Innholdsfortegnelse for 04-Apr-2019 i Horse & Hound

WITH the departure of David Holmes from British Eventing (news, p9) we witness the second resignation of a CEO from one of British horse sport’s governing bodies in a little more than as many weeks — following Lynn Petersen’s resignation from the British Horse Society (news, 21 March). With the eventing fixtures review and IT expenditure and glitches giving cause for complaint, David’s replacement will likely have their ear bent on arrival. I hope David enjoys his new home in Italy and a break from the often-unenviable task of having so many factions to please, or even appease. He did previously leave British Dressage for Europe, so perhaps we’ll see him back here again before long. From Italy to Kent — as my horse starts living out shortly I am…

THE horseracing industry in Lambourn is worth over £22.6m to the economy per year, and is responsible for one in three local jobs, a study has found. The research, conducted by SQW and commissioned by The Jockey Club and West Berkshire District Council, looked at the contribution the sport and its supporting services make to the local economy. Horse Racing in Lambourn Valley, the industry’s social and economic impacts also investigated challenges faced by the racing industry in the area and obstacles to its growth, such as housing for staff and traffic management. The economic contribution is measured by the contribution to gross value added (GVA), the combined total of wage costs and profits, and based on GVA the racing industry’s contributions to the Lambourn area in 2017 was £22,636,162.…

FEAR not, hackers concerned about whether they need to start riding out with giant poo bags — it was an April fool. An H&H online piece warning that councils are to be given powers to fine riders who fail to clear up horses’ droppings on the road drew some outraged reactions, although not from those who saw it was published on 1 April. Sharp-eyed readers spotted the spokesman “Fi Ceese”, as well as two companies offering clear-up options; Advanced Proactive Recycling Initiatives Ltd and Friends of Our Landscape. So the former’s biodegradable poo bags, and the latter’s collapsible shovel, carried in a high-vis quiver, will not be needed — although online commenters pointed out such fines do exist in Menorca, and in Killarney, Ireland, carriage horses do have to wear…

WITH all the bad press about car drivers and horse riders on the road, I wanted to give credit to a group of workmen working on a Saturday. The lane outside my yard is closed because a new water main is being laid to our village. It’s noisy work with large diggers and dumper trucks, but when someone came riding down the closed road, I could hardly believe my eyes. The digging teams stopped work immediately and turned off their engines to let the horse pass. The question of whether the horse should have been there in the first place didn’t arise and the horse moved through safely. The deathly hush was then replaced by the banging and clanging once the horse was out of the way, so well done…

Anibale Fly 9yo (11st 10lb) Form: 1F34-622 Owner: JP McManus Trainer: Tony Martin Jockey: Barry Geraghty FOURTH in this last year (beaten 11½ lengths by winner Tiger Roll), and second in recent Cheltenham Gold Cup. Lacked the extra gear to catch up with Tiger Roll in 2018 National, but now carries 2lb less and campaign appears to have been set around Cheltenham and Aintree. Sound jumper (one fall in 23 races), right age, could fly home. Outlander 11yo (11st 4Ib) Form: PP8-23544 Owner:Gigginstown House Stud Trainer: Gordon Elliott VERY useful at his peak, but performances this season suggest a slow decline. Still a cut above most, and while he has not won since November 2017 has posted some good efforts in defeat. Stamina is suspect at this trip, but Aintree…

“HE is a lovely horse,” says Mhairi Ogilvie. “He has so much character and he makes it very clear what he wants, so he’s pretty straightforward. He’s been at the yard for nearly four years. I’ve worked with him every day and ride him out most mornings. I’ve been at Nick’s yard, Kinneston, for around four-and-a-half years, so nearly all the time I’ve been there we’ve been together. “When you’re riding him he’s quite strong, but he’s always manageable. He’s great in the stable, to muck out and do, and when you take him racing he really enjoys it — he loves his job,” Mhairi adds. “I get really nervous watching him race, and it was fantastic seeing him do so well at the Cheltenham Festival. I’m very excited and…

GORESBRIDGE set an Irish record auction price in 2015 with the sale of 10-year-old showjumper Dougie Douglas, who was knocked down for €1.4m (£1.2m) to American rider Katie Dinan at the Supreme Sale of Showjumpers. “Dougie Douglas is a great story,” says Martin Donohoe. “Graham Smith bought him from Goresbridge a few years before for €5,500 (£4,750), and we kept track of him as went up through the ranks. “They could have sold him many times over, but they wanted him to put Holly Smith [pictured] on the map for teams. She represented Britain in a Nations Cup team in which all four members were riding Goresbridge graduates. He put Holly’s name in lights.” Katie had admired the Ard VDL Douglas gelding for some time, and when she spotted he…

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WITH the season now over, our thoughts turned to our first point-to-point and then quickly to a date that is fast becoming not only an important fundraiser, but also the best fun. The hunt scurry is a joint venture between the Old Surrey Burstow and West Kent (OSB&WK) and the Crawley and Horsham, held at Stone Hall, West Sussex, courtesy of the Greenwood and Martin families. The event, while in its infancy, has a unique atmosphere and everyone involved is there to have fun, celebrate the end of the season and, in some cases, have one last jolly before their horses are put out to grass. THE IMPORTANCE OF TEAMWORK THE component that makes this event so special is teamwork. Andrew Coveney is a retired master (OSB&WK) and, for as…

BELTON was the first test of the new FEI rule on missed flags. This requires the entire body of the horse to pass within the line of the flag as originally positioned, so any contact with the flag by the body of the horse (excluding limbs) was an infringement. Dozens of horses had 15 penalties added on or removed at various stages, which cast a shadow over an otherwise excellent event. Constant changes to the live scoreboard meant following the narrative of the competition was impossible. The fence in question was a table on a curving left bend to a right-handed corner — you could either stay out on a short six strides or cut in on a moving five. A good question, but a single camera angle could not…

Topthorn Arena, Suffolk | Anvil Park Stud, Norfolk Nicola Wagland and her 10-year-old blue and white 15.1hh gelding posted the highest score of the day at novice. “Tru Blu was bred by travellers up north and my husband and I bought him when he was a seven-month-old foal,” said Nicola. “He was shown in-hand quite successfully up to the age of three, then I backed and produced him with training from Victoria Bradford and, lately, from Jo Stannard,” said Nicola. “Dressage is our main love, but he’s happy to be a good all-rounder. I find Blu can take a lot longer to understand what’s required but, once he’s got it, it’s there forever — sometimes to our disadvantage,” continued Nicola. “I know he’ll struggle with the more advanced movements, but…

BURY FARM 18 March: prelim 17A Q gold (S Rowlands).— 1, Woodcroft Fantasia (V Jones) 62.58. silv.— 1, Pina Colada (E Sears) 70.86; 2, Trojan Warrier (E Sears) 70.34. brnz.— 1, Wetterway (O Baker) 68.62; 2, Feronia (L Howson) 64.13. prelim 19Q gold (D Wardle).— 1, Woodcroft Fantasia 64.79. silv.— 1, Zuvola (H Cannon) 72.29; 2, Trojan Warrior 71.66; 3, Eamen Van T Wereldshof (M Poust) 65.41. brnz.— 1, Mumbai Star (H Roberts) 66.04; 2, Wetterway 64.16; 3, The Boss’ Daughter (H Gimson) 63.54. nov 23 silv (S Rowlands).— 1, Glorestan Jazz (L Gammon) 72.29; 2, Innuendo VI (A Weir) 67.08; 3, Rafael IV (N Jackman) 66.45. brnz.— 1, Seagry Sa Lluis (H Goate) 66.04; 2, Trefddyn Crackerjack (V Pearson) 65; 2, Loughrea Prince (M Cooper) 64.79; 3, Mumbai Star…

THE British Showjumping (BS) Spring Championships were my first visit to Addington since last year and it was great to be greeted by a bright and welcoming venue — Chris Parker has clearly put the effort in to sprucing it up, and the fresh paint and new arena surface really made a difference. I didn’t go on a tour this year, so I needed to get the horses out and about, so I thought this show was a great opportunity. Running outdoor classes alongside the indoor schedule this year helped to get the numbers up — it was nice to have the chance to bring younger horses to jump outside when the older ones were contesting finals. Having the chance to qualify at the show was also a good thing…

Shire Horse Society National, Staffordshire County Showground BILL BEDFORD’S winning senior stallion Landcliffe Charlie successfully defended his 2018 crown to secure another ticket to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). Standing supreme stallion and claiming the King George V Trophy for the second year running, this majestic home-bred Martonian Norman five-year-old oozed presence to impress judges Ann Hull and Tom Brewster. “The champion was outstanding,” said Ann. “He is maturing well as an excellent all-round Shire. He has good feet, great bone and depth and superb stallion presence.” For the Bedford family, this was a great team performance. After losing Charlie’s dam Landcliffe Wendy when he was five months old, Bill’s son Harry took over Charlie’s care at home and Bill’s brother Walt looks after the handling in the ring.…

FIFE producer Morag Snow celebrated end-to-end victories when John Anderson’s winning open horse, Gautby Arclid Flashman, claimed both the ridden championship on the first day and then went on to stand top of a 19-strong ridden HOYS qualifier on the final afternoon. However, they proved bittersweet wins for Morag as moments after winning the ridden title came news that Flashman had been sold to Germany. Morag has enjoyed a successful three-year partnership with the Hainton Eardswick Ernie eight-year-old, who also claimed his first Birmingham ticket here in 2017. “He gives an awesome ride and thrives on schooling, hacking and beach rides. He loves to gallop and, big though he is at 19hh, he’s the kids’ pet at home,” said Morag.…

THERE were wonderful floral sashes on offer for champions, plus an Easter egg hunt on day two, while the decision to give teddy bears wearing Ponies (UK) (PUK) T-shirts as extra prizes in the tiny tots section proved inspired. Five-year-old Scarlett Sharp came out after becoming overall champion on her 15-year-old Shetland Broadspring Tango wearing an ear-to-ear grin and holding on tight to her teddy. “I’ve named him Vanilla,” she announced. “I’ve been working so hard to get the fun back into showing and I hope it’s working. We’ve had record entries this year,” said PUK chairman Carol Cooper.…

THE greatest race, the Randox Health Grand National, is just two days away. Winning it was always a dream, and it came true many years ago for me. The 1990 Grand National feels like yesterday. As each year passes, I realise how incredibly lucky and privileged I am to have won this great race. In my teens, I worked in a restaurant in Sydney. I would talk about the wonders of British racing and my dream of winning the Grand National to my Aussie friend Max Whitby. I then left the restaurant life, and came home to start my career in racing. In my first year as a trainer, I had a fancied National runner called Shifting Gold, but sadly he and his jockey, Bob Champion, made it no further…

Skinner’s Pet Foods National Championship, Tur Langton Lodge, Leics TEAM Ride-Away I reclaimed their title at the Skinner’s Pet Foods National Championship in a nail-biting battle with arch rivals Fox Grant Dot Com and multiple winners Relentless. The beefed-up and refreshed Fernie course at Tur Langton had taken plenty of prisoners when the 2016 champions set off from a late draw. However, Joe Stevenson, Charlotte Alexander, Katie Richards and Lisette Davies meant business from the start — snaking up the first line of switchback hedges at the tightest of angles. Up front, Joe and the big chestnut Slim were setting a hot pace ahead of Charlotte on Kahrayn, and Lisette survived a huge leap from Taz at the first big drop. Coming to the pen, Katie rode hard on Changiz…

TEMPLEBRADEN (pictured) ended his run of seconditis for trainer James Ridley to land the mixed open race by a head under Zac Baker in a close-fought finish with Marcle Ridge. “This is his first season with us and his fourth run,” said James of the 12-year-old owned by Michael and Sarah Oliver. “He won first time out at Barbury and then was second at Kingston Blount by half a length. Then last week he was done in a photo finish at Sinnington, and I thought it was going to be the same thing today, so it was great that he finally got his head in front. “He’s such a gutsy horse as he was a bit flat from running last week, so to hang on and win was brilliant. He’s…

EVENT organisers have been left bewildered as the results of British Eventing’s (BE) international and championship fixtures review start to come to light. BE has been developing a longterm strategy to rebalance the international and championship calendar from 2020 to 2025. While BE’s aim is to make the calendar work, given how membership and the number of events has grown, the way it has been handled has frustrated a number of organisers (Mark Phillips’ comment, 28 March). Organisers were given scores for aspects of running events, including ground care, administration and medical cover, which formed the basis for BE’s decisions on whether to allow them to host international classes. H&H asked BE for more information on the process and the calendar, but no further details or dates were provided as…

A NEW strangles vaccine, Strangvac, is expected in 2020. The protein-based vaccine, which is safe for intramuscular injection, will allow blood tests to differentiate between a vaccinated horse and an infected horse — unlike the current vaccine, Equilis Strep E, which is not widely used. “The catch is the vaccine only has a duration of two months’ immunity,” said Dr Waller, head of bacteriology research at the Animal Health Trust. “Where the vaccine comes in, is with naïve horses who haven’t had strangles; it reduces the number of horses who become carriers, then we can gradually make a difference over time.” Dr Waller said the vaccine can have an important role at events at which the risk of infection is high, despite the short duration of immunity. “If your horse…

BOOK NOW FOR H&H THREE-DAY EVENT ENTRIES are now open for the third H&H Festival of Eventing, which runs at The College Equestrian Centre, Keysoe, from 25-27 May. Riders have until 10 May to book their places at the three-day unaffiliated event, with classes running from 70cm to 100cm. Great prizes including Ariat boots for the top three, and winners’ rugs, are on offer in all sections, and competitors will be able to enjoy evening entertainment and take advantage of cross-country course walks with an experienced trainer. • Visit: horseandhound.co.uk /hhfestivalofeventing19 HATS OFF TO NEW HELMET DESIGN A NEW polo safety helmet has been recognised with a prestigious Red Dot Award for product design. The Armis, which combines top protection and a built-in crash sensor with classic polo helmet design, was…

Eventer Louise Harwood won the St Michael’s Hospice charity Flat race at Hereford Racecourse on 26 March on St Gallen. The race raised more than £40,000 for the charity. British showjumper Amanda Derbyshire won the overall Martha Jolicoeur leading lady rider award at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, USA on 30 March. Four-time Olympic silver medallist Ian Stark will design his first five-star cross-country course at Fair Hill International in Maryland, USA, at its first CCI5*-L in October 2020. Jockey Phillip Makin, 34, has announced his retirement following an injury in a fall in August 2018. Phillip, who had 951 wins, is to concentrate on training having received his licence. Avon Vale Hunt branch of the Pony Club district commissioner Clare Bromfield has retired after 19 years. Clare, who…

WINDSOR The newest equine recruit at Avon and Somerset Police’s mounted section was named by The Queen on 28 March. The seven-year-old has been with the branch for nine months and is ridden and trained by PC Kath Pitman. ARKO III This will be the superstar showjumping stallion’s final year providing fresh and chilled semen, Stallion AI Services has confirmed. The 25-year-old has been standing at stud for more than 17 years. ALEANTO BON A PARTE Dawn Groom’s prolific Welsh section D stallion has died aged eight. A Royal Welsh champion as a youngster, he was second at HOYS in 2017 and reserve M&M champion at RIHS last year with producer Aimee Devane.…

▲ NUDITY Oops of the week to the radio station that referred to hunt supporter (joke) Chris Packveg as a “naturist”. Slight backpedalling as it was confirmed he’s a naturalist. And does tend to keep his clothes on. Glad that’s cleared up. ▲ HIGH-VIS There’s a good range of high-vis gear around, with a variety of messages to drivers. From: “Does my bum look big on this?” to, spotted online, the poetic: “Please slow down, my cob is a...” (that’s enough high-vis, Ed). ▲ AXES A press release sent to H&H Towers gives details of new interactive scoring software for the “rapidly growing sport” — axe-throwing, adopted by the, wait for it, World Axe Throwing League. “It’s kind of like what they’re trying to do in eventing,” mused a rider.…

A POIGNANT WIN I REALLY enjoyed following and photographing the oldest race in Britain — the Kiplingcotes Derby, which dates back to the time of Henry VIII and takes place on the third Thursday in March. The race is four miles long, is open to anyone who decides to turn up on the day and on this occasion, all 36 riders came home safely in glorious sunshine. It’s a great tradition, but has some really quirky rules. For example, the second-placed rider wins more money than the winner (who takes £50 home, while the runner-up wins the total of all the entry fees) and if the race cannot take place for whatever reason, it must be forfeited for ever. This usually means that a solitary horse and rider will take…

‘Horses are almost like therapy — when I get home from a set I’ll go straight to the stable’ I sympathise when people struggle to work out my accent — it’s quite a mixture. I was raised in Italy by an Italian mother and German father, then moved to Australia and now live in the Netherlands. I sort of fell into influencing when I started modelling. Then I realised it could be something I could live off, so prioritised it. YouTube personalities are bigger than ever and I guess everybody in this space wants a job that makes you well known and makes you money — but nobody’s successful without working hard. Influencing is definitely a full-time job; there’s a lot of planning, travelling, meetings, fittings (of sponsors’ clothes and…

STABLING allows control over grass intake, but can backfire, because hungry horses will eat more voraciously and for longer once turned out. The same is true of short-term restriction using a grazing muzzle. A dry, grassless paddock is useful to regulate forage provision. For owners who wish to keep horses at pasture day and year round, the judicious use of electric fencing to create “strip grazing” is currently the most practical solution. Ideally, fences are moved twice daily to allow access to fresh grass, which is carefully calibrated against body condition score and faecal output. Our understanding of such intermittent caloric restriction on glucose/insulin dynamics remains limited, but this method seems to work well in practice. A horse fitted with a muzzle needs constant monitoring to make sure he can…

OLIVER TUFF OLIVER, 16, made history at last year’s Horse of the Year show (HOYS) when becoming the youngest rider to ever win the senior Foxhunter title, partnering Darino B. Oliver was on the winning junior Nations Cup team in Lamprechtshausen, Austria, last year, and jumped the only double clear to help Great Britain win the junior Nations Cup Youth Final at Sentower Park in Belgium. TRAINING THE STARS DARINO B makes riding a dog-leg easy because he’s always looking for his next fence. He’s always thinking and luckily he’s adjustable as he will shorten or lengthen when asked. Another horse I ride, whom I won’t name, has quite a big stride and can fight when I change direction. In this case I would plan to ride an outside line…

“LAKE VIEW LAD’S preparation has gone really well so far this season,” says Nick Alexander. “He’s run really well and improved each time; hopefully he continues on that upward curve. A huge amount of luck is required though for the Grand National, and I’d be much happier if it was a bit softer — he’s more competitive on softer ground. “He came out of the race at Cheltenham well, he was home by 1.30am and ate up that night, and hasn’t left a drop since. He’s seen the physio twice and has been absolutely fine,” he adds. “We’ve just been training him as normal — I thought about working him over further but I don’t want him over-tired. We’re not sure whether we’ll travel down ahead of time or on…

GUY AVIS retires as the Heythrop hunt secretary in May this year after 28 years in office. That is a huge achievement, especially at such a prestigious four-day-a-week country as the Heythrop, and it shows a remarkable dedication to both the sport and his hunt. “The chairman said at the AGM that I have collected more than £7m for the Heythrop during my tenure,” says Guy. Guy’s hunting life had a curious beginning. He says: “I was brought up at Goring Heath and my mother was keen on riding. We were driving down a lane one day in an old Austin 7 and my mother stalled it. A chap on a bicycle was following us and he had to stop so suddenly that he flew straight over the handlebars. “My…

Belton, Lincs WORLD team gold medallist Tom McEwen collected the crowning glory in a hat-trick of Belton victories when he scooped the Lycetts Grantham Cup. Tom and 14-year-old gelding Figaro Van Het Broekxhof climbed from 29th after dressage on a score of 33.5 to win the 116-strong CCI4*-S (formerly CIC3*). This was the first major international win for “Mr Fig”, who is owned by Barbara Cooper and joined Tom’s string in 2018. “I didn’t come with this result in mind — I wanted him to go as well as he could, but in a section of more than 100 I wasn’t really expecting this,” said Tom, who finished bang on the optimum time to edge victory by half a penalty ahead of Laura Collett and London 52. Tom said the…

Grantham Cup CCI4*-S.— 1, Figaro Van Het Broekxhof (T McEwen) 33.5,0,0=33.5; 2, London 52 (L Collett) 28.8,0,5.2=34; 3, Charly Van Ter Heiden (M Summerland) 31,4,0=35. adv.— 1, Dacapo (L Collett) 27.4,0,6.4=33.8; 2, Paulank Brockagh (S Griffiths) 28.6,0,6.8=35.4; 3, Swallow Springs (A Nicholson) 36.1,0,7.6=43.7. adv u25.— 1, Quarry Man (L Baugh) 31,0,1.6=32.6; 2, Cooley Currency (E King) 33.8,0,4=37.8; 3, Dargun (E King) 31.2,4,3.6=38.8. CCI3*-S sec H.— 1, Cola III (B Upton) 25.6,0,0=25.6; 2, Top Biats (H Payne) 25.7,0,0=25.7; 3, Willem Van Wup (L Schroter) 27.5,0,0=27.5. sec I.— 1, Cristal Fontaine (K King) 30.1,0,0=30.1; 2, Vicco Pop (J Warner) 26.5,4,0=30.5; 3, Falco IV (T Price) 25.8,0,4.8=30.6. sec M.— 1, Dreamaway II (T McEwen) 27.2,0,0=27.2; 2, Picasso V (A Harvey) 30.3,0,0=30.3; 3, Union Fortunus (P Locke) 30.5,0,0=30.5. OI sec G.— 1, No Excuse…

BE100plus.— 1, Torboy Abbey (P Wallis) 25.3,0,2.4=27.7; 2, Castor H Z (C Mariani) 29.5,0,0=29.5; 3, Britannia Royal (S Sweeney) 31,0,0=31. BE100open.— 1, The Court Jester (A Martin) 20.8,4,0=24.8; 2, Burntwood Sorrel (S Sweeney) 25,0,0=25; 3, Cyber Rocket (S Bull) 28.3,0,0=28.3. BE100 sec H.— 1, Dassett Endeavour (T Jackson) 23.8,0,0=23.8; 2, MHS Kilcannon (J Copsey) 27.5,0,0.4=27.9; 3, Nero The Hero (S Martin) 30.5,0,0=30.5. sec I.— 1, Macadam Jewel (C Bull) 23.5,0,0=23.5; 2, Caoran Beg Hero (A Grassly) 27.3,0,0=27.3; 3, Mexican Rose (K Cook) 27.5,0,0=27.5. sec J.— 1, Kief Pocket Rocket (S Damment) 28,0,0=28; 2, Lisas Dream (G Darlington) 29.8,0,0=29.8; 3, Sable (J Cross) 27.8,0,2.4=30.2. BE90open.— 1, Jalados Star (H Millichamp) 22.3,0,0.4=22.7; 2, Tubbervale SP (A Harrison) 29.8,0,0=29.8; 3, Kai (G Howard-Smith) 32,0,0=32. BE90 sec A.— 1, Guess Wot (S Duffy) 25.8,4,0=29.8;…

Morris EC, Ayrshire | SNEC, Ayrshire Caitlin Galbraith achieved a day high and two novice wins at Morris. Riding Emale Khan at her first British Dressage (BD) competition, they produced two solid performances to lead with 75.42% and 73.55%. “I’ve only had him for five weeks. He’s quite a character and has a lot of presence. He was a little tense in his first test, but listened more in his second one,” said Caitlin of the KWPN Zjengis Khan x Rousseau 10-year-old. “I bought him for BD; midweek competitions suit me as I’m busy with showing clients at weekends. I’d like to aim for the Area Festivals and Scottish Championships, and work towards elementary.” Caitlin’s sister in-law Carol-Ann Simon was also a double winner, at SNEC, riding Quartergirl. They achieved…

BURROWS COURT FARM 20 March: prelim 13Q silv (J Harris).— 1, Parknowe Frankie (G Evison) 60.77. brnz.— 1, Buddy Boy II (J Hayward) 64.42. nov 28 silv.— 1, Spirit XVI (V Toogood) 64.17. brnz.— 1, Always Bold (M Theobald) 69.79. elem 42 brnz.— 1, Nancy III (G Box) 67.81; 2, Baleno (L Russell) 66.09; 3, Janton Wild Whisper (L Heddington) 55. med 63 brnz.— 1, Spot On VIII (S Witchell) 66.03. prelim FSM brnz.— 1, Raven Royale (E Whitehead) 65.56. nov FSM silv.— 1, Dolores II (L Stokoe) 77.5; 2, Spirit XVI 62.5. brnz.— 1, Always Bold 74.44; 2, Raven Royale 67.78; 3, Brindleys Braveheart (J Parsons) 66.39. med FSM silv.— 1, OVD Orgulloso (S Goldie) 72.5. brnz.— 1, Dolores II 69.33; 2, Oxnead Act One (C Brown) 68.17. adv…

HYPERMOBILITY in eight-year-old Salvadore I’s neck and quarters gave rise to fears he had wobbler syndrome. Instead, vet David Lloyd discovered excessive wear in both stifle joints, and on their first outing following rehabilitation after stem-cell therapy, Emma Woodcock and “Sammy” scored 73.88% to win the novice qualifier at Saddlesdane, Kent. Emma explained: “Two years ago Sammy was an extravagant mover but couldn’t balance. He was X-rayed at Liphook Equine Hospital and stem cells were taken from his sternum, cultured and then re-injected into the two joints. “He couldn’t have painkillers during rehabilitation as they would have inhibited natural repair processes,” she added. Following the first rehabilitation one stifle was found to need medication because Sammy feared pain if he used his hocks actively, but Emma is now able to…

BS Spring Championships Addington EC, Bucks “SEBASTIAN wasn’t even supposed to be coming here today,” said Helen Tredwell, whose last-minute change of plan saw her bank a £2,000 victory in a keenly competitive winter 1.35m open championship. The win continued a brilliant run of form for Ann and Colin Garratt’s 13-year-old gelding, who returned from Lier, Belgium, last weekend, where he had landed a second place in a 1.45m rankings class. “He was a superstar out there,” said Helen. “I’d planned to bring Funnycan [who finished fourth in the class] and Larksong, but she didn’t feel on the best of form, so I thought I’d change my mind and bring ‘Seb’ out instead — which was a good choice! “He was just turned out in the field Monday to Thursday,…

Bury Farm, Bucks CLEAR rounds from a home-bred horse is something most owners dream about, so to take six you bred yourself to a busy show and watch them all jump clear and finish in the money is some achievement. Judy Ross has been breeding showjumpers for some 45 years. “I don’t do it commercially, but purely for fun. The most I’ve ever bred in one year was three foals,” she explained. The majority of Judy’s horses are started by Claire Bowman and Simon Crippen takes over for the bigger classes. Claire and Simon shared the riding at Bury Farm, where three of the team made comebacks after injury breaks. Rosgan Cleopatra, by Warrior out of a former Horse of the Year Show newcomers finalist, had been off for 10…

Ponies (UK) Spring Classic, Keysoe EC, Beds “HE’S a diva. The bigger the atmosphere and louder the music, the more he loves it. And he does like a sash,” said Rebecca Ely, after her sister Jessica had ridden their Brindlebrook Little Scoundrel to the Royal International (RIHS) Anglo and part-bred title. Rebecca could not have spoken a truer word as, under the lights that evening, the lovely 12-year-old gelding produced the show of his life to become this year’s supreme ridden champion. The ridden supreme, with three judges using skating-style marks, had a very close result, as two combinations ended up on the same score. Chief judge Jilly Grummitt then had the casting vote and opted for Little Scoundrel over Bronwen Evans and the super Connemara Brock Lodge Ben, earlier…

Ascot Racecourse, Berks THE Pipe-Scudamore combination has, historically, been one of the most successful partnerships in jump racing; first with Martin Pipe and Peter Scudamore, who broke nearly every record going, and now with their sons, David and Tom. However, it has not been a season of all seasons for Pipe with just 37 winners — a better tally than last year’s 33 — but well down on the 116 he sent out in the 2014/15 season. Nevertheless, the way Legal History and Rathlin Rose, who led home a stable one-two of Fergus Wilson-owned horses, both won at a relaxed and enjoyable Ascot on Sunday, 31 March, suggests a stable in great form. No bad situation to be in, with Aintree ahead and Pipe’s horses, Ramses De Teillee, Daklondike and…

ON paper, there was not much pace in this year’s Unibet Lincoln at Doncaster on Saturday, 30 March. When the lightly-raced, but only once beaten, Auxerre (pictured) took a keen hold going to post, it helped make up jockey James Doyle’s mind that they might be better off making the running. In front, the Charlie Appleby-trained Auxerre settled much better than he did on his way to post. When Doyle asked him the question inside the last furlong, he picked up in the style of a horse that might well pick up Group races, beating Kynren 2¼ lengths with Beringer and Breden dead-heating for third. “Charlie is such a great guy,” said Doyle afterwards. “He was under pressure with big runners out there today. Looking at the race, I thought…

National championship.— 1, Team Ride-Away I (J Stevenson, C Alexander, K Richards, L Davies); 2, Fox Grant Dot Com (Y Goss, W Grant, P Nichols, C Shuckburgh); 3, Relentless (R Cope, M&A Mackley, S Walker). intermediate.— 1, Fox Grant Thrusters (N Meek, J Goss, P Lovett, C Angus); 2eq, More Boring Gorings (G Weare, C Taylor, C Holliday, L Evans) & Warwick Sliders (A Mackley, J&M Quinlan, L Burlinson). novice (speed).— 1, Blankney Beauties (G Wray, S Short, A Jones, K Davey); 2, The Rat Pack (l Fear, Z Andrew, A Lowe, H Buckby); 3, Dapper Dobbins Dames (H Heritage, B Kerslake, S Payne, S Ashley). novice (bogey).— 1, It’s The Need For Speed (S Marshall, M Gadsden, C Williams, E Taylor); 2, Norfolk Novices (J&F Brown, J Coke, C…

Avon Vale, Larkhill, Wilts JOCKEY Freddie Procter notched up a second career win when finishing five lengths ahead in the mixed open on the Harriet Brown-trained Theatre Evening. “The second win feels just as good and proves that the first wasn’t a fluke,” said Freddie. “He likes dictating so I let him go out and do his own thing. He knows what he’s doing at this point,” added Freddie of the 11-year-old gelding. It was a day shaped by a low number of runners in each race and Theatre Royal’s sole competition was Beggar’s Velvet (Amy Cox). “I knew the other horse is a stayer so I didn’t want to go off too quickly. The plan was to crawl round and sprint away after the last. It’s nice when a…

MONMOUTHSHIRE, MONMOUTH SHOWGROUND Saturday, 30 March Connolly’s Red Mills intermediate.— 1, A Simpson, J Griffiths & B Thomas’ Captain McGinley (B Gibbs) B Thomas. open maiden 4,5&6yo.— 1, R Willcox’s Getaway Flyer (I Williams) R Wilcox. men’s open.— 1, C Banwell’s Yeats Ace (B Gibbs) D Gibbs. ladies’ open.— 1, W Gaskins’ TB Broke Her (H Lewis) S Jukes. restricted.— 1, J Chinn’s Tick Tock Ten (B Gibbs) P Hooley. open maiden 7yo&up (div 1).— 1, C Sherriff’s Rio Bravo (B Gibbs) D Gibbs. 7yo&up open maiden (div 2).— 1, M&S Burford’s Cheltenham De Vaige (W Biddick) Randell. BERWICKSHIRE, FRIARS HAUGH Saturday, 30 March Conditions.— 1, C Maclay’s Eco Warrior (N Orpwood) N Orpwood. open maiden 5yo&up.— 1, N Alexander’s Moores Novelty (C Alexander) N Alexander. Skinner’s Pet Food ladies’…

I AM slightly worried that, now hunting has finished, I am turning into an “er indoors”. If it meant I spent my days cooking and making the house look lovely that might be OK, but I don’t. Instead I hang around making lists and not doing the things on the list. Having more time is disastrous. I am currently sitting in my office — that is, at the kitchen table — which gives a view of the open hill rising 346 metres above our house. Through the mucky fingerprints left by my young son Jack (cleaning the windows is one of the jobs on the list), I can see about seven or eight cattle, picked out in dark brown against a backdrop of grass and bracken. ‘When you only ever…

THREE British riders will contest Kentucky (25-28 April) this year, including Piggy French with her world team gold medal-winner Quarrycrest Echo. She makes her debut in the CCI5*-L (previously CCI4*), having ridden at the venue as an individual at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, where the British team won gold. “His owner Jayne McGivern works in the States and it’s always been an ambition of hers to have a horse running at the event,” Piggy told H&H. “I have great memories of Kentucky from WEG — it went very well for Team GBR and although I was an individual, it was one of my first team experiences so I always have fond feelings towards the event. “It’s very exciting and I’m very grateful to Jayne because as a rider it’s…

YARLANDS SUMMER SONG The top eventing sire has died, aged 33. He helped France to team silver at the World Equestrian Games in 1994 and 1998 and competed at the 1996 Olympics with Marie-Christine Duroy. THOMAS CRAPPER Robert Dickin’s stalwart has been retired after a career spanning nine seasons. Charlie Poste was the main jockey for the 12-year-old, who will enjoy hunting, eventing and Retraining of Racehorse classes. QUALITY FZ The 10-year-old showjumper, ridden by Canada’s Eric Lamaze, has been sold as a potential ride for Rodrigo Pessoa for the Olympics. Eric said it was a difficult decision, but is pleased he has gone to Rodrigo.…

BIOSECURITY and vaccination measures implemented since the equine flu outbreak have helped reduce virus spread, it is hoped. The Animal Health Trust (AHT) is reminding owners that immunisation and sensible biosecurity steps remain crucial. As H&H went to press there had been 61 confirmed cases this year, with the outbreak following expected patterns. “We are certainly hopeful events’ raising their game will have had a positive effect on reducing transmission,” an AHT spokesman told H&H. “But continued testing and positives does suggest there is still a problem with a sufficiently large proportion of susceptible non-vaccinated horses and movement of them to allow equine flu to continue to circulate.” Last month there were 21 confirmed outbreaks. “This is a pattern we might expect. The outbreak will almost certainly continue to rumble…

OUTGOING British Eventing (BE) chief executive David Holmes has reflected on his past four years at the helm of the sport, during which Britain has brought home a host of medals while the sport has continued to be well supported in the UK. Mr Holmes took over from Mike Etherington-Smith in May 2015 and left at the end of March. Mr Holmes told H&H he will move to Italy, and plans to continue his involvement with the sport on a consultancy basis. “The whole team here are absolutely phenomenal, and the extended team outside the office, the regional co-ordinators and development officers, all the great volunteers and wonderful organisers, everybody is just so passionate about the sport,” Mr Holmes said. He added BE has been in a good place “for…

DR ELFRIDA (ELFIE) MONTEITH A DEDICATED volunteer and stalwart of the equestrian world, Dr Monteith died on 20 March, aged 87. Dr Monteith loved riding and grew up hacking to rallies with the Belvoir Hunt branch of the Pony Club as well as Belvoir and Cottesmore Hunt meets in south Lincolnshire. She followed hounds in great style along with her children and her sister, Jo, for 34 seasons. Her medical expertise was often called upon out hunting and she hung up her boots in 2005, but continued to enjoy following by car. Dr Monteith also competed for Melton Mowbray riding club, and she actively supported her family as they grew to become talented riders. She was proud to have helped her son Angus and daughter Fiona compete as part of…

FIRST AID Feel for the Muggle husband who was injured at the yard, and asked his rider wife to help patch him up. A quick inspection of the human first-aid kit revealed it didn’t exist. The horse first-aid kit, on the other hand, had all but the kitchen sink. Purple spray OK, darling? RIDER WEIGHT Spotted online, an “Am I too big for my pony” post. Lots of sensible comments, and genuine concern from the rider, then this gem. “Unless your pony’s back dips when you get on, you’re fine.” They walk among us. WORMERS Police warn a “batch of extremely dangerous horse medication” was stolen in a break-in. That’s one full and one half-full syringe of wormer, in “oral plastic syringes — with no needles attached”. Apparently they’re very…

FOR Jake, the apron he wears as a jockey’s valet is his passport back into the best location in the world — the weighing room. Too many falls, too many broken bones and too many bad horses forced him to retire from the saddle, and he knew the one thing he would miss more than anything else was that overheated room fizzing with adrenalin, laughter and jokes. As a valet, he looks after every bit of a jockey’s kit, cleaning it all and transporting it to whichever racecourse tomorrow brings. A line of safety pins is attached to his apron, which smells of saddle soap, boot polish and washing powder, and his pockets are filled with whatever might be needed. Jake sees young jockeys come through, calms their nerves and…

Think about the length of the distance and the length of your horse’s stride — by knowing your horse’s stride and way of going, you’ll be able to ride through the fences accurately and give him the best possible chance of jumping clear. Does your horse drift in or out? If he tends to fall in, recognise your distance will be shorter, and if he jumps out on to the outside line, the distance will be longer. Practise dog-legs over small fences at home — you can start with guide poles on the floor to help you stay on the correct line.…

TREVOR HEMMINGS is going for a record fourth success after wins with Hedgehunter in 2005, Ballabriggs in 2011 and Many Clouds in 2015. He currently shares the title of winning-most owner with James Machell and Noel Le Mare — the latter had three victories with Red Rum in the 1970s. But Lake View Lad isn’t the only horse to be carrying the famous green, white and yellow silks in the race on Saturday, April 6 — Hemmings also has Vintage Clouds and Warriors Tale entered. Vintage Clouds went one better than Lake View Lad at their latest meeting, in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Vintage Clouds finished second to Beware The Bear, and two lengths in front of Lake View Lad. Expect big celebrations and a record-breaking…

COLOUR ME BUG-FREE HORSEWARE’S Amigo Three-In-One Evolution Vamoose is available in an aqua/ orange print, developed following research stating that flies are deterred by the dramatic colour combination. Similarly, Bucas’ Buzz-Off Zebra range uses zebra stripes (pictured) to discourage flies, as such patterns confuse the insects. SUDDEN RAIN, NO PAIN MASTA’S pack-away showerproof sheet with stirrup holes folds away into a small carry bag (supplied), so it’s easy to chuck on the lorry in case of downpours when you’re out and about. BORED OF THE BLUES? ENLIVEN your horse’s wardrobe with WeatherBeeta’s duck or daisy print, available on selected items in the ComFiTec range — perfect for matchy-matchy vibes. COVERING ALL AREAS SNUGGY HOODS offers sheath and udder covers, and front leg covers. Designed for use with the company’s Bug…

GIRL ON FIRE PIGGY FRENCH’S blistering start to the season leads to some seriously impressive statistics. Of her 43 competitive starts in 2019 (excluding one HC entry), she has finished in the top 10 33 times (77%). This includes 25 top-three finishes and 14 wins, giving her a victory strike rate of close to 33%. FENCE SAFETY A NEW development in cross-country fence safety was used for the first time in the UK across all Stuart Buntine’s courses at Belton. The MIM technology table at the influential fence five was designed to collapse on impact to prevent serious horse falls. The fence has been used in events abroad, but this was a first for a British event. Stuart said he is all for “testing, trying and finding solutions” to improve…

Fairoak Grange, Berks | La Fontaine, Jersey | Bury Farm, Beds He is ridden by Eliza Mackworth-Praed, 15, and is her first horse. “It’s been a dream start,” said Eliza’s mother Jane. “They won their first two prelims a fortnight ago and won both today.” The 16-year-old Playboy, who is on loan from Rachel Bowles, has had a three-year break from competing, and the new partnership was brought together by Eliza’s trainer Lindsey Dawes. Lyndsay Gammon and Glorestan Jazz had a good practice run for the winter championships, winning two novices at Bury Farm. Lyndsay has owned the eight-year-old Jazz x Florestan I gelding for three years. “He still needs more power and energy in the arena, but he’s growing more confident, rideable and fluent,” said Lyndsay, a freelance trainer.…

Field House EC, Staffs | Cockshot Dressage, Cheshire | Beaver Hall, Staffs Katie’s advanced medium win at Field House came with Saffira, the Showmaker seven-year-old she bought as a yearling. At the time, Katie was working for the stallion’s owner Gary Williams. “I first saw her as a dot on a scan and was there to see her born, so owning her is a dream come true,” said Katie, who is now based with the Moodys. “Hopefully we will do some Premier Leagues this year and then move up to prix st georges [PSG]. She’s such a lovely horse — a sassy little princess who loves showing off.” Gwen Mitchell and her gift horse Dede Ottie won an elementary at Cockshot. The Mooiman 11-year-old was given to Gwen as a…

‘Green Warrior wormed his way into my heart. He’d curl up on the sofa with you if you let him’LINDA DAVIS Holmside Hall, Co. Durham | Alnwick Ford, Northumbs Linda, who trains with John Hill and Paul Langford, was competing at elementary on her six-year-old gypsy cob FSH Wolfie and at medium on her retrained racehorse Green Warrior. “They’re an odd couple of horses on the dressage circuit, but I’ve had hip problems and don’t want to be riding big warmbloods,” said Linda, who bought Wolfie from a rescue charity as a two-year-old. “Wolfie is correct and trainable. He is now qualified for the summer regionals at novice and elementary.” The 11-year-old Warrior is coming back from injury having fractured his navicular bone, and has had a year doing fun…

AFTER an exciting start to the year with the arrival of our new baby, I also moved my horses to my new yard at our home, which was a little nerve-racking but satisfying, too. Driving 30 minutes to my old yard at my parent’s house every day, between feeding the baby, was a bit full on. Now I can walk out of the kitchen door, down some steps and into the yard. Not a bad commute. We organised everything ahead of the horses arriving, making sure all was ready, from feed, hay and bedding arriving in bulk to machinery, such as the arena harrow and tractor. There were lots of things to think about, from first-aid supplies to coffee cups and a kettle for the tack room. Luckily, my groom…

BEN WALKER blitzed the opposition against the clock, topping an 11-strong jump-off in the winter seven-year-old final with Emma Ziff’s emerging talent Heidemorka (pictured above). This mare showed she had all the attributes of speed and scope when she set an unassailable target from midfield to finish in front. “Minnie” was bought from a Facebook advert as a three-year-old and the pair demonstrated their form for this final when they led a very strong winter grade C qualifier at Hartpury in December. “At Hartpury she was jumping well but was a bit sharp, so I changed my tactics with her and she has been on a winning spree ever since,” said Ben, who has found using a set of “ears” has helped the mare, as well as getting her to…

Stainsby Grange, N Yorks SOPHIA CUTHBERT, winner of the 2016 national veterans’ title at Aintree, is back on the championship trail. The rider travelled to Stainsby Grange with her five-year-old AAB Diamond Ark (Archie) and jumped the only double clear in the EPK Bespoke star of the north novice final. “The mare I used to jump had an injury, so Archie’s my only horse,” explained Sophia, who is looking forward to her trip south to contest the Blue Chip novice and discovery finals. Sophia also hopes to try Archie in some Burghley Young Event Horse qualifiers. “He’s out of a half-thoroughbred mare, so has plenty of blood,” she assessed. Sophia has had a tough time recently. “My dad died and then on the way to Aintree in 2017 to defend…

IT’S always good to see naturally gifted riders come up through the ranks and consistently achieve great results. However, I was uneasy to see several teenagers running showing clinics over the winter. While I applaud their enthusiasm, how can they have amassed enough experience to address the multitude of issues that could be presented? Also, do they have the ability to adapt their teaching style to suit varied levels of ability and age range? I also wonder how many have suitable insurance or a first-aid qualification? Without proper insurance, they could find themselves in hot water if anything was to go wrong. Maybe it’s all part of a need for instant gratification. People want everything instantly in all areas of life these days and perhaps some don’t realise you have…

23 March: RIHS M&M YR (D Ingle, H Barton) int.— 1 & res, C Hudson’s Marleydene Shiraz; 2, G Lewis-Roberts’ Waverhead Dazzler II; 3, J Turnbull’s Burghwallis Showman. lrg.— 1 & ch, A Smalley’s Crusheen Shadow; 2, J Cox’s Rivervalley Flash Jack; 3, E Kivlochan’s Groves Blakehill William. sml.— 1, S Drake’s Cadlanvalley Allegro; 2, L Richardson’s Elberry Suilen; 3, L Hillyard’s Brookhall Royal Admiral. amt.— 1, Rivervalley Flash Jack; 2, T Buckley’s Murthwaite Think On; 3, Waverhead Dazzler II. coloured (J La Four, C Patrick) plaited pony.— 1, J Bloor’s Hollyland Golddust; 2, D Gottschalk’s Reevesgate Royal Occasion. do, horse.— 1 & ch, T Sleight’s Castiel; 2, N Cooper’s Tullabeg Connection; 3, P Paige’s Lenham Whiteside. native/cob/trad pony.— 1 & res, L Saunters’ Heartbreaker IV; 2, L Nicholson’s Princess…