now uses her commuting time to ride her 11-year-old gelding. “It’s made such a difference,” said Jessica, who uses her holiday leave almost exclusively for training and competing. The pair scored a personal best of 22.8 in the dressage and followed it up with a double clear. “I have my trainer, Laura Greenhalgh, to thank for helping build my confidence and ability,” continued Jessica. “I get nervous before the showjumping, but Reilly is a lovely, genuine boy, and thanks to his and Laura’s efforts, I am now…

THE Pennell family’s lifelong dedication to Dales pony breeding reaped yet more rewards here, and three close home-bred close relations ended up in the overall supreme. These were the full-brothers, restricted ridden champion Nipna James Britannia (Vikki Smith, pictured) and Pretty Polly champion Nipna Invictus (Caitlin Hamilson) - both by Wolsey Xabi out of Hodgson Lane Alice - and Invictus’ five-year-old son, Nipna Midnight Rambler, the young pony champion. “Richard Waite bought James as a four-year-old from us as a surprise anniversary present for his wife Katie,” said Nipna Stud’s Anna Pennell. “We sold Invictus as a five-year-old to Katie Chappell after we’d used him, and she took him to HOYS and Olympia before selling him to Kirsty Hamilton. We still own his son Midnight Rambler - he’s just a…

“I’M so pleased she trusted me,” said Abbie Newbury of Furst Dance I, a double medium winner at West Wilts EC, Wiltshire. “She lacks experience indoors, so just to go in was an achievement. To then do so well was a triumph.” Abbie has persevered with “Darcy”, the “incredibly sharp, very intelligent” seven-year-old mare she co-owns with Tessa Thorne and Ishbel Mackie, combining patient training with plenty of hacking. “Tessa has been a huge influence - she really believes in us,” said Abbie, who last competed the Furst Kiss daughter a year ago. “Darcy has a lot of talent for the higher-level work, which is hopefully where she’ll shine.” I OWE IT TO...…

BRITISH SUCCESS HOLLY SMITH and Fruselli (Zambesi x Karandasj) bolted home in two classes on the CSI4* Vilamoura Champions Tour this week. Their winning run started in Thursday’s speed class, following up in Saturday’s hugely competitive 1.40m small grand prix, when snatching victory from final draw. “It was a definite advantage as I got to see all the problems on the course,” said Holly. “But also it meant that I had a quick turnaround for my horse - he didn’t have a lot of chance to get his energy back before the jump-off. Luckily he’s very fit, having done quite a bit at the end of the season, so he coped with it brilliantly.” There was a fierce jump-off to conclude Sunday’s 1.55m CSI4* grand prix, worth €23,750 (£21,500) to…

IN a 2014 interview for the People’s Collection of Wales, Harry Llewellyn’s son Roddy – pictured, inset, with his siblings aboard Foxhunter being led by his father – recalled the relationship between Foxhunter, his father and the public. “My father understood horses. I think most successful competitive horse people have that special relationship and my father certainly did with Foxhunter. Foxhunter was an extraordinary, exceptional horse. He was so quiet that he used to have his mane plaited lying down in a stable. I remember as a child almost being able to talk to him; he was like an uncle to me and it was agony when he died. “Busloads of children came to visit Foxhunter. One little girl touched Foxhunter and she stared at her hand and said: ‘I’ll…

PLANS FOR YOUTH SJ CHAMPIONSHIP THE FEI is exploring organising a youth showjumping competition in 2022 to replace the postponed Youth Olympic Games (YOG). The YOG was set to be held in Dakar, Senegal, in 2022 and has been pushed back to 2026. The federation has opened the bid process for the FEI Youth Jumping Competition 2022 and the deadline is 8 December. It will follow the YOG format, with 30 riders in a continental team and individual competition on borrowed horses, provided by the organiser or host national federation. The FEI will make its decision in February 2021. NO BE80(T) AT BURGHLEY 2021 THE BE80(T) championship will not run at Burghley Horse Trials next year, as the event will run over four rather than five days. Event director Elizabeth…

American dressage rider Laura Graves has married Curt Maes. Laura, who was part of the bronze medal-winning team at Rio 2016, said “almost nine years later, we finally tied the knot”. The Pony Club has appointed Marcus Capel as its permanent chief executive after he stepped into the interim role more than a year ago. Marcus said he feels “verv honoured”. Kiwi eventer Jock Paget has been appointed high performance general manager for Equestrian Sports New Zealand. Jock said it is an “exciting challenge and massive opportunity”. Eventer turned jockey Saffie Osborne is recovering from a fall at Windsor on 19 October. Saffie said she felt lucky to escape with only” a broken arm, broken ribs, and punctured lung. Guinness World Records has recognised Susan Oakes as the holder of…

I AGREE with Andrew Nicholson’s opinion on cross- country courses needing to be a true test (opinion, 1 October). I also rode at Dauntsey in their intermediate and was eliminated on a horse I was thinking of stepping up to advanced. This proved he is not ready, so I thank Beanie Sturgis and her course for highlighting this. I will now do more training, even drop down a level to regain his confidence. There is a stigma about blotting a horse’s record, but mistakes are there to learn from and are better made at the lower levels. If courses are too soft, how will you know if you are ready for the next level? If the courses are more unified, then riders would have to drop down a level if…

alexandra.robinson@futurenet.com @AlexRRob AS I write, I’ve just about recovered from our British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Heritage championship show held at Arena UK (17-18 October). There was a fabulous atmosphere, and even though there were no Olympia qualifiers, people wanted to be there. It’s been a difficult and challenging year. The latter word has been used a lot but rightly so. During lockdown no one could have predicted that showing could have carried on this season. I must mention one individual, Joanne Pybus, who has been instrumental in formulating a blueprint alongside the Showing Council and the other disciplines. The BSPS has flown the flag. We were brave enough to put our necks on the line. This is no disrespect to anyone; but someone had to lead the way. People…

VICKY is a top show horse producer based in South Wales with her partner, international showjumper Andrew Davies, and their son Archie. She was dual champion at HOYS in 2015 with hack Whalton Forgery and cob Randalstown Musketeer. ON competition day I like everything to run smoothly. Our work is done at home but I like to know I’ve put 110% effort in and that everything is covered for every eventuality. My long-suffering partner, Andrew, says I’m so over-organised that if something goes wrong I’m annoyed I haven’t planned for the problem. Before I enter the show ring I try to keep calm. We can all be guilty of overriding in the moment, but this is when mistakes happen. As a rider it’s my responsibility to give the horse a…

HOW TO VOTE Having read the stories of our nominees in the following pages, don’t miss your chance to vote now for the one you feel most deserves the win in each category by visiting horseandhound.co.uk/awards For full terms and conditions relating to voting for these awards, visit horseandhound.co.uk/awardsrules2020 Voting is open for one week only. Voting will open on 29 October 2020 and will close at 11:59pm on 5 November 2020. You are voting for the winners of the Horse & Hound Awards in the following eleven (11) categories: SEIB Horse of the Decade, Balanced Horse Feeds Pony of the Decade, Uvex Helmets Professional Rider of the Decade, Horserail Moment of the Decade, Pikeur Amateur Rider of the Decade, Horse Dialog Equestrian Club of the Year, Absorbine Groom of…

PHILIPPA WRATTEN 33 years old, police officer jumping up to 1.40m with her mare Ginelli Z This talented showjumper produces her own horses alongside working demanding shifts. She often competes against the pros while representing Forces Equine. Philippa suffered a facial injury two years ago and is still undergoing surgery, but always takes time to help others. SHARON POLDING 48 years old, corporate high-flyer aiming for Badminton 2021, her third five-star Sharon juggles a demanding full-time job as global account manager at Vodafone with eventing and being a mother. She has competed to three-star on previous horses and completed two five-stars with her current horse, Findonfirecracker. EVIE TOOMBES 18 years old, disability campaigner and para showjumper on the wonderful Daisy Despite being born with spina bifida and undergoing gruelling treatments,…

SIMON CONSTABLE SIMON CONSTABLE’S EQUINE VETS Length of veterinary career: 28 years Speciality: Equine vet with a certificate in equine orthopaedic surgery What made you become a vet? “When I was younger, I lived next door to a large animal and equine vet called Ron Thomson. From when I was 13 years old, he would take me out and about with him. Ron was fantastic and is the very reason I’m a vet today.” Proudest vetting moment: “We do a lot of work with the RSPCA and have been involved with some horrific cases. One rescue, Razor – named due to his protruding backbone – was one of the worst cases I’ve seen. He had strangles and a host of other issues but we eventually got him right. He’s now…

catherine.austen@futurenet.com @cfausten Fernie, Gumley Park, Leics WATCHING the Fernie hounds stream across one of the choicest pieces of grassland hunting country in England, their voices slicing through the damp afternoon air, one could, for a while, believe all was right with the world. For me, this has always been the magic of hunting; in those moments, it expands to fill our consciousness and extraneous issues are pushed away. The first day of the “season proper” wasn’t an opening meet as we know it – as will be the way this winter, there was no meet. Instead, in the smooth, efficient way that is the hallmark of this pack, huntsman Will Hanson and hounds trotted through the environs of Gumley Park, past three pre-arranged parking places, at exactly the right time.…

DESPITE the current Covid-19 restrictions - and the loss of Olympia - entries for this increasingly popular annual highlight for the native world held up well. “We gave a free entry to everyone who had qualified for the Olympia semi-finals, and we had pretty much the same number of total entries - around 1,200 - as usual,” said BSPS general secretary Karen Toynton Ward. “We refunded anyone affected by the most recent lockdown rules, but this only amounted to about 4% of the original entries. “We did ask members to be responsible for themselves, though, and not travel if they or anyone connected with their ponies came from the highest tier of lockdown. “We think people respected that, and it remained a very happy, well-supported and successful show - we…

OF all the desirable traits in a young dressage horse, a “have a go” attitude must rank near the top. This willingness to try was what impressed Annie Staines about newly backed Dutch warmblood gelding Kartouche V when she viewed him at the Woodcroft Stud two years ago. “Tushy”, now five, continues to oblige. He headed both novices at Witham Villa RC, Leics, scoring 80.21% in one test and just short of that in the other. “It’s tempting to ask more, but Tushy is such a huge, big-moving lad that we’re producing him slowly, to last,” said Annie, who is training with Richard Davison and Gareth Hughes while Covid-19 restrictions keep her regular coach Conrad Schumacher out of the country. “He’s lovely. I would buy him all over again.” ONE…