Innholdsfortegnelse for 30-Mar-2017 i Horse & Hound

BRITISH EVENTING (BE) is considering suggestions to separate amateurs and professionals in competition. Some grassroots riders have said they would prefer greater segregation, so they can compete on a more level playing field. Herefordshire-based Jessica Powell said it can be “demoralising and disheartening” to have to face professional riders in her section. “I juggle a child and a job to pay for this hobby and I am nowhere near as capable or have the quality of horses as a professional,” she said. Meanwhile, Devon-based rider Lucy Lee said that it was “a bit soul-destroying” competing in Bicton’s one-star against 80 people, of whom “the majority do it for a living”, but that this kept her motivated to keep up with the “big boys”. Miranda Heynes, based on the Warwickshire/Gloucestershire border,…

A TRIAL of virtual reality headsets to detect concussion in American footballers could be of interest to equestrian sport. The technology is being tested in the US to help with pitch-side diagnosis of the condition. Stanford University, California, has been trialling a device which uses virtual reality headsets to detect abnormal eye movement. In the UK, Birmingham and East Anglia universities have been testing virtual reality technology for detecting concussion in a trial led by Oculus Rift headsets. The headset measures participants’ ability to balance while they follow instructions — the idea is to ask the brain to do two things at the same time. The aim is for medics to establish quickly whether a head injury is present or not. “We would always be interested in technological developments if…

SCHEME TO TRACK ENDURANCE TALENT A SCHEME tracking the performance of potential endurance horses is to be piloted this year. It will recognise British-bred horses who achieve their potential as identified at British Equestrian Federation futurity evaluations, which are open to horses from foals to three-year-olds. Rosettes will be awarded to Endurance GB-registered futurity graduates at their first novice, open, advanced and international-level rides. NEW PATHWAY FOR ASPIRING VETS HARTPURY COLLEGE will give students the chance to study at one of the world’s leading veterinary universities after signing a new agreement. The partnership means students on the animal science programme at Hartpury will have the guarantee of an interview at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in London after college if they meet entry criteria. “Hartpury is extremely grateful to the…

SINGLETONS Research indicates most racegoers’ top priority isn’t watching the action; 11% are there on the pull. Sadly, two-thirds of those had no such luck last time out, although they are surely doing better than the 82% whose main aim was to make a profit? US STUDENTS US teens have been showing initiative in asking dates to the prom. One boy who rode his horse to pop his question showed some nice passage — not sure British Dressage would have approved of the cowboy hat and jeans though. A HUNTER One mare has set hoof where no human foot is allowed in winter; the hallowed Badminton turf. After a day’s hunting, the rider let go of her horse, who joined a herd of deer for another gallop. It is unclear…

“I’VE done mine twice out hunting — I could always ride, but sneezing, laughing and getting out of bed were agony…” So said our hunting editor this week as we compared notes on broken or badly bruised ribs — it’s hard to know which, as doctors rarely X-ray them because there is no real treatment for either. I was injured skiing and quickly diagnosed myself based on discussions with riders. I don’t claim to be a great skier, but my range of unstylish but effective defence mechanisms mean I rarely fall. This time, I crashed due to one ski suddenly flying off, probably due to a chunk of lingering ice in my bindings. It was a reminder of how frightening equipment failure can be in any sport. Earlier this month,…

CSI3* Atlantic Tour, Vilamoura, Portugal ELLEN WHITAKER finished her show in style with third in the grand prix on the inexperienced eight-year-old Arena UK Winston, just two seconds behind the Portuguese winner Luis Sabino Gonçalves (Scott Imperio Egipcio). Laura Renwick (Top Dollar VI) and Chloe Aston (Cornado’s Boy RC) finished fifth and sixth respectively. Ellen’s brother Joe was unbeatable in the six-year-old classes, winning on Fairy Tale and Black Pearl Leone and taking the final with the Dutch-bred Gallicia. Chloe added two wins on her five-year-old Magic Chanti to her double with Amigo T, and Irishman Cameron Hanley (Arany De Kergane) headed a seven-year-old class. Laura Renwick and Heliodor Hybris proved too quick for their rivals in Thursday’s world ranking class, in which Philip Spivey rode Darya I Nur into…

AFTER being selected for Britain’s 2015 European Championship squad, Tom Jackson had to withdraw Waltham Fiddlers Find when a tear in the gelding’s suspensory ligament was diagnosed. “He had time off and I brought him back that winter, but he went wrong again. It was then that vets discovered a sesamoid ligament problem they thought had happened at the same time as the original injury,” explained Tom. “It’s been a very slow process to get him back.” Now 14, Fiddlers Find had his first outing for 19 months in the OI section here and popped steadily around the cross-country course after leading the dressage and a showjumping clear. Tom’s aim is now Badminton. “I’m really excited because he had very little preparation. We have been cross-country schooling once and had…

IT’S incredible that grade Ia championship winner Julie Payne is able to ride, let alone be aiming to compete at the 2018 World Equestrian Games. But the fact that it’s all with Pandora (below), the 15-year-old former broodmare Julie has had for seven years, is even more special. “Pandora was about to be put down a year ago,” explained Julie, who suffers from multiple system atrophy and nearly four years ago was told she wouldn’t be able to speak or ride within two years. “About two and half years ago she began developing very odd behaviour; her knees would give way while she was standing in the stable, she began kicking out while I was riding her and she developed a funny twitch with her head. We had her scoped…

‘I said it would have to wait until the championship shows are over’ SUE GRIMES ON DELAYING HER SECOND TOE OPERATION Sue and the Flemmingh gelding won both elementaries at Manor Grange with decent scores, completing Area Festival qualification to add to scores already achieved at medium. The following day Sue, a paramedic, had an operation to fuse her big toe joint. “It’s going to take 12 weeks to recover, so it wasn’t realistic to aim for the regionals without enough competition practice, so Area Festivals it is,” explained Sue. “I need the other toe doing too, but I’ve told them that will have to wait until the championship shows are over!” Sue has had 12-year-old Amigo since he was weaned. He arrived as a surprise foal at foot…

He and the talented stallion proved their worth with 74.3% in a pick-your-own class at Hunters. “He’s really talented for the grand prix work,” said Tom, who rides for Emile Faurie and is looking forward to a busy summer. “We’ll take him to some Premier Leagues and maybe an international.” Tom described Sam Geddes’ nine-year-old Gribaldi stallion as his “pride and joy”, adding: “He loves his shows and he’s definitely the boss of the yard.” Kate Cowell headed the Hartpury prix st georges (PSG) with Sirocco, a 10-year-old Sandro Hit gelding owned by Helen Illes. “It’s only my second show with him, but we’ve clicked,” said Kate, whose trainer Carl Hester suggested she take the ride on Sirocco when his previous rider, Amy Woodhead, left Carl’s yard to set up…

National Shire Horse Show, Bingley Hall, Stafford COTEBROOK STUD superstars Alistair and Matthew King celebrated a magical supreme double as Snelson Gatsby and Cotebrook Loch Anna claimed the coveted national supreme stallion and mare championships. However, it was nearly a grand slam of major titles for the father-and-son team as their junior champion, Cotebrook Ben Alder, stood reserve supreme gelding. Snelson Gatsby went through the card, the three-year-old stallion winning his age class before adding the junior and overall supreme championships. As the owner and handler of the newly crowned national Shire stallion champion, Matthew was fully vindicated for paying the highest price for any foal at the north western foal show — when he bought Gatsby — in 2014. “I thought he was the best around and I haven’t…

I’VE always been interested in the judging process and hearing the judges’ expert opinions afterwards — needless to say I’m a fan of Strictly Come Dancing, MasterChef and of course Crufts. At Southport show one year, after watching some top-class showjumping, I wandered into the flower display marquee and was fascinated when reading the judges’ critiques of the medal winners. I recently returned to judge at the South African Horse of the Year Show. A major part of the amazing experience of judging show animals abroad is adapting to another judging regime. One notable difference over there, which was emphasised in the pre-show pep talk, is that competitors readily accept that judges may not ride their horse. In Australia, animals are often dismissed without performing individual shows. In contrast, UK…

‘He can prove difficult to pass when he’s in the mood’ RYAN NICHOL ON CHICAGO OUTFIT ‘GETTING HIS OWN WAY’ IN FRONT Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire, Overton AFTER going 700 days without a winner, Irvine-based handler Leonard Kerr enjoyed a welcome change of fortune as Havana Jack and Chicago Outfit, both ridden by Ryan Nichol, provided him with a first training double. Havana Jack headed Qoubilai (Charlotte Crane) after three out in the two-and-a-half mile members’ conditions race, before staying on well up the home straight to score by five lengths. “He appreciated the drop in grade and had plenty in the tank,” said Leonard. “He might run in the Buccleuch Cup maiden hunters’ chase at Kelso on 10 April.” Ryan kept things simple aboard Chicago Outfit in the men’s…

A CLASS which provides an “ideal step up” for British Eventing (BE) competitors has expanded after a successful trial. The BE105 level sits between BE100 and novice, to give combinations a stepping stone. It involves a novice dressage test, a 1.05m showjumping track and a mix of BE100 and novice cross-country fences. It is more technical than a BE100, with more jumping efforts. The optimum speed also increases from 475m per minute (mpm) to 500mpm, over a novice-length course. The classes proved popular in 2016, with six fixtures hosting BE105 sections. Of these, five events ran more than one section, with Wellington boasting enough entries to host four. It will be rolled out at eight events in 2017, including at the original six venues. Dalston Green will run BE105 sections…

GLOCK’S FLIRT The 15-year-old will not compete at the World Cup finals (29 March-2 April) in Omaha with the Netherlands’ Hans Peter Minderhoud due to lameness. The injury was discovered when the horse was being walked in hand prior to flying to the United States for the competition. REVE DE SIVOLA The top-class staying hurdler died at Kelso on 25 March. The 12-year-old was pulled up by James Reveley before the final obstacle and suffered a fatal heart attack moments later. “Horses like him are almost irreplaceable,” said trainer Nick Williams. “There’s going to be a huge void in the yard.” TILLY AND LILLY Welsh Section D mare Greenwing Royal Rose gave birth to rare twin foals on 6 March. The youngsters are growing stronger and have taken social media…

Racing commentator Richard Hoiles has been named as a patron of the Racehorse Sanctuary. Fellow patrons of the charity include Julie Routledge-Martin and Jilly Cooper. Racing fan and secretary of the Six Thix racing syndicate John Reay ran seven marathons in as many days to raise funds for the Injured Jockeys Fund and the Great North Air Ambulance. British Young Riders’ Dressage Scheme Wales ambassador Briony Rose Cutler received the Torch Trophy Trust award at the trust’s 54th annual awards for her dedication to young riders. Jockey Katie Walsh took part in a sporting challenge against hockey medallist Samantha Quek and rugby player Laura Wright. Each tried the others’ sports and Samantha came out on top. Just one rider will represent Britain at the dressage and jumping World Cup finals…

A ‘CELEB’ Teen Mom “star” Farrah Abraham (nope, us neither) got stick about pictures of her daughter’s birthday, as she had painted Sophia’s Shetland with lurid hearts. The pony didn’t seem to mind but abuse rained down, with one keyboard warrior saying: “Horses aren’t colouring books!” True – but really? FOODIES Those of us who grew up in the, er, 1980s, will no doubt look in disgust at modern My Little Pony toys — but it gets worse. Toy maker Hasbro and Cow Candy now make My Little Pony Pinkie Pie string cheese, which is strawberry flavoured. And pink. We’ll just leave that here. A COUNCILLOR A Dundee councillor is unhappy about poo left by police horses after a football match. Norma McGovern said it was unhygienic, as it was…

EXMOOR UPGRADES Sir — First, congratulations on the new H&H look, which is great! With regard to the article “Rare native breed genes at risk” (16 March), the Moorland Exmoor Pony Breeders Group (MEPBG) first served resolutions asking for clarification of the “no white markings” rule, and the addition of a supplement and upgrading system to the Exmoor Pony Stud Book (EPS), in 2015. The Exmoor Pony Society asked for the resolutions to be withdrawn in return for forming a working party of the EPS and MEPBG representatives to progress discussion of both. Unfortunately, due to the lack of progress made, the “no white markings” resolution was re-served in February this year. But after the society left the names of various people off the list to circulate to members, the…

‘She is gaining experience and has come out this year with a more mature attitude to the job’ HOLLY MILLER ON HHS DRAMARKO Morris Equestrian Centre Development Classic, Ayrshire A determined performance from James Whitaker and Mersley Chakotay reinforced their current run of form when the Yorkshireman took his second grand prix victory in recent weeks with the impressive grey. One of only five riders to progress to the second round, James — who also took third with Glenavadra Brilliant — executed his round to perfection to take the £1,000 first prize. “He has such an enormous stride that when I looked at the jump-off, I knew there were at least two places I could take a stride less,” he said. Just missing out on a similar victory on…

SHOULD HAVE GONE TO SPECSAVERS HUNT ride veteran Richard Walker was disqualified after jumping to the right of a yellow flag between fences 15 and 16. “It’s the first time I’ve missed a flag, although I did once jump over one,” he admitted, even though daughter Harriet was offering vocal assistance. “I was shouting ‘go left, go left’, but he didn’t seem to hear me,” Harriet said. A FINNEGAN BEGINS HUSBAND-and-wife team Ollie and Rachel Finnegan both had cracking rounds on horses that weren’t full thoroughbred. “The main thing is I beat her” said Ollie, who came 10th on Hugo. “But the important thing is I wasn’t trying,” returned Rachel, who finished 13th in her first race. FLAT AND BACK “I remember watching Tina Cook, I think, fall at a…

THE team at Burgham did everything they could to keep running last weekend after heavy rain. But having moved the dressage and then the showjumping for the international classes into the immaculate indoor school at Alnwick Ford Equestrian and initially cancelled only the national sections, on Friday evening they were forced to abandon the whole event. I had looked forward to my trip to Burgham — it’s a while since I’ve visited a British event that I haven’t attended before. In the end, I travelled home without ever seeing the event site. Those who went on Saturday reported it was waterlogged, which I suppose was a good thing, as it would have been even more gutting to feel it could have been usable. The blazing sun as we drove the…

Nirvana Spa Para Winter Championships, Vale View EC, Leics AMANDA SHIRTCLIFFE got her 2017 European Championships selection campaign off to an excellent start, as she headed a strong field to win the individual grade II championship. Amanda saw off tough rivals such as Erin Orford and Suzanna Hext to claim the title with 71.79% on New Princess, a 10-year-old by Newman whom Amanda has ridden for a year. “I was just delighted not to make a dog’s dinner of it, to be honest,” laughed Amanda. “It was a really tightly-fought grade II showdown.” Amanda has partnered the elegant 10-year-old by Newman for a year, since the mare arrived from Denmark with next to no competition experience. “The Assoulines found her in Denmark and although she had been well schooled at…

‘He’s like a sponge and enjoys learning new movements’ LUCY MCDAID ON THE WINNING FORMER CARRIAGE DRIVING HORSE TIJSSE N The Billy Congo nine-year-old Billy By Design has made a remarkable recovery since being injured nearly two years ago. The mare won her BE80(T) class at Warwick Hall in May 2015, finishing sound. The stifle injury didn't show up until the following day when Lesley took her for a hack. Initially the prognosis had been bleak and Lesley faced the prospect of losing her horse. “My vets at Clyde Vet Group were fantastic,” said Lesley. “She was on box rest for three months and then turned away for six months. I started riding her a year ago and joined British Dressage [BD] two months ago. “This was my first…

Elli took four horses to the Centaur Trust, winning all seven tests she entered with scores from 67% to 74.8%. On Friday, Pat Pomp’s Spellbound Razamataz, a part-bred American Saddlebred, won both novices on his very first outing with Elli. His half-brother Spellbound Tobias, also owned by Pat, won the medium and advanced medium qualifiers. Then, on Saturday, Merna Merrit’s Trewardale headed both novices, with 74.65% in the first. “He was supposed to be an eventer, but he’s much more talented at dressage,” said Elli of the Grafenstolz son. Elli’s own and Tori Bahal’s Fix Up, Look Sharp completed the set with advanced medium victory, scoring 70% at the level. “He is feeling totally amazing and happy to be back out after a year off with foot balance issues,” said…

THE recent regional championships have acted like a red rag to a bull for those feeling aggrieved by British Dressage’s (BD) gold, silver and bronze structure. The new system was supposed to give those riders with less experience a chance to shine in their own sections. Initially introduced on 1 December 2015, it was amended a month later, then completely revised on 1 December 2016. The upshot is that everyone who’s been riding in recent regional championships had qualified under the original gold/silver/bronze system, which has since been updated. By the time the regional championships for this summer’s nationals come round, the new cycle will be complete and everyone will have qualified under the revised system. But that’s not to say all is well… Yes, BD consulted its members —…

Lily, 13, headed the novice 37 silver section on her new acquisition, Armada Magic Cadillac, by FS Chambertin, who came from Stald Magic in Denmark in November. “He hadn’t competed in Denmark, but when I saw him move across the end of the arena, I just thought, ‘I have to buy that pony’,” said Lily’s mother, Alicia, who trains Lily together with Tessa Thorne and Spencer Wilton. “He’s still a little weak in the trot, but he felt amazing,” added Lily, from Malmesbury, who is hoping to take the six-year-old to the pony squad viewing day in September. “We’re going to take him swimming to help build up his strength,” said Alicia. Amy Durkin, 22, from Wells, who is studying for a masters in real estate management, headed both bronze…

‘She’ll throw in a buck for fun’ AIDAN COLEMAN ON SNOW LEOPARDESS Newbury and Kelso DURING the post-Cheltenham/ pre-Aintree lull — when the top horses and leading yards catch their breath — there are still some good prizes to be had, like the three at Newbury on Saturday with a combined value of £130,000. The first of them, the Grade Two EBF & TBA Mares National Hunt Novices’ Hurdle Finale, went to the lovely grey Snow Leopardess, who now has an even bigger pot on her radar, a Grade One at Fairyhouse next month. Snow Leopardess gave her trainer Charlie Longsdon his best day of the season as she put four lengths between herself and her nearest pursuer Copper Kay. Up with the pace from the outset, she was…

Puckeridge Hunt, Horseheath THE Andrews family were the commanding force with a double-double for siblings Gina and Jack. The wins take Gina’s total point-to-point victories to 13 this season, strengthening her lead in the national championship. Her first win of the day came in the members’ aboard the Harry Hobson’s Banksandditches. With just three runners, favourite Horizontal Speed and Banksandditches were close until a mistake five from home tipped jockey Gareth Henderson out of the plate. “Banksandditches is an older horse [11] who knows what he is doing — he has his own ideas, but he jumped well,” said Gina. “I was worried when I got left on my own because he is a bit lairy, but he popped the last few fine.” Gina, who rode her first Cheltenham Festival…

BADSWORTH & BRAMHAM MOOR Askham Bryan College, Saturday 25 March Confi ned.—1, M Jones’ Blackthirteen (J Gillam) M Jones. Subaru restricted. —1, A Crow’s Againn Dul Aghaidh (H Crow) J O’Shea. men’s open. — 1, C & E Helfferich, J Younger & J Kibble’s Young Hurricane (J Dawson) G Brewer. open maiden. — 1, H Kinder’s Sackett (H Kinder) G Walford. Skinners ladies’ open. — 1, C Tremewan’s A Country Mile (E Hills) S Byrne. D&H PPORA club members (novice riders). — 1, D Pugh’s Irish Anthem (H Crow) S Crow. LANARK & RENFREW Overton, Saturday 25 March NPPA club members.—1, K Lynn’s Viacometti (C Dawson) K Lynn. Overton Racing club members conditions 6yo&up. — 1, L Kerr’s Havana Jack (R Nichol) L Kerr. ladies’ open. — 1, N Alexander’s…

RIDERS have vowed to “make themselves heard” over matters such as rankings and blood rules. The International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) and the FEI had a meeting on 20 March, at which they “confronted the problems our sport has met with”. The IJRC believes officials should be allowed to use discretion in dealing with blood on horses, and that sanctions should be “appropriate to the violation” (news, 16 February). This was discussed, as well as a controversial proposal to “harmonise” entry fees (news, 23 March) and accidental drug contamination from show stables. IJRC director Eleonora Ottaviani said: “We were able to talk about everything and that’s already positive. We hope relations and exchanges can continue in this positive way. “I think we have convinced the FEI on a few points;…

A SHAKE-UP by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will make it more challenging to become a jockey. The changes, which involve key stakeholders, come into force on 1 April and aim to help create “better, more successful and healthier” jockeys. The authority said it spends “considerable resource” training people who may not go on to be successful. It warns too many jockeys mean fewer opportunities for riders who do make the grade. It is introducing more rigorous entry criteria, following a 2014 review. This involves applicants facing a pre-licence assessment before applying for one of the limited places on an apprentice/ conditionals jockey course. The length of the courses will increase from five to 10 days to cover more topics, and the cost will rise from £700 to £1,650. As…

Reading Daisy Berkeley’s article on the back page of H&H (9 March) rang bells. Lucinda Prior-Palmer, now Green, was our family’s inspiration as we became new members of the Pony Club. It was that dash and flare across country that made you want to aspire to do the same. Always with an eye on the clock, she rarely wasted time, and there was the occasional heart stopper. But with that lower leg anchored to her horse’s side and the ability to fold from the waist, she was never in front of the movement, keeping herself and her horse in balance, and reducing the risk of a run-out, stop or fall. I have witnessed many top eventers and jump jockeys over the years, and the above theory applies to both. Watching…

WITH the harmonisation proposal (news, 23 March) at the forefront of everyone’s minds this week, it was a shock to see the entry fees for this year’s two-star classes at Bolesworth. I have just the one horse to jump, but there are only hospitality packages on offer. The cheapest one is almost £2,500 for two days, which includes entry for two horses. The FEI guidelines for two-star are €350 (£303) per horse but Bolesworth’s approach seems to be relying entirely on pay cards. Organiser Nina Barbour undoubtedly has huge expenses to cover but should competitors be shouldering the burden? The two-star is after all only a sideshow to the four-star main event. The danger here is that other shows will want to follow suit — and then you end up…

‘These busy and accurate little hunters work out the line in the most picturesque countryside’ PACK OF THE WEEK: AMPLEFORTH BEAGLES IN their present form, this pack has only been in operation since 1994, a revamped and reinvigorated version of the Ampleforth College Beagles. In 1915, a boy called Paddy Cullinan complained to his mother that there was no sport at his school, at least not the sport in which he was interested, so his mother sent over four couple of beagles from Ireland. The beagles were thus founded and for nearly 80 years this pack was kept by the college and provided generations of students with a hunting education. A host of hunting personalities cut their teeth with these beagles and then moved on to foxhound masterships, but in…

Land Rover Gatcombe (1), Glos FOR once Gatcombe was bathed in glorious sunshine for the spring fixture, with a drying wind offering near-perfect ground. The advanced intermediate was peppered with Badminton entrants, including Louise Harwood’s Whitson, whose speedy round earned them the win, after leaders Emily King (Dargun) and Mark Todd (Leonidas II) both withdrew after showjumping. “I was feeling the pressure a bit as we had a steering issue at Aldon last week when I got in a muddle, and he tripped up the step here last year, which unseated me, so that was on my mind,” explained Louise. “But he felt really up for it and very perky, which is a relief as he’s had a long lay-off following a virus he picked up at Blair last year…

Norfolk Lighting Company Great Witchingham (1), Norfolk MARK KYLE and Jemilla made their first outing since the 2016 Olympics a winning one by leading all the way in the advanced intermediate (AI) section. Shelagh Morley’s 11-year-old Mill Law mare feels at home at Blackwater Farm. This was her seventh visit and her third victory at the venue. “She loves it here, but it’s probably because her jockey does too,” said Mark. “It’s a great event and one of my favourites. The ground’s always perfect.” The Irishman was surprised to be among only two riders in the three intermediate classes to finish inside the optimum cross-country time. However, he did take the quick routes and Jemilla made light of the influential late combination of a steep drop, house and angled skinny…

IT was an interesting show for riders, with the adjusted grades coming into play, though only for Saturday’s 2017 qualifiers, rather than in Sunday’s championship classes. “The grades will run from one to five, instead of one to four with a grade Ib, meaning I was competing as a grade II — my old grade — on one day, and a grade III on the other,” explained Amanda Shirtcliffe. The tests have also been updated across the levels, with many riders having their first experience of riding them in competition. “The new tests are much more technical, with some new movements in my grade, such as leg-yield in trot, and a trot serpentine,” said Erin Orford, winner of Saturday’s grade III individual with Dior UKH (above). “It’s more of a…

‘His second test was brilliant — he scored a 10 for his halt’ CALUM WHITWORTH ON HITCHCOCK LH Riding Hitchcock LH, the young horse producer headed two novices, one with plus-80% — the highest score of the day at Allens Hill. The five-year-old gelding (Negro x Hamlet) belongs to Sharon and Ottilie Bardsley and is with Calum to be produced. “Ottilie trains with Charlotte Dujardin, who spotted the horse and thought he would be a great prospect for Ottilie, so they bought him last summer,” explained Calum, joint proprietor of Shannon Equestrian. “It can be quite spooky at that venue, but he settled the more he did and his second test was brilliant — he scored a 10 for his halt and eights and nines for his trot and…

Sara-Jane’s partner, the 13-year-old Furstano (Fürst Piccolo x Brentano), who is owned by Sara-Jane and Andrew Griffin, won both the advanced medium and medium freestyle qualifiers. “I’ve worked on throughness and roundness, and his changes were all clean and in balance,” said Sara-Jane. Emma Bailey’s dream is to ride at grand prix and Grayswood Xtra Spice could be the horse to take her there. The pair scored almost 75% to win a silver elementary at Crofton, a good warm-up for the Area Festival championships. The seven-year-old Welsh section D/hackney has been produced by Emma for owner Shona Stewart. “She was foot perfect in the test, despite not having competed since October,” said Emma, who works for Roland Tong and Ben St John-James. “She’s showing more and more potential as she…

Fiona was sporting a big smile on her face after Wrangler won both mediums at Warren Farm, not least because the 14-year-old had produced a “best ever test” in the first of them. “For the first time I got in the arena what I get at home,” said Fiona, who fits in riding around a full-time job as a neuro physio. “A friend had bought him for her daughter to do Pony Club activities with, but they didn’t gel. I had a sit on him and although everyone told me I was mad I just felt there was something there, so I bought him as a bit of a project. “He’d been branded as very naughty, but in reality he was sensitive and lacking in confidence, and he’s just blossomed.”…

DAVID HARVEY, 22, has won the British Dressage young professional’s award for 2017. He receives a £4,000 grant and a handcrafted leather double bridle courtesy of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers. The BHSII, who is based at Talland Equestrian Centre in Gloucestershire, said: “It’s been a great experience. It was enjoyable riding new horses, I really enjoyed my teaching session and couldn’t have hoped for the day to go better.” Emily Watts was second and received £3,000, with Jake Taylor third (£2,000). This is the competition’s eighth successive year. Boarding pass for Barney ALL horses competing in the World Cup final in Omaha, Nebraska have landed in the US. The sole British representative Nip Tuck (Carl Hester) had a special “boarding pass” for the flight (pictured, above). The defending champions,…

MORAG SNOW landed her first Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) ticket when John Anderson’s Gautby Arclid Flashman (pictured, right) topped the first British ridden heavy horse of the year qualifier of 2017. John bought his Hainton Eardswick Ernie six-year-old gelding from Sweden three years ago with single harness in mind. However, because Flashman had been broken to ride Western style, the pressure points of the cart did not suit him. Morag then stepped in to compete Flashman in ridden and in-hand classes, the Fife-based rider enjoying a successful Scottish season last term. After finishing third in the novice class here last year, Morag and Flashman gained a five-mark winning margin in the HOYS class. “He thrives on affection at home,” said Morag, “but in the ring, he’s a real…

Badsworth and Bramham Moor Hunt, Askham Bryan College HENRY CROW made the long journey from Shropshire worthwhile by riding his first career double. The 16-year-old student’s success began in the restricted when partnering his father Alastair’s Againn Dul Aghaidh. The home-bred was always prominent and won easily by 20 lengths from Bentons Lad (Will Milburn). “The aim was to qualify for the Subaru restricted final, which we intend to run in and he shouldn’t be far away,” said Alastair. Henry followed up in the novice riders’ race aboard Irish Anthem. Again the pair got a good start and were never headed. “He’s a slick jumper and doesn’t lose momentum at his fences,” reported Henry. “The plan was to get an early lead and make the best of his assets.” Young…