Innholdsfortegnelse for 22-Feb-2018 i Horse & Hound

HERE it is, the H&H show guide, an abundance of dates to inspire competition greatness. Grab a highlighter and get planning. Spare a thought, though, for whoever will be going with you — be that your wives and girlfriends (WAGs), husbands and boyfriends (HABs) or mums and dads (MADs, I suppose). I always appreciated what my parents did for me, but since having children of my own, have far greater appreciation. The fact my mother stood in a freezing indoor school watching me trot endlessly round on my pony each night after school, that my father bought a horsebox when I’m sure he’d far rather have had another classic car rusting on the driveway as opposed to an Iveco. And that was just the tip of the commitment iceberg in…

DEBATE over the cost of electric hook-up services at shows has arisen again as the competition season gets under way. Many venues offer hook-up for lorries as a service to competitors, but the cost can be significant on top of entry fees, fuel and stabling. In response to competitors’ querying the extent of the charge, venues have denied it is a way to make money, and explained how the costs add up. “We just about wash our face [with money from hook-up service sales],” Hickstead director Lizzie Bunn told H&H. “It is amazing what it costs to run a show, and it’s the same with the hook-up.” The service costs competitors between £75 and £95 for the duration of Hickstead’s major shows, depending on the length of the fixtures. NOT…

WILDHOEVE OKIDOKI The Miller family’s Fell stallion has been sold to Brian and Ruth Roberts and will be produced by Clare Fitch. He stood reserve open M&M champion at the 2017 Royal International Horse Show with Jonathan Stevens, having won his class. SAMARA FLY Mandy Sanderson’s advanced dressage stallion has died aged 12 after complications from a routine procedure. The stallion, by Sambertino, won a prix st georges Area Festival in 2016 and won up to inter I level with Hannah Doggett. He sired more than 100 youngsters including county show-winning Wards Place Picture Perfect. CRUACHAN IV The cheeky Shetland made headlines again, from another royal visit. The mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland nibbled Prince Harry’s fingers when he and fiancée Meghan Markle paid an official visit. He…

Grand National-winning jockey Liam Treadwell has called time on his 16-year career, aged 32. Liam won the 2009 race aboard the 100-1 shot Mon Mome on his way to riding 327 winners. World number one showjumper Kent Farrington sustained a serious leg injury in a fall at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida. He was riding Lucifer V for the Gates family. Para medallist Natasha Baker has found a new ride to aim for the 2018 World Equestrian Games. Natasha is leasing Mount St John Diva Dannebrog and hopes to start competing her next month. Jockey Sammy Jo Bell has announced the end of her career, aged 27. Her biggest day involved two wins in the 2015 Shergar Cup. She rode 82 winners and will work for York racecourse. British…

BETA TO RUN NEW SAFETY INITIATIVE THE British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) is launching a new annual rider safety initiative. The aim of BETA safety week, which runs from 28 April to 6 May, is to highlight the importance of protective equipment, which is correctly fitted and fastened. Riders will be encouraged to visit participating retailers to get equipment checked, while some outlets will run offers and promotions. “Although there are other safety awareness-raising initiatives, there is nothing that really stresses the importance of a hat or body protector’s provenance, fit, fastening or safety standards,” said BETA’s Claire Williams. “We’ll be using our expert knowledge and resources to get the message across to riders.” DIET CAN AFFECT PPID DIAGNOSIS A HIGH-starch diet can affect diagnosis of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction…

EVENTING Skint Dressage Daddy, a blogger forced to endure, and pay for, his female family members’ equestrian enthusiasms, shared his thoughts of his first eventing experience this week. “It’s like really angry dressage, but on fast-forward,” he wrote. Is this a fair description, we wonder? SUGAR Oh dear. Fiona Bigwood managed to make rather a mistake on an online grocery order. When what she had expected to be a delivery of sugar cubes arrived, it turned out instead to be 3,000 individual packets of Tate & Lyle’s finest granulated. Looks like lots of sweet teas to be drunk Chez Bigwood… SLEDGING Who needs to shell out on an expensive toboggan? As a video shared by feed manufacturer Dengie shows, an empty chaff bag does the job just as well. Might…

WHAT A CRACKER! Sir — Reading “Extraordinary amateurs” (8 February), I thought it worth adding that Findonfirecracker was bred by an amateur breeder. Scott Mclellan bought “Firecracker’s” mother with pocket money as his first horse when she was three. Then after a successful competition career, he bred two foals from her, the first being Firecracker. Sadly, Scott lost the broodmare last year after 20 years together, but has her only other foal at home who will hopefully follow in Firecracker’s footsteps. Scott competes and produces young horses for dressage, but this was his only attempt at breeding so he feels immensely proud and lucky. Grant Mckenzie Ayr, South Ayrshire SAFETY FIRST Sir — I refer to “A potential life-saver” (letters, 4 January) where a family broke down in their horsebox.…

My job is truly global, as I commentate on dressage, eventing and showjumping competitions for FEI TV and take to the microphone for horse trials, county shows and other major events. I work 48 weekends a year, but the schedule is always varied — particularly with non-core sports such as vaulting, carriage driving and reining thrown in. I concentrated on school more than on horses. My brother, Irish Olympic eventer Mark Kyle, was competing in juniors and young riders, but I was looking for another role. I began assisting the event controller and making announcements in my teens, before my first commentary for the international ponies at Blarney Castle. I tried other things, becoming an army officer and then deputy governor of the Tower of London, before taking up commentary…

WHEN her new cob Rags started stamping his hind feet and biting his feathers, Emma Kerry recognised the signs. “My two other geldings, Oakley and Sidney, are also heavily feathered and they’ve both had mites in the past,” says Emma, whose suspicions were confirmed by a visit from vet Nadine Page. “Rags has been ripping his feathers out,” adds Emma. “I’m applying a mixture of pig oil and sulphur before brushing them through with a nit comb, which will hopefully do the trick. I’ve also emptied and steam-cleaned the stables, replacing all the straw beds with shavings.” surface. Fipronyl spray (branded Effipro or Frontline and used for cats and dogs) is sometimes prescribed, but is a costly option. Pig oil and lime sulphur is an old-fashioned and less expensive method…

LONGSTANDING Heythrop countryman Gary Morgan is hanging up his boots at the end of the season. Gary entered hunt service aged 21 with the Pembrokeshire, where he remained for six seasons before joining the Vale of Aylesbury, as it was then known. After a seven-year stint he joined the Heythrop in 2006. The Heythrop masters have paid tribute to Gary, who bows out after a total of 25 years in hunt service. “Gary has ridden the storm and coped with the ban on foxhunting with steadfast alacrity,” said the masters, adding he has been an “integral part of the team”. “He has an enviable ability to make friends and has created a hard-core team of support workers who we hope will continue his legacy. Gary will be sorely missed by…

Pachesham, Surrey | Blue Barn, Kent | Cobham Manor, Kent “I have two great trainers who complement each other,” said Lee-Anne, who was complimented on her accuracy by judge Margaret Drewe. “Leslie Whipps focuses on perfect accuracy and Leanne Wall helps me with ‘Poppy’s’ way of going.” She added: “Poppy is very forward and it has taken a long time for her to respond to a half-halt. We’ve been working on getting her to release in the poll and neck and she can now take the weight back and respects the aid.” At Blue Barn, the Plot Blue x Nabab De Reve stallion Hotblue made a 70.62% winning novice debut under Charlotte Tappenden. Charlotte competed her own stallion Bravado up to grand prix . Now 18, he has retired and…

Northallerton EC, North Yorks | Port Royal EC, East Yorks Helen and her 10-year-old Socrates Hit won both mediums with plus-70% scores at Northallerton after consolidating their work. They will now move back up to advanced medium. “It’s been good to have a time when we could concentrate on our work in training, rather than chase scores,” said Helen, who has had the Santano gelding since he was a four-year-old. Last year they opted to contest the Area Festivals at advanced medium, rather than the summer regionals, and finished third at the semi-finals. They will aim for PSG this autumn. Helen works as a dray lady — delivering beer — for Yorkshire Heart, a brewery and vineyard near York and fits her dressage riding and training round her job. Rebecca…

Gordon Dressage Group, Aberdeen | Ian Stark EC, Roxburghshire Jennifer had a good outing at Gordon ahead of the winter regional championships when posting 75.58% to win the freestyle gold elementary with Sugar Plum Fairy. This was Jennifer’s first time riding through the test with Reay Campbell’s rising seven-year-old home-bred mare “Plum” (Sir Donnerhall x Don Schufro). Jennifer explained that Reay has always dreamt of Plum performing to Nutcracker music, so commissioned Tom Hunt to make up a compilation. “The music was just fabulous and very correct to ride to,” said Jennifer, who returned from a week’s holiday to New York just 24 hours before. “Plum can be a little tense in a test — she will take some time to relax and go as well in a test as…

South View EC, Cheshire IN an exciting finale to the SEIB winter novice, Scottish riders Kelly Connor Baillie and Alana Hood took the Royal International tickets riding Feeling I (Ari) and Scherzinger FB. Gillian Milner’s jump-off track offered a multitude of options and, with half of the 60-strong field coming through to the jump-off, risks had to be taken. Kelly’s late-drawn effort was a joy to watch as the Scottish rider weaved her way around a series of turns. Ari answered every call, the Azteca VDL eight-year-old taking a flier at the third from home, then took a stride out to the next fence before spinning back to the final double. Kelly bought Ari four years ago, but because she proved quite tricky at first, she was a fairly late…

DAVINA WHITEMAN has received this year’s British Show Pony Society (BSPS) equestrian personality of the year award, presented at the AGM held on 3 February at the Marriott Hotel in Leicester. Davina’s career began in 1946 when she rode a skewbald pony, Allerton Nuts in May, to stand fifth at The Royal Show, then held at Lincoln. A win at the Royal International (RIHS) on the show pony Firefly followed in 1948, and in 1950 and 1951, she stood champion at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) with the legendary Pretty Polly, going on to win several times on horses, including a lightweight hunter victory with Taylor Made. Davina was vice-chair of Ponies of Britain before it became Ponies (UK) in 1988, then serving as vice-chair to her mother, Joan…

‘I turn down friends’ ski trips as I’d rather do the JAS series’ SOUTHERLY ROBERTS Baileys Jumping and Style Championships, Hartpury College, Glos SOUTHERLY ROBERTS went home from the Jumping and Style (JAS) Championships at Hartpury College with a lorry-load of prizes after she won the open novice and finished first and second in the novice sections. “I was starting to get a bit demoralised as I’d been in every class but hadn’t done very well,” said Southerly. “Fortunately my luck changed and I am so pleased — I always turn down ski trips with friends as I’d rather do the JAS series. It’s my favourite time of year.” Her winning mount in the open novice was Tinx, a 13-year-old mare by Carnaval Drum, while it was Fizz IV,…

DEFINITLY RED The nine-year-old has been given top weight for the 2018 Randox Health Grand National. The Brian Ellison-trained gelding is to carry 11st 10lb in the £1m race at Aintree on Saturday, 14 April. He was a leading contender in last year’s race but was pulled up due to a tack issue on the first circuit. QLASSIC BOIS MARGOT The showjumper by L’Arc de Triomphe has been retired to stud at the age of 14. The stallion was on the silver medal-winning French team with Simon Delestre at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy. ZARKANDAR The Paul Nicholls-trained hurdler has been retired aged 11. Zarkandar won 11 of 35 races, including the 2011 Triumph Hurdle, and more than £900,000 prize money. “He has been a superstar for team…

A DRIVE to promote the importance of preventative healthcare in horses is taking place next month. Biopharmaceutical company MSD Animal Health is running its “Keep Britain’s Horses Healthy” campaign from 5 to 9 March. “We want to champion preventive health care,” said Vicki Farr, the company’s equine veterinary adviser. “Being proactive and working with your vet on steps to protect your horse against illness is the best way to keep him healthy and happy. “Horse Health Week is a chance for horse owners to shout loud and proud about how they are ‘doing the best for my horse’.” A social media competition, for owners to upload pictures of themselves caring for their horses, will run throughout the week. “The photo is open to owners’ interpretation and can be anything from…

ROD KOHLER TRIBUTES have been paid to Mr Kohler, who has died from cancer at 48. He was joint managing director of Revolution Sports + Entertainment, an international sports PR and sponsorship agency, which he founded in 2005. Mr Kohler worked on behalf of Rolex at five FEI World Cup finals, two European Championships and saw the launch of the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping in 2013. He was especially proud of his role as press attaché to the Saudi Equestrian showjumping team’s historic bronze at London 2012. Mr Kohler also led the team managing PR for Royal Windsor. Andrew Baldock, chairman of the British Equestrian Writers’ Association, said Mr Kohler was a “lovely man, a total professional and someone who always had the time of day for you”. “He…

SABS A quick perusal of one sab group’s social media reveals a series of pleas for your cash. The most entertaining, we felt, was the button inviting visitors to “buy us a coffee” for £3, which raises two issues: a) if you’re being charged £3, the coffee shops can see you coming; and b) no, buy your own drinks, like the rest of us. TACKING UP Kiwi eventer Bruce Haskell shared an oops moment online, in a video of an on-the-ground helper undoing and refastening his horse’s noseband — which appeared to have been buckled through the bit ring. “I wondered why I couldn’t turn right,” he mused. DINOSAURS A woman who dressed up in a T-rex costume and growled at a pair of horses who were pulling a carriage…

BERYL always buys an Injured Jockeys Fund diary as soon as they are for sale. In it she carefully writes the dates of importance for the coming year: local point-to-points, horse trials, Little Flatworthy Show, assorted team chases. Beryl gave up hunting a few years ago — her knees creaked too much — but she always follows the Bustington Vale in the car, giving hot sausages at second horses to her favoured few, and does a very speedy three-point turn when she thinks hounds are hunting in the opposite direction. Outside the hunting season, her weekends are spent spectating at all sorts of equestrian events. She never goes anywhere without her shooting stick, and she gets to Badminton at the crack of dawn on cross-country day to position herself by…

Easton & Otley Winter Regional Championships, Norfolk NIKKI BARKER (née Crisp) left these inaugural regionals — brilliantly organised by Optimum Event Management — with three regional titles. She claimed a hard-fought prix st georges (PSG) on Durable, her own and Viv Gleave’s stunning 10-year-old stallion, standing at over 17.2hh. “‘Danny’ felt unreal in the warm-up, then we had a few ring-rusty errors in the test,” said Nikki. Even so, this powerhouse of a stallion, beautifully ridden in a snaffle, produced an impressive test that was a masterclass in balance and lightness. The Spielberg offspring is well on the way to grand prix — he’s showing plenty of promise for piaffe and passage — and Nikki has two of his babies, both five, at home. She also took the gold section…

Brook Farm, Essex Alex was on striking form, posting consistent plus-73% novice wins on her mother Sally’s Glasgow, a seven-year-old by Uphill. She also finished second to herself on her own Decurio five-year-old Danubio, in front of her mother in third, before swapping places in the second novice. “My mum and I were neck and neck for second and third in the two novices, me on Danubio and she on her lovely 17hh Dance On Top (De Niro x Sion), who is a rising six-year-old. We love a bit of family rivalry as we both have a competitive streak,” said Alex. “Glasgow has the brain of a pony and the power of a Ferrari. Nothing bothers or fazes him, he always has his ears forward with a constant happy expression,…

Kings Equestrian, Herefordshire | Burrows Court Farm, Glos “It’s a good start,” said Sarah Jorgensen, who moved to Britain in September to study for a master’s degree in veterinary physiotherapy at Hartpury College. Sarah bought Sandro IIII, her 13-year-old Blue Hors Soprano gelding, a year ago. “He’s usually a little bit lazy, but once he is in the arena he likes to show off,” she said. “We’re hoping to progress to advanced medium soon. I’ve started working on him with [veterinary physiotherapist] Tim Bradford and he’s feeling so good in his body now.” Olivia Towers claimed overall victory in both mediums with Mercian Dexter, bringing her tally of wins for the week to six (see box, below). Kayleigh Jones enjoyed prelim success at Burrows Court Farm with seven-year-old Sweet Pea…

THIS year, all roads lead to the World Equestrian Games (WEG), where securing 2020 Olympic qualification is the big goal. The starting point for team manager Di Lampard’s selection process is the Sunshine Tour, which kicks off this week in Spain with some 2,000 horses in action. It’s the only tour with three- and four-star grands prix, which makes it the perfect opportunity for new partnerships to emerge. I haven’t seen any new combinations of note on the indoor circuit — nobody is firing with what you’d call a championship horse — but, while important, indoor form isn’t relevant for Nations Cups later in the year, now is the time for riders to shine. However, Great Britain has been dealt a serious blow in its championship preparations and Nations Cup…

MORE CHANCES FOR STARS TO SHINE CHANGES to the eligibility rules for the popular SEIB Search For A Star (SFAS) series mean the doors are open wider this year. The ban on any past HOYS open appearance by owners and/or riders has been reduced from 20 to 10 years — provided the other “amateur” criteria are met — and previous The Showing Register (TSR) Masterclass participants are now eligible for SFAS. Partnerships which have previously competed in open ranks at RIHS are also now eligible for SFAS, provided they were not placed in the top 10 of their class at Hickstead. The word “show” has been removed from the working section, which will now be known simply as “working horse or pony”. “This is our 20th year at Horse of…

Ascot, Berkshire WAITING PATIENTLY is a fitting epitaph to the life of Malcolm Jefferson. A day after the funeral of one of the country’s most respected National Hunt trainers, his horse struck gold in a Betfair Ascot Chase which was memorable for so many reasons. As much as it was a celebration of the Jefferson name, with his daughter Ruth preparing rising star Waiting Patiently for his sixth consecutive win over fences, it became more uplifting by the magnificent effort of Cue Card as he finished just two and three-quarter lengths behind a rival five years his junior. It had hardly been the first time the spring-heeled colossus had been written off — even as a dual winner of the race he went off at 9/1 — but there had…

THE removal of the obligation for point-to-point horses to appear in the hunting field was met with mixed feeling at the time, perceived as an early stage of divorce by some. However, the fact remains, hunting and point-to-pointing remain intrinsically linked. To say one relies on the other would be wrong. While some hunts bank on the income generated by their point-to-point, others choose not to stage a meeting, often considering the risk or effort if staging the event to outweigh the return. The success of club meetings serve to prove that point-to-points can happen without the direct support of a hunt. Regardless of whether a point-to-point is run by a hunt or a club, the support and engagement of the organisers is critical to its success. One key element…

THE seven-year-old son of Presenting was brought over from Ireland five months ago with pretty poor form by trainer Kieran Price, but showed power and stamina here in holding ground to land the open maiden for five-, six- and seven-year-olds impressively. One of only two finishers, Mason Dixon made all the running alongside eventual runner-up Light Flicker, but it was the former who got his nose in front when it mattered under Brian Moorcroft. “He’s been going well at home and he’s a very comfortable horse to ride,” said the horse’s owner Georgia Kemeys, who is studying computer forensics at University of south Wales. “He loves soft ground and will do a restricted in a couple of weeks’ time.”…

THE Francesca Nimmotrained Control Me (pictured) made a winning debut under jockey Alex Edwards in the open maiden for four-, five- and six-year-olds. The daughter of Yeats pulled clear of fellow debutant Jimmi Chew (Jack Andrews). “We bought her privately from Ireland in the summer,” said Francesca’s partner Charlie Poste. “She’s done everything we’ve asked of her — I thought she picked up well after the last. “We train near Stratford and, like all of our youngsters, she is for sale. Paul Moloney, a good friend of mine, helped us source her. She has a great attitude and takes everything in her stride.”…

FORMER riders Lizzy Yarnold and Laura Deas won two medals with standout performances at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Lizzy, 29, became Britain’s first Winter Olympian to retain her title, winning skeleton gold in PyeongChang on 17 February. Laura, who previously evented up to CCI2* level, took bronze. “I believed I could do my best but it’s something scary to think that far ahead, that I could be a double Olympic champion — I didn’t really let myself say that,” said Lizzy. “I love big occasions like this, I love stiff competition and pressure. And I love being at the top and thinking ‘this is it, it’s the time to deliver. I can do this.’” Lizzy was a keen rider and heptathlete before she signed up to the UK Sport Girls4Gold…

JUMPING in conventional breastplates restricts horses’ movements, changes the landing angle and could put more strain on forelimbs, a study has found. In its latest research on tack, and its effect on equine movement and performance, saddle manufacturer Fairfax has turned its attention to breastplates. The study analysed jumping with and without breastplates of different designs over the same fence, using specialist cameras. “Regardless of breastplate design, this showed that the whole jump is adversely affected from the moment the horse is at the peak of take-off and its shoulder is in its most forward position,” a Fairfax spokesman said. “It showed that breastplates have a significant negative effect on the jump. Attached to a saddle and girth, they make a restrictive ‘cage’ around the horse’s shoulder apparatus, which affects…

Sir — Following the recent letters concerning the “less than honest” horse seller (18 January and 1 February), spare a thought for those of us who are genuine. Although a rare buyer — and just as rare seller — I am not naïve and appreciate that buyers need to go in with eyes wide open. At the same time, however, they should understand that most horses have the odd foible. In selling a horse, I try to cover every aspect of the horse in the advert, attach photos and provide a link to a video. I ask what they want the horse for and if he’s not suitable, tell them so to save wasting both our times. Selling a horse one is fond of is a painful process and I…

THE Warwickshire’s long-serving master Charmian Green is retiring after 35 years at the helm. Since 1981, Charmian has served alongside 22 joint masters, six huntsmen, 13 whippers-in, four chairmen, two treasurers and nine honorary secretaries. Current chairman Sam Butler said Charmian’s contribution has been “completely stunning”. “Her skill and expertise in kennels has meant there has almost always been a very happy team of professional staff there and a healthy pack of hounds,” he said. “She loves these with a passion and has bred an enviable pack of some of the best working hounds in the country.” “The farming community gave her their trust from the start and she treated that with the greatest of respect,” said Sam. “During her mastership, the Warwickshire has thrived. Her passion has been infectious…

Bishop Burton Winter Regional Championships, East Yorks AMY WOODHEAD stole the show and booked two tickets to the winter championships with Branduardi, convincingly winning both the prix st georges (PSG) and the inter I. The imposing Breitling W stallion, owned by Victoria Wright and Sir John Peace, is called ‘My Little Pony’ at home, but here he showed how much he has grown in confidence, stamping his authority on both classes. “He has a varied life at home, jumping and going to the beach; on Christmas Day I dressed up as a Christmas pudding and rode him bareback in a headcollar,” said Amy, 25, who took on the ride last summer when she was setting up her own yard. “It’s all part of keeping him happy and used his power…

Solihull RC, West Mids Freelance instructor Lucy Norris and her 12-year-old mare Light Of Earendil made their return to the white boards a successful one when winning the prix st georges (PSG) and inter I at Solihull. “She hasn’t been out since October and it was pretty windy, so she was a bit fresh, but the quality of the work she did in between the odd spook was good,” said Lucy of the Sandro Hit mare, who is a half-sister to Charlotte Dujardin’s River Rise Escala. “We’ve been working over the winter on getting her more secure. The aim is to get her out at some more Premier Leagues and aim for grand prix at the end of the year.” Para dressage rider Vicky Nurcombe and her 24-year-old gelding Fabrication…

Widmer Farm, Bucks | Bury Farm, Bucks | Crofton Manor, Hants “I had an operation in December so she’s had a holiday — she’s come back a little lively,” commented Amanda. The 10-year-old Newman mare won both novice and elementary freestyles at Bury Farm, starting her qualification run in style. “It’s all systems go to get her summer qualification before I concentrate on the para competitions. Today was also good practice for the winter regionals.” Hibimona is destined to be a para horse, too. She is owned by grade II rider Emma Douglas and she had two plus-74% novice wins at Widmer with Emma’s trainer, Sacha Hamilton. Despite only being five years old, “‘Rabbit’ (by Briljant) took it all in her stride”, according to Sacha. “We’ll start elementary when she’s…

Duchy College, Cornwall | Badgworth Arena, Somerset Anna, a firefighter from Weston-Super-Mare, was offered the eight-year-old traditional cob Blaze Bear while she was visiting her local saddlers. “I usually buy a warmblood youngster, but I’m going to stick with this one; he makes me smile,” said Anna, who took both bronze sections at Badgworth Arena. “I have to squash myself down a bit as I’m rather tall and it’s hilarious when you look at the kind of horses he warms up with.” Naomi Holland won both mediums at Duchy College on Cor Chapin, by Stedinger, after having a baby just three months ago. “I had a C-section and so I haven’t many stomach muscles left and was worried about the sitting trot,” said Naomi. “Nicky du Plessis told me the…

I WAS lucky enough to be in Florida for the five-star show at Wellington recently and was thrilled to be invited to an owners’ meeting and reception. It took me back to 2011 when the tide started to change for British dressage and how that might just have had something to do with former World Class performance director Will Connell, who was the speaker at the reception. I also spotted former British team physio Andy Thomas in the background, which made me wonder whether they have all moved to the USA! The vibe of the meeting was high-energy and I get the feeling the US team are on the edge of success, as good horses come together with good management. There was more than a whiff of a winning formula…

DARRAGH’S DOUBLE THE $265,000 (£189,000) Longines grand prix at the CSI5* Nations Cup show at Ocala, Florida, USA, went to Rowan Willis (AUS) and Blue Movie — who was bred in Great Britain by Sue Welch out of Nick Skelton's great mare Showtime x Chacco Blue — while the inform Irishman Darragh Kenny notched up a winning double with Jessica Mendoza’s Horst Van De Mis Peleare and the 11-year-old gelding Cassini Z. Canada secured victory in the Nations Cup, beating Brazil with Ireland’s quartet of Daniel Coyle (Cita), Paul O’Shea (Skara Glen’s Machu Picchu), Darragh Kenny (Go Easy De Muze) and Cian O’Connor (Clenur) taking equal third with USA. NZ TRIUMPHS NATIONS CUP action was also taking place at the CSIO5* in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where Ireland’s Cameron Hanley (Aiyetoro),…

I’VE started the season by breaking my neck in a freak accident, as many of you will know. However, I’m still walking and will eventually get back to riding — others have not been so lucky. Thank you, everyone who has offered good wishes. I really appreciate them. If the person who sent a parcel of books reads this, please don’t think I was rude in not acknowledging it — the delivery didn’t include information on who sent them, and the company wouldn’t tell me because of their data protection policy. I’ve started dental treatment, and surgery on my cervical vertebrae is ahead. I’ve had to rethink everything I do and hope I can find something positive from it all. When you have a problem with a horse and textbook…

The Combined Services, Larkhill, Wilts AN extreme diet and a hunger to win back-to-back Coronation Gold Cups — the prestigious feature race of the day — paid off for jockey Andrew Barlow aboard Brackloon High. “I was overweight last year after struggling to lose it but, having decided just three weeks ago to aim for a repeat win, I have been starving myself,” explained Andrew, who fended off runners-up Page Fuller and Mon Parrain. “It was important not to get to the front too soon and to time my run just right, as Brackloon High loves to go past other horses,” he added. The novice riders’ race was mostly controlled by Bridge End and Little Chip, however, it was Adrenalin Flight, who powered home first under Matt Fielding to give…

SOUTH EAST HUNTS CLUB, CHARING, SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2m4f open maiden.— 1, J Ridge’s Caryto Des Brosses (S Roche) D Kemp. restricted. — 1, J&T Jackson-Stops’ Summer Sounds (J Jackson-Stops) F Nimmo. men’s open. — 1, C Mews’ Ivy Gate (J Nailor) C Mews. ladies’ open. — 1, C Mew’s Degooch (A Stirling) C Mews. 2m4f conditions (div one). — 1, A Dickins, A Houston, R Drage & D Peters’ Important Moment (D Peters) D Peters. 2m4f conditions (div two). — 1, N Padfield’s Quick Oats (G Andrews) N Padfield. open maiden. — 1, I Gibson’s Indian Chance (S Roche) D Phelan. THE COMBINED SERVICES, LARKHILL, SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY Conditions race for novice riders. — 1, S Mullins’ Adrenlin Flight (M Fielding) S Rawlins. restricted. — 1, Mr&Mrs G Henderson’s…

‘I don’t feel sick now before I ride him. My mouth is no longer dry at the mere mention. I even give him a pat now and then’ DO you ever put the phone down after speaking to a friend and feel a bit sick? Then immediately chastise yourself with the thought, “I’ll never get that 40 minutes back”. Why did I sit there like a muppet as they banged on about this, that, the other, themselves (mostly). Why didn’t I say I had ironing to do, supper to cook, plans to drink Domestos and put my head in the oven? I think these types of friends are what are commonly known as “drains”, sapping your energy and your very soul, if you let them. Any self-help manual will tell…