Innholdsfortegnelse for 17-May-2018 i Horse & Hound

I’M forever in danger of sounding like Carl Hester’s biggest fan — I’m probably up there — but he’s not only one of the greatest riders and trainers ever, but also talks sense (comment, p80). Carl is right, of course, to continue highlighting the issue that rates have wrought on equestrian businesses and the sterling work being done by the British Horse Society (BHS) in an effort to instigate change (news, 15 March). We wanted rate relief for equestrianism and instead are experiencing the opposite. If more businesses become financially unviable, we will be in the very sorry position of losing further equestrian property to redevelopment. Carl raises the concern that additional costs, when passed on to new riders, will price the sport out of reach. This is already the…

THE British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is under pressure to appoint a new World Class performance director ahead of the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in September following the news that Gordon Burton will be leaving at the end of May. In a statement, Mr Burton described the decision to leave as “very difficult” after having developed a new strategic approach to the World Class Programme, but said that while “UK Sport have shown confidence ... through their endorsement of the strategy and increased investment … there are areas that have not been possible to progress as I wished.” Mr Burton joined the BEF from UK Sport last February, taking over the role previously held by Dan Hughes. The BEF has said it will begin the process of recruiting a new performance…

PROTECT yourself by following this advice for buyers: • Be wary of horses being offered for sale below their usual market value, particularly where the seller is looking for a quick sale. • Be cautious if an advert suggests the horse is in the UK but the seller later informs you it is in another country. • Be wary when buying a horse without seeing it. H&H recommends never buying a horse without viewing it in person and having its health checked by an independent vet. • Never pay by bank transfer for goods which will be subject to delivery as the payment cannot be reversed. • Check the country code of the seller’s telephone number. • Report incidents to Action Fraud by calling 0300 1232 040.…

Britain’s Matthew Sampson has won the Hamburg Derby. Matthew clinched the prestigious title riding 12-year-old Thunder Van De Zuuthoeve mare Gloria Van Zuuthoeve. British eventer Nicola Wilson is temporarily out of action after injuring her knee in a fall. She hopes it will heal quickly and still plans to compete at Bramham and Luhmühlen next month. Dutch showjumper Harrie Smolders has secured the number one spot in the world rankings for the first time in his career. He takes over at the top from US rider Kent Farrington. Riding for the Disabled Association president Princess Anne attended the Hope in the Valley group’s 50th-birthday celebrations at Plumpton College on 9 May. Sophie Wells has three exciting new horses to ride. Dime, a 10-year-old mare currently training at grand prix, plus…

THE diversity of work tackled by mounted sections recently include patrolling London streets while community tensions were running high following the death of burglar Henry Vincent, and security checks and reassurance patrols in Windsor ahead of Prince Harry’s wedding. PC Samantha Silk of Thames Valley Police, which is under threat, is co-ordinating the mounted section for the wedding on 19 May. “Our riders will have a great height advantage which will enable them to see into the crowd,” she said.…

HORSE SPORT Overheard in the pub, two fellas waxing lyrical about the great summer of sport to come, what with some sort of world cup, we believe, although a few months late, and some cricket or other. “And the World Equestrian Games,” a rider piped up, to blank looks all round. Muggles, eh? CLARITY Talking of muggles and hostelries, a non-horsey friend gets in touch to say: “I was talking about you in the office, and said you worked at Hare & Hounds… then I remembered that’s the pub I used to drink in.” Make ours a G&T… BADMINTON Overheard among the trade stands: “It’s not so much a horse trials, is it? More a shopping mall.” We think winner Jonelle Price might be among those who disagree with that…

Sir — A couple of weeks ago, Badminton took place in glorious sunshine with record crowds. And on cross-country day, my son and his family spent the day there watching the best horses and riders in the world compete. I, on the other hand, watched it on TV. Like most people, my son saw just one or two horses at each fence so I filled him in on the day’s events. These days, however, most major sporting events like rugby at Twickenham or racing at Cheltenham have big screens to watch what’s happening on parts of the pitch or course you cannot see. Badminton could do the same so that spectators could follow the progress of all the horses and riders. It would make the day so much more enjoyable…

• Make sure your horse is warmed up correctly and listening to you before starting, in order to get the most out of the exercises. • You shouldn’t do these exercises too often. Once the horse has done what is asked of him, give him praise and move on to something new — it’s always best to finish on a good note. • When I’m doing the second stage of the exercise, I aim to ride it as a 50p coin rather than constantly turning on the circle, as this enables the horse to balance himself.…

CHARLES OWEN FIAN Covered in luxurious velvet and trimmed to perfection with a slim tan harness to create a supremely elegant appearance for showing and hunting. From £184 charlesowen.co.uk ABSORBINE SHOWSHEEN Coat-shine, detangler and grooming aid to keep manes and tails tangle-free while provitamins help strengthen and condition. £16.06 absorbine.co.uk CAVALLO FLINT JACKET This fitted show jacket is made from a high-quality wool blend with a comfortable elastic lining. It is also machine-washable. £299 cavallo.info/en FLECK SHOW CANE This pearl bamboo cane is 26 inches long and features a nickel mushroom cap and cap-end to keep the cane in top condition. Available in black or brown. £45 fleck-co.de EQCLUSIVE PACKS OF BRUSHES Designed to clean your horse’s coat from the base, for…

PONY RESULTS Arab, part-bred/Anglo (P Clifford) 148cm.— 1 & ch, HM The Queen’s Whalton Highwayman; 2, H Cannon’s Mosscombe Cheeky Girl; 3, A Aungier’s Stanley Grange Sophisticat. exc 148cm.— 1, L Hall’s High Treason; 2, L Martin’s Fly By Moonlight; 3, I Autay’s Prescoed Solomon. pure-bred (K Nelson).— 1, K Cotgrove’s Vartanii; 2, Y Beauchamp’s Aarragon; 3, A Miller’s Jannade C. coloured ridden (V Seddon, C Owen) plaited, pony.— 1 & res, R Obbard’s Champlers’ Allsorts; 2, V Ward’s Sempers Sapphire; 3, J Crofter-Harris’ Lokie. horse.— 1, J Hindley’s Wards Place Picture Perfect; 2, G Hickford’s Bart; 3, J Nuttall’s Papageno. unplaited pony.— 1 & ch, M Cuerden’s Del Boy; 2, L Matthews’ Braveheart; 3, L Scott’s Rodney Trotter. horse.— 1, F Chadwick’s Greateaves Mysterious Girl; 2, Baileys Horse Feeds’…

11 May: CSI5* Manama speed stakes.— 1, Gentiane De La Pomme (W Vermeir) BEL; 2, Falco Van De Clehoeve (F Mathy jnr) BEL; 3, Ornellaia (J Whitaker) GBR. CSI5* Bahrain Pearl stakes.— 1, Equita Van’t Zorgvliet (D Deusser) GER; 2, Fine Lady 5 (E Lamaze) CAN; 3, Chalou (E Gaudiano) ITA. 12 May: CSI5* Kingdom of Bahrain stakes for the King’s Cup.— 1, Equita Van’t Zorgvliet; 2, Catwalk IV (R Whitaker) GBR; 3, Creedance (K Farrington) USA. CSI5* Falcon stakes.— 1, Rouge De Ravel (G Williams) GBR; 2, Ulysse Des Forets (S Guerdat) SUI; 3, Billy Angelo (W Funnell) GBR. 13 May: CSI5* Palm stakes.— 1, Cimano E (R Smith) GBR; 2, Einstein (E Gaudiano); 3, Vivaldi Des Meneaux (O Robert) FRA.…

• ONE competitor in Wednesday’s Foxhunter has no doubts about the state of her bank balance. When told by a friend before her round to “ride it like you stole it”, her reply was: “That’s what I’d have to do. I certainly couldn’t afford to buy it.” • SHOW director Simon Brooks-Ward knows how to make a girl feel good. After congratulating Laura Renwick on her Wednesday win, he apologised for her image on the poster used to promote Olympia in 2017. “It was airbrushed so much that you looked like Robocop,” he said.…

10 May: CSI2* St George two-phase.— 1, Vilenco (J Davison) GBR; 2, Golia (C Luyckx) RSA; 3, Quick Stepp (Scarlett Charles) GBR. Suregrow Fertiliser Thames speed stakes.— 1, Caristo VDL (T Priest) GBR; 2, Elina (C Luyckx); 3, Mae (N Fauntleroy) USA. 11 May: CSI2* speed stakes.— 1, Chaitanya 2 (Sienna Charles) GBR; 2, Vilenco; 3, Gentleman VD Riethandel (J Halim) GBR. CSI2* Windsor stakes.— 1, Ryanair De Riverland (T Alexander) USA; 2, Yalambi’s Enrique (E Buller) AUS; 3, Tornado Des Monts (T Stockdale) GBR. 12 May: ClipMyHorse CSI2* accumulator.— 1, Quick Stepp; 2, Lord Lucio (T Alexander) USA; 3, Vanda Platinum (E Buller) AUS. 13 May: CSI2* Royal Windsor GP.— 1, Coral Reef Wise Guy (J Davison); 2, Chaitanya 2; 3, Status (A Pessoa) USA.…

Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth, Derbys PIGGY FRENCH gave an exhibition of classy cross-country riding to win the Event Rider Masters (ERM) class at Chatsworth on Jayne McGivern’s Quarrycrest Echo. They were the sole partnership in the four CIC3* sections to make the time of 6min 5sec — and only the sixth to do so since 1999. Piggy took the lead after a clear showjumping round, and swept through the cross-country flags with 2sec in hand. It was a perfectly judged and almost universally smooth performance; the pair negotiated the tricky terrain and turning combinations of Ian Stark’s track with precision and balance. “I sat in the lorry beforehand and said to myself, ‘Come on, try to do something useful!’” she said as she sat on the ERM podium, flanked by…

OI sec B.— 1, Dolley Whisper (F Reid-Warrilow) 27.7,0,0=27.7; 2, Word On The Street (A Pearson) 25.5,0,3.2=28.7; 3, As Is (A Nicholson) 28,0,2.4=30.4. sec F.— 1, Cooley Monsoon (P French) 26.8,0,1.2=28; 2, Uppercourt Cooley (E Baldwin) 25.5,0,3.2=28.7; 3, PSH Lava Flow (L Joynson) 30,0,0=30. sec K.— 1, Pats Jester (T Price) 28.9,0,0.8=29.7; 2, Billy Bumble (C Harris) 30,0,1.2=31.2; 3, Piccola Diavola (S Cutts) 32.5,0,0=32.5. OIu21 sec C.— 1, Quarry Man (L Baugh) 25.5,0,0=25.5; 2, Nankin W (F Sargent) 25.7,0,4.4=30.1; 3, Just Amazing III (F Collins) 31.1,0,0=31.1. sec G.— 1, Darius IV (F Swallow) 21.6,0,1.6=23.2; 2, Rehy DJ (Y Ingham) 25.5,0,0=25.5; 3, Mr Cruise Control (T Hawke) 27.7,0,0.4=28.1. int sec A.— 1, Court Casper (T Jackson) 24.6,0,3.2=27.8; 2, Monbeg Medlar (H Meade) 28.9,0,2=30.9; 3, Highland Patriot (H Rechard) 31.8,0,0=31.8. sec D.—…

THE week before Badminton there were real fears about cancellation due to waterlogging. The ground team did an excellent job preparing the course, and the main arena in particular was outstanding. Some time ago the top layer of spongy park turf in the arena was dug up and the underlying soil removed and replaced with stone, like any all-weather arena foundations, and the turf then laid back on top; it can consequently take any amount of rain. On the Friday evening it looked untouched after two days of dressage, the stallion parade and lunchtime demonstrations. Issuing three removable yellow armbands to each rider was an effective idea. They let you walk on the cross-country course with two others at any one time, cutting down on the number of walks by…

JENNIFER BOWMAN’S Licanto H, second in intermediate section B, was the link to the man she married last month. Licanto was bred by Karl Bowman and his family, by the stallion Licantus, whom he used to showjump, and Jennifer bought him as a three-year-old. Years later, when she was looking for a yard, the Bowmans offered her space. “Licanto was definitely the link between us, and Karl has always helped me with him,” she said. “He’s my best horse, and now Karl is my husband!” “Sadly, Licantus died after a field accident so there aren’t many of his progeny, so Licanto has a great following.”…

BICTON COLLEGE 5 May: prelim 15Q silv.— 1, Nurejev II (S White) 68.8; 2, Pallas Vanquish (S Dix) 67.6. prelim FSM silv.— 1, Hurstpark Tikkaboo (C Phipps-Hewlett) 60. nov 22 brnz.— 1, Castleview Paddy (A Hopwood) 65.68. nov FSM silv.— 1, Stellar Cause (S Johnson) 62.78. elem 40 brnz.— 1, BKS Grand Design (S John) 66.61; 2, Castleview Paddy 66.45; 3, Pallas Vanquish 63.06. elem FSM brnz.— 1, MCS Schubert (C Hall) 66.73. med 61 silv.— 1, Wellshead Foxtrot (S Lanz) 66.38. brnz.— 1, BKS Grand Design 64.31. med FSM silv.— 1, Wellshead Foxtrot 69.33; 2, Max XIII (K Walker) 67.67. adv med 85 brnz.— 1, Donizetti II (V Young) 63.82; 2, Camills Water (D Summerfield) 63.38; 3, Tonka Toy (S Wilson) 63.24. adv med FSM brnz.— 1, Max XIII…

Fairoak Grange, Berks | Sparsholt, Hants | Checkendon, Oxon The pair claimed a win in the novice qualifier and a close second in the other novice class. Helsinki was bought in Holland and is by Westpoint x Montecristo. “I’ve had him two years but I didn’t want to take him out competitively until I was sure he was confident in himself,” said Carol, a professor in the food and nutritional sciences research division of Reading University. “He is aimed at the top end [of competition] for the long term, so I’m not anxious to push him,” she explained. H&H columnist and European para gold medallist Suzanna Hext was reclassified from grade III to grade II earlier this year, and is now getting into the swing of the new level with…

HICKSTEAD 5 May: prelim 15Q gold (T Russell-Hayes).— 1, There’s Something About Mary (L Durrant) 68.2. silv.— 1, Bower Jaffa Man (J Taylor) 69.42; Lucy Kildare (E Bishop) 65.2; 3, Ballingaddy Prince (D Harris) 65. brnz.— 1, Achak-Zan-Amour (A Verrall) 65.82; Hillgarth King Flyer (N Gurden) 63.4. prelim 19Q silv (J Kendall).— 1, White Nite (E Storm) 69.58; 2, Kilnamona Douglas (S Hayter-Sharpe) 68.33; 3, Lucy Kildare (E Bishop) 67.29. brnz.— 1, Achak-Zan-Amour 68.13; 2, Hillgarth King Flyer 65.42. nov 23 gold (T Russell-Hayes).— 1, Keystone Debonaire (D Grinyer) 69.58. silv.— 1, Lucky Turn (S Hayter-Sharpe) 70.42; 2, Diamond Crusador 61.67. brnz.— 1, Crocket (S Wallia) 69.17; 2, Big Bertie (T Standing) 68.96; 3, Romany II (N Batchelor) 67.29. nov 37A gold (J Kendall).— 1, Bassimo (K Mackin) 72.22; 2,…

ISLA FOLEY’S Sandro Hit x Rubinstein 11-year-old Houdini made a welcome return to competition after injuring himself in the stable to head an advanced medium. “He’s well named and always up to something. We think he got his leg caught in the haynet and flipped over on to the concrete,” said Isla. Box rest and anti-inflammatory treatment did not sort the problem, and he was referred to Clyde Veterinary Group for X-rays. “The vets said he may not come sound if I couldn’t get his pelvis straight. I used physiotherapist Lynda Sharp and chiropractor Tricia Rham who both knew him well,” said Isla. “When I first got back on him he felt like a wobbly three-year-old. I gradually built up his ridden work and hill work. On Sunday he felt…

OUR monarch rarely appears happier than when surrounded by her horses and Royal Windsor Horse Show gave her many reasons to smile last week. The Queen mingled with the knowledgeable crowds, enjoying equestrian competition of the highest level in her back garden. The show got off to a great start under the eye of its royal host when Whalton Highwayman stood champion in the part-bred and anglo-Arab championship ridden by 15-year-old Kinvara Garner on the first day. The Queen’s homebred stallion Balmoral Mandarin (pictured) then took the red rosette in the Highland in-hand section, before standing reserve breed champion with his producer Lizzie Briant. The impressive grey went on to finish third in the Olympia large breeds class ridden by Mathew Lawrence the following day. More success came in the…

QUICKLOOK V The event horse, ridden by Gemma Tattersall, did not compete in the Chatsworth Event Rider Masters (12-13 May) as planned, due to a “tiny injury”. She is hoped to make a return to competition later in the season. ENABLE The 2017 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe victor, who won six of her seven 2017 starts, is out of action until August at the earliest. The star filly has “some filling in her knee”, according to a statement on her setback. KEYSTONE DIAZ Emma Blundell’s inter II mare has been retired following a long and successful ridden career. Emma, managing director of Mount St John Equestrian, said the 16-year-old will be put in foal. FIRTH OF LORNE German showjumper Marcus Ehning will now ride the 14-year-old stallion. The chestnut…

THE Pony Club has introduced changes to its training system to help cater for non-riders. Individuals now have the option to take the popular C test in two separate halves; riding and horse and pony care. This decision has been taken following requests for a pathway for those members who want to continue to take tests but do not wish to, or are unable to, fulfil the ridden requirements. “It gives the non-riding member a realistic and achievable goal to work towards,” a Pony Club spokesman told H&H. “There are many children now at centres where the ponies are not all necessarily able to jump to the required standard. “It gives branches a plan to work at during the winter when access to surfaces is limited. This winter/spring the weather…

DEREK CHRISTOPHER THE founder of Upperwood Farm Stud, Mr Christopher died peacefully at home on 2 May aged 88 after suffering from cancer. Mr Christopher ran a yard and riding school with his wife Joyce in Harpenden, Herts, during the 1960s. They moved to the Gaddesden Estate in the 1970s, where they founded Upperwood Farm Stud. The former police officer also founded the Gaddesden Estate permit ride, where members of the public can enjoy hacking, a grass gallop and cross-country fences in the grounds. “He was the greatest friend to all of us at the Gaddesden Estate and a part of the team for almost 40 years, including 20 years’ involvement after his ‘retirement’,” said a tribute from the estate. Mr Christopher also played a major part in the running…

FED up of boring bed socks or sloppy slippers? A pair of horse lovers from Estonia have created the perfect treat for your tootsies after a long day at the yard. Their handmade horse slippers are impressively realistic, complete with flowing forelocks and headcollars. Created by Ene Tornberg and Elena Malinovskaja of Marienwool, the shoes are handmade from high-quality sheep’s wool with leather soles. “We are always trying to come up with something new and creative,” they told H&H. “We always dreamt of having our own horses but, sadly, that never came to reality, so we decided to make our own. Every pair is handmade and unique.” A pair costs between €76-92 plus shipping. • Etsy.com/shop/MarienWool…

‘Running a circus isn’t easy at the best of times, but I want to focus on living with cancer, not for my life to be about a fight’ Giffords Circus is a travelling vintage circus I set up with my husband Toti in 2000. I sort out teams, find artists and design shows as well as doing the publicity, health and safety and so on. I also perform; I ride a Spanish horse Diamond, who belongs to circus expert Dany Cesar. I have a great coach, dressage rider Lotte Seal, but I wouldn’t say I’m the best rider — I love heading up the show. I started working in circuses on my gap year. My mother had had a bad fall out hunting, suffering brain damage. I needed something to…

Hunters novice (W Moran, J Hubbard) l’wt.— 1 & res, L Leeman’s Kellythorpes Obsession; 2, C Davies’ Glenkeeran Dance In The Dark; 3, Hood’s Springpond On The Razzle. h’wt.— 1 & ch, V Ward & G Lovick’s Isle Bright; 2, V Ramm’s Lucky Jack; 3, J Marsden’s Twinshock Warrior. 4yo (M Maryan, K Sears).— 1, J Day’s Northern Pride; 2, H McCloy’s KBF Knockmore; 3, B Beercosk’s Loughmelvyn Buach. open ridden, h’wt.— 1, Mr & Mrs Cornthwaite’s Bowland Lucky Slipper; 2, D Harrod’s Bloomfield Excelsior; 3, G Parr’s redemption Ground. m’wt.— 1 & res, T Deja’s Mossy; 2, S Neachell’s Chasing Rainbows; 3, L Freedman’s Big Ben. l’wt.— 1, ch & sup, J Day’s View Point; 2, K Campbell’s Temple Ogue; 3, P Duncan’s Ducketts Grove. Rosettes Direct sml (J…

INDIA TILL gained a very special late 11th birthday present when the ever-exquisite 128cm show pony Rotherwood Rainmaker shrugged off persistent rain to give her a first Royal Windsor show pony win and title. Despite this being only their second outing of the season, the Katy Carter-produced pair owned the Castle Arena in the finale, prompting co-judge D Price Jones to comment: “We were looking for a quality pony that would take a child safely and prettily. This one does exactly that.” Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) reserve in 2015 and a previous show pony champion here with Poppy Carter, “Rupert” — also 11 — has taken India into top-flight showing. “He’s made India’s dreams come true like he did mine,” said Poppy. “He truly is amazing and India…

JUDGING conformation in the amateur cob, hack and riding horse classes was a pleasure. Amateur riders form the vital grassroots of our sport and must be looked after. As judges, we must be kind, without lowering our standards or expectations. We must also be constructive in any criticism. I’m the first person to say if I think a horse is in good condition — and the first one to say if I think an animal is too fat. As I told one rider whose horse was on the verge of being overweight: “One day you will be up against a competitor on an equally nice but slimmer and fitter horse, and you’ll lose out.” I believe that if we think horses are fat, we should keep putting them down the…

“I heard how good the show was so I brought my best horse Bianca for the grand prix,” said the Swiss rider. “I like it when you walk into a show and see horse-friendly people wherever you go — kids, ponies and people who are there for horses and the sport, whether it’s showjumping, hunting or whatever — they are there for the sport and that’s what you need. They are in the stands following the action, whereas at many shows these days they’re looking at what they have on their plate, doing business and at prize-giving they’ll maybe ask, ‘Oh who won the class?’ “I was very worried a few years ago about the future of the sport but I’m feeling more positive now. Thanks to Rolex — they…

I’M really pleased to have been back at Windsor in such lovely weather. There’s no better place for jumping horses from novices to international standard. However, the show is incredibly popular and I feel sorry for the British producers and breeders who couldn’t get into the national classes due to a ballot system for entries the show operated this year. You can’t please everyone and I’m sure the organisers did their best, but many people did end up disappointed. However, it’s not just national riders who missed out. I have a horse jumping at top level with Irishman Billy Twomey and I would have loved to have done the whole international-owner thing and watched him in the five-star classes. Sadly, Billy wasn’t high enough on the current FEI ranking list…

9 May: Equitop Myoplast Foxhunter.— 1, Arkuga (L Renwick); 2, Filundia (C White); , Fine Fleur (N Wilson). Land Rover A&B.— 1, Z7 Qamar (G Tame); 2, Harlequin Dunraven (K Doyle); 3, Aramis (B Thomas). Walwyn nov ch.— 1, Hadyvola (R Willis); 2, Hillery (C Neilson-Hansen); 3, Billy Jackson (S Fawcett). B&C.— 1, Troo Contest (S Edwards); 2, Diamants Aurora (T Priest); 3, Fairway (A Ellery). 10 May: Land Rover B&C.— 1, Eracantos (B Maher); 2, Z7 Diamond (G Tame); 3, Diamants Aurora. 6yo.— 1, Hot Bluebird (W Rekert); 2, Mendocino RF (M James); 3, How’s My Name (A Bradstock).…

Royal Windsor CDI4*, Berks CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN and rising star Mount St John Freestyle dazzled the judges to claim freestyle victory and their second Windsor title in as many days. The pair burst into the arena to music from How To Train Your Dragon — originally arranged for Valegro — to perform a confident test and score 81.21%. Emma Blundell’s expressive mare, who won even more hearts during the prize-giving as she “waved” to the crowds with a foreleg during the national anthem, had her ears pricked throughout and appeared to relish the atmosphere. Nine-year-old Freestyle, who was bred in Holland by Stephan Kurz, is very new to this level, but bar one small mistake where she broke to walk in the final piaffe pirouette — for which Charlotte blames herself…

THE plummeting completion rate in the CEI2* 120km, with only 26% successful finishers (down from 35% last year and 56% in 2016) left riders scratching their heads in puzzlement. Although the flat-looking course can be deceptive with hidden upward pulls, the going was good and weather and speeds were similar to previous years. But some competitors reported that gusts of wind made the awning under which the vetting took place emit an odd “woop” noise, which spiked some horse’s heart rates.…

STARK’S OUT AGAIN CIC3* and advanced course-designer Ian Stark (pictured, above) pulled his competitive boots back on after a four-year absence to ride the Duchess of Devonshire’s home-bred Chatsworth Diamond in the 100cm arena eventing class. “I thought it looked quite big and there were even ‘skinnies’ in it!” said Ian. GOING WORK GIVEN the unceasingly wet spring, course-builder David Evans’ team have worked exceptionally hard on the footing at Chatsworth. “We have four groups of people — aside from the fence repair teams — who just work on the ground all day during the competition,” said David. “New springs have popped up in the park, so we put six or seven stone pads down when preparing for the event. They have a membrane underneath, then a layer of clean…

LIZZIE BAUGH, 21, and the Ars Vivendi son Quarry Man have enjoyed consistent results and were victors in open intermediate under-21 section C. The pair represented Great Britain as individuals at last summer’s young rider European Championships, where they finished ninth, and they returned to Aston-le-Walls to retain the under-21 title they won at the same event 12 months ago. “We got him from Vere Phillipps and I’ve ridden him for five years. I started at BE90 with him, so I really know him inside out,” said Lizzie, who is studying equine sport science at Nottingham Trent University. “He’s so consistent across each phase and level-headed; he comes out each time and does it — I can really depend on him.”…

CIC2*.— 1, Monkeying Around (I Taylor) 23.8,0,0=23.8; 2, Top Biats (H Payne) 24.3,0,0=24.3; 3, Kasseedorf (S Ecroyd) 24.8,0,0=24.8. CIC*.— 1, Rapunzel (A Baumgart) 23.5,0,2.4=25.9; 2, Licanto H (J Bowman) 28,0,0=28; 3, Goteus S (H Harding) 28.8,0,0=28.8, OI.— 1, Prince Mayo (M Wright) 28.2,0,0=28.2; 2, Shadow Man II (B Hobday) 29.1,0,0=29.1; 3, Quaikin Qurious (J Stokes) 35,0,0=35. ON.— 1, Gloutane Lord Lincoln (R Brickell) 27.8,0,0=27.8; 2, Devonair S H (C Wishart) 29.3,0,0=29.3; 3, Mile High (E Parker) 28.5,0,1.6=30.1. ONu18.— 1, Ericantos VDB (S Abel) 17,4,0=21; 2, Lissyegan Mikie Lou (L McLean) 30.8,0,0=30.8; 3, Bridgepark Cottage Lady (D Cross) 27.8,4,0=31.8. nov sec D.— 1, Pauldarys Dun And Only (R Edge) 23.8,4,0.8=28.6; 2, Milchem Eclipse (J Rushbrooke) 33,0,0=33; 3, Cooley Offshore (E Parker) 37,0,0=37. sec J.— 1, Monbeg Maximus (M Wright) 28.8,0,0.4=29.2; 2,…

OI.— 1, Moonlight Dance S (W Newton) 27.3,0,0=27.3; 2, Diabolique (T Viklund) 23.2,0,11.2=34.4; 3, Diamond Sundance (R Onslow) 33,0,1.6=34.6. int sec A.— 1, Kilwaughter Blade (C Whittle) 31.4,0,0=31.4; 2, Cannavaro (B Upton) 29.6,0,2=31.6; 3, Fernhill Playboy (E Woodhead) 33,0,4.4=37.4. int sec B.— 1, Skip Mill (C Whittle) 33,0,1.2=34.2; 2, Licanto H (J Bowman) 24.8,8,2.8=35.6; 3, Kellen (B Leahy) 27.5,0,8.4=35.9. ON.— 1, Cupido IV (J Powell) 23.5,0,0=23.5; 2, In The Darco (S Kullich) 25.8,0,0=25.8; 3, Painted Moon II (A Carthy) 31.3,0,0=31.3. nov sec D.— 1, Harieko DHI (H Woodhead) 29.8,0,0=29.8; 2, Hilton Cooley (K Lindsay) 30.5,0,0=30.5; 3, Tomon (L Riley) 28.8,0,4.4=33.2. sec E.— 1, Kroon Freddie (S Jimmison) 27.3,0,0=27.3; 2, Elbandani (L Sugden) 32.8,0,0=32.8; 3, Watsisname (E Mercer) 31,0,3.6=34.6. sec J.— 1, Movie Star II (C Gill) 29.8,0,1.6=31.4; 2, Cassios Princess…

BROADWAY (1) IN.— 1, Ciaos (A Pearson) 36.1,0,1.6=37.7; 2, Killycloghan Classic Melody (C Billson) 38.6,0,4=42.6; 3, Fly Me To The Moon (B Gage) 42.1,0,4=46.1. ON.— 1, Lougherne Luke At Me (V Panizzon) 25,0,0=25; 2, Sarro Bridge (J Wilcox) 31.3,4,0=35.3; 3, September Song (G Rockingham) 30,0,6=36. nov sec G.— 1, JTH Zest (C Henriksen) 26.8,4,0.4=31.2; 2, Garryduff Chacoa (C Pearson) 28.8,0,2.8=31.6; 3, Benvenuto Hattricks Hotsocks (C Pearson) 28.8,0,3.2=32. sec N.— 1, In Disguise II (M Penfound) 28,4,0.8=32.8; 2, Party Trick (N Gauntlett) 26.5,4,5.2=35.7; 3, Hon Fleur (C Harris) 35,4,0.8=39.8. sec O.— 1, NPS Elegance (K Arnold) 25.5,0,8=33.5; 2, VIP Vino (W Rawlin) 32,0,4.8=36.8; 3, Gaillard Lancer (N Spratt) 28.3,0,9.6=37.9. BE100open.— 1, Suspicion (P Marot) 26,0,0=26; 2, V Max (R White) 26.8,0,0=26.8; 3, The Minstral Boy (P O’Brien) 28.3,0,2.4=30.7. BE100Ou18 sec L.—…

SHEEPGATE 4 May: med 69 gold (A Darken, C Elvin).— 1, Noble Savage (N Jennings) 68.18. silv.— 1, Westhills Jelly Bean (A Brailsford) 67.88; 2, Chantal II (M Firth) 67.27; 3, Chatsworth Chieftain (A Elliott) 66.67. brnz.— 1, Nibeley Fascination (Y van der Veen) 67.12; 2, Blakehill Dancer (J Robinson) 65.3; 3, Fleur VI (E Warr) 64.24. adv med 85 silv (K Ratcliffe, P Crafts).— 1, Westhills Jelly Bean 65.59; 2, Wilfret (A Gibbs) 65.29; 3, Unegro (S Tucker) 62.87. brnz.— 1, Chatsworth Chieftain 67.13; 2, Nibeley Fascination 61.32.; 3, Tango X (F White) 59.85. PYO adv-GP silv (S Cooper, K Ratcliffe).— 1, Bodelicious (N Jennings) inter I 66.78; 2, Blue Hors Diva (G Maclean) PSG 62.57; 3, Feiner Pino (L Clark) GP 57.15. brnz.— 1, Prima Courcheval (B Lynn)…

Quainton Stud, Bucks | Vale View EC, Leics Sarah Bowker headed a prelim at Vale View riding her own warmblood/cob mare Helenic Sunrise. Sarah suffered spinal injuries in a team chasing accident in 2003. She now walks with crutches and has to have spinal injections every three months. She bought her now eight-year-old coloured mare as a yearling seven years ago. “I couldn’t afford a ready-made horse, so I’ve done it all myself,” said Sarah, who trains with Jane Ellis. “I thought I’d have a go at able-bodied competition and couldn’t believe it when we won. “I’d love to do some para dressage one day,” she added. Emma Thomas-Olsen and her home-bred gelding Dante IX landed a double elementary win, one with 74.03% (the highest of the day), at Quainton…

Reaseheath College, Cheshire | Field House EC, Staffs Elaine rode her Longdean Westminster x Rubinstein gelding Westhills Wrainman, a horse she has had for three years, having bought him from his breeders. “I did an Area Festival last June and then completely lost my mojo,” explained Elaine, who was won over by the horse’s movement and temperament when she went to try him. “About a month ago I decided it was now or never, so I entered a couple of prelims and really enjoyed myself. This was our second outing at novice level and we’ve now got our Area Festival sheets for this year, so it’s onwards and upwards.” Patsy Bartram won both the novice and novice freestyle with her five-year-old Greenacres Cadiz. The gelding is jumping-bred by Cador and…

CABIN EC 5-6 May: prelim 2Q gold.— 1, In The Mood (C Hamilton) 63.45. silv.— 1, Lancelot IX (A Rhind) 71.72; 2, Victor Flash (F Quennell) 65.86; 3, Terrano Anwen (K Dunning) 62.93. prelim 17AQ gold.— 1, In The Mood 65.17. silv.— 1, Victor Flash 69.14; 2, Lancelot IX 67.41; 3, Terrano Anwen 61.21. nov 24 silv.— 1, San Summer Hit (A Townsley) 61.74. brnz.— 1, Golden Boy II (J Wattie) 66.52; 2, Oakley (A Reilly) 66.09; 3, Sunside Clarissa (F Menzies) 64.57. nov 37A Q silv.— 1, Brodie Of Drumgarioch (L Corsie) 67.22; 2, Corianus (E Taylor) 66.67; 3, San Summer Hit 61.3. brnz.— 1, Oakley 72.04; 2, Sunside Clarissa 65.56; 3, Apache Flash (F Quenell) 59.26. elem 42 silv.— 1, High Fashion MFS (A Pullem) 69.84; 2, New…

HUNTERS EQUESTRIAN 27 Apr: prelim 13Q gold (J Surr).— 1, Berwode Bollinger (K Lockyer) 63.46. silv.— 1, Amber Rose (J Scott) 67.69. brnz.— 1, Cassidy’s Finbar (J Cassidy) 67.3; 2, Bumbling Bertie (L Sandford) 66.34; 3, Nantllesg Aled (M Howell) 59.23. prelim 15Q gold (C Hogg).— 1, Sheepcote Jackson (E Lovell) 74.6; 2, Berwode Bollinger 63.8. silv.— 1, Singin In The Rain (C Cameron) 66.6; 2, Amber Rose 62.4. brnz.— 1, Bumbling Bertie 67.6; 2, Cassidy’s Finbar 64.2. nov 27 gold (J Surr).— 1, Fenix (L Seal) 78.03; 2, Woodcroft Sylvester (C McDowall) 72.14; 3, Monarch’s Magic (E Corbett) 69.14. silv.— 1, Eevil (A Aspinall) 74.28; 2, Cherrywood Sim (H Wallington) 69.5. brnz.— 1, Sir Nunn Loughehoe Diamond (R Pratt) 67.32. nov 38Q gold (C Hogg).— 1, Woodcroft Sylvester 69.67;…

CALLING ALL SHOW SECRETARIES H&H’s summer show guide, incorporating our second show directory of the year with event dates from July onwards, goes on sale 5 July. To have your show, event or clinic included free of charge, send the date of your event, venue name, town, county, secretary’s telephone number and details of the disciplines running — stating whether they are affiliated or not — to: Hannah Lemieux, Horse & Hound, Pinehurst 2, Pinehurst Road, Farnborough Business Park, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 7BF or email hhshowlistings@timeinc.com. Alternatively, upload your event to Equo at equoevents.co.uk. The closing date for submissions is Friday, 1 June at 5pm. GRIFFIN NUUMED GRANTED REPRIEVE FEARS the end had come for popular British saddle pad manufacturer Griffin NuuMed have been quashed with the news the company…

FASHION Good old Victoria Beckham, aka Posh Spice, who shared a picture online of herself riding. Has anyone ever before in the history of the world looked good in a silkless skull cap? Because VB managed it. Well, almost. Hats off to you, Mrs B (not literally of course, Ed.). BUSINESS On another picture of Mrs B riding with daughter Harper, among comments such as: “Horsening (sic) is a good way to relax,” one astute entrepreneur could be seen suggesting that Harper might like an arena to ride in at the Beckhams’ country house, and giving her company name. He who dares… AWAY CRUISING Harry Meade’s Badminton ride was asked to sign for a parcel — a wicker hamper full of carrots, along with a card congratulating him on his…

ANNA’S anxiety is at fever pitch. Princess, her precious, nervy event horse, has done a tendon and is on box rest for the foreseeable future. After 24 hours of Princess box-walking, rearing up and yelling her head off when any horse goes past her stable, Anna buys her local feed merchant out of horse licks, balls that trickle out pony nuts when pushed about and any other distraction she can find. She hangs apples from the stable beam. Nothing has any effect. Princess is not off her food, snatching mouthfuls of hay angrily as she passes her net on her millionth circuit of her box, but Anna is and she can’t sleep a wink. She can’t bear this for four months. Then a wise friend of hers recommends she buy…

‘This great day out promises to deliver in so many ways’ THIS issue we have teamed up with Bolesworth International, one of the highlights of the summer show calendar to offer 20 lucky winners and a friend or partner the chance to enjoy this exciting equestrian feast complete with plenty of family fun thrown in throughout the day on Saturday, 16 June. The five-day show combines top-level dressage and showjumping competitions with great shopping and fun family entertainment. This great day out promises to deliver in so many ways. You can be confident you’ll catch leading international riders, witness top class competition and see many spectacular performances. On the Saturday, watch the excitement unfold during the CSI4* international, held in the magnificent main arena complete with its very own moat.…

PLANNING a long journey? Follow this six-point plan: 1 Monitor your horse’s health prior to travelling. If his rectal temperature is raised or he shows other signs of being off-colour, don’t go. 2 Optimise air quality by opening vehicle vents and windows during transit, but avoid causing a ferocious draught that dries out his eyes. Allow him room to stretch and lower his neck while travelling. 3 Let him graze or feed from the floor before and after the journey — and during to promote airway clearance. 4 Break the trip every two to four hours. Some horses will not eat, drink or pee while on board, but only unload them if it is safe to do so. Appreciate that a horse will require a rest after a long journey…

ANY Horse & Hound reader knows that with horses, anything can go wrong, however well the plans are laid. At Prince Andrew’s wedding, one of the horses, Bugle Boy, suffered a heart attack and died during the procession. Extraordinarily, five weeks earlier at Trooping the Colour, The Queen had spotted the 25-year-old horse had a slight gait abnormality, and presciently asked his rider, Colonel Clavering, if the horse had a heart problem. At Prince William’s wedding, one poor soldier was thrown from his horse when he slipped going round Parliament Square. He clung on for a while, but eventually the horse broke free, overtook the newlyweds’ carriage and bolted. Warrant Officer Mark Quickfall, senior cavalry officer on this weekend’s escort, says he has “no concerns”. “We’ve seen the worst that…

Royal Windsor, Berks JILL DAY’S reigning Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Great Yorkshire champion View Point came to Royal Windsor as the “form” hunter, but even rider Robert Walker could not have predicted that he would end up standing supreme ridden champion in front of The Queen. Speaking before the class, Carl Hester — who judged the supreme with Charlotte Dujardin — said: “We will be looking for an animal correct of type for its job, that looks easy to ride, moves effortlessly in self-carriage and performs equally well on grass as it does on a surface.” A total of 16 champions were forward, but only the joyous bay, described by Robert as “one of the greatest show horses I’ve ever sat on,” ticked every box. “Going into…

ROLEX GRAND PRIX 1 STEVE GUERDAT (SUI) & BIANCA 2 LAURA KRAUT (USA) & CATWALK 22 3 EMANUELE GAUDIANO (ITA) & CASPAR 232 CHI Royal Windsor CSI5*, Berks SWITZERLAND’S Steve Guerdat must feel like an honorary Brit. The last time he jumped at a major outdoor show in Britain, he became individual Olympic champion and the only other time he visited Windsor, he won team gold at the European Championships. On the final day here, he and Bianca produced a consummate winning performance in the Rolex grand prix. There are some classes where everyone feels privileged to have been there. This was one of them. With packed stands and some of the world’s best horses and riders tackling a perfect course from Bob Ellis, the stage was set for a…

JUST three months after breaking his tibia and fibula in a horror fall in Florida, US rider Kent Farrington made his competition comeback at Windsor after a rigorous recovery mission. “I’m fully bionic now,” said Kent, having had rods fitted in his leg. “I’m excited just to be back riding at all.” The former world number one described the long recovery process. “You have to learn to walk again. Mentally, it’s very taxing. But I had a good team of people around me,” said Kent, 37, who won the past two runnings of the Rolex grand prix at Royal Windsor but finished with four faults this year on Creedance. “In the beginning it’s more frustration and pain. But from the start I was determined to move, so straight after the…

THE Walwyn novice championship is one of the oldest and most prestigious classes for young horses, and Rowan Willis proved just how important it is to riders by flying back from the USA to take the title. The Australian rider, who has been based in Britain for the past 19 years, has been recently enjoying great success in America and has high hopes for Hadyvola. This mare was bought in the Netherlands from Alan Waldman by Turkish owner Filip Amram last October, and stayed in Britain with Rowan’s friends Mark Dorgan and Sally Goding when he went to America. “Filip’s had horses with me for five years, but this is the first youngster he’s owned,” said Rowan. “Mark and Sally have done an incredible job and she’ll go back to…

YOUNG British talent came to the fore in Sunday’s grand prix. Joe Davison and Sienna Charles had already both won a class before reaching the jump-off of this flagship class, where they stamped their authority by taking the top two placings. A tight time put the pressure on riders in the first round and just four managed to avoid time-faults and leave all the fences up. There were some incredibly near misses, though, and Tim Stockdale (Tornado Des Monts), South Africa’s Charles Luyckx (Elina) and American rider Noel Fauntleroy (Mae) had to settle for lower placings with one fault apiece. Joe won from the front. Coral Reef Wise Guy isn’t very big, but he is all heart and never stopped galloping to set what looked a good target. Fifteen-year-old Sienna…

CIC3* ERM.— 1, Quarrycrest Echo (P French) 27.3,0,0=27.3; 2, Horseware Stellor Rebound (S Ennis) 29.1,1,2=32.1; 3, Call Me Maggie May (I Taylor) 30,0,4.8=34.8. CIC3* sec B.— 1, Rioghan Rua (C Daniels) 31.7,0,5.6=37.3; 2, Billy Walk On (P Funnell) 28.7,0,12.4=41.1; 3, Bulano (K Bleloch) 32.4,0,8.8=41.2. sec C.— 1, Sammy Davis Junior (C Daniels) 31.4,4,2.8=38.2; 2, Eisfee (D Doel) 30.5,0,9.6=40.1; 3, Vendredi Biats (K King) 27.8,0,12.8=40.6. sec D.— 1, Ulises (O Townend) 36.9,0,0.4=37.3; 2, Grovine De Reve (D Jocelyn) NZL 32.7,0,12=44.7; 3, Lucky Contender (A O’Connor) 36.2,0,9.2=45.4. adv.— 1, Gredington Mailthyme (A Duffort) 34.5,0,0=34.5; 2, Class Affair (T McEwen) 33.4,0,6.4=39.8; 3, Samuel Thomas II (E Power) 36.4,4,0=40.4. CIC* sec E.— 1, Highdown March (P French) 27.5,0,0=27; 2, Feroza Nieuwmoed (R Kitajima) 27.6,0,0=27.6; 3, Braveheart B (T McEwen) 28.1,0,0=28.1. sec F.— 1, Augusta…

AFTER experiencing a heavy horse fall across country during their first four-star together at Pau in October, Franky Reid-Warrilow and Dolley Whisper put all ghosts to bed with a confidence-boosting victory in intermediate section B. Due to the adverse weather this spring, it was the 15-year-old mare’s first completion this season (having been withdrawn after cross-country at Kelsall) and she is being prepped for another stab at a four-star at Luhmühlen in June. “Pau was our last run of the 2017 season, so it was nice to get a win under our belt and put that all behind us,” said Franky, who has ridden the daughter of Norway for the 12 years. “I ripped ligaments in my ankle and took about four months to recover completely.” They finished one second…

THE challenging spring weather set back the preparations on the course, but the new changes were welcomed. The water complex was the most influential fence. A log into water was followed by a leaping salmon in the water, in reference to the River Tweed only a stone’s throw away, with a brush corner on the exit. Five riders collected 20 penalties at this complex and there were two eliminations or retirements across the CIC2* and open intermediate sections.…

ONu18.— 1, Bridgepark Cottage Lady (D Cross) 33.8,0,2=35.8; 2, Commanchero (D Cross) 32.8,4,0=36.8; 3, The Face Of Rome (E Webster) 31,4,10.8=45.8. nov.— 1, Greystone Rising Star (W Oakden) 30.8,0,0=30.8; 2, Flipinlucky (W Oakden) 33.3,4,2.8=40.1; 3, Omard Ala (I Mackenzie) 32.3,4,8=44.3. BE100Ou18.— 1, Casper Z (E Macauley) 27.8,0,0=27.8; 2, Shannondale Flight (B Walker) 28.3,0,0=28.3; 3, Go H Alainn (R Farnsworth) 37,0,0=37. BE100 sec D.— 1, Sahara Blue (A Callander) 28.3,0,3.2=31.5; 2, May Day III (E-J Costelloe) 32,0,0=32; 3, Gambler A (R Pindar) 29.8,0,3.2=33. sec E.— 1, Vistimar (K Mclaren) 28.5,0,3.6=32.1; 2, Cartown Xanthos (S Dudgeon) 34.8,0,0=34.8; 3, SDF Loriot (K Smith) 35.3,0,0=35.3. BE90 sec A.— 1, Ferro Star (G Burns) 23,0,2.4=25.4; 2, Rinceoir Alainn (L Macey) 30.3,0,0=30.3; 3, First To Come ML (J Sloss) 31.5,0,0=31.5. sec B.— 1, Strike It Lucky…

CIC*.— 1, Superjean (A Gilson) BEL 31.1,0,0=31.1; 2, Master Ping (R Coney) GBR 32,0,0=32; 3, Vrinka’s JRA (A Negishi) JPN 32.1,0,0=32.1; 5, Drumconnick Cavalier (R Coney) 30.8,0,3=33.8. CCI*.— 1, Asha P (I Klimke) GER 24.8,0,0=24.8; 2, Gioia (C Loiseau) 25.2,0,4=29.2; 3, Dalakhani Du Routy (J Singh) 29.5,0,0=29.5; 5, Playtime (S Hargreaves) GBR 29.7,0,0=29.7; 6, Carrigsean Tigerseye (H Coy) GBR 31,0,0=31; 7, Jana De Cavaignac 47 24 (Z Lye) GBR 31.1,0,0=31.1; 9, Royal Fury (H Coy) 32.5,0,0=32.5; 15, Discovery (A Davies-Cooke) GBR 35.1,0,0=35.1; 16, Fernhill First Friend (L Paske) GBR 31.4,0,4=35.4; 18, Altaskin Merlin (C Warde-Aldam) GBR 31.6,0,4=35.6; 22, Major Diamond Flight (W Clayton) GBR 32.5,0,4=36.5. CIC2*. — 1, D.V.8 (J Verwimp) BEL 26.6,0,0.8=27.4; 2, Totem De Brecey (C Six) FRA 29.6,0,0=29.6; 3, Aisprit De La Loge (G Le Coz) FRA…

11 May: nat 5yo (A Prain, E Theilgaard).— 1, Washington DC (M Mills) 80.6; 2, Bode Miller (S Rogers) 78; 3, Icila (H White) 77.6. nat 6yo (H Harvey, E Theilgaard).— 1, His Highness (A Jenkins) 74.4; 2, Faszination I (D Thickett) 74; 3, Crime Suspect (T Polson) 73.6. int 5yo (A Prain, E Theilgaard).— 1, Washington DC 81.4; 2, Icila 79.6; 3, Swanmore Wynter (J Palmer) 79.2. int 6yo (J Harvey, E Theilgaard).— 1, Dance On Top (S Hardwick) 74; 2, Lucky Times (A Young) 72.5; 3, Franziskus (E Bird) 69. PSG Q (P Bushell, L Hoad, J Gillett).— 1, Fallatijn Van Kairos (L Tomlinson) 70.92; 2, Bohingus W (S Williams) 68.82; 3, Keystone Disaronno (L Baber-Davies) 68.73. inter I Q (D Wardle, F Scott, C Ballantyne).— 1, Half…

SOLIHULL EC 3 May: adv med 85 gold (C Thornton).— 1, Florestan Valentino (C Whitworth) 68.24; 2, Show Fox (D Greenwood) 67.94. brnz.— 1, Daisynski (S Lee) 58.38. adv med 98Q gold.— 1, Show Fox 68.03. silv.— 1, Whatapallaver (M Gardner) 64.74; 2, Wold Koning (K Lainsbury) 63.42. adv 105.— 1, Kountvonkutie (M Marling) 61.39. FEI PSG Q gold.— 1, Dramatic Conquest (K Cowell) 69.74; 2, Exige M (D Greenwood) 68.42. silv.— 1, Whatapallaver 59.47. brnz.— 1, Cupido NU (S Colley) 59.87.…

AMELIA WARD’S one time pony eventing team hope, Revue Star, has had a protracted holiday due to a suspensory injury, but here won the elementary 49 bronze section on plus-69%. Amelia, now 19, explained: “We’d had difficulty forming a partnership anyway. She’s always been seriously spooky and I found that she’s partially sighted in one eye. She reacts to changes in light or colour and, on windy days, when shadows move, I don’t bother to ride her. “In our first test at Merrist indoors there was a tiny patch of sunshine on the floor and everything unravelled. When I reassured her, she took the mickey. “I thought, ‘I won’t be able to ride the elementary 49 if she’s like this, it’s too technical’, so when she went in again and…

Dumfries Dressage, Dumfries | SNEC, West Lothian | Cabin EC, Aberdeen Rose Foley, 12, and her 13hh gelding Westerby Mister Stardust led a novice and two elementary bronze at Dumfries Dressage. “We bought him as a three-year-old and Rose has backed and produced him herself,” said Rose’s mother Isla, who also won an advanced medium, with Houdini. “They were fourth at the Sheepgate under-25 championships last year and have only just moved up to elementary.” It was an emotional day for Isla, as Houdini was making his first appearance after 18 months off through injury (see box, right). At SNEC, Sarah Oakden won at elementary on 73.59% aboard Menai Celtic Hero. Her daughter Emily, 12, achieved three prelim wins with Kerrishill Miss Beatrix. Both Welsh section C ponies are owned…

Hunters Equestrian, Glos | Kings EC, Herefordshire “It’s good to compete in different conditions, especially as we might have this in Tryon [USA, for the World Equestrian Games],” said Lara Butler. The Rio Olympic team reserve rider produced a 72.9% grand prix test with Rubin Al Asad, winning the pick-your-own class. “We’re trying a few national shows to make sure we have the consistency to go abroad,” said Lara, who also rode the Bechtolsheimers’ 13-year-old gelding Kristjan into the runner-up spot on his inter II debut. “Both horses are off to mini Aachen [the CDI3*] this month.” Lara was second in the advanced medium qualifier with Amiek C, an Ampère gelding she co-owns with Anne Hutton. Laura Tomlinson, Dan Greenwood and Pammy and Charlie Hutton were also in action, but…