Innholdsfortegnelse for 28-Jul-2016 i Horse & Hound

THE World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has lifted the suspension of the Brazilian Doping Control Laboratory, a fortnight before the Olympics. WADA executive committee chairman Sir Craig Reedie approved the move, which meant the Rio laboratory could resume anti-doping analysis with immediate effect. The accreditation was suspended in June (www. , 1 July) due to a “nonconformity” with WADA’s international standard for laboratories. It has since complied with requirements for reinstatement. WADA director general Olivier Niggli said: “All parties worked diligently to resolve the identified issue so the laboratory could be up and running optimally for the Olympics and Paralympics. “Athletes can be confident that sample analysis has been robust throughout the laboratory’s suspension, and it will also be during the Games.” An FEI spokesman told H&H when the suspension was announced:…

RIDERS hoping to take part in the British Riding Clubs (BRC) quadrille final have welcomed the move to a new venue, Bury Farm Equestrian Village, Bucks. The 2016 final will be held on the Saturday night of the All Stars showjumping championships (20-22 October). “It’s not Olympia but we’re going to do our best to create our own electric atmosphere,” said Gareth Jenkins, a director of the venue. Suzannah Engelmann, who will be competing in the 1 October BRC qualifier with Saffron Walden & District Riding Club, said it is a shame not to be going to Olympia, but Bury Farm “has advantages”. “The crowd is closer [at Bury Farm], and there’s more room and parking, so it will be lot less stressful,” she said. But Jo Cocker, a member…

ZARA TINDALL Four-star eventer Zara had her first runner under Rules as an owner since 2008 at Uttoxeter on 22 July. Somewhere To Be, trained by Martin Keighley and ridden by Richard Johnson, finished fifth in the National Hunt bumper race. LAURA TOMLINSON The rider and her long-listed Rio mount Rosalie B enjoyed success in the CDI3* at Deauville, France (21-24 July). The combination won the grand prix and the grand prix special. Dan Sherriff also had two wins, in the inter B and inter II. CHRIS TUFNELL Dr Tufnell was invested as the 2016-2017 president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons at the college’s annual meeting on 15 July. He currently heads the Coach House Veterinary Surgeons practice in West Berkshire. CLAIRE LOMAS The former eventer will be…

ANYONE involved in racing is invited to take a survey aimed at understanding diversity within the sport. Oxford Brookes University is working with Women in Racing on the study, which is sponsored by the Racing Foundation. Foundation chief executive Rob Hezel said: “Understanding diversity within the racing industry is essential. If we are to attract, recruit and retain high quality staff then we must ensure we support a diverse workforce.” The study will “start to align horseracing with other sports… and with the corporate world”, according to those behind the project. • Visit: www.womeninracing.co.uk/  OxfordBrookesSurvey…

THE sentencing of a saboteur for breaching the peace at two meets in Scotland “sends a positive message to hunts”, according to the affected hunt, writes Polly Portwin. The Fife Hunt had to “play the long game” in the conviction of Kevin Newell, but says it was worth it — and they hope their English counterparts could see similar results. Dundee Sherriff Court gave Newell, 33, a 90-hour community payback order on 21 July, following his conviction on two counts of breaching the peace, while following the Fife. It was ruled that Newell was behaving in an intimidating manner, with his face covered. A Countryside Alliance spokesman said: “The outcome of this case sends a positive message to other hunts that face unacceptable behaviour from hunt saboteurs. We would urge…

EVENTING A planned new British Eventing fixture at Donington Park, Derbyshire, has been postponed until 2017. Owing to “unseasonable weather coupled with the extraordinary heavy rainfall during the Download Festival, which was hosted at Donington at the beginning of June, organisers decided to cancel. POLO PLAYERS The handicaps of James Beim and Luke Tomlinson (current and former England captains respectively) have both been lowered from seven to six. A SURPRISED DRIVER A motorist took the wrong course during an Irish Pony Club event in Tipperary. The driver found himself and his car wedged firmly over a ditch. A team of helpers managed to pull him free. A GARDENER’S KNEE Surprised punters in the Hare and Hounds, Greater Manchester, watched gardener Mick Lavin ride a piebald horse into and around the…

MASTERCLASS Celebrate Classical Riding Club’s 21st anniversary on 30 July at Keysoe, Beds. Sylvia Loch, Colonel Christian Carde, Nuno Cavaco, Patrick Print and Uwe Spenlen will be giving demonstrations. www.classicalriding.co.uk RIHS Enjoy the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead on 26-31 July. www.hickstead.co.uk EVENTING Watch two- and three-star eventing at Burgham, Northumberland, on 28-31 July. British Eventing’s junior championships also take place at Frickley Park, South Yorks, on the same dates. www.britisheventing.com HOUND SHOW Go to the West of England Hound Show at Honiton Showground, Devon, on 4 August. www.mfha.org.uk TRAILBLAZERS CHAMPIONSHIPS Stoneleigh, Warks, hosts the showing, dressage, combined training and showjumping finals on 29 July – 6 August. trailblazerschampionships.com OPEN DAY Learn more about horses’ anatomy at the Horses Inside Out anatomical specimen open days in Bunny, Nottingham, on…

I read your article about our priorities regarding horse welfare (news, 21 July) with interest. I am the proud owner of a wonderful 27-year-old part-Cleveland bay called Bob. He has given me the best years of his life and I now feel I owe it to him to give him the best time possible in his golden years. What I find upsetting is the number of adverts I see saying: “Sad sale of a much-loved family member, companion only”, or “Older horse but with plenty of years left, hacking only”. My question is — is it right to sell an older horse when he starts to fail and hope that the new home is trustworthy and will look after him? We all know there are unscrupulous dealers out there who…

My first pony… Smurf was lovely, a bit bigger than a Shetland and previously ridden by showjumper Harrie Smolders. I remember our first show — I planned to turn right, but Smurf went left towards the gate and I ended up on the floor. Relaxing with… My girlfriend, in the south of France. I like a sunny beach, but nothing energetic like surfing. I prefer to swim or sunbathe. My fledgling career… My mum always plaited Smurf and made him look great, so we usually scored an eight or a nine for turnout. Once, though, my rider mark was six — apparently because I looked so angry! Grazing… I don’t weigh much, so I follow my dietician’s advice and eat every two hours. It’s usually healthy — a brown bread…

“A bio-security ‘bubble’, or ‘island’ is in effect an area where incoming competition horses are maintained in isolation from resident local horses for the duration of their temporary stay,” explains Dr Richard Newton of the Animal Health Trust. “This extends to the routes by which the animals are brought in, including consideration given to transfers from aircraft and transport vehicles, and at stopovers, which may be potential weak links in the system. These measures are maintained until these animals depart the bubble in a similar, safe manner and move on to the next bubble — which may be their home premises. “Whenever horses are moved internationally from a wide range of countries to one place for an event, and kept in relatively close proximity to one another for a period…

Controlling the nerves • I’ve had hideous nerves, but as it’s an Olympics everyone does. It’s a huge honour to represent your country and the team spirit is fantastic. The horse doesn’t know it’s any different, so you need to make sure you don’t pass tension on. • It’s easier said than done in the atmosphere. You need to be mentally strong so the horse picks up the positive vibes. Primed to win • It’s a crucial balance to get right: not to overdo the preparation, nor underdo it. • Stick to what has worked for your horse. Some horses might need a fun run, others a big run. Travelling preparation • The most anxiety I felt was when Supreme Rock was travelling to Australia. I wasn’t able to travel…

William Fox-Pitt 47 Horse: Chilli Morning, 16 Breeding: Phantomic x Kolibre Owners: Chris and Lisa Stone Rider’s Olympic record: rode at Atlanta 1996; team silver Athens 2004; team bronze Beijing 2008; team silver London 2012 Form: this pair are Britain’s most successful championship performers of recent years, with individual bronze at both the 2013 European Championships and the 2014 World Equestrian Games (WEG). They also won Badminton last year, after which the stallion was rested, with Rio — his final competition before he retires to stud — specifically in mind. The story didn’t run quite to the script when William suffered a serious head injury in a fall from another horse last October, but he has made a remarkable recovery to be selected for Rio. Their form this year has…

• One in a billion - Alex Hua Tian took a year out of Eton College to become China’s first equestrian Olympian in 2008. Now based in Cheshire, he proved himself a serious competitor with Rio mount Don Geniro by scoring his biggest win yet in the Event Rider Masters at Bramham. • Zimbabwe’s first equestrian Olympian - Camilla Kruger lives in East Sussex, but was “born and bred” in Zimbabwe and is passionate about giving back to the sport in that country. She rides the 10-year-old Biarritz, her first top-level horse. • The former British team gold medallist - US-based Lauren Billys makes her Olympic debut for Puerto Rico, riding Castle Larchfield Purdy. The horse was produced to three-star level in Britain by Emma Castle and they won team…

Charlotte Dujardin 31 Horse: Valegro, 14 Breeding: Negro x Gershwin Owners: Carl Hester, Roly Luard and Anne Barrott Rider’s Olympic record: team and individual gold London 2012 Form: this pair were the undisputed victors at Hartpury Festival of Dressage earlier this month, topping both the grand prix (83.28%) and the freestyle (90.62%) on their first outing in a year. They have not been beaten in their past 17 appearances together. Charlotte began competing the gelding in 2007 and together they have amassed a host of regional and national titles, as well as being the current holders of all three international records at top level — grand prix, grand prix special and freestyle. The freestyle they performed at Hartpury was brand new and some tweaks are being made to the Tom…

Edward Gal (Netherlands) This global superstar of a rider brings forward his second-string horse Voice (above), a 14-year-old stallion by De Niro. His usual championship ride, Undercover, did not attend either of the mandatory selection trials and was removed from contention. However, Voice is attentive and supple and capable of big scores, despite lacking championship experience: he finished 25th in the special with just over 70% at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy. Expect better here. Hans Peter Minderhoud (Netherlands) Hans Peter rides a son of the supersire Jazz. Johnson, now 14, won individual bronze at the 2015 Europeans, but has only contested Rotterdam since. Rio will be their first competitive run-through in over a year. But their best kür is over 82% and Hans Peter is a cool customer…

Ben Maher 33 Horse: Tic Tac, 13 Breeding: Clinton x Darco Owners: Jane Clark and Ben Maher Rider’s Olympic record: rode at Beijing 2008; team gold London 2012 Form: just six months ago, this horse would have been on few people’s radars, let alone considered as a Team GB Olympic contender. But in the Maher camp there were plans afoot. The multi-winning stallion was already under the ownership of Ben’s patron Jane Clark and he took over the ride from USA’s Leslie Burr-Howard at the turn of the year. The new partnership have proved themselves at every opportunity. They jumped a double clear in the grand prix at La Baule in May, helped Great Britain secure victory in the Rome Nations Cup and again showed form in Rotterdam. Ben and…

Jeroen Dubbeldam (Netherlands) What does the man who is reigning world and European champion do next? Complete the set and become Olympic champion, of course. Jeroen won Olympic gold back in Sydney in 2000 but no showjumper has ever held all three titles at once. The Dutchman teams up with the British-produced and Dutch state-owned Zenith, with whom he claimed his recent team and individual titles. Sadly, this will be the last time we see this brilliant pair in action as Zenith is to be sold straight after the Games. Eric Lamaze (Canada) The 2008 Olympic champion (on Hickstead) returns as a serious contender to regain that individual title. Eric had three potential Olympic mounts but chose the 13-year-old mare Fine Lady 5 as the most reliable and experienced. She…

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‘She’s made an amazing recovery’ LAST month, H&H online reported a vicious dog attack in Kent, in which teenager Katie Higgins and her seven-year-old mare, Tir Na Nog Shadow (Tinka), both sustained injuries when encountering a Staffordshire bull terrier while out hacking on the Wye Downs. Less than six weeks later, the pair made headlines again for an altogether happier reason - they took top honours in the BE100u18 at the SsangYong-sponsored Eridge. “She’s made an amazing recovery,” said Katie, who needed hospital treatment after she dismounted to try and fend off the dog, which had latched on to Tinka’s nose, causing a deep gash wound.…

FOUR-STAR rider Jamie Atkinson married Amy Lawson-Croome on 17 June at a small church in Milborne, Northumberland, with a reception in a marquee at her family’s fishing lakes. “After walking round the lakes it’s safe to say no amount of dry cleaning will get those mud stains out of Amy’s dress!” said Jamie. Eventing guests included Ben Hobday and his fiancée Emma Carmichael, Ludwig Svennerstal, Sara Burdess and Will Murray, as well as some of Jamie’s young rider team-mates — Laura Jennings, Sophie Allison and Nicola Baguley (née Browne). Mixing partying with eventing seemed to work for Fiona Malcolm, as she won the novice regional final at Warwick Hall the following day!   AMY YOUNG, the 2006 young rider European champion, tied the knot with Lindsay Aspden on 21 June…

JESS DUNN booked tickets to the national championships with all three of her horses, and recorded the show’s highest score with her elementary gold winner MFS French Noir. Her first podium trip was courtesy of medium gold winner Cedar Valley, a very low-mileage Tuschinski nine-year-old whom she spotted in Holland two years ago. “I had just returned from training in Germany for three years and didn’t feel confident enough to take him on, so we bought youngsters instead,” said Jess, who is supported by Keenan Equestrian Homes. “But he stuck in my mind and Paul Keenan persuaded me to go back last year, and he bought him. “He’s quite timid but he’s just beginning to show his wow factor, and it suited him here.” Cedar Valley’s canter and medium trot…

DESPITE soaring temperatures, some riders’ scores toppled those on the thermometer, as the mercury rose to around 80° on the hottest day of the year. Charlie Sawyer claimed two championship titles on Chico Too, achieving 80% in the novice silver — 5% clear of the runner-up — and 78% in the elementary silver. Charlie spent two-and-a-half years on the 17.3hh Contendro I gelding’s rehabilitation. “He’s got kissing spines, plus degeneration of the facet joints — that is, arthritis,” said Charlie. “He just couldn’t bend. But he is such a trier — and is owned by my mum who has done a lot of the hacking involved in his rehab.” Charlie’s main aim is to keep the gelding’s topline, but he’s only schooled one day a week. “He’s taken on lots…

Busy friend Maria Pook AFTER keyhole surgery on both her hips, Felicity Passmore was in need of help with her Spielberg x Troy seven-year-old So Enamoured, who was bred by H&H’s dressage and breeding editor, Alice Collins. “My hip problems became so bad that I was unable to ride and I haven’t had the hip mobility to get my legs down where they should be for some time,” said Felicity. “‘Dino’s’ very forgiving but I haven’t been an effective rider and I’ve been blocking him.” While she was recovering from surgery, Felicity asked friend and fellow livery at Crippenden Manor, Kent, Maria Pook, for help. Maria said: “I love working with Dino. He has super, rhythmical paces and a very active hindleg. To start with I needed to channel his…

TWO polished rounds from Georgia Blakemore and Toy Story III were enough to secure them qualification for this year’s pony showjumper final at Horse Of The Year Show (HOYS). Breathing a huge sigh of relief when the final result was announced, Georgia said: “One time-fault prevented me qualifying at Sparsholt, and because it’s my last year in 148cm I have put myself under immense pressure in all of the other qualifiers. At least now I can give him a break in the field for a few weeks after Wales and West. ” Sandy McLean added to previous HOYS pony Foxhunter qualification with Tobar King when he occupied second spot. “He has really grown up this year and it’s beginning to show in his results,” Sandy said. Faye Sutton and Robe…

TODAY we look forward to the new format for the Royal International (RIHS) ridden hunters. For the first time we will see three ride judges, one for each category, and one conformation judge. The main reason for this was that it is unfair for one judge to ride more than 90 horses in one stint. No judge is superhuman and the last class wouldn’t be given the same ride as the first. Hunters will be judged primarily in ring five, as usual, followed by an exciting final in the main arena where the chosen ones will be ridden again by the other ride judges. It will certainly shake up the job and is very reminiscent of the Dublin format. It will be a test of strength and stamina and it…

FOR the past decade and a half, the England side has been dominated by the same familiar faces. The last time neither Luke or Mark Tomlinson featured on the team sheet was 2001, and current captain James Beim has lined up for England on International Day every year since 2005. But 2016 was the year that heralded a leap into a new era, with Jack Richardson and James Harper making their debut Coronation Cup appearances, and Max Charlton returning for just his second bid for the cup. “There has been a bit of a generation gap in English polo after Mark [Tomlinson], but now we have several young guys coming through to the top level and it’s very exciting,” said Beim. “James [Harper] has been just behind [fellow back] Luke…

UPDATES to the British Horseracing Authority’s (BHA) concussion protocols will come into force on Monday (1 August). The enhanced rules cover all aspects of assessing and treating head injuries, including baseline cognitive testing, trackside diagnosis, treatment and returning to riding. It follows a review led by the BHA’s chief medical adviser, Dr Jerry Hill. “It is my intention that in British racing we provide our jockey athletes with the appropriate guidance, treatment and care,” he said. “This is why I am personally putting renewed focus on the support the athletes receive in injury management as well as nutrition and mental health.” He added British racing has been recognised as a “pioneer” in concussion management, but that it is “essential” the sport should not be complacent. Doctors will be able to…

FISCHER TAKINOU Michael Jung’s Rio ride has been ruled out of the German team having suffered an infection. The 2012 gold medallist will ride his Olympic champion Sam, with whom he also won Badminton this year and Burghley 2015. CHICO BELLA An as-yet unnamed colt has been born out of Gemma Tattersall’s four-star ride. The foal is also the first by Chilli’s Prince, son of William Fox-Pitt’s 2015 Badminton-winning ride Chilli Morning. He was born on 11 July via embryo transfer. UDON P The dressage horse has been withdrawn from the Australian Rio team as it was determined he would not be fit enough, having suffered a minor injury. Kelly Layne and Udon P’s spot will be taken by Sue Hearn with Remmington. HIGH MARK Matt Hicks’ international small tour…

A new protocol to be followed when blood is spotted on showjumpers’ flanks does not solve the issue of consistency, one affected owner has said, writes Eleanor Jones . The FEI stewards’ manual for jumping has been updated to include the protocol, for cases of blood on flanks, and/or marks which may indicate excessive use of spurs. The measures include photographing the affected area and ensuring a steward remains with the horse at all times once a concern is raised. Emma Phillips of Quainton Stud is the owner of Bertram Allen’s ride Quiet Easy 4 who was eliminated from the 2015 Olympia grand prix when a mark was seen on his side. “Regrettably the new protocol does not address the fundamental problem within the rule; the inconsistent approach when there…

A seven-year-old showing competitor is to have her long hair cut off in public in aid of children’s cancer charities. • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ charity-hair-cut There was drama in the inter-hunt relay at the Festival of Hunting when a horse and rider crashed through metal barriers surrounding the ring. Neither was hurt. • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ hunt-relay-drama British Showjumping has confirmed riders who have met previous qualification criteria for the amateur championships will be fast-tracked to the finals. • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ amateurs-fast-track A days-old foal who had become allergic to her dam’s colostrum was saved by a blood transfusion from a fellow equine patient. • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ foal-blood-transfusion Zara Tindall and High Kingdom (pictured, below) are among the early entries for Burghley. • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ zara-entered-burghley Equestrian companies have joined forces to fund the Hannah Francis award, to be given to an inspirational young eventer. • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ hannah-francis-award A…

THE Gatcombe Festival of British Eventing (5-7 August) is getting into the Olympic spirit with a Rio-themed selfiebooth and coverage of the dressage phase on big screens. “We will ensure that wherever possible all our screens will be showing, in drop image format, the Olympic dressage phase when it is running,” said event director Tim Henson. The private evening reception on the Saturday night has a Rio dress theme, and a Team GB support message board will be up at Gatcombe for spectators to write their words of encouragement. Competitors in the bronze and silver British Showjumping semi-finals at Keysoe Equestrian Centre on 7 August will also be able to watch the Games live on the café television.…

HILARY GREEN Show hunter rider and producer, Ms Green of Shepshed, Leics, died on 5 July aged 60. Ms Green (pictured, above), a well-known member of the showing world, and her partner Kenny Moore produced their horses from foals or youngsters. She won numerous supreme championships and enjoyed success at local and county shows and Ponies UK. She also competed at the Royal International Horse Show. CAROL TOLIVER A long-term owner for William and Pippa Funnell, Ms Toliver died in June following a battle with cancer. Among the horses she owned were Pippa’s Rio-bound ride Billy The Biz and four-star eventer Mirage D’Elle. Pippa said she would have been “so proud” to see her horse compete at the Olympics. FIONA SOUTHWELL TRIBUTES have been paid to the “lovely” riding instructor…

A study into noseband tightness in competition horses has found that just 7% were fitted to the recommended “two-finger”measure, writes Lucy Elder. Vet Orla Doherty, of the University of Limerick, measured the fit of the nosebands of 750 sport horses across Ireland, Belgium and England over a three year period. She used a taper gauge — a hand-held device that slides under the noseband to measure the amount of space between it and the horse’s face. Dr Doherty collected most of her data at international and national dressage competitions and horse trials, but also measured some horses competing in a performance hunter (working hunter) class. Dr Doherty, who collected all the data herself to ensure consistency, found that 44% of nosebands were “extremely tight”, with even the tip of the…

BRAVE knights in shining armour, fair maidens (some of whom in this world of equality are also the jousters) and tales of derring-do… jousting has it all. And if English Heritage has its way, said knights and their horses could be competing at a future Olympics. As Britain’s riders make final preparations for Rio, the charity is calling for jousting to become an Olympic sport. English Heritage, which holds tournaments at properties across the country, has launched an online petition, and made initial approaches to the FEI and the International Olympic Committee. “Today’s call and appeal to the public by English Heritage is the first step on what will be a long road to the Olympics,” said a spokesman on 21 July. Take your lances……

THE call for qualification requirements and further accountability for vets carrying out pre-purchase examinations (news, p8) — “vettings” — is understandable in light of the fraud case involving a vet who helped dupe buyers into purchasing unsuitable horses (news, 14 July). Although there are processes in place to protect horse buyers from dishonest individuals, David Smith was struck off, then reinstated, which would lead me to question instead why that reinstatement occurred. Of course, on rare occasions where buyers are knowingly duped there must be redress. And there will be instances where existing conditions are missed pre-purchase that later materialise, and those must be learnt from. However, are some buyers expecting too much of these exams? Can vets really be expected to guarantee your horse’s health for any duration based…

HOW will the horses cope with an 11hr 20min journey and a four-hour time difference? Eventing team vet Liz Brown MRCVS, who will be on board with the horses, explains: Circulation DEEP-VEIN thrombosis (DVT) is not a common problem. Because horses are standing, blood flow is not compromised by spending hours immobile in a seat. They wear travel boots and tail guards rather than bandages, however, because any “filling” during flight could make bandages tighten and cause circulation issues. Air pressure CHEWING hay is the equine equivalent of sucking a sweet during take-off and landing - the swallowing action helps to equalise ear pressure and reduce any discomfort. A horse has bigger sinuses and a relatively large air space inside his head. Sinus pressure could be worsened by increased mucus…

• This is a three-day event held in a “special Olympic format of a four-star level of difficulty”. The team and individual competitions run simultaneously. Teams consist of three or four riders with the best three scores to count. The lowest score wins. • Friday, 5 August: the first horse inspection when the ground jury check horses are fit to compete. • Saturday, 6 and Sunday, 7 August: every competitor rides the dressage test (2008 Olympic Games four-star test B (short)). • Monday, 8 August: cross-country over a track designed by France’s Pierre Michelet. It will have an optimum time of 10-11 minutes and 40-45 jumping efforts up to 1.20m high (1.40m if the obstacle is made of brush). • Tuesday, 9 August: the first round of showjumping (11-12 obstacles,…

Sandra Auffarth (Germany) Sandra and Opgun Louvo have never left a championship without an individual medal, winning world gold, two European silvers and Olympic bronze over the past five years. The 14-year-old Opgun Louvo rarely scores above 35 in the dressage. In the past six years he has not had a cross-country jumping penalty and has only three times lowered a single showjump rather than jumping clear. In short, he’s pretty much perfect — and he’s very difficult to beat. Christopher Burton (Australia) Sixteenth at London 2012 when he had been based in Britain for only a year, Chris has really stepped up his game over the past four seasons and is now being talked about as one of the few people who could give Michael Jung a run for…

• The competition is in three parts: the grand prix, the grand prix special and the freestyle to music (kür). • There are two sets of medals: team and individual. Team medals are awarded after the grand prix and special and are based on combined scores. Individual medals are awarded for the stand-alone freestyle. • There are 60 riders. The grand prix and the special both act as individual qualifiers for the kür. Countries that cannot make qualify a team of three can send riders to compete as individuals. • The grand prix takes place over two days (10-11 August). All riders compete in this test. • Teams consist of three or four riders, with the lowest scoring rider’s scores dropped in the latter case. • The top seven teams…

• Spectacular Spain - watch out for Severo Jurado López’s horse Lorenzo’s spectacular passage, with movement like a cross between Totilas and Scandic. The horse is only 10 and a bit green, but has power to burn. They scored over 83% in the freestyle at Aachen, Lorenzo wobbling his top lip in concentration throughout. • Fiona Bigwood’s husband Anders Dahl - he rides the American/Danish equivalent of Valegro: Selten HW (bred by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold in the US) was the first to win all three young horse championships, as a four-, five- and six-year-old. He sold at auction for half a million euros to Fiona and Anders, and the Sandro Hit gelding will make up part of Denmark’s composite team of four. • Oldest horses - Parzival (Adelinde Cornelissen) and Chablis…

• Day one kicks off with the first qualifying competition in which all riders (team and individual) tackle one round of fences. This counts for qualification for the individual final and decides the jumping order for the team competition. • After a rest day, the team competition takes place over two rounds and over two days, with the top 10 teams going through to the second round, carrying their scores. The best three of each team’s four riders’ scores count. In the case of equal scores, medals will be decided by a jump-off for all four team riders, with the best three scores counting. • These two rounds of jumping also count as the second and third individual qualifying competitions. Only riders ranked in the top 60 (unless part of…

• Olympic offspring — riders with famous Olympic showjumping parents include Canada’s Amy Millar (pictured above), daughter of 10-time Olympian Ian Millar, Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts, son of the great Ludo, and Brazillian reserve rider Rodrigo Pessoa, son of Nelson Pessoa. • Made in Britain — there will be some familiar formerly British-owned horses in action for other countries, including Tripple X III (pictured above), with whom Ben Maher won team gold in 2012, and Nick Skelton’s European medal-winner Carlo 273, who is ridden by Sergio Alvarez Moya for Spain. • Ratina’s grandson — Chicago Z, the 17-year-old stallion who will be ridden by Argentina’s Bruno Passaro, is a grandson of Ludger Beerbaum’s legendary mare Ratina Z, with whom he won team gold at Atlanta 1996 (pictured above), being out of…

• The great Soviet Union gymnast Larisa Latynina, who won 18 Olympic medals in total, took four golds at her first Games in 1956 in Melbourne. • The “Flying Finn”, middle- and long-distance runner Paavo Nurmi, won three gold medals on his Olympic debut in Antwerp in 1920. • Rower Steve Redgrave was part of the gold medal-winning British coxed four at his first Olympics in Los Angeles in 1984. •American athlete Carl Lewis made his first Olympic appearance in Los Angeles in 1984, and won gold in all four of his events — the 100m, 200m, 100m relay and the long jump. • At the Sydney Olympics in 2000, Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe blitzed it in front of his home crowd and won three gold medals — and broke…

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WORLD Michael Jung (GER) BRITISH EVENTING LISTS Leading rider Oliver Townend Leading horse The Soul Syndicate s Arctic Soul, ridden by Gemma Tattersall Goldman Cup (under-21) Sam Ecroyd Fairfax Britannia League Sam Ecroyd’s Wodan III, ridden by the owner Calver Wealth Management Two-Star League Barbara and Nicholas Walkinshaw’s Billy Walk On, ridden by Pippa Funnell Gatehouse One-Star League Saffron Cresswell’s Cuffesgrange Little Ric, ridden by the owner Foundation points rider Tom Jackson Foundation points horse Vicky Tuffs’ Goldwin, ridden by the owner Mitsubishi Motors Cup rider league Stephen Rankin Mitsubishi Motors Cup horse league Stephen Rankin s Edouard Van Het Cabernhol, ridden by the owner…

Holly Kerslake and Valhallas Zorro HEADS turned when the Welsh cob Valhallas Zorro, one of the best young dressage ponies in Europe, entered the arena. Despite having had the seven-year-old stallion for less than four months since he was imported from Denmark, 12-year-old Holly achieved two thirds, scoring plus-70% twice, at elementary and medium. “I was really happy as it’s a new partnership and it was very hot!” said Holly, who trains with Charlotte Dujardin, and has ridden internationally twice on Doctor Little. “It was all about keeping Zorro cool and sharp. I love his medium trot and canter; it feels like you’re floating. He’s cheeky but has the biggest heart and wants to please you. “Charlotte’s helped me keep him fluent,” added Holly. “She really likes him and wants…

“FOUR years ago I compared collecting my kit for London 2012 with my first Olympic experience, of Barcelona 20 years earlier, as 20 times more sophisticated,” Carl told H&H. “So, how about preparing for Rio 2016? Well it was another level entirely on our trip to the NEC for briefings and kit collection. “After the statutory drug and doping talk we spent a really good hour with the BBC’s James Pearce. All the riders were interviewed and then we went through it with James. I may be used to giving interviews but there is nothing worse than sitting in a room with your mates and having to watch yourself. “Apparently each quote should last 30-40 seconds, which is easy if you’re a yacker like me. I have the opposite problem…

IT was with mixed emotions that we received the news that my wife Pippa had made the eventing team for Rio. On the one hand, it was a great thing for her to be selected for an Olympics on a home-bred horse. On the other, a great sadness that Billy The Biz’s owner Carol Toliver passed away shortly before the team was announced. Carol was diagnosed with cancer less than a year ago, having been a great owner and supporter of Pippa and me for 15 years. She loved the horses, win or lose, and while winning was always a bonus, she never expected it. Carol bought Billy The Biz — whom she also enjoyed jumping in amateur classes — at the same time as Billy Balou. Balou went on…

‘He was only just handled and proved tricky to back, so we left him to grow on’PJ Casey on The Street Fighter, who topped his class on his ring debut IT was a well-deserved first supreme hunter title for owners Pat Loughlin and Pearl O’Rourke and also rider Brian Murphy when Fort Knocks got the nod from judges Jenny Banks, Matthew Ainsworth and Ian Smeeth. The supreme championship in Dublin’s vast international arena is a stern test for horses, which can be ridden up to six times by the judges in their various championships, and it was the younger horses that prevailed. As good goers go, Fort Knocks was one of the best at every pace. The Gortfree Hero five-year-old never put a foot wrong, turned a hair or stamped…

BANKSWOOD JACARANDA belied her youth to top a strong class of ridden part-bred ponies to secure a HOYS ticket for Megan Brookes. “She gives a great ride - everything is effortless for her,” said Megan. Producer Julian Quiney, who co-owns the Willowcroft Regal Bronze five-year-old with Megan’s mother, Donna, decided to bring Jacaranda at the last minute. “This is her first part-bred class and we thought it would be an ideal pre-Royal International outing,” said Julian. After a successful in-hand career with Alan Charlesworth, Jacaranda had a couple of educational outings last year, and despite being lightly shown this term, she was novice supreme at the BSPS winter championships and earned her 148cm show pony ticket at Lincoln. “After ponies have shown in-hand I don’t like to do too much…

HIGHLAND REEL gave Aidan O’Brien a fourth King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, sponsored by QIPCO, at Ascot on Saturday after he was given a sublime front-running ride by Ryan Moore. With last year’s winner Postponed, now the fifth highest rated horse in the world, withdrawn with a lung infection three days before the race things have not conspired in the King George’s favour again. Last year the Derby winner Golden Horn was taken out on the day because of the wet. Even the contest’s most ardent fans would concede it is going through a lull in its fortunes, not so much in the quality of its winners but small field sizes and a lack of representation from the Classic generation. Races do come in and out of fashion…

‘I knew deep down that he would produce the goods when required, and that’s exactly what he did’ I have been lucky enough to ride at three Olympics on three different horses: Kruger, who took me to my first Olympics in Barcelona in 1992; Benetton, who was eighth individually at Atlanta in 1996; and, after a 16-year break, Vindicat W, who helped secure team gold for Britain at the 2012 London Olympics. Murkas Pom D’Ami, my top ride at the time, was my first choice for London, but unfortunately he went lame in the Olympic year and Vindicat W was a very inexperienced, last-minute, second choice. We got Vindicat W as a four-year-old from Brightwells auction and it took him until he was nine to prove himself, when he won…

RUSSIAN riders will be allowed to compete at Rio, the FEI has ruled, writes Lucy Elder. Doubts over whether any Russian athletes would be allowed to take part were raised after a report exposing wide-scale state-sponsored doping was published. Russia has three eventers and two dressage riders, including dressage world number five combination Inessa Merkulova and Mister X (pictured), entered for Rio. No riders were implicated in the McLaren Report, commissioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). “As long as there is no indication against any specific athlete, I see absolutely no reason why the Russian equestrian athletes should not compete at Rio,” said FEI president Ingmar De Vos. The International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) executive board considered whether to impose a blanket ban on athletes after the report was published…

THE traditional view in showing circles that only hunters are suitable as ladies’ (side-saddle) mounts looks to be crumbling. Just half-way through the season, double the number of “non-hunters” have already earned Horse Of The Year Show (HOYS) tickets, compared to last year – the first time that the new ladies’ show horse class was run. With nine qualifying classes still to go, two maxi cobs and two riding horses are through. The series has already seen a significant increase in entries too – numbers are reported to be up by 11% already compared to last year. “It’s great to see the classes expanding,” said producer Lynn Russell, who qualified her five-year-old maxi cob Jovian at the Festival of Hunting on 20 July (see report, p106). “Most horses are well…

CALLS have been made for a veterinary ombudsman and a qualification in pre-purchase examinations (PPEs) in the wake of a fraud case, writes Eleanor Jones. When vet David Smith was jailed for conspiracy to commit fraud, with two horse-dealers (news, 14 July), judge Martin Joy said the impact of his actions on the perception of his profession “had to be taken into account”. Dealers Aniela Jurecka and Charlotte Johnson drugged horses to cover up physical and behavioural issues. They then often persuaded buyers to use Smith, who would issue clean PPE certificates for horses who in a number of cases were found to have issues. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) said it will investigate Smith, who had previously been struck off and restored. BHSI Anne Bondi complained to…

RACING to School and The Pony Club have launched a new programme for young riders. The education charity has engaged equine colleges in its campaign, which includes visits to Musselburgh racecourse, studs and trainers’ yards. John Blake of Racing to School said: “With the support of the Racing Foundation, this will provide fun and informative activities for young people who are enthusiastic about horses. “We want to provide a valuable learning experience, and increase knowledge and appreciation of racing.” •  Visit: www.bhest.co.uk…

WAR HORSE FANS A full set of original puppets used in the stage show is to go under the hammer at Bonhams, London, on 13 September in aid of the Handspring Trust. Joey, Topthorn, two crows and a goose are up for auction. TREASURE HUNTING Karina Kucharski stumbled across a piece of jewellery while riding in Denbighshire in 2014. On 19 July, an inquest confirmed it was eighth century gold. HORSE-DRAWN TRAMS The Isle of Man’s parliament has approved a government plan to secure the isle’s horse-drawn trams. The government will operate the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway for two years while a business plan is drawn up to make the service more profitable. A LOST HORSE An appaloosa who went missing from his home in Nova Scotia, Canada, for almost…

HORSE trainers, owners and breeders can get advice on equine disease control from a new app launched by the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB). The EquiBioSafe app explains how to minimise contagious disease risk with advice on management of horses, staff, visitors and the environment. There are checklists for how to deal with sick horses. Interactive elements of the app will help owners and keepers comply with sporting authority vaccine regulation and legal obligations for disease reporting. The essential disease information and advice given by the app is relevant to all horse owners. “EquiBioSafe will make it easier for everyone involved with horses to prevent infectious disease and help keep our horses safe,” said Celia Marr, chair of the HBLB veterinary advisory committee. “The EquiBioSafe app is a really handy…

BAN BUM-FREEZERS Sir — Stuart Hollings can take some comfort on the state of equestrian fashion after his comment on “bum-freezers” (showing, 14 July). At last week’s Festival of Hunting, Peterborough (report, p106), I watched a knowledgeable father select a beautiful tweed coat from our store and explain to his teenage daughter why the coat was such a good purchase. It was a vintage Bernard Weatherill, some 60 years old — perhaps of the cut admired by Stuart Hollings — and as beautiful on his lovely girl as it would have been on its original “made-to-measure” owner. There is still an appreciation for the master tailors and great pleasure in finding their “forever coats” new homes. Katherine Burgdorf, owner, The Vintage Tack Room, Wisborough Green, West Sussex Sir — After…

• Who will take the supreme? • Plus Nations Cup, King George V Cup and eventers’ challenge • Expert showing comments from Julie Templeton and Lynn Russell 24-PAGE OLYMPIC PULLOUT Comprehensive form guide for every horse and rider competing at Rio, plus scorecards for readers to fill in EVENTING Burgham and Wilton, plus meet defending Olympic champion Michael Jung RACING Glorious Goodwood DRESSAGE Young rider and junior Europeans, plus horse hero with Judy Reynold’s Rio horse Vancouver K, and Laura Tomlinson column…

Clare Abbott 30 Horse: Euro Prince, 13 Breeding: Lougheries Quiet Man x unlisted Owner: Cormac McKay Rider’s Olympic record: debut Form: “Sparky” is Clare’s first senior championship horse and their good results include 29th at the 2013 Europeans and two clears across country at Badminton, finishing 24th at the particularly tough competition there in 2014. They missed last year’s European Championships as the horse threw a splint, but have since proved their consistency with ninth at Pau CCI4* in the autumn and good CIC3* results this spring, culminating in sixth in the final trial at Tattersalls. Euro Prince excels at CCIs where there is longer to settle him for dressage and his energy across country comes to the fore, so Clare — who works as a maths teacher three days…

Judy Reynolds 35 Horse: Vancouver K, 14 Breeding: Jazz x Ferro Owners: rider’s parents Joe and Kathleen Reynolds Rider’s Olympic record: debut Form: Judy and ‘“JP” are the best combination this small nation has ever had. They hold all three international Irish grand prix records, including the freestyle with 79.7%, which they set at Qatar’s CHI Al Shaqab in March. Now 14, the black KWPN gelding is hitting his prime, pulling off a 75.2% grand prix in June. Judy has been Irish rider of the year three times, in 2008, 2014 and 2015. She rode at the 2006 World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Aachen, Germany, despite having an emergency appendix operation just three weeks earlier. Judy is a little bit superstitious and always plaits JP herself at shows. Her long-time…

Greg Broderick 30 Horse: Going Global, 10 Breeding: Quidam Junior I x Cavalier Royale Owner: Caledonia Stables Rider’s Olympic record: debut Form: Greg was a surprise choice when he was awarded Ireland’s sole individual spot over the higher-ranked riders Cian O’Connor, Denis Lynch and Bertram Allen — whose performances had secured the country’s Olympic representation. Greg may not be a household name, but he and this quality Irish sport horse have quietly been delivering the double clears when representing Ireland in top-level Nations Cups. They were key members of the winning team in St Gallen in June, where they also remained faultless in the grand prix, and were the best Irish performers in Dublin last year. Form like that speaks for itself. They made their championship debut at the Europeans…

THE average age of athletes across all sports at the London Games in 2012 was a youthful 26, yet the equestrian disciplines in Rio will be once again be bucking the trend. From riders barely out of their teens to those pushing pensionable age, the full spectrum will be vying for a place on the podium. Team GBR’s showjumpers alone span a full four decades, if you count 20-year-old travelling reserve Jessica Mendoza alongside linchpin John Whitaker, who will be 61 at the Games. The fact that the horse does the lion’s share of the physical work sets the equestrian sports apart from others at the Games, where athletes peak much sooner. So when it comes to riding, is age just a number — or might date of birth determine…

LUCY JACKSON jumped her way to victory riding Bosun II in advanced section J in glorious sunshine. Lucy said she had “an absolute ball” with the Cruising-sired 12-year-old, whom she owns jointly with Linda and Claire Gregson, Anne Baldock and Rebecca Vinter. The pair suffered a crashing fall at the Vicarage Vee at Badminton this spring, which led to Lucy turning this horse’s work programme “on its head”. “Bosun was wild at Badminton — over-fit and under-run — so now we plan to run him more and school him less at home,” explained Lucy. “We ran him in the two-star at Barbury to check the wheels were still on. He jumped a double clear and his result today is great.” Izzy Taylor was the bridesmaid of Aston, notching up three…

Hayley Duxbury HAVING had a break from the sport for around five years, the full-time paramedic had a specific wish list for her new partner. She required her steed to be calm, sensible and a mix of Connemara and thoroughbred. But her Stafford (2) BE90 winner, Diamond After Chance (Dynamo), didn’t exactly fill the bill - “he was a just-backed, full Irish draught gelding”. One of Dynamo’s first forays into eventing featured a near-elimination in the dressage by bolting up the arena. But the pair have had two double clears since, winning at Warwick Hall (2) and now Stafford (2).…

• Multi-talented mare LYNN AL-REDHA’S home-bred mare Bliss Du Rouet, by Balou Du Rouet, had a big day out on Saturday, 2 July under Lynn’s daughter Claire. The nine-year-old finished third in her third BE100, at Offchurch Bury, then headed to Hanbury Show, where she won the ridden sports horse class (pictured above). “A hunter was sent to me to do a hunter class at Hanbury, but I realised the two events clashed,” said Claire. “But I had early times at Offchurch and the hunter class was later, so I could do both. Then I thought I might as well take Bliss too. She’s never done a showing class before - she can be unruly and temperamental, but I thought she’d be quiet enough at the end of a BE event…

FENCES with roofs have been in the spotlight after some high profile falls and I was reminded of this when I took several horses cross-country schooling recently. The last fence had a square frame over it and most of the horses jumped it badly. It’s the rider’s responsibility to present a horse at a fence in the best possible way — on the right line, at the right pace (the appropriate speed, power and balance for that fence) and then not to interfere, which includes the rider being in the correct position. However, from the moment after take-off things are out of the rider’s control. More than at any other type of obstacle, a horse can be presented perfectly to a fence with a solid roof and there is a…

BD’s new grading system THE British Dressage (BD) forum has had plenty of posts on the new system. According to the majority of members, the school report reads, “Could do better”, probably written in capitals and with a couple of exclamation marks for good measure. There is certainly no suggestion that anyone rode outside the rules but many former open riders all the way through crept in as silver at the lower levels here. “Nothing will be changed this year - we can’t,” said BD’s Winnie Murphy. “We’ve been looking at it throughout the season and will take all the information from the regionals and Area Festivals to get a full picture of how it’s working. Bronze is good but there is no doubt silver has far too many in…

“IT was the best week of my life,” stated Lorenzo De Luca, as he capped five days of unprecedented form with a grand prix victory. The 29-year-old Italian produced a volley of elegantly ridden but determined rounds to capture five international classes — as well as helping the Italian team to a faultless Nations Cup triumph. He brought his Nations Cup mount Ensor De Litrange LXII back out for Sunday’s main event — the € 66,000 (£55,000) Longines international grand prix of Ireland — delivering one of four double clears from a 40-strong startlist. The USA’s Audrey Coulter and Capital Colnardo opened the deciding phase with a four-fault round, and were swiftly overtaken by a strong clear from Shane Breen and Golden Hawk. “Shane looked pretty fast,” said Lorenzo, who…

HOLLY SMITH (née Gillott) was on top form, adding another three Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) tickets to bring her total to nine. She took first and third on Lammy Beach and Quality Old Joker for two Talent Seekers final passes, and added a newcomers ticket on PLS Halo Diamond. Only 17 from a huge field of 117 reached the Talent Seekers jump-off, with Holly claiming the win on the Irish-bred Beach Ball gelding Lammy Beach. “He’s only eight but he’s had plenty of experience this year,” said Holly, who took second in Keysoe’s two-star grand prix and second in Suffolk County’s International Trial with the eight-year-old. “This was a step down and he’s getting a lot quicker against the clock.” The Obos Quality son Quality Old Joker is…

AN English entry triumphed in the ridden Connemara championship. Oxford-based Emma James entered for Dublin on the day that her sister Sophie bought Shanbo Rory just six weeks ago, and rode the Rory Rasputin 10-year-old to win his class and take the tricolour. “We’ve always wanted to compete here but the date usually clashes with our National Pony Society (NPS) championships. With Dublin’s earlier date because of the Olympics, we have finally made it,” said Emma, who has been quickly off the mark with Rory, qualifying him for Horse of the Year Show at NPS Area 5 and standing supreme and British Isles champion at NPS Area 7. “We had always admired Rory when we competed against him. There is so much to him; he really fills the eye and…

OLD ENGLISH hounds continue to enjoy something of a resurgence and nowhere is this more manifest than at this show, reports Mark Hankinson. Despite the absence of some of the regulars there was an increase in the number of packs showing, and it was particularly good to see newcomers such as the Pytchley and North Staffordshire. Edward Foster, former master of the South Shropshire and the Wheatland was joined in the judging by Tim Coulson MFH, who has recently moved from the Lauderdale to hunt the Bedale. In the first class for single unentered it was encouraging to see a lot of quality young hounds that must surely bode well for the future. After due consideration the judges opted for Percy Spokesman (by Gamble 10), who not only had quality,…

‘This is why we play the game, for matches like this. It’s a sportsman’s dream’Fred Mannix on the quality of the match “A sportsman’s dream” was how winning Commonwealth captain Fred Mannix described the closest and most exhilarating Coronation Cup battle of recent years. For five chukkas, the score difference never exceeded a single goal, and despite ultimate victory going to the visitors 12-11, this did nothing to detract from the buzz surrounding the new-look England team that came forward to face the Commonwealth. There are 53 countries that make up the Commonwealth, but on the day there were four that mattered: Pakistan, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa. Each nation fielded their highest handicapped player: Hissam Ali Hyder, Fred Mannix, John-Paul Clarkin and Chris Mackenzie respectively, and the quartet…