Innholdsfortegnelse for 16-Jun-2016 i Horse & Hound

THE deaths of three event riders this season have given rise to renewed efforts to improve safety in the sport. Earlier this year, two young riders from Australia were killed in cross-country accidents in as many months, with Olivia Inglis (6 March) and Caitlyn Fischer (30 April) both suffering fatal falls. A third tragedy occurred on 14 May when British event rider Philippa Humphreys was killed in a fall in America. Equestrian Australia (EA) has responded by initiating review panels to investigate accidents at EA competitions. The panels will look at the existing risk management controls in place at both events, and propose improvements where necessary. The federation also hopes to announce additional funding for research into reducing the risks in cross-country. ‘Accelerate our efforts’ BRITISH EVENTING (BE) is currently…

IN 2009 and 2010, Dr Suzanne Smith of the University of Kentucky conducted research into rotational falls and collapsible fences. Dr Smith collaborated with researchers in the UK as well as Mats Bjorneton, the developer of the MIM clip system, but the project was cut short due to lack of funding. In 2014, the United States Eventing Association (USEA) set out to renew funds for this research and in December the following year it received a “matching challenge” from supporter Jacqueline Mars. Ms Mars offered $25,000 (£16,400) to the USEA on the condition that the governing body could raise an equal figure by mid-January. “The initial response from the public was incredibly positive and within just a few weeks, the first year of research was fully funded with $81,000 [£55,600],”…

THE eventers selected to represent Ireland in Rio are to “pull together, knuckle down and do our very best”, according to their team manager. Clare Abbott with Euro Prince, Jonty Evans with Cooley Rorkes Drift, Mark Kyle with Jemilla and Padraig McCarthy with Simon Porloe or Bernadette Utopia have been selected. Camilla Speirs will be the travelling reserve, with Portersize Just A Jiff. Manager Nick Turner said: “We have a great team and are looking forward to the challenge. “It was a very difficult decision but the final four almost picked themselves. It’s about trying to ensure we have the lowest finishing score possible, and about consistency. “Consistency’s what we need and those on the squad have shown that. It was a very tough call and those who were just…

MYSTERY surrounds the detection of human EPO in two Middle Eastern endurance horses — a first-ever finding in FEI sport, writes Pippa Cuckson. Leading vets have queried why trainers or riders would deliberately administer EPO — a form of blood doping. Erythropoietin (EPO) is the human peptide hormone that stimulates red blood cell production, sending more oxygen to the muscles. It has been on the FEI banned list since 2010. EPO was used by disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong, but has proven to be counterproductive for horses. Extensive studies were carried out at universities in Australia and the US 10 years ago after positive tests for EPO in harness racing in those countries. Dr Des Leadon, consultant clinician at the Irish Equine Centre, has a special interest in exercise physiology. He…

RIDERS who get behind the wheel following a serious head injury could find themselves open to a £1,000 fine if they have not followed the correct procedures, writes Lucy Elder. Jon Phillips, of the Organisation of Horsebox and Trailer Owners, urged riders to know where they stand, or risk invalidating their insurance. “If you should have any accident that could be construed as you losing attention, then [insurers] will have you,” he said. “Especially if it’s something you haven’t declared.” Anyone who sustains a “serious head injury” must surrender their driving licence to the DVLA or risk being fined £1,000. The government recommends patients ask their doctor if they are unsure whether their injury is “serious” and will affect their driving. Former eventer Polly Williamson, who sustained a traumatic brain…

SLEEPING IN Jockey Clifford Lee missed out at Windsor (6 June) after he overslept. He was due to ride Moondyne Joe for Karl Burke in a 5f handicap but was replaced by Silvestre de Sousa, who went on to win. MELTON MOWBRAY HEAVY HORSE SHOW The Brooksby event will no longer run due to lack of organisers. “There is no one to continue the huge task of organising and facilitating the hospitality,” read a statement on the show’s Facebook page. HACKING ON THE ROADS Euro 2016 “kicked off” on 10 June, which means the return of flags flying from car windows. If your horse is likely to be spooked, remember it lasts until 10 July. CRIME A rancher in the US lassoed a man trying to steal a bicycle from…

ROYAL ASCOT Today (16 June) is Gold Cup day at Royal Ascot. The meeting runs from 14-18 June. www.ascot.co.uk BOLESWORTH The CSI4* at Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire, is on 15-19 June. As well as top showjumping there will be express eventing, and Olympic dressage stars will also be competing. www.bolesworthinternational.com WORKSHOP Take part in a rider confidence clinic at Mickley Hall, Cheshire, on 18 June. www.equoevents.com POLO Go to Gloucestershire Festival of Polo at Beaufort Polo Club, on 18-19 June. Matches include the Beaufort International and the jockeys versus Olympic legends charity game. www.beaufortpoloclub.com SEMINAR Research lost riding routes at a British Horse Society event on 16 June at Berriewood Farm, Shrops. annabel147@aol.com EVENTING Watch international eventing from one- to three-star at Hopetoun in West Lothian, Scotland, on 16-19 June. www.hopetounhorsetrials.com…

Well done to Simon Reynolds for bringing up the subject of judging by marks (comment, 9 June). I totally agree with him. Having been a British Show Pony Society and National Pony Society (NPS) judge for 25 years, I would love to be able to return to the traditional way of judging all the time. When the marks system was first introduced, no training was given, we just had to get on with it, and one only had to be at the last NPS judges’ conference to see how far apart the judges were in the range of marks they indicated they would give. The argument for competitors preferring the marks system because it stops the corrupt judges is extremely insulting to most judges, who give up their time for…

The best event after-party… The past two years we have been out competing at Vilamoura (the Atlantic Tour) in Portugal in the spring, and on a Sunday night when the show has finished everyone heads to the Irish bar, which is wild. When I am in the lorry listening to… We listen to Capital radio and normally Becky is singing… My earliest equestrian memory… It actually involves watching my sister Samantha ride — I was never interested in horses until I was about 10 years old. Then I had my first pony, called Rocky, and we went to do some showjumping. Rocky was a complete legend and taught me a lot. If it weren’t for him I probably wouldn’t have started riding.…

PPEs are not a guarantee against future problems • Accept that the PPE provides an insight into a horse’s limitations or maintenance needs. Don’t expect an evaluation of his monetary worth or athletic ability, or any guarantee against future problems. • Use a vet of your choosing, not the seller’s. • Focus on your goals. A condition may be manageable or have no impact on the work you want the horse to do, but will it prove problematic if you plan to sell him on? • Consider additional diagnostics such as X-rays, MRI scans and endoscopy, but remember that they should form part of an overall picture and may not produce a definitive answer. • Think positive. PPE findings that dissuade you from buying could be a blessing. The next…

ANDREW NICHOLSON scored a remarkable win with Jet Set IV in the Equi-Trek CCI3*, almost a year on from his previous three-day event appearance. At Bramham and Luhmühlen last June, Andrew had no inkling that two months later he would be facing an uncertain future after a serious fall at Gatcombe. In the vast majority of cases, the neck injury he suffered would cause paralysis and he underwent an eight-hour operation to repair fractures and stabilise his cervical spine. Not only to complete but actually to win his comeback CCI is a considerable feat. It is exactly 10 years since his first Bramham victory with Henry Tankerville in 2006. He also won with Nereo in 2009. “All my wins here have been very special, but this one is quite unbelievable…

Juliet Cottey THE freelance instructor scored her first victory in 17 years at Little Downham (2), where she triumphed in a BE90 section on her own 13-year-old gelding, Ballyogan Boy. “I’ve had him for eight years and we’ve done a bit of everything,” said Juliet, who completed Bramham and Blenheim in the 1980s with a mare called Ashdown Tadorette. “I have no aspirations to compete at the top level any more. Thirty years ago I wanted to go to Badminton; now my dream is to go there for the Mitsubishi Motors Cup.” Isabel Rugman THE 12-year-old triumphed at Ascott under Wychwood (2) almost four years to the day after her stepmother, Emma Rugman, won a section at this event on the same horse, Jasmine IV. “Jas is a little legend,”…

ARE you in or out? There is no getting away from the current debate (which is perhaps not the right word for what is actually taking place) on the EU referendum that is currently occupying the media 24/7. For various reasons I am a stayer. As far as I can tell, there is no good reason for the horse world to enter the unknown country of “Brexit”. In the first instance it would be highly unlikely that any current legislation or passport regulations would be relaxed, even if anyone in the UK thought it a good idea — heaven forbid. For those wanting to trade horses or semen, travel or compete in Europe you have to comply with the current EU regulations. As former Defra minister Jim Paice said on…

AFTER going close in the previous day’s area trial, Robert Bevis and Courtney Z jumped two consummate rounds to take the £2,500 prize in the British Showjumping Business Partnership International Stairway. Although eight pairs reached the jump-off, this class was all about clear rounds and the best performances came at the end. Jessie Drea produced a great round on the huge-jumping stallion Mullaghdrin Touch The Stars, but Robert Bevis and Courtney Z demoted her by 0.53 seconds. Courtney had time out after suffering a small injury on the Spanish Sunshine Tour in March. The 15-year-old gelding jumped in a small class at Devon County before arriving here on top form. “I couldn’t be more pleased, but the perfect going did help,” said Robert. “He’s a big horse and I would…

BRITISH and Irish riders made a clean sweep, winning four out of four CSI5* classes in Cannes. But it was Scott Brash who took the starring role, when he and the relatively inexperienced 10-year-old Hello Forever scooped the € 99,000 (£78,700) top prize in Saturdays’ grand prix. In a four-rider jump-off, the Scotsman scorched round from last draw with Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham’s gelding, to top the podium ahead of Edwina Tops-Alexander (Lintea Tequila) in second and Germany’s Daniel Deusser in third with Equita Van’t Zorgvliet. “He’s a real trier — it’s his first year at grand prix and the rounds can get a bit smoother yet,” said Scott. “He does a good job of keeping you on your toes.” Hello Forever (For Pleasure x Nimmerdor) came from British…

THE men’s open race saw Presentandcorrect (James King) repeat his success of last week by scoring convincingly for owner and trainer Tim Sage. “We’ve had him for five years and he is 15 years old now,” said Tim. “This is his 12th successive season racing. He is a legend.” Tim and his wife Irene added that Presentandcorrect (Percy) “is a real poppet and has hunted all season with the Duke of Beaufort’s — and will continue to do so.” Irene explained: “Tim saw James King as a 12-year-old out hunting and said to him back then that he’d give him a ride in a point-to-point when he was old enough. He did, on Percy, and he won! It was fantastic and James has often ridden him since.” Jockey Heidi Lewis…

The 2015/16 season came to an end at Umberleigh on Saturday, with the following crowned overall point-to-point champions MALE JOCKEY: Will Biddick (54 winners) FEMALE JOCKEY: Gina Ellis (28 winners) MALE NOVICE RIDER: Jack Andrews (13 winners) FEMALE NOVICE RIDER: Abigail Banks and Taylor Pook (6 winners) LEADING HORSE: Premier Portrait (8 wins) PPORA YOUNG HORSE AWARD: Galros Lady (50 points) THE JOCKEY CLUB/PPORA BEST PERFORMING MARE: Galros Lady (33 points) LEADING TRAINER, WITH AT LEAST EIGHT HORSES: Jack Barber (50 winners) LEADING TRAINER, WITH SEVEN OR FEWER HORSES: Sarah Easterby (14 winners) THE PRINCESS ROYAL TROPHY (LEADING LADY NOVICE UNDER 21): Ella Pickard (3 winners) THE WILKINSON SWORD TROPHY (LEADING MALE NOVICE UNDER 21): Gus Levinson (10 winners) HARLEY RACING NOVICE RIDERS RACE CHAMPION: Gus Levinson (35 points) •…

 I FIRST saw Mistral Hojris (Alf) in 2005. We were sent a video of a small tour horse by Michellino x Ibsen, who was rising 10, while I was still at university. He was obviously very talented but a total loose cannon. ‘Alf earned me respect for being that tricky horse who made a leap into success and stayed there’ I tried him twice and we clicked — I had an overwhelming feeling I could work with this horse, despite the rough edges. In 2005 we took team bronze at the young rider European Championships and were sixth individually. We were kicked out of the prize-giving thanks to Alf — I was told he was “a danger to himself and everyone around him”. At 17.2hh he was a big baby…

Olivia Inglis The 17-year-old Australian rider was killed in a rotational fall at Scone Horse Trials, Australia. Olivia was competing in her second national two-star riding Coriolanus. The gelding left a leg at the second element of the eighth fence, an oxer. Caitlyn Fischer Caitlyn, 19, died after a cross-country fall at Sydney International Horse Trials. Caitlyn was riding her 12-year-old gelding Ralphie, who she had previously ridden in six CIC*s . The pair fell at the second fence of the one-star track, a hay-rack style spread jump. Philippa Humphreys British event rider Philippa, 33, died following a fall in the CCI3* at Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event in the USA. Philippa was riding her 13-year-old gelding Rich N Famous and fell at a table fence.…

A number of factors have contributed to falls of this nature. Thinking can destroy feeling — counting strides between cross-country fences has become a security blanket to most riders, who feel perhaps it is the one “certainty” among a mass of uncertainties. But it isn’t. The obsession with counting strides has grown. With any rider, especially less experienced ones, it can block feel and reaction to what is actually happening. This is part of the problem — riding by thought not feel, and not allowing the horse to learn through the crucial paradox of listening to his rider while thinking for himself. Horses do not want to fall — in nearly every situation the rider has created the cause. This has always been the case. What has changed is fence…

JOSPEH O’BRIEN The former champion Flat jockey, 23, made a flying start to his career as a trainer. Joseph had four winners from his first seven runners at Gowran Park on 6 June. He has been overseeing a team of horses at his family’s Piltown yard. PETRA INGRAM The chief executive of Brooke has been named as patron of the Haflinger Society of Great Britain. “I couldn’t think of a better breed to support and I will be doing my very best to promote them,” said Petra, who has shown the breed for 15 years. BRIAN TOOMEY Jump jockey Brian, who defied the odds after returning to the saddle following a life-threatening fall, is to retire. The 27-year-old said he is looking forward to the future and building an alternative…

LEADING members of the equine world have called for ring-fenced funding for local authorities and working in “partnership” to help tackle animal welfare issues. World Horse Welfare’s chief executive, Roly Owers, and Lee Hackett, the British Horse Society’s (BHS) director of policy, gave evidence as part of a parliamentary inquiry into the effectiveness of the Animal Welfare Act and surrounding laws on 10 May. The inquiry is being carried out by the government’s environment, food and rural affairs sub-committee. Mr Hackett said funding should be available to local authorities specifically to enforce welfare laws. “I appreciate that it is almost an impossible dream, but I think there does need to be ring-fenced money available for this,” he said. “What you have to remember as well is that the expense in…

MORE action must be taken to tackle the issue of straying dogs, which “can cause fatalities by unseating riders”, experts have agreed. Representatives of the Kennel Club, the National Farmers’ Union and North Wales Police discussed owners who allow their pets to roam alone at a SheepWatch conference in Loughborough on 3 June. Improved recording of incidents has shown the main culprits of sheep-worrying are dogs straying from homes, rather than those being walked. Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko added: “There was a great deal of agreement that more must be done, as apart from attacks on sheep, straying dogs can cause human fatalities through unseating horse riders.” The British Horse Society welcomed the agreement. Nearly 1,000 dog-related incidents, including two rider and 17 horse fatalities, have been logged on…

A new Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) centre has had more than 1,000 appointments on its books since it opened its doors a year ago, writes Lucy Elder. Jack Berry House in Malton, North Yorkshire, offers the same state-of-the-art facilities as the charity’s southern base, Oaksey House in Lambourn, plus a hydrotherapy pool, but is more easily accessible for jockeys in the north of the country. So far there have been 3,000 gym “sign-ins”, as well as numerous physio, strength and conditioning, and hydrotherapy pool sessions taking place. “The north was crying out for a facility similar to Oaksey,” said Jo Ruffell, the centre’s general manager. “Previously, jockeys would have to travel hundreds of miles to get specific treatment. “We have hit the ground running. It is staggering to hear how…

HOW many times have you experienced the utter frustration of not being able adequately to express your equestrian life in emojis? So far, the pony’s head and the galloping racehorse have been the only options for riders wanting to communicate their passion in pictures – if you don’t count the unicorn, of course. But thanks to a new app called HorseMoji, you can now express just about any horse-related thought in your text and WhatsApp messages. Whether you’ve fallen off, seen the vet or just tried your hand (and hoof) at barrel racing, there’s a picture for it, not to mention different breeds, comedy equine faces and stable equipment. Who hasn’t always wanted to send a yard broom emoji? The app costs £1.49. Happy messaging.…

COMEBACKS seem to be two a penny in equestrianism. Falling off is part of the game, but fortunately few people are injured as seriously as William Fox-Pitt and Andrew Nicholson were last year. Andrew underwent an eight-hour operation on his neck and was lucky not be paralysed, while William was in an induced coma for more than a week after a severe blow to the head. In recent weeks, both have shown their enduring class and strength of mind with victories at their first three-day events since their accidents, William at Tattersalls and Andrew at Bramham (report, p34). These wins are testament to the dedication and support of their whole teams, from wives to owners, trainers, work riders and grooms. When the rider at the centre of the team is…

Michael Jung UNDER-25 runner-up Sam Ecroyd spent four months based with the German superstar in the winter. “I took one horse, Opera House, and rode his,” said Sam. “I wasn’t finding Opera House easy last year - he was strong and slow - and I was wondering how to help him step up to the next level. “Michael transformed the horse and fine-tuned my riding. This is the best season I have had, and it’s about the whole system and the attitude I take to what each horse needs to do. “There’s a saying that you shouldn’t change one thing by 100% but change 100 things by 1% and that’s definitely helped.” Sam sees Opera House as his young rider squad horse this year, with Bramham ride Wodan III (pictured)…

Kate Justice THE freelance broadcast journalist and mother juggles competing her 11-year-old Tonics Pro Test with a job that takes her all over the world. Kate works for various radio outlets, including the BBC, Rolex and Lloyd Bell Productions. She has been the voice of Badminton Radio and currently hosts her own Saturday show for her local station, BBC Hereford and Worcester. The Longhope-based rider nevertheless found time for a win at Ascott under Wychwood (2), where she headed a BE90 section.…

MATT FROST has always enjoyed success at Wellington and this year was no exception. He landed three wins with three different horses. The climax was winning the £1,000 prize for the prix st georges (PSG) freestyle championship on AMD Don Havidoff, seeing off competition from Matt Hicks (El Zorro), Nathalie Kayal (DHI Homerun) and Richard Barrett (Walid 4), who were close behind. Matt made the most of the 10-year-old Don Schufro gelding’s high-energy extended trots and canters, which burned up the arena. The music programme was a mix of classical pop tracks that Matt had borrowed from his pupil Victoria Appleyard, who used it in last year’s young rider European Championships. Don Havidoff, owned by Debbie Sharp, Michael Norman and AMD Ltd, redeemed himself after giving Matt a tricky ride…

ORGANISER Victoria Gladwyn managed to fit in competing her two rides, Sonnersted and Super Star, at Fountain Dressage (5 June), reports Melanie Scott. The Celtic Lauris 11-year-old Super Star gained a good advanced medium mark after a recent move up to advanced, while Sonnersted (Sonny) headed two silver mediums with plus-70%. “’Sonny’ has had a bit of a break after getting his summer qualification at novice and elementary. I’ve been concentrating on the lateral work and building up his strength,” said Victoria, who co-owns the Stedinger x Donnerhall six-year-old with her mother Cecilia. “We’ve also been out doing some British Showjumping and notched up a few pounds on his card,” she added. “I thought we’d do a couple of mediums for Area Festival qualification and he gave me two super…

LOCAL rider Andrew Williams won his first ever area trial on home turf, with the ever-improving 11-year-old Alie B. “The more we do with him, the better he gets,” said Camborne-based Andrew of Joanna Sampson’s Prestige VDL gelding. There was no shortage of first-round action from Steven Williams’ testing track, which saw poles falling and three of the 11 forward part company with their horses. One of only three clears through to the jump-off, Andrew rode a fault-free round to finish ahead of second-placed Mark Edwards and Tinkers Tale. “It was a stiff enough trial,” said Andrew, whose father Stephen bought Alie for himself as a four-year-old and competed him up to Foxhunter level before handing him on. “We’d jumped a good, clean first round and I didn’t want to…

…at grand prix REECE OLIVER has certainly hit the ground running with new acquisition Urlanmore Aldi (pictured). At their first four shows, Reece and the Irish-bred son of Aldatus Z registered seven wins and this was their first grand prix victory. “I acted on a tip-off about Aldi from Matt Sampson and he has been instrumental in our success. I’ve been busy with my business, so Aldi perhaps isn’t as fit as he should be, but he is the easiest and most honest horse, whom I can get on and go,” said Reece, who is combining competing with hiring out showjumps and venue signage.…

A Welsh part-bred champion headed a strong line-up of contenders to land the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) Cuddy breeders’ supreme in-hand ticket, marking his first major win. Leading Shildon’s Excalibur to the in-hand accolade was Mark Reeves, who described him as a “top” show hunter pony (SHP) of the future. Judge Janet Cope had 24 champions to choose from, but she was taken with the bay gelding, who had been put through to the Cuddy qualifier by judge Jamie Frost the previous day. “It was a fun class to judge and I thoroughly enjoyed it,” said Janet. “I judge what I see on the day, so I don’t know who it was or what it was. I don’t follow any type of form and don’t read any magazines…

MID-June is a time of mixed emotions for me. On the one hand I breathe a sigh of relief at spending less time in the car dashing from the Midlands to the West Country in the pursuit of winners, but on the other it will be several months until I can get the buzz of race-riding again. A few Sunday roasts will ease the pain. I keep my eye on the National Hunt entries at this time of year as you find a plethora of pointing horses switching codes to “under Rules”, and this year is no different. Normally it is a mix of horses utilising existing handicap marks, and upcoming sorts going for maiden or novice hurdles. Both are worth watching as they offer the chance to evaluate form.…

THE Hereford & District Riding Club claimed the senior challenge 100 team honours at the Festival of the Horse Championship, despite two team members almost being forced to stay at home. Gemma Webster discovered at 4am on the morning of the competition that her lorry had sprung an oil leak. She made a quick phone call to teammate Joanna Dillon to see if she could get a lift to the event, but Joanna also found that her horsebox was suffering from a diesel leak. “We decided that a diesel leak was slightly less catastrophic than an oil leak so off we went in my lorry, hoping for the best,” said Joanna. Thankfully everyone made it and proceeded to show their strength across the showjumping and cross-country phases. The team manages…

BROOKLEIGH Emily King’s top horse will be out of action this year and next owing to an injury he sustained at Badminton. The 14-year-old by Rockwell fell at the penultimate fence of the cross-country, after which it was discovered he had suffered a tendon strain. H TOBAGO The 12-year-old Arab stallion by Psytadel has been put down after a field accident in which he fractured his femur. He sired champion show horses as well as elite endurance and eventing Futurity foals when used on thoroughbred and warmblood mares. WHAT A GEM II Vicky Collins’ former advanced event mare died on 30 May aged 25. “Pebbles” had been with the family for 17 years, having been bought from Pippa Funnell to replace four-star horse Welton Molecule. She went on to breed…

IRELAND’S sole showjumping rider in Rio says it is a “crying shame” his country cannot send a team to the Games, but that he is very confident of his Olympic chances, writes Eleanor Jones . Despite controversy surrounding the selection of Greg Broderick, who is ranked 252nd in the world, over riders such as Bertram Allen, who is ranked 10th, Mr Broderick says his horse MHS Going Global (pictured) is in “great form”. The 31-year-old told H&H : “I’m really looking forward to it. I’m concentrating on keeping the horse in the best shape possible. Last year he jumped a huge number of clears in top classes and I think he’s a better horse now.” The combination jumped double clear to help Ireland win the Nations Cup in St Gallen,…

British dressage riders are preparing for Rotterdam CHIO, the Netherlands, their last chance to impress Rio selectors • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ dressage-rotterdam A fund set up for the baby daughter of the late Philippa Humphreys, who died in an eventing fall, has topped £66,000 • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ millie-college-fund MPs debated further restrictions on the use of fireworks after more than 100,000 people signed a petition, but declined to change the law • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ fireworks-no-change A rider who needed 20 stitches after a kick in the face at an eventing trot-up is calling for all competitors to wear protective headgear at horse inspections • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ hats-for-trot-ups Andreas Dibowski’s FRH Butts Avedon is out of contention for the German eventing team for the Olympics • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ frh-butts-avedon-miss-rio A woman convicted of fraud for failing to supply riding equipment she offered for sale online has been…

HORSEBOX buyers are being warned to be on the alert after H&H received reports of attempted scams. Typically the seller claims the vehicle is not available to view for personal reasons, but says they will hold the buyers’ funds in a secure online account while the vehicle is delivered. The buyer understands they can claim the money back if they decide not to buy the vehicle after viewing it, but the funds disappear and the vehicle never arrives. H&H recommends buyers do not transfer money without viewing the vehicle. • More advice: www.horseandhound.co.uk/tag/scam-warnings…

DRESSING UP Riders dressed up for charity at a dressage evening at Kings Equestrian, Herefordshire, on 4 June (pictured is Wayne Garrick on Dollar). Over £3,600 was raised for World Horse Welfare and the Teddy Trust. BROOKE The Duchess of Cornwall has extended her 10-year presidency of the equine welfare charity. She has travelled the world to see how the organisation helps working horses, donkeys and mules. MARTIN CLUNES British Horse Society president Martin will be taking part in the 100km Dartmoor Derby (24-26 September) to raise funds for the society’s Helping Horses’ appeal. HARROGATE MOTEL The B&B, which was given a scathing initial review on Channel 5’s The Hotel Inspector, has been given a revamp and is now focusing on riding breaks. H&H’sTricia Johnson tried the B&B after its…

WHIP offences in racing have almost halved in five years, new figures from the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) show. In 2015 there were 538 breaches of whip rules, compared to 1,029 in 2010. Earlier this year, H&H investigated what future whips had in racing and the need for equestrian sport to promote the best possible image to the public (news, 14 January 2016). Several high-profile jockeys were handed bans at the turn of the year, not long after former champion jockey John Francombe had echoed his previous calls to ban whips in racing at the World Horse Welfare conference in November. But statistics suggest offences are dropping. Last year, the top five jump jockeys incurred just five offences out of a total of 3,896 rides — with two of them…

AGAINST MEDICAL ADVICE Sir — The article on riding and competing with injuries (news, 2 June) resonated with me, as my dissertation for an MSc in sports coaching in 2012 focused on the extent to which event riders compete while injured and the reasons for this. An anonymous questionnaire was handed out at events, ranging from BE90 to CCI2*, over a six-week period. The forms were returned by 311 riders, who were a mix of professionals and amateurs aged between 16 and 60. The results showed that 78% of riders had competed knowing they were injured, with the injuries ranging from muscular strains to broken bones and concussion. In addition, 68% of respondents admitted to resuming training and 43% to competing against medical advice, including with broken bones (42% of…

Best time-saving tip… Have a good routine. I have a diary in which everything is written down, so that the whole team on the yard know exactly what the plan is for the day with each horse. My favourite restaurant… Sabai, a Thai restaurant in Newark that my partner Becky (showjumper Rebecca Roe) and I go to every other week with our friends to catch up. When I’m competing at… One of my favourite shows has to be Royal Windsor Horse Show (above), but unfortunately I have not competed there in the past couple of years. I enjoy it because it has a great atmosphere and a very nice arena to jump in for the horses. When I am visiting… We went to Barbados last year and it was definitely…

IT’S the final tick in the box, the rubber stamp that reassures you that the horse you plan to buy has a clean bill of health. Rarely, of course, is anything so straightforward. A pre-purchase exam (PPE) offers no straight “pass” or “fail”, nor indeed any guarantee of a horse’s future health and soundness. Instead, you’re given an opinion of the horse’s suitability for your intended use based on “the balance of probabilities”. “It’s one of the bigger misunderstandings about the PPE,” admits Malcolm. “People expect black and white, but horses are living animals and there’s so much more to it than that. “There are occasions when a horse is fine, with no real problems, and others when we tell people ‘whatever you do, don’t buy this’. Far more cases,…

DRESSAGE helps both me and the ponies. As a show rider, you don’t have to do your transitions in a set place. Dressage makes the rider more precise and the pony more responsive. I work my ponies in a field and I’ll say: “At that tree, I’m going to canter.” If you can do that in an open space, it will help you to execute a transition where you want to in the ring. I don’t expect my ponies to come out of the stable and work in an outline straight away. I’ll give them 10 minutes or so of stretching, a little trot and a canter, then I’ll tighten the girth, pick them up and do some good solid work. I expect them to work with me during that…

ALTHOUGH the quality of the field in the Event Rider Masters (ERM) class at Bramham was somewhat diluted by factors such as the Brits in contention for Rio selection being asked to run in the “normal” CIC3* class so team manager Yogi Breisner could see them showjump after cross-country, it still produced a very exciting competition. Di Boddy built a strong showjumping track with a twisty bit in the middle of the course, and this phase was quite influential. The cross-country wasn’t overly difficult, but there was enough to jump. It was a galloping track and there wasn’t much you had to slow up for, and the ground was perfect. Looking at the final few in the reverse-order cross-country, you might have thought the two very fast women — Jonelle…

FORMER Olympic rower Rachel Stanhope steered a different kind of conveyance, her 12-year-old mare, Iskaheen Queen (Lottie), to victory in a BE90 section at the JH Builders and Bill Kear Arenas-sponsored Borde Hill (1). “I rode as a child, but gave up when I went to university,” explained the mother of two, who was a member of the seventh-placed women’s eight squad at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. “While I happily retired from rowing, the riding itch never quite went away and I took up eventing again in 2012 after a 20-year break.” Rachel retrained as an accountant shortly after completing a sports science degree and is now a finance director for a French entertainment company that makes computer games. “My two sons, who are in their early 20s, think…

The gentle giant Verano VERANO, winner of two five-year-old classes, is a gentle giant. He was bought by rider James Burtwell and Philippa Dimmock from the Westfalian auction last year. James had not tried him, but when no one bid for him they jumped in and bought him. “I’d seen a 5ft American lady ride him and I thought, ‘If she can manage him and he’s just short of 18hh, he must be OK’. “Before the auction, his rider got on him in the car park on the concrete and that was a clincher,” he said. “I saw a spark in the trot-up, but he was still sensible. He’s light on his feet and very trainable.” Verano is well bred, being by the Vivaldi son Vitalis out of a Florestan…

BEING a bit of a dinosaur, social media is something I’ve ignored at my peril. The phenomenal power of the online community hit home when I was commentating for Radio Badminton. Of course, the competing horses and riders were the stars. But I was gobsmacked to learn that we’d racked up 450,000 listeners. Somewhat dauntingly, number one cricket pundit Jonathan Agnew appeared in our commentary box during a break for a chat. Jonathan will be commentating on several sports, including ours, in Rio. We agreed how good it is that at last equestrianism is twigging the importance of reaching out to the public. How lucky we are to have a media-friendly man of his calibre — and with 350,000 Twitter followers — interested in horses. He confesses he’s only just…

I recently said how British teams have relied on John and Michael Whitaker and Nick Skelton for decades. Could those three musketeers go into battle together once more at the Rio Olympics? The way they’re all riding, don’t bet against it. Last year, I highlighted that it was a negative move by British Showjumping (BS) to abandon the national rankings list. It had served us well for years as riders and was online for people to view. BS should consult those involved on how the replacement of the list with the gold league has worked. Then they will realise that they’ve all come to the same conclusion as me — it’s confusing and counts for nothing. The Foxhunter was once a proud novice championship that all riders loved to win.…

Going the distance DESPITE cheaper diesel prices, the drive down to Cornwall remains long and expensive for most, which could explain the relatively low entries in the bigger classes. The committed core of local riders maintain that the show can’t be beaten for foot-perfect going and a traditional atmosphere. “It’s the nicest on the county circuit, with what has to be one of the best grass rings in the country,” said Justin Tuff. “The courses on this good ground really bring the horses on,” agreed Mark Edwards. “Even with small numbers, it’s very competitive.”…

Cunnigar Lad AN intermediate working hunter pony, Cunnigar Lad (pictured), scored his first open win and picked up his first ever ticket to Hickstead. The nine-year-old grey gelding, ridden by Lydia Stuart, was found by Amy Tough and has formerly been showjumped by Holly Miller. “We bought him last June and he went to Amy’s for some eventing experience, before coming home to us in September,” said Lydia, 17. “This is his first season of workers, the second open class he has done and his second RIHS qualifier,” added Lydia. “I couldn’t have asked for a better horse to start intermediate classes with.”…

Jackie Beatham, Castle Emperor, Cuddy champion “MY champion was an excellent example of his breed, with very good conformation, limb and feet. He showed very correct paces and balance, without the need to rush - a true pony. “My only disappointment with the class was some of the poor foreleg conformation and bad feet, which prevented some exhibits being able to stand four-square and move truly straight.” Sarah Chapman, Lowmoor Windsor, ridden hunter champion “MY champion was a great ride. He was very comfortable and went off the leg, straight and true. He looked through his bridle and got on with his job.” Mike Hall, Sarison Heavenly Silk, ridden supreme “IT caught my eye from the start because of its soft, flowing movement, and its individual show was beautifully executed.”…

AFTER a wonderful week in Mexico, we returned with batteries recharged for six days of showing. The weather was glorious on holiday and at home, and once we were back on the circuit, ponies and riders were on top form. However, the heat stayed on in a way we could have done without. When we returned from Staffs County, we found wisps of smoke coming from our muck heap, so took the safe option and called 999. It took 10 hours for two shifts of fire crew to put it out. Those wisps of smoke came from a fermenting centre that one of the officers measured at 300°C. He said we hadn’t done anything wrong, but the combination of dry bedding, muck and hot weather came together in the wrong…

SOMETIMES, polo is full of surprises. It didn’t come as a shock to see Dubai lift the Cartier Queen’s Cup for the sixth time, but rather that they came a whisker from losing to a team few would have bet to reach the final, Michael Bickford’s La Indiana. Dubai’s Adolfo Cambiaso summed it up as well as anyone: “La Indiana proved they are one hell of a team.” Bickford, Nic Roldan, Agustin Merlos and Julian de Lusarreta upset the formbook as they succeeded in downing the defending champions, the Srivaddhanaprabha family’s King Power Foxes, 13-12 in the semi-finals. Few would have doubted the Facundo and Gonzalito Pieres-led powerhouse enjoying a smooth run to the final and likely victory once again, but an extra-time penalty from the stick of Merlos put…

Kian Hall WHILE Dubai’s heroes, Cambiaso and Nero, are veterans of the game, having amassed some 11 Queen’s Cup titles between them, their teammate Kian Hall (pictured) is holding his own against some of the best in the world at just 18 years of age. “We first saw Kian playing in Spain, and chose him for his ability, before realising he is also a really great kid: committed and very professional,” said Dubai team manager Martín Valent. “Playing alongside Adolfo and Juan Martín, Kian has the dirty job - marking and getting people out of the way. But he enjoys it and he’s very brave - he goes for it in every play. If he carries on like this, he will have a great career ahead.” For Kian himself, the…