Innholdsfortegnelse for October 8, 2015 i Horse & Hound

IT’S tempting at this time of year to spend too much time passing comment on the diminishing light. Why does it always seem to take us by surprise? Thank goodness for our hunting friends to dig us out of this gloom. Social media is now awash with declarations of “I love winter,” accompanied by atmospheric photos of 6am starts. Ice creams might be off the agenda, fly repellent packed away and muddy gateways reappearing, but now is the time to plan your winter season (p28). Surfaces are getting bigger (which means cross-country schooling is still a goer). Some of the biggest names in equestrian sport will be hosting clinics in the coming months; while you’re not on the treadmill of the competition season, here’s your chance to rustle the boundaries…

WESTON Park Horse Trials will run as a three-day event for the final time this week (8-11 October) as it is no longer financially viable, writes Lucy Elder. The Shropshire event has been operating for 33 years and as a three-day for 19. It will continue to run as a one-day in spring and autumn. “It is because of the clash of dates with Osberton [held 1-4 October in Notts],” organiser Janet Plant told H&H. “They took the entries and we don’t have enough to be viable to run,” she added. Past winners include 2015 Badminton winner Chilli Morning, when ridden by Nick Gauntlett, who won the CCI2* in 2008 (pictured, left). This autumn’s event hosts one- and two-star sections, as well as the British Eventing (BE) Festival of Youth.…

NEW ORLEANS Saudi rider Abdullah Al-Sharbatly has sold his top horse. Brit Ben Talbot takes the ride. The 16-year-old gelding was previously the mount of Gerco Schröder before being sold in last year’s Eurocommerce auction. Ben recently also bought Sacramento from Abdullah. DECOPAUGE The Roxburghshire-based Rachan Stud has lost its coloured Canadian-bred warmblood stallion (Art Deco x Tah-Wack Wi Two). He was 17 and his front suspensory ligaments gave way. Owner Sally Burns said: “He leaves amazing offspring but a huge hole on the yard.” MEACHAM MAMBO NO 5 Kellythorpe Stud’s prolific foundation broodmare has died of a heart attack aged 15. From seven foals, the Monte Carlo x Lenard mare produced four Horse of the Year Show cuddy in-hand winners. “We are all devastated,” said owner Lisha Leeman. ATLANTIC…

RIDERS could have access to safer roads if a charity’s campaign to reduce speed limits is successful. Brake has called for the removal of unnecessary barriers in implementing 20mph speed limits. The road safety organisation submitted a freedom of information request to all local traffic authorities in Britain regarding their decisions to implement 20mph limits or not. It found that costs and central government guidance stopped councils putting a 20mph speed limit in place. Brake argued the government should revise its guidance to make it less prohibitive. “The government is tying the hands of cash-strapped councils with out-dated and unnecessary regulation,” said Dr Tom Fisher from Brake. “20mph limits are an effective solution to unacceptably dangerous roads in our towns and villages. Ultimately, we would like to see 20mph become…

A SPECIAL VISIT Rowcroft Hospice resident Pat West was visited by her granddaughter Megan Hayes’s new horse Puzzle on 23 September. Pat’s daughter, Sally Hayes, drove Puzzle to the Devon hospice and 14-year-old Megan rode him into the grounds to see her. JUNIOR TENTPEGGERS The British junior tentpegging team took home team bronze from a senior international competition in Holland (27 September). The four-strong team stood in for the British senior team and contested individual, pairs and team classes. BEN HOBDAY The four-star event rider has finished chemotherapy. The 27-year-old revealed that he had completed the course of treatment on 30 September. He thanked medical staff and everyone who has supported him. A HAPPY FAMILY Event rider Boyd Martin and his dressage rider wife Silva have had a boy, Nox…

Enjoy HOYS Watch Horse of the Year Show at the NEC in Birmingham from 7-11 October. www.hoys.co.uk Eventing Festival of Youth See up-and-coming riders compete at Weston Park Horse Trials, Shrops, from 8-11 October. www.westonht.co.uk Country festival The National Ploughing Championships and Country Festival is at Marden, Kent, on 10-11 October. www.ploughmen.co.uk See Monty Roberts The world-famous trainer starts his UK tour on 10 October at Bishop Burton College, Hull. www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk…

My favourite restaurant… The Fox in Lower Oddington, Glos. The atmosphere is always great, and there’s a beautiful garden in the summer and cosy bar with roaring fires in winter. Watching... Anything with wildlife or interesting travel shows — I adore learning how other people live, and a state occasion is always a must. Looking back… When I worked at Kasselmann Stables in Germany I had to hold the horses for an Australian dentist, Kevin Bacon. During a tea break, I asked him if he rode, and he very kindly said he “jumped a bit”. I later discovered he’d ridden at three Olympic Games. Cringe! Getting away from it all… Jamie, my partner, is from Cornwall so we rent a house with a group of friends in the autumn every…

CONFUSION surrounding the use of the word specialist has led the RCVS to issue new guidance on the subject. Laura McClintock of the RCVS explains that vets must not describe themselves — or others — as specialists unless they are on the RCVS list of specialists. “In practical terms this does not mean that vets have to become an RCVS specialist to practise any particular speciality, for example equine orthopaedics,” she says. “However, they could not describe themselves as a ‘specialist in equine orthopaedics’ unless they are included as such on our list. They should also avoid terms that imply specialist status, such as ‘specialising in equine orthopaedics’. “Those who are not RCVS specialists can use terms such as ‘having a special interest in equine orthopaedics’, ‘experienced in equine orthopaedics’…

ADJUSTABILITY is vital in showjumping. Being able to shorten or lengthen a horse’s stride to suit a distance will make easier work of the more complex tracks and can take seconds off your jump-off time. It’s never too early in a horse’s career to start introducing adjustability. My favourite exercise is good for both young and experienced horses — and is easy to set up and requires little equipment. Simply place one pole on the ground, on the long side or down the middle of the arena, before striding out 20 of your own paces and placing another one. This distance may vary depending on your horse’s stride length, but works well for mine. Canter down over the poles, aiming for six strides between them. As you go round again,…

1 Tasty treats SIMPLY adding an appetiser to your horse’s feed can do the trick. Show pony producer David Jinks has a knack for feeding his successful small intermediate show riding type Arizona Gold at shows. “He can become fussy, so we pour a small amount of apple juice on the feeds and after a good stir, there is no stopping him devouring it all,” he says. Rachel Parrott, equine nutritionist at Allen & Page, agrees: “Add succulents in the form of carrots and apples finely sliced or in large pieces to avoid choke, and try additional temptations, such as fenugreek and mint, or juices such as apple or blackcurrant (unsweetened for laminitics).” Lizzie Drury, senior nutritionist at Saracen Horse Feeds adds: “We have found that horses liked diluted, warm…

TWO riders — Piggy French and Vicky Tuffs — claimed the lion’s share of the prizes, taking a win each, as well as top-three placings. Dressage and showjumping were the key phases in the five-year-old championship. The top four after dressage all jumped double clears and it was Monmouthshire-based Vicky and her dressage leader, Its Cooley, who bagged the win, finishing on their high-scoring test of 24.1. Acquired in Ireland through Richard Sheane for Vicky’s mother Linda Tuffs to own, Its Cooley was bred in the Netherlands and is by the proven KWPN jumping sire Indorado, out of a mare by Goodtimes. “He’s mega — so scopey and powerful,” said Vicky, who rode round Badminton in 2007 on Tudor Romance. “He simply doesn’t have a weakness — I think he…

MATTHEW WRIGHT won the CCI* on a very new ride, Rakam D’Emra, owned by his fiancée Victoria’s father, Sir John Peace. Matthew saw the 10-year-old being ridden back from the cross-country at Hartpury by Frenchman Thomas Carlile after being eliminated for three refusals, liked him and bought him there and then. “He looked a bit sour, so I chucked him in the field, fed him up and made him feel good about himself,” said Matthew. “He looks like a totally different horse now and has improved beyond all recognition. We’ve done three events together and won them all.” Helen West finished second on Eebay, also something of a cast-out. Helen explained: “He came to Bicton [which Helen runs] showjumping. I spotted him and liked him, the girl who was riding…

Two seconds for home-breds CLAIRE MORETON has three flagship broodmares at Farleaze Stud, including Flightline Alicia, dam of intermediate runner-up Lichotas Optimism (right). The other two are Claire’s former eventers, the intermediate Flash Dance II and Follywood Miss Teak, who qualified for Badminton’s 2010 grassroots championships shortly before damaging a tendon. “I have Optimism’s two full-brothers and a half-sister, who is competing at BE100 level,” said Claire, who juggles helping on her family’s dairy farm with working at a hunting and dealing yard. “We’re only hobby breeders and it’s nice to see offspring from mares who have given me so much pleasure.” Claire also finished second at BE100 level at Dauntsey on Lichotas Optimism’s half-sister, Farleaze Ladys Waltz, by Landtanzer.…

Bernadette Holden THE dog groomer from Callington in Cornwall rode part-Irish draught Knight Ryan into the winner’s enclosure at Bricky after the duo completed on their dressage score of 33 in a BE80(T) section. “I got a bit overexcited on our first run at Treborough Hill and we ended up getting 10 time-penalties for going too fast, so I was determined to do him justice this time,” said Bernadette, 46, who has been riding the 16-year-old since the end of last year. “I’m by no means a natural, but he’s a true schoolmaster and I have to trust in myself. He’s my once-in-a-lifetime horse.” Knight Ryan is on loan to Bernadette while his owner, Sarah Kitchen, has a baby. India Griffiths THE 12-year-old and her 14.1hh pony Clintonstown Windy proved…

INTRO winner Right You Are’s prospects weren’t always rosy. His current owner Charlotte Bowery was his saviour. “He was a Flat racehorse and then went pointing unsuccessfully before a lady bought him, but after six months of being thrown off, she gifted him to the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre, where I was working at the time,” explained Charlotte, who trains with Stuart Metcalfe. “I took him on and spent a long time developing a bond with him. “He’s very sensitive and it took me eight months to get on him, but now he trusts me fully.” The 15-year-old contested the RoR showing series before moving to dressage. “He thrives on dressage and is a lot more settled. It’s our first year doing it, so we’re learning together.”…

JOHNATHAN BOWMAN had a busy day competing three horses at Rectory Farm Arena, Glos (24 September). He won the 1.20m open with Belgian-bred Me Time and was fourth on five-year-old Calcourt Fergus. He was also runner-up in the discovery and 1.05m with six-year-old Calcourt Chaotic. Me Time and Calcourt Fergus belong to Roland and Ali Fernyhough of Calcourt Equestrian, and Calcourt Chaotic was recently bought by Lydia Thomas. “I ride for Calcourt Equestrian and am stable jockey so I ride all their young horses,” said Johnathan. “I also teach freelance, in between riding.” Johnathan started working at Calcourt 16 years ago, earning his British Horse Society (BHS) exams and working his way up. “We’ve got a good relationship because I’ve been educated there and done my BHS exams,” he said.…

SIXTEEN-year-old Stuart Muirhead won the Dodson & Horrell second round 95cm at SNEC, West Lothian (26 September), riding his mother Christine Muirhead’s 14-year-old Belgian warmblood mare Merllyns Mondena. The family has owned the mare for a year. “She was sourced by Stuart’s trainer Nadine Warwick, a level three coach who has taught Stuart for five years,” said Christine. “He quickly grew out of ponies and Nadine was on a mission to find him his first horse — we owe a lot to her.” Stuart, who left school recently and started a new job as a trainee draftsman, has been riding since he was four and is, as his mother put it, “in it to win it”. “After only six days of owning ‘Ginger’ he took her to the Scottish Horse…

TRAINER Hugo Palmer has made a great start to his career and it was further enhanced when Covert Love, a possible Arc candidate for 2015, won the Prix de l’Opera. She made the running under Pat Smullen but looked vulnerable when Frankie Dettori, who was cantering on Jazzi Top, moved up to her quarters. But, putting up as brave a performance as you will see this Flat season, Covert Love fought back to win by a head. “She’s very, very good and tough,” said Palmer. “I thought she was beat three times in the straight. I said to Pat there’s no better clock in the world than the one in your head, go and do your thing. After winning the Irish Oaks I wanted to win a Group One over…

FRED FRENCH is particular about his team chase horses, so he was pleased when original Boring Goring John Perry mentioned a steed that was for sale in Northern Ireland. Heaven’s Best (Larry) had been produced by John and sold on for eventing in Wales, before ending up across the Irish sea. The big chestnut — a departure from Fred’s usual sleek bays — has a distinctive high head carriage and a huge engine, and after testing his rider’s biceps for a couple of outings looks like a future star.…

Welcome to the October edition of Horse & Hound’s Equo listings. Equo, a new online event entry system, has recently been launched to allow easy online entry to a variety of competitions, clinics, workshops, seminars and more. In this edition of the Equo listings we have included events that were listed on www.equoevents.com by 29 September. If you want your show to be featured here in the next edition, please upload your events for free to Equo by 1 November. The events listed below, and many more, can be entered though Equo’s comprehensive online platform. Riders can search for shows by discipline, date and distance. In addition to this riders can track their entries and progress with Equo. Be sure to follow Equo on Twitter @equoevents, Facebook www.facebook.com/equoevents and on…

EVENT organisers who use Equo will benefit from the following: • It’s free to upload your events to Equo • Equo ensures absolute payment security for both organisers and riders • Equo allows organisers to create a streamlined user journey, while ensuring the optimum management of your events • Equo is user-friendly and easy to use • Equo can be accessed via smartphones • Equo provide dedicated support, seven days a week from dedicated Equo staff • Organisers and competitors benefit from local equestrian reps across the UK • Equo is led by the quality brands Time Inc. and Horse & Hound, having over 130 years of trust and heritage in equestrianism • Equo offers a wide, yet targeted reach, and is the only event entry system to list events…

Showjumping, clear-round Eventing, hunter trials, Jumpcross Dressage, combined training Showing, other ALNWICK FORD EQUESTRIAN, NORTHUMBERLAND, NE65 8EQ Alnwick Ford Equestrian operates over 150 affiliated and unaffiliated showjumping, dressage, cross-country and demonstration events every year. Facilities include a 28x90m indoor arena, a 30x60m outdoor arena, over 80 jumps, a cross-country course, conferencing facilities, a café and ample parking and stabling. OCTOBER Wed 14, British Showjumping NOVEMBER Sat 7, British Showjumping Wed 18, British Showjumping Sat 28, British Showjumping DECEMBER Sun 6, British Showjumping BERKELEY AND DISTRICT RIDING CLUB, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, BS37 9XN Berkeley and District Riding Club (BDRC) are affiliated to the British Horse Society. BDRC accept riders at any level of experience and can provide instruction from novice to advanced standard and from dressage to cross-country riding. BDRC try and encourage…

WHERE: Fife, Scotland WHEN: 28 September WHO: The Queen WHY: A Royal visit to Leuchars station THE Queen enjoyed a quiet moment with Talavera, the regimental drum horse, during a visit to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards’ new barracks in Fife. The Queen, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment, flew by helicopter from Balmoral to visit the regiment in its new home, meeting the troops and horses. It is the first time for 40 years that the regiment has been based in Scotland. • For full report see 84…

AN estimated 50,000 horses “disappeared” from Europe during the 2013 horsemeat scandal, according to a leading professor. Prof Chris Elliott was appointed by the UK government to investigate the horsemeat scandal and food fraud. He has now warned that the UK is at risk of another similar scandal unless the issue is taken seriously. “With organised gangs attracted to food fraud, we must act now to prevent public health threats,” he said.…

MANY of the millions of UK riders are choosing to ignore the warnings that each hat only serves its purpose for one serious fall, and British Eventing (BE) is gearing up to tackle this problem. Concerned that riders often keep the same hat for years, the governing body will soon launch a project similar to that in racing, in which hats are taken from jockeys who suffer concussion. Twenty-year-old eventer Sophie McCormack suffered a rotational fall at Rockingham Horse Trials (22 May), which left her with nerve damage, several fractures and bruising to her brain. Her horse According To Pete IV died. Consultants told her she was lucky to have survived the fall, and credited the quality of the hat she was wearing. “I bought my hat two weeks before…

AP MCCOY The retired 20-time champion jockey returned to the racetrack for the Moneyglass donkey derby in his hometown in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland (26 September). AP was beaten to the top spot by retired boxing champion Barry McGuigan. A BREAK IN A newly restored horsebox containing passports and equipment has been stolen from a yard in Oxfordshire (21-22 September). Fences were broken down and six horses were left running free. The burnt-out cab and chassis were discovered on 24 September. The owners are now seeking the three-horse container. A TRAPPED YOUNGSTER A pony had a lucky escape after becoming trapped in a ditch in Soham, Cambs (15 September). The piebald youngster was stuck in muddy water up to his neck and was freed by firefighters. A CHAMPION DRIVING PAIR…

FALLS ARE INEVITABLE Sir — Duncan Brown’s words, “If you don’t want to fall off, don’t get on” (letters, 1 October), struck a chord. What wise advice. I recently advertised my daughter’s 14.2hh gelding, a sane and sensible second pony. I was amazed by the number of people who called me saying: “I can’t afford to fall off.” None of us want to fall off at any time, but we are riding animals with a mind of their own and even the safest of horses can take fright at something unexpected — and we may, from time to time, end up eating dirt. If you can’t afford to fall off, get a dog. Rachel Fisher Haslemere, Surrey BRILLIANT BRASH Sir — I write regarding the article “Brash makes history with…

“HORSES normally eat well, and most, especially ponies, would eat excessively given the chance,” says Wolverhampton vet Sue Taylor. “So, if a horse is totally off its feed, it is a significant cause for concern and warrants calling the vet ASAP. It could mean that the horse is ill, has a temperature or colic. “A horse who used to eat well, but whose appetite has decreased, may be affected by gastric ulcers, especially one who has reached peak fitness, as high-intensity exercise and ulcers often go hand in hand. “There are a number of other conditions which can also affect a horse’s appetite, such as dental problems, which can make eating hay or haylage difficult, but sloppy feed easier. “Stress, trauma, excitement and exhaustion may put a horse off feed,…

O LIVER TOWNEND led from start to finish to win the CCI2* at Osberton riding Sally-Anne Egginton’s Cillnabradden Evo. The result was never really in doubt once the nine-year-old set foot inside the dressage arena. His mark of 26.3 was a cool six marks ahead after the 107 starters had come in front of the ground jury, Anne Marie Taylor and Jan Cottam. The cross-country had a new look, the long-standing second water had gone, but the owl hole combination at 13abc caught out 17 horses including the one lying second after the dressage, Sobbys Des Champs ridden by Stanislas De Zuchowicz. His mistake left Oliver with two fences in hand going into the showjumping and he never looked like needing them. Cillnabradden Evo, by Creevagh Ferro Ex Seibe, is…

British-bred success SIXTEEN of the 50 (32%) five-year-olds were British-bred, with three in the top six. Both Carsten Of Westoak and Blickfeld (fourth) were British Hanoverians (BHHS), while sixth-placed, Anglo European Studbook-registered My Squire De Reve (Arthur Pottier) was bred by the East Sussex-based Brendon Stud. Twelve of the 35 four-year-olds (34%) were British-bred, with four in the top 10. The highest-placed was Quite Something by Quaterback out of a mare by Scolari, who came in fourth. Also BHHS, he was bred by Claire White.…

THE FEI has proposed that knocking down a flag from a cross-country fence could result in five penalties, although they are yet to debate the issue formally (news, p7). It would be good for all involved if the stakeholders from every nation provide feedback at the earliest opportunity, rather than reacting to a rule that has been passed, retrospectively debating and amending, which has happened in the past. For this rule change to work, presumably an FEI standard flag and holder would need to be introduced. The position and height of the flag and holder would also have to be specified. Fence judges would be under pressure to reposition a flag properly to make it fair for the next rider, and more frequent holds on course would follow. Aside from…

CHARLOTTE JACKSON Censured Adara James’ British Eventing debut was a successful one when she and the five-year-old home-bred mare completed on their dressage mark of 26 to triumph in a BE90 section at Brooksby Melton (26-27 September). “I’m shocked to win as she hasn’t done a lot,” explained Charlotte. “She has to slot in around my three kids and my business so she tends to take a back seat.” Adara James is the third generation bred by Charlotte’s mother — her great grandsire was Welton Apollo and she is by Grafenstolz, out of the Kiwi Selection mare Violet James. “She’s a big mare and has taken a while to find her balance so I don’t want to do too much with her too soon, but I will get her out…

LUCY JONES and Becketts Word won a BE90 section at Bricky for the second straight year, topping a 31-strong class almost three penalties ahead of Poppy Douglas-Johnson and Last Of The Moet. “It’s a lucky place for us,” said the Somerset-based rider, who bought the 11-year-old son of Beckett from Sammi Birch four years ago. “Sammi produced him and did the clever stuff; I just get on and push the right buttons.” Lucy worked for William Fox-Pitt for five years, but now works at a yard near Yeovil. William’s former four-star winner Macchiato grazes Lucy’s fields.…

THIS new partnership won the elementary open, an impressive performance as Lucinda has only owned the Scandic gelding for a couple of months and the horse has had a break of six years from the competition arena. “Windhover came from a previous livery who had decided to give up,” said Lucinda, who trains with Debbie Jones. “I’d ridden him a bit for her and always loved him, so when she rang and said she was going to sell him, I jumped at the chance.” In four outings the horse has already qualified for the novice and elementary winters and Lucinda is hoping to move him up to medium level. “He’s a superstar, a lovely mover but with great rideability and I’m looking forward to moving him up the grades,” she…

‘SEASON of mists and mellow fruitfulness’… it’s all very well for John Keats to wax lyrical, but damp mornings and chilly evenings are hardly conducive to an outdoor festival of dressage. Yes, I’m bemoaning the late scheduling of our national championships. We were lucky with the weather this year, but please can this wonderful pinnacle of our British calendar happen on warmer days? I wasn’t alone in packing jumpers and tights, while horses were wrapped in winter duvets. Many other nations use their nationals to preview their teams and our home fans also deserve to see our best partnerships. Although the top three for the national title were potential team contenders, probably the top six British grand prix horses were missing. As a showcase of the full range of para,…

DESPITE only being together two months, Rachel Vicary and her mother Amanda’s 14-year-old gelding Sparkling Indulgence won the Dodson & Horrell second round 1.10m at Chard Equestrian, Somerset (27 September). “He’s pretty amazing and I didn’t expect to do as much as I have done on him,” said Rachel of the part-bred Connemara. “We went to Scope and he was second in the senior 1.15m championship and seventh in the children-on-horses at the end of August.” Rachel is currently in her GCSE year at school and fits in riding and competing around studying. “I have six horses in total including my two jumping ponies, whom we keep on DIY livery,” she said. “We share the chores with a lady who loans one of our horses, so I go up two…

I recently came back from a four-star show in Samorin, Slovakia, 20 minutes outside of Bratislava. It’s a country I haven’t visited for almost 25 years and it was a very different experience to my last trip. The facilities there cost €200m-300m (£148m-222m) to build, and I have never seen anything like them anywhere in the world. The main ring is slightly smaller than Aachen’s and has the same fantastic footing. There are three grass and two sand arenas, an indoor school and 600 permanent stables with rubber everywhere. The rings are surrounded by a mile of 20m-wide sand gallops — you can certainly see where the millions went. It’s a mark of how much the country has developed that it now hosts such outstanding equestrian facilities, far better than…

TWENTY-SEVEN have attempted it, seven have succeeded. • SEA-BIRD 1965: trained in France and won the Derby two lengths hard held, ran away with the Arc, accepted as the greatest horse of the 20th century. • MILL REEF 1971: Ian Balding’s horse of a lifetime. Also won the Eclipse and King George before breaking his leg at four. • LAMMTARRA 1995: won his only start at two and only ran three times at three, winning the Derby, King George and Arc. • SINNDAR 2000: John Oxx appears as a trainer in this list twice. Sinndar became the only horse to win the Derby, Irish Derby and Arc. • SEA THE STARS 2009: another John Oxx-trained colt, winning all six Group Ones at three including Guineas, Eclipse, International and Irish Champion.…

DISTRICT COURT was in the ribbons at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) for six years running and I’m convinced that on two of those occasions he should have won it, but he just never got that crown. Owned by Mr Rodgers, a family friend, District Court came to me as a five-year-old in July 2003. He is a proper stamp of a true middleweight, which is hard to find nowadays, by Big Sink Hope out of an Irish draught mare. He taught me a lot because although he is a lovely horse and you can do anything with him, there’s a key to him. If you try to tell him to do something, he’ll say no. But if you ask him, he’ll give you 110%. He boiled over in…

STEVE GUERDAT has called for a change in FEI rules following a contamination case in which two of his horses tested positive for banned drugs, writes Amy Mathieson. Earlier this year two of his rides, London 2012 gold medallist Nino Des Buissonnets and Nasa, tested positive for codeine and oripavine — banned substances — and morphine, a controlled substance. They were competing at the CSIO5* at La Baule, where he won the grand prix with Nino Des Buissonnets. The pair were subsequently disqualified. Last week (news, 1 October) Steve was exonerated by the FEI and the FEI Tribunal who said he bore “no fault or negligence”. However, Steve (pictured, right) has said he knew “my life would never be the same again”, when he received the news. “I had to…

EVENT riders gathered last week (2 October) to discuss a controversial potential rule change involving flags. In April H&H reportedon the FEI looking into amendments to the sport, to fall into line with the International Olympic Committee’s 2020 Agenda on creating “attractive, modern sports”. One proposal for eventing was the introduction of five penalties for knocking flags on skinny, narrow or corner fences. No rule change would be implemented until 2017. Last week an informal discussion was held at Osberton by the Event Riders’ Association (ERA) GB. “We need a black and white rule, but we’re not sure if this is it,” said ERA’s Bruce Haskell. “We want to be proactive and openly discuss things.” Olympic eventer Jane Holderness-Roddam told H&H that something needs to be sorted to make it…

THE racing industry currently leads the way in addressing the importance of replacing riding hats. Former champion jockey AP McCoy said he changed his racing helmets every three months, regardless of whether or not he had suffered a bad fall when wearing them. In addition, if he felt at any stage that a helmet had been damaged in a single fall, he would discard it immediately — irrespective of how long he had been using it for. Jockeys are given a “concussion bounty”, in which they receive an £80 voucher towards a new hat should they suffer concussion while racing under Rules. However, in other equestrian disciplines the issue is typically confined to the rulebooks. British Showjumping (BS) states in its rules that it “shall not suffer any liability (whether…

Your South of England report (1 October) highlighted the problems caused in the showjumping by distances, lines and curves. If it had been possible for all competitors to have walked the course, some of these might have been alleviated. Some events allocate specific times for course walks, some random times, and others none. The problem is exacerbated at the lower levels where sections are scrambled and the showjumping runs for several hours. If one is not around before jumping starts, walking the course is often impossible. Scheduled course walks don’t work for eventing. With the three disciplines happening simultaneously and lorry parks often sited some distance from the arena, it becomes pot luck as to whether one happens upon a showjumping course walk. Why can’t all courses be open for…

Vegan Kerry McCarthy as shadow farming minister… IT is a strange appointment by Jeremy Corbyn if he really does, as he has claimed, want to reconnect the Labour Party with rural Britain. The issue is not how Kerry McCarthy chooses to live her own life but that she has a long history of campaigning on animal rights issues and against meat eating. The next Conservative Party leader… THE CA is an apolitical campaigning organisation so we have to play the hand we are dealt by the electorate. Whichever party is in power and whoever is leading it, we will do the best for our members and for the countryside. The Conservatives are still committed to a vote on the amendment to the Hunting Act if the SNP accept they have…

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The director’s challenge AMONG the attractions, event director Stuart Buntine had organised a gate jumping competition and the director’s challenge, which turned out to be blind plaiting. It was won by Colina Pickles’ groom Harriet Dickin, but the most surprising sight was to see Craig Barr (below), who rides for Dassett Eventing, finishing sixth. “Since he started working here he has claimed he has an allergy to plaiting bands,” said Lauren Hammond, Dassett Eventing’s travelling manager, who herself finished second. “He must have thought it was a good opportunity to impress the girls with his blindfolded skills!”…

Kissing spines and broken exhausts BRICKY’S BE100open section D went to Megan Brown and Some Spring, an 11-year-old Irish sport horse who was previously ridden by Oliver Townend. “This was only our second event as we had an injury-interrupted first year,” said the former Hartpury College student who started as a working pupil for Stephen Way earlier this month. “When I first got him he was recovering from kissing spine and then in March he got a stifle injury which sidelined him for three months.” One of Megan’s prizes was a hamper full of local produce, which came in handy on the way home when the exhaust fell off the lorry and she and Stephen had to wait for it to be repaired.…

TRAKEHNER mare Hollywood Dream has fulfilled the dreams of her owner Tabitha Perry as she has now won every Trakehners UK breed show championship open to her. This year’s mare champion was then pulled forward as supreme champion, a title she formerly won in 2012 following her triumph in the mare performance test. She has also been a mare grading champion and, in 2013, was the ridden horse champion. The nine-year-old by the grand prix dressage stallion Insterburg TSF, acquired by Tabitha as a foal from the Neumünster sales, has been successful at medium level dressage this year. “We train with Ulla Salzgeber and Conrad Schumacher, who both love her,” said the rider and trainer from Hertfordshire. The youngstock champion, Highwell Indigo (Münchhausen x Kostolany), was also presented by Tabitha…

Treating competitors COMPETITORS and supporters enjoyed a free hog roast on Saturday evening, Sheepgate’s “thank you to competitors for making the show”, and sports psychologist Danielle Olding was on site throughout the weekend offering one-to-one sessions to riders. Recognising an unsung hero ON Friday, organiser Bruce Grant (pictured, far left) was awarded the Northern Region Unsung Hero Award (Laura Fry Memorial Trophy) by Simon Fry. Simon explained: “Bruce has worked in the background for more than 20 years, first on BD’s rules and fixtures committee, and latterly as chairman of the DOG (Dressage Organisers’ Group). He has worked tirelessly, meeting after meeting, to try to make the sport better and has done so much for dressage, but always in the background and therefore rarely thanked. Bruce is an absolutey worthy…

RECENT research conducted by Ed nburgh, Glasgow and Cambr dge un vers t es backs the fibre-first approach for happy, relaxed work ng horses 2  . E ght adult horses were tr alled throughout w nter when graz ng was sparse. The r management rout ne followed that of many horses over w nter - g ven l ght work five days a week w th da ly turnout of between four and s x hours. In a crossover des gn they were all g ven e ther the h gh fibre or h gh starch d et, w th haylage, and both d ets were des gned to prov de exactly the same amount of da ly energy.…

FOUR years ago it was almost game over for Humbug Star. After fracturing a bone in his neck in a field accident, the home-bred Catherston Humbug gelding was left uncoordinated and unable to walk properly. “He was in a sorry state,” said owner Ruth Meeke. “The vets recommended inserting a steel plate to stabilise the injury, but this would have resulted in a fixed, stiff neck with loss of flexibility. We decided instead to let nature heal his fracture.” The 18hh gelding was given 12 months’ complete rest and then slowly brought back into work by Gloucestershire-based trainer Holly Norris. After three years of “patience, perseverance and physiotherapy”, Star and Holly made their first competitive appearance at Burrows Court Farm , Glos (26 September). The pair finished runners-up in the…

SCOTT BRASH came close to claiming another big, five-star grand prix title, but had to concede defeat when last to go, Germany’s Marco Kutscher, swept into a 0.89sec victory. A technical track in a small arena with big, wide oxers off the corners, followed by tall verticals and distance questions, tested to the max. Only seven clears came from the 36 starters, with two hard-luck stories — USA’s McLain Ward and Italy’s Piergiorgio Bucci incurring one time-fault each. Drawn midway, Scott quietly guided Hello M’Lady around the track, but the exuberance of this nine-year-old lost a little time on an early, tight turn. “I didn’t get the best first line, but I’m delighted with her. I’m just annoyed at myself that I didn’t do a smoother round. Marco is a…

JANE AULT, manager at Avonmill Equestrian in Falkirk, scored a double at SNEC, West Lothian (26 September). She landed the 1.05m and 1.10m riding Joanne Fairbrother’s Triomf L. The 15-year-old mare by Lux Z performed Pony Club duties with Joanne’s son, coming second in the open showjumping championships, before Jane took over the ride two-and-a-half years ago. “We’ve had her for five years and she’s a real character,” said Avonmill proprietor Joanne. “It was her 21st win this season — she’s won the last 11 classes on the trot. She had a good season last year and qualified for the bronze league final at Horse of the Year Show [HOYS], too. She and Jane have been prolific winners since they got together.” Joanne’s 10-year-old son Ben showjumps ponies successfully —…

THE 94th Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and the last before Longchamp is redeveloped, was meant to be all about Treve trying to become the first horse to win France’s most prestigious race three times. But it was the Derby winner, Golden Horn, who stole the show with a devastating turn of foot to add the race to a list of honours that may not yet be finished. Anthony Oppenheimer’s home-bred, who failed to meet his reserve of 190,000gns as a yearling, was given a brilliant tactical ride by Frankie Dettori who, adding to wins on Lammtarra, Sakhee and Marienbard, now shares the record for a jockey winning the race for the fourth time with six others. Not only did Dettori turn an unfavourable outside draw to his advantage…

TEAM Ride-Away II won the open class at the Berkeley team chase, a qualifier for the Skinner’s Pet Foods National Championship, with a polished round over a challenging track. After a break of several years, the Berkeley event returned with a refreshed course in the shadow of Berkeley castle. Taking advantage of the dramatic terrain, it presented open teams with stout hedges and ditches in front and behind, looming drop fences and a couple of accuracy tests in the form of narrow palisades and gates. Making the most of their horses’ powerful jumping ability, Team Ride-Away kept close order with Stephen Clark at the helm. Charlotte Alexander, Joe Stephenson and Laura Close-Brooks soared over the drop in the centre of the course, and swung tightly round to the pen to…