Innholdsfortegnelse for 12-Sep-2019 i Horse & Hound

THIS year’s Burghley goes down as one of the most dramatic to date and one of the most exciting results. Could there be a more popular winner than Pippa Funnell? One of the most heralded riders in the sport, a dedicated proponent of correct training, self deprecating and disbelieving, and — perhaps even more importantly for her fans — clearly besotted with her horses. She says it is the horses that get her up every day, that made her carry on after heavy falls and disappointment. It was wonderful to watch a tearful, joyful, overwhelmed Pippa be crowned Burghley champion 16 years after her previous victory here. When she is interviewed ahead of an event, or having walked a course, you hear from Pippa all manner of things that could…

BELGIAN event rider Joris Vanspringel, 56, has been suspended by the FEI for nine months and fined CHF3,000 (£2,450) for abusing a pony at a cross-country clinic. He was accused of beating Sherwill Valerian hard enough to break a whip during a training session in South Africa in November 2018. He did not deny the allegations, but said he felt “very sad” after reading the complaint and had apologised in writing to the pony’s owners. “I have been a professional rider, trainer and teacher for more than 30 years and this has never happened to me before,” he stated. “I wanted to help this young girl, but what I did on the pony is not who I am and I feel terribly bad and sorry about it. “I have never…

EVENTING MOURNS YOUNG RIDER TALENTED young French event rider Thaïs Meheust died in a cross-country fall while competing at Haras du Pin, Normandy, on Saturday (7 September). The 22-year-old, who won multiple medals at pony, junior and young rider European Championships, was riding Chaman Dumontceau when the horse fell at the second fence in the seven-year-old national championships. A statement from the French equestrian federation said the sport is in mourning. BRITISH HORSE SOCIETY TRUSTEES THE British Horse Society (BHS) has a new chairman, vice-chairman and treasurer. Tim Lord, who has been acting as interim chairman since July, has taken on the chairman’s role. Sally McCarthy is the new vice-chairman, while Gaby Gläsener-Cipollone has been co-opted as treasurer. Mr Lord described his appointment as a “great honour”. He added that…

Kiwi eventer Sir Mark Todd officially retired for the second time at Burghley Horse Trials on 8 September. Mark said it had been a “wonderful” 11 years since he returned to eventing. Showjumper Ben Maher heads the overall Longines Global Champions Tour championship rankings after he won his second grand prix in a row on Explosion W in Rome. Farrier Paul Varnam won the prize for the best-shod horse at Burghley Horse Trials. Paul is farrier to Ivar Gooden, who completed the event with Imogen Murray in sixth place. German dressage rider Dorothee Schneider is recovering from a fall from stallion Quantum Vis MW, who was spooked as she mounted. Dorothee hopes to be back in the saddle in a few days. Tamsin Thurlow won the Burghley Horse Trials groom…

FIBONACCI The showjumper, who competed under Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and US rider Lillie Keenan, has retired aged 14. His results include German team silver at the 2015 Europeans and bronze at the 2016 Olympics SHANNONDALE TITAN Australian eventer Bill Levett’s consistent advanced ride has been retired from the sport aged 16. Owned by the Prentice family, the Irish Sport Horse has had particular success in the Event Rider Masters series. APACHE Emmelie Scholtens’ multiple grand prix dressage-winning ride has been put down aged 14 due to laminitis. The Dutch rider partnered the horse on numerous Nations Cup teams and at the 2018 World Equestrian Games.…

BEING LATE The Belgians were prompt to attend a press conference after they won the Spruce Meadows Nations Cup, but chef d’equipe Peter Weinberg was late. “Have you lost him?”asked an organiser. “I think he’s got time-faults,” piped up Olivier Philippaerts. Take a house point, that man! TALENTS As well as being ace riders, the Belgians are no slouches at football. The team beat the Netherlands in a match at Spruce Meadows, with Francois Mathy Jr scoring and saving aplenty. Could they come and sort Brexit? KARMA An US yob who filmed himself threatening to attack a donkey fell into said donkey’s pen, and felt its wrath. We’re hoping the stamping and biting — and humiliation — might make him think twice about such things in future……

KIRSTINE DOUGLAS KIRSTINE is an international judge, elite accredited trainer and a top showing producer with wins and championships at Royal Windsor, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the Royal International. She has been producing show horses from her base near Dumfries in Scotland for 30 years. TRAINING THE STARS UP to now, I have been lucky with my horses in that none have had major issues with competing indoors. I give them plenty of variety, such as hacking and popping a fence, and being turned out helps keep them sane. One of my top horses, middleweight hunter District Court, was a real “big ring” performer who finished third at HOYS three times. Because I knew he would cope with the atmosphere, I didn’t feel it was necessary to…

PIPPA FUNNELL’s “dry spell” between CCI5* wins stretched 14 years from Badminton 2005 (Primmore’s Pride, pictured) to MGH Grafton Street’s Burghley 2019. That beats Andrew Nicholson’s 12 years between taking Burghley in 2000 aboard Mr Smiffy and then again in 2012 on Avebury, and Mark Todd’s 12 years between his final Burghley win in 1999 on Diamond Hall Red and his “comeback” Badminton triumph with NZB Land Vision in 2011. Bruce Davidson won the World Championships when they were held at Burghley in 1974 on Irish Cap and then Badminton in 1995 with Eagle Lion, but for the greater part of his riding career, the star system wasn’t in existence, so it is difficult to compare eras.…

BURGHLEY firmly underscored its reputation as the toughest of the CCI5*s on cross-country day. Only 52% of the field got round Mark Phillips’ track, which multiple riders described as the biggest they had seen. The gripping images of the afternoon were accompanied by a soundtrack of frangible pins breaking and airjackets popping, but there were no reported injuries. And by Saturday evening, three British riders had pulled away from the pack with outstanding performances. It helps morale to have a cross-country master first out, and Mark must have breathed a sigh of relief when Tim Price did his customary top job on Bango, the first of his three rides, and galloped home clear with 12 time-faults. “I was tentative because at Badminton he just raced off with me, so I…

Petplan Equine Manor Grange Area Festival Semi-Final, W Yorks KATHERINE HESLOP won the inter I bronze title with Janette Mitchell’s Spudley and the prix st georges (PSG) silver with her own Ferdy after making changes to their routines (see box, below). She put Spudley’s spook after their extended trot behind them to go on to produce an accurate and expressive test, nailing the tempis and keeping him onside. “Sometimes when he spooks, he just blows the rest of the test, but today he felt much more focused and rideable,” said Katherine. “He was nervous in the morning as he knew he was competing, but he warmed up beautifully and kept a lid on it.” The quality of Ferdy’s work was enough to prevail over some mistakes in the changes, booking…

ANOTHER rider and horse team to return from injury was Jessica Parr and eight-year-old Gabber D, who won the novice freestyle gold. “He did well as a rising six-year-old and then had an injury which required a year out. Just as I was bringing him back into work, I had an accident,” explained Jessica. “I was chased by a dog while hacking another horse and ended up with a bleed on the brain and no feeling in my left leg. I couldn’t ride for six months, so Gabber ended up having 18 months off.” The pair recovered from their injuries, and got going again a year ago. “He’s still green and it took me five attempts to get in the arena at Sheepgate,” added Jessica. “I rode him quite boldly…

Prelim 19 silv (R Baldwin, L Smith).— 1, Balhagarty Roxanne (G Aitken) 71.25; 2, Gems Kristina (G Chalmers-Gray) 70.1; 3, Bella Vista (E Grimwood) 69.9. brnz (P Bushell, W Halkett).— 1, Rushiefauld Havanna (C Hequet) 69.79; 2, Colourville Zarina (N Murray) 69.48; 3, Inside Out II (R Cunningham) 69.27. nov 38 gold (G Parker, C Paterson).— 1, Jaguar (E Grant) 72.74; 2, Joie A Vie (K Tullie) 72.74; 3, Umbungo (H Payne) 72.26. silv (K Dewar, L Smith).— 1, Deludo (C Gospel) 70.81; 2, Ettrick Lilly (L Anderson) 69.92; 3, Icarus 1 (E Boyle) 69.6. brnz (R Baldwin, W Halkett).— 1, Emale Khan (C Galbraith) 72.58; 2, Sheeaun Magpie (AE Fernandes) 69.76; 3, Balhagarty Roxanne (G Aitken) 68.39. elem 55 gold (P Bushell, J Ward).— 1, Hidalgo II (J Barry)…

IDEAL ATTITUDE AND MOVEMENT “I’VE never sat on a four-year-old with a brain like this before,” said Georgie Day of Waverley Night Music, known as “Nemo”, who took both novices on his affiliated debut at Pachesham Equestrian Centre. “He has that ideal combination of attitude and movement.” Georgie, a freelance rider, helps her mother Mandy and Mandy’s partner Edward Brook with the breaking and producing of youngsters at Caldecote Farm in Hertfordshire. She first saw the Negro son Nemo in action on Facebook, as a foal. “I showed him to my mum and she secretly bought him for us to share,” said Georgie, who has since guided Nemo through young horse classes. “He doesn’t yet understand that you have to walk in a test, but he’s a real teddy bear.”…

HUNTERS EQUESTRIAN 28 Aug: prelim 14Q gold (S Cumine).— 1, Mr Binx (K Trigg) 67.69. silv.— 1, The Land Agent (K Mellor) 65.58. brnz.— 1, Another George (N Harper) 67.31; 2, Badgerfort (L Turner) 65.58. prelim 15Q gold (J Surr).— 1, Curioso De Vida (S Grant) 71.2; 2, Mr Binx 65.6. silv.— 1, Don Johnson III (J Cooper) 70.6; 2, Charming Ideaal Barones (L Hughes) 66.8. brnz.— 1, Llangybi Picasso (K Albutt) 71.8; 2, Another George (N Harper) 68.6; 3, Badgerfort 63.2. nov 27 gold (S Cumine).— 1, Florence Bean (R Lumb) 68.04; 2, Woodcroft San Sebastian 64.29. silv.— 1, Jazz Dance (K Zimich) 71.61; 2, Saint Jaguar (O Saint) 69.29; 3, Westenwind II (L Basson) 68.93 brnz.— 1, Lowden Mariner (Z Cole) 64.64; 2, Shepherd’s Watch (B Harper) 63.75.…

Spruce Meadows Masters CSIO5*, Calgary, Canada TOP US rider Beezie Madden entered three classes on Darry Lou at the Spruce Meadows Masters and won two. And while she said it is fantastic to win at the Calgary venue whatever the class, she admitted that to take the sport’s richest prize — the $3m (£2.4m) CP International grand prix presented by Rolex — was “pretty special”. As riders have come to expect, Leopoldo Palacios and Peter Grant had built a tough, testing course for the grand prix, which is one of four that count towards the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping. Of 48 starters, eight including Beezie jumped clear in the first round, with one four-faulter and three on one time-fault each joining them as the top 12 in round two.…

3 Sep: British nov.— 1, Luidams Sapphire (B Walker); 2, Callie IV (P Heath); 3, Kanda I (L Stringfellow). 90cm.— 1, Cosmic Jaxx (E-J Slater); 2, Les Vagues De L’Eau (J Francey); 3, Athena (E Sibley). Nupafeed discovery.— 1, Calidoscope (A Sharp); 2, Infinity D (K Stoute); 3, Beatrix II (L Stringfellow). 1m.— 1, Cosmic Jaxx; 2, Ballerina (E Kilchmann); 3, Caritiar Z (E Morris). Connolly’s Red Mills newcomers.— 1, Killuppaun Contador (J Gutsell); 2, Hotblue II (H Bateman); 3, Carthouche Ruleko (S Strickland). 1.10m.— 1, Victory VI (B Walker); 2, Newtown Clinton (C Whinnett); 3, Rosgan Viva La Diva (C Bowman). Equitop Myoplast Foxhunter/1.20m.— 1, Alabalou (H Bateman); 2, Comano Z (J Ward); 3, Wellington Grey Goose (J Barnes). 1.30m.— 1, Titan II (B Walker); 2, June Hof Ter…

HOYS. (S Somers, E Green) plaited horse.— 1 & res, S Elphick’s Vicarage Spirit; 2, A Riley’s Optimus Prime; 3, M Collings’ Mojita. lrg pony.— 1, D Bennett’s Carrhouse Definitely Maybe; 2, J Hardiman’s Comberton Cirrus; 3, C Merrigan-Martin’s Solaris Dwenqua. sml pony.— 1, J Cowan’s Hykos Adagio; 2, M Hewitt’s Reylem Rogan. unplaited pony, sml.— 1, E Waters-Jones’ The Panda; 2, L Matthews’ Top Hat And Tails; 3, N Reynolds’ Hermits China Lace. horse.— 1, S Granger’s Colour Impact; 2, K Twigg’s Carn Nicholas Tarn; 3, L Scott’s The Real Deal. pony, lrg.— 1 & ch, C Leonard’s Bang On Trend; 2, L Geldeard’s Geldys Pride; 3, S Chambers’ Rock On Tommy.…

To see and purchase further images from this meet, visit: horseandhound.co.uk/galleries…

Novice pony.— 1, S Bullar 134.78; 2, D Taylor 154.75; 3, P Macarthur 157.42. novice horse.— 1, M Brown 159.21; 2, J Howard 162.21; 3, S Brumwell 172.03. intermediate pony.— 1, I Wesbroom-Warr 133.25; 2, L Scott 146.20; 3, P Muir-Simpson 163.39. open single pony.— 1, L Kaiholm 160.28; 2, S Don 166.37; 3, N Blandin 166.58. advanced single pony.— 1, C Holdsworth 156.95. pony pairs.— 1, A Snow 160.50; 2, S White 172.29; 3, T McGregor 172.70. pony tandems.— 1, L Harcombe 211.05; 2, J Ormerod 213.94; 3, D Wagstaff-Myers 219.24. pony fours.— 1, E Young 211.90; 2, R Moyse 220.86. 3, A Smith 252.98. intermediate horse.— 1, H Reid 153.49; 2, A Budd 167.70. open single horse.— 1, M Riley 171.01; 2, S Clinghan 177.78; 3, J Durkin…

BRITISH eventing icon Pippa Funnell claimed her second Burghley Horse Trials victory aboard MGH Grafton Street in a close-fought showdown at the Lincolnshire CCI5*-L (5-8 September). Pippa, 50, last won the event in 2003 on Primmore’s Pride and in doing so, became the first person to win the Rolex Grand Slam title for consecutive wins at Kentucky, Badminton and Burghley. Her win at the 2019 event came with the narrowest of margins — 0.1 of a penalty — over reigning Badminton Horse Trials champions Piggy French and Vanir Kamira. Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class, winners here in 2017, were third. Pippa said her horses have kept her going in the sport. “It’s the belief in the horses and my belief in their talent. It’s just that pure love of the…

BALLAGHMOR CLASS The top eventer was inducted into the Burghley Hall of Fame at the Eventing Riders Association dinner, with rider Oliver Townend. They won the event in 2017, finished second in 2018 and third this year. TIGER ROLL Trainer Gordon Elliott has confirmed the nine-year-old will be aimed at a third Grand National win in 2020. Mr Elliott said the horse will make his racing return in the new year, before heading to Cheltenham and Aintree. LOUGH INCH The former champion point-to-pointer won the racehorse to riding horse qualifier in Burghley’s main arena to secure a place at the Horse of the Year Show final. He was ridden by Lizzie Harris, who won this class in 2018.…

THE LOWEST number of equine flu outbreaks per month has been recorded since January — but owners should still be vigilant. The Animal Health Trust (AHT) confirmed nine outbreaks last month, the last on 22 August. The week starting 26 August was the first full week since January that no new outbreaks had been confirmed by laboratory tests. The AHT’s Richard Newton said it is difficult to predict exactly what flu will do next, but the AHT is hopeful it has seen the worst. “We believe it is the actions of responsible horse owners who have heeded the advice to vaccinate that has contributed to the decline,” he said. “We commend organisers who took difficult decisions to cancel rather than allowing gatherings of unvaccinated horses, which would have contributed to…

GUY INNES-KER, 10TH DUKE OF ROXBURGHE A LEADING figure in racing, the Duke died at home at Floors Castle on 29 August, aged 64. The Duke owned and bred Attraction, who won the 2004 1000 Guineas and Irish Guineas. He was chairman of the National Stud, a Jockey Club steward and on the board at Kelso racecourse. “We are all deeply saddened the Duke has lost his battle with an illness he fought with great courage and determination,” said a statement from his family. “He was a wonderful and loving husband and devoted father, and it is a desperate loss to us all. “He was a great sportsman, a passionate fisherman and a successful businessman. “He took particular pride in seeing the work he and [his wife] Virge had undertaken…

UPDATES Overheard at Spruce Meadows, a young spectator updating her grandmother on the action. “The horse had a ball of poop come out of its butt, and it bounced!” the small one said delightedly. Which was accurate, if not an entirely complete account… WEATHER The Saturday of the Masters show started foggy, damp and with a distinct chill. “Well, it is British day,” boomed a member of staff. “We wanted the English to feel at home.” Very considerate chaps, what? BEARS A bear was seen at Spruce Meadows on Friday morning, in a tree. It was removed, but not before it had spread the word, as a mother and two baby bears appeared the next day. Fair enough, no self-respecting ursid would turn down the caramel honey that could be…

WITH the recent losses of racehorses Sea Of Class, Roaring Lion and Espoir D’Allen, it felt right to make the recent 700-mile round-trip pilgrimage to Cartmel Priory for “Steeplechase Sunday — the blessing of a racehorse”. The service was conducted by the Revd Nick Devenish who was holding his eighth annual blessing, although the service has taken place for many years at Priory Church. After the service, the congregation made their way outside where Think Ahead, winner of a race at Cartmel some 18 hours earlier, jockey Polly Steel and trainer James Moffatt awaited our presence. Revd Devenish then conducted the blessing on this joyous, sun-kissed morning. Whether atheist, agnostic or one with faith, there was something for everybody at this beautiful equine service. The writer of letter of the…

Land Rover Burghley, Lincs PIPPA FUNNELL’S 2019 Burghley victory, 14 years after her last CCI5* win and 16 years after her only previous Burghley triumph, must be one of the most popular and inspiring in the sport’s history. Although Pippa led after each phase with Jonathan and Jane Clarke’s 11-year-old MGH Grafton Street, she did it the hard way, with grit, guts and a lot of self-deprecating humour. “It’s absolutely surreal. It’s been an incredible two weeks. It just shows how fortunes can change,” said Pippa, who was also a European team silver medallist the previous week. “I have to thank my horses. They are what keeps me going. They keep me young.” Pippa, who referred to her age — 50 — in virtually every single interview she did, has…

THE most influential fence was 13abc, Joules at the Maltings. Last year, the two gigantic white oxers to an equally huge open corner, rode well; this year, with a turn between the two oxers then four brave or five more contained strides to the corner, it caused trouble. Arctic Soul was the first casualty, with Gemma Tattersall tipping off him at the corner, and 13 more pairings picking up faults. Seven of those were for breaking frangible pins. There was a long option, and James Sommerville said bluntly: “Why would you go the straight route on an inexperienced horse? You’re an idiot if you do.” Too many horses had to resort to their scope after their riders rode without sufficient impulsion or positivity at the oxers, and too many riders…

GORING HEATH (2) BE105 sec F.— 1, Tybalt JX (C Foot) 36.5,0,0=36.5; 2, In Your Dreams (D Ruane) 25.5,8,3.6=37.1; 3, Eiskonig (B B Beyne) 30,4,3.2=37.2. sec G.— 1, Cooley Seeking Fortune (E Halliday-Sharp) 23.5,0,3.2=26.7; 2, Seapatrick Land Stop (S Eddis) 31,0,0=31; 3, Chase The Artist (H Chase) 26,4,2=32. sec H.— 1, Idith De Saar (B B Beyne) 31.5,0,0.8=32.3; 2, Foxdon Half Pint (O Hall) 35.5,0,0=35.5; 3, Landine (A Humfrey) 39.3,0,0=39.3. BE100open.— 1, Menai Cosmic Duke (L Drew) 27.5,0,0=27.5; 2, Clonleigh Strike (S Gordon) 28.5,0,0.8=29.3; 3, Rollestone Checkmate (C Lewis) 26.5,4,0=30.5. BE100oU18.— 1, Monbeg By Magic (B Montgomerie) 29,0,0=29; 2, Star 12 (A Gates) 25.5,0,4=29.5; 3, P J My Darco (E Cope) 31.5,0,0=31.5 BE100RF sec A.— 1, Percivals Rebel (R Jessett) 28.8,0,0=28.8; 2, Blue Blaze (P Pitt) 30.3,0,0=30.3; 3, Harry Duke…

BOTH Katherine Heslop’s winning horses’ routines were changed in the run-up to these semi-finals. Ferdy, a Verdi nine-year-old, was hacked around the block in the pouring rain before being put on the lorry, and Spudley has been enjoying hacking and pole work with his owner Janette Mitchell. “Ferdy has boundless energy and sometimes he doesn’t know when and how to use it, so I thought a hack in the morning would help settle him,” said Katherine, who runs a yard near Harrogate. “Spudley used to event and when we changed direction with him, he went up the levels quickly and started to feel the pressure. He can be incredibly tense and spooky in tests, so Janette and I decided to take the pressure off him with a much more varied…

31 Aug: gr V nov A silv.— 1, Et L’Amour (H Hayward) 69.37; 2, Michael Angelo (J Dagley-Cleworth) 68.12; 3, Geramiek (C Hermitage) 59.68. gr IV nov A silv.— 1, Tango VII (S Bates) 69.48. gr V intro brnz.— 1, Tyler II (U Treadgold) 71.66; 2, Geramiek 64.04; 3, Prototype II (S Pedersen) 57.61. gr III test 21 brnz.— 1, Valentino XVIII (S Kelsall) 74.16. gr III nov A silv.— 1, Henry XVII (T Dyer) 70.2; 2, Valeroyal Double Illusion (T Dyer) 67.8; 3, Sheepcote Catkin (D Smith) 67.4. gr III nov A brnz.— 1, Valentino XVIII 74.2. gr III team gold.— 1, Active Testarossa (A Shirtcliffe) 66.47. gr III indiv gold.— 1, Active Testarossa (A Shirtcliffe) 68.23; 2, Waver Spring Rubieux (V Nurcombe) 65.14; 3, Sheepcote Catkin 63.67. gr…

26 Aug: prelim 15 gold (F Sheffield).— 1, Alina’s The Business (V Russell) 65.08; 2, Dimaggios Hit (L Clark) 62.8. silv.— 1, Coletto Boy (B Craven) 69.8; 2, Brecknock Tie Your Mother Down (C Gale) 65; 3, Tranwheal Tineth Moon (S Pidsley) 63.8. brnz.— 1, Causey (D Moore) 63.6; 2, Hillgarth Autumn Lady (A Swan) 63.2; 3, Main St Lad (K Brett) 63. elem 40 gold (S Payne).— 1, Dajano (T Bradshaw) 70.34. silv.— 1, Furst Lazlo (L Wheatley) 69.83; 2, Murphys Law XII (A Bettle) 68.1; 3, Expensive Pleasure (A Nix) 66.9. brnz.— 1, Benvenuto World Cup Crouch (L Mottola) 64.66. prelim FSM brnz (A Elliott, K Darlow, J Byrne).— 1, Bojangles III (A Hiles) 69.54; 2, Causey 68.52; 3, Coletto Boy 68.15. prelim FSM silv.— 1, Tranwheal Tineth…

A RECENT post on Facebook revealed a lot of disquiet among some competitors having to travel several hours to get to a show centre offering a test at their level. Of course, when the prize money is often dire, this is a bone of contention. We really need to think, however, about the reasons why show centres have closed. It can simply be lack of funding and not making enough money to make the show viable, or the lure of selling off for development. Two people I consider to know very well have both run show centres and say there is not enough money in it to make it workable. Organisers very often have to start the day at 4am prepping arenas, sorting times, making sure everyone gets to the…

WHEN a new pony proved a little too strong for her daughter, Jane Engestrom decided to the return to the saddle and ride the 14.2hh gelding herself. But her hopes of reviving a competitive career were dashed last year when the Irish Sport Horse, Carnhill Cooper, sustained an injury. “We knew he wasn’t right and discovered he had inflammation of a ligament in a hind leg,” said Jane. “He had a lot of time off and spent two months at Twyford Mill Equestrian, where they did a fantastic job with water treadmill work and gradual rehabilitation.” The pair’s long-awaited affiliated debut at Amersham Dressage was a triumph, resulting in a prelim 15 win. “Cooper is super-enthusiastic but safe,” said Jane. “He is so willing and forward — he makes me…

Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS) Summer Championships, Arena UK, Lincs LESS proved more for North Yorkshire-based producer James Knight when, despite having had his individual show unexpectedly curtailed, he nevertheless landed a first Harrison overall ridden supreme title, scoring with Jackie Crofter Harris’ home-bred Dancing Lad. In a high-octane finale, judge Alex Ahern had 14 worthy champions to consider, but her eye was drawn to the classy six-year-old skewbald, runner-up at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last year and overall ridden pony champion here for the second year running. “It oozed presence from the moment it entered the ring and had that extra bit of ‘va-va-voom’,” she said. “I was very impressed by its show, and its relaxed free walk — which had so much purpose — clinched…

HOYS, ridden hunter (D Puttock, K Aird) l’wt.— 1 & res, Y James’ Nutwood Mimic; 2, A Gallagher’s Barnacurra Maximus Meridius; 3, T Reynolds’ KBF Crescendo. m’wt.— 1, R Flack’s Ravens Primitive Flight; 2, R Summons’ Oneida Patch; 3, S Watts’ Chadwicks Tantay. h’wt.— 1 & ch, J Marsden’s Twinshock Warrior; 2, M Nicholson’s Bowland Lucky Slipper; 3, I John’s Griffin Bridge. sml (D Puttock, L Whitehall). — 1, H Golding’s Kilruane Diamond; 2, C Vaughan’s Carnsdale Dreamcatcher; 3, L Richardson’s Wentworth. ladies’ sidesaddle (D Atkinson, J Strange).— 1, S VanVegchel’s Hardingville Sunrise; 2, C Clarke’s Dharmavallye; 3, C West’s Gallifrey. Cuddy in-hand (A Davies).— ch, J Adams’ Sandboro Sir Henry; res, T North’s Burley Burberry. cob (D Atkinson, L Whitehall) l’wt.— 1 & ch, V Smith’s Bling Cobsby; 2,…

IT’S been a summer with so many highlights. I enjoyed judging the Grove and Rufford, Kimblewick and Puckeridge puppy shows, and it was a pleasure to judge the doghounds at Honiton with Andrew Osborne. Ardingly seems a long time ago now, my favourite show made all the more special as the showground sits in our hunt country. Thursday is the foxhound show, and the Old Surrey Burstow and West Kent (OSB&WK) normally make up the numbers. This year, however, we won the local championship with Racecard, a hound we have had high hopes for all season. Hunting is a team game and our kennel-huntsman Tim Staines shows hounds so well, having learnt from Sage Thomson over numerous seasons. He was ably supported by our countryman and kennel-man Ed Moss. A…

Snr 110 sj team.—1, Association Of Irish Riding Clubs (L O’Hara, B Perrin, F Tansey, R Tansey); 2, Area 2 (C Clayton, B Hill, J Bromley, N Biggart); 3, Solihull RC (A Castle, B Baker, K Allely, M Kilminster). snr 110 sj ind.—1, Abba (A Daniel, East Cheshire Combined Training Group); 2, Adagio (E Clarke, East Midlands Dressage Group); 3, Doonaveragh Claire (L O’Hara, Association Of Irish Riding Clubs). snr 100 sj team.— 1, Rearsby Lodge RC (M Stringfellow, L Walker, N Grayson, G Walters); 2, Cropthorne & Evesham Vale RC (Y Goss, T Paxton, R Paxton, V Roberts); 3, Area 14 (G Greenfield, S Curtis, P Davis). snr 100 sj ind.— 1, Piacenzaimen (V Roberts, Cropthorne & Evesham Vale RC); 2, Cathedral Rock (P Davis, Area 14); 3, Brookpark…

HORSES are among the top wedding guests from the animal kingdom, according to a recent survey that found pets featured in almost half of weddings. The survey of 250 people, commissioned by The Insurance Emporium, found horses were the fourth “strangest” animal guest spotted at weddings, although the ratio of horses at weddings might be slightly higher in the equestrian world. Like most things to do with horses — or weddings — an infinite amount can be spent on associated extras. On average, those who responded spent £59.78 on food for wedding pets, £78.10 on outfits and £78.79 on accommodation. The pet was seen as the “guest of honour” by 43% of those surveyed, while close to a third had theirs as a best man and a quarter as bridesmaid.…

‘You have to kid the horses, it’s no good bullying them’ I lead a team of stalls handlers for Racetech, providing stalls operation, management and maintenance for the British Horseracing Authority. There are 11 of us on the team for up to 20 horses, with an extra man for every two horses after that. We’re all from the racing world. I was an apprentice but I was too big to be a jockey. I’ve been doing this for 35 years, so I must enjoy it. Within a team there are leaders and pushers. Leaders put the rope through the bridle and make sure the horse goes in straight. They might put a hand on their nose to slow them. When the horse stops, pushers drop the coyt (strap made of…

It is virtually impossible to replicate the atmosphere of the big shows, such as HOYS, and often it is the rider, rather than the horse, who is anxious. Again, when at a show make use of the evening and morning exercise slots so you can both soak up the atmosphere. I find letting the horse stand quietly in the centre of the arena during the warm-up can be beneficial. Some horses positively thrive on the atmosphere and come alive at a big indoor event. Most riders know how their horses will react, and can plan accordingly.…

AN 11-strong contingent of Americans — and one US-based Australian — came to Burghley. Their fortunes were mixed. Lauren Kieffer finished best of them, ninth on Vermiculus, and Ariel Grald (pictured, right) was the best first-timer in 10th on Leamore Master Plan. They often provide the most colourful quotes ahead of the cross-country. “It’s real big. I’d like to see Mark’s measuring tape,” declaimed Buck Davidson. Will Coleman said: “I value this event above all others. It’s the purest form of our sport that is left.” Five of the US riders jumped clear across country: Lauren, Ariel, Andrea Baxter (eventual 12th on Indy 500), Liz Halliday-Sharp (15th on Deniro Z), and Lillian Heard (18th on LCC Barnaby). But Savannah Fulton and Captain Jack had a nasty fall at fence 20,…

OVERALL, the standard was quite varied. We had some really super tests that were bravely and correctly ridden, with riders often demonstrating a clear difference within the paces. Even if they made a mistake, many were able to pick up the marks quickly again. The audience could see the judge’s mark for each individual movement on the scoreboard, and also that sometimes marks varied from judge to judge, depending on our different vantage points. This is quite normal. We are not aiming to give the same marks for each exercise or we might as well all sit together and decide! For example, the lateral work looks very different from the side and front views. Judging from C, I could assess straightness of the entry, the transitions and the halts on…

“If I’d known I had lost my hat silk, I’d have pulled up rather than be an egg-head” — Pippa Funnell, joking after cross-country. “I don’t know what Izzy [Taylor, his girlfriend and fellow Burghley competitor] has got planned for me… She’ll probably spike my drink and give me a kick in the back” — Oliver Townend, when asked what he would do on Friday night to prepare for cross-country day. “I’m moving house on Monday. I need to buy a spoon so I can eat breakfast” — Samantha Lissington (below), the latest Kiwi rider to move to Britain. “I’m here on my own dime. I wasn’t going to come until about two weeks ago, and then I thought, it’s only money. I have credit cards…” — Andrea Baxter on…

A MARK of a true sporting great is longevity of top-level success. Pippa Funnell dominated eventing in the early 2000s and to win Burghley a decade and a half later underlines her achievement. Her performance in the unfamiliar role of team pathfinder at the Europeans will have been an important shot in the arm ahead of Burghley, which was an imposing five-star course with a tight time. It’s no secret that Pippa’s had to overcome crises of confidence, and the way she won will be remembered as a great moment in Burghley’s rich history. METICULOUS PREP THERE was a greater than ever disparity in the standard of the field; the top few riders looked world class, as did others, including some first-timers, but there was an uncomfortably large gulf between…

ON sec E.— 1, Homme D’Hotot M (A Clark) 30.3,0,0=30.3; 2, Rock N Roll De Buissy (S Barlow) 31.5,0,0=31.5; 3, Mini Bubble (N Brent) 30.8,0,1.6=32.4. sec O.— 1, Harbour Bridge (S Ecroyd) 24.5,0,0=24.5; 2, Wolferlow Prologue (A Pearson) 27.3,0,0=27.3; 3, Withington (S Ecroyd) 27.3,0,0=27.3. ONu18.— 1, Beltane Queen (R Scott) 34.5,0,0.4=34.9; 2, Morelands Casanova (E Finston) 33.8,4,0=37.8; 3, Simon Porloe (I Brent) 34.3,4,0=38.3. nov sec A.— 1, Huberthus AC (B Levett) 23.5,0,4.4=27.9; 2, Autograf (S Hobbs) 24,0,4.4=28.4; 3, Money Talks III (A O’Connor) 28.8,0,2=30.8. sec B.— 1, Tempest Wick (D Reader) 27.3,0,0=27.3; 2, Centerpoint (C Harris) 24.5,0,4.4=28.9; 3, Isazsa (A O’Connor) 28.8,0,1.6=30.4. sec C.— 1, Mr Cin Cin (S Hobbs) 31,0,1.6=32.6; 2, Wil Celtic Wingman (B Leahy) 31.3,0,2.8=34.1; 3, Cadannus (C Harris) 24,8,2.8=34.8. sec D.— 1, Global Super Nova (A…

Inter II silv (S Cooper, P Hayler).— 1, Headmore Dream On (R Shipley) 64.4. inter I silv (H Bradley, F Lace, C Elvin).— 1, Bambam (C Cundall) 69.47; 2, Limewalk (E Bond) 66.75; 3, Hey Mambo (R Baybutt) 66.18. brnz.— 1, Spudley (K Heslop) 66; 2, Legato II (J Bennett) 63.28; 3, Bally Clover Joy (A Timmins) 58.33. PSG silv.— 1, Ferdy (K Heslop) 65.88; 2, Wilton (S Walker) 65.53; 3, Frenderups DeNice (C Derby) 63.42. brnz.— 1, Heartbreak (L Noble) 68.02; 2, Legato II 65.26; 3, Bally Clover Joy 61.09. adv med 91 silv (F Lace, C Elvin, H Bradley).— 1, Salvator (L Woodcock) 68.29; 2, Ruban D’Or (N Sweeney) 65.81; 3, Davinci S (L McDonald) 65.04. brnz.— 1, Seventh Heaven II (S White) 67.09; 2, Don Ameretto (K…

Summer Music Festival, Sheepgate Equestrian, Lincs LANDING elementary freestyle gold with Igor VIII (72.12%), and the prix st georges (PSG) bronze freestyle with Gijsbert (70.21%) was nothing short of a miracle for Tyler Bradshaw, given her horses’ past actions. Not long after being backed, Igor (by Uphill) contracted septic peritonitis, and vets gave him a 5% chance of survival. “Within an hour of arriving at the vets, he was on the operating table,” said Tyler. “It cost me £18,000 in vet’s bills, but he made a full recovery.” The six-year-old has now been under saddle a year. “He’s as bright as a button, and is such a special horse,” added Tyler, whose freestyle was to a Spiderman compilation. “He’s definitely making it up to me.” Her other ride Gijsbert (Bert),…

ADDINGTON EQUESTRIAN Nov 22 gold (T Graham).— 1, Gravitas III (G Allum) 65.69. silv.— 1, Bekesbourne Waffle (S Weston) 67.59; 2, Wish Him Well II (T Neal) 66.38; 3, Roulette (J Bradbury) 65.34. brnz.— 1, Silver Sky Twister (E Harton) 64.66. elem 45 silv.— 1, Hawtins Donatella (L Plant) 66.03; 2, Courting Success (L Henman) 62.41. brnz.— 1, Skyhill Talisman (L Barber) 66.21. elem 53Q silv.— 1, ‘A’ (A Padfield) 68.68; 2, Hawtins Donatella 67.06; 3, Courting Success 66.03. brnz.— 1, Dorian Gray K (R Wollerton) 66.32; 2, Skyhill Talisman 63.53. nov 38Q gold (C Alston).— 1, Gravitas III 65.97; 2, King Edward IV (A Ballard) 64.68. silv.— 1, Cavallina Herself (A Houldcroft) 69.52; 2, Bekesbourne Waffle 67.42; 3, Dorian Grey K 66.94 brnz.— 1, Silver Sky Twister 63.39; 2,…

HICKSTEAD 31 Aug: prelim 19Q gold (A Kempner).— 1, Yogi XL (E Delaunay) 72.92; 2, Noel Diamond (J Price) 66.04. silv.— 1, Waryck (E Bishop) 72.71. brnz.— 1, Tiloak Aslan (J Hodgson) 63.33; 2, Tiloak Matilda (D Holland) 60.83; 3, Shake On It (L Taylor) 57.71. prelim 15Q gold (D Pateman).— 1, Yogi 70.2; 2, Lawbrook Mia Fantasy (V Ayling) 65. silv.— 1, Waryck 74.6. brnz.— 1, Cuffnells John (G Perks) 65.2; 2, Shake On It 63.6. nov 23 gold (T Russel-Hayes).— 1, Define Time (E Manning) 67.29; 2, Caldienne (K Mepham) 65.21. silv.— 1, Fahad (S Kendall) 71.25; 2, Kingcarra Carrick Cruise (M Austin) 69.58; 3, Jokers Promise (V Linfield) 68.54. nov 37Q gold (J Kendall).— 1, Define Time 70.19; 2, Caldienne 65.93; 3, Comanche Contessa (K Standing) 64.81.…

Telus cup.— 1, Cita (D Coyle) IRL; 2, Ennebel Van Het Posthuijs (E Menezes) BRA; 3, Chacco Kid (E Lamaze) CAN. Akita Drilling cup.— 1, H5 Quintol (E Menezes) BRA; 2, GK Coco Chanel (C Swail) IRL; 3, Massimo Grossato (L Delle Schiave). Atco Solutions cup.— 1, Jasper (K Farrington) USA; 2, Limestone Grey (L de Luca) ITA; 3, Tower Mouche (B Chimirri) ITA. Cana cup.— 1, Chacco Kid (E Lamaze) CAN; 2, Diablo VII (R Willis) AUS; 3, Urhelia Lutterbach (K Staut) FRA. Tourmaline Oil cup.— 1, Darry Lou (B Madden) USA; 2, Alfa Jordan (M Kuhner) AUT; 3, Silver Shine (M Fuchs) SUI. Atco Electric six bar.— 1eq, Chardonnay 79 (M Kuhner) AUT & Driandria (P Bucci) ITA; 3eq, Cellisto (A Thieme) GER, Colorado 210 (LP Biraben) ARG…

IT's been a while since I’ve followed the county show circuit, but this summer I found myself without a top horse but with a couple of nice up-and-coming new ones, so I decided to educate them at home. Not only is it cheaper to stay in this country, the county shows are a fantastic place to move them up a level and get them used to jumping the bigger fences. County shows have lost out to the lure of bigger prize money and ranking points available abroad, losing the big names they used to attract. In the 1970s they were the making of me and they still offer that opportunity to our national riders. Great Yorkshire was a massive turning point in my career. In 1975 I’d been going pretty…

Equifest, East of England Showground, Cambs LIVIE SMITH and Idyllic Spartacus (Johnny) won the hearts of spectators and judges time and time again as they won classes and championships galore. Having already taken the Equifest small breeds and open mountain and moorland (M&M) titles, the pair never faltered in the electric atmosphere of the final evening performance to become supreme M&M champions under judge Jayne Ross. “This pair were an absolutely delightful combination,” said Jayne. “The pony was a true representation of a Welsh section A and I adored his outlook and his open way of going with a lovely balanced, rhythmic stride.” Livie’s mother Kate bought the charming grey pony just after Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last year, to take his new jockey into the open ridden…

I THOROUGHLY enjoyed judging the show ponies at what is considered to be the best outdoor gig of the season — the Royal International (RIHS) — when show animals are at their peak and a big arena allows the good movers to perform at their best. My co-judge Debbie Gregson and I were in deep conversation throughout the go-round, so that when selecting the initial line-up, we were singing from the same hymn sheet. This is crucial and meant that we could trust each other’s judgement when we went our separate ways. No dialogue and a random pull-in are not for me! Even though none of the ponies with my highest conformation scores won, the results were satisfactory, proving that the marks system does work. In line with my brother…

British Riding Clubs NAF Five Star National Championships, Lincolnshire Showground, Lincs ASHLEY DANIEL and Abba made it a hat-trick of titles in the senior open 110 showjumping after a speedy jump-off round left them almost seven seconds ahead of their nearest rivals Ellie Clarke and Adagio (East Midlands Dressage Group). The duo won both the team and individual titles in this class in 2016 and 2017. “I’m speechless. Abba’s amazing and is so consistent, and although she’s spooky she’s careful and loves to jump,” said the East Cheshire Combined Training Group member, who has been riding the 14-year-old Dutch warmblood for six years. The team representing the Association Of Irish Riding Clubs made their 18-hour journey worthwhile when they finished first in the team event, completing the two rounds on…

‘I was struggling, ugly-sister style, to wedge my calves into some rubber hunting boots’ FOR as long as I can remember, Calcutts near Winchester has been a mecca for hunting people in search of kit. Packed to the gunnels with hunting horns, breeches, gloves and boots, the company was set up more than 60 years ago and has always been a busy, thriving hub with customers travelling from miles around. The children and I dropped in last week en route to staying with my parents. The red-brick exterior and the busy noticeboard advertising puppies, ponies and jobs to the faithful was just as I remembered in the days pre-Facebook. Inside we found the owner, Ian Compton, standing sentry behind the counter, a good array of second-hand boots and coats, and…