Innholdsfortegnelse for 22-Jun-2017 i Horse & Hound

 THE banning of an Austrian rider after footage of his showjumping round went viral has sparked debate over his punishment. ‘No man born has ever ridden every fence perfectly’ GRAHAM FLETCHER Austrian federation OEPS took action against Berhard Maier after his round on Paddys Darco in a CSI* show at Wiener Neustadt (8-11 June). The combination demolished the first fence, followed by others, and were eventually eliminated for a second refusal. In a statement on Tuesday (13 June), OEPS said it was “a black day for horse sport”. In a second statement later that day, regarding Mr Maier’s “shocking performance”, the federation said the 56-year-old has been banned from all equestrian competition for three months. “We will make every effort to prevent such incidents from harming our wonderful sport…

LOUGHNATOUSA WB Irish showjumper Trevor Breen said it was a “crying shame” he has had to withdraw Loughnatousa WB from this year’s Hickstead Derby (25 June). The 18-year-old sustained what Trevor hopes to be only a minor injury to a foreleg. TALAN Abdullah Al Sharbatly has announced the retirement of the 17-year-old showjumper. Formerly ridden by Robert Smith, Talan competed in the World Equestrian Games in 2010 and in 2014. Abdullah took over the ride in 2015 and enjoyed success. VALEGRO The dressage legend has been enjoying jumping with his Olympic gold medal-winning partner Charlotte Dujardin. Carl Hester posted a picture of the pair popping a fence in training, on his Facebook page. AFRIKKA Anders Dahl’s former grand prix horse died aged 27 on 13 June. The gelding, who retired…

British showjumper Jessica Mendoza has become an ambassador for Brooke. She has been a long-term supporter of the charity and is promoting its How the Other Horse Lives campaign. The British Horseracing Authority’s head of stewarding, Paul Barton , has announced that he will retire at the end of 2017. The 63-year-old has enjoyed a career in racing spanning over 45 years. Benoît Zimmermann has been named 2016 owner of the year by the Jumping Owners Club. He owns Chesall Zimequest, who had several CSI5* victories last year under Simon Delestre. Eventer Chris Burton and his wife Rebekah Thompson welcomed new son Harry Karl Burton on 5 June. “He might have taken his time but we think he is absolutely perfect!” said Chris. Irish showjumper Shane Breen has taken on…

Sir — Having read “Riders must play their part to have safer roads” (15 June), I could not agree more. Riders need to take responsibility for their own safety when using the roads, just like any other user. I believe it’s high time that riding without hi-viz became illegal — if you can afford a horse, you can afford a vest and headband. Until we riders take responsibility for our well-being on the roads, most car drivers won’t take us seriously. I also feel that we should be polite and courteous to drivers, even under testing circumstances. I know this can be difficult when emotions run high, but one rude or ill-mannered rider can tarnish us all. The writer of letter of the week wins a bottle of Champagne Taittinger…

‘This exercise improves the horse’s ability to accept the aids and wait before a pole’ AIM I LIKE to keep things simple when I’m training, and this exercise is not only straightforward, but is also great for training both the horse and rider. I use this as a jumping and flatwork exercise to train horses to have controllability through lengthening and shortening their stride between the poles, and to train young riders to see a distance — the aim is for the horse to canter over the pole so that the pole ends up in the middle of the stride. The rider also learns to adjust the canter with their seat, and it improves the horse’s ability to accept the aids and wait before a pole. You can make this…

ALEX RIDENT (née Newsham) returned to compete in England for the first time in eight years. Alex, who used to live in Holmes Chapel, married former French team rider Paul Rident and now lives near Dieppe, France. “It’s great to come back and see so many friends and I can’t believe how well the sport has progressed,” said Alex, who was a pony European silver medal winner in 1986 and helped secure young rider team gold with Leisure Queen in 1991. “Rather than being just a tour, the standard and atmosphere here is amazing, yet the show still retains English charm.” Despite nursing bruised ribs after falling on the tack locker, Alex gained an early second place with Come Back in the AC Jackson accumulator.…

I HAD hoped to write about something optimistic. But grumbles keep coming my way. Sometimes I wish those often big-name grumblers spoke publicly. But maybe they tell me because they know I’ll say it like it is. Yes, concerns about the way dressage, eventing, showjumping and para dressage are being run in Britain are reaching a near crescendo. From Carl Hester’s H&H comment (11 May) “Where have all the sponsors gone?” to Nick Skelton (1 June) on “Cost-cutting the wrong people” and Anna Ross highlighting dressage’s loss of World Class performance manager Dickie Waygood to eventing and Caroline Griffi th’s appointment as his replacement — it’s all kicking off. Tucked into all this is the almost unnoticed move of Britain’s para dressage team trainer Michel Assouline to the USA. How…

Amanda just pipped Erin Orford and Dior UKH to clinch both gold grade III tests. Amanda has had the 10-year-old Newman mare for just over a year and they have cemented a formidable partnership. The pair scored over 70% in both tests despite horrendous weather conditions. “I think I was more worried by the weather than she was!” commented Amanda. “We’ve just come back from her first international competition in Roosendaal and she has really grown up.” Lucy Amy’s Rudy, the 2014 prelim national champion, has had a break from dressage and has been showjumping in Lucy’s native Jersey. However, relocation to Richard Barrett’s yard in Hampshire has given the pair new dressage impetus and they won at novice and elementary at Crofton. “He was a bit nervous but as…

Lottie and Korenbloem Royal Rebel are heading out to France this week and tuned up with a win in the advanced medium at Cockshot, scoring just over 70%. Lottie bought the Rubels x Bright Side 14-year-old nine years ago and was heading for her first CDI with him earlier in the year until the horse knocked himself. “He had a couple of months off but he’s fine now,” said Lottie, who trains with Matt Frost and Jess Dunn. “We’ll step up to inter I and see how we go. He’s more than capable of grand prix but he can be a bit neurotic and I’d hate to ruin what I have. When I bought him my dream was to get to small tour and be competitive, and we’ve more than…

IT was peculiar to return to Luhmühlen as a guest and spectator for the 60th-birthday celebrations, having been the course-designer there for the previous 11 years. While I enjoyed the great Luhmühlen hospitality, I was saddened by the technical level of Mike Etherington-Smith’s courses. While all the fences were up to height, there was a distinct lack of four-star angle or skinny. Arguably the angled brush on the island at the Meßmer water and the triple brush arrowhead at fence 24 were four-star questions, but the rest were three-star or even two-and-a-half-star. After Ben Winter’s fatal accident in 2014, I softened the intensity of the four-star track by adding another stride and sometimes two in the combinations. Mark Todd commented in H&H that made it more of a three-and-a-half-star track…

CHEERED on by her mum/groom/trainer/timekeeper, Ellie Fredericks — the 13-year-old daughter of Lucinda and Clayton — landed her first win in a BE90 at West Wilts (1) riding the 14.1hh Appaloosa, Moor Land Oscar. “He likes cross-country more than dressage or showjumping, but mum has worked hard on his flatwork,” said Ellie. So, how does she feel about following in her mother’s footsteps? “Mum can be quite bossy sometimes and we have our little arguments, but she helps me a lot, especially in the dressage,” Ellie conceded.…

AT a show as astonishing as Glock’s, it seems only right that the unbelievable should become possible. Swiss jumping stars Steve Guerdat and Martin Fuchs finished on exactly the same jump-off time in Sunday’s CSI5* grand prix to share first place aboard Corbinian and Clooney 51 respectively. This is not the first time this has happened here — in 2014 Jur Vrieling and Filippo Moyersoen tied for the CSI3* grand prix title. But Sunday’s result was all the more remarkable because of the other connections between the winners. The men are best friends, compatriots, they live just 3km apart and they both train with Martin’s father, Thomas Fuchs. And it does not stop there —their winning horses are both by Cornet Obolensky, they are 11 years old and share the…

Equi-Trek Bramham, Yorkshire SPECTATORS have seen many vintage rounds win the Wetherby Skip Services grand prix, but Joe Whitaker and the home-bred Lavarno (Evelyn) claimed the latest victory with one of the best. Eight combinations came through to the final round jumped in reverse order and it would have taken a brave person to bet against Joe’s third-drawn effort being beaten. Di Boddy’s course sent riders the length and breadth of the arena and Joe maintained a relentless pace throughout, galloping full tilt at an airy double and the second last oxer. Morgan Kent and third-placed Dolores V had set the ball rolling, but Joe sliced three seconds from her time. “Morgan’s round was fast and there were some good horses to come so I had to set to a…

Royal Cornwall, Wadebridge THE Jordan family made history for their breeding line after clinching their second Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) ticket for the Cuddy in-hand final. The diminutive Dartmoor broodmare Moortown New Romance reigned supreme over 17 other champions to secure her ticket to Birmingham. The grey 13-year-old won the Cuddy here in 2012, the same year she also went as a lead-rein pony and that both Moortown Honeyman and Moortown Commander represented their breed in the ridden final. This season the family has also qualified the Dartmoor stallion, Moortown Crusader, for the Cuddy final, at Devon County. “I showed her great-grandmother here in 1958 so this is very special for us,” said John Jordan, who led the mare, while his granddaughter Charlotte led the mare’s foal. Moortown…

OPINION SHOWING judges are often asked about their pet hates. Some — like the over-use of cosmetic products, too many plaits or the use of a particular bit — can be fixed quickly, but others come down to schooling and take time and expertise to put right. A few years ago, one of my pet hates was a trend for ponies going far too fast, being pushed out of their rhythm in an attempt to make them look as though they were better movers. At the time I was dismayed, watching class after class of ponies scuttling around the ring and losing all cadence and elegance, especially in trot. However, I’ve noticed a new trend this season, specifically in the intermediate classes, that is equally bad. Now we are seeing…

FORMER trainers and jockeys have been appointed to the British Horseracing Authority’s (BHA) newly-combined disciplinary panel and licensing committee. Members of the new joint committee include the former Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer Jenny Pitman. “I’m pleased we have been able to put in place a panel which combines greater diversity of skills and experience, combining significant legal expertise with in-depth horseracing knowledge,” said judicial panel chairman His Honour Brian Baker. The BHA said last year it was holding an independent review into its disciplinary panel, appeal board and licensing committee. This followed the Jim Best case, where it came to light that the chair of the board hearing Mr Best’s case had undertaken paid legal work for the BHA (news, 9 June 2016). The BHA’s accounts show that the total…

SELLERS everywhere will no doubt feel sympathy for Karen Teague, of Brookby Heights International, in New Zealand. As someone who sells nationally and overseas, Karen is used to requests for videos. Having had repeated requests as to whether Nouveau Heights BHS is good with children, Karen filmed “Pumba” being schooled while children bounced on a trampoline, rode quad bikes and played football around her. “Again my mind started to wander to the humorous side of this and as to how ridiculous I could go,” Karen said. The film received wide acclaim online and was followed by another in response to a buyer asking whether Pumba was good with llamas. “I’m sorry to say that llamas were in short supply, but we told Pumba this was a llama, so technically...” Karen…

THE horsemanship and skill shown by the winners at Bolesworth last week (report, p34), including our cover star Carl Hester and showjumping grand prix winner Anthony Condon, is in sharp contrast to the viral video of an ugly round that led to an Austrian showjumper being banned from competition for three months by his national federation. Watching the video, there’s no doubt that Bernhard Maier is not up to the level. But our news story raises the question of whether the punishment fits the crime — and when such action should be taken. Similarly, last week our eventing columnist Oliver Townend asked where the ground jury’s responsibility to the horse begins and ends, with reference to a rider who he felt should have been pulled up across country well before…

PREVENTION is better than cure when it comes to summer sun problems, so don’t wait for a pink and peeling nose before taking action. Therefore... Provide your horse with field shade where possible, in the form of a shelter, thick hedging or trees. Reduce sun exposure with night-time turn-out, or avoid peak UV times (10am-3pm). Be vigilant, too, on cloudy days, as UV levels may still be high. Invest in a UV face mask which covers the ears and, ideally, the muzzle — especially if your horse has light or non-pigmented skin in these areas. Use a UVresistant fly sheet, too, or UV-resistant boots for those susceptible to problems. Apply sun block on small areas, such as the flesh mark between the nostrils. Dr Ivens recommends zinc oxide cream licensed…

BOLESWORTH is one of the most amazing shows at which to ride. Nina Barbour and her team put so much effort into it and everyone wants to compete here. As I had a quiet season, I wasn’t high enough on the rankings to qualify, and after joking I’d have to sing for my supper I wrote a song. It worked, as Nina sent me an invitation — but only on the condition that I sing live at the show. The resulting video has since had over 200,000 views. My horses went well —we’ve been placed every day. I can’t fault anything this week. The new format has worked well, the weather has been good and the standard of jumping keeps improving. Full credit to Nina and the whole team, from…

 IT proved a family affair for the Squibb family as sisters Eloise, 12, and Tia, 10, took the top two places in the Squibb Group 128cm pony grand prix. ‘It was a tough course, but I was feeling confident and, as he can turn on a sixpence, I really went for it’ ELOISE SQUIBB Drawn fifth of eight combinations coming through to the jump-off, Eloise set off like a rocket with Wyndham Tom Thumb to post the winning time of 36.66 seconds. “He’s on top form and I can’t thank him enough for this win,” said Eloise. “It was a tough course, but I was feeling confident and, as he can turn on a sixpence, I really went for it.” Tia finished second after a spirited challenge riding Gorm…

Codham Park Area Festival, Essex SOPHIE CHATWIN topped the medium silver riding the 17hh Ready Jetset Go with an impressive 72.35%. He’s back competing after having almost 18 months of reduced work, due to a foot problem. “He’s a lovely horse to ride and train and gives me a lot of fun,” Sophie said. “We were used to coming in the top three but were suddenly being placed further down the ranks. I found out this was due to a foot imbalance so I reduced his workload. The difference in him now is unbelievable; he’s a more relaxed and happy horse and he put in a brilliant effort to win the class.” The advanced medium went to Emma Pewter on her 19-year-old stallion, San Rafael, also making a comeback after…

TWO talented British dressage horses have recently succumbed to colic. Maria Griffin’s faithful partner DJ — whom she competed from novice up to grand prix — had to be put down after surgery last week. “He was the best friend a girl could have,” said Maria. “He gave his all, tried his heart out and was a ball of fun and energy. He has filled our tack room and my house with sashes, rugs and beautiful rosettes and countless photos and precious memories.” A month earlier, Matt Frost’s talented but explosive AMD Don Havidoff was also put down after a colic bout. “H was one of the most talented horses I have ever had the pleasure of riding and tried his heart out every day,” said Matt. “The yard feels…

Louise Robson of Thoroughbred Dressage is campaigning Godolphin’s nine-year-old ex-racer Dubai Prince, aka Neville, who will fly to Kentucky in October to compete in the USA’s Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover. “We got Neville in February and this was his first show with me,” said Louise. “The Thoroughbred Makeover is a scheme whereby racehorses are retrained between January and October and then competed in the finale, where their progress is judged.” With a prize fund of $100,000 (approx £78,000), the event is very popular and a great way to showcase ex-racehorses. “I needed a laid-back, easy natured horse who’ll cope with the 5,000-mile journey and keep a level head during competition, and Neville ticks every box,” added Louise. “He is so kind, taking everything in his stride and seems to…

Ulrik Molgaard had already ridden David Johnson’s home-bred gelding to a high-scoring advanced medium double at Hunters earlier in the week, before he decided to take the plunge. “I thought I’d surprise David and put my top hat and tails on,” he said. “The horse was ready for it and he tried his heart out. I think he’ll be really smart for the future.” Since he was gelded last autumn, the 10-year-old Hofrat son has really knuckled down to work. “As a stallion, he was finding it difficult to concentrate,” Ulrik explained. “We had to walk him on a chain and he always had his eyes on the mares, screaming his head off. But he has now turned into the sweetest horse, scoring 10 out of 10 for behaviour. “I…

Luhmühlen, Germany JULIA KRAJEWSKI reaffi rmed her place as Germany’s next elite rider when she won the CCI4*, presented by DHL. The 28-year-old and the athletic, compact Samourai Du Thot, a selle Français by Milor Landais, were third here last year on their debut at the level, a performance which earned them the Olympic reserve spot. They were called up to run after the trot-up in Rio, but it all fell apart when they were eliminated for refusals across country. “I was worried after Rio he might not get back to where he was and I took it slowly — he did three two-stars, then two three-stars and then I felt he was ready to come here again,” she said. “He feels more mature this year and fitter. “I’m so…

• BERKSHIRE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE Nov sec A.— 1, Cooley Quicksilver (E Halliday-Sharp) 27.5,0,0=27.5; 2, Incognito IV (D Morgan) 29,0,0=29; 3, Tullibards Dassett (C Barr) 33.5,0,0=33.5. sec B. — 1, Fake Model (B Haskell) 28,0,0=28; 2, Fleck (C Burrell) 30.3,0,0=30.3; 3, Shearwater Bonaparte (A O’Connor) 31,0,0=31. sec C. — 1, Geronimo VI (E Eltham) 31,0,0=31; 2, Mill Heights (H Luck) 25.8,4,1.2=31; 3, Gorsehill Cooley (E Halliday-Sharp) 31.3,0,0=31.3. sec D. — 1, Killadeas (K Cook) 24.3,0,0.4=24.7; 2, Kildea Lux (S Gladders) 27,0,0=27; 3, Tricky Johnie (N McGoldrick) 31.3,0,0=31.3. Nu18. — 1, Lismany Lad (H Barker) 27.3,4,0=31.3; 2, Orion D Autan (S Spratling) 31.8,0,0=31.8; 3, Loris Concerto (C Wheeler) 31.3,0,1.2=32.5. BE100open. — 1, Knockmullen Flyer (J Savill) 27.8,0,0=27.8; 2, Hilton Inspector (N Lucey) 26.5,4,0.4=30.9; 3, Waldo (C Jenks) 31.3,0,0=31.3. BE100 sec F.…

BRITISH riders enjoyed a successful show. Laura Renwick was the sole Brit in the five-star classes and enjoyed success with Alothain De Blondel (pictured) in the young horse section. The pair scored a CSIYH* win on day one, as well as a third on day two. Laura’s best result in the CSI5* was third in Sunday’s 1.45m two-phase on Bintang II. The pair jumped a smooth round to take the lead but were squeezed into third in the final standings. “With one clear [ahead of me] I thought, ‘what’s the point of doing anything silly’, so I’m happy to finish on that,” Laura said. Meanwhile, fellow Brit Lara Whiteway, 23, and Bellagio II scored a CSI2* win in the 1.40m speed class. They nearly didn’t make it to the show…

COMPETING at their first county show, five-year-old Lilly Heywood and Barlendew Sunrise won the lead-rein of hunter type class. The Cornish pair have been together since last autumn and will now contest RIHS and HOYS qualifiers. Lilly was also awarded the best rider card. “We’re heading to Three Counties for their first qualifier,” said Lilly’s mother Kate. The eight-year-old chestnut Barlendew Sunrise, by Hilin Telstar, was bred in Cornwall by Kathy Waters. “We’re also looking for another pony to campaign alongside ‘Sunny’,” added Kate, who competes in working hunter classes herself. “Fiona Dymond has been a massive support and encouraged Lilly so I have her to thank in transforming my lack of knowledge with lead-rein.”…

OPINION CLEANING my racing gear for the final time in June is always tinged with sadness. After all, it is just under six months before it will get dirty again. This season has seen magical highs and tragic lows. The death of James McNeile in a fall at Larkhill in April brings all else into perspective. On a personal level, I can reflect positively. Despite breaking some ribs in February, I managed a haul of 25 winners — thanks in no small part to national leading trainer Dean Summersby (who had 18 winners from just six horses) and the national leading novice horse, Chosen Lucky (seven wins). I had a great spin on Poole Master in the Aintree Fox Hunters’ and even bagged the inaugural ITM champion point-to-point bumper at…

VETS have expressed concerns over their future following Britain’s exit from the EU. A survey commissioned by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) explored the impact of last year’s referendum vote on veterinary surgeons and nurses and the findings show many have questioned whether they should stay in the UK and felt they had reduced job security. The survey was sent to 5,572 veterinary surgeons who graduated from vet schools in the EU, excluding the UK, and who are registered as veterinary surgeons in this country, as well as around 100 non-UK EU-trained veterinary nurses. Nearly three-quarters of respondents said they would like to continue working in the UK, but more than two-fifths were not optimistic about their future. The results show 67% were finding the uncertainty about their…

PONY CLUB AWARDS FOR VOLUNTEERS THE Pony Club handed out honours to reward its longest-serving volunteers at the biennial Cubitt Awards. Some 150 guests were present as Cherry Michell, Mary Anderson, Robin Danielli and Tadqik Kopanski were announced as new life vice-presidents of the Pony Club, at the ceremony. Cubitt certificates and badges were awarded to 73 volunteers for 20 years’ service, while 26 people were given Cubitt bars for 30 years’ service. Five volunteers were also honoured for 40 years’ service and one for “an extraordinary 50-plus years”. LOTTERY FUNDS WORKSHOPS A NEW British Eventing Charitable Foundation (BECF) programme aims to support and encourage young volunteers. The lottery-funded Jump Forward scheme is a free course for 16- to 21-year-olds It comprises two days of classroom workshops and a day’s…

SINGING (AGAIN) Showjumping songster Matt Sampson, of “Oh Nina” fame, celebrated being allowed into Bolesworth by — singing. The rider took to a catwalk to sing and rap his thanks. “Putting the SHOW back into showjumping,” as Cian O’Connor aptly put it. It’s a yes from us. YELLOW COATS Remember the yellow coat made famous at Badminton? The mustard number has not only been seen at other horse trials, and on Springwatch, it now has a Facebook page. But only four people like it so far; maybe world domination isn’t quite on the cards… TITLED TYPES The title options offered when buying tickets for Royal Ascot are not just your Mr or Mrs. The purchaser could select Captain the Hon Sir, Prince, and Captain the Jonkheer. No Queen, though, so…

Horse and Hound have partnered up with two leading equestrian brands: Horseware, the market leader in innovative horse products, including producers of the world renowned Rambo Rugs and AA Equestrian Clothing, Italian crafted ready to wear and custom equestrian collections, to offer one lucky winner the ultimate equestrian wardrobe for both horse and rider valued at £4,000. This prize includes a complete Rambo wardrobe for your horse, plus a full therapy offering, Micklem bridle, cooler, exercise sheet and travel accessories. For the rider you will win a complete AA Italian crafted competition outfit, including a hand crafted in Italy AA Competition Jacket and AA Platinum everyday equestrian wear. Visit: horseandhound.co.uk/competitions TERMS AND CONDITIONS The competition will open on 3 May 2017 and the closing date is 31 December…

RIDER position across country is receiving greater attention than it has done for many years. As well as the obvious advances in technology that make detailed analysis easier, perhaps some of this is due to the resurgence of cross-country as the most significant phase. For some time after “long format” eventing, with its steeplechase and roads and tracks, was consigned to the history books, training was largely concentrated on the dressage and showjumping, and cross-country training was perhaps neglected. But as the cross-country — certainly at the major British events, and at others such as the Rio Olympics — has reclaimed its status as the most influential part of an event, and as safety comes ever more to the forefront, how a rider tackles it has come under more examination…

‘You can ride him in slippers and he does it all for you’ CARL HESTER ON BAROLO Equerry Bolesworth, Cheshire “BAROLO makes me ride a little more than I’m used to,” declared Carl Hester after winning both the CDI grand prix and the freestyle at Bolesworth’s first international dressage show. Classes in all previous years were invitational, but this year organiser Nina Barbour added three-star dressage to the jam-packed roster. Carl and Barolo were closely chased in both classes by Gareth Hughes, whose results on Don Carissimo shouted at the selectors for this year’s European Championships in all the right ways. Carl rode under the bridge, over the moat (which is dyed a vivid blue) and into the oval arena (which is under a castle; yes it’s like a…

EMILY ATKINS, 15, and the extra-narrow Findon Zenpierre (Pete) are eye-catchers wherever they go. Emily has produced Pete since she was 13, with the help of Leanne Wall. The six-year-old is by grand prix showjumper Zenturio out of an eventing-bred mare. They won the under-18 novice and elementary with 69.44% and 67.7%. Emily said: “I have to ride Pete in a jumping saddle because I can’t get my leg on him in a dressage saddle. He has very long legs and a very long neck, but his movement is so springy that he’s lovely to ride. “At the presentation, one of the judges said she loved how forward he was and how well I channelled his power. Leanne says he’s definitely a Premier League horse and he will easily go…

The List Five judge secured good wins in the elementary qualifier and a medium at Epworth, completing qualification for the summer regionals and the Area Festivals at medium. “The weather was atrocious, but it was a day you didn’t mind getting wet through to your knickers. He tends to pull it out of the bag when he feels sorry for me and we scored a nine for my final halt in the medium,” said Jane, who is classed as a grade III para rider but chooses to compete in able-bodied classes. “On days when I feel good and say we’re going to do this, he sometimes says ‘Do you think so?’ and has a paddy. He’s a hot horse and the first year I had him I thought I’d made…

“I’ve spent a long time making sure all the basics are in place with him. He’s just clicked with his changes and so we are getting a bit excited when we do one properly,” said Gary. Fordingbridge-based Gary works at a Flat racing stud and has been trained by Mary Hatch for the past 15 years. He bought the eight-year-old Maestro son locally two years ago. Sophie Quarterman, 20, won an elementary on Lordswood Givenchy at Bicton, before heading both advanced mediums at Colraine EC on her nine-year-old Knightswoods Diamond Geezer — all with plus-73%. Newquay-based Sophie is trained by Olivia Oakeley, who suggested that she tried Lordswood Givenchy while the six-year-old was based on Olivia’s yard. “She’s much easier this year than she was last as she was still…

Bolesworth Elite Auction, Cheshire A SHOWJUMPING foal by the Olympic champion Big Star, out of Billy Twomey’s former top ride Tinka’s Serenade, broke records to become the most expensive showjumping auction foal in the UK when he was sold in the Bolesworth Elite Auction for £92,000. Tinka’s Star, a springy little embryo transfer chestnut, was bred by Janette Chinn — part of the family who own Tinka’s Serenade, now 20. Janette has a full brother to Tinka’s Star at home. Showjumper Georgie Crumley, who was bidding on behalf of the Saudi Arabia-owned Old Lodge Stud, said: “We’re so pleased to have an auction of this calibre in Britain, and the horses to go with it. We have been interested in Tinka’s Star for a while. “The sire’s breeding is obviously…

CIC2* winner Mollie Summerland, 19, credited Pippa Funnell, with whom she has been based as a working pupil since August 2016, as being instrumental in her success in achieving her first international win. Prior to her move to Surrey, Mollie spent two years in Gloucestershire with Ginnie Wellings. “The combination of Ginnie and Pippa has transformed my riding,” said Mollie. “I haven’t spoken to Pippa yet as she’s in Luhmühlen, but I have phoned her head girl [Frankie Murrell], as she’s helped me so much with Charly’s fitness.” Mollie comes from an unhorsey family, grew up in Leicestershire and took on Charly Van Ter Heiden three years ago. Since receiving advice from Pippa, Mollie feels that she has cracked her mount’s slightly unorthodox cross-country style. “He’s very straight when you…

OPINION SHOWJUMPING in Britain needs a major shake-up. I don’t blame British Showjumping, which chased extra members at the lower end to gain funding from World Class and UK Sport, but apart from the 10 top riders, everyone else — particularly the producers — has been sidelined and left with no alternative but to compete abroad if they want horses to progress. We should adopt the age and height system used in other countries. OK, it would be a big change all at once, but the idea is so simple that it would be easy for everyone to understand. At the moment, there are so many classes, qualifications and leagues that no one knows the rules — and those change all the time too. What I propose is four height…