Innholdsfortegnelse for 20-Oct-2016 i Horse & Hound

DRESSAGE to music fans can look forward to a brand new Festival of Music, which British Dressage (BD) is planning to host for the first time in 2018. There will be classes from prelim to prix st georges (PSG) with bronze, silver and gold sections. A BD spokesman told H&H it is “very much in the embryonic planning stage with the rules and fixtures committee”, and more information will be released in due course. The loss of PSG music qualifying classes from the 2017 regionals (news, 6 October) has sparked disgruntled comments from competitors on BD’s members forum, but the news of the 2018 music festival has been welcomed. “Not much good for 2017 but PSG music will be back for us all from 2018 which is a huge relief…

A new dressage series for grassroots riders has attracted more than 1,500 competitors in its first year. My Quest was introduced by British Dressage (BD) to give further opportunities to amateur dressage riders (news, 29 October, 2015). The series follows the same format as Team Quest, which was launched three years ago, but is for individual competitors rather than teams. Quest competitions offer relaxed rules on dress, with sections open to all grassroots riders as well as categories for under 18s and British Young Riders Dressage Scheme (BYRDS) riders. “We have been really pleased with the uptake of My Quest in 2016, giving further opportunities to grassroots riders looking to take that first step into affiliated dressage competition,” a BD spokesman told H&H. “It has provided an additional championship series…

JIM CROWLEY The jockey has been crowned champion Flat jockey at Ascot (15 October). The 38-year-old former National Hunt rider broke the record for the highest number of wins in a calendar month after securing 46 victories in September. VICTORIA CLAYTON Ms Clayton is the new secretary of the Shire Horse Society. Her family owns the Westfield Shire Stud and she has been involved in the breed for more than 25 years. She will take up the position from 7 November. VICTORIA PENDLETON The Olympic cyclist will be turning her hand to showjumping to compete in the Markel Champions Challenge at Olympia in aid of H&H’s charity of the year, the Injured Jockeys Fund. Victoria will be getting tips from Nick Skelton. GEOFF BILLINGTON The showjumper will be joined by…

A recent example of doxing is the leaking of a huntsman’s personal details after he was acquitted of causing grievous bodily harm. The Countryside Alliance (CA) said the address of Mark Doggrell, huntsman of the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale, along with his wife’s telephone number, were maliciously posted on the internet. CA chief executive Tim Bonner said: “The Countryside Alliance welcomes the publication of these new guidelines. “Online abuse via social media is one of the fastest-growing and complex areas of criminal law and the guidelines are useful in helping the public understand when a prosecution may be brought. “However, for these new guidelines to have any effect it is vital that they have teeth. Many of the most hardened and experienced activists find out ways to beat the system…

A new Weymouth bit has been designed to prevent interference with the bridoon in horses wearing a double bridle. Neue Schule’s Turtle Tilt Weymouth (pictured) sits further forward on the tongue so that a bigger gap between the curb and bridoon mouthpieces prevents them from catching on each other. “We often hear from riders who cannot understand why their horse goes well in the same bridoon as a snaffle but fusses and resists when it’s a double — even when they drop the curb rein,” said company founder and bitting expert Heather Hyde. When the contact is picked up, the mouthpiece rotates so that the flattened and widened surface sits on the tongue with the curve pointing forwards and down along the tongue. This makes space for the bridoon without…

AN INJURED JOCKEY Andrew Thornton was just four wins away from reaching 1,000 career victories when he broke his collarbone in a fall at Towcester on 5 October. The 43-year-old suffered the injury when Utmost Zeal fell at the fourth fence in the novice chase. A PAIR OF COBS Two colts were rescued from a sewage-filled ditch in Essex on 8 October. The youngsters were up to their necks in mud and were “exhausted by the ordeal”. Both are expected to make a full recovery. CRIME Horse owners have been warned to be vigilant after a series of break-ins at North Yorkshire yards. Numerous items including saddles, girths, bridles and numnahs have been taken. ‘RUDE’ RIDERS Ely Eventing Centre in Cambridgeshire will not be running any more unaffiliated events following…

RACING Go to Doncaster racecourse for two days of racing on 21-22 October. The Saturday features the final Group One race of the Flat season. www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk TEAM CHASING The Grafton hunt’s team chase and gate jumping competition will be held at Sulgrave Farm, near Banbury, Oxon, on 23 October. www.teamchasing.co.uk EVENTING Visit the final international event of the UK season at Aldon, in Somerset, on 20-23 October, featuring one- and two-star classes. www.aldonhorsetrials.co.uk GALA EVENING Bury Farm’s All Stars Gala, including a showjumping grand prix and the British Riding Clubs’ quadrille final takes place on 22 October at the Buckinghamshire venue. www.buryfarmestates.co.uk HUNTER TRIALS Enter Foresterseat Cross-Country’s autumn hunter trial in Glenfarg, Perth, on 23 October. www.equoevents.co.uk DRESSAGE Pencoed, Mid Glamorgan, hosts the last Area Festival qualifier for the 2017…

What a lovely article and photo of Slieve Bloom Jill in last week’s Horse & Hound (Horse hero, 13 October). She is an attractive, typical Connemara who shows what correct care and production can achieve. The mare was spotted in a field in Ireland as an immature, unkempt youngster by Mitch Doyle, who could see her potential, and was brought over to England to start her education. Mitch broke her in and started her novice career under saddle with some success and then went on to win open classes, as she had done previously with her father, Brock Lodge Buster. Without the breeders and early educators who have these ponies and horses in their time-consuming, formative years, riders and owners would not be able to “get on and go”. So…

THERE was a touching moment at the Rio medal ceremony when bronze medallist Eric Lamaze put his arm around Great Britain’s first individual Olympic showjumping champion, Nick Skelton, and uttered a few quiet words in his ear. “He said it couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy,” says Nick, obviously touched by the gesture. “And I think, genuinely, all the riders felt the same — so many were crying, I couldn’t believe it. They said things like, ‘You deserve it’ and ‘My God, it’s been a long time…’” These early tributes have escalated into an unprecedented surge of adulation towards this somewhat reluctant hero. There have been hundreds, if not thousands, of messages of congratulations, including a text from Ann Moore, the last British showjumper to have won an individual…

Be a show volunteer All competitions are heavily reliant on volunteers. Whether it’s putting up rings, collecting litter or manning the cake stall, helping out is a great way to stay involved as well as making a valuable contribution. Fence judging British Eventing offers good advice on its website about how to get involved - and one of the ways to do so is by fence judging. As the job is usually done in pairs, or even teams of three or four depending on the fence, it’s something that can be done with your other half, or friends. Become a judge If there’s one thing years on the show circuit gives you, it’s a thorough grounding in having an eye for a good pony. If that appeals, the various showing…

A successful trip to the south of France for Pau made for a great end to the season. I last went there 15 years ago for the European Championships. It’s a 12-hour drive, but joining up with Laura Collett and sharing the driving and cost made it more fun. Pau is one of the world’s six four-stars and the French always make you feel welcome. Twelve Brits made the journey — some were rerouting from Burghley and others like me were riding four-star debutants. Pau is a good introduction to this level as the cross-country is on generally level terrain with good ground. It gives you an indication of how good your horse might be. How Jung nailed it MONEY has been spent at Pau to provide a permanent sand…

WORLD RANKINGS Michael Jung (yER) BRITISH EVENTING LISTS Leading rider Oliver Townend Leading horse Diane Brunsden and Peter Cattell’s Leonidas II, ridden by Mark Todd Goldman Cup (under-21) Sam Ecroyd Fairfax Britannia League Sam Ecroyd’s Wodan III, ridden by the owner Calver Wealth Management Two-Star League Barbara and Nicholas Walkinshaw’s Billy Walk On, ridden by Pippa Funnell Gatehouse One-Star League Storm Straker’s Well Designed, ridden by the owner Foundation points rider Vicky Tuffs Foundation points horse Vicky Tuffs’ yoldwin, ridden by the owner Mitsubishi Motors Cup rider league Laura yreenhalgh Mitsubishi Motors Cup horse league Zoe Warren’s Foxs Castle, ridden by Kathy Staples…

Expert eyes on the ground WHEN Melanie Phillips realised that she was not fulfilling her potential at higher-level competitions, she decided that some hands-on help was called for. “I listened to various trainers coaching their clients in the warm-up,” said Melanie. “I felt that what Serena Pincus was saying was good, so I started training with her at the end of last year. “I’ve worked with some brilliant trainers, but Serena’s support at competitions is really making a difference,” she explained. “It’s difficult to recreate the best work from home in a test. Serena offers so much support in the warm-up, encouraging me to be focused and brave, and gives me great feedback afterwards. “Success hasn’t happened overnight, but my scores are improving.” Melanie’s results at Kings EC, Herefordshire (4…

HAVING not been to the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) for a couple of years, it really struck me this time around that it no longer seems to hold the same magic. When I was younger, the show had a real aura about it — and maybe this historic show lost something special when it moved from Wembley. Or perhaps I’m just old and grumpy now… But for the younger generation, it is the end of the year finale that they all aim for. It’s still a special show for equestrianism and it will always be steeped in history. Regular readers of this column will have heard my gripes about the Foxhunter class, but it’s amazing how many people go to HOYS on the Thursday night because of the…

MARY KING Favourite stabling: the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. What it’s like: there are 45 boxes in the main quadrangle, plus another stable block, the Dog Kennels, adjacent to Badminton House, so called because the late Duchess of Beaufort kept her whelping pens there. Another block is called the Clock Tower; there are 15 boxes in the Farm Yard, while the Portcullis block is close to Badminton village and is a quiet spot for nervous horses. A total of 92 horses can be stabled during the event. All the gear: most of the stables have built-in mangers and some have automatic drinkers. The full-sized pitch pine doors still boast their original brass door furniture from the 19th century. Horses are bedded down on Bedmax shavings, unless riders prefer paper…

ITV has unveiled the team of presenters that it is backing to bring more viewers to watch racing on terrestrial TV next year. Oli Bell will present the channel’s weekly racing morning “magazine” show and Richard Hoiles will be the lead commentator, joined in the commentary box by Mark Johnson. Experts on the team include Hayley Turner, Mick Fitzgerald, Jason Weaver, Luke Harvey and Brian Gleeson. Brough Scott will also appear as a regular guest offering his insight 30 years on from presenting ITV’s racing coverage. Frankie Dettori will be a regular contributor to the programmes around his riding commitments and Victoria Pendleton will bring her fresh perspective to the channel’s coverage. Alice Plunkett, Rishi Persad and Sally-Ann Grassick have reporting roles and Lucy Verasamy will provide reports on the…

PUMPHILL BUCKTHORN SARAH PARKER’S winning Dartmoor stallion has been retired from the show ring aged 13. He claimed multiple championship titles at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), the Royal International (RIHS) and Olympia. AL FEROF THE popular chaser has been retired from racing after sustaining a small tear to a flexor tendon. The 11-year-old gelding won more than £500,000 in prize money and triumphed in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2011. REMYNISCE THE nine-year old Arab has won the longest national endurance ride in Britain (172km) at Endurance GB’s The Royalties in Lincolnshire with rider Susan Hawes. The gelding was bred and is owned by Gadebrook Stud in Northamptonshire. AFTER DARK PENNY HOLLINGS’ former HOYS show hunter pony runner-up has died aged 26. Following a glittering ridden…

An FEI investigation into the death of showjumper Kevin Thornton’s ride Flogas Sunset Cruise at the two-star GPA Jump Festival in France is under way. • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ flogas-sunset-cruise Northern Powergrid has agreed an out-of-court settlement with the owner of two ponies killed by electric arcing from a low cable. • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ low-power-cable Two horses have been put down following the international 90km endurance ride in Fontainebleau, France, on 15 October. • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ fontainebleau-endurance-deaths Redwings Horse Sanctuary has paid tribute to “hero” cob Oliver (pictured) who died after spending seven years as the inseparable companion to blind horse Boo. • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ hero-cob-oliver Actress Susan George is downscaling her Arab breeding operation and will be looking for new homes up to 18 horses. • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ susan-george-arabs-sale AP McCoy has spoken out about the metal health challenges facing jockeys in a video released…

STARS from the equestrian world have shown their support for Horse & Hound’s #jocksinsocks social media campaign to raise funds for our charity of the year, the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF). Clare Balding, AP McCoy and Jonjo O’Neill are among the leading names to have taken part in the campaign. An IJF spokesman said #jocksinsocks has got off to a “great start”. Participants find unusual ways to wear socks — or ways in which their four-legged friends can do so — before taking a picture, uploading it to social media and captioning it with the #jocksinsocks hashtag. And most importantly they also text IJF to 70800 to donate £5, and nominate their friends to do the same.…

ARTHUR ROWLAND THE founder of Stanley Grange Stud has died aged 103. He moved to the farm in Great Ayton, Middlesbrough, with his brother William — grandfather of current owner Jerome Harforth — in 1916, and bought the stud’s foundation broodmares, Norwood Jemima and the then yearling filly Groundhills Golden Girl, at a dispersal sale in 1974. Stanley Grange stock now compete successfully in all disciplines and are renowned in show rings around the world. Mr Rowland was known for his warm welcome to visitors, and he still walked the paddocks checking animals until well into his 90s, maintaining a keen interest in the ponies and the show team’s results until the end. PHILIPPA MARY FRANCIS A stalwart of the equestrian world, Mrs Francis died on 28 September, aged 58.…

CALLS are being made for mandatory CCTV in all equine slaughterhouses in the UK to safeguard animal welfare, writes Rachael Turner. World Horse Welfare launched the appeal after finding that almost three-quarters of more than 900 horse owners asked would not have confidence that welfare would be protected throughout the slaughter process. The charity also discovered that almost half of the owners surveyed would consider a slaughterhouse as an acceptable option to end a horse’s life if additional measures were in place, such as CCTV that is constantly in operation and available to the relevant authorities. “We fully understand this is a very difficult subject many owners will prefer not to consider, but we firmly believe that equine slaughterhouses must remain an option,” said World Horse Welfare chief executive, Roly…

LOOKING for a new horse? A one-of-a-kind gem has just come on the market — beautifully put together, a real eye-catcher and with an excellent temperament. World-famous rocking horse makers Stevenson Brothers have teamed up with Fernandes Exquisite Creations to create Swarovski-covered “Crystal”. More than 82,000 crystals have been attached to the rocking horse, who bears a hallmarked silver plaque with the number “001”. The companies are now working on the next equine creations in the range — a zebra and a miniature unicorn. But Crystal is not cheap — she will be on sale in time for Christmas from Harrods’ private buyers department with a price tage of £98,400.…

WHETHER you are a Nick Skelton fan or simply want to see equestrianism recognised by the mainstream once more — that’ll be all of us, then — now is the time to support Nick for Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY). The shortlist is to be decided imminently. It’s a competitive year, with so many Brits picking up medals in Rio; all the more reason to make the panel aware of what makes Nick’s gold so great. To have gone to so many Olympics, to make it on his last chance, to have come back from injury — both he and Big Star — are just some of the reasons his achievement is so worthy. That he turns 60 next year has made his success resonate with generations that the…

Watching videos • I ask my groom to video me at shows for me to watch later. I always find something that I can improve on. It’s also good to go back and watch one from a few weeks before, so you can see how you have improved. • At home I do all the riding so it’s helpful to see the horse’s shape and, at this time of year, the horse’s coat. It’s a bit of a nightmare getting their coat right for HOYS. Flash nosebands • One of my pet hates is seeing a horse open its mouth in the show ring. None of my horses are sharp and they all go in snaffles but I do use flash nosebands. • Even when they’re in the double bridle…

• “He has more ability than any other horse I’ve sat on and I’ve been very lucky to have some unbelievable horses.” • “He’s got so many gears, he’s very intelligent and he doesn’t want to hit the poles.” • “When I walked the course for the Olympic final I thought, ‘Shit this is big’, but I knew that it was all within his capabilities and that is a great feeling.” • “He’s a funny character, because you have to kick him along at home - he walks at a snail’s pace. But as soon as he goes in the ring, he changes, he’s like two different horses.” • “You can put pressure on him when the big time comes - there aren’t many horses that can handle it at…

IT was a case of déjà vu for Michael Jung, who was conquered by a young Frenchman for the second year in succession, while Nicola Wilson’s valiant attempt to add a first CCI4* victory to her CV ended in fourth place. Twelve months previously, it was Astier Nicolas who denied Michael the final European four-star title of the season, but this time Maxime Livio on Qalao Des Mers moved up from seventh after dressage to take the top spot. The 29-year-old, who runs a 30-box yard near Saumur, was relieved not to be the bridesmaid again. “I’ve been second a few times and it doesn’t feel the same as winning; I’m happy I’ve finally done it,” said Maxime, who finished second here in 2013 aboard Cathar De Gamel and was…

Houghton Hall EC Petplan Equine Area Festival, Cambs 7-10 OCTOBER HOUGHTON HALL had gargantuan entries (437) for this year’s Area Festival, with every class up to medium having to be split into sections. Tessa Halsall and her Knabstrupper Tresaison Hallmark emerged as double winners, taking one section of the elementary bronze (the other going to Lucy Topp and Nibeley Tranquility) and one section of the novice bronze (shared with Alice Hallows and Newferry Irish Mist). Tessa and “Hal”, whom Tessa bought as a yearling and produced herself, almost didn’t enter the show. “I love the training process; even when things don’t go well, by the time I’m halfway home my mind is full of training ideas to work on. However, this year, the constant solo travelling and coming home to…

SHOWS like the Great British Bake Off and Strictly Come Dancing are based on personalities and characters. However, as the shows continue into their umpteenth series, this has led to comments about the participants now being “Z-listers”. But even so-called Z-listers have personalities — as they’re showing — and are why the viewing figures are still as high as they are. There’s ongoing concern about the popularity of dressage, so any opportunity to identify and capitalise on personalities to increase exposure is vital. It’s very good that awards to recognise owners and grooms and the achievements of all those involved other than riders have been instigated over the past few years, and wonderful to see this being opened up even further with the introduction of the H&H Awards and the…

Vilamoura Champions Tour 2016, Portugal 22 SEPTEMBER–16 OCTOBER JESSICA MENDOZA sealed the final week of the three-week tour by taking the Ladies’ World Trophy, and the keys to a Smart car, on Ramiro De Belle Vue. In a five-way jump-off in the third and final round of jumping, Jess and the 15-year-old stallion by Mozart De Hayettes found the quickest of the three double clears by a convincing 1.5 second margin. “Everyone knows what a competitive class this is and it certainly seemed to have a lot of prestige associated with it,” she said. “I was third to go and just kept it fast. It was only about 1.40m but with three rounds, there was a lot of jumping.” This was Jess’ third win at the show with Ramiro, and…

‘My original plan had been farming. I was just training a few home-breds as well, for fun really, but Mrs Muck turned out to be quite something’ MRS MUCK was the first good horse I had when I was starting out in training — she set me off really. What made her even more special was that I bred her, and she was by far my best horse in those early days. I started out with her when I was just a permit holder, before gaining my full licence in 1989. My original plan had been farming. I was just training a few home-breds as well, for fun really, but Mrs Muck, who was foaled in 1981, turned out to be quite something. She ran well in several good races,…

CHANGES to the FEI’s prohibited substances list for 2017 include the addition of high profile substances cobalt and meldonium, which have both hit the headlines recently. There are 18 changes to the list this year, including eight new substances. Cobalt has been added as a threshold substance — meaning no more than a certain amount is allowed to be present in urine — and meldonium is now a banned substance. Cobalt is known to increase the number of red blood cells and haemoglobin to enhance endurance, but is also an essential trace element that is naturally present in the horse. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) also updated its rules on cobalt levels and testing earlier this year, in April. Jenny Hall, BHA chief veterinary officer, said at the time that…

RIDERS in the east of England have been given a welcome boost following the opening of a new venue in the region. Barleylands Equestrian Centre in Basildon, Essex, opened last month (16 September) and will help fill the void left by the closure of nearby Longwood Equestrian Centre, which shut in September 2015, and the loss of Patchetts Equestrian Centre in neighbouring Hertfordshire in August 2015. Longwood was forced to shut down to make way for a housing development, but manager Ian Lewington was able to set up a new centre just four miles away. The 48.62-acre site offers improved facilities, including 44 stables, an indoor arena with viewing area, four manèges, and winter and summer hacking tracks. Barleylands hosts riding lessons, livery and events, including affiliated and unaffiliated showjumping,…

NEW guidelines issued by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have been welcomed by hunt members who have suffered at the hands of anti-hunting activists using social media to intimidate them. A statement on the CPS website states: “The new social media guidelines for prosecutors makes it clear that those who encourage others to participate in online harassment campaigns can face charges of encouraging an offence.” A spokesperson for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said: “Ignorance is not a defence and perceived anonymity is not an escape. Those who commit these acts, or encourage others to do the same, can and will be prosecuted.” Simon Green, joint-master of the North Warwickshire beagles told H&H: “I am delighted to learn that these ‘keyboard warriors’ who hide behind closed doors and attack…

AN endurance rider and horse have been suspended after a banned substance was detected in a routine test. Samples were taken from Houkoumi G, who was being ridden by Belgian rider Evelyne Stoffel, at the 100k one-star in Virton, Belgium, on 4 September. The pair finished in third place. Houkoumi G tested positive for O-Desmethyl-Tramadol, which is used for pain relief and is a banned substance under the FEI’s equine anti-doping and controlled medication regulations. Evelyne has been provisionally suspended from the date of notification (12 October) and Houkoumi G has also been suspended for a two-month period.…

A RIDING SCHOOL Wimbledon-based Deen City Farm has qualified for this month’s national quadrille finals at Bury Farm (22 October). All four of Deen City’s riders take part on school horses. SAFE HACKING Mounting blocks have been installed by Highways England either side of the Chilworth Drove bridge in Southampton to allow riders to get back on easily after dismounting to cross the bridge safely with their horses. GOLF Retired champion jockey AP McCoy has been playing golf alongside Fifty Shades of Grey star Jamie Dornan. The pair were taking part in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland. YEARLING SALES A record number of youngsters broke the million guineas mark at Tattersalls October yearling sale (4-6 October), with four lots making seven-figure sums. This included a colt by Dubawi…

HORSES can suffer from pelvic asymmetry from their very earliest days, according to a recent study. The research looked at the prevalence and progression of pelvic asymmetry among newborn foals. Rebecca Stroud, a McTimoney animal practitioner, carried out the study on 10 healthy foals — four colts and six fillies. Measurements were taken of the height of the left and right tuber coxae (point of hip) at birth to one week, four to five weeks and eight to nine weeks of age. The foals were turned out in the field for the first time between the first and second data collections. It was found that pelvic asymmetries may be present in newborn foals, or develop very early in life, with asymmetry detected at the first stage. There was little change…

A TRUE CHAMPION Sir — I enjoyed your coverage of Allister Hood taking the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) supreme championship on Lady Caroline Tyrrell’s Our Cashel Blue (report and cover, 13 October). Allister is a true champion. As a horseman, he has been at the top for years, in spite of injuries and challenges that would have defeated some and made many change course. Allister is a true gentleman. We have known him through our years in hunter ponies and mountain and moorlands. We have been in the ring competing against him with cobs, hacks and various hunters. He is even-tempered at all times and has been an inspiration to all the young and aspiring in showing. He is always a good sport and makes time for people.…

My most memorable win... The intermediate at Burnham Market on Biarritz II (above) last year. My coach Darrell Scaife had told me the week before that the game plan was to go out and win, so I did just that! I wish horses were always that simple. My best tip for saving time around the yard… Don’t get distracted by standing around chatting. There’s plenty of time for that when the yard duties are finished. Looking back… I missed a simple fence out on a cross-country round on two horses, one after the other, and thought I’d come first and third, only to hear that I was actually eliminated on both! Getting away from it all... I love going back home to Zimbabwe or to the coast in South Africa.…

DISEASES enjoy winter. Viral respiratory infections are much more common during the colder months, as is the bacterial infection strangles and also ringworm — which is in fact a fungus. These problems can all occur at any time of year. While heat and sunlight kill bacteria and viruses, however, damp and dark conditions allow them to persist and spread. When you factor in the additional time spent in the shared airspace of a barn or stable block, it is clear that attention to biosecurity becomes even more important over winter. All new arrivals at a yard should be kept fully separate from other horses for two weeks in case they are incubating an infection. Unfortunately, the chief risk from strangles comes from silent carriers — horses or ponies that show…

‘Perhaps I’ll sell the ponies and land, buy a little flat and spend my days going on cruises!’ LIKE lots of horse-mad mums, Lancashire-based Jane Walker leads a ferociously busy life. A full-time job, looking after ponies, out competing with her daughter every weekend, organising the popular Active Rider camps — there’s hardly a spare moment. But when those spare moments do come up, Jane admits a new worry has started to creep into her mind. “My daughter, Victoria, will be 17 this year and already we’re talking about her going away to university. It dawned on me that things would be very different when that happens — a big part of my life could just stop,” says Jane, who is chief lorry driver and groom when they go showing…

Alex Bragg and Cathal Daniels ALEX BRAGG (below right, on Zagreb), a farrier based in Bridgwater, Somerset, started eventing 12 years ago, after dabbling in semi-professional rugby, when his wife became pregnant and needed someone to ride her horse. “After being so well placed after dressage [second] I was more nervous than usual,” admitted Alex. “But also it’s the last event of the season and if it doesn’t happen here it’s a long winter to wait to get it right.” IRELAND’S Cathal Daniels, 20, rode with confidence to pilot Rioghan Ru (below left) into 12th at his CCI4* debut. “She small [15.1hh] and quick, but can be hot-headed,” said the Kildare-based rider of the mare with whom he clinched junior European team gold in 2013. Cathal trains with Ian Woodhead…

Angie Webb KATE SHANNON and Johny Blue (pictured) took the first section of the preliminary championship on 71.32% (the other going to Isabelle Havens on Coswarth Legacy). “Blue” was imported from Ireland and was worried, nervous and sharp to handle. He was put on working livery at Shuttleworth, where Kate is yard manager, hoping the work would settle him, but he proved unsuitable due to his behaviour. Kate liked him and took him on loan, warts and all. “In just over a year, Blue has flourished into a lovely, confident, super consistent horse; the farrier can trim him, you can bath and handle him, students even ride him,” said her friend Sian Bovell. Unfortunately three weeks ago Kate got the dreaded call that the owners wanted to sell him. Kate,…

‘He’s allergic to carrots’ WHEN Sharon Gerard bought her 14-year-old gelding Sven II in from the field to find his skin covered in bumps, her initial thought was that he’d been bitten by an insect. “Unfortunately, the rash got worse so the vets gave him steroids in the hope that the reaction would go down. But it flared up again following the second steroid injection, so we decided to investigate further,” explained Sharon. “A skin allergy test revealed he was allergic to grains and his favourite treat - carrots. So, we cut out all feed and carrots, and he’s now just on hay and grass and looks fantastic.” The warmblood gelding not only looks top-notch, but is also on winning form, topping elementary 53 with a personal best of 74.41%…

Equi-Trek Aintree International Equestrian Centre Premier, Liverpool, Merseyside 13-16 OCTOBER LANCE WHITEHOUSE produced a super-cool round from Cartino III to clinch victory in the Equi-Trek premier grand prix. Although David Cole had set a testing track that contained precious few “breather fences”, such was the standard that 21 of the 40-starters produced initial clear rounds. Once local rider Nigel Coupe had set a blistering pace (34.61 seconds) from fourth draw riding second-placed Jubilee, it was game on. However, no one managed to head the leaders until the last round of the show, when Lance Whitehouse’s cunning plan worked a treat as Cartino III posted the winning time of 34.09 seconds. “I’ve stepped him up a level here and I’m surprised how well he’s taken everything in his stride,” said Lance.…

• SHANE SWEETNAM and Cornwall took the top spot in the $25,000 (£20,500) Tryon Grand Prix in the USA. This came after the Irishman took the runner-up spot to Andrew Kocher (Zantos II) in Saturday’s $130,000 (£106,000) CSI3* Suncast Grand Prix riding Main Road. “Cornwall is only eight and belongs to my student Kaley Tomeu,” said Shane. “She typically rides him but broke her collarbone so I’ll have the ride on him for the next few months. I’m just starting to get the hang of him. “We’re aiming him for the last indoor competition in Kentucky. He’s very talented so I’m looking forward to seeing him progress over the next few months.” • THE opening World Cup qualifier in Oslo, Norway, produced a shock winner after a 20-rider jump-off. Italy’s…

Pytchley Winwick, Cheshire 15 OCTOBER RELENTLESS scored a sweeping victory in the Skinners open qualifier with all four riders and horses completing the tough track in impressive style. Dickie Barrett led them off on the irrepressible Mani and despite a hairy moment at the hedge into the spinney, which follows a stiff palisade and drop on a curving line, they were soon into their stride. Rowan Cope, Luke Morgan and Matt Mackley followed their leader on the tightest of lines between the first drop hedge and a stout palisade and ditch, and they swept on over the big hedges at the top of the course. They all achieved fantastic leaps over the yawning drop in the centre before running down the ridge and furrow to the valley bottom. Matt took…