Innholdsfortegnelse for 17-Mar-2016 i Horse & Hound

THE first equine flu awareness month (EFAM) is being launched in April to raise the profile of the highly contagious disease. The new initiative is being organised by the Animal Health Trust (AHT) and Merial Animal Health. “There have been 52 recorded outbreaks of equine influenza in the past two years, and while this may sound considerable, we believe it’s actually just the tip of the iceberg,” said the AHT’s Dr Richard Newton. The Liphook Equine Hospital, Hants, issued a warning earlier this month urging owners to watch out for signs after a case of equine flu had been confirmed in the county. Around 30% of horses in the UK are vaccinated against the disease, well below the 70% figure required to prevent a major disease outbreak. “Multiple small outbreaks…

A new international horse show will be held at ExCeL in London next year on 12-17 April. British grand prix dressage rider Daniel Watson was approached by ExCeL London to organise the show. “It was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down,” hetold H&H. The classes for the London Spring International Horse Show are still being finalised, but will include international showjumping and dressage. Both British Dressage and British Showjumping are supporting the new show, which gives top riders a run in the spring in the lead-up to next year’s European Championships. The show will run annually from 2017. Keysoe EC, Beds, has agreed to move its CDI competition to March in 2017 to accommodate the new show.…

THE British Horse Society (BHS) is investing £250,000 in a new scholarship scheme to support riding instructors across the UK. The aim is to encourage the best instructors for horse welfare and rider safety. It is also hoped to boost the number of qualified BHS assistant instructors (AI) by helping with the costs of training, BHS Stage Three and Preliminary Teaching Test examinations and the first year on the BHS register of instructors. There are plans to expand across other levels in the future. Successful applicants will be selected by a panel of BHS centre proprietors, BHS staff and industry experts. •  For more details visit: www.bhs.org.uk/scholarships…

A new campaign to educate dog and horse owners has been launched following a rise in reported incidents. The British Horse Society (BHS) confirmed that the number of reported incidents involving dogs and horses rose from 166 in 2014 to 250 in 2015 — an increase of 50%. “Sadly the number of dog and horse related incidents being reported through our horse accidents website is continuing to grow,” said BHS head of safety Sheila Hardy. “The consequences of these incidents can be particularly nasty with serious injuries often being caused to horses, their riders and the dogs involved.” The BHS and Blue Cross have joined forces with the National Police Chiefs’ Council to launch the new advice leaflet for dog and horse owners. “This informative and impartial leaflet will undoubtedly…

TWESELDOWN Competition was abandoned at Tweseldown Horse Trials (10-13 March) due to heavy rain. Organiser Rachael Faulkner said she was “so upset” for the team and competitors. DANGEROUS DRIVING A driver in Redcar, North Yorks, caught a carriage-driver jumping a red light on camera. The shocking footage shows the horse galloping between cars. Luckily, the horse and driver escaped unharmed. A STUCK HORSE A grey gelding in Surrey had a lucky escape from a muddy ditch (7 March). “Boomer” slipped into it while grazing and became trapped. Firefighters used specialist equipment to pull him out unharmed. REDWINGS A donation box was stolen from the charity’s Oxhill Visitor Centre, Warks, on 27 February. It contained around £50.…

DRESSAGE The first British Young Riders’ Dressage Scheme (BYRDS) symposium takes place on 19 March at Reaseheath College, Cheshire. It features sessions on physiotherapy, psychotherapy and buying a dressage horse. www.britishdressage.co.uk EVENTING Watch the first international class of the UK eventing season at Aldon Horse Trials, Somerset, on 18-20 March. www.britisheventing.com NATIONAL HUNT The final two days of the Cheltenham Festival take place today (17 March) and tomorrow (18 March). The Gold Cup will be run at 3.30pm on the last day. www.thefestival2016.co.uk JUMPCROSS Try the showjumping/cross-country hybrid at Grange Farm, Wittering, on 19 March. www.equoevents.com SCIENCE WEEK Ride a racehorse simulator and test your fitness as the racing industry takes part in British Science Week. Visit the Racing Centre, Newmarket, on 20 March. www.britishscienceweek.org POINT-TO-POINT Fixtures this week include…

I aim to breed a small number of quality sport horses and ponies from over-height native ponies, crossed with carefully chosen sires, and am a member of Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain (SHB(GB)) and Scottish Sports Horse (SSH). I have been successful, and have obtained first premiums with British Equestrian Federation (BEF) Futurity and SSH with all my youngsters. However, having bred my best-ever foal last year I was frustrated to find no opportunity to grade him in Scotland. Taking a mare and foal to a grading south of the border is financially impractical, as it would cost more than the foal’s sale value. In the event I was able to grade her with the Sports Pony Studbook Society, though she was well over their height limit. There are…

ROBERT WALKER SAYS... “WHAT an interesting topic. I’m sure many of you around the ringside have heard the phrase, ‘They’re not what they used to be’. Although the yesteryear horses have won the day here, perhaps if two judges had commented on each horse we would have had another result. That is the beauty of judging — you’ll always get a difference of opinion. “I’m sure I’m not the only professional searching for a modern-day Seabrook. I would say the class that has changed the most over the years is the hacks. This could be because of the introduction of riding horse classes and the influence of riding pony blood, but the modern-day hack seems to have less limb compared to the yesteryear hack.” SHOW PONIES THEN THE term legend…

ROBERT WALKER SAYS... “WHEN I was growing up, most local farmers had a decent three-quarter-bred broodmare. My father, Tony, stood a thoroughbred stallion on the Hunter Improvement Scheme at our family farm and I remember there would be up to 90 local mares visiting. Many offspring were quality enough to make it as a show horse, while others went into different disciplines. As farming generations changed, one of the first things on farms to be cut was the broodmare, which I believe was our biggest loss. “Traditionally people like to buy from Ireland. Kieran Ryan, a past HOYS judge and a renowned show producer and nagsman of the Irish hunter for years, has seen how that has changed, which is why I asked for him to be included in this…

ROBERT WALKER SAYS... “INTERMEDIATE classes were meant to bridge the gap between pony and horse classes, but I think some riders hide in these sections rather than competing in horse classes, because they aren’t taken out of their comfort zone. Sometimes a horse will look like it is going nicely, but in fact the rider is doing a good job of covering up the horse’s flaws. In classes where the judges ride too, that can’t happen. “As we’ve seen in recent years, those that have taken the plunge have done so with great success, although I do feel that there are still many good combinations who are worried about the step up. Perhaps another way to encourage them would be to trial experimental intermediate classes with a ride judge at…

THE last time I rode across country was at an exhibition event in Australia in November, in 35°C — a different extreme to last week when I went schooling and had to break the ice on the water jump before starting. With so many eventers looking forward to the start of the season, the opening fortnight was marred by cancellations after the deluges — it takes significant rain for sandy sites like Tweseldown to become waterlogged. The events that managed to run did well to go ahead, but it is hugely disappointing after all the hard work for the organisers of those that didn’t run. With this drying east wind the season can hopefully now get under way without further cancellations. The sport’s own goal AT Christmas I took the…

PAUL HUGHES dominated competition at Rodbaston College, Staffs (6 March), writes Jo Prestwich . He won both the prix st georges (PSG) and inter I with his own Phineas Finn, the advanced 100 with Westhills Waterloo and the advanced medium qualifier with Ballybane May Blossom. Phineas Finn is by Dutch Gold out of an advanced event mare. “He was bred to be a four-star event horse but it didn’t work out,” said Paul, who was making his first competitive outing since last July. “I’ve been struggling with Ménière’s disease but it’s sorted now and today has been fantastic comeback.” Gemma Abram won the PSG at Reaseheath Equine, Cheshire (5 March), with her home-bred Spitfire. The nine-year-old is by Santana out of Debonnaire, who was bought from Steph Croxford and competed…

I was recently asked if I think that the old principles and theories of the classical school are still applicable today. The person asking the question, although not a rider, is very knowledgeable and involved with dressage — the photographer Kevin Sparrow. He wanted to know if guidelines given by books written by authorities such as Seunig, Podhajsky and others are still relevant today. My instinctive reply was a definite yes and may be even more so now than ever. There followed a long discussion. Classical dressage systems evolved over many years to facilitate the transformation of a wild animal — the horse — into a serviceable, useful animal to mankind for work and pleasure. The classical system is an accumulation of knowledge based on practical experience gained over many…

I’VE paid British Showjumping (BS) £13,300 including registration and entries in the past year, yet I still can’t jump my young horses in the right classes to produce them properly. Having spent five years on the executive board of BS, I know how difficult it is to bring about change. However, if they could provide us with more help to produce young horses, the impact would be felt all the way to the top of the sport. Four out of five of the last championship teams have included British-bred horses who were produced in the UK. It’s a great achievement and one of which we should be proud. But these horses were all produced by professionals who know how to do the job even with our current structure. They were…

TIME was when the badge of honour for a champion jump stallion was the winner of the Grand National, but nowadays it is the Gold Cup that carries the kudos. Since the first edition of the Cheltenham showpiece in 1924 some multiple champion stallions have provided its winner, but others reached the end of their careers with a notable gap on their CVs. Two of the early jump breeding legends, My Prince (five champion jump sire titles) and Cottage (four) each had two individuals take the great Festival prize, the former Easter Hero and Prince Regent, and the latter Brendan’s Cottage and Cottage Rake. More recently another four-time champion, Presenting, has come up with War Of Attrition and Denman. The two most prolific champions had only one Gold Cup winner…

DRAMATIC changes to the format of eventing continue to provoke heated debate as the FEI strives to secure the sport’s Olympicfuture, writes Rachael Hook. The latest proposals are due to be discussed at the governing body’s sports forum in Switzerland on 5 April. They are part of the FEI’s response to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Agenda 2020 recommendations, aimed at making all sports, including equestrian events, more inclusive and popular. The FEI proposals include changes to the team formation, with a maximum of three combinations per nation and no drop score, as well as the competition structure, with all eventing dressage taking place on one day. The changes also include a new format to the showjumping phase, with the individual final now running before the team final. All riders…

DR HALLVARD SOMMERSETH (pictured, left), one of the most prominent figures in global endurance, has been suspended for two years for his role in the “bogus rides” scandal first revealed by H&H last year (news, 5 March 2015). Abdul Aziz Mohammedd Yasin Sheikh, head of the endurance department at the UAE federation, is suspended for 18 months for his part. Both will have to qualify as four-star judges before they are allowed to officiate again. The scam unravelled following a tip-off to H&H that a 120km race purportedly staged on 21 January 2015 did not take place. Its detailed results were cut and pasted from an earlier ride. Volunteers from the “clean endurance” community then found 12 further rides going back to 2012 with duplicated detailed results. These were mostly…

EDWARD GAL Dutch dressage rider Edward missed out on the ‘s-Hertogenbosch show (10-13 March) in the Netherlands after falling during training. German rider Fabienne Lütkemeier also fell from her horse just before leaving for the same show. WILLIAM FOX-PITT The winner of more than 50 three-day events is entered in his first event since sustaining a brain trauma in a fall in October. He has four horses entered in the open intermediate at Burnham Market (1-3 April). JOSEPH O’BRIEN Classic-winning jockey Joseph has decided to focus on a new career as a racehorse trainer and will not be returning to the saddle for the Flat season. The 22-year-old Irishman is expected to obtain a training licence next month. ASHLEY HOLZER The four-time Canadian dressage Olympian has become a US citizen.…

QATAR is being targeted by dope testers while the scandal-hit United Arab Emirates (UAE) operates the lowest testing levels in the Middle East, according to the FEI’s newly expandedlistings, writes Pippa Cuckson. The FEI’s negative test archive is the public’s only reference of sampled horses. However, until 1 January this year, only European event results were published — negatives from major championships such as the 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Kentucky, USA, remained a secret. Now, publication has gone worldwide. Figures show that in the first 10 endurance rides staged in FEI Group 7 (Middle East) this year, the UAE tested just 4.57% (26) of the 569 starters. Yet at rides in Qatar on 9 and 30 January respectively, 27% (eight horses out of 29) and 9.9% (six of…

HORSE & HOUND is looking for readers to take part in magazine research online. The short survey, which focuses on the training features that readers want to see in the magazine, can be completed at: www.horseandhound.co.uk/training-survey Participants will have the chance to win a £25 Joules voucher. H&H Content Director Sarah Jenkins said: “Do please share your thoughts on the training features we include in the magazine and let us know what you would like to see more or less of.”…

AN endangered breed of horses that was once declared extinct is being reintroduced to the wild in Russia. Six Przewalski’s horses born at a reserve in the south of France have recently been flown to the Russian steppes. Scientists eventually hope to have 100 of the horses on the protected 40-acre site in the Orenburg Reserves. Przewalski’s horse expert Tatjana Zharkikh, who heads the project, said the horses have been adjusting well to their new surroundings. The breed was declared extinct in the wild in the 1970s, but through co-operative breeding programmes, was bred in captivity and protected. Work then began to reintroduce them to their native Mongolian habitat. There have been several reintroduction projects in China and Mongolia (news, 16 January, 2002). Following the success of these projects, the…

ARTHRITIS, colic, laminitis, Cushing’s disease and inflamed ligaments are among the most common problems in horses, according to new research. These top five complaints accounted for nearly 20% of all Petplan Equine insurance claims last year. In 2015 Petplan Equine paid more than £12m in insurance claims — £730,655 was paid out by the company for arthritis conditions; £672,216 for colic cases, £325,065 for laminitis, £177,380 for Cushing’s disease and £569,538 for inflamed ligaments. “With most of the top five conditions being illnesses rather than injuries, they are often not preventable and are something any horse owner could find themselves having to deal with,” said Charlotte Gibbs at Petplan Equine. According to the company’s survey, nearly half (49%) of owners said their horse had suffered from an illness or injury…

MANNEQUINS have been sporting horse heads as well as the latest fashions at a shop in Cheltenham. Owner Darren Jeal has transformed women’s store Love It in the Regent Arcade in time for the Festival (15-18 March). Finishing posts and an Irish display in honour of St Patrick’s Day have also been installed as part of the equestrian makeover. “It’s been getting lots of attention with people stopping to take photos,” Mr Jeal told H&H. “There are six or seven other shops in the arcade and some in the Monpellier area, but we are the only ones with horse heads.” Mr Jeal’s display was entered into a competition run by the Gloucestershire Echo and Cheltenham racecourse, but missed out on winning a prize.…

IT’S been a great honour to be this week’s guest editor. If only my English teacher could see me now! H&H is a magazine I’ve grown up with, and I always enjoy reading the showing section and following the hunting reports. I can remember the first time I got my picture in some 24 years ago — it’s a real achievement and everyone’s dream. The topics I’ve chosen are discussed by people while standing around the ring, so I hope you find them interesting. The worrying lack of hunters on today’s circuit (p36) led our reporter down many paths, but they all came to the same conclusion: when the number of foals being bred is so different compared to 10 years ago, how can we expect anything less? Some 5,000…

UPWARD fixation of the patella is a hindlimb gait abnormality that occurs quite commonly in young horses and sometimes also in older horses. The horse’s stifle is designed so that the patella (kneecap) can hook over the medial trochlear ridge (the protuberance at the bottom and inside) of the femur (see diagram, left). This locks the leg in place, allowing the horse to stand using minimal energy and also to sleep while standing up. While this may have been of evolutionary benefit when horses needed to run away from predators, it is perhaps less useful in today’s sport horse — particularly when the system fails. Upward fixation occurs when the patella does not release quickly and easily from the distal femur. The condition can range from severe, when the leg…

Work and play • When we’re aiming towards a competition we tend to start the week slowly, with an easy play-day — perhaps some time in-hand or on the lunge. • We then introduce a little gymnastic work, building up and improving towards the weekend to reach the highlight. Thinking positive • I get a little tense before a big competition. This is necessary, however, to be properly concentrating and reactive — positive tension. • The more important the competition, the more keen I am to escape to the quiet of the stable, with just my groom, the owner Madeleine Winter-Schulze, or my family. Fit for the job • I should really do more exercise, but I ride between eight and 10 horses a day and run around with my…

ROBERT WALKER SAYS... I take my hat off to Sarah and Simon, they really do work very hard to make ends meet. Since buying Glebe Farm their hard work and dedication has seen their business thrive. I’m a fan of Sarum Rembrandt because an M&M should be typey, have character and charisma - and he has that in abundance. You can imagine him on your Thelwell cup with a smile on his face. While watching the M&M championship at HOYS, which seemed like a stampede of natives, he stood out and I picked him as my champion. It will be sad not to see him in the ring again. Professional riders get negative comments for winning too many classes, and this feature shows that the hours Sarah and Simon work…

“OUR hunter line goes back seven generations and we still have two of our foundation mares from the original farm stock,” says Yorkshire breeder Kath Barley, a prolific in-hand winner on the county circuit and judge on the Sport Horse Breeding (GB) panel. “Times have changed, though, and we’ve changed our policy accordingly. Five years ago we sold most of our offspring as foals, but as the market diminished — probably due to the costs of keeping them — we retain ours until I’m ready to back them.” Kath admits to breeding fewer hunters these days. “We put two in foal and leave two empty each year. Our original plan was to breed hunters, but to keep up with the requirement for performance animals we have acquired an eventing mare.”…

CLEARLY, the BSPS is keen that its intermediate classes provide a step up. Megan praised the BSPS for inviting horse judges on to the panel for the intermediate classes. “I’ve competed under a few horse judges,” she says. “At the BSPS winter championships a couple of years ago, the intermediate show hunter type judges were advising us how to compete in small hunters, and were encouraging us to do those classes too.” Adam believes that BSPS training days could be aimed at improving schooling. “I have lessons all the time,” he says. “You never stop learning.” Another idea was that youngsters who have been doing intermediates for three or four years should have to compete in a low-level adult class. But Megan warns: “Although intermediates are for riders aged 17…

FIRST-time Poplar visitor Laura Collett took the honours in the open intermediate (OI) aboard Clive Smith’s classy Pamero 4. “This was very good practice for him as his next outing is Fontainebleau CIC3*, which is also run around woodland tracks,” said Laura, who entered the event only the week before, having opted not to jump at Isleham due to the wet ground. “Pamero’s come out this season a lot stronger; he’s always found the job easy and has gone up the grades very quickly, but it feels like his body is finally catching up.” Another Laura — Normand — took second place aboard Vardigo. The pair, who won the OI at Aldon last October, put in an impressive performance here to finish on a score of 27.2 — a little…

Corrieview Merlin Magic IT had been 10 years since Jane Rogers last left the start box, but she returned to affiliated eventing with a bang at Moreton, winning BE100 section B with her home-bred nine-year-old Corrieview Merlin Magic (by Krisinsky). Jane’s son, Tim Rogers, had ridden Magic until this year, but relinquished the ride when he went to work for Harry Meade. “Magic’s one of eight foals we’ve bred from the same Welsh cob mare,” said Jane. “‘Gwyneth’ was so laid-back she was practically horizontal, so I put her to the biggest, sharpest thoroughbred stallions in the area.” Among Gwyneth’s notable offspring is Corrieview Owen, the horse with whom Tim won individual bronze at the 2010 junior European Championships.…

SISTERS Pippa and Emma Corbett dominated the grand prix. Pippa, 21, rode Saphier VH Overwater to victory in what was her first grand prix, while her sister Emma, 23, was second on Furst Diamantino. Pippa has owned the 17-year-old KWPN gelding for five years. She is now based with Sonia Baines who trains her while she is at Sheffield University, in her final year studying physics. “When I’m at home, Emma trains me,” said Pippa. “She came out of her test and warmed me up today. I couldn’t have done it without her.” Pippa puts her success down to working on Saphier VH Overwater’s way of going. “His main issue is connection and he doesn’t really want to push from behind, so I’ve been doing a lot of lateral work…

IT might have been their “first real crack” at a jump-off together, but Gemma Ellison and Rambler VDL laid down a pro performance to steal the winter B&C qualifier. A high-quality, 18-strong jump-off made for hot competition for the two available tickets, but Gemma’s pacey line of mostly inside routes remained unassailable. Having shown some consistent form throughout the weekend, Julian Mincher was on it once again with Vanessa and Alan Pymont’s diminutive but scopey chestnut gelding Risk It, who pinged his way to an early lead. But Gemma’s striking black 11-year-old, standing almost two hands taller, stole the show as he clipped one second from the target time. “We’ve done hoping-to-be-placed jump-off rounds before but not one like that,” said Gemma. “Jay Halim has been training me. He said…

FREELANCE trainer and rider Lauren Poole and her 11-year-old gelding Just Albert II topped the 1.05m at Houghton Hall, Cambs (6 March). Lauren bought Just Albert, by Oklund, as a four-year-old and successfully competed him in five- and six-year-old classes before disaster struck. “He started going intermittently lame the higher up the levels he went, so I dropped him down to 1.10-1.15m level and he copes fine at that height,” she said. “I was gutted because I had high hopes for him being my grand prix horse. He’s my speed horse now and wins my diesel money.” Just Albert may be a reliable money-earner, but he has his quirks, as Lauren explains: “He is the most awkward horse on the planet at times. He bites and pushes everyone around, and…

THEY met at Hethpool House for my visit, home of Martin and Eildon Letts and of Bill and Fanny Elliot who farm the surrounding hills of the College Valley estate. This picturesque and secluded valley centres on the College burn that flows from the top of Cheviot down to the River Glen at Westnewton and via the River Till into the Tweed. It is owned by a trust, of which one of the joint-masters and the field master for the day, James Dobie, is fortunately a trustee. This large estate with enclosed lush meadows on the valley floor, stretching up on steep, bracken-clad slopes to heather and rocky wilderness, is the heart of the hunt country. Shooting has taken hold in much of the rest of the country, but the…

Berwickshire — joint-masters: Rory Innes (2010), Richard Swan (2003), Mike Arnott (2012) Huntsman: Rory Innes MFH Whipper-in: Amy Brown Heythrop — joint-masters: Charles Frampton (2012), Simon Lawrance (2008), Nessie Lambert (2009), Celia Plunkett (2012), Christopher Cox (2012) Kennel-huntsman: Michael Little Secretary: Guy Avis 01608 676478 Countryman: Gary Morgan Stud groom: Giorgia Webb Quote of the day: “Field mastering seems great for pre-wedding weight loss with the Gittins family on your heels goading you to jump the hairy hedges... I’d rather be a trail-layer any day!” Joint-master Nessie Lambert Farewell to: Heythrop chairman Mikey Elliot, who is retiring after nine years in the role, with 11 as a joint-master before that. Tara Douglas-Home is taking over from him. Thanks to: Becky Blandford and Heather Moodie for lending Rory horses from which…

SCOTTISH jockeys Kit Alexander, Sam Coltherd and Ryan Nichol all rode a winner at Ayr Races on Friday and repeated the feat at Friars Haugh the following day. Rossini’s Dancer defied an absence of 300 days to take the men’s open under Kit. Enjoying himself in the lead on the final circuit, the 11-year-old had the upper hand over Wayupinthesky (Tom Hamilton) from three out to score by six lengths. “He’s quite a quirky individual and has been ready to run for a while,” said Kit. “He goes on any ground but it just depends on what mood he’s in on the day. Once he gets in front, he’s often hard to pass and he might make a quick reappearance at Overton on Saturday as he won there last season.”…

SUPERIOR FIRE pulled clear of the opposition at the last fence to win the restricted at Hackwood Park (13 March), writes Roy Kingston. “Being out of regular training and hunting with the Warwickshire has been the making of him and sweetened him up,” enthused jockey Hannah Watson of the six-year-old, who is owned and trained by Fred Hutsby. The George Hiscock trained and ridden 10-year-old Tin Pot Man claimed victory in the men’s open. “Tin Pot Man ran well in a hotly contested open three weeks ago at Badbury Rings, which is a galloping track so we thought a tight track like this would make the difference. He had to dig deep but it worked,” said owner Charlotte Sevenoaks. Ladies’ open victor Awesome George (Lara Mahon) never looked in doubt…

Glock’s Flirt The 15-year-old stallion, ridden by Hans Peter Minderhoud, won both the World Cup grand prix and freestyle qualifiers held at ‘s-Hertogenbosh (11-12 March). Hans Peter revealed the horse will have a break following the World Cup Final. FANDANGO William Whitaker and the 13-year-old gelding won the CSI3* 1.50m ranking competition on the Sunshine Tour (11 March). The dark bay, owned by Elisan AB, finished more than a second ahead of Ireland’s Richard Howley and Chinook. VALEGRO The record-breaking dressage star will not defend his title at the World Cup Final in Gothenburg (25-28 March). The Olympic gold medal-winning horse has not contested any of the qualifiers in the 2015/16 season so is not eligible. DIVA ROYAL The London 2012 dressage team silver medal-winning mare has given birth to…

RIDERS may take longer to recover from concussion if they carry specific genes, according to a recent study, writes Rachael Hook. Researchers analysed information from 40 athletes diagnosed with concussion and evaluated their symptoms. Participants also gave a saliva sample to isolate certain DNA. They found that athletes carrying a specific genotype, known as CACNA1E rs704326, had a “much greater” risk of a prolonged recovery following concussion. “We need to perform additional research, but we think there may be a connection between the genetic proteins and the increase of calcium which leads to the deficits in recovery,” said lead author Jane McDevitt of Temple University in Philadelphia. “Athletes who also reported having balance issues were also more likely to take a longer time to recover.” Neurosurgical research fellow for the…

AN end-of-season sale of hunters and hunt horses is being added to Brightwells’ existing sport and riding horse sale on 23 March in Malvern. Hunts from Cornwall, Essex and Hampshire have entered horses. “Historically there were specific sales of hunters as well as hounds conducted at Leicester sales at the end of each season,” said Brightwells horse auctioneer Andrew Elliott. “Unfortunately these sales have have long ceased to exist, and I felt this was a niche market that should be rejuvenated.” Entries range from hunt staff horses to horses belonging to members of the field. Prices are expected to be between £2,000-£7,000.…

A horse trials organiser is reminding riders to carry fire prevention equipment when travelling after she had a lucky escape from her lorry earlier this month (6 March). Firle Place International Horse Trials’ Jo Carr was driving into Hickstead when the cab started filling with smoke. She was taking part in the Horsham & District Riding Club’s arena eventing competition with her 14-year-old horse Master Monkey. The horse was taken off the lorry and people on site helped control the fire with extinguishers and fire blankets. Firefighters from Brighton and West Sussex attended. “The fire officer said if the fire had reached the gas bottle it would have affected an area 200m around the lorry,” said Ms Carr. “There were a great many people who helped. Without them I would…

RACEHORSE trainer Jim Best has been found guilty of instructing jockey Paul John to stop two of his horses, Echo Brava and Missile Man, during a British Horseracing Authority (BHA) disciplinary hearing. The trainer was also charged with acting in a manner prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct or good reputation of horseracing. He now faces the possibility of a lengthy ban — this will be decided at a later date. Conditional jockey John was found guilty of two charges following the two rides at Plumpton (14 December) and Towcester (17 December) last year. He was deemed not to have ridden the horses to achieve their best possible placing.…

POLO England beat the USA to win the Bryan Morrison trophy at the arena polo international test match at Hickstead on 5 March. The match featured England captain Chris Hyde and USA captain Tommy Biddle. CHARITY The Jockey Club, Compass Group UK & Ireland, Life Water and drop4drop have delivered their first clean drinking water project in Uganda. Jockey Club Catering has helped to fund the project by supplying Life Water at its events. SOCIAL MEDIA A rider tracked down her stolen trailer with the help of social media. The trailer was taken from a farm in Greater Manchester on 7 March. Police recovered it less than a day later following a tip-off. VOLUNTEERING British Dressage volunteer Geoff Simpson received the Torch Trophy Trust award on 3 March in London,…

A hat camera loan scheme is being launched by hi-viz product company Gizapaw as part of a campaign to encourage drivers to slow down for horses, writes Caroline Bankes. “Our staff came up with the idea after talking to riders at BETA [British Equestrian Trade Association International trade fair] who were expressing concerns about drivers on the roads,” said Gizapaw’s David Daly. The company has 10 hat safety cameras available to riders on a free two-week loan, with more likely to be added in future. Riders applying for a camera who do not have a high-viz jacket will be supplied a HackCam hi-viz tabard by Gizapaw. Before loaning the camera riders need to provide two guarantors from their yard. Gizapaw will send all the videos and images of dangerous driving…

RESPECT FOR THE RESCUER Sir — Reading Sasha Evely’s letter (10 March) and the RSPCA’s response, “We always advise people to consider all costs…” I have to say that Sasha should be applauded for all that she’s done for those horses. She has footed the bill for everything they need to be healthy and happy. A passport and a microchip, although required by law, will not make those horses comfortable and cared for. So thank you Sasha. As an animal-lover I for one really appreciate all you have done for those horses. Vanetta Jervis Barlaston, Staffs DUTY OF CARE Sir — In response to the letter of the week “Who rescues the rescuers?” (10 March) I, too, feel that people need to be made aware of their unknown adopted “duty…

Watching… Match of the Day, but I really enjoy watching all top-level sport. My favourite TV series is Breaking Bad. Looking back… I remember going to Arena UK, which is about two hours from home, with six ponies and forgetting every morsel of tack. As you can imagine, my dad Ian wasn’t amused. I borrowed a saddle and bridle from my cousin Joe Clayton and used that on every pony. Favourite show… It has to be Olympia (pictured, left). It’s a great time of year, the crowds are amazing and all my family are there. The Liverpool International Horse Show made an amazing debut this year, too. It’s a great location and a must for next year. Getting away from it all… I like to spend time with the family,…

OTHER conditions that can give rise to odd hindlimb gaits include: • Stringhalt - this gait abnormality produces an exaggerated flexion of one or both hocks at walk and sometimes trot, which usually disappearsat canter. In severe cases, the horse may hit his abdomen with a fetlock. • Shivering - this disorder may be confused with stringhalt or upward fixation of the patella. The horse hyperflexes and pulls a hindleg out to the side, usually when asked to lift the limb. The cause is unknown and the condition may be progressive. • Fibrotic myopathy - hock flexion is normal, but the hind hoof “slaps” the ground on weight bearing. The condition is seen most obviously at walk, and occurs as a result of scarring within the thigh muscles.…

Hardendale Ray THIS Fell stallion joined Sarah in the middle of last season. “He did a few novices and HOYS classes last year. He’s being aimed at opens this time,” says Sarah of the Katherine Marks-owned six-year-old. “He’s a nice sort and works well in the ring.” Diamond Geezer THIS seven-year-old is a favourite of two-year-old Owen’s — doing treasure hunts and even entering the house — and is RIHS-bound. Owned by Nicky Daniels and ridden by her daughter Kaia in the ring, this will be Geezer’s first full season. “He’s already done so well in a couple of starts — I think a lot of him,” says Sarah.…

WHETHER a big commercial outfit or a small family concern, breeding has become less financially viable. “It has been said that breeding is a science and a mathematical equation — but it certainly is not,” says Charles Upham (left) of Langaller Stud in Devon. “If it were as simple as adding two and two together and getting four we would all do it successfully. Knowing which traits are dominant in both the mare and stallion, which genes gel together and what colour is more prevalent are all things that can come with experience.” Charles’ show ring successes include the broodmares Eve’s Wish and three-time Yorkshire champion Euphoria, plus recent Cuddy finalists Chantry Clover Girl and Langaller Rolex. “The demand for a quality hunter has not diminished over the years, but…

BUCAS BUCAS’ new Recuptex Therapy rug (above) not only helps guard against numerous medical problems, but can also help treat a vast array of ailments. The webbing acts like a Faraday Cage, reflecting the magnetic fields created inside the body. Preserving these fields stimulates blood circulation and oxygen flow in the horse’s body and back, reducing swelling and inflammation and promoting faster healing. It can be worn 24/7 if necessary but it is advised to slowly increase and monitor its use. As the properties in the material helps warm up the muscles, the horse may sweat after long periods of use. Bucas’ Recuptex Therapy rug is ideal for treating horses with chronic arthritis or back problems, and helps to accelerate the recovery process in a natural, protected environment. As well…

Grace Taylor DESPITE regularly featuring in lineups at all levels, the daughter of Aston-le-Walls organisers Nigel and Ann Taylor had not won at intermediate level before Poplar. The 20-year-old has been based with Oliver Townend since January and, like her mentor, she zipped expertly around the 19-fence track inside the time on Coogee Storm (pictured, right). “Having Oliver’s help and being part of his busy yard has given me a real insight into what it takes to be successful.” “Coogee Storm is a very reliable, honest jumper, and he’s easy to ride to a fence,” she said of the 10-year-old. “I set out intending to be competitive and he made the time feel easy.” The pair are aiming for Houghton CCI2* in May.…

Stopwatches STOPWATCHES are now permitted at the lower levels - so who wore one and did it make a difference? Aston-le-Walls BE90 winner Clare Mowbray intended to use hers to estimate minute markers, but admitted that once out on course her mind was elsewhere. “Given the wet conditions, I decided to ignore the watch and ride to feel rather than try and rush my horse,” she said. “Some people might say there is a danger that amateurs will pay too much notice to their watches and ignore everything else, but I am in favour of having the option [of wearing one]. My horse doesn’t have a lot of gears, so I don’t have the luxury of being able to speed up if I see I’m behind on time.” Isleham BE100…

Winter fitness THE winner of the FEI young rider team test, Joanna Thurman-Baker, puts her success down to her winter fitness regime. She has owned her winning ride, 13-year-old Highcliffe Apollo (pictured), for seven years. “He lives out 24/7 and during the winter he does a lot of hacking, hill work and lungeing,” explained Joanna, who trains with her mother Diane Thurman-Baker and Carl Hester. “It has really improved his canter pirouettes and self-carriage because he is so much fitter and able to take the weight behind and sit.” Joanna has enrolled on the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sports Excellence (AASE) at Hartpury College to help her develop as an athlete. “I’m really enjoying it - it’s like a World Class programme and is a way of staying in education while…

‘I didn’t think I’d see him again’ FOUR months ago the reigning winter prelim and novice restricted national champion Dauphin III was fighting for his life. A kick to the stifle left the horse bleeding with pieces of cartilage coming from the wound. After initial treatment and X-rays from local vet practice Ardene House, the horse was taken in to have the joint flushed and it was decided to transport him 140 miles to the Royal (Dick) Vet School for further treatment as the joint was infected. “Mum and I took him down and I didn’t think I’d see him again,” admitted Jade, a second-year chemical engineering student at Aberdeen University. “He had keyhole surgery and the joint was tapped several times to check the infection was clearing.” After a…

POPULAR showjumping personality and rider Geoff Billington (right) has been confirmed as guest editor of this year’s showjumping special issue, on sale 31 March. “I have big shoes to fill, following in the footsteps of my former teammates John Whitaker and Nick Skelton as guest editor. I have never done anything like this before so it is great to be involved — it’s always nice to have the opportunity to spread your wings,” said Geoff, who also turned his hand to commentary at this year’s inaugural Liverpool Horse Show. A variety of topics will be covered in this year’s special issue including why venues are now reluctant to have grass arenas, British riders opting to live abroad and much more. H&H readers will also have the opportunity to ask Geoff…

The making of a legacy SIR ALFRED GOODSON was a farm student at Akeld near Wooler, with his great friend Sir Nelson Rycroft - father of the legendary hound breeder Sir Newton Rycroft - when the Border hounds streamed off the steep hillside above with their hard-pressed fox just in front of them. They had run 11 miles in a straight line from the Scottish side of the Cheviots and their pilot took refuge somewhere in the confines of the steading. This pack of seasoned fox-catchers could not locate their quarry, so their huntsman - the doughty Jake Robson - took them away. One sagacious dog hound would not leave, so sure was he that this stout hill fox was hiding among the buildings. Eventually with a roar of his…

AFTER 12 years of trying Lt Col Erica Bridge, former commanding officer of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, finally won the Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown. She was riding Jennys Surprise, the military mare of the moment, to victory in the chase that still inspires as much regimental and inter-service rivalry as it did when first run. When Jennys Surprise, an eight-year-old mare by Hawk Wing, was conceived other Gold Cups were no doubt higher up the agenda than the Grand Military. However, in beating Ardkilly Witness (Capt Harry Wallace) by 1 3/4 lengths in the 153rd edition of the race, she became the first horse since Inca Trail in 2006 to complete the Sandown double of the Royal Artillery and Grand Military in the same year. Of…

• 5 wins Goldcourt: Golden Miller 1932-36 • 4 wins Cottage: Brendan’s Cottage 1939; Cottage Rake 1948-50 • 3 wins My Prince: Easter Hero 1929-30; Prince Regent 1946 Archive: Arkle 1964-66 Un Desperado: Best Mate 2002-04 • 2 wins Fortina: Fort Leney 1968; Glencaraig Lady 1972 Escart: L’Escargot 1970-71 Cantab: Little Owl 1981; The Thinker 1987 Over The River: Cool Ground 1992; Cool Dawn 1998 Presenting: War Of Attrition 2006; Denman 2008 Village Star: Kauto Star 2007, 2009…

Connor Wood BADGER FOOT rolled back the years with an 11th win - all under different jockeys - on his 40th career start in the NPPA Club Members’ Race at Friars Haugh. After providing first victories for Craig Nichol, Steven Fox, Jamie Lyttle and Rachael McDonald in 2011, he did the same for 16-year-old Connor Wood on only his second ride (pictured, below). Hawick-born Connor said: “I moved to Lucinda Russell’s Milnathort yard in July after a short spell with Donald Whillans, and get some great coaching from Peter Scudamore. “I rode out four lots this morning and I’m absolutely shattered. “Badger Foot takes nothing out of himself and I knew he was going to win a long way from home.”…

Shane Roche BY riding his first winner, 22-year-old Shane Roche took a major step forward along the path of being a jockey. “Prior to 2013 I worked in showjumping, and I was going to go down that road,” explained Irish-born Shane. “But I got the opportunity to ride out and it went from there.” A move to England and spells of working for Mark Johnston and Suzy Smith saw Shane eventually land a job for Nick Pearce, whose friendship with David Kemp ensured Shane was handed the ride on Curraigflemens. “We were worried about the soft ground today,” admitted Shane, “but he’s a game horse.”…

“I owe it to the tongue strap!” reported Jacqueline Coward after her win aboard Frontier Spirit in the PPORA Club members’ race at Dalton Park (13 March), writes Charlotte Russell . After finishing second with the gelding at Alnwick in December, Jacqueline had high hopes for the season, but a disappointing run at Sheriff Hutton prompted a wind operation. With three in a line jumping the last it was anyone’s race, but Frontier Spirit was driven out to win by a length. “He was much more relaxed today and felt like a different horse, but I’m still working him out,” added Jacqueline. She followed up in the ladies’ open on Trop Fort, a new horse for her this season, who is well known on the Yorkshire circuit. “I was short…

RIDING in your first race is daunting, but don’t worry about where you are going to finish — enjoy yourself. Get to the course early and walk it thoroughly so you know where you are going. The fence judges are a good source of knowledge and will often tell you where the best ground is. The changing rooms are a great place to get to know the other jockeys and find out where they want to be within the race — for example who wants to make the running. It’s a good idea to tell them you are a first-timer, as they will often offer support and advice. When positioning in a race, stay wide so you can see the fences easily and don’t have to do any wild manoeuvres.…

‘It was a special partnership; someone else might have tried to change his way of going, but I went with the flow ’ THE best horse I’ve ever had is Over To You; I’ve never found anything else like him, with the same easy outlook on life. It took some work — I first rode him when he was a sharp four-year-old. Then when he was five, Richard Holdsworth bought him for me to ride. He was a weedy young thoroughbred, with a very high neck (which he still has), and he holds his tail high. He’s a bit like a teapot. But he was very workmanlike. He trotted like a sewing machine in the early days, but that all improved with work and training. We did Bramham when he…