Innholdsfortegnelse for 14-Jun-2018 i Horse & Hound

WITHOUT wishing to go all Daily Mail, the extent to which owners are going to be affected by increased costs of bedding and feed this winter is a concern. The hard winter had a negative impact on the harvest, affecting supplies of crops including straw. Then there are grant incentives for the use of biomass that have increased the demand for wood and fibre, pushing up the price of materials for bedding and feed manufacturers (news, p6). Those owners with horses on livery will be equally affected when their monthly invoices go up as businesses are unable to absorb the additional costs — with many already grappling with the impact of rates hikes this year. The greatest concern is of course for horse welfare. Will owners or businesses look to…

Dressage rider, trainer and H&H columnist Anna Ross is to move from her current base at Cholderton in Wiltshire to Barons Wood Equestrian Centre in Devon, next month. National Hunt jockey Andrew Thornton signed off on his 28-year race-riding career with his 1,007th victory. The 45-year-old won on Amirr for trainer Seamus Mullins at Uttoxeter racecourse on 6 June. Showjumper Phillip Miller was to spend days in hospital with concussion after an accident at the South of England Show. His ride Unbelievable Lady spooked and fell as they walked to the ring. Paul Nicholls’ stable jockey Harry Cobden has been sidelined for three months as a result of fracturing a vertebra in his neck in a fall from Mick Thonic at Market Rasen. Athens 2004 Olympic eventing individual gold medallist…

A PUSH FOR SAFER ROADS MORE than 100 riders attended a road safety event following a collision in which two horses died. Rider Michele Clark, who suffered broken ribs, a punctured lung and a fractured elbow in the accident in Surrey last November, organised the evening at Parwood EC, Guildford, on 29 May. British Horse Society safety director Alan Hiscox spoke; equine law and rural crime specialists gave advice. Fundraising had contributed to signs urging drivers to take care. “For me this is not the end; I will keep pushing for safer roads and higher penalties for bad driving,” Ms Clark told H&H. BEST OF BRITS TOP EVENT RANKINGS BRITAIN’S eventing strength is shown in the news that British riders hold the top three FEI world rankings. Oliver Townend enters…

JOB DESCRIPTIONS The British Equestrian Federation is recruiting a new equestrian performance director, whose responsibilities will include ensuring that “the performance trajectory of riders is positively impacted by world class integrated technical support service delivery”. Who doesn’t appreciate a good performance trajectory? JOB REQUIREMENTS In the same ad, it states that knowledge of equestrian sport is not essential, but “would be useful”. It probably would, yes. ADVICE An email from a “workplace expert” arrives at H&H Towers containing advice for employers preparing for “potential issues” over the World Cup period. What? Beezie Madden and Isabell Werth won the World Cups back in April… What do they mean? Flummoxed.…

‘Half of us didn’t have hats, and for those who did, the hat would invariably fall off before they hit the ground’ I started as Pony Club branch secretary to the Crawley and Horsham in 1948, when I was still a member. We now have more than 230 members and my job is keeping their records, enrolling new members, ordering badges, ties and sweatshirts. When I had my children, I had some help, but I was always on the scene. And I have loved every single minute. The rewards of the job are happy children and well-cared-for ponies, and seeing our members go on to be successful, such as eventer Tina Cook, World Horse Welfare’s Roly Owers, leading Flat jockey Harry Bentley, showjumper Georgia Tame, polo player Jack Richardson and…

What was your first experience of riding? I was about 10 and on a school trip to Naas in Ireland; a really horsey place. We were only there a day or two, and it was in New Zealand in 2011, while working on The Hobbit, that I started riding a lot more. What did riding on The Hobbit consist of? I did a lot of bareback riding, and cantered for the first time, too. It was tricky because the horses were wearing hairy suits and would drop and roll, so you had to learn to jump out of the way and develop quick reflexes. What did Mark Atkinson teach you prior to filming on Poldark? Two weeks before shooting began, I spent a week at Mark’s base, riding all day…

ORATORIO II is a “sentimental horse” for William Fox-Pitt and his syndicate because he is by Oslo, William’s 2011 Pau CCI4* winner. He was bred by milliner Cozmo Jenks, a neighbour of the Fox-Pitts. His dam was Cozmo’s home-bred Cinnamon Brulee, by Topanoora, whom the Fox-Pitts trained as a point-to-pointer. “He was offered to me as a three-year-old, but I said I was too old and would be in my wheelchair by the time he was 10, so we sent him to Laura Collett,” said William. “But he’s big and quite a thug so didn’t suit her. So as I am still going, he came to me last year.” Oratorio showed his opinionated side when he hit two rails to drop from third to 11th in the CCI3*.…

IMOGENE KNIGHT and Houdini VIII led their BE100 section from start to finish at Ascott Under Wychwood (2). At the beginning of last season, the freelance rider and groom had set her sights on a CCI2* with her intermediate horse, J Donder, but a freak accident on the road cut short her season — and sadly claimed her horse’s life. “He spooked, slipped over and broke his pelvis,” explained Imogene, who is based at Boomerang Stables in Berkshire. “It was completely devastating and very traumatic. I managed to scrape together some funds to buy Houdini and have started again with him.” Imogene, 22, splits her time between riding and grooming and is looking to add to her string of horses in the future. “I love working with youngsters and watching…

BE100open.— 1, Spot On Finale (S Faulkner) 28.5,0,0=28.5; 2, Whizz Biz (T Canton) 28.8,0,0=28.8; 3, Borris Bradley (M Young) 30.3,0,0=30.3. BE100u18 sec E.— 1, Florida II (C Gill) 27.8,0,0=27.8; 2, Spot On Harrison (J Sutton) 29,0,0=29; 3, Chebsey Mint (J Snipe) 33.5,0,0=33.5. sec F.— 1, Charlie Go Go (L Baguley) 31.8,0,0=31.8; 2, Dandy Cruise (L York) 32,0,0=32; 3, Rickamore Oscar (E Howard) 31.5,0,1.2=32.7. BE100 sec A.— 1, Zarento VDL (S Warner) 30.3,0,0.8=31.1; 2, Wejas Zachariah Fisher (V Voller) 29.5,4,1.6=35.1; 3, Ballysheil Tweedy (E Cameron) 31.5,4,0=35.5. sec B.— 1, Monarts Masterclass (N Slaoui) 29.5,0,0=29.5; 2, Fun Lovin Criminal (B Bolton) 30.5,0,0=30.5; 3, A Sportsfield Cayenne (J Watts) 31.8,0,0=31.8. sec C.— 1, Lates Flash (L Ridout) 31.8,0,0=31.8; 2, Rosemeadow Lively Star (K Oxby) 34,0,0.4=34.4; 3, Sportsfield Rio (J Watts) 30.8,4,0=34.8. sec D.—…

NATASHA BAKER was absent from competition last year, but has bounded back with her new ride, Emma Blundell’s Mount St John Diva Dannebrog (Don Schufro x Brentano II). Natasha achieved the highest score among the para classes — 76.1% — to win the grade III individual test. “It was a personal best for us,” said a beaming Natasha. “Every time, she gets better and better. She is so settled and loves competing. I only got her in January and we had two wins at our first international in April. Hopefully we’re just going to keep on improving.” Julie Payne won her grade II individual test on Pandora despite nearly missing the show. “She was kicked six days ago and came sound only two days ago. Yesterday I took it gently…

SHEEPGATE 1 June: prelim 17Q silv (K Hancox).— 1, Master Bertie (K Hillman) 66.21. brnz.— 1, Nadisker (R Darke) 66.9. prelim 19Q brnz.— 1, Destaniro (J Yusuf) 69.38. nov 23 gold.— 1, Woodcroft Liberte Mon Amie (S Britton) 68.75; 2, Billy James (A Brown) 67.5; 3, Garfield VDW (S Reeve-Smith) 66.04. silv.— 1, N’Ice Lad Mon Ami (S Britton) 68.96; 2, Drees (D Gladwin) 68.54; 3, Suave Cousin Kevin (K Young) 68.13. brnz.— 1, Giovanni W (V Kent) 65.21; 2, Mountain Creek (L Sing) 57.79. nov 37Q gold (A Smith).— 1, Woodcroft Liberte Mon Amie 70.56; 2, Billy James 66.11; 3, Garfield VDW 61.67. silv.— 1, Suave Cousin Kevin 70.74; 2, Darryl George (J Carter) 67.41; 3, Carvella (J Rushmer) 66.48. brnz.— 1, Mountain Creek 52.41. elem 40 gold (C…

COLRAINE EC 2 June: prelim 17A Q silv.— 1, In Fashion (V Unsworth) 67.93. prelim 19Q silv.— 1, In Fashion 69.16. nov 23 silv.— 1, Beukenoords Robust (N Collings) 65.62. brnz.— 1, Knockbrack Zorro (S Trudgen) 63.54; 2, Jeepers Girl (G Beckerleg) 62.91; 3, Golden Tigers Eye (L Creber) 61.87. nov 38Q silv.— 1, Sherbert II (L Gill) 68.54; 2, Beukenoords Robust 67.09. brnz.— 1, Jeepers Girl (G Beckerleg) 66.12; 2, Knockbrack Zorro 64.67; 3, Golden Tigers Eye 59.83. elem 40 gold.— 1, Wednesday (D Mills) 69.03. silv.— 1, Rotspons Rough Diamonds (A Richards) 70.48. brnz.— 1, Sherbert II 67.09. elem 57Q gold.— 1, Rockoko (H Askey) 68.92; 2, Wednesday 67.32. silv.— 1, Rotspons Rough Diamonds 68.57. brnz.— 1, May Be Valentine (K Davey) 68.03. med 69 brnz.— 1, May…

Burrows Court Farm, Glos | Hunters Equestrian, Glos “Things could have gone better,” said Caitlin, a student at The Talland School of Equitation. “We just didn’t have the power.” She was pleased, nevertheless, to head the class with the 17hh Lord Leatherdale gelding — especially as he was sidelined this time last year with a sacroiliac injury. While back on good form, the 11-year-old still has his quirks. “He got into the habit of rearing and tried one just before we went in the arena,” said Caitlin, who hopes to ride a prix st georges (PSG) with Chocotof by the end of the year. “He does like to ‘wave’ at the judges, but otherwise he is the sweetest horse — quite hilarious. Another funny habit he has is burping for…

Yorkshire Riding Centre, North Yorks| Manor Grange Stud, West Yorks Jade won both novices on the Rowbothams’ TCE Heli and two elementaries on her own Verdelho. Jade, who has been stable jockey for Melissa Chapman for three years, was competing while her boss hosted a dressage camp. “I’ve gone from being a groom to rider, and Melissa has taught me everything I know,” she said. “TCE Heli is the first horse Melissa has given me to produce. She’s a little power pack and so trainable. She’s only five, but shows such potential and is now qualified for the summers.” “I fell in love with Verdelho when he came onto the yard to be sold. He’s from a showjumping background, but I’ve gone from prelim to medium with him. Now the…

THE three Blue Hors stallions confirmed to be carriers of the fatal Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome (WFFS) have returned to breeding duties, after having been been temporarily removed from the roster. The trio, Blue Hors Veneziano (Vivaldi x Donnerhall), Londoner (Londontime x Danone I) and Emilio (Escolar x Lauries Crusador), all tested positive to carrying the defective gene last month, but they will now be offered to mares who have tested negative to WFFS. There have now been several high-profile European stallions who have tested positive to carrying WFFS, including Glock’s Total US, Everdale, the Danish warmblood sire Skovens Rafael and his Swedish-bred son Springbank II VH. Breeders and stallion owners are being urged to test their horses before breeding; a foal can only be affected by WFFS if both…

7 June: AT.— 1, Elina (C Luyckx); 2, Chacco Gold (J Annett); 3, Dominant H (Y Pinchen). Connolly’s Red Mills newcomers.— 1, Heathfield Merlin (A Bishop); 2, Billy Von Trapp (R Jones); 3, Mazzeltov RM (C Ellis). 1.25m.— 1, Britannicus (L Long); 2, Kings Welcome (N Frankland); 3, Content (J Crippen). Speedi-Beet HOYS grade C.— 1, Troy III (S Ward); 2, Z Seven Caretina (G Tame); 3, Ciceros Girl WZ (D Whitaker). Equitop Myoplast Foxhunter.— 1, NPS Erleena (H Tredwell); 2, Billy Spiral (L Townley); 3, Billy Von Trapp. 1.35m.— 1, Corlando Of Cavallini (O Poole); 2, Billy Olive (L Townley); 3, Z7 Qamar (L Townley). 8 June: BS Business Partnership international stairway.— 1, Persimmon (W Fletcher); 2, Art D’Usance (E Slater); 3, Hello Disckoboy DN (O Fletcher). Connolly’s Red…

The College EC, Keysoe, Beds “THIS is the class I’ve always wanted to qualify for. I’m over the moon,” said a delighted Ben Walker, after he and Genius Contender jumped the only treble clear to take the top ticket to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in the Foxhunter second round. A classy field arrived for this important qualifier and course-designer Dave Conway’s first-round track proved spot-on. Most of the 13 fences fell at least once and there were a few hard-luck stories, but 14 pairs progressed to round two. Some favourites went out at this stage and just five went through to jump against the clock, all simultaneously gaining an extra chance to qualify from the Foxhunter Masters class at the national championships. The pressure was on Ben Walker,…

HOYS working hunter (A Spalding, P Crafts).— 1, B Beercock’s Parkmore Rowan; 2, S Tennant’s Bloomfield Bergerac; 3, P Cooper’s MJM Laszlo. RIHS 2019 ridden hunters (A Spalding, P Crafts) l’wt.— 1 & ch, P Cooper’s First Rate; 2, C Davies’ Glenkeeran Dance In The Deep; 3, J Day’s Pride Of Place. m’wt.— 1, G McCowan’s Tredragon; 2, R Shaw’s Chadwicks Nebu; 3, P Coles’ Redwood Ash. h’wt.— 1 & res, J Day’s Patricks Choice; 2, D Bowie’s The Crafty Councellor; 3, H Gallagher’s Sir Flint.…

Pre senior in hand (K Baskeyfield).— 1, L Gregory’s Brewards Penny; 2, P Reeves’s Marbrook Athena; 3, A Schofield’s Collytown Golden Nugget. senior.— 1 & res, S Rogers’s OíMalley III; 2, G Berrisford’s Blaircourt Glamour; 3, E Coates’s Two Tone. senior plus.— 1, R Crowley’s Le Grand Mec; 2, S Adams’s Munchkin; 3, S Tyson’s Tangaís Pet. pre senior ridden.— 1, C Clorley’s Wynbrook Patriot; 2, R Slinn’s Eurocenters Cleo; 3,V Halfpenny’s Ripley. senior.— 1, C Frith’s Ristol Corrine; 2, L Featherstone’s Rockefeller III; 3, Two Tone. senior plus.— 1 & ch, S Waterfall’s Mr Ricard; 2, Tangaís Pet; 3, F Lees’s Llettymawr Dafyddís Boy. RIHS amateur hunter l’wt (J Smith, A Webber).— 1 & res, L Lockwood’s Chantilly Bojangles; 2, H Welsh’s Our Kingsman; 3, S De Caprio’s Bayswater.…

TRADITION remains important in many areas of the equine world, especially in the show ring. Whether you’re competing at a local show or a major championship event, a certain level of respect, good manners and good sportsmanship is expected. It would be difficult to find a rider who didn’t agree with that, so why are many second-placed exhibitors deliberately not coming forward for championships? Not only is it disrespectful to judges and organisers, it’s defeatist. If you have an early-morning class and a championship is 12 hours later on a hot day, you might consider that it’s in your pony’s interest not to stay for it. The procedure in this case is to excuse yourself in the correct manner, by speaking to the judge or going to the secretary’s office…

SPORT horse breeders have spoken out against a disturbing trend for sales videos and photos of jumping with exaggerated or extreme techniques. Reputable dealers have called out businesses which may use questionable methods to produce these performances in three- and four-year-olds, saying they have a detrimental impact on the industry and horses’ wellbeing. “Social media has brought up a generation of young dealers who sell easily from these flash videos — it’s not only hurt my business, I’m against it because of the cruelty,” said Caroline Phillips, of Stud UK Euro in Kent. Shirley Light from Brendon Stud, West Sussex, agreed: “It makes a really nice, naturally good horse look ordinary,” she told H&H. “It can’t be good for their front legs landing like that and as for their brains,…

ONGOING investment in IT and commercial strategy meant British Eventing (BE) reported a £249,649 loss last year, although total income rose by 6.7%. Earnings from membership and horse season tickets were up by 2.8%, sponsorship and commercial income by 18%. Blenheim, the only event owned by BE, also had significant increase in turnover, generating £1,141,515, thanks to the new sponsorship deal with SsangYong and an increase in ticket sales. The event was able to reinvest, increasing prize money and building cross-country fences. BE has faced significant costs since initiating a major IT project in 2016. The planned roll-out includes a database; entries, admin, scoring and results system. BE said safety costs went up due to BE’s ongoing work with analytics company Equiratings. The organisation said it was continuing to make…

DEFRA has been unable to confirm if legislation stating all muck heaps must be covered by 2027 will affect horse owners. Feedback is being invited on the proposals, in the draft Clean Air Strategy, launched by Defra secretary Michael Gove. Aimed at tackling pollution caused by farming — which is responsible for 88% of the UK’s ammonia emmisions — the draft mainly targets storing and spreading muck and urea. It includes the requirement that “all slurry and digestate stores and manure heaps be covered by 2027”. The proposals could potentially affect the cost of muck removal, as rules governing the spreading of muck on fields look set to hike costs. A Defra spokesman said the department had not considered if the rules would affect equestrian premises but encouraged these to…

A SPOKESMAN for SEIB Insurance Brokers noted that equineindemnity.com was not regulated and raised concern that there may not be contingency plans should a horse die in the first week, or if all funds are wiped out or had not already been earned. Mr Jones confirmed the system is unregulated, but said there is “no benefit in regulation” as each member is liable to each other member. “Individual members are peer-to-peer insuring and there is no method or regulatory mechanism for each member to become regulated,” he said. “As such, it’s really a moot point. “The pool needs to be fully subscribed at the outset [to avoid funds being wiped out].” Mr Jones said all funds are held by solicitors and/or escrow agents, so members are protected. The SEIB spokesman…

JACK DODD THE equestrian community in Ireland and beyond has been devastated by the loss of young showjumper Jack Dodd, who died on 6 June, aged 25. The rider passed away in University Hospital, Maastricht, as a result of injuries he sustained in a car accident the previous week. Jack, who grew up in Co. Mayo but moved to Balen, Belgium, last year to set up his own yard, had represented Ireland from youth to senior level, and in 2016 won a place on the prestigious International Young Riders Academy — a programme dedicated to young talented showjumpers. “From his new base, Jack was hugely successful in young horse competitions and also in high-level international classes throughout Europe and was destined for a career at the top level of the…

FITNESS Readers may remember an H&H-er bemoaning in this very column how few calories her fitness tracker said she’d burned mucking out. On a brighter note, the tracker not only counts horses’ steps as yours, it also counts driving the lorry as cycling. Hobnob, anyone? MECHANICS A rider confides that a friend plays a game of “dipstick roulette”, by which he comes to the yard unannounced to check her oil and water, with earfuls promised if either is too low. “At least it makes me check,” she says. “I even put diesel in before it got to the red the other day.” Wow. UNICORNS Nestlé is releasing special “unicorn” Smarties. Apparently they’re unicorn ones because they’re pale pink and blue. We’d assumed the main requirement for unicornity was having a…

AS Elspeth walks around Blankshire County Show she struggles to focus on the equine stars. She is surrounded by a sea of tan — tanned legs, tanned arms, the odd tanned midriff. Mesmerising olive-skinned humans. As Elspeth has red hair and freckly skin, from the first sunny day in April until the leaves turn in the autumn, her supply of factor 50 is as free-flowing as tap water. The only consolation is that her grey eventer Mr Burns has a pink nose to rival hers, so suncream application becomes a bonding activity. She sees pictures of people on her Facebook feed riding in vest tops; are they even the same species? She wears polo shirts with elbow-length sleeves. Elspeth’s forearms and the V where her shirt opens do change colour,…

FOR accurate results, the showjumper temperament tests must be carried out by people trained to perform them. The simplified test contents indicate the type of challenges that are considered most revealing of a young horse’s approach to life: TACTILE SENSITIVITY DOES the horse twitch his withers when touched with a thin filament of nylon, before the strand bends? While most horses react to lighter filaments, humans tend not to feel anything below a pressure of around 50g, which is also a good indication of the sensitivity of a horse’s skin. FEARFULNESS HOW close will the horse pass a red and grey coloured cube, on a loose lead rope — and is he willing to walk across a tarpaulin to a bucket he has just been fed from? His reaction is…

• Always have a plan in your head of what you’re going to do before you do it. • If your horse jumps to the left or right over the poles, it will affect the distance to the next pole, so be consistent in where you land after each pole. Having the horse straight means you can set yourself up nicely for the next pole. • Horses can become disunited, so if this happens bring them back to trot and re-canter. • Build the exercise up gradually so that your horse learns what you want.…

“WE don’t stipulate minimum qualifications for coaches at camp,” explains the Pony Club’s marketing officer. “This depends whether they are supervised or not and the duration, frequency and type of activity taking place. “All coaches will need to have attended a safeguarding workshop, have a disclosure check in place and be listed on our coach database as a minimum — some will need first aid and other qualifications, too. “Before coaching for the Pony Club, we encourage older members to attain their B test and start their coaching pathway by attending the Pony Club steps coaching courses one, two and three. “We also offer the Pony Club Coaching Certificate, and nationally recognised qualifications with the UKCC coaching courses are also available through us. “With such a variety of activities, Pony…

Equi-Trek Bramham, Yorks GERMAN rider Julia Krajewski laid her Bramham ghosts emphatically to rest when she led all the way to take the Equi-Trek CCI3* on her exceptional 19.4 dressage score. It is a 22-hour journey from Warendorf to Yorkshire, but the 29-year-old has wanted to ride here since training with Chris Bartle in the county in 2010. But the first time she entered her horse was not right the day they were due to travel and the second time he slipped on the medium canter circle in the dressage, kicked the board and went lame. No such dramas befell her this time and Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff ’s 10-year-old Chipmunk FRH, by Contendro, was foot-perfect, even in the showjumping, which has been his weakest phase. “I’ve had him since he was…

BE100open.— 1, Toms Diamond (S Bill) 23,0,0=23; 2, King Leopold (L Honeysett) 25,0,0.8=25.8; 3, Mister Bond II (T Anderson) 29.3,0,0=29.3. BE100 sec A.— 1, Annaghmore Valoner (S Griffiths) 24,0,0=24; 2, Talent Chocamiceter (L Eaton) 24.3,0,2.8=27.1; 3, Commons Delight (M Elphick) 27.5,0,0=27.5. sec B.— 1, Houdini VIII (I Knight) 26.3,0,0=26.3; 2, Cavalier Breeze (L Taylor) 28,0,0=28; 3, Ruthstown Ricky (C Reardon) 27.5,0,1.6=29.1. sec C.— 1, Everton B (B Loffet) 26.3,0,0=26.3; 2, Quarrycrest Illusion (V Tuffs) 22.5,4,2=28.5; 3, Tillington Perry (J Hobbs) 28.8,0,0=28.8. sec E.— 1, Escape Route (F Harris) 25.3,0,0=25.3; 2, Wellan Graffiti (ML Evans) 25.5,0,0=25.5; 3, The Rag Man (M Warburton) 27.8,0,0=27.8. sec F.— 1, Fernhill Mojito (K King) 26,0,0=26; 2, Edelmann II (L Bradley) 29.8,0,0=29.8; 3, The Hornblower (I Hewitt) 25.8,4,0=29.8. BE90open.— 1, Carnsdale Sunnyside (L Ruane) 27,0,0.4=27.4; 2,…

Wellington Riding Premier League and Para Gold Semi-Finals, Hants BOBBY HAYLER recorded her highest Premier League grand prix score to date on Aldborough Rubenhall, of 71.63%. “He felt amazing and I actually shed a tear halfway round the test,” said the 26-year-old. “We know each other so well but I’ve been working on tweaking things and trying to make them better.” Bobby’s test was clean and accurate with the 16-year-old Rubioso stallion's trademark quality piaffe and passage on full display. Headmore Delegate is another horse who just gets on with his job and delivers a smooth, accurate performance. He and Becky Edwards won the inter II with over 72%. “He lost his confidence at Somerford [Premier League] where he felt a bit too well!” explained Becky. “It was a good…

AS we have passed the 100-day countdown to the World Equestrian Games (WEG), Britain’s team dressage prospects look healthy. If my counting is correct, there are approximately eight riders with promising horses who have scored over 70% internationally this year, which is impressive. Although some of these horses may have a way to go, they are all ridden by seasoned professionals, who could provide an exciting shake-up. And with Spencer Wilton and Super Nova II due to make their seasonal debut at Hartpury in July, we could have a very promising team. I recently noticed a comment on a European news website that Charlotte and I seem to be “staying at home” to compete. My answer to that is with the current international opportunities at home, the stabling, surfaces and…

Foxes Dressage, Wirral | Aintree EC, Merseyside The 16-year-old, ridden by Zoe Taylor, has to be carefully monitored since being diagnosed with kissing spines, but it has been a field injury that has kept him out of the competition arena this time. “He put his foot through the field fence and damaged his suspensory, but thanks to Fyrnwy Equine Clinic he’s back on the road,” said Zoe. “I can’t tell you how happy he was to be out competing; it was like taking a four-year-old, he was that excited.” The current system of sections has forced Zoe’s hand on her aims. “He’s gold in terms of competing, but I don’t want to put the pressure of regionals on him, so I’m going to try for the Home Internationals as he…

HUNTERS EQUESTRIAN 30 May: prelim 13Q gold (J Surr).— 1, Bowland Star Hit (R Scalisi) 75.57; 2, Donatella V (P Parker) 73.84; 3, Matilda’s Star (P Parker) 68.84. silv.— 1, Westenwind II (L Basson) 68.07. brnz.— 1, Cassidy’s Finbar (J Cassidy) 65; 2, Howen Winky (J McKenna) 62.3; 3, Lark Ascending III (H Hughes) 57.69. prelim 15Q gold (S Cumine).— 1, Bowland Star Hit 72.6; 2, Matilda’s Star 68.8. silv.— 1, Westenwind II 69.4. brnz.— 1, Cassidy’s Finbar 68.2; 2, Whiskey Talk (S Ball) 68; 3, Reubenprinz (C Race) 65.4. nov 27 gold (J Surr).— 1, Sorento (A Peternell) 74.28; 2, Danjah Lou (L Wollen) 71.78; 3, Kryos Capriccia (T Goode) 70.71. silv.— 1, Giamore (E Sweet) 71.25; 2, Branston II (M Jenkins) 65.53. brnz.— 1, Spring Razzle Dazzle (J…

AN end-of-season championship show to be held in September will conclude this year’s new-look Futurity series. This final is one of several developments for the 2018 series since being taken over by British Breeding, the new management company in charge of the former British Equestrian Federation Equine Development Programme. The series features 11 regional dates — compared to nine in 2017 — and will be held over two weeks in July and August. It is open to foals to three-year-olds bred for dressage, eventing, showjumping and endurance. The championship will take place on 8 September at Moreton Morrell College, in collaboration with the British Breeders’ Network and also incorporating the final of the inaugural Elite Foals Registration Tour (see panel, far right). British Breeding also plans to relaunch the Equine…

THE popular KWPN stallion Glock’s Dream Boy has been temporarily withdrawn from stud in order to focus on his international dressage career. The Vivaldi x Ferro 10-year-old will compete at the CHIO Rotterdam Nations Cup later this month with Hans Peter Minderhoud, as part of the pair’s campaign for a place on the Dutch team for the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA, in September. “The decision has been reached, together with the co-owners, to withdraw Glock’s Dream Boy from breeding activities for a while,” read a statement from the Glock Horse Performance Centre. “The path to the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon begins in Rotterdam and, shortly thereafter, the national championships in Ermelo are also taken into account for qualification. At the moment this cannot be reconciled with…

Cherwell Competition Centre, Oxon LIV SHEPPARD will make her first appearance at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) after jumping the sole treble clear to win the Blue Chip pony newcomers second round. This venue collects new fans at every show and a strong field that included many first-time visitors tackled the track set by Yorkshire-based designer Jason Abbs. It was well up to height and asked enough questions, but there was plenty of quality on display and 17 pairs reached round two. Among them was Liv Sheppard, riding JAC Surprise Addition. The 15-year-old rider from Hay-on-Wye had never tackled such a big course before on her 11-year-old gelding, and she and her mother, Rachel, were then celebrating her being among the nine to reach round three. By this stage,…

CSI2* 1.35m speed.— 1, Dollargirl 16 (W Fischer) AUT; 2, U Mihnheer (A Reich) AUT; 3, Vanda Platinum (E Buller) AUS; 9, Deejay (S Moore) IRL. CSI5* 1.45m speed.— 1, Compadre Van De Helle (C van Paesschen) BEL; 2, CSF Vendi Cruz (S Breen) IRL; 3, H&M Second Chance (M Baryard-Johnsson) SWE; 4, Top Dollar V (L Renwick) GBR. CSI YH 1.40m speed.— 1, Quido Van De Helle (C van Paesschen) BEL; 2, Absolhut (L Hough) USA; 3, Crystal De Lau (G Patteet) BEL. CSI5* 1.50m.— 1, Identity Vitseroel (C Vanderhasselt) BEL; 2, Jilbert Van’t Ruytershof (C van Paesschen) BEL; 3, Cornet (D Deusser) GER; 10, Ipswich Van De Wolfsakker (S Breen) IRL. 9 Jun: CSI5* 1.50m 2ph.— 1, Isabeau De Laubry (M Modolo Zanotelli) BRA; 2, Glock’s Dobelensky (G…

RIHS ridden hunter (J Cope, L Cooke) l’wt.— 1 & ch, K Campbell’s Temple Ogue; 2 & res, Y Cuddy’s Royal Engagement; 3, S Hookham’s Revelation II. m’wt.— 1, W Burley’s It’s The King’s Speech; 2, V Mitson’s Alfie Connor; 3, C Upham’s Langaller Eve‘n’ So. h’wt.— 1, A Bassett’s Golden Lancer; 2, N Grubb’s Appledark Magic Touch; 3, R Harper’s Orions Cruiser. sml.— 1, J Powell’s Tiger Eye; 2, P Lobb’s SCT Le Bijou De Reve; 3, A Buckingham’s Designer Diamond. WH (R Thomas, M Davies) open.— 1, T Lang’s Broadriver Free Spirit; 2, V Mitson’s Royal Gent; 3, S Bradley-Higham’s Be Bop Burnt Toast. cobs (E Edwards-Brady, M Ainsworth) l’wt.— 1 & res, L Turley’s Chantilly Sandman; 2, T Veale’s Red Rock III; 3, H Read-Harper’s Your Grace.…

HOYS, ridden hunter (J Hunter, S Chapman) sml.— 1 & res, F Newton’s Ebony King; 2, C Vaughan’s Carnsdale Dreamcatcher; 3, Mr & Mrs R Gosling’s Faraon De La Diligence. l’wt.— 1 & ch, P Duncan’s Ducketts Grove; 2, K Douglas & D Harrod’s Man Of Honour; 3, D Richardson-Rowell’s Hegglelane Hillbilly. m’wt.— 1, M Hamilton’s Annaghmore Huntsman; 2, P Coles’ Redwood Ash; 3, Mr & Mrs A McCowan’s Tredragon. h’wt.— 1, H Gallagher’s Week Orchard Rock On; 2, A Peet’s Bloomfield Ambition; 3, C Elding’s Papavers Romeo. Cuddy working (L Hamilton, T Wiggett).— 1, Mr & Mrs J Burnett’s Scarthill Kingdom; 2 & res, M Bowling’s Portphillip CE; 3, K Braithwaite’s Killderry Rupert. ladies’ (A Pritchard, S Chapman).— 1, J Tyldesley’s Rehy Horizon; 2, R Robson’s Mhor Than Words;…

AHEAD of exceptionally strong competition, Annabel Drake, 13, won both HOYS junior sections. She partnered her own home-produced Welsh B Cadlanvalley Allegro (Lego, above) to win the small breeds section and Vanessa Clark’s home-bred Connemara Walstead Guiness to head the large breeds and stand champion. “I’ve always wanted a Cadlanvalley pony — they have such fabulous temperaments and movement,” said Annabel’s mother Sarah. “I saw him for sale on a Facebook page and, although he was lacking in condition, I jumped straight in the car and went to buy him. He’d never been shown and wasn’t much money — I’ve seen more expensive handbags. “Annabel has done all the work with him herself — she had to take him right back to square one and build him up. She’s spent…

I’LL start my final comment of the season by turning the spotlight on to lady riders again — four of them to be precise. This quartet is providing some much-needed excitement as the season draws to a close, which bodes well for the future. Three are youngsters with bright futures and one is an experienced old hand (she won’t mind me saying that). The battle for the lady novice riders’ title is going to go to the wire at Umberleigh (16 June). Alice Stevens and Isabel Williams are having a great scrap at the top of the table and both head to Devon with eight wins on the board. Alice and Isabel have both demonstrated that they can hold their own outside novice company and their title scrap has caught…

EVENTER William Fox-Pitt and trainer Lucinda Russell are among the equestrians named in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. William was appointed MBE for services to equestrian sport, Lucinda, who trained 2017 Grand National winner One For Arthur, was appointed OBE for services to racing. “It’s a huge honour,” William told H&H. “I feel proud to be on a par with the likes of Mary King and Ginny Elliot. I guess if you hang in there and get to my age and stage, something comes off.” William has represented Britain at five Olympic Games, four World and nine European championship teams. Professor Stuart Reid, chair of Trustees at the Donkey Sanctuary, was appointed CBE for his contributions to the veterinary profession and higher education, while five more equestrians were awarded…

DENMAN The National Hunt legend has died, aged 18. The 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup victor won 14 of his 24 starts under Rules and earned more than £1m. “He was a magic horse,” said his former trainer Paul Nicholls. OVER TO YOU Fans and owner Jeanette Brakewell gathered to celebrate the star’s 30th birthday. Britain’s most-medalled event horse was surrounded by supporters for a party, at his home in Staffordshire. SECOND SUPREME Jane and Jonathan Clarke’s 16-year-old eventer collapsed and died at Bramham, of suspected natural causes. He was 23rd at Badminton with Pippa Funnell before becoming a schoolmaster for Chuffy Clarke. TIP TOP Leslie Morse’s dressage stallion by Master has died, aged 24. The 2006 World Equestrian Games bronze medallist, who had been enjoying retirement for the past seven…

A MONTH after the royal wedding, Harry and Meghan are doing well — as is their dam. The pair are twins, born to Irish cob Blue Bell on 19 May. And as millions watched the prince marry Ms Markle, there was only one choice of names. Martin Dewar, who cares for Emma Walsh’s American Bashkir Curly stallion My Boy Buck who sired the twins, said Blue Bell, whom he formerly owned, was covered but it was thought she had not conceived. Twin foals are rare as they are usually spotted early on scans, and vets will abort one to give the other a better chance of surviving. But Harry and Meghan are doing well, Mr Dewar said, describing the situation as a “miracle”. And they won’t have to go on…

Sir — The rules for warming up say pass left to left, do not walk on the outside track. A misunderstanding can start because if you are walking on the left rein and someone is trotting or cantering on the right rein, passing left to left is not possible because you should be on the inside track. If someone asks you to not walk on the track as they canter towards you, please don’t expect them to cut in to avoid you. If you had been on the inside track, there would have been no issue. All too often, people walk on the outside track on a loose rein, chatting, or stand still on the track to speak to someone, oblivious to other riders. Working-in requires riders to watch out…

Mares vs geldings vs stallions It’s all about the geldings, with a 100% strike rate in recent times You have to go back to Corrada (Peter Charles) in 2003 to find the last mare to take the title. With age comes wisdom? Each of the past 10 equine winners has been a teenager — experience counts 3 13-year-olds 4 14-year-olds 1 15-year-old 2 16-year-olds HICKSTEAD DERBY EXPERIENCE Every winner had previous experience of the Derby track Mondriaan (2008 and 2009 with William Funnell) was a previous winner, as was Loughnatousa WB under Trevor Breen in 2015 (although his first win in 2012 came with Paul Beecher). Not every winner’s Derby debut had looked inspiring, but all bar Loughnatousa WB had completed the previous year’s competition with fewer than nine faults.…

EVENTING is about being the best all rounder and it’s rare that one combination puts in the standout performance in every phase, but that’s what happened at Bramham with Julia Krajewski’s victory. One of the criticisms levelled at dropping the dressage co-efficient this year is that an extremely good performance deserves a decent lead — losing the co-efficient brings all the marks closer together, so strong tests receive less reward. With her 19.4 dressage score, Julia proved that a really stellar test can still earn that margin. Although she didn’t need it, she could have won with two showjumps down or 21 seconds over the time across country. Some are saying the new scoring system renders the dressage pointless, but the way Bramham panned out didn’t actually feel much different…

ON.— 1, Tiggity Boo (A Marshall) 32.8,0,0=32.8; 2, Freshmans Pink Floyd (A Colborn) 31.8,0,1.6=33.4; 3, Rinwood Cooley (E Baldwin) 31,0,6=37. nov sec T.— 1, Babiblonia BT4 (A Nicholson) 25.3,6,4.4=35.7; 2, OBOS Boogie Woogie (H Gadsden) 32,0,4=36; 3, Trenwheal Bonnie (I Limpus) 31.5,4,0.8=36.3. sec U.— 1, Bee My King (R Starey) 32,0,0.4=32.4; 2, The African Queen (F Dallyn) 28.5,4,4.4=36.9; 3, Fernhill Quirado (O Cooper) 31.3,0,6.8=38.1. BE100open.— 1, Popstar III (L Pilbeam) 25.8,0,0=25.8; 2, Jockey Club Fleurelle (A Ho) 26.3,0,0=26.3; 3, Mtoto Jack (H Stout) 28.8,0,0=28.8. BE100u18 sec R.— 1, Lydican Star (E Van Praagh) 24.5,0,0=24.5; 2, Templar Esprit (E Barnard) 34.3,0,0=34.3; 3, San Solo (I Brook) 32.5,0,2=34.5. sec S.— 1, Sannanvalley Classic (A Martin) 28.3,0,0=28.3; 2, Access Bill (E Ricci) 23.3,0,7.2=30.5; 3, Townend Little Treasure (L Hutton) 29,4,0=33. BE100 sec L.—…

6 June: PSG Q (S Leitch, A Tissot, S Pidgley).— 1, Exquisite-D (V Thompson Winfield) 71.54; 2, Extra Time (L Amy) 68.81; 3, Shamwari Debonair (L Beckett) 68.72. BD 4yo (D Hunt, J Loriston-Clarke).— 1, Centre Stage (D Henson) 7.82; 2, Kayos Capriccia (T Goode) 7.72; 3, Sharyar (N Nilosaari) 7.7. BD 5yo.— 1, Imhotep (S Smith) 8.38; 2, Bode Miller (L Tomlinson) 8.22; 3, Ippolito (E Ward Hansen) 7.98. BD 6yo.— 1, Hocus Pocus (E Creamer) 8.16; 2, Fandango V (J Smith) 7.82; 3, Hormela (J Palmer) 7.78. 7June: inter I (S Pidgley, A Tissot, S Phillips).— 1, Headmore Davina (A Oppenheimer) 70.57; 2, LG Alicante Valley (J Dunn) 69.82; 3, Exquisite-D 69.07. BD nat 5yo (J Loriston-Clarke, P Hayler).— 1, Woodcroft Icon (B Bexon) 8.5; 2, Ippolito 8.44;…

SPARSHOLT COLLEGE 2 June: prelim 15Q gold (C Weston).— 1, Dolly (B Bainbridge) 64.6. silv.— 1, MCS Maverick (S Ross) 64.8; 2, Will O’ Blyge (S Ross) 60.8; 3, Helixa (N Jones) 57.2. brnz.— 1, Dreamy Gent (K King) 65.8; 2, Ace Moonshine (B Parker) 62; 3, Landmark Abstract (L Williams) 61.2. prelim 19Q (E Dadkhah).— 1, Helixa 65.83; 2, Eastworth Ahmoshini (S Zebedee) 61.04; 3, Aabernethys Eywas Bay Lady (G Abernethy Palmer) 60.83. brnz.— 1, Dreamy Gent 65.41; 2, Rainhill Rowena (I Burke) 64.16; 3, Ballydeely Gliawn Grandpa (C Day) 63.12. nov 22 gold (C Weston).— 1, Keystone Dawn Chorus (B Bainbridge) 73.27; 2, Hawtins Delario (K Shepherd) 70.17; 3, Ironi (S Millis) 70. silv.— 1, Rayid Heart Breaker (D Mansfield) 75; 2, Zen (A Lawrence) 67.41; 3, Keystone…

HICKSTEAD 2-3 June: prelim 15Q silv (L Cuomo).— 1, Henry Blue Of Moorby (D Boylan) 73.8; 2, Irish Law II (K Boxall) 69.6; 3, Linzgarth Royal Millennium (D Boylan) 66.4. brnz.— 1, Chantilly Nightshade (E Shuttleworth) 68.4; 2, Zabina (P Allen) 65; 3, Lucy Kildare (E Bishop) 63.6. nov 38Q gold (A Kempner).— 1, Keystone Debonaire (D Grinyer) 69.68 ; 2, High Hoes Florizel (D Morgan) 68.23; 3, Chanel II (N Powell-Richards) 67.1. silv.— 1, Keystone Spectre (D Gunner) 67.42; 2, Graf Hit VH Bloemenhof (A Jack) 67.1; 3, Floris-Son (J Monnox) 66.45. brnz.— 1, Bower Jaffaman (J Taylor) 63.87; 2, Miss Money Penny (H Staples) 57.58; 3, Westmorland Clover (I Knight) 56.94. elem 57Q gold (B Al-Omran).— 1, Hot JLO (S Millis) 74.46; 2, Keystone De Muro (S Lavandera)…

BIG STAR PROGENY ON OFFER AT BOLESWORTH THE Bolesworth Elite Auction will take place this evening (14 June) as part of the Bolesworth International Horse Show in Cheshire. Among the 21 lots is the Big Star colt foal Bahamas De Will Z, who is out of the Cassini I mare Tonia I, and a newborn daughter of Casall, out of the Rash R mare Witch, a former top ride of British showjumper Emily Ward. Other prominent sires represented include Cornet Obolensky, with three offspring for sale, plus For Pleasure, I’m Special De Muze and British-based stallion Christian. ELITE FOALS ENTRIES OPEN ENTRIES are now open for the inaugural Elite Foals Registration Tour, which will run across 11 UK venues from 11-22 August. Foals will compete for qualification to the national…

South of England, Ardingly, West Sussex HIS younger brother is already setting records, but 19-year-old Will Fletcher stole back some limelight by riding ex-European Eventing Championships superstar Persimmon to victory in the International Stairway on the second day here. The going in the main ring on day one had been of the “good to firm” variety, but copious watering and hard work from the organisers did the trick and eight of a big field were clear over a good course designed by Ben Townley under supervision from Bob Ellis. Riders found it hard to concentrate because their friend and colleague Phillip Miller was on his way to hospital after an accident on the horsewalk (see news, p8). However, they kept a huge crowd entertained throughout the jump-off that included a…

9 June: B&C.— 1, Dalton W (P Barker); 2, Cendara De Mies (S Borthwick); 3, Gallicia (J Whitaker). Speedi-Beet grade C qualifier.— 1, Gait L (P Barker); 2, Exception (J Reed-Stephenson); 3, Billy Rembrandt (A Barton). Bramham 1.40m Classic).— 1, Wellington M (K Brennan); 2, Queen Elizabeth (J Whitaker); 3, Farianne (R Howley). six-bar.— 1eq, Glenavadra Brilliant (J Whitaker) & Ayamonte BG Z (R Howley); 3, Notis Me (R Howley). 10 June: Yorkshire Post 1.30m.— 1 & 2, Cartouche & Lux Fabulous (P Barker); 3, Mary T (C Whittle). speed challenge.— 1 & 3, TJM Henry De Reve & MB Landini (C Dawson); 2, Sandors Legacy II (P Barker). accumulator.— 1, Lux Fabulous; 2, TJM Henry De Reve; 3, CSF Olympic Lady (K Pytches). Wetherby Skips grand prix.— 1, Wellington…

2 Jun: pony British nov.— 1, JJ Ruby (S Wildern); 2, Smokey Rockie (C Fletcher); 3, Beechill Johnny (L Backhouse). pony 80cm.— 1, Brynnebo Banderas (O Roud); 2, Headmore Little Lightning (E Fisher); 3, Runaway Dolly (K Bradburne). Graeme Ash 90cm nov.— 1, Touch Of Colour II (J Barker); 2, JJ Ruby; 3, Lackaghmore Goljon (T Hubbard). Direct Insurance Group Bright Star.— 1, Cape Clear Crystal (C Hollinshead); 2, Archers Delight (F Young); 3, Cavaliers Royale Princess (E Baker). Blue Chip pony newcomers.— 1, Blue Boy V (C Aird); 2, Touch Of Colour II; 3, Orchids Rosetta (D Garrad). pony 1m.— 1, Ardrahan Andy (D Garrad); 2, Jim Bob II (R Hayward); 3, Ulster Tourniere (S Cox). pony Foxhunter/1.10m.— 1, Sulan Hollywood Knight (T Jordan Jones); 2, Woodfield Five Star…

WITH three five-star shows taking place last weekend, top-level riders had an enviable dilemma — would they choose to compete next to the beach on the French Riviera, in the mountains of Austria or on the lush foothills of the Rockies? It is thanks to three of the sport’s most generous supporters that this very first-world showjumping problem occured at all. The CSI5* in Cannes is part of the Longines Global Champions Tour circuit, the mastermind of president Jan Tops, while the CSI5* Spruce Meadows National Tournament is being hosted by the ever generous Southern family at their home — which they’ve built up to become one of the leading venues in the world — in Calgary, Canada. H&H was lucky enough to be invited to Glock Horse Performance Center…

KUNG FU PANDA, a five-year-old in his first open season, showed off his moves to clinch the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) coloured championship. The piebald gelding, ridden by Emma Lucas, bagged a Royal International (RIHS) place on his first show of the term. “I first laid eyes on him when he came to the yard for breaking at the end of 2016,” said Emma, 26, who works for John Harvey. “I was looking for a horse to buy, but I couldn’t find anything so I persuaded the breeder to sell him to me last December. “He’s not exactly what I intended to get, but he’s such a good mover, which is what makes him stand out,” added Emma, who noted “Panda” was the result of a breeding mishap.…

HOYS, ridden heavy horse (J Poole, A Whetton).— 1, Middleton Percherons’ Hales Hector; 2, G Cass’ Kentwell Paigale; 3, A Noble’s Peggyslea Buddy. WHP (D Blair, Mrs S Tanner) int.— 1 & ch, K Hirst’s Fabiro Z; 2, C Wheeler’s Onno; 3, H Gaunt’s Rob. 153cm.— 1, C Wheeler’s Pebbly House Martyn; 2, L Layfield’s Derrygimbla Bay; 3, P Eddis’ Cashel Bay JJ. 143cm.— 1, J Reading’s Rowdown Archer; 2, E Blythe’s Wychenlea Artful Dodger; 3, M Burnett’s Stambrook Maestro. 133cm.— 1, J Reading’s Parkton Copper King; 2, J Donnor’s Barney; 3, S Stanley’s Killaghey Golden Cascade. M&M WHP (R Bown, R Avery) exc 143cm.— 1 & res, B Sargeant’s PSF Molly; 2, Cashel Bay JJ; 3, A Smith’s Killaneen Boy. 143cm.— 1 & ch, A Smith’s Dougal Of Dykes;…

HOYS, hunter, working (S Leatherbarrow, J Geake).— 1 & ch, K Hirst’s Noble Gladiator; 2 & res, M Cooper’s Toronto; 3, J & L Burnett’s Scarthill Kingdom. sml (B Ensten, M Lawrence).— 1, M Nicholson’s Bowland Dynamo; 2, N Wilkes’ Mexican Summer; 3, C Blaskey’s Greenhall Cecil. l’wt.— 1 & ch, D Stennett’s Time 2 Reflect; 2, S Housley’s Temple Mill; 3, S Ambler’s Humphrey. m’wt.— 1 & res, B Malim’s Bloomfield Valhalla; 2, S Neachell’s Chasing Rainbows; 3, P Coles’ Redwood Ash. h’wt.— 1, D Harrod’s Bloomfield Excelsior; 2, A Peet’s Bloomfield Ambition; 3, R Maxwell’s The Parishioner. ladies’ (M Bowling, M Lawrence).— 1, Mexican Summer; 2, E Trembath & C Clark’s Dharmavallye; 3, F Ludlow’s Lowmoor Touchstone. M&M junior (G Sells, S Howard) sml.— 1, S Drake’s Cadlanvalley…