Innholdsfortegnelse for 15-Nov-2018 i Horse & Hound

THE Horse & Hound Awards had their third run last week, moving from Ascot to Cheltenham Racecourse this time. The event has rapidly become our favourite night of the year. It is a joyous celebration of all that is good about horse sport. Everyone turns up hellbent on having a good time and consequently they do. This year we welcomed, among others, Horse of the Year Show winners, Badminton and Burghley victors, and World Equestrian Games medallists. These exceptional athletes joined the incredible vets, grooms and volunteers also nominated, who combined to make our phenomenal sports happen. There was a sense of genuine appreciation in the room for what each role being honoured at the event brings to the whole. And the winners, well, they were the characters with the…

THE Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is urging horsebox owners to sign up for its new MOT reminder service. Owners can register to receive a free reminder by text or email two months and one month before the annual test is due. The DVSA launched a similar service, the “Get MOT reminders”, to car, van and motorbike owners in November 2017 and has now extended the service to buses, coaches and lorries. The DVSA said the service is for all drivers and may be very useful for owners who do not use their horseboxes on a day-to-day basis the way someone might use a car, as there is a possibility they might then forget when the annual test is due. DVSA chief executive Gareth Llewellyn said: “DVSA’s priority is…

Captain Mark Phillips won the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement Award. He is the third recipient of the award, following Nick Skelton and the 11th Duke of Beaufort. Report, p27. Master saddler Ian Silman of Equicraft Saddlery in Somerset is the British Equestrian Trade Association’s new chairman. He takes over from Nikki Newcombe. Trainer Paul Nicholls had five winners at Wincanton on 10 November. Grand Sancy, If You Say Run and Flic Ou Voyou, were ridden by Harry Cobden; Capeland and Present Man by Bryony Frost. Showjumper Ben Maher won the Longines Global Champion Tour (LGCT) grand prix in Doha on Explosion W, and has been crowned the 2018 champion of champions. Report, p70. Trainer Charlie Appleby won the Melbourne Cup with Cross Counter, ridden by Kerrin McEvoy. The race…

ANN MARIE POMPHRET FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to Ms Pomphret, who was found dead on 2 November. The 49-year-old was heavily involved in dressage, including volunteering at Somerford Park Farm and Bolesworth. Somerford director Debbie King said Ms Pomphret had played a huge part in running the Premier League events after Debbie’s daughter Amelia King took them over in recent years. “She was absolutely brilliant,” Debbie King said. “She was incredibly generous and kindhearted, and gave up so much of her time; it’s incredibly sad.” Ms King paid tribute to the volume of work Ms Pomphret undertook as a volunteer, and to her “delightful” family. “She’s going to be missed so much,” she said. In a statement, Ms Pomphret’s family said: “Marie was a beloved daughter, wife and…

DIMENSIONS A story filters back from Pau, where a rider new to CCI4* level was walking the cross-country and boggling quietly at the width of a table. Her helpful 5ft 7in friend decided to lie flat on said fence, to demonstrate that it was wider than her height. “I really didn’t want to know that,” the rider muttered. CASH FLOW Overheard at the yard, a rider talking about all the overtime she’s been doing at work. “So you’ll be loaded then,” mused a pal. “No, the lorry’s going in for its plate next week,” she answered, glumly. Say no more, ladies. Say no more. RUNNING A jockey was cautioned by stewards as he was nearly struck by the runners in a novice hurdle. Out for a run, with headphones in,…

THE clocks have gone back and the head torches have come out. For the workers of the world, if you keep horses at home in winter with limited electric lights in the yard, you will spend much time fumbling around in the dark, tripping over buckets and not being able to find the wretched beasts who are always hiding in the far corner of the furthest field. Georgie has got it sussed. She often thinks that if she were to go on Mastermind,head torches would be her specialist subject. Hers is a serious bit of kit, with a cluster of three powerful LED lights at the front and an elastic strap over the head — as well as round it — to keep it steady. No droppings can hide from…

If a horse is in pain and not feeling 100%, he can rush towards the fences. It’s always a good idea to get your vet and physio to check him over if you have any concerns, to rule out pain being the cause. Your own position is really important. If you are too in front of the horse, he will automatically go forwards. Therefore, in your last stride, you want to sit with your shoulders back, giving the horse time to jump by riding in a good rhythm. Ensure the poles are the correct distance apart for your horse and don’t make the jumps too high to start with.…

ROS capped an extraordinary season by being crowned double world champion in Tryon, on her 17.1hh partner Allstar B. And yet again the cheers rang out for Ros as she was crowned the Neue Schule Professional Rider of the Year. Having finished fifth and with team gold at the 2017 Europeans, the event rider continued her upward surge this year. Besides Tryon, the pair achieved a career-best four-star result with third at Badminton, which Ros proceeded to match at Luhmühlen CCI4* on Zenshera, who also finished fifth at Pau CCI4*. The 32-year-old just missed out on becoming the first female world number one in seven years. Ros, unable to attend the ceremony, gave her acceptance speech by video, from the back of Allstar B (Albie). She paid tribute to his…

IF you didn’t already have Charlotte Fry, known as Lottie, on your radar, you certainly will now. The name of this year’s worthy winner of the Saracen Horse Feeds Young Rider of the Year would have long been familiar to those in the dressage world — Lottie’s mother was the late Olympian Laura Fry — but 2018 has been the year in which the 22-year-old has burst onto the wider international scene and made everybody sit up. In August, Lottie was crowned world champion in the seven-year-old section of the World Breeding Dressage Championships riding the exciting Lord Leatherdale stallion Glamourdale. Just a couple of weeks later, she led Britain to an historic bronze medal at the under-25 European Championships, before claiming individual gold on Dark Legend, her current top…

DAISY SADLER was named the Absorbine Inspiration of the Year for her remarkable horse-drawn trek across Britain to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity. The 73-year-old travelled nearly 1,000 miles from Banbury to The Kelpies, via Edinburgh, and back again with her Belgian Draught horses, Olive and Arthur. Daisy took on the challenge to raise money for the Imogen Whitby Fund in memory of the two-year-old toddler who died from a brain tumour in 2017. She raised more than £23,000 for the cause and is planning another fundraising venture in the future. “People were so generous, kind and helpful,” commented Daisy, who said that one of her favourite memories was climbing up over a hill and the North Sea coming into view. “It’s very rare you can do that…

WITH nearly 30 years of experience volunteering at the start box for British Eventing (BE), Keith Watkins is a well-known friendly face to many, and a deserved recipient of this year’s Balanced Horse Feeds Volunteer of the Year award. “I’ve started about 100,000 horses,” said Keith, who now covers the south-west region, including Bicton, Wilton and Pontispool. Having evented for 11 years himself, Keith wanted to “put a bit back into the sport” and understands how riders feel as they wait to be counted down. “I treat every rider the same, whatever the level,” he explained. “I have a chat with them, put them at ease.” During his years of service to the sport, he has some moments to remember — starting the late Hannah Francis at her last event…

● Speak up. Bullying can happen to anyone and you don’t have to put up with it. The important thing is to tell someone and remember it’s not your fault. ● Young people can talk to parents, teachers, call Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk ● Adults can call the Bullying UK helpline on 0808 800 2222 ● Keep a record of what happened, when and who was involved. If the bullying is online, keep the evidence — save or copy any photos, videos, texts, emails or posts. ● Don’t be tempted to retaliate, in person or online.…

AMY BROWN, who whips-in to the Berwickshire, and her 20-year-old ex-racehorse Kasilia won the Ri-Dry-sponsored final of the £3,500 Retaining of Racehorses (RoR) Racing to Hunting Challenge held at Aintree Racecourse on 28 October. Six finalists were selected to appear at Aintree, where they took part in a series of challenges that they would encounter on a day’s hunting. Kasilia ran 30 times in his racing career, winning one point-to-point, and has hunted for the past 10 years. “He’s absolutely the perfect hunter,” said Amy, who took home a cheque for £2,500, while her hunt gained £1,000. Second were the Tynedale’s Struan Wilson and The Friary, while Chris Thomson and Wee Bertie, from the Ashford Valley Tickham, were third. The other finalists were Amy Morgan and Kikos (Heythrop), Becky Morby…

THOSE who need to fit their Christmas shopping round their hunting will be delighted that two Gloucestershire hunts are holding Christmas fairs. The Beaufort’s fair takes place on 27 November at Newnton Dairy Farm, Long Newnton, from 9.30am to 8pm. Entry costs £5. There will be more than 120 stalls. For those who have left it a little late, the Heythrop’s Christmas Fair is on 21 December at Adlestrop Village Hall from 5.30pm to 8pm. Entrance costs £5 and includes a glass of wine and nibbles, with a gift-wrapping service on site.…

Saddlesdane, Kent | Parwood, Surrey | Merrist Wood, Surrey | Step Aside, W Sussex Freya, 19, posted 68.38% and 67.5% advanced mediums on Combe Magna at Saddlesdane and, having confirmed her advanced eligibility, is setting her sights on prix st georges (PSG). She said: “I’ve trained with Amy Stovold for the past couple of years — she’s been good for getting the best out of ‘Willoughby’ and myself, as I used to feel rather daunted riding a thoroughbred surrounded by warmbloods. It’s taken a long time for him to take the weight back, and getting him to accept a consistent contact was difficult at the lower levels. But now he’s more on the game.” Emilie Jarvis, recovering from shingles, has handed over the reins of the Lord Loxley six-year-old Loxleys…

WEST WILTS EC 1 Nov: prelim 12 silv (H Keen).— 1, Stadmorslow Coffee N Cream (N Spencer-Brock) 68.7. brnz.— 1, Smugglers Bay II (S White) 67.4. prelim 17A gold.— 1, Impresario (I Bernhardt) 69.31; 2, Haribo II (M Williamson) 68.62; 3, Jupiter (I Bernhardt) 67.76. silv.— 1, Stadmorslow Coffee N Cream 65.52. brnz.— 1, Smugglers Bay II 70.69. nov 24 gold.— 1, Sir Amour (L Straker) 73.26; 2, Rubytuesday (T Denness) 69.78; 3, Fire Light (A Blount) 67.17. silv.— 1, The Springy Thingy (N Carter) 66.74; 2, Canterbury Jack UK (H Williamson) 65. nov 38Q gold (A Harrison).— 1, Sir Amour 66.93; 2, Rubytuesday 66.93; 3, Fire Light 65. silv.— 1, The Springy Thingy 64.03; 2, Canterbury Jack UK 60.48. elem 40 silv.— 1, Flammenbelle (D Rhodes) 66.29; 2, Formidible…

Easton & Otley College, Norfolk | Anvil Park Stud, Norfolk | Keysoe, Beds List two judge Judy Hancock and Just Dance BH, a four-year-old out of a jumping-bred mare, posted 75% in a prelim at Easton and Otley College. “This was only ‘Toto’s’ second show ever, and he was so grown up with a great attitude,” explained Judy, who trains with Trish Gardiner. “I bought him from Ruth Wollerton in July, just backed; he’s sensitive and forward but sensible with it.” Ruth Hurst and Carolyn and John Wilson’s TCE Forever (Jazz x Goodtimes) took the elementary at Anvil Park with 67.5%, the highest score at the show. “He was bought in the summer from Antonia Brown, and he’s everything Antonia said he’d be — amazingly talented and sane,” said Ruth.…

SOLIHULL EC 1 Nov: elem 43 gold (V Weaver).— 1, Centaur Commandor (R Guire) 65.68; 2, Ballylane Boy (K Rouse) 65. silv.— 1, Sanguine Hit (N Southall) 68.27; 2, Skelwith Loulou (N Southall) 65.68. brnz.— 1, MC Marshmallow (C Allcock) 62.41. elem 57Q gold.— 1, Centaur Commandor 66.42; 2, Emmy (K Rouse) 66.07. silv.— 1, Sanguine Hit 71.07; 2, Skelwith Loulou 67.67. brnz.— 1eq, Bellissima V (Z Wiggins) & MC Marshmallow 62.67. med 69 gold.— 1, Findatie Bracken (C Pickles) 67.27. silv.— 1, Magistrate (J Austin) 62.42. med 76Q gold.— 1, Magistrate 67.12. silv.— 1, Findatie Bracken 65.45. adv med 85 gold.— 1, Arnage Wasabi (J Shaw) 68.82. silv.— 1, Kerayasi (L Crouch) 62.5. adv med 91 gold.— 1, Arnage Wasabi 66.66. silv.— 1, Isleno XCV (M Rigg) 62.96; 2,…

Manor Grange Stud, West Yorks | Yorkshire Riding Centre, North Yorks Rebecca’s Evita Vienna put on her dancing shoes to borrowed music to take the medium at Manor Grange — her first attempt at a freestyle. The Lord Leatherdale x Jazz nine-year-old scored a fraction under 70%. Rebecca’s success came as her father-in-law Allan was in Kentucky, celebrating the win of Newspaperofrecord in the juvenile fillies’ turf. He bred the two-year-old under the banner of his Times of Wigan stud. Rebecca’s husband Peter also breeds, but concentrates on dressage horses. “My husband bought Vienna to breed from five years ago but I pinched her to compete, so she’s had some foals by embryo transfer. Her first foal, Kismet (by Ampere), headed the KWPN mare’s grading this week, so we’ve had…

THE following riders representing 11 nations head to Prague to contest the inaugural super grand prix: • Scott Brash, GBR (Mexico City winner) • Edwina Tops-Alexander, AUS (Miami Beach winner) • Gregory Wathelet, BEL (Shanghai winner) • Ben Maher, GBR (Madrid winner) • Harrie Smolders, NED (Hamburg winner) • Carlos Lopez, COL (Saint Tropez second place to Ben Maher) • Peder Fredricson, SWE (Cannes winner) • Nicola Philippaerts, BEL (Cascais winner) • Shane Breen, IRL (Monaco winner) • Sameh El Dahan, EGY (Paris winner) • Daniel Deusser, GER (Chantilly second place to Nicola Philippaerts) • Alberto Zorzi, ITA (Berlin winner) • Ludger Beerbaum, GER (London third place to Scott Brash and Peder Fredricson) • Frank Schuttert, NED (Valkenswaard winner) • Henrik von Eckermann, SWE (Rome second place to Ben Maher)…

Connolly’s Red Mills newcomers.— 1, Bloomfields Millpond (D Morton); 2, Best Of Both (C Crow); 3, Sirnunn Lancelot Legend (R Karling). 1.10m.— 1, Felice II (C Crow); 2, Quister Loma SB (O King); 3, On Board Candy (B Raistrick). Blue Chip Karma performance.— 1, Centurion (A Botham); 2, Shutterbug (A Thompson); 3, Euphoria JST (L Johnson). Blue Chip Dynamic B&C.— 1, Fiva La Vida (F Adams); 2, Latisha (N Freeman); 3, The Lammy Factor (J Ellis). 1.30m.— 1, Demograaf (F Adams); 2, Gusto (J Botham); 3, Lord Castell (G Goodwin). KBIS British nov.— 1, Unas Song (O King); 2, J Star (B Hall); 3, Warren House Bounty (K Oakes). Nupafeed Supplements discovery.— 1, Java I (D Watson); 2, Templepatrick Tango (B Hall); 3, Nea Van Het Audgoed (J Balmer). KBIS…

IT was another revealing weekend of racing — a girls’ Saturday and a Paul Nicholls’ walkover at his local track Wincanton on 10 November. Nicholls’ five-timer on the day says it all — the yard is flying and so is his young jockey Bryony Frost, who rode yet another big-race winner for the Ditcheat team. For the second year running, Bryony and Present Man served up plenty to celebrate in the Badger Ales Trophy. This longstanding Wincanton sponsor has seen many good chasers win their race and their own Present Man justified all the local support. The girl power continued in the form of the Nicky Henderson-trained Verdana Blue in the Unibet Elite Hurdle. This cracking mare showed a clean pair of heels to If The Cap Fits, one of…

SEIB British Riding Clubs (BRC) quadrille final, Bury Farm, Bucks A NEW name was etched on to the trophy at the quadrille final when Billericay and District Riding Club (RC) took the spoils for their Wizard of Oz display, which received a score of 89.4% from the three judges. The quartet, three of whom have enjoyed success representing Cambridgeshire at the British Dressage (BD) inter-county freestyle competition, decided to enter the BRC quadrille for the first time this year and their triumph was all the more remarkable given they had to make two last-minute horse substitutions. “Over the past two weeks we have had two horses go lame, so we were thrilled just to get through the routine,” said Samantha Thompson, one of the two riders who had a change…

WHAT is it they say about best-laid plans? After last year’s juddering start, I was looking forward to this season’s hunting. Then I made a mistake. All it took was a bit of gentle crowing about Jim’s reformed character, “we’re a team” blah-dee-blah, for things to go steeply downhill. Horses are very grounding in that way, they have a radar for borderline-smug behaviour and quickly find a way to bring you back to earth. ‘Horses have a radar for borderline-smug behaviour’ It started off with a small thing. Autumn hunting one day, I jumped off to do a gate and couldn’t get on again. Hounds were running, I was hopping around the spinning horse. I simply couldn’t summon the strength to propel myself up. Finally, a friend took pity, jumped…

THE people and horses named the most worthy recipients of this year’s Horse & Hound Awards have been named. After hundreds of nominations were received, and some 24,000 votes from readers, the titles were handed out at Cheltenham racecourse on 8 November. H&H editor-in-chief Sarah Jenkins said: “Each is extremely worthy of our praise and respect and I’d like to add my own congratulations to each of our fantastic winners.” Share your news story Call 01252 555021 Email eleanor.m.jones@ti-media.com @ eleanor_jones_…

CRACKSMAN The John Gosden-trained star ends his career on the track joint top of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings with Winx. The four-year-old is standing at Dalham Hall Stud for a fee of £25,000. DOUGLAS Simon Grieve’s four-star ride has been put down, aged 15, after an injury failed to heal. The Irish Sport Horse, most recently owned by Vicki and Stewart Irlam, also showjumped internationally with Nina Barbour. DOUVAN The six-time Grade One winner looks set to miss the season due to injury. Trained by Willie Mullins, the eight-year-old with two Cheltenham Festival wins ran twice last season due to trouble with the same leg. BOWKER Lancashire Constabulary’s mounted section has named a five-year-old Irish equine recruit after the late former chairman of the Lancashire Police Horse Benevolent…

RIDERS PICKED FOR TRAINING SCHEME THREE riders have been selected for the Windrush Foundation’s young eventers programme. The initiative aims to support riders in their education and training by offering them a pathway to become professional eventers and learn how to support themselves in running businesses. Irish rider Susie Berry and British riders Mary Edmundson and Alex Kennedy were selected from a shortlist of nine by a panel of judges that included William and Pippa Funnell and Eleonora Ottaviani of the Young Riders’ Academy. A fourth rider, Amy Barlow, has also been offered a short training period. The programme begins in December, when the three will start training at the Young Riders’ Academy in Geneva. EQUINE HOSPITAL’S £230K INVESTMENT AN equine hospital has invested £230,000 in new bone scan equipment.…

EVENTING icon Jane Holderness-Roddam has called on the horse world not to neglect balance and feel as the cornerstones of good riding in our “health and safety” society. The Olympic gold medallist said times have changed, with health and safety, insurance and liability at the forefront of people’s minds, making teaching riding very challenging. “We do have to be careful and we have to think much more so than we used to,” she said. “Where do we draw the line? I think we have to think about how we as riders, trainers and people with influence in the horse world can do something about it. “A lot of riders have only ridden in a school or on a surface; they don’t know what effect being outside will have on the…

INSTEAD of having your hair or nails done, men of course included, why not treat your four-legged friend to a spa day instead? The Horsebox Spa, a mobile equine salon, came about after founder Allie MacLeod endured last winter at a yard with no mains water or electricity. Deciding she could not face another winter without hot washes, and seeing social media posts from riders looking for local spa facilities, Allie came up with the idea of taking the mountain to Mohammed. She gave up her City job to launch her south-east-based mobile salon, which offers everything from hot and cold washes, a solarium and rug heaters to massage, grooming and a waiting lounge. And the best bit? Ambient spa music. Where do we book?…

Sir — Like many grassroots event riders, the showjumping phase brings untold, irrational anxiety. While I’d attended and appreciated sports psychology sessions, I still felt capped at my competition BE90 height. Therefore, as practice makes perfect, I went to Summerhouse Equestrian where I rode four horses over a number of sessions. Each had a flying change, never stopped and allowed me to ride around the British Showjumping (BS) course while trainer Rachel Gallop guided me on ringcraft and tweaked my position. I know few other sports where we spend so much on continuous training, and taking my horse out of the equation and spending that lesson money on myself paid dividends. We ended the season with our first BE100 (double clear) and have even braved BS on a ticket! Showjumping…

TWO hundred and seventy-five of the equestrian world’s great and good gathered at Cheltenham for a fitting celebration of this year’s sport. From septuagenarian Daisy Sadler raising thousands of pounds for charity in a five-month horse-drawn trek to the Kelpies and back, to Ros Canter scooping double world gold in a memorable season, the 2018 awards went to inspirational personalities. Besides our guests of Burghley and Badminton winners and those who have starred on the podiums throughout their careers, we celebrated the work of those toiling away behind the scenes to make our sport so brilliant. Our guest speaker, Major Dickie Waygood, has experienced more loops of the equestrian rollercoaster than most. He talked us through his life in horses, from his early days in the Household Cavalry and “rocking”…

IN the battle to be Feedmark Horse of the Year, Gemma Tattersall’s ride Arctic Soul, a team gold medallist for Britain at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Tryon, came out on top. Chris Stone, majority shareholder in The Soul Syndicate that owns 15-year-old “Spike”, accepted the award. “I cornered [British eventing performance manager] Dickie Waygood earlier this year and said: ‘I know you’re not a selector but when you’re picking the team this year, look at this horse’s record — he’s a finisher.’ “He’s got proper, big, strong thoroughbred capability, and can go on galloping and jumping, seemingly forever.” Chris added: “This award shows how Spike has captured people’s attention — he’s an off-the-track thoroughbred, there are lots of them about and he shows what they can do,” he…

JANE FELTON, who was described by boss Jonty Evans as “the most incredible friend through the hardest time of my life”, was voted Horseware Groom of the Year. Jonty praised Jane’s work in running his business since he suffered a significant brain injury in a cross-country fall at Tattersalls in June. Jane said: “It’s been a long year — but it was a hell of a team effort. I couldn’t have done it on my own; everyone pulled together, plus the support from the public and other professionals — it’s been incredible.” Jane added that highlights of her job included grooming at the 2016 Olympics. “I’ve had some amazing opportunities, like going to Rio, and Badminton. Grooming there is a massive thing, it’s the pinnacle of eventing in the UK…

“THIS has undoubtedly been our best year and this award is so unexpected,” said Jonelle Price after she and her husband, Tim, were announced winners of the Griffin NuuMed Moment of the Year award. “It’s been a long, slow road getting here and it’s nice now to be at that point — but it’s definitely not the end.” The husband-and-wife wonder-team beat some strong fellow nominees — William Funnell’s fourth Hickstead Derby win, Hayley Moore catching a loose racehorse while live on TV and the dressage mule sensation that is Wallace The Great. Between them, Tim and Jonelle took three of the world’s six four-star events in 2018, with Jonelle kicking things off at Badminton, taking the title aboard Classic Moet before following this up with victory at Luhmühlen the…

HAVING established Field Equine Vets in 2016, Alastair’s Blakedown practice in Worcestershire has gone from strength to strength, receiving accreditation under the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Practice Standards Scheme. “It’s really humbling to have won the eVetDrug Vet of the Year award,” said Alastair, 37. “We are fortunate to have some really lovely clients. The practice has grown a lot in the past few years since it was set up, and we now have four vets. We are a young team, who are trying to push the boundaries and invest in new equipment — we strive to use the latest and best-proven techniques on the horses in our care.” Described by customers as an “excellent and thorough vet” who always puts horse welfare first, Bristol University graduate Alastair started…

AIVER CAPRICCIA DRESSAGE SADDLE Designed for comfort and support of horse and rider, this fully adjustable saddle is available in a variety of colours and effects. £2,650 aiversport.com DOEBERT CLASSIC LEATHER SWAROVSKI BROWBAND Crystals set in the very best leather; available in a range of styles and colours with plain or padded, standard or patent leather. From £49.95 shawsequestrian.com WINTECLITE PONY ALL PURPOSE D’LUX SADDLE Ideal for leisure riding or participating in multiple disciplines, this ultra-lightweight saddle has a changeable cantle. £599 wintec-saddles.com FLEX-ON ALUMINIUM STIRRUPS Lightweight stirrups with built-in shock absorbers and a choice of tread shape, grip, frame colours and decorative inserts. £269.95 flex-on.fr CALDENE CURVED FIVE ROW DIAMANTE AND PEARL BROWBAND This sparkling browband is available in four sizes,…

SUSIE WOODHOUSE (1927-2018) SUSIE WOODHOUSE, who has died aged 91, was a legend in the hunting field and an outstanding horsewoman, point-to-pointing and eventing at top level. Brought up in the Sparkford Vale country, she became a formidable point-to-point jockey, her best horse being Sun Parlour. She continued race-riding after her marriage to John Woodhouse of the brewing family from Blandford, Dorset, who was himself both hunt secretary and master of the Portman. She rode at Badminton for the first time aged 42, coming 12th on her good horse Corchy. She started the Portman Horse Trials and ran them herself for many years. However, hunting was her greatest love and no one crossed the challenging Portman Vale better when hounds were running. North Cornwall, where she had holidayed at Trebetherick…

AT last, my dancing shoes are working and the rain has arrived. It has never been a drier time for hunting, and this has made for a less-than-happy start for most of my fellow huntsmen. Both horses and hounds have suffered from the hard ground and the need to go steady has certainly been helped by a very poor scenting time. Our opening meet coincided with Mrs Frampton’s birthday — what a treat indeed. The thought of a relaxing day was not on the agenda. Having horses, tack and kit to get ready for the big day, as well as tea at our house afterwards, was a different sort of birthday treat to the one she might have imagined. There are, of course, some blessings in life and our twins,…

SARA MALPASS recorded 70.65% and 72.61% novice wins at Merrist Wood on a former rearer, eight-year-old Keystone Dicaprio. “He started rearing a couple of weeks after I bought him,” she explained. “It was confirmed that he had been suffering from osteochondrosis dissecans for some time. “He had surgery on both stifle joints, three months box rest, then six in the field, but he became dangerous again when I started to hack him. He didn’t believe that he wasn’t going to experience pain.” Sara took “Zeus” to a water treadmill every week to build strength without putting pressure on his joints, but she added: “Rebuilding trust in his rider has been the biggest issue. I must always ensure that he’s confident and I’m not going to ask too much. In training,…

SNEC, West Lothian | Fountain Dressage, Aberdeen Sarah Oakden was delighted to head a prelim with 78.97% at SNEC with Kerrishill Zeus, especially as the Welsh section C gelding has been forced to miss the summer. The seven-year-old, who is owned and bred by Irene Gawith, suffered a broken pedal bone during a flat mountain and moorland ridden class in May. Sarah explained she felt him trip then become unlevel during her individual show, and an X-ray revealed a broken pedal bone. “He had heart-bar shoes put on and was on box rest,” said Sarah. “His first competition was at the British Show Pony Society Heritage Championships last month. This was his first winter dressage qualifier as we’ve been so busy showing and eventing. He does everything with a smile…

EASTON & OTLEY COLLEGE 4 Nov: prelim 14Q gold (J Allen).— 1, Just Dance BH (J Hancock) 67.69. silv.— 1, Ghana Spartacus (A Pomfret) 68.84; 2, Capalina BF Z (S Finch) 65.38; 3, Another Furst (M Haggith) 64.03. brnz.— 1, Policy Breach (R Clark) 64.61. prelim 17Q gold (D Tate).— 1, Just Dance DH 75. silv.— 1, Capalina BF Z 70.51; 2, Ghana Spartacus 69.65; 3, Tyddyn Cochyn Kaan (R Trenton) 65.17. brnz.— 1, Magnum Classic (F Vos) 62.24; 2, Capuchin Minstral (L Rowell) 61.72. nov 27 gold (J Allen).— 1, Forever London (E Darling) 65.35. silv.— 1, Dr Brandy (L King) 65; 2, Vantage (J Lawrence) 63.21. brnz.— 1, Teatse Fan Bokkum (S Billham) 66.96; 2, Coswarth Legacy (I Havens) 66.07; 3, Policy Breach 64.28. nov 39Q gold (D…

AS I write, I am just shy of seven months pregnant. I am still going to the gym twice a week and I still ride at least one of my horses most days. Do I want a medal? No (well, yes, but not for that), but I would like not to be judged. I am not careless with my body and I don’t take unnecessary risks, but I will sit on my comfy older horses that I know and trust. My doctor says I should keep doing what my body is used to, as long as it’s comfortable; my body will tell me when to stop. This is different for everyone. In the gym, I work to keep my back strong as I have damaged discs, and to maintain suppleness…

Longines Global Champions Tour Final, Doha, Qatar “I DON'T know if I’ll have another season like this,” said Ben Maher, the newly crowned champion of champions on the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT). In an extraordinary turnaround in fortunes, the 35-year-old Hertfordshire rider sealed what has been a sensational, if somewhat unexpected, season on the five-star circuit by winning the final grand prix in Doha and helping his team the London Knights claim top spot in the Global Champions League (GCL). “I did nothing different this year but fortunately for me everything went right,” said Ben, who claimed victory in four of the Tour’s grands prix — Madrid, Saint Tropez, Rome and Doha — to head the overall rankings. He won Saturday’s grand prix in the best way he knows…

10 Nov: KBIS Insurance British novice.— 1, Zora Azoo (C Bailey); 2, Bonmahon Blue Shaker (J Reynolds); 3, Summerhill Surprise (M Adamson). 90cm open.— 1, Probably Will (M Jones); 2, Veldheer (L Blumberg); 3, Rossini V (P Darcis). Haygain hay steamers diamond.— 1, Hooray Henry II (S Rushton); 2, Cymbeline (E Gibbs); 3, Go Spirit (H McDonald). Nupafeed Supplements discovery.— 1, Prim N Proper II (R Mason); 2, Helvellyn (M Ford); 3, Ballintibbet Clover Star (E Vaughan Jones). 1m open.— 1, Cymbeline; 2, Tallents Quondam (L Elkins); 3, Hello Skippy (C Hegarty). Connolly’s Red Mills newcomers.— 1, Prim N Proper II; 2, Purdies Daffodilly (M Ford); 3, Helvellyn. 1m open.— 1, Zorba IV (K Thomas); 2, Rock DJ (J Williams); 3, Countess II (S Wallace). Equitop Myoplast Foxhunter.— 1, PSH…

Naas Racecourse, Co. Kildare SAINT CALVADOS caused the first major upset of the jump season when Oxfordshire trainer Harry Whittington sent him over to Naas on Saturday, 10 November, to take on Footpad — last season’s Arkle winner, who was unbeaten over fences and expected to be the horse to put it up to Altior in the two-mile chasing ranks this season. When they met in the Arkle, Saint Calvados went off too fast and was subsequently cooked when Footpad, under a sublimely patient ride from Ruby Walsh, came past. While that run was not a true reflection of Saint Calvados’ undoubted ability, the same could be said for Footpad this time. The Willie Mullins-trained chaser slipped into the third and left his hindlegs in the ditch. He was three…

“USING lateral work in their performance really set Billericay apart from the other teams as not only did it make the routine more difficult, but it also made it more interesting,” explained judge Richard Baldwin. Alison Duck (pictured), who judged at both the selection trial and the final, added: “I really liked the originality of Billericay’s floorplan and their way of going was much better because they incorporated the lateral work into their routine. The standard of turnout was incredibly high from all teams and it was good to see that any faults from the qualifier had been rectified. However, there was a big atmosphere, which led to tension, and that let some of them down.”…

THE controversial eventing substitution rules proposed for the 2020 Olympics have been tweaked again following concerns from national federations. The “three to a team” format, which means the travelling reserve can be substituted in part-way through a team competition, was announced in November 2017 and tested at the 2018 Millstreet and Strzegom Nations Cups (news, 30 August). Any combination that does not complete the dressage or showjumping phase will be given a score of 100 penalties, and those who do not finish the cross-country will be given 200 penalties. Substitutions on medical or veterinary grounds are to be allowed, but will be penalised with 20 penalties. The German and US equestrian federations both voiced worries that the new scoring system is too confusing. “The test event in Strzegom has shown…

DON’T just look at the bit when it comes to resolving problems with the contact, riders have been told. Experts urged those in the equestrian world to look at the whole picture — horse and rider — when it comes to bitting. The calls were made at the Worshipful Company of Loriners’ conference on 6 November. Leading equine vet Dr Jane Nixon stressed the value of understanding the knock-on effects of conformation and horse management. “It is so important to consider the whole horse,” she said. Dr Nixon gave examples of how troubles in other areas of a horse’s body could play a role in an unsteady head carriage — and how problems around a horse’s head could result in lameness. For example, head discomfort can lead to one-sidedness, uneven…

ROCKET SCIENCE Overheard at a rocket science convention, one professor explaining some thorny principle to another with the words: “Come on, it’s not the FEI rulebook.” (And no, this probably hasn’t happened. But we’d like to think it could). FUNDRAISING Hats off to Daisy Sadler, who was taken aback by winning at the H&H Awards — but was on the ball enough to tell all those present that the fundraising page for her marathon trek was still open. Carpe diem and all that, innit? SEDUCTION One will not name the vet who fell foul of predictive text when messaging a client: “Come and pick up a bottle of seducer.” What could be in this strange substance, one wonders? Asking for a friend....…

STARTING YOUNG Sir — I’d just like to share a photograph of my 18-month-old granddaughter, Gracie (left), who is obsessed with horses. She loves looking at the pictures in Horse & Hound and calls all the horses Nemo after my horse. Amanda McAdam Brimstage, Merseyside WILL MERGER BENEFIT? Sir — The Quorn/Cottesmore merger is proposed to share resources and because “our playing field is getting smaller”. The new country would cover an area 20 by 50 miles, so far from modernising hunting in Leicestershire, this resembles the undemocratic days of earlier centuries when one man controlled hunting many miles from his home. A great strength of modern hunting lies in building up local connections and developing a spirit of community. Such a large area will result in loss of huntable…

I have been involved with horses all my life and I started riding aged three, on a friend’s pony. I bought my first horse when I was 21; I rescued a foal from a market. I still have him 18 years on; my children now have rides on him. I studied law at university, but I didn’t have a specific career in mind. My first job was as a trading standards officer. It involved a lot of law enforcement, so it felt like a natural progression to apply to join the police when I was 23, 16 years ago. You cannot specialise until you’ve been on the street for at least two years, but when positions in the mounted police were advertised, I always thought I would do that one…

THE most important part of freeing a trapped horse is staying safe yourself. A horse lying quietly one moment can suddenly thrash his legs violently, or half-rise and then fall over again. Ending up underneath him is certainly not going to help matters. Never bolt the stable door — leave it ajar — and take care not to position yourself so that the horse is between you and the exit. Always work from behind the horse’s body, not in front of his legs, making sure that you don’t get stuck in a corner or between the horse and the back wall. Avoid the dangerous kicking zone. METHOD ONE THE aim is to pull the front end of the horse around to create enough room for him to get his forelegs…

SAM HUTTON SAM is a 29-year-old British showjumper, based with top Egyptian international rider Abdel Said in the Netherlands. He has represented Britain in two Nations Cups this year and helped Team GBR to a five-star win in the Nations Cup in Gijón in 2016. He was among the long-listed riders for the World Equestrian Games this year and was selected for the Nations Cup final in Barcelona. TRAINING THE STARS A FORMER horse of mine, Top Limit, was notorious for taking me into a fence too quickly, which would often result in him getting too close and having it down. I took him back to basics and we spent a lot of time working on my control so that when I asked him to slow down between fences, he…

FOR Aberdeen Riding Club (ARC), winning the HorseDialog Club of the Year Award was proof that their aim to make riding available to all can work. “Our ethos is to stop any financial or physical barriers to riding,” said club manager Sally McCarthy. “When we started the club more than 20 years ago, people were a bit wary of it, but this award proves we do make riding accessible for all — and that it works. “It has been a brilliant evening and really good to be up with the calibre of entries that are here.” ARC was founded in 1993 and now has 400 members. It has always provided 20 funded or subsidised spaces in the riding school for those who would benefit from it, but may not be…

VET Katie Preston fended off three very worthy contenders to top the Pikeur Amateur Rider of the Year category. She contested her first — and second — CCI4* this season, jumping cross-country clears at both Luhmühlen and Burghley on Templar Justice, known at home as TJ, who had a metal pin and plate inserted into one of his legs two years ago. “I just keeping going up the levels with him and he keeps making it feel easy — dare I say it, he made Burghley feel easy, too!” said Katie, 31, who had been at work at Milbourn Equine Vets the day of the ceremony. “I work 8.30am to 6.30pm and the three horses have to fit in around that. I keep them out 24/7, which makes it easier…

“DON’T worry, we’ll have some fun!” Graham Smith, joint-master and huntsman of the Readyfield Bloodhounds promised when I phoned him up shortly before the Readyfield’s opening meet. The unseasonably warm, dry weather meant that the ground was uncommonly hard and livestock was still out everywhere, so we would be heavily restricted. Yet with his characteristic sense of fun, Graham was determined to put on an exciting day. Born and raised in Quorn country, Graham has hunted on Quorn Mondays for more than 30 years and is one of the best men across Leicestershire. A farrier by trade, he was the founder and key member of the Forge Flyers team chasing team that was virtually unbeatable between 2002 and 2005, winning several national team chasing championships in their years together. He…

Quob, Hants | Widmer EC, Bucks Olivia bought the five-year-old German-bred mare by Rock Forever as a two-year-old. She did her first affiliated competition in June this year. “The last few tests we’ve done have had some baby blips and balance issues,” explained Olivia, who also won a gold elementary. “This was the first time I’ve gone into a test and been able to produce the work I’m starting to get at home.” Olivia, who trains with Roland Tong, also takes Diva showjumping so she can “see a bit of the world”. Tarantino IV, ridden by Zoe Harrison for Mrs Zhang of Home Park Equestrian, won the medium qualifier and was joint first in the silver elementary. The seven-year-old Totilas gelding was bred by Charlotte Nash. “This was his first…

Beacons Equestrian, Carmarthenshire | Burrows Court Farm, Glos Cari Goodridge explained that her 14.2hh Oaklands Adonis Blue, who won a prelim qualifier at Beacons Equestrian, is developing a dual career. “‘Donny’ has been to the Horse of the Year Show and has been placed second at Royal International, but he has recently started affiliated dressage,” she said of the versatile 12-year-old. “We have always trained with Kate Gibson, so he has that basic dressage foundation already. While his temperament is second to none, especially for a stallion, he still has plenty of presence.” After a busy season eventing, Sara Squires is back in business with her dressage team. She took both elementary classes with Laetitius C. “He hasn’t competed a huge amount this summer but he has matured in the…

8 Nov: 1.45m 2ph.— 1eq, Safari D’Auge (J Epaillard) FRA & Argelith Squid (BH Mohammed) QAT; 3, GK Casper (B Allen) IRL; 6, Madame X (B Maher) GBR; 8, Valmy De La Lande (M Whitaker) GBR. 1.55m speed.— 1, Chiara (L Beerbaum) GER; 2, Lizziemary (D Goldstein) ISR; 3, Explosion W (B Maher) GBR. 9 Nov: 1.50m speed.— 1, Argelith Squid; 2, Safari D’Auge; 3, J’Adore Van Het Schaeck (N Philippaerts) BEL. 1.55m.— 1, Carabis Z (C Ahlmann) GER; 2, Emerald (H Smolders) NED; 3, Main Road (S Sweetnam) IRL. 10 Nov: 1.60m speed.— 1, Igor (J Verlooy) BEL; 2, Casello (L Beerbaum) GER; 3, Explosion W. GP.— 1, Explosion W; 2, Hansson WL (P Fredricson) SWE; 3, Don VHP Z NOP (H Smolders) NED; 9, Golden Hawk (S Breen)…

Wincanton Racecourse, Somerset THE rise of Bryony Frost was one of the themes of the 2017/18 season and, despite a few months off following an injury this summer, it has taken her little time to hit her stride again. At Wincanton on Saturday, 10 November, she won the Badger Ales Trophy Chase for the second year in succession aboard Present Man. Part of a Paul Nicholls five-timer at his local course, the eight-year-old was handy all the way and really attacked his fences up the home straight to beat Sumkindofking by two-and-a-half lengths for owners Tessa and Mark Woodhouse, who also sponsor the race. Frost had a good ride in last season’s Grand National to finish fifth on Milansbar, but if Nicholls were to go through with his plan to…