Innholdsfortegnelse for September 10, 2015 i Horse & Hound

JOURNALISTS ran out of superlatives for Michael Jung and La Biosthetique-Sam FBW a long time ago. We ask on our cover if last week’s Burghley winner is the best event horse ever. I believe the answer is yes. He doesn’t always lead the dressage — he was seventh at Burghley and 11th when he won gold at the London Olympics — but he so rarely falters thereafter, which makes him very difficult to beat. Who else impressed at Burghley? Tim Price was superb in the showjumping — I was particularly struck by the softness of his hands. Among the young Brits, Willa Newton took a serious step up with one of the fastest cross-country rounds. How unlucky she was not to be able to trot-up Newmarket Vasco One the next…

NERVOUS towers will welcome the news that Land Rover is developing two new concepts to make the process less stressful, writes Madeleine Pitt. The “Transparent Trailer” system has been designed to remove the blind spot created when towing, allowing drivers to clearly see vehicles coming up behind them, as well as helping with reversing. “When you are overtaking it is instinctive to check your mirrors, but if you are towing your vision is often restricted with large blind spots,” said Dr Wolfgang Epple, director of research and technology at Jaguar Land Rover. “Our Transparent Trailer project is researching how we could offer a view out of the vehicle unrestricted by your trailer, making towing safer and less stressful.” The prototype system combines the video feed from the vehicle’s surround camera…

DE NOVO NEWS The 12-year-old gelding, who was on the British silver medal-winning eventing team at the 2014 World Equestrian Games with Tina Cook, is fighting for his life. He contracted travel sickness, which developed into plural pneumonia, and has an abscess in his chest. BALTHAZAR KING The 11-year-old gelding, who had a crunching fall in this year’s Grand National, looks likely to return to training this season. The popular chaser broke several ribs when falling at the Canal Turn, but trainer Phillip Hobbs said he has made a good recovery. TOYTOWN Zara Phillips and her 2005 European Eventing Championships-winning partner will be returning to the site of their victory and parading at Blenheim on 20 September. Now aged 22, the gelding retired in 2011 and spends his days at…

SPECULATION about the potential sale of Hyde Park Barracks for luxury apartments may rise again in the next few weeks, when a decision is expected about heritage listing, writes Pippa Cuckson. Twenty major developers are rumoured to be interested in the prime Knightsbridge site, worth £600million, and some have already published their architectural vision. But there are complications. First, any developer must find a convenient new central London home for the Household Cavalry’s 270 horses. More recently, the 20th Century Society, an architectural pressure group, has applied for the barracks to have Listed status, from which the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has sought immunity. A decision is expected soon as the Department of Culture, Media and Sport returned from the summer recess on Monday (7 September). The property belongs to…

PANTOMIME HORSES Sixty-four competitors took part in a Guiness World Record-breaking pantomime horse race on 31 August at Newcastle racecourse. Two-person teams ran in one-piece horse costumes over 100 metres. JAY HALIM The showjumper has bought a new property near Burford, Glos. His horses will be moving in the next week. “It’s a lovely base with 20 acres, plus an indoor and outdoor school,” he said. ANNA GRAYSTON The British pony pairs driver won individual gold at the FEI World Driving Championship for Ponies held in Breda, Netherlands (2-6 September). Leading after the marathon, Anna held onto first place during the influential cones phase to be crowned world champion. Full report next week. JESSIE DREA The British showjumper and her fiancé Steven Good welcomed the safe arrival of their baby…

Watch the Europeans The FEI European Eventing Championships run from 10-13 September at Blair Castle. www.blair2015.com Enjoy country sports See hounds at Hampshire Country Sports Day on 13 September at Tichborne Park. www.hampshirecountrysportsday.co.uk Go racing The St Leger Festival is held at Doncaster racecourse from 9-12 September. www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk Charity event Watch jockeys, showjumpers and eventers go head-to-head at Bicton Arena’s charity challenge on 12 September. www.bicton-arena.co.uk…

My favourite restaurant… I’m going to have to say the restaurant that I started with two of my greatest friends — Soushi, in Cirencester. Our eight-goal team (Tamara Vestey, Emma Tomlinson, and Lucy Taylor) meet there often to drink rosé, eat sushi and try to spend some time together where we don’t discuss polo — though that rarely ends up happening. When I am watching… My husband, John Paul (JP), play polo — even though it is like a slow form of torture. The close games can be excruciating and I struggle through the emotional highs and lows of each and every goal. It is definitely easier playing than watching. I admire my father who watches, icy calm, every game that JP, my mother, my siblings and I play. When…

An elevated pulse is a telltale sign of a foot problem. A marked, “bounding” pulse is strongly suggestive of an abscess. A raised pulse in both forefeet, however, usually points to laminitis. The shoe is removed and hoof testers used to localise the affected area. The whole foot may need to be searched, which is difficult, skilled work, especially as the horse may be in tremendous pain; sedation may be helpful and reduce the horse’s stress levels. The superficial horn is pared from the sole in a systematic manner, starting at the toe and working around the white line to the heels. If a black mark is seen within the white line, a localised area is excavated to follow the discolouration until it ends or until pus is found. Locating…

Healthy living • I don’t have a specific diet, but I try to eat healthily. I stay off alcohol around competitions. Although I am not very good at it, I try to stay well-hydrated during events. Dealing with nerves • I try not to think about the situation I am in, but more about the process of what I need to do. For example, in the showjumping I concentrate on the canter I need and my position, rather than thinking, “I have to jump clear.” I try to stay in the moment rather than getting ahead of myself or dwelling on the past. Fitness • I have a regime that human performance coach Jon Pitts has helped me develop, which involves the dreaded rowing machine and lots of core strength…

IT’S not uncommon to see horses in rugs all year round — so have attitudes to rugging horses changed? “Mine are in rugs come rain or shine, any time of year if they are competing,” says Katie Jerram. “It’s a different matter if they are roughed off, but while they are competing they need to have protection from the sun, which bleaches their coats.” Mary King is still a great believer in turning the horses out without rugs. “Obviously, if it’s lashing with rain and cold, they will have rugs on, but if it’s cooler with the odd shower, I’d rather they grew a thick winter coat to see them through the winter. “With rugs being so affordable these days, I do think that horses are often over-rugged — there’s…

FOR me this was vintage Burghley: a stellar field (albeit missing hot favourites Andrew Nicholson and Avebury), a retro feel cross-country with some big, mean-looking fences, and worthy champions in Michael Jung and La Biosthetique-Sam FBW. Reversing the course gave riders a completely different outlook on the track. Gone was the 2min 30sec of “free-wheeling” from the Cottesmore Leap back down to the water, and instead we had that long, uphill pull on what was also ground-wise the wettest part of the course. No one expected to be up on their markers in the first four minutes, but I was surprised how difficult it was to claw back time towards the end of the track. Burghley is always renowned as a big-jumping track, but this year the sheer size of…

EVERY Burghley is a momentous event in my life. After weeks of agonising and tinkering, finally the riders walk the cross-country course. Every year I’m keen to find out what they think. I was not so pleased when the feedback was “the biggest four-star ever” and “the first ever five-star”. My hair was already turning more grey. Nature was on our side — the footing was just about perfect and the sunny intervals were ideal for cross-country. Judgement of pace was going to be paramount with the course running the other way round to previously. This put the Lion Bridge in the first minute and the Anniversary Splash and Capability’s Cutting in the second, before the climb to the Cottesmore Leap at 3min 30sec. I thought if riders were 10-15sec…

VITTORIA PANIZZON dominated the KBIS CIC3*, run here this year because riders cannot compete at this level at Blair because it is hosting the European Championships. She finished first with Borough Pennyz and second with Merlots Magic. KBIS-sponsored rider Izzy Taylor did her supporters proud by taking third with Thistledown Poposki after withdrawing her dressage leader and Blair ride KBIS Briarlands Matilda after the first phase. Most riders would have been delighted with a one-two in an international class, but Vittoria’s reaction showed that she has retained all her competitive spirit and then some, since breaking her collarbone earlier in the season. “I’m spitting,” she said. “It should have been a one-two-three.” She was referring to a run-out at a brush corner at fence five with two-phase leader Chequers Play…

WILL FURLONG led the Askham Bryan British young rider squad to a fantastic medal haul when he took the individual title and spearheaded team gold. The 20-year-old topped the dressage with Livingstone II on 32.7 and added just two time-faults across country. “After the dressage the gold was mine to lose — I knew what I had to do and it was down to me where I eventually finished,” he said. The 12-year-old Livingstone II, by Zimbabwe, was produced to three-star by Swedish rider Ludwig Svennerstal, before a short spell with Piggy French. He joined Will in 2012. The rider had some problems with braking and steering across country early in their partnership, but now rides the horse in a swales pelham. “That seems to give me the most control…

JACKE MATHIESON’S decision to take up the reins again with Wolkenderry brought her a win in the advanced medium restricted. Jacke bought the German-bred Wolkentanz x Londonderry 11-year-old as a two-year-old after seeing him in a field in Holland. “I’d gone looking for a horse for a client and he caught my eye,” said Jacke. “I bought him straight away.” The horse was successful in the four- and five-year-old young horse classes, had a brief foray into eventing and, until recently, has combined training with stud duties. He sired Hillgrounds Wolkenhall, top four-year-old at the recent Badminton young horse championship. “Last year I decided that I was fed up of the breeding system in this country so I had him gelded and brought him home and here we are,” she…

“I wish every show was held here,” said Phillip Miller. He and Caritiar Z had just returned to the scene of their greatest triumph to capture the All England grand prix, the culmination of four terrific days of national showjumping. To make his day even sweeter, Phillip jumped the only other double clear for second on Unbelievable Lady. Bob Ellis and Alan Wade set a tough track for this class, which carried a £6,000 prize-fund, plus three tickets to the Queen’s Cup at the 2016 Royal International Horse Show (RIHS). Hickstead’s big water jump took a heavy toll, as did the huge final oxer, comprising light poles over a water tray — just seven of the 59 starters were clear. It was definitely horses for courses — all the others…

Glorious bloodlines MOST grooms try not to have favourites, but James Hawkins liked his boss Emily Whiteside’s stallion Warriors Glory (“Gorilla”) so much that he bought a relation. Warriors Glory, by Warrior out of a Caretino Glory mare, was found at Brendon Stud and started to look really special when he reached newcomers level. Matt Boddy rode him at Addington’s young horse show, finishing second in the six-year-old final and taking his ticket to the world breeding championships. “People have begged to buy him at virtually every show,” said James. “I love him so much that I asked Shirley [Light] if she had another with similar bloodlines. She suggested Glory Warrior, a four-year-old stallion by Warrior out of Gorilla’s full-sister.” The only problem was paying for Glory Warrior (“Gizmo”). “Friends…

‘Somersault Harry’ HARRY GAUNT, Welsh Preseli team member in the international contest, found unexpected fame. During the team parade — conducted at a walk — Harry’s normally placid pony Rob began to buck, culminating in a rodeo display that lasted the length of the arena. Rob catapulted Harry into the stands where, fortunately, he landed on his feet. The episode was caught on camera and found its way onto Facebook, gaining more than 8,500 hits within 48 hours. Watch the video at www.horseandhound.co.uk/bsps-fall…

Matilda Lanni IT was a poignant moment on several levels when Matilda Lanni, 10, jumped the only clear round to head the Desert Orchid 133cm division on Birkenbrook Arabella at the pair’s first attempt at the class. Matilda’s grandfather, the late John Lanni — former international showjumper and junior European team chef d’equipe — originally built Arena UK and the pony was bought after he spotted an advert pinned on the ‘for sale’ board at the centre. Matilda’s father, showjumper Matthew, is currently following in his father’s chef d’equipe junior team footsteps. “We knew the pony had a jump, but we wanted to wait until Matilda was ready before doing this class as it’s such a big ask,” said her mother Camilla. “‘Grandpa John’ would have been so proud to…

ORGANISERS were expecting a poor response in the Olympia section this time, having lost their direct qualification status. But they were only seven entries down on last year and two up on 2013. Having more chances instead to qualify for the semi-finals at the increasingly popular Heritage Festival in October (where 40 Olympia tickets are up for grabs), seemed equally appealing — especially to those competitors who have been chasing HOYS tickets and realise they now need to focus on Olympia. Last year’s champion here, the Welsh section D Taffechan Miss Moneypenny (Lauren Beaumont), returned to collect a semi-final qualification, as did Katy Marriott Payne with the Shetland Birchmoor Drover (Alice Tomlinson) and the section C Cargarsar Silver Phantom (Sophie Dowdeswell), who finished reserve to Sandra Burton and Banks Timber.…

HEATHER BLYTHE didn’t have the ideal preparation for the show with her usual groom unable to go, the lorry she had arranged to borrow failing its plating and a new browband she had ordered not arriving in time. Heather also runs her own catering company and had a large canapé party to organise on the Saturday night. “I spent all day Thursday and Friday cooking,” said Heather, “then delivered the food to my staff who were covering the party. I dragged My Broadstairs Joy in from the field on Saturday morning and off we went. In the first class I was initially pulled in 20th out of 21, so I wondered why on earth I was there and not working.”…

WHERE: Balmoral, Scotland WHEN: 10 January, 1972 WHO: Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth WHY: The Queen becomes Britain’s longest-reigning monarch THE Queen made history yesterday (9 September) as she surpassed the previous record of 63 years and 216 days held by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria. Queen Elizabeth II’s life-long love of horses is well known, and can be seen here as she talks to a pony on her Balmoral Estate with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh. • For full feature, see p30. MATTHEW HEATH and The Lion gallop through the first water at Burghley Horse Trials (3-6 September). For the first time in 55 years, course-designer Mark Phillips reversed the track, opening up the playing field for less seasoned Burghley competitors. • For full report, see p46. FOUR sculpted…

LAMENESS is three times more likely to be caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, than problems in a foot, according to results from a recent survey, writes Amy Mathieson. The National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) is run each May, and this year the survey was completed by 35% more horse owners than in 2014, with nearly 15,000 entries. Eighteen percent of horses were recorded as lame, with 13.5% of them suffering from the condition due to osteoarthritis. This was down from 13.9% in 2014 and 14.8% in 2013. Meanwhile foot lameness was recorded in 4.5%, a similar figure to previous years. Vets are pleased that the survey is now producing solid results. “NEHS is now providing important evidence that is replacing subjective opinion,” said…

WORLD number one showjumper Scott Brash will be hoping to pick up a € 1m (£720,000) bonus this weekend (13 September) in the final leg of the Rolex Grand Slam at Spruce Meadows. Riding Hello Sanctos, owned by Lord and Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham, Scott triumphed in the world famous Aachen grand prix earlier this year. This victory came on the back of his win at the CHI in Geneva in December, which means he can claim a € 500,000 bonus for winning two legs in succession, simply by taking part in the third and final event in Calgary. There was controversy earlier this summer when Scott made Hello Sanctos unavailable for team selection at the FEI European Championships. Scott told H&H it was “notin the horse’s interest” to…

A popular equestrian business on the High Speed Two (HS2) rail path will be safe after the owners struck a deal with the government, writes Lucy Elder. The route for the first phase of HS2 passes through Washbrook Farm at Aston-le-Walls, Northants. If it goes ahead, building work on the new high-speed railway from London to Birmingham will begin in 2017 and services are expected to start in 2026. There were concerns this could mean the end for the competition venue (news, 7 November 2013). Owners Ann and Nigel Taylor run more than 20 days of affiliated and unaffiliated horse trials a year, from grassroots to advanced. However, the Taylors told H&H that an agreement has been reached so the venue is safe whether the railway goes ahead or not.…

DAVY RUSSELL The National Hunt jockey is out of action for a few weeks after breaking bones in his left arm and right foot in a fall in the paddock. He broke the same arm earlier this year. A COLLAPSED HORSE The A1 in Cambridgeshire was closed in both directions on 1 September after a horse collapsed in a lorry. Police were called to the accident, as well as firefighters, paramedics and a vet. A TRAPPED YOUNGSTER Firefighters rescued a four-year-old horse in Lincolnshire after he managed to trap his hooves in a gate (31 August). The horse was freed using hydraulic equipment to spread the bars of the gate (not pictured). A POLICE HORSE Officers in Texas, USA, were called to a fight outside a nightclub on 30 August…

LET’S NARROW THE EVENTING GAP Sir — I write with reference to Mark Phillips’ excellent comment (3 September) concerning progression through the classes for British Eventing (BE) competitors. I am certainly someone who would welcome a 1.05m level. Yes, there is provision in other classes to campaign at BE100plus level, but it is technical, and the sudden increase in size and scope on the cross-country makes the leap from BE100 to novice seem enormous. It could be argued that this step up is the most difficult in BE. I am one of those knocking on the door to upgrade but find myself emailing the organisers to see where they are likely to pitch the course — but this is so subjective. The black flag, which offers an alternative route, helps,…

‘I just wanted to prove myself’ ROS CANTER made a striking start to her first four-star when she scored 40.2 on the 10-year-old Allstar B, owned by British junior team coach Caroline Moore. It was good enough for 10th place at the end of dressage. Ros said: “He’s so rideable; if I get a little nervous, he doesn’t react to that. “I just wanted to prove myself and not let him down. Caroline said that if I got in the 30s, she’d buy me a case of champagne, so she’s pleased we didn’t quite get there!” Caroline bought the 17.1hh from Vere Phillipps as a five-year-old, and started him off. “Then my coaching went crazy and I took over the juniors, so I handed the ride over [first to Emily…

LAND ROVER BURGHLEY (3-6 SEPTEMBER 2015) Withdrawn after dressage — Fernhill Highlight (Francis Whittington, GBR) 54.9; Islanmore Ginger (Alex Postolowsky, GBR) 56.2; Xam (H Dzenis, GBR) 51.1; Sportsfield Othello (Joseph Murphy, IRL) 47; Second Supreme (Pippa Funnell, GBR) 55.8; Reve Du Rouet (Sarah Bullimore, GBR) 53.8. Retired on cross-country —Tom Tom Go 3 (Niklas Bschorer, GER) 39.2; Lebowski (Beanie Sturgis, GBR) 51.6; Southway (Ellen Svennerstal, SWE) 54.5; Topwood Beau (Emily Gilruth, GBR) 47.4 ; Whitson (Louise Harwood, GBR) 47.6. Eliminated on cross-country —Chequers Playboy (Dee Hankey, GBR) 52.2; Cossan Lad (Kirsty Short, GBR) 72.8; FischerRocana FST (Michael Jung, GER) 34.2; Galley Light (Ben Way GBR) 60.2; Rutherglen (Andrew Hoy, AUS) 37.8; Rehy Too (Gina Ruck, GBR) 52; Annie Clover (Nicola Wilson, GBR) 43.9; Wellshead Fare Opposition (C Keen, GBR) 51.7.…

Reaching for Rio QUALIFICATION for the Rio Olympics is a hot topic among riders at FEI events at present and Wellington was no exception. Japanese riders were out in force as they prepare for Boekelo in October, which, all being well, will provide Asia Pacific nations with a final opportunity to qualify for the Games as a team. Two of Japan’s qualified individual riders, Ryuzo Kitajima (pictured, riding Just Chocolate) and Toshiyuki Tanaka, continued their good form here, both riding two horses into the top 10 in the CIC3*. Italy’s Vittoria Panizzon and Borough Pennyz also face an anxious few months of “points chasing” as neither they nor an Italian team have yet qualified for Rio. Frustratingly for Vittoria, being part of the relatively inexperienced Italian team aiming to achieve…

‘He fractured his pelvis’ WILL FURLONG’S champion Livingstone II is back competing after a serious injury last winter. “We think he fell over in the field,” said Will. “He was never lame, but he became very sensitive behind the saddle area and after physio he was becoming sore again quickly. He had a bone scan and we discovered he had fractured his pelvis.” The problem was discovered in January and the horse had a couple of months off before returning to work. The pair will now aim for their first CCI3* at Boekelo in October.…

“WHO needs Sudoku when you have to remember a dressage test?” laughed Sarah Royal, who at the age of 66 and competing in only her third event since the early 1990s, won a BE80(T) section at Treborough Hill (2) on a score of 26.5. Sarah, who has hunted with various packs throughout her life, decided to start eventing again 18 months ago when her hunter had to be retired and her daughter, Tessa Dollar, persuaded her to go and look at a five-year-old mare called Gredington Acrobat (Batty), by Uptons Deli Circus, bred by Kate Churton. “She has the most wonderful temperament, which makes me determined to do my best with her,” said Sarah. “The sport has changed so much in the past 25 years and I think the BE80(T)…

Family favourite THIS was a real family occasion for the Bunns. As well as Lucy Bunn’s triumphs, mum-of-four Chloe Breen (née Bunn) dusted off her breeches after a 10-year break to ride Grafiti Van’t Meyershof into fifth place in the 1m championship. The show has a lovely, relaxed atmosphere, but there is also strong competition and there were 3,500 starters over the four days. “It’s my favourite show. There’s no pressure and everyone has a nice time,” said Edward Bunn. Talent on show ROBERT WHITAKER and Hold On Tight II outjumped a strong field to take the top Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) ticket in Saturday’s talentseekers qualifier. This gelding was featured as one to watch from Kent County in July and is living up to his billing. “I…

THE dispute over whether the Irish team’s Rio qualification was jeopardised by a steward crossing Cian O’Connor’s tracks at the Europeans looks set to run and run, especially with lawyers now involved. I understand the Irish disappointment, as potentially they had their best Olympic team in years. And I’d prefer to see them going than some others that have qualified. But much as I sympathise, if the Irish win this, the can of worms it could open doesn’t bear thinking about. While something similar is unlikely to happen again at a major championship with experienced organisers, what about our national shows? I remember riding a mare called Burnbrooke Again at Newbury Show. I always prided myself that I was hardly ever unshipped. But Burnbrooke was jumping a lovely round until,…

Lesley Paton FARMER’S wife and mum Lesley owns four horses, three dogs and two ponies, and works full-time as an accountant. Age: mature, but young at heart. Lives: Central Scotland. Is your family horsey? My father was a professional footballer, so I’m from a sporty background. I started at a riding school aged three, but Mum wouldn’t get me a pony until I knew how to look after one. I waited until I was 12, when I shared a pony with my younger sister. I started riding again after I met my husband, but he’s a typical farmer and I had to fight for stables. It was only when our wee girl became interested that he did too. We’ve now got a small indoor school and I’m hoping she can…

Cadlanvalley Mr Bojangles SAM ROBERTS’ new ride, Joyce Newbery’s big-moving Welsh section B gelding Cadlanvalley Mr Bojangles, belied his four years of age to deliver far more than expected. From his three classes, the Russetwood Elation palomino headed the WOW Factor final, the Blue Division Heritage and the Classic Security Heritage sections before landing the overall Classic Security Challenge supreme. “Mr Bojangles came in January for some winter shows and won the novice finals at the BSPS, National Pony Society (NPS) and Ponies (UK) winter championships,” said Sam. “He then had all spring and summer off, and came back a month ago for the last few summer shows. “He has three naturally correct paces and really catches the eye, while remaining true to type. I think he has a big…

NOTHING could have displayed the joy of showing more clearly than when judges Moggy Hennessy and David Ingle called Edmond Mahony and Gamekeeper forward as working hunter champions at this year’s Bucks County. Edmond may be the chairman of the giant Tattersalls bloodstock sales empire, but he cheerfully described himself and his seven-year-old gelding as “Jacks of all trades — but probably masters of none!” However, Edmond and the son of Coevers Diamond Boy produced a lovely jumping round and foot-perfect performances on the flat in their heavyweight class and championship. Suffolk-based Edmond’s best results have been in amateur classes, but this earned him the right to take on the “big boys and girls” at this year’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). He bought Gamekeeper as a four-year-old from…

• “Our champion did everything correctly and jumped a fabulous round. He does what it says on the box and is a good example of his breed.” Michael Saunders on M&M WHP champion Manninard Cashel Finn. • “The champion is a very nice five-year-old horse that has four good paces, nice limbs and would stand a lot of work. Our reserve champion, the heavyweight winner, is a genuine weight carrier and as a big horse he will be better with another year on his head.” David Tatlow on hunter champion Diamond Roulette and the reserve, Cabrera. • “The champion looked super today. It may seem as if we were being Welsh biased choosing both a section D and a C for champion and reserve places, but we decided to go…

THE Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) championships at Aintree wasn’t just a show. It was proof that when riders share a passion, it brings out the best in us. Standing supreme on Barbers Shop was one of my proudest moments. But everyone there could be equally proud: it wasn’t just about the rosettes, it was about showcasing ex-racehorses’ versatility and enjoying seeing so many looking happy and well-loved in their new careers. Aintree International Equestrian Centre is so airy and light you hardly believe you are in an indoor school. Everyone from volunteers manning the car park, to stable managers, stewards and organiser Carly Goodall, was cheerful and helpful. It was a privilege to see Grand National winner Neptune Collonges and other big winners parade, and I enjoyed the RoR musical…

DOPE testing around the world will be wholly coordinated by the FEI from January 2016, in another major development for clean sport, writes Pippa Cuckson. To date, the FEI has coordinated the Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Programme (EADCMP) only in FEI regional groups I and II (Europe). Administration in the rest of the world has been undertaken through national anti-doping programmes or national federations (NFs). The immediate practical effect is that sampling results from all nations, both negative and positive, will now be published, giving new insight into the frequency of dope testing in the countries concerned. Until now, dope test results of horses ridden by non-European riders have only been publicly available when they were sampled while competing in Europe. One notable omission from the public listing, due…

THE FEI and Danish Equestrian Federations are investigating after a series of photos of dressage rider Andreas Helgstrand have sparked outrage online. Danish website Epona.tv published images of the rider warming up Torveslettens Stamina (pictured, right) at the CDI in Falsterbo in July. The rider was not reprimanded at the event. Andreas denies the welfare claims stating: “Force, violence or other types of abuse are counter productive to our goal and against our fundamental values. Stamina is an incredibly supple horse, and with a rider in the saddle, she naturally bends into dressage posture.” Andreas said he was not contacted “at any time during the entire show” by a steward, official, technical delegated or ground jury. The FEI said it has contacted the chief steward requesting a specific report on…

TOP female Flat jockey Hayley Turner is to retire at the end of the season. Hayley, 32, has been race-riding for 15 years and confirmed the news last week (1 September). Hayley secured 100 wins in 2008, the first lady rider to do so. In 2011 she became the only female jockey to ride two Group Ones in the same season with Margot Did and Dream Ahead. She revealed that she had lost her confidence since a fall in 2013 left her with pelvic and back injuries, and wanted to retire on a high. “I have loved every second of my career. I am very much looking forward to the new challenges ahead,” she said. She will jointhe At The Races team.…

We read with interest Fiona Burns’ letter about the crowds at Aachen (27 August). We had a brilliant time in Aachen but we, too, encountered some disrespectful behaviour during the competition. We have watched a lot of international dressage over the years, but never encountered this sort of behaviour, which seems against the spirit of the sport. Horses have no idea of nationality, they are simply trying their hearts out — and amazing us. DENISE CARVER, JANE KIMBE, JUSTINE CARVER, NATALIE BAIlEY Lea, Wiltshire The writers of the letter of the week win a bottle of ChampagneTaittinger…

ALEC, 44, is from a great Scottish eventing family. His mother Polly (née Hely Hutchinson) won a European team gold medal in 1969; his father Hamish was a captain in the Royal Scots Greys and rode at four-star. Alec was brought up at Burgie, near Inverness, where Polly still runs the horse trials that became legendary for its parties as well as its challenging cross-country courses. His younger brother Hugh is a leading course-designer in the USA. His sister Clare evented to advanced and is now an osteopath. The best under-25 rider at Badminton and Burghley, Alec’s competition ambitions never quite came off. “All I wanted to do was be on the British team and win a gold medal, do all of the things that everybody wants to do, and…

THE Queen has reigned through extraordinary times, good and bad. She has seen man land on the moon and conquer Everest, and has hosted an Olympics in her own backyard. A constantly reassuring figure through whatever happy or trying times we face, she is adored not just in Britain but around the world. Her interest and enjoyment in all matters equestrian is legendary. We expect a British monarch to have horses, but we may never again see one who follows horse-racing, breeding and disciplines from showing to polo with such fervour. How many of us would give our right arm to talk horses with The Queen for an hour? I wonder what she thinks about the evolution of thoroughbred breeding, and whether eventing today places sufficient emphasis on the cross-country?…

THIS year, Horseware Ireland celebrates its 30th birthday. Founder Tom MacGuinness explains how it all began. “In the 1970s, horse blankets were heavy, they weren’t warm, they fell off, you couldn’t wash them and you had to keep them on the horse by strapping them on with rollers,” he says. “I figured that if we could put a man on the moon, we could make a better horse blanket. “Once I’d found modern materials to work with, the next question was, ‘How do I keep it on the horse?’ So I bought an old industrial sewing machine and came up with a basic shape. “Next, I had to work out how to stop it moving, and that’s where I came up with the double front clips and piece of Velcro,…

Palermo, Argentina — home to the Argentine Open, where teams of 10-goalers battle it out for the most prestigious title in the world. This polo Mecca in the centre of Buenos Aires is a must-visit for fans. Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club, Tianjin — make the trip to China for snow polo with a difference. The polo club is part of a surreal luxury micro-city development due to be completed in 2017. The snow is mostly artificial but it generates a high standard of polo, with 16-goal teams going hell for leather. Apes Hill Polo Club, Barbados — the Barbados Open in March is fiercely contested, with several British players making the trip to enjoy the unbeatable weather and Bajan hospitality at Sir Charles “Cow” Williams’ family’s club. Regulars here include…

BOUGHT by Michael Jung and his father Joachim as a five-year-old and now listed as owned by members of the Jung family, Erich Single and the DOKR (German Olympic equestrian federation), “Sam” is the most successful event horse in history. Here are some of his statistics: First win: CIC*, Altensteig, 2006 Number of international wins: 21 Individual gold medals: three (2010 World Equestrian Games, 2011 European Championships, 2012 Olympic Games) First CCI4* win: Luhmühlen, 2009 Other major wins: 2009 FEI World Cup final, Strzegom; 2011 Aachen CICO3*; Fontainebleau CIC3* four times CCI4* record outside of championships: second Badminton 2013; third Kentucky 2015; third Luhmühlen 2015 Cross-country jumping faults at international events: none Out of 50 international results, he has finished in the top three 41 times, and on every occasion…

OVER the past five or 10 years, the standard of eventing dressage has risen enormously. You rarely see a poor halt now and the balance, flow and presentation is professional. I think now that the riders have upped their game, the facilities and rules need to catch up with them. There’s a good case for saying that at four-stars and championships, there ought to be five dressage judges whose only job is to judge the dressage. The three-member ground jury would still have all their other current responsibilities, but the actual judging of the tests would be handed over to people for whom that is their sole job. I also think that eventing ought to consider using a Judges’ Supervisory Panel like in pure dressage. Everybody is human and sometimes…

Tina Cook and Tim Bourke TINA COOK defied all the laws of gravity to stay in the plate when Star Witness left his left foreleg on 20d, the log on dry land in the middle of the Land Rover Trout Hatchery. She hung on tight (see picture, p51) and was lightning-quick to reroute to the longer option out. “He was super-honest and helped me out,” she said. “He had a nasty fall in the water at Barbury last year which has made him a bit suspicious of water; he just wanted a look and added an extra stride, which unbalanced us.” Despite this, they were among the quicker pairs for 5.2 time-faults, which took them from 30th after dressage to 10th overnight. US-based Irishman Tim Bourke also did well to…

Spence leads the Blair rejects OF those riders who might have felt they had a claim on a place on the British squad at Blair, who left Burghley feeling they had proved the selectors wrong? Possibly only Georgie Spence, 12th with a double clear on Wii Limbo (pictured, below). Louise Harwood has had better Burghleys; Whitson retired across country, while Mr Potts had a late run-out. Jodie Amos and Wise Crack were competitive after dressage (43.9) but had 20 jumping penalties across country, then five showjumps down. Emily Llewellyn (Greenlawn Sky High) and Emilie Chandler (Coopers Law) went well across country and finished in the top 25, but would have needed better dressage marks to be in the mix. Likewise Sarah Bullimore, who withdrew Reve Du Rouet before cross-country. Georgie…

FOR the second year running, a mare headed the top of the line in the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse five-year-old final. Cavalier Crystal, ridden by American Tiana Coudray — who is based in Britain — was a convincing winner. She took the early lead, earning what was to be the highest mark of the class for jumping and then caught the eye of Jane Holderness-Roddam, who awarded her the full 10 marks for suitability and potential. “I loved the winner; she was so light over the ground and really stood out,” said Jane. The Irish-bred bay mare, owned by Liz Williams and Tiana, is by the Irco Mena son Jack Of Diamonds and out of the Cavalier Royale mare Cavalier Iris, a full-sister to Matthew Wright’s former four-star ride…

An emergency rescue CHUFFY CLARKE nearly didn’t make it to Wellington. She is based with Rodney Powell and while she credits him and Alex Franklin with dramatically improving both her riding and mind-set over the last year, it’s fair to say Rodney’s driving is not as conducive to easing competition-day stress. “He hit a bump at a petrol station five minutes down the road, which meant we lost air pressure,” explained Chuffy. “I had to put in an emergency call to my dad, who rescued us in our lorry and got us here just in the nick of time.”…

Sophie Benton THE 22-year-old vet student celebrated her first win in a BE100 section at Keysoe (2) with her mother Lynda’s 15.2hh eight-year-old Hayestown Danny. “I sold my two event horses when I started uni three years ago. The plan was that mum would buy a nice, coloured cob, but she ended up with a green five-year-old Irish sport horse,” said Sophie. “It’s a good arrangement, though, because mum rides him during term time and I jump on in the holidays and take him eventing.” Eleanor Balysz THE 13-year-old beat much older opposition to head the open novice section at Firle Place with her 14.2hh pony Gold Digger II. Eleanor’s mother, Claire, was kicked in the head two months ago and was left with multiple injuries, but credits her hat…

Angela Crane AS a former grand prix rider, List Two judge Angela Crane applies her own personal riding experience in the judge’s box. She recalls that she “crashed and burned” when she began the collected and extended work. “At this level, suddenly you need to find a level of engagement and keep the horse’s frame right, that is uphill and forwards, when you are combining collected movements with extended,” said Angela, who judged the advanced medium classes. “It’s hard work, but I’ve seen a lot of promising work from combinations today. It’s important to read the comments on your sheet not as negatives but as next week’s work.”…

THIS month’s British Dressage National Championships (17-20 September) are the season’s number one goal for most national — and indeed many international — riders. Everyone tries their hardest to get there, and hard luck stories (and excuses) abound. Some didn’t read the rules. Others failed to qualify because the points required to do so had been raised; one from our yard missed out by one mark. Then there was the entry posted two weeks before the closing date, never to arrive (registered post is advised). Not to mention the untimely spook, rain storm, distracting photographer and popping of a crisp packet on the day. We saw bumper entries at many regional championships. One had to cancel its warm-up classes to accommodate them. My own regional was as excuse-packed as they…

A Welsh section C stallion made history at Arena UK when becoming the first-ever native pony to claim the Underwood overall ridden supreme of show title. Sarah Parker had Paddy Hall’s charismatic Menai Thomas right on the button, delivering a polished, sparkling and energetic show to end the 25-year reign of plaited contenders. Leading equine vet Jane Nixon, who assessed the 11 supreme contenders, commented: “This pony was a joy to watch. It had great charisma, a lovely temperament, was balanced and went forward completely level. It also had good conformation and was not too fat — all these things made it the most ‘fit for purpose’ pony in the class.” The typey 11-year-old Menai Thomas opened his account here with a Heritage novice worker win and reserve, before going…

DOING two shows in one day is some achievement and adding a HOYS ticket makes it even more special. Lucinda Haines was judging show ponies at the BSPS championships in the morning, but was also desperate to compete at her local county show. “I finished judging at Grantham at 10.30am, then leapt in my car and drove straight here,” said Lucinda, who works full-time in a London publishing house. “My mother brought my horse here for me and it somehow worked.” Lucinda’s joy was complete when Kookaburra won the small hack class and a HOYS ticket. “She’s a reliable mare, but I didn’t expect this,” said Lucinda.…

WHILE working in South Africa, I met Justin — who became my husband. He bought me Sage, a failed racehorse. Sage was hopelessly slow on the racetrack, so we bought him aged three for £300. He was the first horse that I owned and he turned out to be truly amazing. He had a big heart and was unbelievably hot to ride. I could ride him for hours and he never got tired. At one of his first shows — the South African Novice Championship — I hacked him for two hours to get there. He won and Justin hacked him home, cantering and bucking most of the way. I learnt so much from him. I had to be so patient, sit quietly and do nothing. He taught me to…