Innholdsfortegnelse for 23-Nov-2017 i Horse & Hound

A RECOMMENDATION for riders to wear LED lights while hacking was among those in a road safety report conducted for the British Horse Society (BHS). The charity behind the Dead or Dead Slow road safety campaign commissioned the analysis due to a lack of evidence-based research on what riders should wear to help protect themselves on the roads. Last year there was a 29% increase in accidents involving horses on UK roads, compared to the previous year, resulting in the death of one person and 21 horses. Three main recommendations were made in the report. Riders are advised to wear LED lights, ideally in a pattern highlighting width of horse and rider, and high-vis and reflective clothing. The suggested pattern is two red LEDs on the rider’s shoulders, and one…

COOL DANCER The four-star event horse, who jumped double clear at Badminton and Burghley in 2013 with Olivia Wilmot, has been put down aged 16 after suffering an injury in the field. Olivia owned “Axil” with her mother Carolyn Haddow and Liz Knowler. ENABLE The superstar was named horse of the year and three-year-old filly of the year at the Cartier Racing Awards on 14 November. The John Gosden-trained daughter of Nathaniel had five Group One victories this season. BECKSIDE LITTLE TOFF The Smalleys’ show pony sire has died aged 26. His stock include six Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) winners, including 2014 pony supreme Barkway Moonfairy, as well as county show winners and mini champions at both HOYS and Hickstead. APPLEJACK II Hannah Hunter’s lightweight and ladies’ show…

POO-PICKING parents will welcome an invention that could help keep toddlers safe and happy at the yard. The Barrow Buggy is the brainchild of Gloucestershire-based rider Rachael Claridge and her husband Adam Farley. Adam was looking for a way to occupy the couple’s then 18-month-old son Ollie while Rachael was away last October. “He bought a bucket, cut a couple of holes in it, fixed it to the wheelbarrow and stuck Ollie in it,” Rachel said. “It meant he could walk from the yard to the field with hay and buckets of feed with just the wheelbarrow, rather than taking the pram too. “Ollie loved it. He could face his dad and see the horses.” Rachael is now developing the product and hopes to market it to the general public.…

Sir — Recently a young, non-horsey friend of mine expressed a wish to learn to ride and I was more than happy to encourage her. So I went along to one of her lessons, but it amused me to hear the instructions that were barked out: “Go large. Use your legs. Leg on. Change the rein. Change the diagonal. Rising trot. Sitting trot. Shorten your inside rein.” Sounds familiar when you know what it means. After a lesson, I would explain these instructions to my friend and even had a quiet word with the instructor, but still she fell into the horsey jargon. Sadly my friend gave up riding six months later because she felt “stupid”. Many disciplines have their own culture and language, but this inability to break down…

‘Travers develops the horse’s strength and flexibility’ AIM FOR me, movements such as shoulder-fore, shoulder-in, travers and renvers are the ground roots of making the horse supple and developing its understanding for grand prix movements. You can revert to them when things aren’t going right. Maintaining the correct shape in all the movements is important, as is keeping the horse in the outside rein and establishing the correct bend. The horse has to learn to use his body to maintain that shape. Travers (see diagram, left), also known as haunches-in, develops the horse’s strength and flexibility while teaching him to carry more weight on his haunches. It is a good exercise to do through all the levels of training with any age of horse, but they should already have an…

Sunday, 19 November Bishops Court Racing Club, BISHOPS COURT (Devon) Sunday, 26 November Point-to-Point Owners & Riders Club, BARBURY RACECOURSE (Wiltshire) Sunday, 3 December Cambridge University United Hunts Club, COTTENHAM (Cambridgeshire) Hursley Hambledon, LARKHILL (Wiltshire) Saturday 9 December Ratcheugh Racing Club,ALNWICK (Northumberland) Sunday, 10 December Cornwall Hunt Club,WADEBRIDGE (Cornwall) Friday, 29 December Harkaway Club, CHADDESLEY CORBETT (Worcestershire) Sunday, 31 December Cambridgeshire Harriers Hunt Club, COTTENHAM (Cambridgeshire) Sunday, 7 January Larkhill Racing Club, LARKHILL (Wiltshire) West Percy,ALNWICK (Northumberland) North Cornwall,WADEBRIDGE (Cornwall) Sunday, 14 January Yorkshire Area Point-to-Point Club, SHERIFF HUTTON (Yorkshire) Dunston Harriers,AMPTON (Suffolk) Saturday, 20 January Barbury International Racing Club, BARBURY RACECOURSE (Wiltshire) Sunday, 21 January Jedforest, FRIARS HAUGH (Borders) Saturday, 27 January Royal Artillery, LARKHILL (Wiltshire) Sunday, 28 January Heythrop, COCKLEBARROW (Gloucestershire) Tiverton, CHIPLEY PARK (Somerset) North Norfolk Harriers,…

ONE of the charms of learning a new hunt country is the chance to become familiar with farms, their intricacies and how they reflect local and even national history. Tent Hill, a few miles outside Battle in Sussex, might sound like a must-go-to camping destination but the lack of facilities would disappoint most families, other than those content to lie in a surprisingly boggy field on a hillside that still echoes to the songs of Norman invaders, eager to fight King Harold the following morning. I found it impossible to hunt across without imagining the nervous pre-battle clamour a thousand years ago. Some names herald from ancient times, others are more recent. Frequently they reflect an oral tradition, such as Erriwig Farm on Arrewig Lane, over which we hunted last…

MOST riders need to coach to earn a living. Sometimes I hear, “I don’t want to teach, I just want to ride”, and there’s nothing wrong with that — if you can afford it! But I think that those that don’t coach miss out. There is no downside — riding can be emotionally tough — and the good news is that coaching can keep you sane (ish!). If you coach as well as ride, you always have two chances in a competition — if you don’t go well, your pupil might. Helping people achieve their dreams has a huge feel-good factor. The interaction with horses and riders means you learn every day, so it’s never boring. I am inspired by my pupils’ progress and that motivates me to ride better.…

WE were hopeful Kingswell Theatre would run a good race in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase on Friday (17 November). He took to the cross-country fences really well at the Festival in March (when finishing 10th) and we had taken him to Cheltenham earlier in the week to have a school over the fences, which he’d loved — he absolutely came to life. It is obviously a very different type of race but Kingswell Theatre is a very accurate jumper and he’s pretty clever too — he was always going to enjoy it. However, the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham is always dominated by the Irish, in particular Enda Bolger, so I would have been very happy if he’d come home in the placings, let alone won it. The…

Ruby Walsh, Irish champion jockey for the past four seasons, suffered a broken leg in a fall at Punchestown. He is in plaster but it is hoped he will be back for Cheltenham next March. Second World War veteran Alf Lawes, who served with the Royal Horse Guards, enjoyed a surprise 100th birthday party at the Household Cavalry Regiment’s Windsor base on 14 November. A dinner held by friends of Laura Scott raised £17,000 for Horatio’s Garden, the Injured Jockeys’ Fund and the Southern Spinal Injuries Trust, which helped her recover after a serious fall. Jo Graham has left her position as British Dressage judges’ director after two years. Jo’s deputy, Jane Peberdy, will take over as temporary chair of the judges’ committee. New Zealand eventer Clarke Johnstone paid tribute…

POINTING MARES TO WIN BIG BONUSES OWNERS will again be encouraged to try their mares on the point-to-point circuit next year, with bonuses of up to £3,000 on offer. The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) is offering the 3-2-1 bonus in three end-of-season bumpers, at Exeter (24 April), Aintree (18 May) and Stratford (8 June). The highest placed mare in each will win £1,000, a second £1,000 if she is British-bred and a third if she is owned by a TBA member. TBA chief executive said: “We are delighted to be able to continue this initiative for a second year. We hope the bonuses will support the Point-to-Point Authority’s activities and create further opportunities for fillies and mares to develop.” SHARE YOUR STORY IN HORSE & HOUND TACKLING Burghley or triumphing…

SEMEN Most owners can identify their horse immediately, by its neigh, for example, or even from how its stable looks in the morning. But we take our hats off to one breeding expert, who can apparently tell his stallions apart purely by looking at their semen. The mind boggles. BUYING Talking of breeders, one has to applaud the restraint of one tagged in a wanted ad by someone with rather specific requirements. “Unfortunately I don’t have any aged three or four, broken, out-and-out jumpers with elastic paces and good pedigrees for under £4K at the moment, but I’ll keep you in mind,” he wrote. We won’t hold our breath. ADVERTS Spotted, an ad: “Very sad sale of [name] due to daughter going to university, whom we have had for a…

TOPSPEC SENIOR FEED BALANCER Combines a feed balancer tailored for older horses and a joint supplement to help maintain mobility during the winter. £33.50 for 15kg topspec.com DODSON & HORRELL MUD HEEL Mud Heel is a pure, dried herbal supplement for nutritional support of skin exposed to muddy conditions. £14.48 for 1kg dodsonandhorrell.com BACK ON TRACK EXERCISE MACHINE RUG Features ceramic infused fabric providing far-infrared properties to support mobility and circulation. Perfect for use on horse walkers. £209 backontrack-uk.co.uk LINCOLN MUDDY BUDDY OINTMENT This watertight, antibacterial formulation intensifies the skin’s natural protection against persistent mud and water. £12.50 lincoln-equestrian.com ARMA DELUXE MUD SOCKS Dense neoprene protects against bumps, scrapes and mud, with airflow perforations help prevent legs from overheating. £27.99…

DURING World War II, there was a memorable incident one cubhunting morning. Having already accounted for a brace, hounds were hunting along a gorsy bank while the field watched an aerial dogfight between the fleeing Germans and a squadron of Hurricanes. A German plane was hit and its pilot parachuted into a nearby field. Huntsman George Travess saw this and, jumping a large hedge into the field, met a member of the Home Guard heading the same way. Borrowing the man’s rifle and with his hounds close behind him, he charged at the hapless pilot, who quickly surrendered! Asked that night in the pub how his day had gone, the huntsman replied: “A leash of cubs, Jim, and a Hun.”…

Crofton Manor, Hants | Widmer, Bucks | Wellington Riding, Hants “Vinnie” is a German-bred eight-year-old by St Moritz with impressive paces, but he struggled to learn his changes. “It’s taken him since the end of last year to learn to balance on his hindleg in the change,” said Nathalie, who also won the medium freestyle on a high score. She used a Royal Philharmonic score of rock music, including Pink Floyd and The Police, to match Vinnie’s power. Julia Marron does not over-compete her 15-year-old Va Tout gelding Lanwell Icarus II as he suffers from ulcers. However, she has an impressive track record of wins and Widmer was no exception, as they were placed first in both elementaries. “He can be a Jekyll and Hyde character and has his own…

Belmoredean, West Sussex | Cobham Manor, Kent | Eaglesfield, Kent “He’s telling me he wants to do the work rather than me having to ask,” commented rider Dane Rawlins. “He almost corrected a couple of little mistakes himself. I just let him get on with it.” The hot 18.2hh Ehrenmann x Krack C home-bred has been a precocious talent throughout his competition career, which began 18 months ago at medium. Dane added: “Last time out at Saumur in September, he scored more than 67% for an inter B. “I’ll do the occasional test to see how he’s progressing and allow his performance to evolve without any pressure.” Mark Butler piloted the 11-year-old part-bred Lusitano Bibi, by Ducello II, to two plus-67% advanced medium tests. They were followed by a 69.16%…

Addington Manor, Bucks | Swallowfield EC, Warks Ridden by Sammie Gualtieri, Caroline Portnoi’s home-bred mare “Lola” headed both novices — one with more than 70% — at Addington Manor. Sammie has worked as Caroline’s resident rider and yard manager for two years and started riding the mare as a youngster. “We’ve been training and taking it slow because she is quite a big girl — 17.1hh,” said Sammie, who trains with Adam Kemp. “She is tall and elegant, and I’m chuffed by how much she has grown up. She is intelligent, takes everything in her stride and is bold in the right way. “Lola has been such a pleasure to train and I am looking forward to the future with her.” Team Friday had a successful outing to Swallowfield with…

Dodson & Horrell National Amateur and Veteran Championships Aintree International Equestrian Centre, Merseyside FROM day one, Monica Ballard fired warning shots to her rivals and she finished these championships with six wins and three titles to her credit. Among her winning tally with Anemoon Van De Kapel (Robin) was a stunning victory in the Dodson & Horrell (D&H) national 95cm championship. After taking two strides out between the first two fences, Monica turned inside to the double on such an acute angle, she hit the first wing with her foot. “That really hurt and for a split second, I forgot where I was going,” said Monica. “This course suited Robin, but she was being a bit mareish squeezing in a couple of bucks, otherwise we would have been faster.” In…

VERY well done to Qatari rider Bassem Hassan Mohammed for winning the grand prix of the last leg of the Global Champions Tour on home soil in Doha. He seems a really nice guy, and his victory shows how far countries like Qatar have come. Back in 1998, my wife Tina and I trained the Hong Kong team for the Asian Games. The difference between the Olympics and the Asian Games then was about four divisions; yet the gap has closed considerably in the past few years. And it isn’t just the emerging nations who are improving. The Italians were a spent force for nearly two decades, but now they’ve come back really strong with a team good enough to vie for a 2020 Olympic medal. Of course, all these…

THERE’S a treat in store for equestrian fans at this year’s Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund (MDIRF) Evening with the Stars on 28 November. This star-studded event at the RAF private members’ club in Mayfair features some equestrian greats in this year’s hot seat: Hickstead Derby winner William Whitaker, Irish eventer Jonty Evans, former National Hunt jockey David Mould and ITV news presenter Alastair Stewart. The evening will start with pre-dinner drinks at the Churchill bar, followed by supper and wine in the ballroom, concluding with interviews and discussion with these leading equestrians, all hosted by top equestrian TV presenter and commentator Steven Wilde. The MDIRF was founded to help those who become injured working with or riding horses, and funds raised will go to the charity. Tickets are priced…

CLARE BARFOOT BSC(HONS), RNUTR Clare is a registered equine nutritionist and the research and development manager for Spillers. Clare is responsible for product design and development alongside all technical communication to horse owners on every aspect of feeding — from interpreting recent nutritional research through to practical feeding advice. Clare has over 20 years’ experience in the feed industry, working in both the equine and animal feed sectors. SARAH NELSON BSC(HONS) Sarah joined the Spillers team as Care-Line nutritionist in 2009 and has advised over 4000 horse owners, riders and vets per year on all aspects of practical nutrition. In her current role as research and development coordinator, Sarah manages product trials, writes articles for equestrian press, supports product formulation and labelling and provides both internal and external training on…

GASTRIC ulcers can affect any horse or pony regardless of age, breed, sex and discipline. In fact, it has been estimated that up to 90% of racehorses, 50-60% of competition horses and approximately 50% of leisure horses have ulcers. Risk factors include: • High starch, low forage diets • Intensive exercise • Stress, including weaning • Prolonged stabling and travelling • Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Bute Most ulcers are found in the upper third of stomach, referred to as the squamous or non-glandular region, the lining of which is relatively smooth and has a variable ability to heal. While acid is produced continuously in the glandular region, the mucosal lining secretes a thick, protective mucous and bicarbonate layer. WHAT CAUSES GASTRIC ULCERS? NON-glandular ulcers are likely…

CRIB-BITING in horses could be linked to a lack of a trace element, according to new research. Dr Arash Omidi, of Shiraz University in Iran, and Dr Matthew Parker, of the University of Plymouth, took part in the study, which identified lower levels of selenium in horses that exhibited crib-biting. Selenium has a low toxicity threshold, so it is poisonous to horses if they are given too much, which can be easy to do. Dr Parker warned owners to take care if they are considering feeding a selenium supplement. “Selenium deficiency has been linked to some human psychiatric conditions and even to bad moods, but until now, there has been no research on the effect of trace elements in crib-biting horses,” he said. “It’s too soon to know for certain…

CCTV will be mandatory in all English slaughterhouses from spring next year, the government has announced. It will be in all areas where live animals are present, and official veterinarians (OVs) will have unrestricted access to footage, which must be kept for 90 days. Slaughterhouses will have six months to implement the new requirements from the spring start date, which will be confirmed in the near future. The news follows a Defra consultation on the issue. World Horse Welfare has campaigned for mandatory CCTV in all areas of slaughterhouses since 2013. “We applaud the government for this welcome advance for equine welfare, as accountability and transparency are essential if the slaughterhouse is to remain an option for horse owners, most especially those who cannot afford the high price of euthanasia,”…

SIR HUGH NEILL A LONGSTANDING supporter of equestrian sport, Sir Hugh died at home on 5 November aged 96. Sir Hugh was a British Horse Society (BHS) council member from 1984 to 1997 and chairman of its horse trials committee from 1984 to 1990. He received the BHS award of merit in 1988. He owned eventers, ridden by Sue Benson and his daughter, Sue Browne, and was a successful businessman. Sir Hugh was high sheriff of Hallamshire in the 1970s and lord lieutenant of South Yorkshire from 1985 to 1996. He was appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 1996. A service of thanksgiving will take place at Sheffield Cathedral on 14 December at 2.30pm. ALAN POTTS LEADING racehorse owner Mr Potts died on 12 November aged 80,…

VICES A press release on the possible link between a lack of selenium in horses and crib-biting was all the more interesting owing to its definition of said vice, which is apparently: “… where horses bite an object and grunt”. Indeed. TICKETS Spotted, on social media, a rather hopeful someone trying to sell two tickets to Olympia for £400. Initial commenters assumed a second zero had been added by mistake, but not so. Mirth followed, not least as the original price of some £46 was visible on each ticket in the picture… T’INTERNET One was intrigued to find out some of the terms being used to search the world wide web. “Can size 12 jodhpurs fit in size 10?” was one burning question, along with “Are breeches supposed to be…

IT’S been an eye-opener plunging into the world of showjumping and cross-country clinics with my family’s new horse over the past couple of weeks. It’s fascinating to see how trainers vary in their approaches and devise a lesson suitable for a mixed group — and it’s always interesting to chat to the other participants. Two of these riders really made me think. Both had started riding as adults and in a short time had bought horses, sorted out transport and been out competing and training. One of them had been riding less than two years, but had been team chasing, an activity plenty of experienced riders would not be brave enough to take on. Whatever way you look at it, riding is an expensive hobby and it also requires a…

AS I negotiate diversions caused by building works and battle through city workers, I question whether I have been given the correct address. St Paul’s Cathedral is just a few hundred yards away, office blocks tower overhead and Londoners and tourists spill out of coffee shops. But then a Scania horse lorry nestled between police vans down a side street catches my eye — a clue that I’m on the right track. The entrance to the police station is something from a TV cop drama. Still no sign of any horses, stray shavings or familar yard odours, just your regular police station reception desk manned by uniformed officers. After signing in, I am met by Sergeant Nicola Allen, who arrives bedecked in black jodhpurs, long leather boots and spurs —…

AA PLATINUM SELENA/LETTA BREECHES A multi-discipline breech with AA design knee-patch, zip pocket and four-way stretch fabric. Was €169.95, now €84.97 shop.alessandroalbanese.com GRUBS ICELINE BOOTS A stylish and well-insulated boot that fulfils all the requirements to tackle the wintry days, including a fleece lining. Was £94.95, now £48 grubsboot.com EQUILIBRIUM THERAPY MASSAGE PAD A lightweight, portable, battery operated massage pad offering effective, easy-to-use massage. Was £325, now £250 equilibriumproducts.com EQUIPORT CROCODILE PRINT STUD GIRTH An anatomic long stud girth featuring patent crocodile effect leather on the strike pad. Was £119, now £65 equiport.co.uk ARCEQUINE KIT Delivers drug-free, microcurrent therapy to reduce swelling, inflammation and pain, accelerating healing of injured tissues. Was £449.99, now £349.99 arcequine.com LESLIE BLISS PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOSHOOT A…

MAINTAINING a point-to-point course takes a lot of time and people, so what does it cost? “I don’t think anyone could tell you exactly because so much of the work is undertaken by volunteers,” says Alan Hill. “At Horseheath, they have 40-plus followers the day after the meeting filling in the divots and it’s a big social event with a barbecue. What cost do you put on that? We do it for the love of the sport.” At Edgcote, the cost of maintaining the track comes out of organising hunts’ bills. “The three hunts that each run a meeting pay a yearly fee for the use of the course, which covers the maintenance of the gallops and brings in a land rental,” Hamish explains. “In the first year, we have…

THE South Dorset hunt country is often referred to as Dorset’s hidden jewel. Hunt secretary Louly Thornicroft says: “Our country has something for everyone. The wide-open spaces and far-reaching views of the Piddle Valley; the Jurassic coast with views of Durdle Door and Weymouth Bay; the steeper valleys of the Dewlish, Milton Abbas country; the woodlands and flatter coastline surrounding Studland and Poole Harbour, and then there is the challenging vale country.” The latter is part of the Blackmore Vale, which they share with the pack of that name and the Portman. It is an area of good grass with thick, often substantial hedges. Despite this wonderful, diverse countryside and the good sport that they provide, they have never been as popular as their more fashionable neighbours. Former master Simon…

IT’S rankings time and, take what you will from them, they make for an interesting read. However, disappointed is the word that springs to mind after a look at the British Eventing (BE) top 20 horses of 2017. Just two of the leading international event horses are British-bred. Xavier Faer (Catherston Liberator x Catherston Dazzler), bred by owner/ breeder Trisha Rickards, is the British flag flyer, ridden by New Zealand rider Tim Price to equal sixth. Gemma Tattersall and Quicklook V (Urkel x Quickstar), in 20th, are the highest-ranked British horse/ rider combination. There are many reasons why one horse has more points in a season than another, but even so, this list gives an interesting snapshot as to the origin of leading horses and a window into what riders…

The November Meeting, Cheltenham, Glos NO animal in the Cotswolds, apart from ducks, appreciated Saturday’s incessant rain quite like Splash Of Ginge, who — for the second time in his life — won a huge pot at a big price, just getting the better of Starchitect in a thrilling, stamina-sapping BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham (18 November). The 25-1 shot’s unexpected victory had many of those qualities that a Cheltenham crowd loves: a gutsy local horse trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, in Tom Bellamy a jockey at a point in his career when he needed a pick-up, and in Liverpudlian owner John Neild, a man who was ecstatic to the point of being off the scale. The rain was not widely forecast, so much so that at the 48-hour declaration stage…

THE curtain lifted for the first time at a new venue on Sunday as the 2017-18 season got under way at Bishops Court, Devon. When the news broke in September that Black Forest Lodge would close due to a change in ownership, it would have been very easy for the traditional opening fixture to have been lost. This would have been a body blow to the sport, so fair play to the organisers — formerly the Black Forest Club and now the Bishops Court Racing Club — and authorities for rearranging the meeting in such a short timeframe. The sport also owes a debt of gratitude to the landowners who allow these events to be held throughout the season. There have been lots of positive, strategic changes to the sport…

THE Spillers nutrition experts have teamed up with H&H once again to bring you our fifth feeding guide. In this edition we provide an update on some of the exciting research trials that have recently taken place to improve our understanding of equine nutrition, and how these findings impact on the health and performance of our horses. Learn more about gastric ulcers, from what they are to how you can reduce their occurrence. We also reveal details of some exciting new research into how diet can help improve horses’ recovery from ulcers after medication. With horses and ponies now living longer, we delve into the topic of feeding the senior horse, discussing how and when to change your golden oldie’s diet to help keep them happy and healthy whether they…

THE senior horse population across the developed world is increasing. This is primarily due to improved healthcare and nutrition, but also because the reason we keep horses has changed, with more horses and ponies now kept as pets rather than working animals. AGE: NOT JUST A NUMBER AGE can be measured in three ways. The first is chronological age, which is simply the horse’s age in years — this gives you some information but it can be misleading as some horses age more or less healthily, just like people age. Physiological age uses markers of aging and is perhaps the most accurate way to measure aging, but this whole area is still being researched. Another way to look at age is demographically: the age at which there is 25% survivorship…