Innholdsfortegnelse for 19-nov-15 i Horse & Hound

THE FEI has no immediate plans to revisit “blood rules”, despite the contradictions highlighted by incidents last month involving British dressage rider Anna Ross and US eventer Marilyn Little. Anna was eliminated from the Le Mans CDI after blood was found in Die Callas’ mouth during the steward’s inspection after she had finished her grand prix test. She would have finished second had she not been eliminated (comment, 12 November). However, Marilyn went unpenalised despite allegations there was blood in the mouth of RF Scandalous at Boekelo (8-11 October) and then RF West Indie at Fair Hill on consecutive weekends. FEI veterinary regulations cover blood, but some disciplines have additional bespoke rules. FEI dressage and eventing dressage have zero tolerance for blood on any part of the horse’s body. However,…

WILLIAM FOX-PITT The British eventer returned to England on 9 November following three weeks in hospital in France. William suffered a head trauma when he fell on the cross-country at Le Lion d’Angers while riding Reinstated. CHERRY COWARD The daughter of trainer Mick Easterby has been honoured for her fundraising efforts by Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Cherry has raised over £80,000 to date for the charity through the Sheriff Hutton point-to-point. LARA GRIFFITHS Twenty-seven-year-old British dressage star Lara Griffith is engaged to her canoeist partner Billy Butler. Billy proposed to Lara on her birthday last week (14 November) and the Gloucestershire-based rider said yes. NICK GAUNTLETT The British event rider and trainer has been named as a fellow of the British Horse Society. The fellowship is the highest recognition of professional…

SARAH ARMSTRONG has been appointed as interim para equestrian dressage performance manager. Sarah, who is currently the head of logistics and administration of the National Lottery-funded world class programme, will continue her current role in addition to overseeing the para dressage squad’s preparations for next year’s Games. She will also act as the team’s chef d’equipe at Rio 2016. “I feel privileged to work alongside such a talented team of athletes and staff at such a crucial time in the preparation for Rio 2016,” said Sarah, who takes over from David Hunter.…

A MINATURE SHETLAND Therapy pony Kellogs trotted down the red carpet at the Animal Hero Awards in London. He attended the ceremony on behalf of fellow therapy pony Twiggy, who was runner-up in the rescue animal of the year award but could not attend the event. ANGLESEY RIDERS Presaddfed Equine is Anglesey’s first British Dressage venue. The equestrian centre will start running affiliated competitions in 2016. HORSEY FUNDRAISERS The Three Amigos Fundraising Group has raised more than £63,000 for Cancer Research UK. Seventy riders completed a 10-mile sponsored ride in fancy dress at Watergrove Reservoir, Wardle, on 1 November. A US ZOO The Denver Zoo in Colorado is celebrating the birth of an endangered Przewalski’s horse colt. Born on 29 October, he is the zoo’s second Przewalski’s foal since 1991.…

A host of new events have been added to the 2016 British Eventing (BE) calendar, making up for venues lost in 2015. The 2016 calendar includes two new events for Scotland — Dupplin in Perthshire and Forgandenny Horse Trials in Fife — as well as competitions in the Midlands, east and north of England. Forgandenny will run classes at BE80(T), BE90 and BE100 levels. “This is a very well-placed venue, right in the middle of central Scotland,” said organiser Douglas Edward. “We will be offering competitors a nice, flowing and inviting track in the early season, for all levels of grassroots competition.” Mr Edward is also joint organiser of Dupplin, which will host BE80(T) to BE100 sections. Other new venues include Speetley EC in Derbyshire and Horseheath in Cambridgeshire, which…

A TEST FOR THE HORSE Sir — I’m surprised the FEI has come to the decision that a second error of course should signal elimination (news, p7). Dressage as a discipline stands on its own and surely it is illogical to claim it should be brought in line with jumping? Perhaps showjumpers should be judged between the fences for roundness, suppleness and straightness and brought in line with dressage. Dressage is a test of the horse’s training, not of the rider’s memory. Grassroots competitors may feel this is yet another obstacle, particularly when nerves can override memory. Nerves also affect riders who are not para competitors, but who have been involved in falls that either affect vision, balance or memory. Clarissa Dawson Shipston on Stour, Warks A PRICE WORTH PAYING…

My best warm-up tip… Make a video in your mind of the upcoming round going really well, then work on the ingredients that will make that video into reality. Also have someone you trust with you — my trainer Ros Morgan, owners, and head groom Jane Felton (left) are all people I trust. The best date I have ever been on… Some really good friends totally set me up with my wife Jane. They had never asked me for dinner before, and they sat me next to Jane. The rest is history… The best after-party… Any place where you have done well is normally a good party, but Boekelo CCI3* in Holland has got it right. Getting away from it all… I’m really bad at getting away, but time with…

ANY competition has its own rules to ensure a level playing field, so that none of the horses has an unfair advantage. People using substances that are not allowed by the regulatory authority are cheating, and if caught should be banned from competing. Allegedly “invisible” substances can be detectable, so always check before considering using any medication. The FEI has a website and app with further information about what is and is not allowed: • www.fei.org/fei/cleansport. Essentially, there are two sorts of treatments: 1 Prohibited substances that are allowed, but not during competition — such as bute. 2 Banned substances that have no legitimate place in treatment and can never be used, such as anabolic steroids, or brain-altering human anti-schizophrenic drugs used to calm hot horses. Cobalt, a trace element…

MOST of my horses are quite sharp, so keeping them relaxed is a key part of their training. To begin a session, I always let the horses stretch on a loose rein before giving them a canter round to warm up their muscles and keep them in a relaxed frame of mind. I give them a loose rein again at the end to let them stretch their necks out. At a competition I will ride in the morning for an hour and I try to do my main work in that session, pulling the horses up and together, so that come the actual class, I only have to do a brief, gentle warm-up and pop a few fences. In particular, my top horse, Wonder Why, can get wound up if…

• Rosenaharley Rossleague remains the only pony ever to win the Olympia ridden mountain and moorland supreme two years running, in 1983 and 1984. • A 14.2hh part-bred Connemara, Stroller, won an individual showjumping silver medal for Marion Mould in the 1968 Olympics, the only pony to have secured an Olympic medal in the discipline. • In 1935, a 20-year-old Connemara named Nugget, standing at just 15hh, cleared a 7ft 2in obstacle at the London International Horse Show. • Lendon Gray trained a Connemara/ thoroughbred called Seldom Seen up to grand prix level in dressage. She later competed another cross-bred called Last Scene. • In 2009, a Connemara called Ballyowen Maybelle Molly took European showjumping gold. • Sillogue Darkie qualified for the All-Ireland 148cm showjumping championship at Dublin for seven…

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PORTUGAL’S Luciana Diniz claimed her first Global Champions Tour (GCT) series title, winning the grand prix with Fit For Fun at this last show of the season to ensure her top spot. Britain’s world number one Scott Brash led coming into the final, but a rail down in each round of the grand prix left him eighth in this class and dropped him to second overall. “It’s great to be second in the GCT, but it’s a shame when you’ve led throughout the series to throw it away at the last hurdle,” said Scott. “But I’ve stolen it off other people at the last hurdle before, so that’s the way it goes.” Scott was bidding to become the first person to win the title three years in a row and…

ITALY’S Emanuele Gaudiano took Thursday’s opening two-phase — where fault-free pairs immediately progress to the second section against the clock — on his father Giovanni’s nine-year-old Guess. Emanuele has only had the Bentley Van De Heffinck mare six weeks. “She doesn’t have a lot of experience, so I’m proud of her,” said Emanuele, 29. Guess has a very long stride, meaning she can naturally take out strides and save time. She would have been third in Saturday’s speed class but for a rail down in the final line. Moroccan rider Abdelkebir Ouaddar and Quickly De Kreisker turn on the speed to win a 17-strong jump-off…

A change of bridle helped Liz Forrester to a win in the Blue Chip Karma performance with Elivander Emaire. “He’s quite strong and I usually ride him in a Waterford Pelham with two reins, but he cut his mouth the day before the show, so we switched to a hackamore,” said Liz, who trains with Geoff Glazzard. “I jumped here the night before for a quick practise, and I think we might stick to using the hackamore — it works. He is very honest; when he gets to the fence, all he wants to do is jump it.” The Numero Uno x Timeless six-year-old was bought as a two-year-old at Addington’s Brightwells sales and was broken in by Liz a year later. “He’s a big horse and took time to…

A big loss at the Crawley and Horsham is their late master of 17 seasons Antony Sandeman (1957-2014), whose daughter Hemma was at the opening meet. He was also chairman of the South of England Hound Show (2006-2014), where a permanent arch was unveiled in his memory last summer. Speaking of him at the time, Mid Sussex MP Sir Nicholas Soames, said: “This wonderful man was loved and admired by many people. Everyone who enjoys hunting and this hound show owes him an immeasurable debt.”…

THE Eccleshall Allsorts won a very competitive Team Quest final, going one better than their runner-up position last year to claim the open title. And a team of Welsh teenagers, the Pembrokeshire Lunachicks, were crowned British Young Riders Dressage Scheme (BYRDS) winners, during a weekend when 180 riders battled the wind and rain. The fun spirit of Team Quest shone brightly with teams from all corners of Britain sporting snazzy outfits and riding an eclectic mix of breeds. There was the serious atmosphere of an important championship, though, with live-streaming and a high standard of riding from competiters aged seven to 72. Even the overnight demolition of the outside arena boards by the wind did not stop play on Sunday, as proceedings were swiftly moved indoors. The winning open team,…

SARAH RIDD’S Weymarsh Sabrina, now seven, won the open elementaries at Blue Barn, Kent (7 November) on their second time out after a 14-month break. The home-bred Showdown x Rubin Royal mare suffered a setback last year. “Last summer when I started to ask ‘Sadie’ for medium strides she found it difficult to use herself equally on both sides,” said Sarah. “I could have pushed her to work harder on her weaker side, but I was concerned that might lead to tendon strain. “Since she was a foal, one of her front feet has always been very slightly more upright. Looking at her critically I could see that her hindquarters were less muscled on that side. We had the foot X-rayed and found that the pedal bone was slightly rotated.…

FAUGHEEN, the Champion Hurdler who looked like he would reign longer than Queen Elizabeth II, suffered the first defeat of his career when beaten half a length by stable companion Nichols Canyon in Sunday’s Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown. Ruby Walsh’s mount could never quite get on terms with his stable companion — who is no slouch, having won four Grade One races and finished third in the Supreme last year. “That turned out completely different to their work on Tuesday,” said a bemused Willie Mullins. “Maybe Nichols Canyon has improved more than we thought, but until Faugheen tells me something wasn’t right I’m not making any excuses for him.”…

DOUGIE DOUGLAS Holly Gillott’s Nations Cup partner was sold to the US for € 1.4m (£990,000). The sale of the 10-year-old set a new Irish record auction price during the Goresbridge supreme sale of showjumpers in Co. Wexford. FLORINA 146 Danish dressage rider Andreas Helgstrand has bought the five-year-old Hanoverian mare by Fürst Romancier x Donnerhall. The mare, bred by Walter Droege, finished fourth at the 2015 World and German Young Horse Championships. CORNADO NRW The 12-year-old stallion is back competing with German showjumper Marcus Ehning after being off since April with an injury. He reportedly had an acute bone bruise of the fetlock bone. He did his first class in the CSI3* indoor show in Munich. CARNSDALE IRON LADY The seven-year-old mare has been put down following a field…

THE racing world was in mourning last week (10 November) after 11-time champion Flat jockey Pat Eddery died aged 63. The Irishman rode more than 4,600 winners during his career — including 14 British Classics. Recognised as one of the most successful jockeys of all time, Pat won the famous Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe four times. He was also victorious in many of the greatest Flat races including two King George VIs, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Gold Cup. Only Sir Gordon Richards rode more winners in Britain. Born in Co. Kildare on 18 March 1952, Pat retired from the saddle in 2003 and began training. In 2005 he was appointed an OBE and in the same year he sent out his first runner as a trainer. “It was…

NOMINATIONS are now open for the H&Houtstanding mare award, the winner of which will be announced at the annual British Breeding Breeders’ Awards Dinner in London’s Grange City Hotel on 16 January. If you know a mare who has excelled in sport and/or breeding, we want to hear about her. Previous winners of this prestigious prize include the Suffolk Punch Whitton Daisy and the grand prix dressage horse Woodlander Dornroschen, dam of Woodlander Farouche. Nominations are also invited for the SEIB Meritoire award for services to breeding. • To nominate in either category, visit www.tinyurl.com/hhMareAward…

SCIENTISTS have discovered a “biomarker” they hope will lead to greater understanding of arthritis in horses, writes Lucy Elder. The study, led by Dr Mandy Peffers of the University of Liverpool, looked at proteins found in joint fluid in osteoarthritic horses. Using a pioneering profiling technique, they found that a distinct set of proteins were present in horses with osteoarthritis of the fetlock joint. Although this is at an early stage, there are hopes it could lead to earlier diagnosis of the condition and more informed management. In the study, the researchers looked at the joints of nine ex-racehorses with severe osteoarthritis, and normal joints from nine other ex-racehorses. Dr Peffers said that the study has led to funding for further research. The university will now use the same research…

DONKEY OWNERS Owners operating donkey rides on Blackpool North and Blackpool Central beaches have been urged to clean up after their animals to avoid manure being left on the sand and washed out to sea, following new EU water bathing regulations. A TRAPPED HORSE Firefighters freed a horse from a barbed wire fence in East Bolton on 8 November. Crews used ropes to steady the horse and riot shields to protect him before freeing him with wire cutters. He was treated for lacerations at the scene. PINK HORSES A man has been arrested after graffiti was sprayed on two horses in Derbyshire. Pink spray paint was found on one horse’s face, and on the rug of another. CARINA EVANS The H&Hhunting correspondent broke her collarbone in a fall while out…

CONVENTION Masterclasses with riders including Charlotte Dujardin will be held at the Best of British National Dressage Convention on 21-22 November at Hartpury College, Glos. www.britishdressage.co.uk ARENA POLO Hickstead’s opening arena polo tournament of the season will be held at the West Sussex venue on 21-22 November. www.hickstead.co.uk HISTORY Sergeant Anthony Bysouth and equine vet Sally Hodgson will be remembering the British Cavalry’s retreat through France in August 1914 at Weddington Social Club, Nuneaton, on 20 November. www.bhs.org.uk FAMILY FUN Uttoxeter racecourse is holding a family fun day at its meet on 22 November. www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk EXHIBITION Elisabeth Frink’s equestrian artwork and sculptures, will be on display at Nottingham Lakeside Arts Centre from 25 November to 28 Februray. www.lakesidearts.org.uk TALK Blair Castle Horse Trials director Alec Lochore will be speaking at…

Regarding the cover story (news, 5 November) about the staffing crisis in racing, I would like to put forward a suggestion. After 23 years working with horses in the UK and US, I now have a “real job” as a foster carer. However I still ride out for racehorse trainer Jamie Snowden while the children are at school. I am amazed by the number of racing people who tell me that they grew up in foster care, and I think the racing industry is missing a trick here. Living in Lambourn, inevitably the children I foster develop more than a passing interest in racing during their stay with me, largely due to the generosity of the Dunlop family, Nicky Henderson, AP McCoy, Jamie Osborne and Jamie Snowden, who have all…

BRITISH Eventing’s Future Talent Two-Star League was introduced this year. It is scored on results at CCI2* and CIC2* competitions, and is open to British-ridden horses aged nine and under who have not competed at three- or four-star level. Sponsored by an anonymous supporter, the league aims to recognise talented British combinations making their way up the rankings. LEAGUE WINNER: STRIKE SMARTLY Eight-year-old grey gelding, by Ghareeb out of Ramble Way (by Diamond Lad) Owned by Fred and Penny Barker, ridden by Daisy Berkeley STRIKE SMARTLY, winner of the Future Talent Two-Star League, is a full-brother to Paul Tapner’s four-star campaigner and 2010 World Equestrian Games Australian team horse Kilronan, who belongs to the same owners. When Penny Barker realised what a good horse Kilronan was, she returned to Ireland…

THE Al Shaqab equestrian complex, part of Doha’s Education City backed by the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, has state-of-the-art facilities, including an air-conditioned indoor school with 6,000 seats as well as the main arena. The covered warm-up even has grandstand viewing. The only thing missing seemed to be spectators, with few people present on Thursday or Friday, despite free entry on these days. Saturday drew more of a crowd, but the stadium was still less than half full even for the grand prix. An GCT spokesperson said: “We were pleased to see an increased number of spectators in our third year at Al Shaqab, as the support from the public has grown each year. We were happy to welcome schoolchildren and students based in the different…

OF all the English autumnal drives, few can rival in colour and tranquillity the A272 from Petersfield in Hampshire to the small, pretty Sussex villages and towns of Midhurst and Billingshurst. At its end is the crock of gold that is the wild, natural 3,500-acre Knepp Castle estate at Shipley, home of Sir Charles and Lady Burrell, whose family have hosted the opening meet of the Crawley and Horsham for more than 200 years. Having spoken at a hunt dinner the night before to the Eggesford foxhounds in Devon, I was glad of a clear four-hour drive, which brought me to the pristine yard of joint-master Neill Millard and his wife Sarah by 9.30am to meet the staff and one of two horses I was to hunt that day. The…

WHEN Anna Slosmanis entered Cezare II in the elementary classes at Windmill Farm, Bucks (4 November), she thought she was “chancing her arm”, but the pair went home with two red rosettes, having won both restricted sections. The 17.3hh eight-year-old Johnson gelding has had a late start to competition, to allow his brain to catch up with his body size. Anna bought him a year ago from international dressage rider Hayley Watson-Greaves, but had had him for less than 48 hours when he fell over. “We thought he’d broken his leg and took to him to the Royal Veterinary College for a scan but luckily he’d just bruised his stifle,” said Anna. “He’s such a big horse that any trouble he gets into tends to be dangerous. “He’s very talented…

THE Goresbridge Go For Gold sale (10-11 November) was not only the venue for the €1.4m Irish sport horse Dougie Douglas, by Ard VDL Douglas, (see news, p5), but also set an Irish embryo sale record. The embryo — by Cornet Oblensky and out of 2014 Goresbridge sales graduate Ard Ginger Pop — sold for €50,000. Over 100 horses went through the ring, including the seven-year-old Dekato, who was picked up for €250,000 by Michael Drea, father of Jessie Drea. He also bought 11-year-old Javas Wild Child (by Ard VDL Douglas) for €80,000.…

SHOWJUMPING Bleeding from mouth, body or flanks from excessive use of spurs or whip — elimination. “Minor cases” from bitten tongue or lip — may be wiped clean, and continue. Elimination if bleeding persists. DRIVING Investigated “case by case” by any member of the ground jury. “Minor cases” from bitten tongue or lip, or minor bleeding on limbs, may continue after investigation. ENDURANCE No blood specific rule, veterinary officials’ discretion. VAULTING Bleeding on the flanks, mouth or nose — elimination. “Minor cases” from bitten tongue or lip — may be wiped clean, and continue. Elimination if bleeding persists. REINING Pre-competition check: presence of blood — no score. During competition: fresh blood — elimination. If schedule permits, horse may re-run later if no further blood appears.…

DRESSAGE riders who take the wrong course twice during a test at an international will be eliminated, following a rule change approval at the FEI general assembly (13 November). A first error will result in a 2% penalty. A vote was held between a 3% penalty and a 2% penalty — the latter took the majority. Under current rules, two marks are deducted from each judge for the first error and four for the second, with the third triggering elimination. The regulations come into place on 1 January. The FEI’s Frank Kemperman said the rule change “brought dressage more in line with jumping, where a single error of course means elimination”. H&H reported ahead of the vote that judges objected, with Katrina Wurst stating she was “totally against this” (news,…

A 13-year-old retrained racehorse called Liverpool was presented with the Retraining of Racehorses’ (RoR) 2015 horse of the year champion award in Newmarket on 16 November. The RoR’s Di Arbuthnot said the horse is a great all-rounder, who epitomises “the adaptability and versatility of so many retrained racehorses in their new careers”. Amateur jockey Joanna Mason has enjoyed success with Liverpool in RoR showing classes, qualifying for Horse of the Year Show last year and being placed in the side-saddle class at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show, after breaking her back in March. Joanna co-owns the horse with her mother, Susan Mason.…

“WE simply want justice”, said FEI President Ingmar De Vos, as the organisation confirmed it will continue to fight the case regarding the Global Champions League (GCL) by “all legal means”. The GCL, run by the Global Champions Tour, lodged a complaint with the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) in June alleging that the FEI’s unsanctioned events rule was in breach of competition law (news, 30 July). “Horse welfare and sporting integrity are the two key principles of the unsanctioned events rule. These can only be protected by putting in place rules. Without these rules, we have no way of safeguarding the welfare of horses and athletes participating in such events, or of protecting the integrity of the events,” added Ingmar. “We are confident that the European Commission will accept that…

CHILDREN exposed to farm animals, including horses, in their first year of life may be less likely to develop asthma. A Swedish study has found that infants whose parents worked with farm animals had a 52% lower risk of asthma when they reach school age. Babies and toddlers who were raised with dogs were found to have a 13% lower risk. The research reviewed data on children born in Sweden from 2001 to 2010. It included around 276,000 school-aged children, including nearly 22,000 with a parent who owned a dog during the child’s first year of life and about 950 with a parent who worked with farm animals. The study was not designed to find out why the animals might be linked to a reduced asthma risk, but researchers believe…

FANCY a taste of Grand National victory? This year’s Aintree hero Many Clouds has had a beer brewed in his honour. The celebratory brown ale, fittingly named “Many Clouds”, has been produced by the Eastbury Brewing Company. The Marlborough brewery is not far from the Lambourn stables of Oliver Sherwood, where the gelding is trained. The trainer’s yard will now be well stocked with Many Clouds brown ale, which has had a seal of approval from the eight-year-old’s owner Trevor Hemmings. To reflect the son of Cloudings’ breeding line — which includes his US-bred grand-sire Bob Back — the brew has influence from across the pond. “The ale has a hint of US hops on the nose, with crystal and black malt influencing its unique colour,” said an Eastbury Brewing…

I was lucky enough to attend the final show of this year’s Global Champions Tour (GCT) in Doha last week. The modern showjumping circuit is a different phenomenon from any of the other disciplines, and the GCT is at the heart of this. Riders and horses fly round the globe competing for huge prize-money (Britain’s Scott Brash pocketed £35,600 for a supporting class victory and £134,000 for second in the overall rankings), with all expenses paid. Riders in Doha stayed in a five-star hotel, while horses fly “business class” with two to a crate, rather than the standard three. The revenue streams funding the whole circus include huge support from title sponsor Longines, plus riders lower down the rankings paying to attend. I can’t imagine how eventing or dressage riders…

Superstitions “I’M really superstitious, which is a load of rubbish really, but if it helps… “I’ve tried to narrow it down to one thing at a time, which is always changing. At London 2012 I used to have to have a McDonalds the night before a competition, which was very naughty. “Now I just have my stock pin that a friend gave me before the Olympics and a conker that I picked up at my first RDA national championships when I was 10. It’s a bit bashed up now but it still lives in my pocket.” Sports psychology “IT helps me think ‘right let’s go and do our best, forget what’s going on, fresh start, it’s me, you and four white boards’. “It’s all about marginal gains. Anything that can…

FOURTH: CHARLES RR Eight-year-old by gelding, by Verdi out of La Di Dah (by Didi) Owned by Robert Hawker, ridden by Alicia Hawker EQUAL FIFTH: SANTIAGO BAY Seven-year-old black mare, by Ars Vivendi out of Zantus (by Aldatus Z) Owned by Caroline Teltsch, ridden by Gemma Tattersall EQUAL FIFTH: BE TOUCHABLE Nine-year-old bay gelding, by Untouchable out of Ureka (by Indoctro) Owned by Sophie Dodds, ridden by Izzy Taylor EQUAL FIFTH: BALLAGHMOR CLASS Eight-year-old grey gelding, by Courage out of Kilderry Place Owned by Angela Hislop and Karyn Shuter, ridden by Oliver Townend EQUAL FIFTH: VIP VINNIE Seven-year-old bay gelding, by Valentino out of Gianna Nannini (by Grosso Z) Owned by Andrew and Miranda Rawlin, ridden by Will Rawlin EQUAL NINTH: SHANNONDALE MEL Eight-year-old bay gelding, by Shannondale Sarco St…

THE Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre is a remarkable venue. It has a massive state-of-the-art floodlit stadium and big indoor arena for training, both of which had great footing — the surface was shipped all the way from Preston courtesy of Andrews Bowen. Talk about selling sand to the Arabs! And there were also air-conditioned stables, rubber walkways everywhere and a hotel next door for the grooms. With all of this and big prize-money on offer for this Global Champions Tour (GCT) fixture, it was not surprising to see 17 of the world’s top 20 riders taking part. It meant that standards were extremely high. On the first day both my horses, Ornellaia and Lord Of Arabia, were a little spooky in the large arena. However, by the third and final…

SCHOOLGIRL Isabelle Hoar, 14, won the Blue Chip winter discovery at Bury Farm Pony All Stars (6-8 November). She was riding her 16-year-old Welsh/thoroughbred pony, Sir Henry III. She has owned the “quirky” ex-event pony for four years. “He’s a lovely, brave pony but does have his quirks and can be highly strung,” said Isabelle’s mother, Debbie. “He’s also quite mischievous and has to have something to do all the time or he gets into trouble. He has a ball to kick around his stable and needs to be ‘babysat’ constantly. He also likes a bit of rodeo before he goes into the ring — it’s just from excitement and the fact that he doesn’t do waiting very well.” Isabelle, who trains with Mandy McGlynn, won the NAF Shining Star…

Chairman: Mark Burrell Joint-masters: Lady Louise Burrell (2013), Neill Millard (2014), Kim Richardson (2014) , Lady Kleinwort (2014), Clem Somerset (2014) Kennel huntsman: Will Haynes Field masters: Anthony Burrell, Marcus Gorman Whippers-in: Will Haynes, Grant Laing, Lee Rodway and Tristan Kleinwort Countryman and trail -layer: Guy Pettet Hirelings/type of horse needed: A thoroughbred or three-quarter-bred that can jump out of deep going and take hedges, timber and numerous tiger traps. There is limited opportunity for hirelings — contact the joint-hon sec: artiemartin@hotmail.com Quote of the day: “A great day and a reward to see so many out, young and old. Three of the newcomer children jumped a hedge,” joint-master Neill Millard. Special interest: Knepp Castle offers vehicle-based safaris or guided walking tours to experience the profusion of birds, mammals, butterflies, beetles,…

Joint-masters: Nigel “Nibby” Bloom (2012), Charles Saffell (2014), Jonathan McInnes Skinner (2014), Freddie Rolt (2014) Kennelman/first whipper-in: Ben Hood Amateur whipper-in: Reece Plumb Joint-hon sec: Sue Pennell & Bridget McTear Trail-layer: Alistair Campbell Hunting days: Tues & Sats History: Originally the Shotesham Harriers, the pack — which covers approx 50 square miles in south Norfolk — has a history of change and fortune since it was founded by Robert Fellowes in the 1830s. The hunt has changed hands several times, undergoing various name changes. Disbanded in 1966 due to financial constraints, a new committee reformed the Dunston Harriers in 1968. Unusually hunt staff and masters wear red hunt livery with a green collar instead of the dark green usually associated with harrier packs. This goes back to a time when…

IT looks as though the next progression in scoring will be the removal of the highest and lowest marks per movement, rather than the overall score. What this means is, that despite the Judges Supervisory Panel’s role, we will no longer have the shock of a 10% difference in scores. I understand this is more popular with riders and trainers than removal of overall scores. This way, it won’t undermine the way of judging but will teach new judges, who will be able to follow a learning process instead of individuals being vilified and criticised. There were big differences in scoring at the recent CDI in Lier, Belgium, which was not only sponsored by a Ukrainian company (overall sponsors of the World Dressage Masters series) and had entries from Ukrainian…

IF Cheltenham on Saturday was all about jockey Ian Popham and a triumph of the human spirit, then Sunday was all about a horse. Sprinter Sacre, the former Champion Chaser, is back and the crowd certainly appreciated it. Racing needs its heroes and superstars as much as any sport and this looked like a script straight out of Rocky. Having spent 18 months in the wilderness fighting what seemed a losing battle to get to somewhere near his best, this was, to all intents and purposes, now or never. When he gained three lengths in the air at the last ditch and surged to the front under Nico de Boinville, there was a huge roar from the stands. An electric buzz around the racecourse continued until he was eventually led…

THE first time I took Zin Zan to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) we cleared out the warm-up tent when he took off and bucked from one end to the other. I had to walk him around the car park for half an hour before I dared go back in. But he was third in the lightweight hunters that year. He came from the showjumper Liz Edgar, whose sister Mary Broome was my trainer, and told me she had a horse that might make a working hunter. When we rang Liz, she said: “I’m not selling him.” My mother, Hazel, said: “Well, if you do we need to know in the next 10 days because it’s February and almost the start of the season.” Ten days later Liz rang…