Innholdsfortegnelse for 25-Feb-2016 i Horse & Hound

“STRONG” new measures applied in the UAE from 13 February failed to reduce speeds in the first two endurance rides to apply them. The Gamilati Cup for mares on 18 February, and a juniors’ race the next day both recorded some of the fastest aggregate speeds over 120km this season. Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum won the Gamilati Cup with a final loop speed of 32.11kph and average speed of 27.05kph. The third-placed horse’s final loop was 37.03kph. In the juniors’ race, the winner’s final loop was 34.43kph, with an average speed of 27.77kph. In both rides less than a third of the field completed. Critics predicted that lowering the compulsory heart recovery rate to 60bpm (from 64bpm) in the final loop only would be ineffective. Results suggest riders are…

THREE out of the four cities bidding to host the 2024 Olympic Games are in Europe. Rome, Paris, Budapest and Los Angeles have all submitted their candidate files to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The deadline for applications was 17 February. “For all four there is a clear focus on sustainable development, legacy and, in particular, how the facilities are going to be used after the Olympic Games,” said IOC president Thomas Bach. The election of the host city for the 2024 games will take place in September 2017 in Lima, Peru. This year’s Olympics will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.…

TEN riders have made the cut for the Irish eventing long-list for Rio 2016. Four have been named with two horses — Austin O’Connor, Joseph Murphy, Aoife Clark (pictured above at London 2012) and Michael Ryan. All members of the London 2012 team are among the line-up except Camilla Speirs. Nineteen-year-old Cathal Daniels is the youngest rider of the group, He helped the team secure its first Nations Cup win, at Boekelo on 11 October 2015. The combinations on the current squad are as follows: Austin O’ Connor with Kilpatrick Knight and Balham Houdini, Joseph Murphy with Westwinds Hercules and Sportsfield Othello, Aoife Clark with Fernhill Adventure and Wasting Light, Clare Abbott with Euro Prince, Sam Watson with Horseware Lukeswell, Jonty Evans with Cooley Rorkes Drift, Mark Kyle with Jemilla,…

AMANDA NISBET COMPETITOR and driving coach Mrs Nisbet (neé Saville) died on 12 February. She served as a council member of the British Horse Driving Trials Association (now British Carriagedriving) from 2004-2008. She was crowned national champion many times and continued competing and training while receiving cancer treatment. Her Chariots of Fire display team travelled across the UK to county shows, and in 2015 she was awarded the title of disability coach of the year by SportScotland. DR MARY LEWIS DR Lewis died at home on 1 February, aged 67. A life-long horsewoman, she had numerous Horse of the Year Show qualifiers in private driving, working hunters and ridden cobs. She is survived by her husband Derek, children Emma and Andrew, and three grandchildren. HERBERT DE BAEY ONE of the…

LEADING names in eventing, including Mark Todd, Zara Phillips and William Fox-Pitt, gathered for the launch of the Event Rider Masters (ERM) on Friday (19 February), a CIC3* series that aims to showcase the sport to a wider audience (news, 28 January), writes Kate Green. The pilot series has a prize fund of £350,000 (each first prize is £16,000) and will give money to the host events (Chatsworth, Bramham, Barbury, Gatcombe, Blair Castle and Blenheim). It is underpinned by Chris and Lisa Stone, owners of Badminton-winning stallion Chilli Morning. “It’s our passion for eventing that has brought us here today,” said Mrs Stone. “We are amateurs and new to the sport, but when Di [Brunsden, owner of Mark Todd’s ride Leonidas] and Alice [Fox-Pitt] came along with this idea we…

LOOKING to add a little more luxury to your horsebox? Well, a Dutch firm is converting Ifor Williams trailers into outdoor spas. Complete with a two-person hot tub, rainfall shower and a dressing corner, the internal walls will feature large pictures of animals. The tubs are set against a driftwood background, with all the technical installations and boiler hidden behind it. Netherlands-based “glamping” company FarmCamps has bought 20 trailers to be used as portable spas in its network of campsites. The only catch to enjoying hours soaking in bubble-heaven between classes at a show? Your horse might not be too impressed with travelling in the bath...…

WHEN I was 10, Horse & Hound’s show directory was my favourite issue of the year. Armed with a highlighter pen, I’d circle every competition I hoped to contest with my Thelwellesque pony. I’d be equally excited to receive my entry forms, revelling in detailing my pony’s credentials 30 times over. It’s incredible how little that process has changed in 23 years. We’re doing our grocery shopping by smartphone on the train into work, and buying tickets for the theatre instantly, but I still have a chequebook purely for the purpose of entering horse shows that are not yet enterable online. Our audience tell us in focus groups that, quite simply, they would compete more if it were quick to enter. To have even more people competing would be brilliant…

LESS than 1% separated the top three in a hot prix st georges (PSG) freestyle and there was a dramatic change in the result after the show. Initially the championship was awarded to Jacky Stolper and Luciano Pavarotti, with Karen Shepherd and Pepperwood Mr Mole second and Becky Edwards and Don Archie third. But after Becky’s mother checked the adding up on her score sheets, the result was appealed, and the championship awarded to Becky by 0.13%. It was Becky and the 11-year-old Dimaggio gelding’s first show since Barcelona CDI last year where they won their three young rider tests. “I’ve taken time out to really get to know him and establish the partnership,” said Becky, 19, who owns Archie with Dr Margaret Cox, the owner of her young rider…

‘People were getting out of their cars to watch’ A day out competing at Epworth for Stephanie Wells, her daughter Charlie and a group of friends, (see North report, p36), turned into a nightmare when her car towing a trailer broke down at one of the busiest motorway intersections in the north of England. “We were travelling in convoy when my car conked out and we just got onto the hard shoulder. While I phoned the AA and the police, my friend Kim Phelan went ahead to take her horse and a friend’s pony on to Epworth before coming back to rescue us,” said Stephanie. “As we had to take the horses out to unhitch my trailer so the AA could take my car, the police had to close the…

DEBBIE BEASANT rode her own and her father Ron Sapsford’s Ernie V to score 75.96% and top the novice 24 at West Wilts EC, (13 February), at just the seven-year-old’s second show, writes Annabel Kerby. “I’ve spent a lot of time producing him correctly so I was really relieved that the judges seem to like him,” said Debbie. Trained by Adam Kemp and Anne Keen Debbie, who runs a livery yard near Faringdon, bought Ernie V from Caroline Cooper three years ago. Malmesbury-based Victoria Bailey, who rides the 14-year-old Slieve Bloom Clover twice a week for Anna and Nick Wiles, won both elementary classes at West Wilts (11 February), in preparation for their appearance at the Area Festival elementary restricted finals. “He was originally bought as a safe hunter to…

ALICIA HAWKER topped the open class at the Jumping and Style (JAS) Final, which drew record entries this year. The 21-year-old and the selle Français Nankin Des Ruettes added just four time-penalties to their impressive style mark of 10. The pair could be classed as JAS specialists, as they are contesting the open final for the fourth time. “Even though he’s 15 he’s still quite spooky, so these classes suit him as they make him focus,” explained Alicia, who combines eventing with studying for a degree in sports performance at Bath University. Alicia jumps “Nonks” in a hackamore, which she says keeps his canter softer, and they made light work of the course, including the tricky double of arrowheads. “Their round was dead smooth — they were deserving winners,” said…

Keith Shore and DBD Coriander Van’t Vennehof THE new partnership clinched victory in the closing £500-to-the-winner grand prix. Although Keith has had Andrew and Marie Carlick’s “Dinky” since last September, their competitive outings have been few and far between due to Keith’s hunting commitments. “This is only our third show and sixth class, but he’s a proper little winner who wants to get to his fences as quick as I do,” said Keith. Course-designer Mark McGowan, who received much praise, set another tempting jump-off track for the seven finalists. With the previous open winners Mennell Watson (Whisper In The Wind) and Geoff Billington (Elo) leading the way, Keith pulled off two crucial turns before slipping the reins on a daring run to the final upright. “He’s sharp and can be…

Keeping it in the family ALTHOUGH Tom Francis-Jones will be the first member of his family to jump at the Royal International when he and Major Jack II compete in this year’s 128cm final, the Francis-Jones dynasty has been enjoying a run of success. Tom’s older brother Oli has moved on to horses and is already qualified for the Blue Chip power final, while mother Amanda - who heads their livery yard on the Northamptonshire-Buckinghamshire borders - has two Blue Chip tickets herself. Tom’s youngest brother Harry also previously competed but has now forsaken the saddle for football. “The boys haven’t been handed made ponies. They do all the work themselves,” said Amanda.…

Jessica McNally ALONGSIDE showjumping up to 1.40m, Jessica McNally works full time for her family’s business, which sells artificial turf. Age: 21 Lives: Northumberland Recent wins: I won the 1.20m open at Alnwick Ford Equestrian, Northumberland (14 February). Horse: Bowes Corland Cracker is a 12-year-old Dutch warmblood mare by Corland that I’ve owned for five years. She is my first horse - I sold my showjumping pony as a part-exchange for her when she came over from Holland. She is very brave and very good against the clock - a speed horse mainly and scopey over the bigger tracks. How I make it work: I’ve been working for the family business for four years and fit the horses in around work quite well. We have someone to feed them in…

JACQUELINE WHARTON’S remarkable Exmoor gelding Gaoth has won the Exmoor Pony Society performance award for the fourth consecutive time — and the fifth in six years. Last season, the now 14-year-old became the first of his breed to qualify for the HOYS native workers in a division higher than 122cm. He also competes in showjumping, cross-country, dressage, horse agility and even pony racing. “I have watched him grow from a shaggy, scruffy, woolly two-year-old into the pony he is today,” said Jacqueline.…

DRIVING towards the meet of the New Forest hounds near Lyndhurst, I passed a sign for the Rufus Stone. This marks the spot where 900 years ago King William II was killed out hunting by a stray arrow shot by his friend Walter Tirel. It is a poignant reminder that this tract of wilderness in the heart of the overcrowded south owes much of its long existence to the chase. The New Forest Hunt has benefited in recent years from the stability of well-established masterships and other long-serving officials. Sadly however, Paul Ames MFH recently announced his retirement after 14 seasons. The large mounted fields are testament to his skill as a field master over this unique and often tricky terrain. Replacing him is one of the current secretaries Dr…

‘We’ve struggled all season and it’s been a hard job getting him back’Paul Nicholls on Silviniaco Conti SOMETIMES the old clichés are just the best. At Ascot on Saturday, Silviniaco Conti could hardly have demonstrated more emphatically that form is temporary — class is permanent. The 10-year-old had been beaten in his three previous runs this season, but before that had won six Grade Ones and his innate ability resurfaced as he treated his Betfair Ascot Chase rivals with contempt to make it seven victories at the highest level. The gelding’s 20-length demolition of old rival Dynaste enhanced his claims as a Grand National candidate and brought a huge amount of professional satisfaction to his trainer Paul Nicholls. To win seven Grade One chases is a tremendous feat and Nicholls…

‘He had a huge personality. You couldn’t turn him out for long as he got bored’ AMANTI is the horse that taught me patience, to use my brain and to put the books back in the cupboard. He had caught my eye on a video and his future owner Stephen Day and I went to Denmark to see him. I was forbidden to ride as I was 11 weeks pregnant but I thought I’d better try him and we’d bought him by the time I’d ridden from H to C. He was quite straightforward as a young horse but the trouble started when he got to prix st georges. He could go straight from canter pirouette to rear and after he went over backwards we gelded him. It didn’t make…

Rumpl Made from the same materials as high-end sleeping bags and puffy jackets, the Rumpl high-performance blanket repels water, stains and odour. It’s perfect for chilly evenings on the showground and stuffs into a small compression sack. £80 (medium – 127x178cm) www.amazon.co.uk Scrubba This ingenious, pocket-sized washing device has internal nodules for easy scrubbing of the grubbiest gear, promising a machine-quality wash in just minutes. Just the job for keeping show shirts, bandages and other small items clean. £36.99 www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk Cafflano Klassic Being on the road is no excuse for bad coffee. Grind your own beans and brew a fresh cup in this all-in-one coffee-maker — just add hot water for an invigorating start to the day. £64.99 www.lakeland.co.uk BioLite NanoGrid A palm-sized energy…

The trainer LUCY MCCARTHY (née Wiegersma) has won all three national eventing titles - junior in 1995, young rider in 1998 and senior in 2006. Lucy counts Blenheim, Blair and Bramham among her three-day wins, and narrowly missed out on adding the Badminton title to her tally in 2008, when she finished second. The rider ABBIE HUGHES has ridden to advanced level eventing and dressage and has recently taken up point-to-pointing. She has ridden the eight-year-old thoroughbred gelding Best Bide Quiet (Charlie), since 2015 when he gave Abbie her first point-to-point ride. He switched to eventing later in the season, and it is hoped he will run at novice level this year. “We’re struggling with connection, which can lead to straightness issues, especially on the flat,” says Abbie. “Halts are…

EQUESTRIAN psychology coach Charlie Unwin breaks motivation down into two areas: the ”guiding force” and the “driving force”. “When we’re motivated we feel excitement and have a sense of meaning and purpose towards what we’re doing; this emotional energy is known as the driving force. “In contrast, the guiding force relates to a rational part of our brain that gives us purpose and clarity.” The guiding force allows us to question what we’re doing and why, while motivation drives riders to develop positive behaviour that will enhance their chance of success, such as training harder, or making lifestyle choices in pursuit of their goal. Sports performance coach Danielle Olding explains how motivated riders are more likely to succeed, as their motivation directly impacts on their effort. “Make it your personal…

THE gender gap is the opposite to racing within leisure riding. The “This Girl Can” campaign was launched last year and caught public attention for positive reasons. But in a female-dominated sport such as equestrianism, is it worth asking what can be done to encourage more men? The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) launched its “This Girl Can Ride” initiative, run by its London 2012 legacy participation programme Hoof Ride, last September, aiming to encourage women, particularly those aged over 26, to try riding. However, some H&Hreaders suggested the BEF look at closing the gender gap. Others also called for introductory riding schemes to cater for all genders. Women currently make up 74% of the riding population, according to the 2015 British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) survey. In 2015, there were…

JOINT-MASTER of the Cottesmore Gems McCormick died from a “traumatic brain injury” after her horse landed on her, an inquest has heard, writes Amy Mathieson. The 44-year-old died after a fall out hunting on 4 November. She suffered serious head injuries. Ms McCormick, who was also a showjumping supporter, was hunting with the Fitzwilliam (Milton) hunt when the accident happened. She was taken to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge, where she died. The inquest at Huntingdon registry office last week (16 February) recorded a verdict of accidental death. Senior coroner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough David Heming said: “Having jumped a rail she then slid off on landing and the horse then rolled over her.” The coroner’s office highlighted the “dangers of wearing decorative, cork riding hats”. “It is one of these…

VICTORIA PENDLETON The Olympic cyclist and now amateur jockey was unseated from Pacha Du Polder in her first hunter chase at Fakenham (19 February). She is now aiming at Wincanton on 2 March ahead of the Cheltenham Foxhunter. BOYD MARTIN US event rider Boyd is recovering after successful collarbone surgery in New York. The 36-year-old broke his right clavicle on 10 February after falling in the novice cross-country at Full Gallop Farm horse trials in South Carolina. ANGELICA AUGUSTSSON The Swedish rider had a daughter with her Brazilian partner Marlon Zanotelli on 11 February. This is the showjumping couple’s first child. “We are all feeling good and are extremely blessed and happy,” said Angelica. JAYNE ROSS The showing producer was cut and bruised in a fall from a Highland pony…

SPACE technology is being developed to be used in riding hats, writes Lucy Elder. Helmet manufacturer Charles Owen was one of the five winners of a $250,000 (£174,420) prize to come up with a new material that can be used in helmets. It was chosen from 125 entries in the National Football League, Under Armour and the US Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Head Health Challenge III competition. The company’s winning idea is a brand new substance made of cellular structures, which uses the science of origami. The essential building block is a double-corrugated sheet of material, whose ability to fold was originally developed for use in the space industry. Charles Owen is now working with Cambridge University and the University of Cardiff to develop…

RESEARCHERS are looking for riders to take part in a study into the mental health of equestrians. “The research explores the psychological wellbeing of equestrian sportsmen,” said clinical psychologist Dr Hannah Butler. There is currently an extremely limited understanding of this area, yet there are increasing numbers of equestrian athletes beginning to talk more openly about their experiences of psychological wellbeing and mental health difficulties (news, 11 May 2015).” The research involves completing a brief e-survey and short interviews. •  For more information email: hlbutler1@uclan.ac.uk…

EMILY BLUNT The British actor has joined the voice cast for My Little Pony: The Movie. Star of The Devil Wears Pradawill work alongside Kristin Chenoweth, known for her roles in the television series Gleeand the musical Wicked, in the animated film. A THIRSTY HORSE Bay gelding Rocky entered an East Yorkshire pub on 16 February. He was filmed at the bar of The Bowman’s Hotel, Howden, for a commercial for online bookmakers Marathon Bet. A RESCUE DOG Dressage star Carl Hester has rehomed a dog named Cookie while in the US. “I came to Florida to work, and the last thing I expected was to be rescuing another dog,” Carl wrote on his Facebook page. BIZARRE VIDEOS A video of a man wearing an inflatable dinosaur costume while riding…

TOP riders and delegates from the main 23 eventing nations were due to meet in London on Tuesday (23 February) to agree and present a formula for their sport’s future in the Olympic Games. The international eventing community has taken this unprecedented step because there is still no consensus among riders, just two weeks before the FEI eventing committee is due to finalise its proposals to put before the International Olympic Committee (IOC). “One achievement so far is that there will not be separate contests for team and individuals, but there are still many sticking points,” said Bruce Haskell, president of the Eventing Riders Association. The FEI has been discussing the 2020 Agenda for more than a year. Equestrianism is one of several sports asked by the IOC to increase…

WELL BRED Sir — It is lovely to read reports of really good horses and ponies, but are we giving enough credit to the breeders? For without their dedicated work for the first three to four years they wouldn’t be here. A lot of care goes into choosing the right sire for the dam. We must encourage dedicated breeding but condemn indiscriminate breeding. Jennifer Evans-Bevan, past president Welsh Pony and Cob Society Hay-on-Wye, Herefordshire H&H’s sport horse breeding editor Alice Collins replies: “I agree that breeders should be recognised for their brave and forward-looking efforts. We have two dedicated breeding special issues with a 52-page pull-out in the first, out 10 March and 7 April, which I hope you’ll enjoy.” COURTESY TO FARMERS Sir — I…

My favourite pub... The Harrow Inn, Wanborough. It’s our local and serves super food in a great atmosphere. Watching... Any elite, top-level sport and realising that nothing is as simple as it looks. For easy watching it has to be The Only Way Is Essex. Looking back... Falling off Major Sweep out hunting when he had retired from eventing. We were out with the VWH and fell on a lip of a ditch after a hedge, breaking my bridle, which Holly Farr then tied back together for me. My friend told me that there weren’t any ditches at the next four hedges, but he lied — there was a huge ditch after every one of them. Learning curve… Riding Dry Old Party I found the cross-country at my first few…

Plan for a successful outcome IN the case of fire, horses should be removed as rapidly as possible. The opposite is true when a horse is trapped - stuck in an overturned trailer, perhaps, or wedged in a ditch. Proper planning is then crucial. Always wait for professional help and allow time to decide the best approach for a safe outcome under the incident commander’s supervision. A horse that is stuck is usually far more stressed than he appears: he may be exhausted, or unable to move. Always put on a head collar with a decent lead rope to gain control of the head before rescue. An equine vet is an essential team member, monitoring the horse and administering appropriate sedation, painkillers or even general anaesthesia to enable rescue without…

Don’t confuse the issue • At a show, I don’t overthink any of the distances. I’d rather go in and ride each jump almost as it comes. • It sounds crazy, and obviously you need to know if a distance is long or short, but I seem to be better when I rely on instinct. Fitness and diet • I don’t run or go to the gym as riding seems to be enough, and when I’m at the yard I’m always on the go. I probably should start something like Pilates, although I don’t yet feel there’s a strength or fitness issue. • I’m a terrible eater. We often forget to eat all day at a show and when we do it’s usually something quick and rubbish. I live on…

‘It was touch and go — we weren’t hopeful’ RACHAEL CONNOR won the winter novice qualifier in brilliant style riding Fantastic (below) to clinch a well-deserved ticket to the Royal International. This time last year, “Fifi” was at Leahurst Veterinary Hospital where she had to have both lungs drained twice due to pleuropneumonia. “It was touch and go - we weren’t hopeful. We turned her out for six weeks and when she returned to Leahurst for a scan, even the vets were surprised her lungs were all clear,” said Rachael. “She is still very low mileage, but grid work this week helped to prepare her for angles and turning,” added Rachael. As Rachael finished third in this class last year, riding Valencia, she was not to be denied this time…

LONG-time show horse owners Paul Jarrett and Delvin Evans, Cuddy winners with Make My Day in 2014, have sold their only remaining show horse due to Delvin’s ongoing back problems and turned their attention to the dog world. Inspired by visits to Crufts as spectators, they decided to start showing their two French bulldog bitches and have earned coveted Crufts’ tickets with both. “We became interested in the breed after meeting [showing owner] Rose Kelbie’s ‘Frank’ — named after international judge Frank Kane — at HOYS some years ago,” said Delvin. “We bought two puppies whose grandmother won at Crufts five years running. So far, they’ve won every time out so fingers crossed — it can’t be any more nerve-racking than HOYS!”…

MULTI-MEDALLED former working hunter pony (WHP) competitor Emmie Collier – a member of the victorious England red international team at the BSPS championships last summer and a veteran of nine team appearances – has taken on a new role. Emmie, 25, is now out of intermediates and has been appointed to a specially-created new post on the BSPS WHP team selection committee. “It’s going to be very different being on the other side of the fence, but I’m really looking forward to the new challenge,” said chartered surveyor Emmie, who is also looking forward to contesting senior ranks aboard her new ride, Lux Class.…

1,000 career wins for Tom Scudamore, a landmark reached on hurdler Impulsive American at Musselburgh 309 days’ absence defied in spectacular style by Nicky Henderson-trained Different Gravey — who took a handicap hurdle at Ascot under top weight by a remarkable 16 lengths. A step up to Grade One level at Aintree awaits 199 wins following the weekend for Richard Johnson — who needed one more winner to notch the first seasonal 200 of his career 100 season wins for Gordon Elliott — Robin Thyme at Punchestown gave the trainer his maiden century. Only three other Irish-based trainers have trained 100 or more jumping winners in a season, Aidan O’Brien (three times), Noel Meade and Willie Mullins (nine times) 9 Crabbie’s Grand National entries for Paul Nicholls — more this…

A talented field lined up for the Westcountry Champion Chase at Buckfastleigh (21 February), and last year’s winner Blazing Whale went off as second favourite to the progressive Dicky Bob, writes Megan Furse. However, the pair never headed Kirkleigh, who was reunited with Tom Chanin for his first winner of the day and led the field from flag fall. “We knew he’d stay; he likes the ground and the course,” said Tom. “He only made one mistake — he was busy looking at the cameraman and left a leg. But I knew it would take a great horse to beat him after the second last.” Kirkleigh held off strong challenges from Dicky Bob and Indiana Bay, in second and third. His breeder Sue Trump said: “Kirkleigh has been marvellous for…

CrossCountry App AN essential app for eventing enthusiasts, this records your course walk and calculates minute-markers so you can study, visualise and plan your route. £7.99 www.crosscountryapp.com Travel and Trek Solar Charger kit THE kit contains a 12w/15w solar panel charger, 6,600mAh/18,000mAh power bank, LED light, and USB torch and is ideal for riders competing at shows with no electricity on site. £69.95 www.mobilesolarchargers.co.uk Trailer Vision Digi-View THIS digital wireless camera operates a wireless camera system/reversing camera, in a HGV horsebox (24V), motor-home, trailer (12V), or caravan and car. £299.99 www.trailervision.co.uk Digital tyre inflator THE RAC830 Rapid Digital inflates a car tyre in two minutes and a 4x4 tyre in five minutes all from a 12V in-car socket. £64.99 Available online from Amazon, Screwfix and Argos…

TINKA’S SERENADE The Olympic showjumper has been retired aged 19. The Davies’ mare represented Ireland with Billy Twomey at London 2012, the 2010 World Equestrian Games and 2011 European Championships. MANY CLOUDS Last year’s Grand National winner has been allotted top weight for this year’s race, as he bids to become the first dual winner in more than 40 years. The nine-year-old gelding trained by Oliver Sherwood is to carry 11st 10lb. DOUGIE DOUGLAS US rider Katie Dinan and the former British team horse won their first grand prix together at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida (21 February). The 11-year-old gelding was previously ridden by Holly Gillott. FLAKEY DOVE The winner of the 1994 Champion Hurdle has died aged 30. The popular mare was trained by Richard Price…

A colour-coded rating system for eventers is being rolled out in Ireland in a bid to improve horse and rider safety, writes Lucy Elder. Eventing Ireland (EI) is working with eventing analytics company EquiRatings to use data to help prevent cross-country falls. EquiRatings, set up by Irish four-star rider Sam Watson and lawyer Diarmuid Byrne, has created a form-tracking system that has analysed more than 150,000 results. This system is called the EquiRatings Quality Index (ERQI). Statistics show a link between a low ERQI and the likelihood of combinations incurring penalties, elimination and falls across country. MrWatsontold H&Hhethinksthesystem is going to be a “big step forward”. “The two things at the top of our agenda are to increase the safety of horses and riders, and the overall welfare of horses.…

NERVES Former event rider turned skeleton racer Laura Deas told the Evening Standardher new sport is less frightening than eventing, despite hitting her head on a wall of ice at 70mph this season. “You never 100% know what a horse will do so the fear factor is greater,” she said. A VETERAN HORSE A 21-year-old horse in Devon became trapped in deep mud on 18 February. Crews were called to the field and used a telehandler to pull him to safety. A LOOSE HORSE Police captured a loose horse in Bishop’s Stortford on 17 February. Concerned members of the public notified officers who located the horse’s owner and he was returned safely to his yard. DRUG SMUGGLING Horse statues have been used in a bid to smuggle 10.9kgs of methamphetamine…

TRAINING Learn to use your eventing stopwatch correctly at Wardington Gate Farm, Oxon, on 27 February. www.equoevents.com RACING Visit Kempton Park on 27 February. The day features three Grade Two races as well as the Grade Three handicap chase. kempton.thejockeyclub.co.uk TALK Former Metropolitan Mounted Police officer Alan Hiscox, who led the display ride for 14 years, will speak at Arreton Community Centre, Isle of Wight, on 26 February. hannah.marsh@bhs.org.uk SHOWJUMPING Go to Solihull Equestrian Centre’s British Showjumping show on 24-26 February. The event culminates with the Solihull Riding Club grand prix on Friday evening. www.solihullridingclub.co.uk DRESSAGE Summerhouse Equestrian Centre’s British Dressage winter regionals will be held on 24-26 February. www.summerhouseec.co.uk PONY CLUB The Pony Club’s annual conference takes place at Aintree racecourse on 2 March. www.pcuk.org POINT-TO-POINT Point-to-point fixtures this…

In this most horrible of winters, the welfare debate rumbles on. As usual, it’s nobody’s fault: top-flight competitors don’t want to be held responsible for spur marks and bloody mouths; sport horse breeders are not responsible for the surplus; fly-grazers want other people to feed their stock and, as for the UAE endurance teams — words fail me. As horse owners, we should not be passing the buck but setting the standard, so bravo British grand prix rider Wayne Channon for stepping up to the mark with his call for an ethics committee (news, 18 February). We are all responsible for equine welfare, whether our horse lives in a top-dollar competition yard or on a tether. The problem is that without a workable identification system, there is no compulsion for…

SIX horses lost their lives when a midnight fire swept through US event rider Boyd Martin’s Pennsylvania barn in 2011. Amid the flames and billowing black smoke, four-star eventer Neville Bardos was found cowering and terrified in his burning stable. Boyd, helped out by his US team-mate and barn owner Phillip Dutton, pulled the horse to safety — but by then Neville had been trapped in the choking atmosphere for 45 minutes. Neville suffered critical injuries. His throat was scorched due to smoke inhalation, and he had lung damage from inhaling toxic gases. He had to have a breathing tube inserted and supplementary oxygen supplied, and was given intravenous fluids and antibiotics (pictured, above). Yet the fighting spirit that had seen Neville carry Boyd to 10th place in the World…

KIM TURNER and her part-bred cob Blackie topped both prelims at Vale View EC, Leics (14 February), on only their second affiliated outing, writes Stephanie Bateman. Kim bought the 17-year-old gelding from Melton Mowbray market horse sales in 2011 as a “naughty pony with limited options”. “He was there as a last resort and when I got him home, I soon realised why,” said Kim. “He hadn’t had much work until he was six and he’d learnt very quickly how to deck a rider — he napped, reared, bucked and threw himself about to get the rider off. He didn’t like people.” It took two years before Blackie started to trust Kim. “He continued his naughty behavior periodically throughout the first two years, but now he doesn’t do anything like…

TWELVE-year-old Teghan Cantrell-Bennett scored an impressive 74.1% on her new pony, Plasnewydd Artie, at their first affiliated competition at Checkendon, Oxon (13 February). The Welsh section D was bought after Teghan’s two previous ponies died within seven weeks of each other, reports Helen Triggs. “He had only been ridden by an adult and is very green,” explained Katrina, Teghan’s mother. “We bought him so she can have fun and do a bit of everything but he’s turning out to be quite a smart dressage pony.” Caroline Wheatley-Hubbard’s Elluren E won both novice classes at Crofton Manor, Hants (13 February), with Jacky Stolper. The British-bred seven-year-old by Valeur R (by Fidermark) is out of a thoroughbred mare. “He was super — he’s now done four affliated tests, all scoring over 70%,”…

WHETHER it’s for the Olympic Games or a big day when only a top result will do, it’s difficult to produce a horse spot-on for the occasion. Some horses are kept fresh with fewer competitions, while just as many need exposure to settle, gain confidence and/or for the rider to know how much can be asked. All partnerships need practice and polish. And many a class is lost because a horse becomes distracted by the judges’ table or car, arenas in close proximity, umbrellas and other show-day paraphernalia. Even at European level eventing, I once witnessed a medal evaporate as papers fluttered to the floor from a judge’s box. Replicating a competition atmosphere by hiring in a few friends to eat crisps, pop cans, let their phones ring constantly and…

THE journey from Essex proved well worthwhile for Michaela Huntington, who claimed a return ticket to Hickstead when Alegro Z won the winter B&C qualifier. Michaela has produced the Asca Z eight-year-old over the past three seasons, and their highlights including finishing sixth in the 2014 winter novice final and fourth in the silver league final last October. “She is the best mare I have ever ridden. She wants to win as much as I do so we did all the turns,” said Michaela, who also added a Blue Chip ticket to her ribbon haul when Alegro Z finished third in the Dynamic B&C. Paul Bevan also claimed a ticket to the Royal International when Deangelo II finished second in the winter B&C. Although spending a lot of time in…

Hattie Bunday THE 17-year-old A-level student and her 10-year-old part-bred Connemara gelding Burlington Fisher headed the novice Scope Festival qualifier at Duckhurst Farm, Kent (14 February). This win completed a string of double clears for the pair at the level. Hattie was gifted the pony by his previous owner Bryony Whittington, and she has now had him for two years. “He’s an all-rounder and events up to BE90 too, although Hattie seems to prefer the jumping,” said Hattie’s mother Maggie. “He’s not your typical finely-built thoroughbred-type jumping pony, and people sometimes overlook him until they see him in action in the ring - he’s amazing.” At 15hh Burlington Fisher has been a perfect step up from ponies for Hattie, who came out of juniors at the end of last year.…

I am currently in Spain in the middle of a three-week Sunshine Tour and so far, it hasn’t lived up to its label. It’s been cold, windy and there have been only two days without rain, but it’s provided plenty of opportunity to sit down and watch amateurs and professionals alike. You see riders pulling when they should kick, and kicking when they should pull, but in spite of them, 90% of the time, the horse still works it out for himself. It brings home what forgiving animals they are and how lucky we are to work with them. With this on my mind, I came across a quote from American trainer George Morris that I feel sums it all up. “It’s not about the accessories, the money, the ribbons.…

Guest editor announced NEED some advice ahead of the new season? Robert Walker is guest editing our showing special (17 March) and he will be answering your questions on horseandhound.co.uk. Email them to the showing editor, aimi.clark@timeinc.com, by Friday 4 March. NPS conference announced A practical one-day conference on judging performance in ridden native and plaited ponies is being held at Summerhouse Equestrian Centre, Glos, on Saturday 12 March. For full details email: admin@nationalponysociety.com From showing to the theatre WELL-known show commentator Carey Knox proved an instant hit on her recent pantomime debut, playing the Empress in Aladdin. “It was hard work rehearsing but also great fun,” said Carey. “Commentating is easier, though – you can read from your script (catalogue) and make up the rest as you go along.”…

Joint-masters: Charles Smyth-Osbourne (1995), Claire Bonner (2008), Paul Cowley (2012), Tam Leeming (2013), John Thame (2013) Huntsman: Mick Wills Whipper-in: Jason O’Donnell Kennelman: 21-year-old Alec Hall, “excellent at his job and a good sort to have around,” said Tam Leeming “plus a team of very able volunteers”. Hon secretary: Phillippa White, info@graftonhunt.co.uk Countryman: Paul Wills Stud groom: Olivia Shephard. Mick said: “She always does a good job keeping the horses fit and turned out well.” Emergency supplies : port from the countrymen, whiskey and cake from Carol Nesbitt A big thank you to: joint-masters John Thame and Tam Leeming for answering my endless questions. Horse type: a bold horse with plenty of scope and stamina…

THE most dramatic finish of the day at the opening north-west area fixture of 2016 came in the feature mixed open. Horsham Lad (Josephine “Phine” Banks) overhauled both War Path and Verano in the dying strides of the contest to win by just three-quarters of a length. The gelding looked to have it all to do at the last fence, but the two placed horses tired on the long run-in with the runner-up interfering with the third, and Horsham Lad put his stamina to good use to gain a second success of the season. “It’s no good getting there too early and him idling out in front,” said trainer Diana Ralph. Phine added: “He’s not big so he likes these smaller fences.” Stacey Whitehead recorded her first training success in…

Wake-up calls ANGIE MURRAY recalls a lively bash at Royal Windsor, which led to her oversleeping when she should have been decorating the arena. “Normally we’re up at 5am, but on this occasion I was woken up by a banging on my lorry door. Turns out I’d gone to bed with the tractor keys in my coat pocket and nobody could do anything the next morning until they’d been found!” Loo breaks JUMP judge coordinator Mary McNulty recalls an incident at Bicton when one of her team failed to stop a horse on the cross-country. “It was just before a combination known as the slalom and [Australian Olympian] David Green had just fallen in it and broken his leg,” says Mary. “One of the fence judges had nipped off for…

MOTIVATION is a broad concept, ranging from getting out of bed on an icy morning, to striving towards your lifelong goals and aspirations. Riders are generally incredibly motivated, driven by a love of horses and a desire to succeed. However, from time to time, we all experience a dip in motivation. Why is this, and how do we overcome it? 1. Proper planning prevents poor performance IT’S not new to say that people need to plan, but there are ways of doing so that lead to quality riding. Planning helps to increase motivation as it allows us to outline proactively what we want to achieve before getting in the saddle. “If riders plan in advance they’re not susceptible to their mood on the day of riding, which is simply a…