Innholdsfortegnelse for October 15, 2015 i Horse & Hound

THIS was my first year at Horse of the Year Show as H&Hshowing editor, and what a week it was. Broadshard Simplicity and Sarum Rembrandt both looked sublime under the spotlight to take the supreme titles. Surely, though, in a class of this calibre riders are entitled to the judges’ full and undivided attention? This wasn’t the case during preliminary judging for either championship. Spectators in the grandstand noticed, so did those in the VIP seating. Eventually, riders further down the line cottoned on and did the majority of their show in a section of the arena where it couldn’t be missed. The ladies’ side-saddle class wasn’t without turmoil either. Aunty Iris was the judges’ first choice, but she became increasingly agitated during the presentation and was stripped of her…

THE FEI is “confident” horses will be able to travel to Rio for next year’s Olympics, despite concerns regarding quarantine, writes Amy Mathieson. Rumours have been circulating that the equestrian events might have to take place outside the host country after it was revealed last week (7 October) that the equine health certificate required by Brazil still hadn’t been finalised. “If the problem is not resolved by the end of the month, we run the risk of not having the event in Brazil,” said Luiz Roberto Giugni of the Brazil Equestrian Federation. “We are running late.” This is due to strict quarantine laws involving travelling horses from Europe, the US and Canada. However, FEI president Ingmar De Vos said he expected this certificate to be issued “very soon”. “We are…

QUITO DE BAUSSEY The individual gold medallist from the 1990 World Championships has died aged 33. The stallion was also crowned European Champion in 1991 with Eric Navat and won team bronze at the 1992 Olympic Games and 1993 Europeans. SPICE OF LIFE Kate Ellison’s 13.3hh pony has died aged 26. The pair were twice Young Rider European TREC champions. “Cinnamon” then competed in British Showjumping with Sam Best before going on loan as a schoolmistress. She retired to Jabeena Maslin’s yard in Dorset. CHECKMATE 4 Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum has retired her long-term campaigner, aged 20. The 15.3hhh son of Contender won team gold at the 2010 World Championships and team bronze at the 2009 Europeans. He will spend his retirement with Shutterfly. SIRE DE GRUGY The 2014 Champion Chase winner…

BRITISH EVENTING (BE) is enjoying an all-time membership high, currently standing at more than 15,000 people. At the recent AGM (2 October) it was announced that BE has seen “significant growth” in member and horse registrations, with the latter up by 5% this year. BE introduced a new individual owner category this year, which has increased membership by 6% overall. Supporter memberships have increased by 23% to more than 1,200. “The introduction of the day pass membership in 2014 had a significant impact on our total members. And again this year we have seen the popularity of day pass memberships continue, with an increase of 7% on August 2014,” said a BE spokesman.…

EQUINE WELFARE Grace Muir, founder of HEROS (Homing Ex-racehorses Organisation Scheme), is to be presented with the British Horse Society welfare award for excellent service in the cause of equine welfare. BRITAIN’S SHOWJUMPERS The British showjumping squad from the European championships and chef d’equipe Di Lampard picked up the main award at the annual British Showjumping awards on 6 October. EMMA WATSON The British actress took a two-month crash course in riding for her upcoming role in The Queen of the Tearling. “It was a quick process, but I actually really enjoyed it,” she told This Morning. RACING FILM BUFFS Windsor racecourse features in the new British film Suffragette, which was released in the UK on 12 October. The film stars Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter and Meryl Streep.…

Go racing British Champions Day is at Ascot racecourse on 17 October. www.britishchampionsseries.com End of the eventing season The UK’s last international event of 2015 is at Aldon Horse Trials, Yeovil, on 22-25 October. www.britisheventing.com Watch showing Arena UK, Lincs, is hosting the British Show Pony Society Heritage Show on 17-18 October. www.bsps.com Top showjumping Aintree International Equestrian Centre is holding a premier show from 15-18 October. www.aintreeequestriancentre.co.uk…

My favourite thing… Food. I love it. I eat all the time and lack of food is the only thing that makes me grumpy. My favourite is lobster noodles done Cantonese-style, but at an event or on the yard I’ll eat anything I can lay my hands on. My grooms were horrified at Badminton one year when I arrived to get on my second horse armed with a burger. My secret weapon… My cross-country sunglasses. I decided I had to find a solution to watery eyes when going across country when I was approaching big three-star fences while rubbing them. It’s taken a while to find the perfect pair that doesn’t alter my vision. Listening to in the lorry… Radio 1. Most educational error... Falling off at the Beijing Olympics.…

CORE muscle strength is particularly valuable during rehabilitation from injury. Maintaining stability with stable-based exercises while the horse is on box rest will not only support the primary injury, but will protect the horse’s body as he returns to work. This is especially important for horses who have undergone abdominal or back surgery, when a tailored exercise plan can be introduced during recovery under the guidance of a physiotherapist. Horses with chronic or repetitive overloading sports injuries have usually developed abnormal movement to compensate and avoid pain, so learning a wrong pattern of muscle use which then starts to feel normal. This compensatory movement often results in secondary problems that prevent recovery, even if the primary problem is treated. It is critical that the horse’s posture is readjusted and the…

ONE of my favourite exercises helps a horse develop two important jumping qualities: shape and sharpness. Build four oxers in a row, 7.5 yards apart. Then place two poles on the floor, midway between each oxer and at right angles to them, to make 6ft-wide “tramlines”. Every time the horse jumps down the line you can widen each oxer, which tightens the distance between the fences and makes him work a little harder. This exercise encourages the horse to make a nice, round shape over his fences and to throw the same jump each time. The tramlines not only keep him straight but also encourage him to look down and further develop his outline. Don’t build the fences too big — it’s more about shape than height. It’s quite a…

Shahenaz THE 10-year-old grey mare won at London GCT CSI2* with Nicole in July. She is a previous ride of Shane Breen and Michael Duffy. “She’s a sensitive mare so it has taken a while to build the trust with her,” says Nicole. “She’s a perfectionist, who panics when something goes slightly wrong.” Victor Blue NICOLE has ridden the 13-year-old chestnut gelding since 2011 and together they finished fifth in this year’s British Speed Classic at the Hickstead Derby meeting. “He wants to be so fast and his adrenaline takes over. He’s one in a million and I don’t think I’ll ever replace him but he is a speed horse, I don’t think he’ll be a Nations Cup horse for me,” says Nicole. Hussah TM A former ride of Steven…

• ”THE champion and reserve gave superb rides. They each had so much underneath, and plenty of pace and energy, but in a nice way. I take my hat off to both producers.” Chris Gordon on hunter champion Vantage Point and the reserve, Bloomfield Tetrarch • “THE champion delivered from start to finish. He had that ‘look at me’ air about him, a great swagger, super limb, fantastic step and he gave the most superb ride.” Samantha De Caprio on cob champion Randalstown Musketeer • “THE winner stood out from the start as he had good presence and a great walk. He gave a very mannerly ride, moved effortlessly through the gears and really carried himself well.” David Froggatt on SEIB racehorse to riding horse champion Bridgham (page 54)…

FOR the second time in his career, the 2012 champion Patros HB claimed the pure-bred Arab horse title for his rider and producer Clare Fitch. Over the past eight years, this son of Psytadel has been a massive winner for Clare and her partner Stephen McCormick. However, owners Rick and Edwina Warner and the team at the Alfrick Arabian Training Centre endured anxious weeks a few months ago when the 11-year-old stallion underwent surgery to remove a bladder stone. After making a full recovery, Patros stood champion at the Classic show and reserve at the British national stallion championship. “He combines movement, manners and presence — my horse of a lifetime,” said Clare. The owners and producers had double cause for celebration when Judals Sweetest Kiss filled the reserve spot.…

EMMA has represented the Czech Republic at both the European Championships and in Nations Cups this year Ñ another rider from an emerging nation in the sport who is making a mark. Although born in France, she rides for the Czech Republic to honour her grandfather, who has been a great supporter of her showjumping career. On her HOYS debut, the 25-year-old quickly identified herself as one to watch when she had the fastest time in the opening international class, but with an unlucky two rails down. She fleshed out this promise in FridayÕs table A Alan Jones memorial trophy when she set an untouchable midfield lead on long-term partner Wembley. ÒIÕve had him for six years but I havenÕt ridden him for seven months, as I exchanged him with…

WESTON PARK’S CCI has been a stepping-stone both for a number of future British team riders and for the officials, who made a presentation to event organiser and cross-country course-designer Janet Plant in recognition of the part she has played. “Ground jury members who debuted here have gone on to judge at every four-star in the world, as well as at Olympic and World Games — it’s some record,” said former four-star judge Sue Stewart, who organised the presentation to thank Janet.…

ALTHOUGH Team GBR only finished fifth in the Nations Cup competition, they had accumulated enough points throughout the year to win the series, scoring 52 points to Germany’s 44. Germany, winners in 2013 and 2014, took three individual legs this year to Britain’s two, but didn’t contest Fontainebleau or Ballindenisk and therefore did not collect any points at those events. Britain was the only team to contest all seven legs of the series. “It feels like a long series but the points speak for themselves,” said team manager Philip Surl. “Thanks to everyone who played their part in our win.”…

I was in terest ed to read that the FEI is talking to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about the Olympic showjumping qualification process (news, 1 October). This is particularly pertinent with regards to Belgium and Ireland, two strong countries in the Nations Cup this year, who have not qualified. Common sense says both nations should be at the Games, but everyone understands it’s too late to make changes for Rio next year. In a similar vein I’ve been perturbed for some time by the eventing system, especially when Australia and/or New Zealand have a bad World Equestrian Games. They then have to qualify for the Olympics against Japan, South Africa and others at a CCI3* — the Asia Pacific Championships — the following year. Again, common sense tells us…

Rachel Kellett THE Epping-based rider, who commutes into the City every day where she works as head of product development at the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), had to pinch herself when she discovered she had won her very first BE90 at Little Downham (3). Victory here followed hot on the heels of a BE80(T) win at Keysoe (2). “Unlike most riders, I seem to have got bolder as I’ve got older,” laughed Rachel, who groomed for various friends before taking the plunge and affiliating her Irish draught gelding, Killountain Liath (Frog), at the beginning of this year. Louise Higham THE 41-year-old, who gave up riding in her 20s, returned to the saddle four years ago and notched up her first win in a BE80(T) section at Eden Valley (2)…

SHELLEY REEVE-SMITH was on impressive form at Brook Farm, taking the medium open and advanced medium open titles on two different horses and picking up another Hartpury ticket on a third. The rider, based at Sharola Stud, Herts, topped a strong medium class — in which the top three all finished on plus-70% scores — on her own Sinderella (by Sir Oldenburg), a grandchild of Sharola Stud’s old breeding stallion Sharola Rainmaker. Shelley backed and produced the 10-year-old home-bred herself. Her advanced medium winner, Lord Navedis (by Negro), also 10, was purchased as an unbacked three-year-old from Neil Fiddes. “The weekend was a bit of a palaver,” laughed Shelley. “I cannot travel them together so drove in two lorries — Sinderella with a companion, Lord Navedis alone — but when…

OXFORDSHIRE-based Anna Wilson has enjoyed some low-key outings to Pachesham to help cement her five-month partnership with Nurejev III (right). The combination won the pick-your-own with 68.59% at advanced. “My trainers, Ros Bowley and Eileen O’Connor, still have a list of things that can be improved,” Anna said. “He’s a plus-70% horse.” The Prestige VDL x Highlight 12-year-old Swedish warmblood was found through Swedish international rider and trainer Jan Brink, who trained Nurejev’s former young rider partner. Anna added: “I recently discovered Sweden as a place to find horses. After 18 months waiting for the right one to come along, two come together, like buses! I bought them both from the same yard.” Anna has competed Spanish horse Atinado VIII up to inter II this season, but she explained: “I…

MOTHER-of-three Helen Hughes (above) works part-time as an administrator, has horses in to sell, and breeds young horses to produce alongside competing. LIVES: Berkeley, Glos HORSE: “Drewmain Moondancer is a six-year-old by Renkum Valentino,” said Helen. “I bought her last October when I went to pick up a broodmare but ended up coming back with her. She had only done dressage previously, but she actually has a really good jump on her. We took things slowly because she is quite big and has taken some time to grow.” TRAINS WITH: Alan Jobbins RECENT WINS: the pair took the discovery and were second in the British novice at Hartpury College, Glos (3 October). “Hartpury was my first show after three months off,” said Helen. “I was shocked that I won because…

RECENTLY I was discussing the latest problem in our hunt with one of my joint-masters and I flippantly remarked, “Why do we do it?” With a very serious look on his face, he said: “For the children, so we can hand over to the next generation with everything intact.” He is right, of course. Young people have far more distractions now than those of my age did. I am always delighted to see them coming out hunting. It is great to see the joy they get from it and for four hours they are unable to use a mobile phone for calling, texting, emailing or worse. In that respect nothing has changed; hunting offers a complete getaway from the pressures of our busy lives. My generation is often heard to…

VERITY PERRY and the handsome 18.1hh dapple grey Rubinho were unlucky to come second in the elementary class, when one of the judges gave them zero for a muddled halt. Rubinho, who won the novice championship last year, is a real comeback kid with a history of setbacks. The 10-year-old Rubinrot gelding, owned by Natalie and Roy Kemp, arrived with Verity in November 2013. “He couldn’t do the work he’d been asked to do because he had breathing problems and was very emaciated,” she said. “We had to wait three months before he could have hobday and tieback operations. He also had very poor feet, which our farrier treats with special shoes. Because he weaves and windsucks, he loses weight easily and is very stressy. He has to have ad…

I’VE always enjoyed producing young horses, but it didn’t come any better than Buttevant Boy, who was not only talented but the bravest and most intelligent horse I’ve ever had. Fate dealt me a good hand because this typical Irish hunter-type was to be sold to another buyer, but an outbreak of foot-and-mouth put paid to that. He then came to me for £180, and I quickly developed a rapport with him, winning many classes. I’d never ridden a horse that seemed to know exactly what I was thinking, like he did. In 1971, we won the Dublin grand prix and I should have won the following year, but we had the easiest fence down in the jump-off and I could almost see him shake his head in disgust at…

WHERE: Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) WHEN: 10 October, 9.30pm WHO: Victoria Gulliksen WHY: The Norwegian showjumper takes a tumble from Grand Balou 4 VICTORIA shared the top honours in the puissance at HOYS with Belgian rider Karel Cox, but her joint win was not without drama. The 23-year-old caught her leg on the pillar beside the wall when Grand Balou 4 jumped dramatically to the left, but stayed in the saddle until after she passed the finish line. Victoria and Karel were the only two riders to clear the towering 2m15 wall in the fourth round. • For full report see p60. Britain’s eventers celebrate victory in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup 2015 series. The final leg was held at Boekelo, the Netherlands (8-11 October), and was won…

BRITISH rider Charlotte Dujarin has been shortlisted for the Sunday Times and Sky Sports Sportswoman of the Year Awards. The dual gold medal-winning Olympic rider was named sportswoman of the year at the awards in 2014, and after a successful summer at the European Championships winning double gold, the Gloucestershire rider is up for the honour again. Charlotte faces competition from road cyclist Lizzie Armitstead, mountain biker Rachel Atherton, heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill, Bianca Walkden from taekwondo and skeleton race Lizzy Yarnold. The awards, now in their 28th year, have led the way in recognising and celebrating the outstanding contribution to sport. The winners will be announced on Friday 6 November. It will be broadcast live on Sky Sports 1 and Sky 1.…

THE British Equestrian Federation has revealed the list of riders for its 2015-17 Excel Talent programme. A total of 60 applicants have been accepted, out of more than 100 who put themselves forward. Among the chosen riders are H&H bloggers Chloe Vell (dressage) and Suzanna Hext (para dressage). Joining them is record-breaking young dressage rider Phoebe Peters, along with her gold medal-winning team-mates Isobel Berrington and Rebecca Bell, and children-on-horses showjumping team silver medallist India Bussey. European junior team bronze medal-winning eventers Alex Kennedy, Charlotte Bacon and Charlotte East are also on the list, as is Alex Tordoff.…

SERGIO ALVAREZ MOYA The Spanish showjumper has been injured in a fall while training at home. He broke his elbow and will be out of action for about four weeks. A MUDDY DONKEY Firefighters were called to a field in Sway, Hants, to rescue a donkey stuck up to his stomach in mud. The 25-year-old donkey had to be dug out by rescuers, who said he appeared uninjured when he was freed. HAIRNETS British eventing star Zara Phillips was the focus of a Scottish Daily Mailarticle for wearing a hairnet at Dauntsey Park Horse Trials. “Zara swaps tiara for Corrie hairnet” ran the story’s headline, with the article comparing her to Coronation Street’sEna Sharples. A MINIATURE HORSE ON THE RUN Los Angeles police were called to catch a pony who…

HURRAH FOR THE BRA Sir — As a co-author of the book, What not to Wear on a Horse, I read with interest your article on breast pain (news, 8 October). We did extensive tests on which bra helped the most with this issue, and to help stop ladies looking as if they had two ferrets having a fight under their jacket. Our larger-breasted lady found that sports bras “squashed” her and that she was far more comfortable with a correctly fitted normal bra. To prevent the bra straps falling from the shoulders, a piece of elastic was sewn across the back attaching to the two shoulder straps. This still made for easy dressing and made our lady far more at ease while performing sitting trot. Ginny Oakley Pope Potterspury,…

FEW things divide the equestrian world as sharply as the idea of natural horsemanship. While some practitioners of the philosophy have become high-profile personalities with dedicated followers, its critics are many. Some argue that “natural” methods consist of nothing more than old-fashioned horsemanship repackaged as a product and sold to the inexperienced. Others question the implication that natural is somehow kinder, or easier. At best, they say, it is ineffective; at worst, it has the potential to confuse a horse and even leave him dangerously unmanageable. One advocate is Italian showjumper Luca Moneta, who was dubbed “the carrot man” after rewarding his mare Quova De Vains with a treat each time she jumped the puissance wall at Olympia in 2013. The pair eventually cleared 7ft 2ins to win the class.…

IT proved third time lucky for Leonie Holloway-Wroe when her winning stallion and 2014 reserve (left) Scott Creek Monarch Red Graffiti claimed the miniature horse championship. Leonie bought her Sierra Dawn Unos Mountain five-year-old five years ago and he is her main stallion at Ribbon Stud in Buckinghamshire. “Graffiti loves his ladies, and small though he is, he has to be stabled with doors at full height or he’s over the top,” added Leonie. The majestic stallion Metheringham Upton Hamlet (below) again claimed the shire title for Paul Bedford. This son of Moorfield Edward has never stopped winning: three national and HOYS titles and a record-breaking five wins at Great Yorkshire being a mere fraction of his career highlights — and he has sired an abundance of winning progeny. @Aimi_clark…

HOYS is unique — a test of endurance, perseverance and a roller coaster of emotions. It’s an unnatural environment, and adrenalin carries you through when you have to be practically nocturnal. There were some surprise winners and some dramas. We saw first-time combinations winning and the form book thrown out of the window. The small hunter Carnsdale Dreamcatcher had been owned only a month, and the heavyweight hunter Rockefeller had been in the Walker yard for just a week. Everyone has their share of highs and lows. My team certainly experienced disappointment and joy all in one show. I was proud to have found the lightweight cob and ladies’ winner — Chaplin and Hello Dolly — it is satisfying when they go on to greatness. I think HOYS needs to…

AGE: 35 LIVES: near Wigan; his horses are kept on the family farm owned by his parents. He currently has eight horses in work, from five- to eight-year-olds. Most of them are owned by Robert himself, and he also owns a couple of horses jointly with Spanish showjumper Sergio Alvarez Moya, his best friend. PREVIOUS RECORD IN THE H&H FOXHUNTER: “This is the fourth year I have qualified horses for the final but my best result before this was second in 2011 riding Beckham IV.” ON THE H&H FOXHUNTER CHAMPIONSHIP: “It’s difficult to know exactly why, because there are plenty of grade C and newcomers finals, but this is the one everyone always wants to win. It’s a good indication of the…

TWO qualified turnouts were absent from the championship. BDS annual winners Neil Wray and his pair Binkie and Eric were unable to make the final after Binkie was injured just days before the show. The Gelderlander was taken to veterinary hospital after being found in his stable with a puncture wound to the knee on 29 September. “The timing couldn’t have been worse,” said Neil. Andrew Hamilton-Rhodes, who won the title in 2013, was turned away at the gate with part-bred Welsh Brookeborough Black Bob. “Unknown to us, his microchip hadn’t been registered and they couldn’t be sure the vaccination record in the passport belonged to this horse. I understand that HOYS needed to protect everyone’s interests,” said Andrew.…

UNDERSTANDING how to maintain condition on a competition horse through the winter months can be very tricky. Lizzie Drury, Saracen’s senior nutritionist, last saw Legend three months ago. “I’m so i mpressed with how his condition and muscle tone have i mproved,” says Lizzi e. “Parti cularly wi th regards to his top li ne and his hi nd-quarters.” Legend’s ration has remained the same over the past three months (2kg of Enduro 100, 600g of Essential Balancer plus his usual chaff ration) as hi s results and condi ti on have been very satisfactory. Now he only has one more event to tackle thi s eventi ng season, hi s rati on wi ll remai n the same unti l thi s event i s out of the way.…

THE Irish contingent comprehensively defeated the Brits in the Charles Owen CCIP*, with the star of the show being Zara Nelson who posted a one-two. She might have been confident of a good showing with her winning ride Millridge Buachaill Bui by Templebready Fear Bui (below), whom she rode to individual bronze at the Pony Europeans in Malmo earlier in the year, but her second place with Knockbordan Revelation, was more of a surprise. “It’s the best result I’ve had with him all year,” said Zara, who still has two more years in the pony ranks. Completing the Irish clean sweep in the class was Stephanie Stammschroer in third with Morelands Affair. The Billy Mexico x Kiltealy Spring mare was placed at novice level last year in the UK with…

WORLD RANKINGS Michael Jung (GER) BRITISH EVENTING LISTS LEADING RIDER Oliver Townend LEADING HORSE Diane Brunsden and Peter Cattell’s Leonidas II, ridden by Mark Todd GOLDMAN CUP (UNDER-21) Emily King FAIRFAX BRITANNIA LEAGUE Flora Harris and her mother Caroline and Rebecca Salt’s Bayano FUTURE TALENT TWO-STAR LEAGUE Fred and Penny Barker’s Strike Smartly, ridden by Daisy Berkeley FOUNDATION POINTS RIDER Alex Postolowsky FOUNDATION POINTS HORSE Katie Hancock’s Kilcandra Rambo Bay, ridden by the owner GRASSROOTS RIDER Lucinda Crawford GRASSROOTS HORSE Kilcandra Rambo Bay…

ANOTHER to earn a novice ticket for Hartpury was 14-year-old Mollie Sears and the seven-year-old Uphill gelding Dimna. The combination, at their first Area Festival, produced a flowing, accurate test for over 71%. ÒIÕve been working on centre lines with my trainer Eleanor Collins, and both got nines today; the transitions are also getting better,Ó said Mollie. The polished rider was forcedly kept out of the saddle for over six months last year, following a knee operation. ÒItÕs taken a lot of physio and work but IÕm now back to where I was before the op,Ó said Mollie. ÒWeÕve grown in confidence together. Dimmy can be sharp and spook Ñ and is very quick with it Ñ but he never scares me and each time out heÕs better and better.Ó…

KIM MOLONEY was on impressive form at Sheepgate, Lincs (2-4 October), posting over 77% on the home-bred FHS Show Off in SundayÕs novice qualifier and winning FridayÕs medium qualifier on Diego, her ÒmiracleÓ twelve-year-old by Dimaggio, whom Kim has owned since he was five. ÒI was given him because he couldnÕt pass a vetting. For almost six years he has been wearing bond-on shoes. His soles are only 1-2mm thick, as opposed to the normal 8mm or so. ÒBilly Crothers is my farrier and I owe him the biggest thanks ever Ñ without his imagination, skill and knowledge Diego would have been put to sleep a very long time ago. Instead, thanks to Billy Ñ who is a multiple world farrier champion Ð together with a great job by the…

GRAMMAR school pupil Elizabeth Baker, 13, won the Horsequest UK Coral Championship qualifier at Addington Manor EC, Bucks (2-4 October). She was riding Okehurst Colour Code (right). The win follows other successes including third in the 1m restricted rider at the national finals, ninth in the pony British novice national finals and winning the 1.15m teams for Sussex Academy at Weston Lawns. Elizabeth has owned the eight-year-old 148cm Irish sport pony for a year, after purchasing him from showjumper Maisie Drea’s groom. “We have another successful 148cm pony who was bred at Okehurst Stud – Okehurst Sugababe — so we asked Maisie if she had any other ponies for sale. Luckily, her groom was selling ‘Tonto’,” said Elizabeth’s mum, Julie. “He was very green at first; in fact he couldn’t…

TEAM Ride-Away crowned another successful day’s team chasing with a one-two in the open qualifier for the Skinner’s Pet Foods National Championship, and the runner-up slot in the intermediate. The notoriously undulating Pytchley track took prisoners right from the start, with a vertiginous drop over a palisade as the second fence, followed by a tight downhill left-hand turn to a hedge into the woods. Team Ride-Away II’s Joe Stephenson had collected the powerful Eddie to the max into the palisade, but his huge stride meant he missed the turn. Stephen Clark swept into the lead on Gladstar, and after losing Katie Richards at five, Joe had to make up ground on his captain and Charlotte Alexander. Huge jumps at the big drop in the centre of the course had all…

CHAMPIONSHIP show horses Starry Night and The Humdinger were retired at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at the weekend (7-11 October), write Aimi Clark and Lucy Elder. Starry Night, known as Basil at home, retired from the show ring after winning the maxi-cob of the year championships at HOYS (9 October) with Robert Walker. After the lap of honour, Robert dismounted, ran his stirrups up and led the 11-year-old gelding out of the arena at the NEC. Owned by Camilla Neame and her husband Val Sheehan, he stood heavyweight cob champion at the show for five consecutive years from 2010-2014. “He is the most special cob who has nothing left to prove,” said Camilla. “My father always said it is best to bow out on a high note and…

SIMILARITIES between the signs of equine grass sickness (EGS) in horses and Alzheimer’s in humans have been found in a groundbreaking study published last month (13 September). Researchers from the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies were hoping to find the causes of EGS when they made the discovery. They looked at nerve tissue from six horses that had died from the condition and found that it contained proteins commonly seen in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. “This is the first study to show similarities between an apparently unrelated neurodegenerative disease of large animals and human neurological conditions,” said Dr Tom Wishart, co-leader of the study. “Although the causes of these conditions are unlikely to be shared, the findings suggest that similar mechanisms could…

IF going around Badminton or tackling the Hickstead Derby aren’t next on your agenda, there is another way to make your mark in H&H — the H&H reader issue. This is your chance to share your stories and photographs from 2015. The best submissions will be printed in the 17 December issue of H&H and free digital subscriptions will be up for grabs for our favourite entries. We are also asking you to vote for your “horse of the year”, who will star on the 17 December cover. The deadline is 1 November. For more information visit: • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ readerissue2015…

IN Britain, riding clubs and riding schools are two very different things. A riding school is where you go to learn to ride; a riding club is what you join when you have your own horse and want to meet others, train and compete. In Germany and France the system is different. Anyone who rides — whether you are a beginner or Ingrid Klimke — has to be a paid-up member of their local riding club. Once you have joined, you are automatically made a member of your national federation, which means clubs are financially independent and well supported with government funding. Former H&H columnist Tina Cook believes that Britain could learn a thing or two from its continental neighbours. “Germany’s system provides support and a solid framework for riders…

AFTER 10 years competing for Ukraine, showjumper Katharina Offel will be representing Germany in future. Katharina, who was born in Germany and competed there until 2005, has competed at three European Championships, three World Equestrian Games and two Olympics for Ukraine. “This is a choice I feel very happy finally to have taken,” she said. “I believe leaving the Ukrainian team will allow me to focus on what I love doing: developing young and talented horses for the top level of the sport.”…

As another eventing season draws to a close, the might of the 2016 Olympic Games fast approaches. Results this year indicate that the German eventers will reign supreme — but only if we let them (Harry Meade comment, 17 September). Clearly riders in the selection mix are now beginning to make plans for Rio, identifying their strengths and weaknesses and preparing training schedules to meet these needs. German team trainer Chris Bartle was reported as saying of La Biosthetique-Sam FBW that the results are due 75% to Michael Jung and 25% to the horse (Horse hero, 1 October). Who am I to disagree — but it makes me think that Team GBR has riders who can match up to Mr Jung in levels of intelligence, ambition, single-mindedness, aggression, speed of…

GOING on holiday and taking short breaks during the season is vital, says Gemma. “It can seem hard to squeeze in time off but I make it happen. I think it’s important to do that — get away, recharge and reboot your brain — otherwise you get bogged down in things that don’t matter and dwell on the low moments.” Gemma and Matt recently visited her uncle in Andalusia for three days. “It was awesome, the chance to lie in the sun and consider what I want to achieve. I came back refocused and, ultimately, the horses benefited too.” She confesses that the couple have a penchant for shopping. “We are terrible for popping into town and not coming back for hours. I love buying new shiny clothes and party…

Monty Roberts MONTY became one of the world’s most well-known natural horsemen when he pioneered his Join-Up technique. You can train with Monty’s master instructor Kelly Marks through his UKbased organisation Intelligent Horsemanship. Upcoming courses include the classroom-based Horse Psychology with Kelly Marks on 27-28 February 2016, in Berkshire (£170). A five-day foundation course from 29 February offers practical training with your own horse or a borrowed one (£575, plus rider accommodation and horse stabling). • www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk Guy Robertson GUY has started and trained horses worldwide and names Martin Black among his influences. He offers natural horsemanship training from his East Yorkshire base, along with camps and clinics at venues nationwide. Residential horsemanship experience courses allow you the chance to watch Guy at work and ride with him on your own…

IT’S the show we cover the country trying to qualify for and from the minute you arrive, HOYS is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. It really is the place where dreams are made or broken. As the last show of the season, it can mark the time when a horse or pony moves on to pastures new. There probably wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Rob Walker retired cob Starry Night after the maxi cob’s sixth consecutive win here — what a way to end this horse’s prolific career. It was also an emotional show for Poppy Carter, who marked the end of her hugely successful partnership with Rotherwood Rainmaker with another win in the 128cm show ponies. At the other end of the scale, you have…

NIGEL COUPE has waited 16 years to resurface on to the international scene at HOYS, but he maximised his opportunity to net the Vinopolis speed horse of the year. Nine clears made this class a true thriller against the clock, and it was a whitewash for British riders, who dominated, taking the top three places. Drawn third on John O’Halloran’s 11-year-old Jubilee III, Nigel utilised the mare’s length of stride to gain ground on two key lines. Taking a flyer at the postbox fence two from home, he invested his faith in the chestnut’s care to forge an untouchable margin. “In certain classes going early helps, and that proved it today. The first two went well, I followed that and I put pressure on the people behind me. The time…

THERE has been talk about whether HOYS should be upgraded to a four-star show. While there are plenty of different ways for British riders to qualify for here, the fact it is a three-star show does give the riders who aren’t at the top of the rankings, like myself, the experience of riding in this kind of environment. If it were a four-star show, I probably wouldn’t have the chance to come here, and riding at HOYS helps both me and my horses to improve. The top riders, like the Whitakers and Ben Maher, also use this show for their second-string horses to gain valuable experience. Plus, with three world-ranking competitions already in place, I don’t think the quality of international classes is disappointing. I qualified via the wildcard system…

TREVOR BREEN preserved his immaculate track record in the Addington Manor talent seekers incorporating the seven-year-old championship, as Serpico II became his third victor in his three bids for this title. With his previous winners Classic (2014) and Oldtown KC (2011) returning to the show this year to jump in the international classes, this graceful Irish sport horse climbed a rung on the same ladder. “It’s good to get a young horse in this kind of environment. They need to experience lights and atmosphere and crowds without the pressure of international classes. It’s a fantastic stepping stone in their production,” said Trevor. Five of the 25 qualified horses went up against the clock, with four of those eligible for the £1,000 seven-year-old bonus. From last draw, Trevor and Serpico stole…

PIGGY FRENCH’S extraordinary run of form shows no sign of abating as she claimed a clear win in the Rookery Park Stud CCI2* riding How’s Racesafe’s Belco HRS. In the last three weekends of British Eventing (BE) competition she has netted seven firsts and five more top-three places from 15 rides. “It has been a good few weeks,” said a smiling Piggy, who with a dressage mark of 39.1, was second behind dressage leader and eventual third Dooneveeragh O Six, ridden by Brook Staples, following it up with the smoothest of double clears. “He is a very special horse, an out and out winner,” she added. “He was originally ridden by Tom How and he’s the one who’s done all the hard work. I’m gutted this is the last Weston…

HONOURS at Boekelo were shared between the Irish team, who posted their first Nations Cup win at the series final, and Britain’s Nicola Wilson, who scored her first CCI3* victory in the individual competition. Seventh out of the 10 teams after the dressage, the Irish foursome of Jonty Evans (Cooley Rorkes Drift), 19-year-old CCI3* debutant Cathal Daniels (Rioghan Rua), Joseph Murphy (Westwinds Hercules) and Padraig McCarthy (Simon Porloe) shot up the leaderboard to hold a miniscule lead of 0.3 penalties over New Zealand after cross-country. But a technical track and a very tight time meant the showjumping proved influential and, although Joseph was the only Irish rider not to pick up any faults, their performances were good enough to give them a comfortable victory over the American team. The New…

ADVANCED section sponsors Childeric Saddles provided three generous additional prizes. Izzy Taylor took home an extra £200, her winning ride Be Touchable being the highest-placed advanced first-timer. Susie Berry won £200 for being the highest-placed rider not to have completed a CCI4* in the past five years; she finished seventh on Carsonstown Athena. Finally, Tim Price pocketed an additional £100 for leading the dressage phase on Wesko. Seven combinations were attempting their first run at advanced. All bar one completed. Out of five equine debutants, four completed.…

FANCY being a horse called Carrot who is allergic to carrots. This was exactly the fate that befell Anna Goodley’s home-bred Little Downham (3) BE100 winner, Headstart (Carrot), after a food intolerance test revealed the gelding was allergic to the number one equine snack. “When he started having skin problems last year my vet suggested we ran a few tests. The results showed he was intolerant to — among other things — sugar beet, certain types of grass and carrots,” explained Anna, who now carefully manages Carrot’s diet and feeds him straights rather than mixes that may contain no-go foods. “His skin cleared up and he started to feel like he had more energy.” Carrot’s results this season, which include some top placings at BE90 level, plus a win at…

TIM CHEFFINGS, 32, has won the Mark Todd Bridging the Gap scholarship. The Devon-based rider attended a selection day on Monday, 28 September, where he was interviewed by Carol Allison from the Mark Todd Collection and Keyflow’s Cam Price. The finalists also had a dressage lesson with Mark and rode a showjumping course in front of him before discussing their performance. Tim had only an hour’s sleep on the ferry the previous night as he had shared the driving back from Ballindenisk, where he had been competing in the CCI3* with Nota Bene, finishing 10th. But he impressed to take the prize, which includes training and mentoring from Mark Todd. “It’s a huge boost to win — to have help from Mark will be very beneficial,” said Tim, who rode…

I really enjoyed the recent CDI in Saumur — it was a bit like “BD on the Loire” with so many Brits there. I’ve been to the spring show and thought the autumn one was smaller so was surprised to find 39 in the grand prix. The indoor school rode “hotter” than I expected, but there’s nothing to dislike about the place: an historic venue, chandeliers in the indoor school, men in uniform and great food and wine. The only problem was dragging the team out of the wine caves for long enough to watch the competition. I was pleased with Cassie (Die Callas) — it was exciting to get our first nines together for the trot half-passes and good to gain another 70% internationally. Our second place in the…

AMANDA BETTLE of Three Rivers Riding Club took the honours in the elementary class on show hunter Murphys Law XII, before downsizing to her part-Welsh Section D pony Ysgwynfawr Fergus and joining up with Carol Fletcher (Abergavenny Umbro) to win the pairs. Amanda and joint owner Ann Quinn bought eight-year-old Murphy five years ago. He is by thoroughbred stallion Hazaaf out of an Irish draught mare. “He’d been sat on when I got him but as soon as we started to move him around it was obvious he wasn’t happy,” she explained. “We think he must have fallen over and squashed the ends of his vertebrae, so carrying weight gave him shooting pain. The solution was to turn him out and see if he came right.” Murphy was rebacked in…