Innholdsfortegnelse for 31-May-2018 i Horse & Hound

THE internet has been a source of great good, and some bad — and more or less of each from your perspective depending on experience and the area in which you work. Just as online retailers decimated many a British high street, now dominated by charity and coffee shops, some tack shops have also struggled. Equestrian retailers bemoan riders going in to try on items, receiving expert advice, and then checking their phones to find out if they can buy the item cheaper online. Some stay loyal to their local, want to buy British or at least give their money to businesses paying all their tax here. Others will not pay more than they must. I go to a garden centre 30 minutes from home and pay a good 20%…

COLE HARDEN The nine-year-old World Hurdle winner has been retired and will be involved in equine-assisted learning at the Greatwood charity. “I’m really glad he’s gone to such a great home,” said trainer Warren Greatrex. ZINIUS The 14-year-old gelding by Nabab De Reve has retained the top spot on the world-ranking list for breeders of jumping horses. Bred by Mario Everse, Harrie Smolders’ ride has secured multiple five-star wins. DONNA GRACIA The grand prix dressage mare has died, aged 23. She was ridden by the Netherlands’ Stephanie Beek-Peters before securing team gold for the Dutch junior rider team with Suzanne van de Ven in 2012. SIRE DE GRUGY The five-time Grade One winner has joined the Retraining of Racehorses yard at the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art…

A DIMINUTIVE eventer has proved size is no object as he steps up to his latest challenge. Lakevale Toyman (Tommy), who stands at just 13.2hh, is set to make history next month. He started competing at one-star last year and now is the smallest pony ever to be entered for the CCI* class at Melbourne International 3 Day Event (7-11 June). Ridden and owned by Australian Jackie Wright, the 14-year-old was originally bought as a companion pony, but he soon showed his aptitude for jumping and progressed up the levels. “He’s so smart and loves his job,” Jackie told H&H. “We’ve had some improvements in our dressage lately which led to us qualifying for Melbourne, as well as a couple of placings. He’s a star! “I think he’ll get heaps…

Sir — We are a nation of horse lovers and when it comes to buying and selling our beloved equines, the majority of us disclose any previous conditions, ailments or injuries. However, there is a large number of unscrupulous sellers who will go to unethical lengths to offload a preexisting problem on to an unsuspecting buyer. Too many horses are sold on because they’re not fit for purpose and end up in the hands of well-meaning, honest buyers who are then landed with ongoing medical issues. Of course, most buyers will have a horse vetted, but the vet can only give their best analysis of what they see on the day. Therefore, surely lifelong medical history disclosure — alongside the pre-sale vet report and the horse’s passport — should be…

‘When you work hard day in and day out, it means so much when you achieve something big, so I can’t see the point of trying to hide your emotions’ MATT SAMPSON still hasn’t come down to earth after becoming the first British showjumper since John Whitaker in 1989 to win the Hamburg Derby earlier this month. “I didn’t realise that. It makes me feel even better,” says the 27-year-old from Sheffield, who was having his first try at a “proper” Derby after winning Hickstead’s speed version last year. His Hamburg triumph is the biggest of his career to date, he says, and he gives most of the credit to Gloria Van Zuuthoeve, the 12-year-old daughter of Thunder Van De Zuuthoeve who he has ridden for the past year for…

1 Ready for anything Michael advises doing a movement or transition on every side of the arena. “Michael says that a dressage test is intense, and this means the horse is always preparing for a new movement,” says eventer Sam Ecroyd, who has worked for Michael. “You can see why his horses are so receptive.” 2 Make the most of winter “The German event horses’ winters are much more intense than ours,” says Sam. “Right from the last competition of the autumn they are working on each horse’s training, with a specific winter goal and how that fits into their long-term target.” 3 Little and often Michael rides his top horses twice a day two times a week, and some younger horses will also have two outings. “He’d often ride…

BD UKCC level three coach Alison Short gives some pointers: 1. AGREE GOALS Set realistic targets and work towards them. A good trainer will give you homework and will want to see your commitment to improvement between sessions. 2. BE PREPARED Schedule some preparation time so that you’re in the right frame of mind to absorb information when your instructor arrives. 3. COMMUNICATE Listen — and never be afraid to ask your trainer questions. Keep any conversation concise and to the point, however, or you’ll find that you spend more of the lesson talking than riding. 4. HAVE FAITH Try to be trainable and open to new ideas. Tell your instructor if you feel uncomfortable about something, but always be prepared to have a go. 5. BE PATIENT Training is…

FELIX BÜHLER ZIP FLY RUG This top-quality fly rug offers excellent protection. The colour reflects sunlight and helps prevent horses overheating. £44.90 felix-buehler.ch EQUILIBRIUM PRODUCTS SKIN SOOTHER A natural cooling gel to help calm skin irritations and rashes caused by insect bites, skin allergies, chafing, rubs, sun or friction burns. £2.95 for 30ml equilibriumproducts.com PREMIER EQUINE PROTEQUE AIR FLY RUG The sports mesh fabric channels airflow to help your horse stay cool. It also protects against flies and reflects harmful rays. £99.99 premierequine.co.uk YOU & YOUR HORSE BLACK PEARL SHAMPOO Contains UV filter and ingredients to highlight and help preserve coat colours from fading in the sun. £19.50 eqclusive.com NAF LOVE THE SKIN HE’S IN SKIN SALVE This is a soothing, water-based…

Saracen Horse Feeds Houghton, Norfolk THE form of the 2015 World Young Horse Championships at Le Lion d’Angers was franked once again at Houghton, where Laura Collett and Mr Bass won the 105-runner CIC3* and Tom Carlile and Upsilon took the CCI2*. Three seasons ago at Le Lion, those horses were first and second in the seven-year-old class. Houghton was Mr Bass’s third CIC3* victory, and he and Laura will head to the horse’s first CCI4* at Luhmühlen full of confidence. Fourth-placed after dressage, they completed on their first-phase score of 26.3. “This was the perfect cross-country course for me as a prep run; it flowed well and the water was decent. I didn’t have to pull him around — I could ride forward through the turning combinations and not…

CICO3* Nations Cup.— 1, Germany 99.8 (Carismo 22/H Knüppel; Sir Boggles/P Thomsen; BGS Urlanmore Prince/B Leuwer; Unteam De La Cense/D Schrade); 2, United States 109.1 (Celien/H Coon; Danger Mouse/C Martin; Monte Classico/K Coleman); 3, Ireland 118.1 (Pride Of Tredstep/A Keogh; Seavaghan Ash/D Cullen; Colorado Blue/A O’Connor; RLE Aspe/M Kenny). CIC3*.— 1, Mr Bass (L Collett) 26.3,0,0=26.3; 2, Amsterdam II (J Campbell) 26.8,0,0.8=27.6; 3, Dolley Whisper (F Reid-Warrilow) 28.9,0,0=28.9. CCI2*.— 1, Upsilon (T Carlile) 29.2,0,0=29.2; 2, Graf Cavalier (P French) 29.4,0,0=29.4; 3, Chilli Knight (G Tattersall) 30.5,0,0=30.5. CCI2*YR.— 1, Rehy DJ (Y Upton) 32.8,0,0=32.8; 2, Cola III (B Upton) 29.1,0,4=33.1; 3, Glasker Sweet Clover (F Collins) 33.2,0,0=33.2. CCI*.— 1, Dajara 4 (D Schrade) 24.6,0,0=24.6; 2, Diachello II (J Campbell) 27.1,0,1=28.1; 3, Highdown March (P French) 28.9,0,0=28.9.…

ON.— 1, Mile High (E Parker) 28.3,0,0.8=29.1; 2, Trent Long Stride (Z Dawson) 30.3,0,1.6=31.9; 3, Harry Oh (K Hogg) 31.5,0,2=33.5. ONu18.— 1, Player (D Job) 25,0,2=27; 2, Sappalot (L Hattersley) 27.3,0,0=27.3; 3, Pipsqueak T (F Carr) 25.3,4,0=29.3. nov sec A.— 1, Tayvale Hunky Dory (W Oakden) 31,0,0=31; 2, Cooley Offshire (E Parker) 31,0,0.4=31.4; 3, Falco III (P Holden) 27.3,0,6=33.3. sec B.— 1, Caunton Well Connected (C Dennis) 30.8,0,0=30.8; 2, Curra Oko (K Corteen) 33.8,0,0=33.8; 3, Prospero IV (N Smith) 34,0,0=34. sec C.— 1, Denver IV (R Glasson) 33,0,0=33; 2, Shadow Moon Dust (B Hobday) 37,0,0=37; 3, Mount Panther (C Dennis) 37.5,0,0=37.5. BE100open.— 1, Dunloughan Whirlwind (K Stephen) 25.3,0,0.8=26.1; 2, Hawthorn Hiccups (J Earle) 28.3,0,0=28.3; 3, Linnel Dance Again (M Jackson) 29,0,0=29. BE100u18.— 1, Seaworthy (L Barker) 21.8,0,0=21.8; 2, Shannondale Flight…

BE100plus.— 1, Capuchin Casanova (R Long) 22.3,0,0=22.3; 2, Gott You J (S Hutchinson) 25,0,0=25; 3, Zummertimes (E Rarity) 26.5,0,0=26.5. BE100open.— 1, Amarulla III (S Rose) 22.3,0,0=22.3; 2, Hope Over Experience (K Taylor) 21.8,1,0=22.8; 3, PSH Mirage (A Penny) 23.3,0,0=23.3. BE100 sec I.— 1, Wolke Midnight (D Llewellyn) 24,0,0=24; 2, Gorgeous DHI (H Woodhead) 22.5,0,1.6=24.1; 3, Shannondale Gold Rush (R Lupton) 24.5,0,0=24.5. sec J.— 1, Diesel IV (C Taylor) 28.8,0,0=28.8; 2, JSC Bucketlist (A Duffort) 28.5,0,1.2=29.7; 3, Ava III (V Lowe) 29.8,0,0=29.8. sec K.— 1, Lumina Cola (S Ecroyd) 23,0,0=23; 2, Little Mill II (R Gray) 24.3,0,0=24.3; 3, GVS Gortagarry Clover (J Savonlahti) 27.5,0,3.6=31.1. BE90open.— 1, Corrib Blue Vinney (L-M Lewis) 24.3,0,0=24.3; 2, Clonguish Lady Ferro (T Cassells) 26,0,0=26; 3, Killinure Master (P Sims) 28,0,0=28. BE90 sec E.— 1, Top Its…

SPARSHOLT COLLEGE 20 May: prelim 15Q gold (M Keen).— 1, Suttle Pudding (J Moralee) 69.4. silv.— 1, Colourfields Murphy (J Fox) 60.8. brnz.— 1, Churchtown Holly Boy (O Davies) 70.2; 2, Dakota Blue (L Noakes) 64.4 ; 3, Mackintosh (A Cornell) 64.2. prelim 19Q silv (H Lewis).— 1, Castaway Diamond (J Noakes) 69.17; 2, Green Cottage Jasmine (L Maidment) 67.08; 3, Aabernethys Eywas Bay Lady (G Abernethy Palmer) 64.58. brnz.— 1, Churchtown Holly Boy 71.46; 2, Athlone Jill (J Byrne) 69.17; 3, Elmhurst King Louis (S Billington) 67.71. nov 37A Q gold (J Welham).— 1, Sir Hi Groutenhouts ( D Hallion) 71.48; 2, Lesmo (K Smith) 70.19. silv.— 1, Santino II (J Hansen) 70.37; 2, Sir Teddy Magee (B Kent) 68.33; 3, Charo (C Frank) 68.33. brnz.— 1, Sarnicol Black…

Quainton Stud, Bucks | Solihull RC, West Mids Jodie has owned the nine-year-old gelding by Belissimo M out of a Wolkenstein mare for five years, and is hoping to do an advanced by the end of the year. “We did the winter championships and he was double national champion at medium and advanced medium silver, so we’re in gold now, which is a bit scary,” said Jodie, who trains with Tiggi Bentley and Emile Faurie. Mark Forrest and six-year-old Destino H landed a double elementary win at Solihull EC, both with plus-70% scores. It was only the gelding’s fourth outing at elementary level and his first attempt at a qualifier. “He can get quite hot, but he kept his cool and did a really green, but good, test,” said Mark…

Arena UK, Lincs | Topthorn Arena, Suffolk Riding D’Amore Of Class (Destano x Rubin Royal), a Brightwells Elite auction purchase, Jane won the novice and the elementary silver, the former with the highest score of the show at 72.01%. “I’m having a really good time at the moment — I’ve also just been nominated for an award for building new homes with my development company Highgate Homes Lincoln,” said the former showjumper, who switched to dressage after buying the 16.2hh mare, now six, as a three-year-old in 2015. “I feel she’s just starting to come into her own now; initially, she just wanted to go. Now she seems to be enjoying working with me. “All three judges in both classes gave almost identical marks and their comments will be most…

Arley Moss, Cheshire | Beaver Hall EC, Staffs | Field House EC, Staffs The first came in Arley’s straight PSG, the second in the following freestyle, with Nicola test-driving her new Madagascar music. “I had one run-through with it yesterday, so I was thrilled it all worked today,” said Nicola, who designed the floorplan and chose the music, before giving it to Equidance to put together. The 13-year-old Royal Troy is home-bred, by Parsons Rasputin out of a 14.2hh jumping pony. “I really bred him to jump and event, but I worked hard on the flat with him and got completely hooked,” she added. Bronya Fitzsimmons’ recently affiliated Mrs Pickering won both prelims at Beaver Hall EC. The part-bred Friesian was bred by Ian Smith, and Bronya bought her as…

COLGATE DRESSAGE 20 May: prelim 14Q gold (D Peacock).— 1, J-Star TN (C Leggat) 67.88. silv.— 1, Headmore Footloose (M Morris) 70.96; 2, Don Maurico (R Almond) 70.38; 3, Headmore Dramatica (A Kirby) 69.42. brnz.— 1, Rollestone Contradition (J Askham) 63.65; 2, Mystical Dreamer (S Simmonds) 62.88. prelim 17AQ gold (L Wickes).— 1, Nextdays Harlequin (L Wright) 67.75. silv.— 1, Headmore Footloose 74.13; 2, Don Maurico 71.89; 3, The Rubicon (S Jennings) 71.37. brnz.— 1 Mystical Dreamer 57.75. nov 28 gold (D Peacock).— 1, Kolds Que Sera (R Haryett) 76.04; 2, Furstin Firefly (J Gale) 75.62. silv.— 1, Finland (D Murdoch) 73.14; 2, Headmore Dionysus (A Radford) 70; 3, Rusakov (G Bulley) 68.95. brnz.— 1, Galway Bay Excelsior (C Livingstone) 68.54. nov 38Q gold (L Wickes).— 1, Furstin Firefly 71.452,…

Herts County A SENSATIONAL round from Phillip Miller and Unbelievable Lady thrilled the packed crowd at their local county show, where the pair retained their Martin Grant Homes area trial title. In round one, Phillip was drawn first of a strong field and he and Shirley Light’s fabulous home-bred mare made Peter Gillespie’s course look deceptively easy. And when third-to-go Alison Barton skipped round clear on another liver chestnut mare, Roma IV, those watching assumed there would be plenty of combinations in the jump-off. But poles began falling everywhere, and a curving line towards the end of the course of a water tray oxer to a maximum-height vertical, followed by the water jump, put paid to the hopes of many. There was a long wait until Alison’s father, Richard Barton,…

Blue Chip pony newcomers.— 1, Magic Moments IV (H Foulds); 2, Bennys Boy II (F Lupoli); 3, Western King (J Good). pony 1m.— 1, Oliver Du Carel (M Stennett); 2, Spot The Go Jo (E De Munck); 3, Tirnaskea Graffa Master (T Clarke). Blue Chip pony newcomers 2nd round.— 1, Rudgeway Maestro (R Woodward); 2, Valentino Supreme (H Cooper); 3, Lislan Cruising Lady (S Cox). Direct Insurance Bright Star pony 1m.— 1, Tregaron Gold (E Cooper); 2, Rockin Robin III (C Starns); 3, Mr White Legs (E Brondmo). pony Foxhunter/1.10m.— 1, Westervelds Florijn & Horseabout Zibu (T Mauree); 3, Suzie Two Coats (A Young). pony 1.15m members’ cup.— 1, Mullingar Bay (I Ryder); 2, Miami Moonbeam (A Mauree); 3, Champagne Diamond (V Gamazova). stepping stones 128/138cm.— 1, 24 tied. Cats…

RIHS show pony (S Curtis) 128cm.— 1 & ch, K Kozersky’s Tuscany Sweet Serenade; 2, K Kozersky’s Greenbarrow Midnight Charmer; 3, D Jinks’ Pearson Black Jack. 138cm.— 1, J Rucklidge’s Jackets Dynasty; 2, S Bennett’s Renedene Morning Star; 3, S Reynolds’ Rotherwood Gambler. 148cm.— 1 & res, M Cartlidge’s Rotherwood Fantasia ; 2, V Timperley’s Avec Moi; 3, H Robinson’s Rotherwood Another Peep. show pony (G Kobbe) LR.— 1 & res, N Turner’s Sycamore Sambucca; 2, J Knipe’s Greenbarrow Dinky Doo; 3, C Lucas’ Woodroyd Toy Boy. FR.— 1 & ch, L Kerr’s Wytchwood Love Potion; 2, C Mitchell’s Litton Perfection 3, K Duncalf’s Brookwater Tom Thumb. int (S Chapman) SRT 153 cm.— 1 & ch, L Whittle’s Whalton Dell Boy; 2, J Smith’s Cointreau; 3, R Ely’s Brindlebrook Little…

Fitzwilliam (Milton), Dingley, Northants MIDNIGHT KING, ridden by Claire Hardwick, was the runaway winner of the ladies’ open, clocking the fastest time of the day in the process. “I’m delighted — he ran a blinder,” said Claire of the 12-year-old who won by nine lengths. “He’s a great little horse and he’s like one of my mates.” His owner/breeder Jo Mann added: “There was talk of retiring him as he was always carrying a penalty and it was a job to find a race for him. But he prefers good ground and we will look to more ladies’ opens now.” Bengo, an eight-year-old ridden by Archie Wright and trained by his father Nick, swaggered to a 25-length victory in the restricted. “He made that feel easy,” said Archie, 24, who…

British Riding Clubs Fibre-Beet Festival of the Horse, Aston-le-Walls, Northants LONDON School of Economics (LSE) student Anna Saunders is clearly a lady who thrives under pressure. Having won the senior challenge 100 individual title on Saturday and competed in the senior combined training on Sunday, the 23-year-old accounting and finance student immediately hot-footed it back to London to sit an exam on Monday morning. “Mum helps me out,” said Anna, who is part of Riders 2000 Riding Club and hails from Cardiff, where she still stables 13-year-old Curious Lady (Poppy). “I’ve been coming to the championships for years and we won a junior combined training class here a couple of years ago,” she said. “We do some BE100 competitions but the championships here are my main goal. “I’ve owned Poppy…

‘Anything that helps improve horse welfare gets the thumbs up’ JIM required a visit to the equine physio last week. He had some issues with his back when he first arrived and, although it seemed to improve, I wanted to keep an eye on it. It is fascinating watching these professionals at work and Jo Paul quickly located a source of pain which she treated with a TMM machine, applying little pads to his back which stimulate the muscles. She gave us some yoga-style exercises to do and, with any luck, his back will continue to improve. While I was there, Jo quizzed me about Jim’s past and I told her the little I knew: his previous owner picked him up in Ireland as a six-year-old, having spotted him on…

PRIZE money at the 2018 World Equestrian Games (WEG) has increased for the majority of disciplines compared to 2014 — but for some more than others. The total prize pot for showjumping has more than trebled to exceed $1million (£750,000) compared to €262,500 (£230,241) at Caen 2014. The most significant increase is the money on offer for the gold medal-winning showjumping team, which now stands at $100,000 (£75,069) — a rise of £49,019 from 2014, when it was €29,700 (£26,050). ‘My initial reaction was sadness’ SOPHIE CHRISTIANSEN Prize money for dressage riders and eventers has also risen, albeit on a more modest level than the showjumpers. The top eventing team will now split $46,000 (£34,532), compared to €30,000 (£26,313) in Normandy, with the individual gold medallist taking $54,000 (£40,538)…

Horseware Ireland’s managing director Tom MacGuinness is celebrating after winning a CEI two-star 120km endurance race in Spain with his 10-year-old gelding Sasha D’Aillais British Horseracing Authority chairman Steve Harman is to step down in November, for a new liaison role with the government in relation to fixed-odds betting terminal stakes. US showjumper Jessica Springsteen has pulled out of the World Equestrian Games this September with RMF Swinny Du Parc. Lillie Keenan has replaced Jessica on the US team shortlist. Italian Equestrian Federation (FISE) dressage department head Cesare Croce has been temporarily suspended after he was arrested as part of a major investigation into financial crime. Actor Jennifer Saunders is urging the public to support Brooke’s “High Teas for Gee Gees” campaign by hosting tea parties in aid of the…

RIDER FINED FOR PASSPORT ERRORS EVENTER Matthew Wright has been fined 1,500 Swiss francs (£1,133) for two equine passport falsifications relating to vaccinations. On 11 May, the FEI Tribunal published its decision on an incident at Osberton 2016. Vet delegate Ali Butler noticed anomalies in both Matthew’s rides’ vaccination records. Matthew, who withdrew both horses from the competition, later provided documents to confirm MHS Twenty Twenty had been vaccinated but could not provide records for The Artist Almost Famous, the Tribunal report said. Matthew told the FEI his groom Lukasz Orywal had been responsible for the falsification, but the Tribunal concluded the responsibility was Matthew’s “regardless of who did it”. Read Matthew’s response in his next blog on horseandhound.co.uk MEASUREMENT DOPE TESTS CLEAR ALL blood samples…

SHOPPING One hears of a canny equestrian centre whose policy at dressage shows was to put competitors’ score sheets in the venue’s tack shop — rather a distance from the door, so one had to pass all the oh-so-tempting goods en route… and the till, of course. What’s a girl to do? OWNERS Should eventer Emily King’s bid to crowd-fund a ride of hers be successful, she could end up with some 4,000 owners, who will be able to join her at competitions. Imagine putting the order for that round in at the bar… CLEAN SPORT One hears of an equestrian event at which those responsible for dope-testing were present. One also hears that there were rather fewer horses entered for the first couple of competitions than may have been…

• Emma Hindle remembers feeling very nervous when she first arrived at Flyinge and people kept saying “bra”. “I thought, ‘What are they trying to tell me?’. Particularly as I am very flat-chested,” she laughs. “But in Swedish, bra means ‘good’. You learn the essentials pretty fast.” When Emma first went to Ellen Bontje’s in Germany, she was flummoxed by the instruction “aus der Ecke kehrt”, which was screamed louder and louder to her, as she failed to execute whatever it was. “It’s a particular young horse move — a small circle in a corner — but I just had someone shouting ‘aus der Ecke kehrt’ at me for 45 minutes while I tried everything, from walking to half-passes.” • Charlotte Fry was the butt of a huge practical joke…

1 Temporary electric fences will become loose in wet and windy weather. Check and reposition sagging posts after gales. 2 Minimise earthing by ensuring you have a sufficiently strong energiser, and keep vegetation away from the tape by either mowing or burning. 3 Put a piece of hosepipe just before the loop you hook the handle on to so you can hold it to do it back up, preventing you from getting a shock. 4 For horses prone to running through tape with rugs on, look out for rugs with front chest patches that conduct electricity so it gives them a shock if they lean on the wire. 5 Use two posts at each corner to make the fence stronger. 6 Clicking means it is shorting somewhere, so work out…

YASMIN INGHAM, winner of the NAF-sponsored young rider CCI2*, has now been the national champion at pony, junior and young rider level. The 21-year-old was third going into showjumping on Rehy DJ, but was elevated to first when Bubby Upton, first and second on Cola III and Eros DHI, dropped a pole with both her rides. “I am in total shock,” said Isle of Man-born Yasmin, who is based in Cheshire with Rehy DJ’s owners, Eddie and Sue Davies and Janette Chinn. Rachel Wakefield found them the now-eight-year-old in Ireland, and Yasmin said: “He has the most gorgeous personality, all the talent and an amazing brain. His jumping is his forte, but we’ve worked hard on the dressage through the winter.” She also credited Chris Bartle for improving her riding…

Noisy Associates Tweseldown (2), Hants HECTOR PAYNE rode away with the red rosette in open intermediate (OI) section R and, as a result, left a raft of more seasoned campaigners trailing in his wake. Only Hector, riding the Skinners’ and the Halls’ 10-year-old Dynasty, and runner-up Gemma Tattersall (Billy Senora) finished on their dressage scores in this 25-strong section. “I didn’t have my foot to the floor,” said the Andover-based rider, after stopping the cross-country clock 6sec under the 5min 11sec optimum. “But I took Dynasty to Ballindenisk and it was cancelled and now he’s heading for Tattersalls, so he’s been three-star fit for a long time.” Hector took on Dynasty from William Fox-Pitt in 2015 after the British team stalwart’s fall at Le Lion d’Angers. “Dynasty hasn’t been the…

OI.— 1, Zebedee de Foja (O Wilmot) 28,1,4.4=33.4; 2, Touch Too Much (C Clarke) 31.8,0,4.8=36.6; 3, Altaskin Jack (J Sommerville) 34.8,1,1.6=37.4. int sec M.— 1, Kilwaughter Blade (C Whittle) 29.6,0,0=29.6; 2, Tregaverne (C Whittle) 28.6,0,1.6= 30.2; 3, Cupido IV (J Adams) 24.6,4,5.6=34.2. ONu18.— 1, Elbandani (L Sugden) 28,0,0=28; 2, Drewmain Star Attraction (J Walton) 30,0,1.6=31.6; 3, Livella Z (K Dennis) 27.8,4,0=31.8. nov sec J.— 1, Faerlie Familiar (K Dicken) 28,0,0.4=28.4; 2, Ha Penny Bridge (N Rooke) 31.3,0,0=31.3; 3, Caunton Well Connected (C Dennis) 33,0,0=33. sec K.— 1, My Zenyatta (L Atkinson) 28.3,0,0=28.3; 2, Serenade III (A Penny) 29.3,0,0=29.3; 3, JSR Crazy Mazy (G Dukes) 30.8,0,0=30.8. sec L.— 1, Kroon Freddie (S Jimmison) 26.5,0,0=26.5; 2, Jagos Mill (H Scholl) 26.3,0,3.6=29.9; 3, Rich Maximus K (B Humphries) 33,0,0.4=33.4. BE100u18.— 1, Hope Over…

MOUNT BALLAN NRF.— 1, The Magician (T McEwen) 25.5,0,0=25.5; 2, Coddstown Pet (K Hancock) 26.8,0,0=26.8; 3, Disco Chick (H Marsh) 26.1,1,0.8=27.9. ON.— 1, Freestyler (H Meade) 22,0,0=22; 2, Little Maestro (H Osborne) 28.5,0,0=28.5; 3, Cuarento (C Georgiadis) 29,0,0=29. nov sec A.— 1, Hakuna Matata (H Woodhead) 25.8,0,0=25.8; 2, Reybridge Riverdanz (D Doel) 26,0,1.6=27.6; 3, Ludo FH (W Fox-Pitt) 24.5,0,4=28.5. sec B.— 1, Redbarn Lux Ury Biscuit (C Rowe) 26.5,0,0.8=27.3; 2, Faro II (D Reader) 25.3,4,0=29.3; 3, Babiblonia BT4 (A Nicholson) 29.8,0,0=29.8. sec C.— 1, Universal Cooley (M Dumas) 25,0,2=27; 2, Rehy Monbeg Melody (H Woodhead) 31.5,0,0=31.5; 3, Belona (A Nicholson) 31.5,0,0.4=31.9. BE100open.— 1, Cloonbarry Flare (L Mesquita) 23.5,0,0=23.5; 2, Hoowoodno (C Byrnes) 26.5,0,0=26.5; 3, Mr Delicious (C Matthews) 28,0,0.8=28.8. BE100 sec F.— 1, Chatter On (V Panizzon) 24.5,0,0=24.5; 2, Maggies…

ISOBEL McEUEN, 18, had become used to clocking up time-penalties in double figures with her hunter, Kursk Root (Murf), so when the opportunity arose to take the 10-year-old gelding team chasing before the Fairfax & Favor-sponsored Rockingham, she thought it worth a shot. “We did the Fernie open team chase as part of Geoff Bridges’ Pheasant Pluckers, then had a spin around the Silver Spur Foxhunters a week later,” said Isobel, who encouraged Murf to gallop away from the fences, so saving valuable seconds. “Before, he’d land and think, ‘My job’s done now’. Going team chasing has made it much easier to encourage him to gallop away from the fences.”…

Coleg Cambria, Flintshire | Lluest EC, Ceredigion The San Amour seven-year-old gelding has scored four plus-72% novice wins in a fortnight, after similar success at Cockshot in Cheshire. “He has a fantastic temperament — thank goodness, with his size,” said Tracy Tomlinson, who rides 18hh-plus Seven Summits for Nicky Owen. “We’ve taken it slowly with him. The fourth venue he ever went to was Hartpury for the winter championships.” Rebecca Brennand took the advanced medium 91 with Albero LXXX, a 10-year-old Spanish gelding she describes as “Mr Chilled”. “He takes everything in his stride,” explained Rebecca, who trains with Rebecca Hughes. “He won the Sevilla section at medium and advanced medium level at the MCI [Iberian Dressage Masters] in Paris last year, and also the PRE [pure Spanish horse] medium…

SOLIHULL RC 16 May: elem 43 gold (V Weaver).— 1, Destino H (M Forrest) 72.41; 2, Emmy (K Rose) 65; 3, Dita Von Teese (B Edwards) 61.55. silv.— 1, Vital (E Castle) 71.38; 2, De Niros Debonair (J Morris) 68.62. brnz.— 1, Parsley II (S Bates) 64.66; 2, Colour Me Aftershock (T Kazmi) 63.62; 3, Nick Van De Olijftak (M Whitehead) 61.38. elem 57Q gold.— 1, Destino H 71.25; 2, Dita Von Teese 60.71. silv.— 1, Vital 68.21; 2, De Niros Debonair 67.32; 3, Zeneca (S Bullock) 65.36. brnz.— 1, Colour Me Aftershock 66.07; 2, Cristobal (J Sutton) 57.5. med 61 gold (J Robinson).— 1, Langley (T Goode) 71.03. silv.— 1, Victoria VIII (J Ebrey) 60.69; 2, Friendly Mood (C Drakeley) 60.52. brnz.— 1, Coco Van Het Eelshof (L Mellor)…

THE senior selection panel’s aim this year is to choose a team to travel to the World Equestrian Games (WEG, 12-16 September) to qualify for the Olympics in 2020. We have to finish in the top six at Tryon so we’ll need average scores of 75% — no mean feat. The riders must perform at international competitions to be selected, then the onus is on them to perform when it matters most — at the championship. Selection policies cover CDIs and the senior championship and we set the bar quite high — riders should be competitive. The Nations Cup series is helpful in team selection. While riders work with support teams, rarely are they put in a position where they have to consider others and the impact of their own…

IS there anything more annoying than, when looking up a horse’s pedigree, the answer comes back as “unknown”? OK, in the grand scheme of things there is plenty that is more annoying but, as breeders know, it is right up there. How in this day and age can anyone not know the pedigree of their horse? You might well ask. In many instances, the breeding is recorded as “unknown” because the pedigree has not been verified — that is, confirmed as correct, nowadays through DNA testing. A passport will usually state that the horse has been DNA tested. Only studbooks and breed societies are able to record the breeding in a passport. Other passport issuing organisations (PIOs) that issue cheaper identity passports are legally not allowed to record breeding (due…

26 May: Martin Grant Homes 1.25m welcome stakes.— 1, Muckno Princess (H Wainwright); 2, Calinka III (D Burnham); 3, Filundia (C White). Speedi-Beet HOYS grade C.— 1, Ebelina W (T Whitaker); 2, Stellar Skylight (M Webb); 3, Diamants Aurora (T Priest). Martin Grant Homes 1.40m.— 1, Ascon Z (J Halim); 2, Deezie-Katine Weering (B Walker); 3, Divedent SB (N Kershaw). Martin Grant Homes AT.— 1, Unbelievable Lady (P Miller); 2, Donata (R Barton); 3, Roma IV (A Barton). 27 May: 1m A4.— 1, Dancing Queen X (D Scott-Garrett); 2, Eveline Van Het Keizershof (C McCaugherty); 3, Evita Paola (C Wiseman). Connolly’s Red Mills newcomers.— 1eq, Billy Von Trapp (R Jones) & Hot Pepper S (P Miller); 3, Mylow Blue Z (R Jones). 1.10m.— 1, Caspen Retto (V Cooper); 2, Awesome…

ROUGE WINS IN REIMS GUY WILLIAMS and Rouge De Ravel are in flying form at the moment and, on Sunday, they added the 1.50m grand prix at the CSI3* Reims, France, to their magnificent list of accomplishments. The pair picked up the €8,750 (£7,700) top prize after scorching home 1.5sec quicker than fellow Brit Holly Smith riding the nine-year-old Hearts Destiny in a 13-strong second round. William Funnell (Billy Angelo and Billy Diamo) and Laura Renwick (Arkuga and Bintang II) also picked up placings at the show. AN ITALIAN JOB BERTRAM ALLEN and the 11-year-old stallion Hector Van D’Abdijhoeve finished runner-up to Italy’s Lorenzo De Luca (Halifax Van Het Kluizebos) in the €350,000 (£307,200) Rolex Grand Prix at the CSI5* show at Piazza Di Siena, Rome. Last-drawn Bertram couldn’t quite…

HOYS hunter (R Mills, N Peel) l’wt.— 1 & ch, J Day’s Pride Of Place; 2 & res, Y Cuddy’s Royal Engagement; 3, M J Jerram’s Kings Court V. m’wt.— 1, W Burley’s It’s The Kings Speech; 2, M J Jerram’s The Imperial Choice; 3, E Gibson’s State Of Play II. h’wt.— 1, J Day’s Patric’s Choice; 2, HM The Queen’s Tower Bridge; 3, N Grubb’s Appledark Magic Touch. sml (J Bates, N Peel).— 1, A Bevan’s Sydney III; 2, K Campbell’s Church Rock Cashel; 3, P Lobb’s Sct Le Bijou De Reve. WH (S Chapman, D Machin).— 1, C Steven’s Anchorman; 2, G Davies’ Brechfa Cai; 3, K Green’s The Prof. cob (S White, C Hewlett) l’wt.— 1 & res, L Turley’s Chantilly Sandman; 2, Baileys Horse Feeds’ Super…

FITZWILLIAM (MILTON), DINGLEY, SATURDAY 26 MAY Hunt members.— 1, J Balding’s Bi Quini Tiep (D Peters) D Peters. PPORA Club members’ conditions.— 1, The Picnic Club’s Rendezvous Peak (A Stevens) F Nimmo. men’s open.— 1, S&J Busby’s Aunty Joan (J Martin) R Pringeur. ladies’ open.— 1, J Mann’s Midnight King (C Hardwick) J Wadland. restricted.— 1, N Wright’s Bengo (A Wright) N Wright. 3m open maiden.— 1, L Barton’s Bob’s Call (P Armson) R Armson. 2m4f open maiden.— 1, C Boreham’s Elyaqim (T O’Brien) R Bandey. NEW FOREST, LARKHILL, SATURDAY 26 MAY Conditions.— 1, T Underwood’s Presenting Beara (P York) T Underwood. 3m open maiden.— 1, R Harper’s Brereton (G Sankey) R Harper. Timico mixed open.— 1, I Mann’s Sharp Suit (J King) A Hill. 2m4f open maiden.— 1, H…

Festival Challenge: snr 100 teams.— 1, Area 2 (C Flood, J Horseman, B Hill, P Thompson); 2, East Midlands Dressage Group (F MacDonald, N Baguley, K Walker, T Eastwood); 3, Area 3 (S Brown, S Robinson, N Ireland, V Arnold). ind.— 1, Curious Lady (A Saunders, Riders 2000); 2, Walter Tate (A Osborne, Scarborough & District); 3, Double You Aramis (J Horseman, Area 2). snr 90 teams.— 1, Cambridge & District (C Freeman, K Simpson, R Dyke, C Elbrow); 2, Vale Of Usk (C Duroq, N Parsons, A Curson, AM Collins); 3, New Forest (M Carreras, K Tyrell, K Brown, E Hatch). ind.— 1, Go With The Flow (K Simpson, Cambridge & District); 2, Grove Ledgend (B Ostle, Darlington & District); 3, Taihirion Simply Red (H Wooldridge, Towy Valley). snr…

MEMBERS of the International Coalition for the Welfare of Working Equids have agreed to support the implementation of welfare standards for horses, donkeys and mules. Brooke, World Horse Welfare, the Donkey Sanctuary and SPANA, which make up the coalition, have signed a letter of intent to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) which held its general session last week (20-25 May). The agreement is to “provide major support” to implementing OIE standards on working equines, which were discussed at the conference. Brooke CEO Petra Ingram said: “What we’ve achieved collectively this week demonstrates the value of partnering with global institutions such as OIE, which have the reach and access that can truly change the lives of these critical and largely invisible working horses, donkeys and mules. “We have also…

ADMIRAL SIR JAMES EBERLE ADMIRAL Sir James Eberle, or “Jim” to his friends in beagling and wider field sports, died on 17 May aged 90. He had a distinguished career in the Royal Navy, starting during World War II and rising to commander-in-chief, naval home command. He later became the first non-academic chairman of the Royal Institute of International Affairs at Chatham House, The skills acquired in running the Britannia Beagles as master for a half-century set him in good stead for a career in Cold War diplomacy; negotiations there, Jim maintained, were as nothing to the travails necessary to the smooth running of a hunt. Jim was held in high esteem by the farming community in the South Hams hills, over which his beagles ran from their base at…

HOBNOBS An H&H-er who has a new fitness tracker was somewhat disconcerted to find her mucking out efforts had only burned 175 calories. “That’s not even two chocolate Hobnobs,” she said glumly, to which a colleague replied that she needed some chocolate to get over the shock. That’s the spirit, ladies! GREEN TROUSERS Pictures have emerged of eventer Harry Meade at the royal wedding, looking very smart just behind some actor. But one was rather disappointed to see him in dark trousers, rather than THAT lime-green from the Badminton trot-up. Still in the wash, perhaps? MICROPHONES Former jockey and At The Races presenter Hayley Moore stepped in to stop a loose horse. Dragged but undeterred, Hayley jumped straight up. Not sure how much her TV equipment appreciated the fall though……

Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps the body turn food into energy, which is why it is best known for helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue. It is also vital for everyday health, supporting hundreds of chemical reactions in our systems. But studies have shown less than half of us consume the recommended daily amount, even though magnesium is present in lots of different foods such as green leafy vegetables and pumpkin seeds. Te key challenge we face when consuming magnesium through our diet, is the level we absorb into our bodies. Te amount we absorb has a direct effect on the benefits we obtain. One way to ensure we consume a consistent level of magnesium is by taking a daily supplement. But not all supplements are equal. Supplements…

VERY few figures are available on the prevalence and characterisation of congenital defects in miniature horses — a problem currently in the spotlight in the dog world. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) works with the Kennel Club to identify and classify the severity of certain inherited conditions in dogs that are detrimental to their health. These include hip and elbow dysplasia and hereditary eye problems. More recently, the BVA has launched a campaign associated with health and welfare concerns in brachycephalic dogs such as pugs, which feature a shortened skull shape. These programmes are based on recognition of a real problem and an increase in its occurrence or severity, followed by the development of techniques for diagnostic testing. Should the same happen for miniatures horses? Flagging up and recording health…

• Make sure you alternate walking and trotting back after the turn, so that the horse doesn’t anticipate and shorten his walk. • Try to apply this exercise in everyday life, such as when you are walking the horse to the paddock. • Don’t over-practise. It’s important to keep the horse fresh and enjoying work. • Handlers interfering with the horse’s mouth too much or being heavy with their hands can ruin a youngster’s walk. Ensure you are being soft. • If you have a horse who curls round in front of you, I would do this exercise leading from the offside.…

‘Some clients will always circulate. But if someone wants to try another trainer, you would expect them to tell you’ ALISON SHORT “I KNEW intuitively that something was going on,” says an established dressage trainer, who would rather not be mentioned by name. “There was no evidence, but I just sensed it. A barrier went up.” She is not talking about her marriage, but something she considers almost as meaningful and significant — a long-standing relationship with a pupil she has nurtured from unaffiliated novice to the national championships. A pupil who, she has just discovered, recently chose to go to a different trainer behind her back. Another anonymous rider tells of her “secret trainer”. She’s based at a yard with a resident coach who won’t allow other instructors…

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KENTUCKY designer Derek di Grazia and I have been talking a lot recently about how horses see. We believe increasing understanding of this has big implications for eventing safety. Horses are prey animals — they have a good range of vision to the sides, but they miss about 10 ¡ directly in front and behind them. So as horses approach a fence, they increasingly pull their information from the sides. We can use fence decoration to help horses read the question. For example, trees around the fence should be placed about one foot in front of the leading edge (the take-off side of the jump), rather than level with it. This will encourage the horse not to get too deep and take off too close to the fence. The trees…

OI sec R.— 1, Dynasty (H Payne) 28.2,0,0=28.2; 2, Billy Senora (G Tattersall) 31.4,0,0=31.4; 3, Zacarias (A Nicholson) 27.7,0,4.4=32.1. sec S.— 1, Exclusive (E Llewellyn) 27.5,0,3.2=30.7; 2, London 52 (L Collett) 26.8,4,0=30.8; 3, Billy Shania (G Tattersall) 31.1,0,0=31.1. int sec P.— 1, Freshmans Minstrel (T Rowland) 27.5,0,4.8=32.3; 2, Kings Ginger (M King) 25,1,6.8=32.8; 3, Killadeas (K Cook) 26.6,0,6.8=33.4. sec Q.— 1, Med Night Trafford Mignonette (L Green) 29.3,0,3.6=32.9; 2, Red Kite (H Meade) 25,0,8.8=33.8; 3, Gideon (H Meade) 25.9,4,4=33.9. NRF.— 1, Cristal Fontaine (K King) 19.6,0,0=19.6; 2, Tricky Johnie (N McGoldrick) 22.5,0,0=22.5; 3, DHI Purple Rain (F Whittington) 26.6,0,0=26.6. IN.— 1, Cooleys First (V Brake) 28.4,0,1.2=29.6; 2, Freestyler (T Rogers) 28.2,4,0=32.2; 3, Bogrant (H Witchell) 25.2,8,0=33.2. nov sec V.— 1, David Cricket (K Moffatt) 28.8,0,0=28.8; 2, Bertina (D Morgan) 24.5,4,0.4=28.9;…

‘It was the best advanced medium test he’s ever done’ EDWARD JOHNSON ON DESTINY I Sparsholt, Hants | Guernsey, Channel Islands | Bury Farm, Bucks “He thrives on his music and, as I don’t jump him any more, it’s his fun time,” said Bowen therapist Chrissie Dodds, who has owned Broscoe Samuel for five years. In a class of 11, “Sam” beat some talented horses, wowing the judge with a music programme of television themes. “He’s got an amazing temperament and always tries hard,” said Chrissie. “Things didn’t go so well for us at the winters this year, so I’m hoping to qualify and do better next year.” Sian Staples’ nine-year-old black stallion Erlando (Maestro x Lancelot) has recovered from an injury last September and won a novice qualifier…

LLUEST EC 19 May: prelim 17 silv (J Harris).— 1, Will I Am III (L Jones-Todd) 67.07; 2, Nico III (H Thompson) 66.72. brnz.— 1, Felissimo (J McInnes) 74.66; 2, Limited Edition (A James) 63.1. nov 37 gold.— 1, DéjàVu LH (B Tegg) 72.22; 2, Blade T (S Batson) 69.63. silv.— 1, Silas II (E Drozd) 68.52; 2, Llangybi Melys (N Venville) 65.37; 3, Llanidan Black Jack (M Hills) 56.67. brnz.— 1, Will I Am III 62.04. elem 53 gold.— 1, Nibeley Unison Hit (B Tegg) 71.76. brnz.— 1, Blade T 72.21; 2, Silas II 67.94; 3, Llangybi Melys 67.5. PSG brnz.— 1, Llangybi Billy Boy (S Thomas) 66.84. inter I gold.— 1, Willis (J Morris) 68.03.…

St Leonards, Cornwall | Colraine EC, Cornwall Tess, 15, headed a novice silver section at Colraine with her six-year-old Cristian, by Cillian. “This was their best-ever score [72.58%] and, although we knew he had a good test in him, he can be a bit temperamental,” said Tess’ mother, Rachel. “Tess has help from Dominique Mills once a week and rides her three horses every day after school. She’s hoping to take Cristian with her to Hartpury, where she’s going to start her A levels in September.” Truro-based physiotherapist Jane Angilley is also helped by Dominique, as well as Andrew Lovell. Jane won a novice bronze with her Dutch warmblood Madison II, whom she bought as a four-year-old and used to show in riding horse classes. “I lost my nerve last…

Brahan, Highlan | Muirmill EC, Ayrshire | Howe, Fife The Solaris Umenno six-year-old skewbald mare “Unity” is owned and bred by Jackie and David Lamb and has been started by Elaine. She took two novice silver wins at Brahan to complete her regional qualification. “She’s a tall, elegant horse and definitely her own person. She was a bit opinionated but has settled down this year,” said Elaine. “Last year she produced good tests but, this year, I feel she’s knuckled down and is much easier and onside. I feel I’m doing less to keep her in front of my legs, and she’s grown up and matured. She’s for sale, but I hope to get her Area Festival elementary qualification first.” Brahan JC achieved a confidence-boosting medium win at plus-69%. “I…

NOTHING stays the same in this fast-moving world of ours. Indeed, many of my generation look back with nostalgia at how the shows attracted the public. Some aspects of what’s changed about our sport are good. Breeding, for instance, has now become an exact science compared with the way we used to source our horses. Other changes are not so good… Take British Showjumping (BS), which is now run totally differently from how it was many years ago when I sat on the board. Then it largely consisted of a committee voted on by the membership with additional co-opted members from the business and commercial world. I have to say that it was a privilege to sit round a table and listen to the ideas and acumen put forward by…

‘He had that something special — he has a lovely temperament and is a credit to the breed’ CUDDY JUDGE JONATHAN GEAKE ON MOORTOWN CRUSADER Devon County, Westpoint Arena, Exeter A BROKEN jaw put a sudden halt on Melanie Hennah’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) trip last year, but after producing one of the eight clear rounds in the working hunter qualifier riding the prolific Anchorman, she managed to nail a return ticket. “He’s such a fantastic horse as he really looks after me,” said Mel, who suffered the freak accident last September. “It was a very unpleasant injury and I’m still suffering from it now. This is only my second show back since my accident and I’m incredibly lucky to have him,” added the Cornwall-based rider, who…

I WAS very heartened recently to hear of a letter published in H&H (10 May) regarding my judging at a recent show. It isn’t often that judges receive praise after an appointment, so it was greatly received. Judging can be a thankless task at times. You often feel you can only please one person — the winner. However, it seems that this lady was very grateful actually to receive some constructive feedback. When judging, I always try to make a comment to each competitor when time allows and I am certainly open to questions from the competitors and try to be as transparent as possible. This gives them a reason for their placing, although sadly some do not like to hear it, instead only wanting to believe their own opinion.…

A MILLISECOND is the time it takes a neuron in the human brain to fire one impulse and return to rest. That’s impressive. Hound puppies, however, seem to unravel a chain of destruction and chaos of unimaginable proportions in that timeframe. Horror, cringing embarrassment and endless apologies go hand in hand with hours of restoring order, both to the resulting mess and in diplomatic relations with neighbours and members of the public, who have experienced an unorthodox introduction to foxhunting. Underwear features regularly with the latter group. Postmen up and down the country are intimate with puppy walkers’ bra sizes, having been offered a sample from the washing line. It’s never a sock or shirt. Savannah Olde recommends all puppy walkers go ex-directory. “Never accept a cold call — just…

‘I rode the final 40km by myself, but Tissy is a little trooper and just keeps going. We have been together so long, I know how she is feeling’ BETH LANGLEY Golden Horseshoe, Exford Showground, Somerset THE shining star after the two-day 160km ride over Exmoor was HS Ametista (Tissy), a 20-year-old 14hh who added the only gold award to her many achievements with physiotherapist Beth Langley, 26. There were four successful finishers from the 10 horses and riders who took on this tough ride under the baking sun. Beth and Tissy have been a partnership since Beth was 10 years old and have won the Red Dragon, were part of the bronze medal-winning team at the young rider Europeans, represented their country at the World Equestrian Games and…

JUNIOR combined training winner Emily Morris cited her trainers Cindy Llewellyn and Sarah Copp as being instrumental in helping her regain her confidence following a heavy fall last November. “Easily Vivendia, aka Betty, has a heart of gold and we have a really strong bond but she can be tricky,” explained Emily. “Here she was bucking with excitement when we were warming up as she could see the cross-country fences. “I have to work hard to stop her blocking the bit and Sarah and Cindy have helped me to get my confidence back over the past few months by encouraging me to do lots of leg-yielding, spirals and transitions with her when she blocks — and eventually she gives up.”…