Innholdsfortegnelse for 25-Apr-2019 i Horse & Hound

THERE was tough talk at the FEI sports forum (news, p8) that gives hope for tackling horse abuse in areas of endurance. We have become too used to the stories that are at best cheating and at worst huge welfare issues. Carl Hester has added his voice to those pushing for change (comment, p64). The latest talks and proposals are being viewed as a last chance for the discipline, which does beg the question, “If all do not comply, what then?” The obvious answer being the FEI cut endurance off. Carl is not alone in hoping that the sport stays within the fold. Outside its jurisdiction, what ethics would prevail — if we can even imagine more horror? On another of Carl’s points this week, I disagree — which is…

BLESS THE WINGS The 2019 Grand National runner has been retired aged 14. The George Elliott-trained gelding finished 13th in 2019 and third in 2018. He received a “warm welcome” as he was paraded at Fairyhouse racecourse. CEKATINKA Tim Price’s 2018 World Equestrian Games mount has been sold. The 12-year-old mare, who finished eighth in Tryon and won the CCI3* (now CCI4*-L) at Boekelo 2017 will be ridden by Japan’s Ryuzo Kitajima. CP QUALIFIED Australian eventer Shane Rose’s Rio Olympic ride has been retired. The 16-year-old, who had two top-10 Event Rider Masters placings in 2018, is returning to Australia, to his owners, the Wischer family.…

DATES for the 2019 British Breeding Futurity youngstock evaluations have been announced — as well as those for the relaunched Equine Bridge programme. The Futurity series for horses aged from foals to two-year-olds is to run as usual this summer, with a gala in September, while dates for horses aged from three to five have also been confirmed for the Equine Bridge, the young horse development programme organised with the aim of keeping British riders on British horses. Organiser and director of British Breeding, Eva-Maria Broomer, said: “The age range has been opened up to allow older horses the opportunity to qualify for the bridge. “Having these on separate days will allow a tailor-made and optimised assessment structure, designed to give the very best feedback and support at that crucial…

Four-time Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer Paul Nicholls celebrated his 3,000th jumps win, at Cheltenham with Kupatana. Paul said he is now looking for 4,000. British dressage rider Lara Butler has welcomed her first child with husband Billy. Lara, the reigning British national champion, gave birth to Jack Mark Butler on 12 April. Trainer Dan Skelton has become the second British trainer to saddle 200 jumps winners in a season. Montego Grey’s win on Easter Sunday was also Dan’s sixth of the day. Former Badminton and Burghley winner Anneli Drummond-Hay, 82, was caught on camera in a showjumping class in South Africa. The legendary rider is still competitive. Grassroots eventer Jude Matthews is the new interim CEO of British Eventing (BE). She has been on the BE board for a year…

OWNERS can find out whether their horses are at risk of sand colic thanks to a new faecal test. Westgate Labs will monitor levels of sediment in samples sent in by post, in a similar manner to its faecal worm egg counts. If sand is ingested, while grazing or eating from the ground on sandy soil, it can accumulate in the colon. It irritates the gut lining and can cause impactions, which can be fatal. The lab sends collection pots, which owners fill and return in prepaid envelopes. The samples are tested, and a percentage volume of sand calculated. “Test results are expressed as a percentage to give a quantitative measure of the level found,” Ms Cummins said. “While it’s not desirable to find any sand in faeces, some healthy…

DRESSAGE An eight-year-old showjumper at a dressage show, under duress, was heard to pipe up: “I know what BD stands for — ‘Boo, Dressage’.” Not entirely convinced that is what it stands for… MORE DRESSAGE At the same show, a Muggle husband was scratching his head over the sheet presented to his wife after she won her class. “I don’t know anything about dressage, but that’s good, isn’t it?” he queried. A win is definitely good, yes. SAT NAVS We’ve all been there, forgetting the showjumping course and having to circle back to the right fence, almost always when the horse is jumping like a star. Feel for the poor rider who underwent this experience at a recent show, and came out muttering: “I built the course and still couldn’t…

NUTMEG is having a snooze in the May sunshine. All around are the crowds, the galloping horses and the blaring commentary of Badminton cross-country day; sufficient atmosphere to shake any equine’s equilibrium. But not fat, glossy Nutmeg who, in a minute, will respond to his small rider Katie’s urgings and placidly trot off to collect another set of scores from the Badminton fence judges. It was an early start this morning — Nutmeg was scrubbed and polished before arriving at the world’s most famous horse trials, plaits and all. And, as Katie’s mother attached his grass-reins to prevent embarrassing mishaps at irresistible tufts of lush grass, he is taking full advantage of his rest breaks to avoid wasting energy. He is patted profusely by the admiring public and his photo…

WE were standing in a circle in the bear-pit of a music hall, perhaps 10 Yorkshire terriermen and I, 15 years ago. This was not, however, a karaoke night in Malton, but at the Royal Albert Hall, where we were guests of Lucy Ferry. Her husband Bryan was on stage, giving it his best with Jealous Guy. As hunting sing-song evenings go it was not perhaps the most orthodox, for in the quieter moments a terrierman or earthstopper could not resist shouting out, “Tally ho.” This is a far cry from the Lakeland songs of living history, the back bar at Builth Wells where the Valley Boys come down to sing after the hound show, or The Travellers Rest at Glenridding in the Lakes, where, as a student, I would…

TV TIMES • Saturday, 4 May: live cross-country 11.30am-5pm via red button and BBC Sport website. • Sunday, 5 May: final session of showjumping live at 2pm via red button and BBC Sport website; 12.30-2pm cross-country highlights on BBC2 and 5.30pm showjumping highlights on BBC2. • In the UK, the livestream on badminton-horse.co.uk will show the horse inspections, all the dressage and the lower order showjumping. • Visit badminton-horse.co.uk for TV and streaming information outside the UK. GET ALL THE ACTION WITH H&H • Keep up to date on horseandhound.co.uk/ tag/badminton-horse-trials • horseandhound.co.uk will also carry frequent reports on the action and video interviews. Pictures of the cross-country course will be online on Wednesday, 1 May. • CCI5* competitors David Britnell and Nana Dalton (on the waiting list as H&H…

1950s Badminton becomes the world’s first annual, regular three-day event, hosting the first European Championships, and producing a trio of dashing horsemen to realise the 10th Duke of Beaufort’s aim of helping the Brits to Olympic glory. THE RIDER The charismatic Bertie Hill is one of the greatest horsemen never to have won Badminton. An Exmoor farmer, he was natural and balanced, having been converted from racing by Porlock Vale instructor Tony Collings. He was third in 1955 on Countryman III, a tricky horse he bought for just £90. He handed his prize back to The Queen (by then the owner), saying: “I think this is yours, Ma’am.” In 1970, Bertie was lying second on Chicago, but was so busy sorting out his 10 pupils that he was eliminated for…

DOUGLAS CRAWFORD and Victoria Wilson (pictured) both scored first wins at intermediate level, with Douglas’ in the under-21 OI and Victoria’s in a straight intermediate. Douglas has had Geoff and Elspeth Adams’ Shadow Lad for 12 months, winning at Frickley last year before moving up to intermediate. “This was our first visit here — it’s a 400-mile round trip — but it was a really decent track, the going was good and he gave me a great ride round,” said Douglas who trains with Ian Stark. Victoria, who works for Sophie Platt, was riding her own 10-year-old Kroongraaf gelding Dont You Know, bought from a video as a four-year-old through Peter Mellor. “Without doubt he has to be the best buy ever,” said Victoria. “We bought him to do Pony…

ON.— 1, Cosmos Du Figuier (C Bacon) 27,0,2.4=29.4; 2, PSH Lucky Strike (A Penny) 32,0,0=32; 3, Blackrock Ricardo (K Barber) 32.3,0,0=32.3. ONu18.— 1, Camlough Six Nations (M Ketcher) 27.5,0,0=27.5; 2, Zibor (S Rogers-Coltman) 30.3,0,0=30.3; 3, Florida II (C Gill) 25,0,6=31. nov.— 1, Cartown Galaxy (H Hankey) 20.3,0,0=20.3; 2, Fools In Love (H Hankey) 22,4,3.6=29.6; 3, Hasimodo (F Young) 28.5,0,1.2=29.7. BE100open.— 1, For The Boys (C Hardie) 30.3,0,0=30.3; 2, Bally Blackjack (T Tulloch) 27,4,0=31; 3, Express Mail (C Clewlow) 32,0,0=32. BE100Ou18 sec I.— 1, ESH Stryder (K Gordon) 28.8,0,0=28.8; 2, Spot On Harrison (J Sutton) 29.5,0,1.2=30.7; 3, Capuchin Casanova (L Exley) 32.8,0,0=32.8. sec J.— 1, Glencarrig Dolphin (L Baguley) 27.8,0,0=27.8; 2, Glenlo Sally (B Lovett Brunt) 30,0,0=30; 3, Ballybay Lady (I Rugman) 31,0,0=31. BE100 sec E.— 1, Rocket VII (M Sampson)…

BOVINGTON (1) IN.— 1, Timolin (G Leech) 28.2,0,0.8=29; 2, Graphene (S Griffiths) 27.5,1,2=30.5; 3, Darcoquin (E Kopec) 31.4,3,0=34.4. nov sec E.— 1, Cascade K (J Rimmer) 28.3,4,0.8=33.1; 2, Cardinal (L Luxton) 33,0,1.6=34.6; 3, JR Ewing (S Gould) 34.8,0,0=34.8. sec F.— 1, Royal Harvest (G Leech) 29.8,0,0=29.8; 2, Randoon Cara (A Millar) 28.8,0,2.8=31.6; 3, Amoroso Gigi Z (B Butterworth) 32.3,0,0=32.3. BE100open.— 1, Arkid (L Luxton) 25.5,0,0=25.5; 2, More Diamond (T Townend) 26,0,0=26; 3, Lux Zen (A Martinez) 26,0,0.4=26.4. BE100 sec A.— 1, Iwan (A Barlow) 24.5,0,0=24.5; 2, Corrieview Merlin Magic (J Rogers) 27.5,0,0=27.5; 3, Global Super Nova (A Palmer) 27.3,0,0.4=27.7. sec B.— 1, Anastasia II (M Dumas) 22.3,0,0.4=22.7; 2, Itareuso (L Lockwood) 23.5,0,0=23.5; 3, Carra Patchy Princess (B Lee Liles) 29.3,0,0=29.3. sec C.— 1, Rocketman (G Leech) 29.3,0,0=29.3; 2, Ghyllwood April…

Rockrose EC, East Lothian Victoria Gibson led at prelim with her Llansantffraed Owen Coch seven-year-old part-bred Welsh cob Balhagarty Rising Star. “I bought Star a year ago not long after having a baby. When we went to see her I wasn’t looking for a bombproof horse, I needed a pram-poof one!” explained Victoria, who tried Star with the baby and pram parked next to the arena. “She was not bothered so I knew she would fit in well. As we are both new to dressage we are progressing together. After some good results unaffiliated we decided to join British Dressage [BD] in January. We’ve already got our qualifying scores for the Area Festival and hopefully we’ll step up to novice soon. “She has limited sight in her left eye due…

Myerscough Arena, Lancs | Crow Wood, Lancs Denise won the grade III silver at Myerscough with her 21-year-old British-bred Sheepcote Catkin, but still needs another four points to secure her qualification. “She had time off last season due to injury but she’s back to full fitness now; in fact, I’m the one who’s not fit enough,” said Denise, who has owned the Cassander daughter for nearly 10 years. “Obviously the aim is the para championships, but I’m also heading for the Area Festivals. My daughter used to groom for me at shows but she’s ‘retired’ from the job and now my good friend Gail Homer lends a hand. That said, if she’s not around I still go and hope a friendly competitor will help out — where there’s a will…

SPARSHOLT COLLEGE 14 April: prelim 15Q (S Buttenshaw) silv.— 1, Remingtonsteele (S Wratting) 72.2; 2, Delsie (E Halfpenny) 55; 3, Edalweiss (K Bailey) 48.6. brnz.— 1, Mystical Dreamer (S Simmonds) 66.8; 2, Merry Marinade (G Pope) 66. prelim 17A Q gold.— 1, Aabernethys Eywas Bay Lady (G Abernethy Palmer) 66.72; 2, Beezies Marble (S Taylor) 63.28. silv.— 1, Delsie 65.17; 2, Finnbeheara (K King) 62.93. brnz.Ð 1, Highfive I (S Hatter) 65.51; 2, Merry Marinade 59.83. nov 22 (T Cowie) gold.— 1, Breit Fantastic (D Morgan) 70.69. silv.— 1, Salsa D’Amour (E Jenkins) 73.97; 2, Jessie Jane (H Cook) 70.86; 3, Desert Sea (D Bacchus) 65.86. brnz.— 1, Maia VI (S Phillips) 70.17; 2, Remingtonsteele 67.76; 3, Holywell Likely Lad (R Watson) 63.28. nov 37A Q (J Welham) gold.— 1,…

TEN to 15 years ago, Britain would have had five riders in the World Cup Final. This year, we didn’t have a single representative. When the top two places go to Switzerland, and a nation the size of Belgium can field four combinations, you have to conclude that we have lost our strength in depth. This year’s first Nations Cups will be a case in point — I think Di Lampard won’t mind me saying that she faces a predicament. My son Harry has his first call up of the year for La Baule, France, where the other team members have been provisionally named as Holly Smith, William Funnell and James Wilson. It’s great James and Harry have been given opportunities, but it looks as though Di has more chance…

AFTER a three-month break, 13-year-old pony rider Lucy Douglas-Jones has made a tremendous start to the new season. Lucy and her 138cm JA Kantjes Zamontinaro began with two wins at Weston Lawns and have since added seven more victories, culminating in four wins at Wales and West’s opening show. Coventry-based Lucy’s other 138cm pony, Sandlings Outstanding Account, has also been on fine form with several wins and placings, and Lucy’s winning streak continued with a British novice class at Onley Grounds on her brand-new ride, the 148cm Senorita Shakira, a pony who came to her only two weeks earlier. “Lucy fits her ponies around schoolwork and I help with the training,” said her mother Victoria, a former international showjumper. “The goal is to go back to the national championships for…

South of England Spring, Golden Cross EC, East Sussex TEN-YEAR-OLD Claudia Groves and five-year-old show pony Meadowmarsh Cinderella retained their unbeaten record, despite having just started their showing career together. After netting the open show pony title, they became Tracy Priest’s choice for the supreme pony award. Tracy is now better known as an international showjumper, but she started her equestrian career in the show ring and knows a good pony when she sees one. Claudia and Cinderella were first of the finalists to step forward and pulled off a superb individual show that no one could better. “What a gorgeous pony,” said Tracy. “She has the most lovely head and such a super temperament for a youngster. She was also beautifully ridden.” The 128cm mare is produced for owner-breeder…

I’M fortunate to be seeing in the new show season with a string of lovely young horses. Just this morning I’ve sat on four fresh-faced novices we are set to showcase this year. Of course, I’ve seen many riders’ new horses on social media already. It’s commonplace these days to have assessed your competition on Facebook prior to an outing. I’m very blessed to have some great sponsors behind me. One of the only ways we can successfully promote them is through social media. It’s often a requirement for a sponsorship deal as they like to share pictures and posts on their pages. We hear time and time again at society AGMs that we should be wary of these social media channels and stay away from them, but at the…

RIHS, SP (J McTiffin, S Crane) LR.— 1 & ch, A Ahern’s Barkway Sweet William; 2, L Butler’s Cosford Charm Bracelet; 3, J Knipe’s Greenbarrow Dinky Doo. FR.— 1, M Gilbert’s Ravara Mr Tod; 2, S Donaldson’s Melvale Tam O’Shanter; 3, C Mitchell’s Litton Perfection. 128cm. — 1, C Dillon’s Sandboro Love Child; 2, J O’Donnell’s Megland Moondance; 3, J Davies’ Royalview Tiara. 138cm.— 1 & ch, H Till’s Drakemyre Puttin On The Ritz; 2, M Donaldson’s Broadgrove Oscar Wilde; 3, A McDowell’s Wycroft Forget Me Knot. 148cm. — 1 & res, M Cartlidge’s Basford Black Prince; 2, M Jobling-Purser’s Litton Cerise; 3, D Goldrick’s Caithness Bertie Bassett. INT (J McTiffin, S Crane) sml SRT.— 1 & res, V Rudd’s Shildons Plan B; 2, A Miller’s DPUK Nightdancer; 3, V…

RIHS, WHP (S Judges, K Tenison) int.— 1, S Sexton’s Ardees Prince; 2, L Knight’s Bentleys Con Artist; 3, C Thompson’s Up To Us. 153cm.— 1 & ch, P Eddis’ Cashelbay JJ; 2, S Lawes’ Notley Queen Bee; 3, S Darlington’s Lisa’s Dream. 143cm.— 1, R Lemieux’s Charlie Chan; 2 & res & 3, C Thompson’s Fraggle & Knockash Benji. 133cm.— 1, S Stanley’s Killaughey Golden Cascade; 2, J Murphy’s Captain Fowey. nursery.— 1 & mini ch, Ms Burnett’s Glansevin Fairfax; 2 & mini res, H Parry’s Kentchurch Sandpiper; 3, S Herring’s Gwithian Geraint. Pretty Polly mini M&M (J James) FR.— 1, H Gendall’s Pantmanr Just So; 2, K Snow’s Springwater Stop The Music; 3, J Hepburn’s Shilstone Rocks Chinkwell. LR.— 1, Z Johnstone-Evans’ Waitwith Dakota Mist; 2, E Caley’s…

RIHS, hunter (J White) sml.— 1 & res, H Binks’ Brookdale Masterpiece; 2, M Cookson’s Louvaine Rooney; 3, C Blaskey’s Greenholme Cecil. l’wt.— 1, V Tennant’s MHS Charlie Fox; 2, M Wilson’s It’s A Story; 3, P Luckin’s Erame S. m’wt.— 1 & ch, P Coles’ Bloomfield Valhalla; 2, A Drabble’s Lowmoor Windsor; 3, V Tennant’s Bloomfield Bespoke. h’wt.— 1, S Walker’s The Parishoner; 2, S Cowey’s Lansdowne Road; 3, H Gallagher’s Week Orchard Rock On. amt, l’wt/sml.— 1, Louvaine Rooney; 2, Greenhall Cecil; 3, N Willis’ Just Jacques. m’wt/h’wt.— 1 & ch, P Coles’ Gransha Cuhullian; 2 & res, S Iggulden’s Oathill Absolute Power; 3, Lowmoor Windsor. WH (J White, P Crafts).— 1, L White’s Noble Queen Bee; 2, M Cooper’s Toronto; 3, T Lalor’s Annsfort Lance. Pretty Polly…

Open.— 1, Fox Grant Dot Com (W Grant, Y Goss, P Nichols, A Stone ); 2, Wishful Thinkers (M Mackley, J Stevenson, P Bradley, S Robbins); 3, Cunning Stunts (E Fox, S Coles, S Tideswell, H McLeod). int.— 1, Team Ride Away IV (S Clark, K Holloway, R Stanning, B Roberts); 2, Eternal Optimists (L Terblanche Brown, H Chamberlain, M Mackley, G Henderson); 3, Crowd Pleasers II (N O’ Hara, M Comley, Z Davidson, L Jackson). nov (bogey time).— 1, Crazy Bucker (S Evans, C Lee, L Care, R Harris); 2, Dapper Dobbins Dynamites (K North, S Lloyd, S Polden, I Ford); 3, Fox Grant Cubs (M Smith, E Setchell, W Grant, C Campion).…

THE 13-year-old proved age is just a number when taking a 15th win of his career in the hunt members’ race. Ridden by 16-year-old pony racing graduate Ben Bromley, who has now enjoyed three winners from seven rides, the pair romped home 40 lengths clear. “He was a bit keen — I was told to sit in behind, but he settled nicely in front after the third so I left him there,” said Ben, who works for trainer James Owen in Newmarket. “I hope to do some Arab racing this season, plus some more pointing before hopefully turning professional over fences,” added Ben.…

TOKYO’S equestrian venues are almost ready for Olympic action and experts have given the latest cutting-edge advice for preparing to compete in a hot and humid environment at next year’s Games. Leaders of the equestrian world were given an update on preparations for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games at the FEI sports forum in Lausanne, Switzerland (15-16 April). This came alongside advice from leading vets, scientists, doctors and trainers, boiling down years of research and expertise into invaluable information as to how teams need to prepare. FEI director of games operations Tim Hadaway gave a overview of construction work at the main site, Baji Koen, and the cross-country venue at Sea Forest. “It’s hugely impressive in terms of what is being developed there and most importantly what will be…

THIS 11hh sculpture is one of 20 due to feature in two trails to raise awareness of World Horse Welfare’s work this summer. One is on display in Windsor and Eton, moving to Kensington and Chelsea at the end of July; the other at Royal Windsor Horse Show (8-12 May). Trails of smaller horses can be seen at the charity’s farms. The horses have been designed by celebrities, including DJ Sara Cox, whose sculpture has been attributed to H&H, with the aim of highlighting stories of horses helped by the charity. “The sculptures are a fantastic visual way to show all the different aspects of how we help horses, as well as celebrating some inspiring stories of rescued and rehomed equines,” said the charity’s Emma Williams.…

WITH reference to “Vet clinic” (11 April) about blindness in the older horse, we should also consider deafness, and not just in older horses. As human deafness does not necessarily mean silence, it is reasonable to assume that some horses with hearing issues may suffer a cacophony of sounds similar to human tinnitus. This is disorientating even when you know what it is, so how much more confusing might it be for horses? I suspect quite a lot of spookiness may be related to hearing issues, and perhaps part of a pre-purchase vetting should include testing for it. Jackie Drakeford Arundel, W Sussex H&H vet Karen Coumbe replies: “This is a good question and the truthful answer is that we really do not know what horses can hear. A pre-purchase…

THE LEISURE HORSE Workload: very light, mostly hacking (pictured, above) with the occasional low-level show. Consider: as long as the horse receives some kind of balanced hard feed, it is unlikely he will need an electrolyte supplement. But adding a tablespoon of table salt to his feed on a daily basis will ensure that sodium levels are sufficient. THE COMPETITION HORSE Workload: moderate, such as competing in novice or elementary dressage, or riding club one-day events. Consider: some kind of daily electrolyte supplement, even if only during the summer months when he is sweating during normal training. Good forage and hard feed, plus two tablespoons of table salt, should be sufficient during the cooler months, especially if training does not leave him hot and sweaty. THE PERFORMANCE HORSE Workload: higher-level…

KATE COWELL KATE COWELL is an international rider who competes up to grand prix level and has represented Britain as a junior and young rider at the Europeans. As a senior, Kate has won several internationals and competes at small tour and big tour. She has also won numerous premier leagues. TRAINING THE STARS RAY-BAN moves beautifully but is still weak. I spend time working on transitions to improve his reaction to my leg. I’ve also focused on strengthening and conditioning. Barcelona, another of my top horses, is hot-headed and always in a hurry. He overreacts to my leg, almost exploding against it. I work on achieving submission when my leg is on and relaxing it away when he accepts it.…

I’M often asked what the judges are looking for when I sit on a ground jury. The answer is correctly trained horses — judges are really just assessors of training. We take mistakes into account, but really we’re seeking quality in the way of going and correct paces. We judge each exercise in the test in accordance with the scales of training: rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness and collection. Collection is relative to the level of the test and we don’t expect the same degree of collection from an event horse, who is bred to gallop and jump, as we do from a dressage horse. FLOWING LINES OVERALL this test has good lines and flows well. It can demonstrate if horses can bend equally on both reins and can show…

CCI3*-S.— 1, Lawtown Chloe (C Burton) 21.9,0,0=21.9; 2, Polystar I (C Burton) 25.3,0,0=25.3; 3, Cristal Fontaine (K King) 28,0,0=28. CCI2*-S.— 1, Ardeo Fun Size (P Locke) 26.2,0,0=26.2; 2, MHS Fernhill Finale (K King) 28.2,0,0=28.2; 3, Monbeg After Dark (G Murphy) 28,0,1.2=29.2. AI sec J.— 1, Wesko (T Price) 27.7,0,0.4=28.1; 2, Alcatraz II (A Bragg) 29.4,0,0=29.4; 3, Cloud Dancer II (J Price) 30.5,0,0.8=31.3. OI sec I.— 1, NZB Campino (M Todd) 23.6,0,0=23.6; 2, Chico’s Man VDF Z (L Scovil) 23.6,0,0.8=24.4; 3, Billy Bounce (L Collett) 25.2,0,0=25.2. int sec G.— 1, Coup De Coeur Dudevin (C Burton) 24.1,0,0=24.1; 2, Atlantic Vital Spark (W Fox-Pitt) 25.5,0,0=25.5; 3, Lime Rickey (J Price) 30.5,0,0.4=30.9. sec H.— 1, C Why (T Bartlett) 31.1,0,1.6=32.7; 2, Zefron (L Nile) 30.9,0,3.6=34.5; 3, Dali III (G Gurvidi) 34.3,4,0=38.3. ON sec…

AI.— 1, Monkeying Around (I Taylor) 28.1,0,0=28.1; 2, Fonbherna Lancer (I Taylor) 30.9,0,0=30.9; 3, Last Secret (P Sims) 33.2,0,0=33.2. OI.— 1, AKD Cooley Lockdown (W Oakden) 29.3,0,0=29.3; 2, Arco BB (S Ecroyd) 29.1,0,0.8=29.9; 3, Artful Trinity (I Taylor) 30.2,0,0=30.2. OIu21.— 1, Shadow Lad (D Crawford) 33.2,4,2.4=39.6; 2, Wil Jack B King (C Parry-Ashcroft) 26.6,4,11.6=42.2; 3, Topspin II (A Casburn) 38.2,0,6=44.2. int sec M.— 1, Newmarket Caro (O Townend) 31.8,0,0=31.8; 2, Fly The Flag (R Thomas) 35.2,0,0=35.2; 3, Hello Stranger (I Taylor) 33.4,4,2=39.4. sec N.— 1, Dont You Know (V Wilson) 31.6,0,0=31.6; 2, Mississippi II (S Heal) 33.4,0,1.6=35; 3, Tiger Mail (P Buckley) 34.1,0,5.2=39.3. ON.— 1, HHS Comporta Beach (E Power) 23.8,0,2=25.8; 2, King Ralph (H Hankey) 31.8,0,0.4=32.2; 3, Striding Edge (M Davidson) 32,0,1.2=33.2. nov sec U.— 1, Tremanton (H Bate)…

BE100open sec F.— 1, Albert VI (C Pearce) 24.3,0,0.8=25.1; 2, Jensen III (F Insley) 26.3,0,0=26.3; 3, Newton Belize (T Rogers) 27.8,0,2.4=30.2. sec G.— 1, Daisy XIV (J Clubley) 26.3,0,0=26.3; 2, Cotswold Choir Boy (V Panizzon) 28.5,0,0=28.5; 3, Courtyard Cracker (H Pope) 30.3,0,0=30.3. BE100 sec A.— 1, Floor (L Britnell) 28.5,0,0=28.5; 2, Martha Imp (Z Heathcote) 29,0,0=29; 3, Da Ponte Du Buisson Z (K Dunnington) 30,0,0=30. sec B.— 1, Calcourt Verona (S Birch) 23.5,2,0=25.5; 2, Interlaken W (G Howe) 28.3,0,0=28.3; 3, Amadeus Dream (D Bizzarro) 30.8,0,0=30.8. sec C.— 1, Emerald Grafitti (S Gillespie) 28,4,0=32; 2, Billy Clarenza (G Spence) 29.5,0,3.2=32.7; 3, CFS Fernhill Future (S Heal) 31.8,0,2=33.8. sec D.— 1, Django Untrained (L Westaway) 24.8,0,2=26.8; 2, Torboy Abbey (P Wallis) 27.5,0,0.8=28.3; 3, Tillington Perry (J Hobbs) 27,0,1.6=28.6. sec E.— 1, Chevalian…

ROCKROSE EC 13 April: prelim 14Q gold.— 1, Joie A Vie (K Tullie) 70.58. silv.— 1, Biba (L Miller-Todd) 63.65. brnz.— 1, Cevera Caboodle (A Miller) 70; 2, Waterbank Asgard (S Donaldson) 68.46; 3, Astral Dancer III (S Buchanan) 65.77. prelim 17AQ.— 1, Joie A Vie 70.69. silv.— 1, Glyncoch Red Rascal (A Gray) 69.31; 2, Biba 64.14. brnz.— 1, Cevera Caboodle 68.79; 2, Magic Milly (K Scott) 67.07; 3, Waterbank Asgard 66.03. nov 27 gold— 1, Tullibards Fit For Fun (L Faulks) 63.39. silv.— 1, Maisie (K Smith) 68.04; 2, Wonderful Van’t Zwaanenheike (S Burns) 67.14; 3, Fools Gold V (K Lawson) 66.96. brnz.— 1, Sheeaun Magpie (A Fernandes) 68.21; 2, Rua Mountain (J Sturgeon) 65.71; 3, Rocks (K Brunton) 65.54. nov 38Q gold.— 1, Goruchel Peter Pan (G…

HICKSTEAD 13 Apr: prelim 17A Q gold (P Green).—1, Cool Toddy (C Peck) 69.48; 2, Noel Diamond (J Price) 63.62. silv.—1, Kingcarra Carrick Cruise (M Austin) 71.21; 2, Lucy Kildare (E Bishop) 68.45; 3, Cikita (L Duval) 68.45. brnz.— 1, Easy Tiger III (H Whiteside) 70.86; 2, Hillgarth King Flyer (N Gurden) 65.69; 3, Knitson Topaz (I Downs) 65.52. prelim 19Q gold (M Drewe).— 1, Cool Toddy 68.13. silv.— 1, Kingcarra Carrick Cruise 73.75; 2, Broadriver Artemis (H Fox) 67.92; 3, Felleapia (S Abbott) 63.75. brnz.— 1, Mon Desir (A Pinnock) 69.17; 2, Easy Tiger III 68.13; 3, Knitson Topaz (I Downs) 67.92. nov 22 gold (P Green).— 1, Vianello (S Millis) 75.52; 2, Callito (A Hill) 67.59; 3, Glory Of Guinness (E Jones) 67.41. silv.— 1, Lucky Turn (S…

KEYSOE 10 April: prelim 15Q gold (C Ballantyne).— 1, Bernwode Brahms (R Hole) 70.2. brnz.— 1, Kestrel Heart (C Marlow) 70.2. prelim 19Q gold (J Robinson).— 1, Kinnear (E Woolley) 67.5; 2, Bernwode Brahms 67.29; 3, Flying High (K Mayne) 67.08. brnz.— 1, Kestrel Heart 62.5. nov 22 silv (C Ballantyne).— 1, Kenniford Flash Dancer (V Bradford) 65.69; 2, Gibantos (L Hatcher) 64.31; 3, Drewmain Blackstar (D Rawlinson) 63.97. brnz.— 1, Life O Reilly (J Loversidge) 63.62; 2, Hazelhill Snippet (S Marney) 58.28; 3, Scaldias Jonathon (O Marlow) 57.93. nov 39Q silv (J Robinson).— 1, Pernod II (A Dethlefsen) 65.19; 2, Kenniford Flash Dancer 65; 3, Gibantos 62.5. brnz.— 1, Life O Reilly 61.54; 2, Scaldias Jonathon 58.85. elem 45 gold (C Ballantyne).— 1, Insanity (K Mayne) 72.07; 2, Gilliano…

DRESSAGE is booming; the sheer numbers taking part amaze me, especially compared to when I started competing. I’m not into statistics but I was interested to hear that at the recent winter dressage championships 140 hours of dressage took place over three arenas, 921 tests were started, 39 titles awarded and 5586 score sheets added up. Scorers are our unsung heroes in dressage, so please take a bow if you’ve scored and are reading this — you have our eternal thanks. Round of applause to Winnie Murphy and her press team, who made 69 Facebook posts over the five days, which reached 597,407 people. And £32,470 in prize money was won over the championships; thank you to all the sponsors involved for the support. But why is the gala night…

KIRSTY CORDNER and her five-year-old Timeless Crusader have been on top form recently, scoring a double in the British novice and discovery classes at Alnwick Ford and winning the British novice at their next show at Northallerton. The rider from Northumberland found the gelding by chance a year ago. “My friend was looking for a horse and I saw a video of him and liked him. When I sent it to her, she told me he wasn’t for her, so I decided to have a look. He was only just backed, but the moment I saw him, I knew I had to have him,” said Kirsty, who combines eventing and showjumping and has recently started a new job on a showing yard. “I’d worked for a dealer and done all…

THERE were lots of changes to this long-running charity show this year. As well as a change of venue to Golden Cross Equestrian Centre, the organisers introduced a revamped schedule, with ponies on Tuesday, horses on Wednesday and £1,000-to-the-winner supremes on both days. By day two, most small hitches had been ironed out by the helpful team at the centre and the facilities, including indoor and outdoor all-weather plans, were met with praise from the competitors.…

BSPS Area 15, Ashfields, Essex A FIVE-YEAR-OLD rider and a pony of the same age took their Royal International (RIHS) ticket in style. Mia Bowers and Welsh section A Rowfantina Hideaway Harry are both in their first season of showing and were at only their third show, but they made a lovely picture to win their class and the mini ridden mountain and moorland (M&M) championship. Hideaway Harry was bred by producer and handler Ollie Burchell’s mother, Mandy Burchall-Small, but was a surprise foal. “That’s how he got his name. Mum bought his dam, but didn’t know she was in foal. It turned out to be the best accident ever,” said Ollie, who spent a long time waiting for the ideal pony for Mia. “She was terribly keen and her…

Cheltenham Racecourse, Glos PAUL NICHOLLS reached another landmark in his training career on Thursday, 18 April, when Kupatana won the EBF/Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Mares’ Novices’ Handicap Chase Series Final at Cheltenham to become his 3,000th domestic winner over jumps. Formerly with Nicky Henderson, the six-year-old daughter of Westerner, who will shortly be heading to the sales, was moved to Nicholls halfway through the season by owners Grech and Parkin — whose successful but ultimately short-lived partnership will end when their horses are dispersed next month. Kupatana has fallen twice this season and she has to be led in at the start, suggesting that she is not the easiest, but you could not fault her in Thursday’s race. Harry Cobden let her bowl along in front and she met nearly every…

Worcestershire, Chaddesley Corbett, Worcs FORMER hurdler Wishing And Hoping pulled off an exemplary performance under Alex Edwards to land the Lady Dudley Cup men’s open for trainer Phil Rowley and owners Peter and Trish Andrews. In front of a bumper crowd, the Beneficial nine-year-old held off the only other finisher, Ballyboker Breeze (Sam Waley-Cohen), to win by 25 lengths, giving the trainer/jockey duo their third Lady Dudley Cup title. Alex, who is currently topping the leading jockey title race, said of the horse: “He ran four times for Alan King and fell in three of them, so he’d totally lost his confidence and was very nervous.” Alex puts the horse’s success down to schooling over fences in the arena. “We took a step back and haven’t rushed him — he’s…

DR HALL said one of their focuses is ensuring everyone is “really familiar with cooling best practice”. This includes grooms and riders, as well as Tokyo 2020 organisers to make sure enough water and buckets are in the right place at the right time. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE: • Cover as much of the horse as possible in water. • Start at the head and work backwards. • Work on both sides of the horse — ideally you want a person on each side and someone else to lead. • Wash for 30 seconds, walk him for 30 seconds until he is cooled. • It can take as much as 30 buckets of water and 10-15 minutes to cool an overheated horse. • Only stop cooling when the horse is no…

SUMMER RIDE OUT MAKES A RETURN THE British Horse Society’s (BHS) Ride Out initiative returns for 2019 — to run from May until October. Previous campaigns, which have only lasted through May, have raised over £18,000 for the BHS’ paths for communities fund, to help create or revamp off-road routes for riders. The six months will include a range of events, from guided rides to the pleasure rides on National Trust land and large estates. The BHS is challenging riders to achieve “platinum” status, by riding at least 70km and raising £70,000 for the fund. • Visit: bhs.org.uk/rideoutuk HELP US CELEBRATE 135TH BIRTHDAY H&H needs your help to mark our 135th anniversary. We are creating a 135-second video made up of short clips from the lives of those living and…

1 A “pyramid” qualification system from one-star to championships, including qualifications as a combination and a gradual increase in maximum speeds. 2 Course design: regulating lengths of loops (at least 20km); distances between crew points minimum 5km and a maximum 10km between water stations. 3 Limit the number of a rider’s support team in crew areas to three people. 4 No change or substitution of the registered trainer at events; minimum age 18 of trainer. 5 Reduce minimum rider weight to 70kg for rides at two-star and above. 6 Cap maximum number of starters per class at 200; maximum starters per day 400. 7 Run test events for all championships. 8 Stricter heart rate parameters and presentation times, both on course and particularly at events where top 10 finishers have…

TOAST OF NEW YORK The Jamie Osborne-trained eight-year-old has been retired for a second time after failing to return to form. The 2014 UAE Derby winner was retired to stud in 2015 after an injury, but returned to training in 2017. BROADGROVE ONLY YOU The Fowlers’ prolific show pony has died aged 12. He was twice champion at Horse of the Year Show, three times at Royal Windsor and supreme show pony at the British Show Pony Society championships. YOUNG HUSTLER The former chaser has been put down aged 32 owing to heart issues. The gelding, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, made his debut in 1990, won 15 of his 65 races and was retired at the 1998 Cheltenham Festival.…

CHILDREN A pregnant rider, while accepting that it is going to be some time before her daughter is in the saddle, stumbled across a pair of mini Shetlands who “seem perfect”. Nothing like getting prepared early, is there? Just got to try to convince the husband now… RECYCLING Hats off to the rider who has upcycled old feed sacks into handbags. Now, if she can think of something to make from vast amounts of baler twine, we’ll be billionaires… VERSATILITY Mark Todd is aiming for another training first as he plans to run the Flat racehorse he trains, while still being an eventing legend, in a Group One in Hong Kong, after which he plans to pop back to compete at Badminton, as you do. Any chance you could also…

WELL DONE GINA! H&H’s front cover on 28 March 2002 featured a mud-splattered little girl (pictured), together with a request for people to march against the hunting ban. I responded to that letter saying that while we older members had enjoyed the privilege of hunting over many years, it was up to us to ensure a future for children to enjoy the same pleasures. Your letter of the week from reader Jacqueline Hodge several years later asked where the little girl was today — and answered the question. To update the answer, she is the daughter of point-to-point rider Simon Andrews and none other than the current ladies’ point-to-point champion, Gina Andrews. This year she celebrates her sixth championship title, but also secured her 41st win of the 2018-19 season,…

I never imagined myself doing this job. Growing up, I wanted to be a jockey, but I spent most of my weekends running around after Paul Nicholls’ former assistant Dan Skelton at the races. So, without knowing it, I guess I served a lengthy childhood apprenticeship for the job. ‘We understand we are part of something bigger than ourselves, something very special’ I became assistant trainer after losing my confidence as a jockey. I was getting worse at my job at the age of 19, so something had to give. Paul’s head lad Clifford Baker thought it was a good idea for me to do the assistant trainer job and I’ve been doing it just under three years now. Winning the Greatwood Hurdle aboard Brampour aged 17 as an amateur…

• Isuzu D-Max £24,778 Terrific off-road. Slightly more basic interior than others, but this is reflected in the price. If you want to stand out, go for the Arctic Truck models. It’s a Tonka Toy for grown-ups. • SsangYong Musso £25,133 Incredible value in terms of kit and ability. Has a seven-year 150,000-mile warranty. One of the best. • Nissan Navara £26,580 One of the most refined pickups and decent to drive on the road. Feels more like a big car. • Mitsubishi L200 £26,826 One of the original and best. You get plenty of kit as standard and it’s reasonably economical — for a pick-up. • Toyota Hilux (pictured) £26,955 Incredibly tough with a five-year warranty. Good compromise between family comfort and workhorse ability. • Ford Ranger XL £28,614…

“EVERYBODY said, ‘That’s impossible,’ then somebody came who didn’t know that, and just did it.” The epigram on a sign hanging on SAP Hale Bob OLD’s stable at Ingrid Klimke’s barn could easily be applied to Ingrid herself. The five-time Olympian, two-time Olympic gold medallist and reigning individual European champion is at the top of her game in eventing and dressage, but although her achievements may imply she’s superhuman, in her endearingly unassuming way she makes her talent sound normal. One of the most successful yet humblest riders ever to grace the world’s arenas, she is utterly devoid of arrogance or self-importance, as her home set-up also reveals — she shares a large yard in Münster with a showjumper and a livery yard. The arenas are permanently busy, and there’s…

Work on your position — you need your own self-carriage and independent leg, seat and hands. Make sure you aren’t making your horse behind the leg by being too tight in your leg, having an unstable leg, tightness or blocking in the shoulders and hips, or stiff, backward hands. Use your seat and back to give driving aids as well as your leg. Keep work interesting to help your horse stay motivated. Improve fitness levels in a more laid-back horse with galloping in the field, polework, hill work and water treadmill exercise.…

TICKETPRICES (1-5 MAY) • Ticket prices at the gate as follows. Car parking: £14 per day. Each occupant also pays for personal admission. £12 on Wednesday (trade stands, horse inspection and Mitsubishi Motors Cup); £20 on Thursday and Friday (dressage); £34 on Saturday (cross-country) and £18 on Sunday (showjumping). • Discounts are available online until two days prior to the day of entry. • Children aged 12 years and under: free admission to grounds on all days. • Grandstand tickets are necessary for the showjumping in addition to personal admission and parking, or you can watch on the big screens in the catering areas. • Visit badminton-horse.co.uk or call 01454 218375 for more info. VISITTHE H&H TRADE STAND WE’RE at number six, Worcester Way, where you can receive either 25%…

ANOTHER year, another chance to predict the Badminton winner. Not an easy task with many of the best horses in the world doing battle, but I am more confident this year that I have the formula. Let’s start with the magic number of 28. At CCI4* (now CCI5*-L) level in 2018, we saw winning scores of 28.7 (Kentucky), 28 (Badminton), 28.3 (Luhmühlen), 27.3 (Burghley) and 29.5 (Pau). It is obviously not an exact science, but I am confident that if you can’t finish in this region, you can’t win Badminton 2019. And so, we narrow down the field from 85 to one winner. FROM 85 TO 25 — DRESSAGE BELOW 30 LET’S start with horses with the potential to score below 30 in the first phase, of which there are…

Bicton Arena (1), Devon CHRIS BURTON dominated the Rathbones CCI3*-S (previously CIC2*) when taking the top two spots in the feature international class, despite the result being overshadowed by a lengthy appeal after his eventual winner was initially hit with the new FEI flag rule. The Australian rider partnered Sue Lawson, Carolyn and Anthony Townsend’s Lawtown Chloe, finishing on an impressive score of 21.9. However, they were given 15 penalties in the cross-country for knocking a flag, which the ground jury reviewed and removed after watching video footage. “It’s hard enough for the organisers, who are trying to run a fantastic horse trials in a beautiful park,” said Chris, who was also the event’s rider representative. “They had the sunshine and spectator numbers today and then they have to deal…

Protect My Income Kelsall Hill (1), Cheshire IZZY TAYLOR filled the top two spots in the £1,000-to-the-winner advanced intermediate. Izzy, who won with Monkeying Around and was second aboard Fonbherna Lancer, was making her first visit to the Cheshire event. “It was a typical Mark Phillips track,” said Izzy. “It rode well, rewarded positive riding and my horses came off happier and braver for having gone round.” Monkeying Around, by Bertoli, was bred by dressage guru Christian Heinrich and is very much dressage-bred (his Breitling W half-brother Boronia HG is competing at international small tour in Australia). He came to Izzy to be sold as a four-year-old, but his first attempt over a pole convinced Izzy of his talent and he now belongs to his rider and Charlie Sands. “He…

AMELIA LUDIMAN and Tynan Mist put an unlucky fall in the pony trial at Weston Park firmly behind them when they headed the BE100 under-18 at the Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market (1). “He got a bit stuck in the mud — it was just one of those unlucky things,” said Amelia, 13, who teamed up with the 14.2hh gelding in September. “He’s fairly quirky and spooky at home but once he’s out competing he knows he’s on show and he always tries his hardest. He gets very keen in the start box, though, so Mum has to hold on to him.” Aston-le-Walls (2) pony trial is next on the agenda, followed — hopefully — by the pony championships at Brand Hall.…

Manor Grange Stud, W Yorks Just It’s Mie, owned and ridden by Charlotte Donovan, dominated the classes as he began his campaign for summer qualification. The gelding, known as Frank, was bought as a two-year-old from Astrid Bolton, and Charlotte backed him herself. “He’s cheeky and likes to do his own thing, but on a good day he’s amazing and trainable,” said Charlotte, who is a data analyst. “He’s the sort of horse who puts a smile on your face. He did the four-year-old classes last year but our main aim now is to qualify for the summers.” Charlotte trains with Ann Clegg and has monthly lessons with Becky Moody. “My employers are really good as they let me start early and finish late so I can have a two…

Parwood, Surrey | Merrist Wood, Surrey | Hickstead, W Sussex “It was fun,” said rider Alix Tidmarsh, who claimed a double prelim victory at Parwood with Rummley Miss Lilibet. “The judge said we were a pleasure to watch and commented on our good rhythm and shapes,” Alix added. “Previously I’ve had warmbloods and quite a bit of bad luck, so I’ve gone from Ferrari types to a four-wheel drive.” Sarah Morris scored two double silver elementary wins with eight-year-old United Gyvano at Parwood and Merrist Wood. Sarah, a new mother, has got back to riding fitness via running, Pilates and spinning. She commented: “Spinning is great for core strength because you do a lot of out-of-the-saddle ‘climbing’, but it’s my trainer Tania Grantham who has given me the confidence to…

WEST WILTS 11 April: prelim 12 (H Keen) gold.— 1, Overafrica (S Fogg) 65.55. silv.— 1, Jara HI (G Lynch) 72.59; 2, Benhill Tanqueray (R West) 64.44. brnz.— 1, Spot Me (E Walker) 67.96; 2, Manmoel Rita (O Carpenter) 65.18; 3, Mendip Princess (J Hodges) 64.07. prelim 16Q gold.— 1, Overafrica 62.3. silv.— 1, Jara HI 75.96; 2, Denny (S Bird) 66.73; 3, Benhill Tanqueray 62.5. brnz.— 1, Mendip Princess 65.38; 2, Manmoel Rita 63.64. nov 28 gold.— 1, Jack Johnson (A Corrie-Deane) 73.54. silv.— 1, Ladykillers Little John (S Martin) 68.54; 2, Briarwood Reign Of Fire (J Yeung) 66.87; 3, Irish Lennie (T Nevile) 64.16. brnz.— 1, Acorn (P Kerby) 66.25. nov 30Q gold.— 1, Jack Johnson 73.46. silv.— 1, Ladykillers Little John 70.76; 2, Irish Lennie 64.03. brnz.—…

NAF 1.20m ch.— 1, Quantify (C Reynolds); 2, Dorie Du Mazet (C Bastone); 3, Diana II (E Popely). Shane Walsh Equestrian ladies ch.— 1, Z7 Canya Dance (G Tame); 2, Gallicia I (J Botham); 3, What A Kaschin K (G Lovett). Shane Walsh Equestrian gents ch.— 1, Montreuxs Tale (M Edwards); 2, Fancypina (J Fisher); 3, Terasini (S Crippen). 7/8yo ch.— 1, Muna VD Bisschop (L Mantel); 2, Garande (J Winter); 3, Billy Kodak (W Funnell). Hazelden Saddlery 6yo ch.— 1, Ivory (M Sampson); 2, Idanibur W (N Pavitt); 3, Kingdon (O Gent). Equestrian Surfaces 1.40m GP.— 1, Glory B V (L Mantel); 2, Millfield Baloney (A Speight); 3, Vykinbay (A Clutterbuck). 5yo ch.— 1, Billy Bakewell (L Hill); 2, Brownheath Seraisi (O Gent); 3, Smirnoff (H Rees). Showground Photography…

SURREY-BASED rider and coach Nick Edwards has just had what he says were the best two shows of his career. Nick’s run began at the Blue Chip Championships where he finished second in the power final on Idodinus PP. Nick is excited about the future for this six-year-old, who is owned by his parents and Keith Tollick. “He came to me as a four-year-old and hasn’t stopped improving,” said Nick, who also contested the Karma performance final with the eight-year-old Copain, a horse he bought in September from Matt Pike and Alex Bishop. “We were first to go in the jump-off and I tried to do a tidy round. Copain jumped his heart out and finished fifth,” Nick said. Then it was off to Wales and West. Idodinus was placed…

9 Apr: RIHS, mini M&M (P Hilton) LR.— 1 & ch, K Bhogal’s Dunmere Charlock; 2, K Stone’s Rowfantina Hideaway Harry; 3, Z Johnstone-Evans’ Pumphill Fandango. FR.— 1 & res, K Smith’s Idyllic Spartacus; 2, K Snow’s Springwater Stop The Music; 3, D Hannam’s Newoak Gold Edition. mini SP (P Hilton) LR.— 1 & res, L Richardson’s Cosford Glamorize; 2, Mrs A Gibson’s Seamoor Lady Derby. FR.— 1 & ch, C Steadman’s Barkway Alfie Moon; 2, K Allen’s Coranashton Sky Wishes; 3, E Whalley’s Hollybush Libretto. M&M YR (R Keeling & L Ahmet) int.— 1, S Barraclough’s Anlyn Daffyd; 2, A Marshall’s Wintersend Nimbus; 3, D Barr’s Drummersdale Black Diamond. lrg.— 1 & res, R Lemieux’s Manor Glen; 2, G Holder’s Creemully Western Pride; 3, B Helyer’s Stormyoak Just Divine.…

BSPS Area 15 committee member Mary Greenwood may be the longest-serving show secretary in Britain, as this year’s show was her 50th at the helm. Mary has seen the show grow from a two-section event to a six-ring extravaganza, which now hosts 57 classes. Mary, who competed hunters at Harringay and the White City, forerunners of HOYS and the RIHS, has never missed a show, and her achievement was recognised this year with a surprise presentation. “People like Mary are the BSPS,” said Area 15 director Sue Johnson. And so say all of us.…

DESPITE her lack of mileage, there was no denying Tremarl Tic Toc (Mildred; pictured) — yet another by the late and much-missed Kilvington Scoundrel — who turned many heads en route to her supreme ridden title with Talia Aristidou, 15. “I bought Mildred last November just sat on and this was only her third-ever outing — she’s not even four until late June,” said producer Lucy Glover. “It was her first open class today, too, but she’s got a lovely laid-back nature and seems to like going out; she doesn’t seem to be fazed by much at all.”…

DESPITE being a two-horse race, Katie Featherstone’s first win came in a manner that perhaps she didn’t expect. Both horses went to post for the opening maiden contest, with Katie riding her own Winola. But at the start, her only rival, Iron In The Soul, was spotted to have blood in one of his nostrils. Despite veterinary evidence that the blood was from a bashed nose, not any internal problem, Iron In The Soul was removed from the race. Katie and Winola simply had to canter to the finish line to be awarded the race.…