Innholdsfortegnelse for 20-Apr-2017 i Horse & Hound

HARMONISATION of showjumping entry fees across the world is “perhaps not desirable”, but standards of horse and rider welfare are important and excellence should be rewarded. At the 2017 FEI Sports Forum last week (10-11 April), a session on requirements for CSI and CSIO shows included discussion on the Alliance of Jumping Organisers’ (AJO) controversial proposal to set global standard entry fees (news, 23 March). John Madden, chair of the FEI showjumping committee, told the forum requirements govern events, along with FEI rules. The jumping department uses these to approve schedules and so all involved can know what to expect from an event of each star level. “Are changes to the requirements necessary?” Mr Madden asked. “That’s the question the committee is seeking your input on. We want to make…

 THE endurance community needs an urgent change in mindset – and horses are not machines, a leading figure in equine orthopaedics has warned. ‘You can’t just keep running horses and expect nothing to happen as we’re pushing them to the limits’ PROFESSOR CHRIS WHITTON Speaking on risk factors and bone injury in endurance horses, at the FEI Sports Forum, Chris Whitton explained the importance of appropriate training and rest in preventing cumulative damage. Professor Whitton, who is based at the University of Melbourne, has conducted extensive research into the effect of work on horses’ bones. “It was mainly on thoroughbred racehorses, but applies to any horse, particularly in catastrophic injuries [fractures] in endurance horses,” he said. “If you understand the key principles in catastrophic injury; accumulation of damage and…

RISK-free eventing will never exist – but it’s “our duty to reduce that risk as much as possible”, the chair of the FEI’s eventing committee believes. Giuseppe Della Chiesa updated the sports forum on the work of the eventing risk management steering group, which was set up by the FEI last year. He covered the history of efforts to improve safety, from the Hartington report on risk in 2000, to the 2015-16 Barnett report, to the present. “The Barnett report came to the same conclusions as the 2000 one,” Mr Della Chiesa said. “We’re going in the right direction but must do it better.” Steering group chairman David O’Connor said the group looked into reducing horse falls as its “number one priority” at a meeting in February. Also important is…

“WATERING down” the use of the term “flu” is discouraging horse owners from vaccinating, the Horse Trust’s chief executive Jeanette Allen believes. Marking April’s equine flu awareness month, Ms Allen said owners must understand how unpleasant the disease is. “The word has been dumbed down in common use to mean a bad cold — if owners have never seen equine flu, they might not realise the risk,” she said. “A major outbreak is the last thing we want but you wonder if it would shock people into taking it seriously.” Only 40-50% of the UK horse population are vaccinated against flu, significantly below the 70% needed for “herd immunity”. Josh Slater, of the Royal Veterinary College and chairman of The Horse Trust, said: “The success of vaccination has reduced the…

EVENTING fans can look forward to watching live action from some of Britain’s top horse trials this season, including Badminton and the Event Rider Masters, via H&H’s livestreaming hub. The four-star action will get under way with the first horse inspection on 3 May, followed by every dressage test (4-5 May), and concludes with the lower order showjumping and prize-giving on 7 May, brought to you courtesy of the event. The BBC will broadcast the cross-country and top showjumping rounds in the UK. The action continues the following weekend at Chatsworth (13-14 May) where the Event Rider Masters (ERM) series gets under way. All three phases of every ERM leg will be available to watch on horseandhound.co.uk, courtesy of the ERM team. “HorseandHound.co.uk has a massive audience, in the UK…

THE EASTER BUNNY There was an interesting seasonal inclusion in a Countryside Alliance newsletter: with Easter then approaching, it urged readers to try its rabbit recipes, “and enjoy a better kind of Easter bunny”. After Sunday, please; let him deliver the eggs first… A SCARED DONKEY Poor old Clover, a donkey at a Hackney city farm, had to turn down the chance to star in a church’s Easter parade, due to her terror of puddles and drain covers. Lucky the original Easter donkey didn’t have such a phobia, although he didn’t earn £200 for being in that procession… YOU CAN’T SLURRY LOVE Pity the father and daughter who parked by the road in Germany — to find a passing farmer’s load of liquid manure sloshing out of its trailer, into…

THIS week’s big dressage show (p50) was the first winter championships at which Charlotte Dujardin has been able to compete below medium level since British Dressage’s broad rule changes. Some feel it’s unfair to pit the double Olympic champion against lesser mortals, while others are happy to learn from her (column, p52). We’ve received a huge postbag after our story about British Eventing considering separating amateur and professional riders (news, 30 March). Most people say they like competing with the best, although some want the choice of an amateur section (letters, 13 April) — which raises the issue of defining who is an amateur. When I stopped eventing nearly 10 years ago, having competed at intermediate but never been placed, I believed there should be no change in the current…

‘I was flat out, completely out of control, shouting, “Donut I can’t stop!”’ My earliest equestrian memory… My first pony was a Shetland called Pepe and he was a little legend. I remember going cross-country on my New Forest pony, Donut (on whom I first played polo). I was flat out, completely out of control, shouting, “Donut I can’t stop!” He jumped most things, but liked to do it very fast. When I’m going out to eat… There’s a Japanese restaurant called Wabi in Horsham where we love to meet friends. I always have the beef tataki and dragon rolls. My secret weapon I’ve always used Pro Choice wrist supports throughout my career. Best yard time-saving tip... When scraping the horses dry I use my hands rather than hunting round…

‘Studies show the ergot contains important nerve endings’ PETER GREEN ON THE FUNCTION OF ERGOTS FASTER FILLIES AT the Brandenburg State Stud in Germany, vets studied 62 mares from the exact time of ovulation to the precise minute of birth of the resulting foal. They then studied the foals for the first six hours of life. There were 34 filly foals and 28 colts. Cortisol was measured by taking salivary samples on a swab gently inserted into the side of the foal’s mouth, and heart rates were recorded by a monitor attached by a lightweight girth as soon as the foal was delivered. The vets found that the gestation length of filly foals — around 334 days from ovulation to birth — was, on average, four days shorter than…

• Make sure you pay equal attention to both ridden and conformation stages, say judges. • No-one likes a grumpy face. It’s important to smile and enjoy yourself. • Politeness costs nothing. Say good morning and thank the judges. • Learn how to show off your mount’s best qualities and mask the worst. • Don’t bring in a horse without a sufficient warm up — it could cost you dearly. Make sure your horse is worked in and ready. • Don’t look scruffy. Although dressage judges shouldn’t judge on appearance, looking untidy won’t help.…

STALLION AI FILL your diary with foals and stallions: Stallion AI’s open day takes place this Saturday (22 April) and includes the big reveal of the stud’s brand new and hugely expanded facilities, which includes two new American barns and an outdoor arena, as well as extensive collection and viewing facilities. Dozens of stallions on show. WEST KINGTON HEAD to West Kington Stud in Wiltshire on 2 May for their open day. Ogle at stallions including Chilli Morning, Windsor Heights, Welton Double Cracker and Cevin Z. FAREWELL TO CORLAND VDL STUD’S jumping stallion Corland has died. The legendary grey by Cor De La Bryère x Landgraf I died on 21 March aged 28. The keur stallion competed at the Europeans and produced licensed offspring.…

AT the British Dressage (BD) members’ meeting held at the Hartpury, one competitor felt it was demoralising to have to compete against Charlotte Dujardin in the novice gold section. To anyone who holds the same opinion, I would say the following. Do you compete purely to win? Is it to gauge how you are progressing and improving? How did you manage to get here, to the national winter championships? Have you thought that by achieving this, you have already put yourself in the top 2% of BD members? Is Charlotte the only rider who is “definitely” going to beat you at the championships? If she is, then you are in the top 1% of BD members. Have you set yourself achievable goals, or have you just thought about the experience…

Portman, Dorset COMPETING in only her second affiliated competition, singer-turned-event rider Nicola Wilson took her place among a plethora of professionals winning at this mid-week West Country fixture. The Devizes-based 22-year-old, who used to sing in an international choir and perform as a soloist at local concerts and festivals, eschewed her musical interests and took up the reins around eight years ago. “I remember watching a bit of eventing on television and deciding that’s what I wanted to do,” she said. “I don’t come from a horsey family, but my parents always encouraged me to have a hobby.” Nicola rode her own CVS Super Ted to victory in BE90 section K, adding 2.4 “too fast” penalties to a dressage score of 28.3. “My aim for the day was to get…

WITH the news of Nick Skelton’s retirement comes the realisation that we will never again see what, for me, was one of the best sights in competitive showjumping. That was to watch Skelly enter the ring in a forward position, shoulders hunched, with a tight hold of the reins. You just knew he was totally psyched up for any challenge; whether it was to jump an almighty big course or beat what looked like an unbeatable time in a jump-off. When you’ve watched Skelly as many times as I have, you know that his unbelievable track record of grands prix wins and two Olympic gold medals has been achieved by his planning, tenacity and never-say-die attitude. Some might say he’s been lucky to have had such an array of top…

CSI FONTAINEBLEAU, FRANCE IRELAND’S Kate Derwin (Cul Ban Mistress) landed the 1.30m pony grand prix, with Lucy Shanahan (Cinderella Girl) third. “I was here in France last year and watched the grand prix and I really wanted to come back this year,” said Kate, who was also awarded leading girl rider of the show. “The course rode really well and to win the grand prix is just thrilling.” CSI3* RIVIERA SUN TOUR, ITALY KEITH SHORE picked up some good results, including a speed class win and a 1.35m two-phase third with Coriander Van’t Vennehof. Ben Talbot (Sacramento) took fifth in Friday’s 1.50m two-phase rankings class.…

IT was at prep school in Sussex that I first became aware of the lustiness of hunting songs and the poetry of the chase. “Fingers” Gill, our music master, would knock out D’Ye Ken John Peel on the upright piano on a Saturday morning and we raised our voices like puppies. Not long afterwards, I came across Siegfried Sassoon’s poem, The Old Huntsman, commemorating the Southdown huntsman, Norman Loder. Hunting poems and songs are steeped in regional history, others have passed into universal language. Who does not know a few lines from Drink Puppy Drink (much favoured by the late Captain Charles Barclay at the Puckeridge) or John Masefield’s elegiac masterpiece, Reynard the Fox? At Newstead Abbey in Nottinghamshire, Byron’s beloved Newfoundland, Boatswain, is remembered with the lines: “Near this…

Haydock Park, Merseyside THE Challenger Series Finals day at Haydock is designed to give “mid-week horses” a crack at a Saturday prize, with 35 racecourses having held qualifying races across six different categories — staying chasers, staying hurdlers, two-mile hurdlers, two-and-a-half mile chasers and races for mares. The day was specifically for horses just below the top level — the highest rating allowed being 135. Tom George, having his best season with 68 winners at a strike rate of 21% and with over £1m in prize money banked, took the Two Mile Hurdle Final with Stamp Your Feet — one of seven horses he took to the meeting. In doing so he denied ex-jockey Christian Williams, now training for Dai Walters near Cardiff, a winner with his first runner, Limited…

Heythrop, Warks RELENTLESS regained the Skinner’s Pet Foods National Championship title with a polished round over a track that challenged some of the finest in the sport. Simon Coady and Risky Beauty led the 2015-winning team off smartly over the influential early hedges, snaking in and out of the horsebox park. Rowan Cope, Ollie Finnegan and Matt Mackley followed them on the tightest of turns, over two big drop-hedges towards the valley floor. Simon had to take a turn coming out of the water, leaving Rowan in front on Better Hand, who is in his first season of team chasing. Ollie and Matt bunched up behind, cutting across the huge hedges at the top of the course. “I pulled her out of the fence because she wasn’t right at it.…

Seavington Hunt, Littlewindsor JOSH NEWMAN did well to stay on Genermouse, who fell to his knees after a blunder at the last fence while under pressure from Clenagh Castle (Will Biddick) in the restricted. After regaining their composure, the pair charged to the finish and won. “I had to go for it at the last with Will being so close to me,” explained Josh. “He is a really genuine horse who wants to win.” In the open maiden (four-to six-year-olds) it was difficult to spot which two horses were having their first ever race as all the runners jumped and travelled so well. But it was the debutant My Dance who was going the easiest turning for home and won by a nice margin for jockey Will Biddick. “It was…

Cotswold Vale Farmers, Andoversford THE annual novice and veteran riders’ day featured a small number of runners but races packed with exciting finishes and several riders notching first winners. Simon Morgan produced his own Dotties Dilema with a well-timed run from the second last, sweeping past the odds-on favourite Man From Seville (Lilly Pinchin) to win by an increasing four lengths. Simon, 17, was quick to praise trainer Mickey Bowen. “The horses are flying and this is the yard’s sixth consecutive winner,” said Simon, who works for Peter Bowen. Lilly Pinchin landed the ladies’ open aboard her own Allerton. “He was on a going day today,” said Lilly, who also trains the 10-year-old gelding, and has extended her lead in the area title race for both novice and lady riders.…

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EQUESTRIANISM is the only sport in which competitors “go to work in a suit and tie” yet we tell the press we’re athletes – which makes no sense, according to a chef d’equipe. Former rider and US showjumping manager Robert Ridland, a panel member in a session on dress code at the sports forum, said he feels showjumpers’ “uniform” is not modern, and that what it communicates is important. “I’ve always been proud to wear the [US] red jacket and blue collar,” he said. “Tradition is important but there are other factors. We want an image of the sport being athletic as the public thinks it’s all done by the horse and we just sit there. “I also believe to some degree, the uniform communicates what we don’t want –…

FISCHERTAKINOU Michael Jung has withdrawn the 10-year-old gelding from Kentucky CCI4*. “Taki”, who won individual and team gold at the 2015 European Championships with Michael, will not travel to the US due to “a small injury”. FLEXIBLE Rich Fellers’ 2012 World Cup final winner has been retired aged 21 due to “soundness issues”. Flexible, who was eighth individually at the London 2012 Olympics, will formally retire at the Del Mar National Horse Show in California on 6 May. HOLYWELL The two-time Cheltenham Festival winner has been retired at the age of 10, “in great health”. “We know he will have a long and lovely retirement with Richie McLernon’s family in Ireland,” said a spokesman for Jonjo O’Neill Racing. DENMAN The chasing legend is now fully retired at owner Paul Barber’s…

IF drivers questioning whether or not horses should be allowed on roads really puts your back up, then read on… Riders are often told they should not be on the roads, or that they should stop to pick up droppings – but the reverse could actually be true. A study published in peer-reviewed journal Plos One suggests that equine manure could be an alternative to expensive topsoil for land surrounding newly built roads and railways. It is essential for embankments next to these to be covered in vegetation as quickly as possible to prevent erosion. As the soil on these is often not good quality, topsoil is needed for plants to thrive. Researchers found that while manure didn’t give as much plant diversity, it did help prevent erosion at a…

After my recent purchase of a new horse, my current insurers were happy to take her on as long as she had a five-stage vetting. But the underwriters included three exclusions without any substantiating facts, which I duly challenged. I was told that one exclusion would be removed and another reduced if I provided more details. However, I cancelled the insurance and decided to go to a competitor. I gave them all the information they required, plus the details of the exclusions placed by the other insurance company, and was given cover with no exclusions. With the high premiums that some insurance companies charge — and the fact that their underwriters clearly have trouble translating a vet’s report — it’s no wonder some owners are not insuring at all or…

ULTRA-competitive Charlotte Dujardin was beaming with pride after taking first and second in the Charles Owen advanced medium gold with horses she found and trained herself. “I want to prove that I’m not a one-trick pony. It’s the best feeling in the world, that partnership you build, when they trust you,” she said. Florentina VI (Flora), a seven-year-old mare by Vivaldi x Rubels, won ahead of the eight-year-old Jazz offspring, En Vogue. Charlotte summed up their different characters: “One is brave, one is a wimp.” Co-owners and family friends Paul and Wendy Dockley, who have known Charlotte since she was three, helped her buy Flora at Brightwells auction. “It’s always a risk when you buy a horse aged two, not knowing what you’re going to end up with, but she…

‘He was a 15.3hh rabbit when I backed him’ NINI FRENCH ON TIME FOR HARRY, THIRD IN THE CIC3*, WHO NOW MEASURES 17.1HH TOWNEND’S 10 BURNHAM MARKET CIC3* WINS • 2017: Cooley Master Class • 2016: Cooley Master Class • 2015: Mr Hiho • 2014: Black Tie II and Armada (two CIC3* sections) • 2012: Pepper Anne • 2010: Ashdale Cruise Master • 2009: Flint Curtis • 2008: Coup De Coeur • 2007: Flint Curtis Barefoot Estates Burnham Market (1), Norfolk OLIVER TOWNEND’S utter dominance of the CIC3* at Burnham Market is, surely, unprecedented in eventing in Britain. He first took it in 2007 on Flint Curtis, and last Saturday won it for the 10th time. Oliver was riding Angela Hislop’s Cooley Master Class, also victorious in 2016. The…

‘Little legs, big heart’ STEVEN GAIR ON DAUGHTER HOLLY’S BRONZE LEAGUE RUNNER-UP BOWES MILKY WAY Spring Championship, Bucks WITH the final round of the show, Ben Walker became the first ever British Showjumping (BS) winter 1.35m champion. Ben, one of Pennie Cornish’s stable jockeys, started riding Downes Howard’s Roulette H at Aintree premier show in January this year and has rapidly built up a terrific partnership with the eight-year-old gelding. They were placed in world ranking classes in Bonheiden, Belgium, and runners up in the grand prix at the Blue Chip championships before taking Ben’s first ever national title here. Phillip Miller set the standard in the nine-horse jump-off with a super round on Unbelievable Lady and held the lead until seventh-drawn Alfie Bradstock and KBIS Caicos sneaked ahead.…

“All credit to Tim Price for taking it on. Someone had to do it after the ExCel show was cancelled.” International rider Mennell Watson “It’s a great show that was on the wrong date this year. It just needs to get on the map now.” Owner Kim Barzilay “We’ve had a fantastic time. My horses have gone well and it’s been great to jump Bob Ellis’ courses. He’s the best designer in Europe.” Grade C champion Al Yaqub “What a lovely centre. We live nearly five hours away, but we would love it to be just half an hour from home.” Owner Anne Brake…

RACHAEL EVISON topped the Keith Price Garages 1.10m with Scylla D Ouilly (right) — eight weeks after the mare was involved in a car accident. “My friend Sam Jimmison was hacking her while I was in Spain watching Matt [Sampson] and Ebolensky and she was hit by a car and went over the bonnet,” said Rachael. “Miraculously, she only needed stitches but she has a scar on her hip.” After three weeks of hand-walking and gentle exercise, the mare was ready to compete here. “She’s so easy and straightforward, I can bring her out whenever I feel like it,” added Rachael.…

North of England Spring Show, Merseyside ROBERT WALKER notched up a unique record when he rode every novice and open hunter winner and fielded the champions and reserves. After reigning small hunter of the year Chantilly Bojangles won on his seasonal debut, two first-timers, both Dublin purchases, excelled to head their novice classes on their ridden debuts. The four-year-old Corniche Chill topped his four/five-year-old division while the six-year-old Our Kingsman won the following age class. Robert continued his winning run for owner Jill Day in the open classes, in which View Point, Caesars Palace and Patricks Choice headed their light, middle and heavyweight divisions respectively. Not only does Robert have strength in his team of hunters, but in jockeys too. While he took the novice tricolour aboard Corniche Chill, Robert’s…

I OFTEN get asked what bit a horse should go in for the show ring. In open classes, it is common for a double bridle or a Pelham to be worn. I always say, start simple. Look at the snaffle that you school your horse in at home and maybe use the same mouthpiece in a simple Pelham. Always start with an elasticated curb chain. With bitting, though, my philosophy is “never say never”. In an ideal world, we would all like our animals to go with a simple, happy mouth, but the reality can be somewhat different. I don’t agree with people following trends that seem to do the rounds. Only use what is necessary for your particular animal. Our horses are all different and respond to different actions…

WATCH AND LEARN A SET of two DVDs giving in-depth insight on assessing conformation and type in various breeds has been released by the British Show Pony Society, aimed at exhibitors and breeders as well as young judges. The DVDs are available from the society (email info@bsps.com) and cost £20. ON THE MOVE WORKING hunter specialist Danny Carroll is now renting 11 boxes at Danielle Heath’s Sandbach yard, and coloured horse producer and event rider Vicky Smith has moved to Alderley Edge — also in Cheshire — where she shares a yard with Caroline Basnett of Brookfield Sport Horses. NEW ARRIVAL CAMBRIDGESHIRE-based producers Christina Gillett and Kevin Cousins have welcomed their first child, Lewis Jack, who arrived on 7 April weighing 7lb 13oz. NEW GOAL FOR SUMMER SUMMER WALDRON, reigning…

IT was brilliant to pass the 100-winner mark for the season and we’ve also surpassed last year’s total, so I’m very pleased with how it’s all going. The horses ran well at Aintree — to have three placings in Grade One novice races is a sign we’ve plenty to look forward to. Captain Forez was expected to go well and he didn’t disappoint, coming second in a Grade One novices’ hurdle and he’ll take the top route next season as a novice hurdler. Virgilio finished third in the Grade One Mildmay Novices’ Chase and Bedrock in another Grade One novices’ hurdle. We’ve put away the softer-ground horses now and the summer runners have started to crank up. It’s all about getting my brother [jockey] Harry to his 100th win for…

OPINION LIKE many people, I enjoy a good robust debate, and the use of e-tickets to gain admission to a point-to-point meeting has been the subject of much debate in recent weeks. The seasoned travellers among you will have used e-tickets for quite some time, likewise concert goers, and the concept has been adopted by some point-to-point areas — with great success. It still has some detractors and I was wavering initially, but, having seen how efficient it can be and looked at the many benefits, I’m now a convert. The Midlands area has really embraced the idea and e-tickets are available to purchase online for all of their fixtures this season. Early-bird discounts and free racecards have been offered to customers who have used this facility. Feedback from racegoers…

THE Nations Cup is the FEI’s most valuable team series and “every effort should be made to keep it the best possible product”. The series was covered in detail at the sports forum, with discussion on aspects including its format, points system, its branding and identity. The lack of a title sponsor was also covered, although the FEI is to fund this year’s final, and methods of making it more attractive to potential backers. “We need to address challenges,” said FEI president Ingmar De Vos. He said one of these is Nations Cup prize money, which is low compared to that in individual competitions. Another is that the Nations Cup is not always scheduled at the best times for spectators and broadcasters. David Sim, from CSM Sport and Entertainment, a…

British Olympic rider Fiona Bigwood has bought two new prospects — up-and-coming grand prix horse Fidelio Van Het Bloemenhof and rising prix st georges horse Florina. Four-star event rider Dani Evans has broken her leg — having just started riding after injuries including a break to the same leg. Dani has “had so much support” with her yard and horses. Amateur Hetty Spencer’s Lord John beat the pros to stand supreme champion at BSPS area 16 show, having won the heavyweight hunter and the amateur championship. Equestrian Sport New Zealand eventing manager Graeme Thom has resigned. The flare-up of a back injury meant a doctor said extensive travel was the “worst thing he could do”. Saudi Arabian HH Prince Faisal bin Abdullah Al-Saud has been given the FEI lifetime achievement…

NEW YOUNG RIDER HOYS WILDCARDS NEW wildcards for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) are to be offered to young riders this year. Organiser Grandstand Media is to give the opportunity to the highest-placed 18- to 25-year-old within the top 10 of the national championship show league, which takes place at the British Showjumping national championships at Stoneleigh (8-13 August). The winner will be allowed to take two or three horses to HOYS to jump the international classes, as well as one for the puissance if he or she wishes. For this year, another wildcard will be awarded to the highest placed individual medallist, aged 18-21 at the young rider European Championships. GROOMS: DO YOU HAVE A CONTRACT? THE British Grooms Association is asking all grooms to complete a…

EVENTING During an update on eventing safety at the FEI sport forum, Giuseppe Della Chiesa said: “There will be falls without injury... that’s part of the reason we’re more exciting than other disciplines.” Chuckles, and possibly some dressage outrage, ensued. A GOOD LUNCH In the session, EquiRatings’ Sam Watson and co-founder Diarmuid Byrne had a “side bet” on how many would fall asleep. They’d collected data on who’d had the biggest lunch but Sam thought the Canada-New Zealand time difference meant both would not drop off at the same time. “But they have,” he added. SPRING CHICKENS A guest told Sam “and his young friend here” it was “so refreshing… to have young people working for us”. Cue sniggers, after which David O’Connor asked drily: “Us old people — any…

NICK’S AN INSPIRATION Sir — On behalf of all showjumping fans, may I thank H&H for their weekly coverage of this most popular sport over so many years? In particular, the reporting of Nick Skelton’s retirement (news, 6 April) highlighted his amazing and outstanding success in the sport. For 43 years, Nick Skelton (above) has been to showjumping what The Beatles were to adoring pop music fans. He has been an inspiration to all youngsters, and how appropriate that he is retiring with a horse by the name of Big Star. I’m sure Nick’s many fans will be looking forward to your tribute issue on 18 May. Norman Stevens Henley-in-Arden, Warks BRING IT ON! Sir — With reference to your article about amateurs and professionals competing together in BE events…

TO collect plasma, whole blood is harvested from a suitable donor and either spun in a machine or refrigerated for eight to 16 hours until the cellular component (red cells, white cells and platelets) settles out. The plasma is then siphoned off and can be used immediately after separation or stored in a freezer. Approximately six litres of plasma are obtained from nine litres of whole blood. Plasma is administered via a catheter in the jugular vein and a filtered drip line (pictured, left). Transfusion is started at a slow rate, increasing after 15 minutes if no reaction is evident. Repeat transfusions are given if the horse’s signs or blood test results do not improve sufficiently.…

INTER I KÜR CHAMPIONSHIP 1 Sophie Wells on Valerius 75.83% 2 Lara Griffi th on Kristjan 72.67% 3 Nathalie Kayal on DHI Homerun 72% NAF Five Star British Dressage Winter Championships, Hartpury College, Glos BRINGING her tally of national able-bodied titles to three, Sophie Wells won the Magic prix st georges (PSG) with C Fatal Attraction and the Superflex inter I with her Rio gold medallist, Valerius, with two accomplished and crowd-pleasing performances on back-to-back nights. In the inter I, Sophie rode 15-year-old Valerius to the Tom Hunt programme that won her the grade IV Paralympic medal in Rio. She has amped up the difficulty to inter I level and this was the first time she had ridden the floorplan in competition. “I almost cried when I…

THE issue of the World Equestrian Games (WEG) cross-country being downgraded to three-star keeps rumbling on. Currently WEG is a qualifier for the Olympics, but the International Olympic Committee apparently stipulates that a qualifier shouldn’t be at a higher level than the Olympic Games, the cross-country of which is three-star. Separately, the FEI wants to increase the clout of the Nations Cup series, which lacks kudos because top horses can only run so often. With most aimed at four-stars, the annual championship and now the Event Rider Masters series, there is limited appetite for the Nations Cup. A suggestion, which could solve both problems, is to cut WEG out of the Olympic qualifications and bring the Nations Cup into them. By running WEG in isolation at four-star, it doesn’t have…

FIRST, I’d like to thank Tim Price on behalf of the riders for putting on this show at such short notice. We’re very lucky that he’s supported it, as it could so easily have been lost. However, the numbers forward have suffered because the date clashed with shows such as the Welsh Masters, which for many riders who haven’t been on overseas tours — and even some who have — is a traditional start to the British outdoor season. The other problem is that people who’ve already been jumping outdoors may not want to bring their horses indoors again, so most of the riders here hadn’t been on tours abroad. That made me wonder if this show would work better outdoors. Addington has the facilities to put on a great…

 BSPS Scotland Spring, Ayrshire ‘He never put a foot wrong — he smiled all the way round ’ JUDGE KAREN SLIGHT ON WELLBANK GABRIEL A MANNERLY lead rein mountain and moorland (M&M) pony went through the card to lift the supreme ridden title. Wellbank Gabriel, champion of the open M&M mini section, ridden by seven-year-old Lexi Brash and handled by her aunt Diane Brash, produced a smart, workmanlike show to claim the supreme sash. The eight-year-old Welsh section A gelding by Cwmhendy Buster was purchased three years ago by Diane’s father Tommy Brash for his grandchildren. “He’s a saint — a super child’s pony and always goes well,” said Tommy. Lexi’s older sister Kyra also shares the pony, competing in first ridden classes. “He was typical of a Welsh…

CHARLOTTE MERRIGANMARTIN landed a memorable double at the Coloured Horse And Pony Society (CHAPS) North East regional show. Having stood junior champion with her own pony, Solaris Dwenqua, Charlotte, 15, took a catch ride on Kimberley Hinds’ plaited horse Volatis Diva to win the open horse class and stand overall ridden supreme. “Charlotte had only sat on Diva once before today, and had never even competed in a horse class before,” said Kimberley, who is seven months pregnant. Another 15-year-old, Tara Robinson, also struck a blow for youth when her home-produced Fell mare Hedgethorpe April Morning stood supreme at NCPA North Yorkshire and Durham.…

Essex & Suffolk, Higham A last-minute jockey change proved successful for Sarah Humphrey when her home-bred Legend To Be won the open maiden under Dicky Collinson. One of Sarah’s stable staff was due to ride the seven-year-old, but was unable to on the day, so Dicky stepped in. “The horse is my husband Tony’s hunter who does a bit of everything — he leads the baby horses over hurdles, hunts all seasons, showjumps and points,” said licensed trainer Sarah. “He ran once [under Rules] as a four-year-old and was too slow, but he jumps brilliantly, so we point him to give the stable staff a spin. “I warned Dicky that he was slow, but with an experienced jockey on his back, he showed a turn of foot we’d never seen…