Innholdsfortegnelse for 19-Sep-2019 i Horse & Hound

LIKE many, I consider Carl Hester British dressage’s number one every year — from riding to training to acting as unofficial ambassador for the sport to helping talented young stars progress. It’s been a few years since he took the actual title of British national champion, but it’s always due. This time — his 10th — Carl points out the title was actually more due for his ride, Barney, better known as Nip Tuck. Jane de la Mare’s once tricky superstar has for many years played his part in team glory, and had a great deal of individual championship success to boot, but an outright win is what he really deserved. So often the very best miss these nationals. This is predominantly due to their timing so close to the…

VETS should be looking more at insulin regulation than endocrine testing when it comes to laminitis, an expert believes. Dave Rendle, specialist in equine internal medicine at Rainbow Equine Hospital, spoke during the laminitis discussion at the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) annual congress. “We don’t know really where we stand with PPID causing laminitis,” he said. “We risk putting the cart before the horse in endocrine testing. “We do a lot more testing of [cortisone-regulating hormone] ACTH than of insulin when we know insulin is the link with laminitis and don’t quite know where we stand with ACTH. We ought to be worrying about insulin dysregulation and following it up by looking at PPID.” Mr Rendle also stressed that pharmacological treatment for and prevention of future endocrine laminitis has…

STABLING COMPANY IS IN LIQUIDATION WEST of England Stabling Ltd has gone into liquidation. Lucinda Coleman and Stephen Hobson of PKF Francis Clark LLP were appointed joint liquidators on 22 August. The notice was published in the London Gazette, an official document of record, on 4 September. The director’s statement of affairs has identified company liabilities of £458,320 and the company assets at £18,000, which leaves a deficit to creditors of £420,420. Creditors should contact Nick Harris at PKF Francis Clark on business.recovery@ pkf-francisclark.co.uk ANTIBIOTIC SURVEY IS LAUNCHED THE British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has organised a survey to find out more about antibiotic resistance. As few new antimicrobials are being produced and resistance increases in humans and animals, an increasing population of “superbugs” cannot be treated successfully. The aim…

Eventer Felicity Collins, who has won medals at junior and young rider Europeans, will make her senior team debut on Just Amazing III or RSH Contend OR at the Nations Cup leg in Poland Para dressage medallist Suzanna Hext won silver in the women’s S5 50m freestyle and bronze in the 100m freestyle at the World Para Swimming Championships in London. World number one para dressage rider Sophie Wells received an honorary doctorate from the University of Lincoln in a graduation ceremony on 9 September. Jenny Hall is Retraining of Racehorses’ new head of welfare. Dr Hall has been British eventing team vet, British Horseracing Authority chief vet officer, and is the FEI vet committee chairman. Northern area point-to-point secretary Tony Hogarth has stood down after 50 years. He has…

SIMON JOHN RODGERSON A TOP competitor and leading trainer, Mr Rodgerson died on 28 August in Italy, aged 77. A revered and colourful figure in the equestrian world, Mr Rodgerson moved from Strowan in Crieff to Barskimming before setting up home in Irvine with his long-term partner, Jane Henderson. He had a successful eventing career, competing at events including Badminton and Burghley, and was also an international showjumper, riding on winning British Nations Cup teams. He had numerous wins throughout the UK and Europe on horses such as Savannah and latterly the stallion Dutch Falco. Mr Rodgerson was a talented teacher, taking part in many lecture demonstrations. He moved to Italy to teach in 1997 and returned to Scotland in the past year to see friends and clients. Many will…

CATCHING EYES Rider and trainer Jamie Wright had forgotten about the missing pantyliner he’d been using as a wound dressing. He was enjoying the admiring glances of walkers on a hack — only to find afterwards the pad was stuck to his hat, waving merrily in the breeze. It’s Always a good look… TOILETS A £4.8m gold toilet was stolen from Blenheim Palace. Visitors had been invited to book slots on it but now will no doubt have to use Portaloos instead at the horse trials. We’ll see how that pans out… TRAVEL SUPPLEMENTS Talking of Blenheim, the event was mentioned in a national paper travel guide, which praised organisers’ “cleverness” for scheduling the dressage, “an acquired taste”, on the weekdays, leaving the cross-country thrills for the weekend. Um. Yes,…

WE find puppy walking for the Holcombe Hunt so much fun, but when asked to have the multi champion Holcombe Diva 10 in her retirement from the field, we were sceptical. It was difficult to see how a pack hound could settle into domestic life even on our farm. She has proved to be a credit to the amazing temperament of the harrier and to the life they lead as a working pack animal. Diva is now the perfect pet living in the house with the other dogs, and a totally trustworthy nanny to our toddler grandson. When quarry crossed our path one evening, Diva stopped and watched intently and then ignored it. Maybe Diva is special, but how many other retired house hounds are out there? The writer of…

BIOSECURITY may be a buzzword in veterinary circles, but what does it mean for the horse owner in practical terms? Put simply, biosecurity refers to the good hygiene practices that prevent the transmission of infectious disease. Looking back at the outbreaks of equine flu and strangles that have ravaged the equestrian population this year, causing sickness and yard closures, the need for better protection is clear. “Infections are constantly circulating, so the threat is always there,” says Fleur Whitlock MRCVS, who stresses that biosecurity is our first line of defence. “By adopting everyday yard hygiene habits, we can work to ensure that our horses stay healthy and infection-free.” Protect your premises with some simple steps… UNDERSTAND THE RISKS “BIOSECURITY is applicable to the whole horse population,” says Fleur, emphasising that…

THE grand prix marked the end of an era for the 12-year partnership of Amy Schiessl and Mr Mercury. The class was the 18-year-old gelding’s final major outing before he enjoys a retirement of fun and being “grandpa” to her young horse. The coloured gelding was originally bought as a hunter and followed the Jersey Draghounds with Amy’s mother before Amy took over the reins. The pair worked their way up the levels together, with highlights including the young rider Europeans plus winning the under-25 inter II and grand prix at this year’s Hickstead CDI. “It is the right time, he has done me proud and I couldn’t ask him for any more,” Amy said.…

THIS was the last running of “little” Gatcombe — not the British Open Championships in August, but the spring and autumn events that have taken place here since 1993. Organiser Pattie Biden, and many of her team, also organised Barnsley Park for eight years before the move to Gatcombe. She said: “It’s been a great weekend — we had a nice party last night, and so many lovely people have come whom we see year after year. It’s sad, but we can’t go on forever.” Pattie paid tribute to all of her team, but singled out her sister, Carol Excell, who also gave the trophy for best mare in the CCI2*-S. “I couldn’t have run it without her,” she said. “She does everything and is always ahead of the game.”…

HOLLY WOODHEAD made the long journey from the Cotswolds worthwhile by taking first place in the TCN2* on the six-year-old Benicia B, owned by Linda Penfold. “She has everything you want in an event horse and today she was phenomenal. I’m really excited for the future,” said Holly, who finished on her leading dressage score of 22.3. “She is a mare and she does have her own ideas, but we have a strong bond. She’s German-bred, but feels like a thoroughbred when she is galloping. I knew the time was tight and I would have to get close to finishing on my dressage score.” Alexa Palmer and Greenhays Super Nova were close behind, adding nothing to their dressage of 24.5 for second, with Kevin McNab and Fortune III third on…

IN.— 1, Denali (S Squires) 22.5,0,3.2=25.7; 2, Just A Jewel (S Sweeney) 25.9,0,0=25.9; 3, Moonlight Charmer (L Collett) 24.1,0,3.2=27.3. nov sec A.— 1, Lyjador (L Collett) 24,0,2=26; 2, Martins Irish Eddie (O Martin) 29.8,4,0.4=34.2; 3, Itareuso (L Lockwood) 27.5,0,7.2=34.7. sec B.— 1, Seych’elle (M Jorge) 28.5,0,2.4=30.9; 2, Fernhill Mojito (K King) 28.3,0,3.2=31.5; 3, Meridianway Ramzes Boy (A Whewall) 29.5,0,4.4=33.9. sec C.— 1, Equites Mail (D Morgan) 24,0,5.6=29.6; 2, Be Ice Cool (M Taylor) 33.5,0,1.2=34.7; 3, Kagami (H Dzenis) 32,0,2.8=34.8. sec D.— 1, Lilas Girl (C Wiederkehr) 20.8,0,4.8=25.6; 2, Castor HZ (C Mariani) 28.3,0,0=28.3; 3, Hollyfort Lad (D Frost) 28,0,2.4=30.4. BE100open.— 1, Randalstown Quest (L Collett) 24.8,0,0.8=25.6; 2, KEC Digital Era (F Thomas) 28,0,0=28; 3, Smokey Diamond (N Eadie) 28.3,0,0=28.3. BE100 sec G.— 1, MIH Gladiator (O Martin) 24,0,0=24; 2, Clashgannon…

AFTER the euphoria of my wife Pippa winning Burghley, we experienced the other end of the emotional scale days later when I lost my old friend Mondriaan. We made the tough decision to have him put down at the age of 25. As much as he was happy in himself, he was struggling with his legs and on painkillers, so I owed it to him to make sure he wasn’t in pain any more. I’ve been lucky that Denise Stamp, who has been a great supporter, has looked after him for the past 4½ years in his retirement — I owe Denise and her family a huge thank you for all they have done with him. So I went over to her Hampshire farm and held him while he was…

3yo stallions (W Egbers, R Richenhagen, GW Sickinger).— 1, Damaschino (H Laser) 9.4; 2, Bon Courage (JL Thomas) 9.3; 3, Bon Vivaldi (E Bewerungen) 8.9. 3yo mares and geldings.— 1, Escorial Q (B Nowag) 9; 2, Barcelona (J Schenk) 8.9; 3, L’Avion (D Behr) 8.5. 3yo pony stallions.— 1, D Gold AT (J Schurf) 9.5; 2, Genesis B (SC Roth) 9.1; 3, Neverland (D Duen) 8.9. 3yo pony mares and geldings.— 1, Glückskeks (M Schulmerig) 8.5; 2, Grande Classe (D Duen) 8.3; 3, Carpe Diem (T Fischer) 7.9. 4yo stallions (P Mannheims, C Munk, P Olsson).— 1, Destello (B Buchwald) 8.6; 2, Fashion In Black (J Klippert) 8.4; 3, Arcachon (S Wolf) 8.3. 4yo mares and geldings.— 1, Saniola (N Wego) 8.8; 2, Dark Diamond HM (W Hartmann-Stommel) 8.6; 3,…

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

Int.— 1, Fox Grant Thrusters (Y Goss, P Nichols, A Stone, I Marshall); 2, Hope Springs Eternal (S Coady, M Linehan, L Brown, M Mackley); 3, Team Ride Away IV (J Stevenson, L Davies, A Bradshaw, D Barrett). nov (speed).— 1, Blankney Beauties (G Wray, S Short, A Jones, K Davey); 2, Fox Grant Cubs I (L Fowler, A Stone, P Lovett, S Seymour); 3, More Boring Gorings (G Weare, C Holliday, D Harrison, J Stribling). bogey time.— 1, SHPC Spacehoppers (C Eaton Evans, R&R Nicholson, Z Jones); 2, Dapper Dobbins Dames (T Smith, N Forster, E Coales, A Fennell); 3 Last Minute Dapper Dobbins (W Fitzgerald, H Fitzpatrick, S Kay, G Grace).…

NEW rules on flu vaccinations have headed the discussion surrounding the new British Dressage (BD) regulations. From 1 December, horses must have had an equine influenza booster within six months of competing at a BD show. This has been the case under British Eventing rules since February, is a requirement at a number of venues and is currently recommended by BD. Under British Horseracing Authority rules, the requirement is nine months and under FEI rules it is six months and 21 days. BD’s announcement sparked widespread discussion. CEO Jason Brautigam told the AGM on 12 September at Stoneleigh the final wording is being worked on for 2020. He added he would ask the board to look at this wording, as well as dispensation for horses who have severe reactions, plus…

WISTON BRIDGET The part-bred Clydesdale, who jumped all over the world with Tim Stockdale, has died aged 29. She retired as a broodmare at Renkum Stud, where she was a “fantastic mother” to her eight foals. MCCLAREN Mark Todd’s 2018 World Equestrian Games ride has gone to his New Zealand team-mate, Jonelle Price. The 12-year-old gelding’s other top results include second place at Saumur CCI3* (now CCI4*-L). MONDRIAAN William Funnell’s three-time Hickstead Derby winner has been put down aged 25. The gelding had been happily retired but was ‘struggling with his legs’. The pair also represented Britain at the European Championships.…

HORSES could get as much exercise from 20 minutes on a horse walker as they do from an hour in the field, a study has indicated. Research carried out at Hartpury College used an “equine Fitbit” to measure heart rates and distance travelled by horses on a walker and while turned out. They also looked at the animals’ levels of voluntary exercise in the stable afterwards. No significant difference was found in distance travelled or voluntary activity afterwards, although higher heart rates were shown during turnout, owing to the horses trotting and cantering. Project supervisor Hieke Brown said the study had not considered the psychological benefits of time in the field. “The takeaway message very much applies to those situations where in winter there may be limited daylight for exercise…

NO rider may carry, use or permit to be used a whip other than as detailed below, in the arena, the collecting ring or anywhere, on, or in the immediate vicinity of the showground. Only one whip may be carried and no substitute for a whip may be carried. A whip, if carried, must be held in the hand by the handle with the handle at the top. The whip must be between 45cm and 70cm long, with no binding within 17cm of the end of the pad. The minimum shaft diameter is 1cm, the overall weight of the whip must not exceed 160g and the weight should be evenly distributed along the whip’s length. The contact area, considered as two-fifths of the whip’s length, must be covered with a…

THE Countryside Alliance (CA) is to work with This is Hunting UK (TiHUK) to promote its annual newcomers’ week. The focus of the week, from 19-26 October, is to introduce as many people as possible to hunting; those who have never followed hounds, and others returning after a break. “We are delighted to be working alongside TiHUK to promote newcomers’ week and to offer the experience of enjoying lawful hunting activities to a wider audience,” said CA head of hunting Polly Portwin. “We look forward to sharing photographs and stories from what is sure to be yet another very successful week.” The CA is inviting all registered mounted and foot packs to organise newcomers’ meets, or activities such as kennel tours, to allow more people to get involved. TiHUK chairman…

EQUINE INFLUENZA (FLU) JUST 30-40% of the UK equine population is thought to be vaccinated against flu, despite the very real threat of infection. LOOK FOR: a high temperature, a harsh cough and/or a snotty nose. Take note if a horse is unusually quiet or off his food, as signs may be subtle in the early stages — or if there is prior immunity from a vaccination or a previous infection. These mild cases can still spread infection. BE AWARE: flu can spread through direct and indirect contact. A single cough releases thousand of particles of the virus into the surrounding environment; these can travel up to a mile in favourable wind and weather conditions. EQUINE HERPES VIRUS (EHV) MOST horses encounter the herpes virus for the first time as…

Don’t repeat this exercise more than 10 times in any one session. Some horses will make a rounder shape jumping the verticals if they are 1.10m high rather than 90cm. It all depends on the horse. Don’t be tempted to make the verticals any bigger than 1.20m. There’s no need — it’s about technique, not height. If your horse isn’t relaxed, do some flatwork until he settles. If a horse is still going too fast and is rushing towards the second vertical, add a ground pole placed three metres after the second vertical. I only do this on rare occasions, though. If the horse isn’t jumping straight, add V-poles — do whatever it takes to teach them to keep straight. You could start with just the one vertical and landing…

PRICE £54,715 ENGINE CCS 2,995 (six cylinders) TOWING CAPACITY KGS 2,000 POWER (BHP) 325 GEARBOX seven-speed auto 0-60MPH SECS 5.3 TOP SPEED MPH 155 ECONOMY MPG 39.2 CO₂ G/KM (TAX BAND) 164 (I) SEATS five THIS Audi A6 might not be the most expensive car we’re featuring, but it’s the quickest and has by far the most powerful engine. However, despite being aimed at owners who enjoy performance and a high standard of trim, the Audi A6 Avant is also a really good car for towing. Granted, the towing limit of two tonnes will restrict some people, but thanks to the powerful six-cylinder engine, you really wouldn’t know the trailer was there. This is also another car where the tow bar deploys from under the rear bumper. It keeps the…

PRICE £40,435 ENGINE CCS 1,969 (four cylinders) TOWING CAPACITY KGS 2,000 POWER (BHP) 187 GEARBOX eight-speed auto 0-60MPH SECS 7.6 TOP SPEED MPH 137 ECONOMY MPG 55.4 CO₂ G/KM (TAX BAND) 135 (H) SEATS five VOLVO estates are hugely tempting. They’re handsome, extremely capable and very safe. The Cross Country is basically a jacked-up V60 that has a bit more ground clearance and some underfloor protection to fend off stones. All-wheel drive comes as standard and you get some bodywork cladding to stop paintwork getting scratched when you drive past some brambles. Apart from that, it’s a standard V60 Volvo estate which means that it’s comfy, solid and good to drive. The seats are some of the best around; firm yet supportive. It also copes really well with a trailer.…

GARETH HUGHES proved he has strength in depth when it comes to horsepower, landing the Saracen Horse Feeds inter I aboard Judy Firmston-Williams’ stunning nine-year-old Sintano Van Hof Olympia. The Sandro Hit x Silvano gelding earned 75.21%, flaunting expressive paces, well-controlled pirouettes and crisp, clean changes to relegate Charlotte Dujardin to the runner-up spot. Everyone had their eye on the queen of dressage on Mount St John Valencia, who beat Gareth into second in the prix st georges (PSG) the previous day, but tension crept in to the chestnut mare’s canter work and despite topping the leaderboard for the majority of the class, Gareth’s flawless masterclass later in the proceedings put him in front. “Sintano felt like a grand prix horse today,” smiled Gareth. “He has all the talent. He’s…

CCI3*-S.— 1, Zagreb (A Bragg) 28.6,0,0=28.6; 2, Call Me Cooley (M Faulkner) 36.1,0,0=36.1; 3, Lordships Graffalo (T McEwen) 31.8,0,5.2=37. CCI2*-S sec A.— 1, Brookfield Cavalier Cruise (H Meade) 24.2,0,0=24.2; 2, Vendi Cruz (K King) 25.4,0,0=25.4; 3, Ardeo Fun Size (P Locke) 25.6,0,0=25.6. CCI2*-S sec B.— 1, Newton Belize (T Rogers) 28.2,4,1.2=33.4; 2, Brokenborough Bouncer (M Jackson) 33.6,0,0=33.6; 3, Caraghs Royal Quality (V Panizzon) 33.9,0,0=33.9. OI sec F.— 1, Newmarket Caro (O Townend) 30,0,3.6=33.6; 2, Feloupe (B Leahy) 26.8,0,6.8=33.6; 3, Sir Papillon (L Collett) 28.4,0,7.2=35.6. sec G.— 1, Arklow Puissance (O Townend) 31.4,0,8.8=40.2; 2, A Sunny Bay (E Miller) 33.2,0,10.4=43.6; 3, King Of The Mill (A Bragg) 31.8,4,10=45.8. sec J.— 1, Pica D’Or (P Locke) 26.4,0,9.2=35.6; 2, Eisfee (D Doel) 27.3,0,9.6=36.9; 3, Miss Cooley (O Townend) 24.6,8,6.8=39.4. int sec D.— 1,…

TCN3*.— 1, MJM Bobby Dazzler (B Upton) 27.7,0,0.4=28.1; 2, Brookfield Inocent (P French) 29.6,0,2.4,0=29; 3, Carnival March (P French) 31.8,0,0.8=32.6. OI.— 1, Caja 20 (W Newton) 27.5,0,5.2=32.7; 2, Calling Card (P French) 24.3,0,10.4=34.7; 3, Russal Z (H Coy) 30,0,5.6=35.6. int sec B.— 1, Cock A Doodle Doo (W Newton) 28.2,0,5.6=33.8; 2, Kellypsa Van T Asschaut (S Oliver) 33.6,0,3.6=37.2; 3, Corndu Savistanos (V Becker) 30.9,4,2.8=37.7. sec C.— 1, TS Shanghai (G Frow) 29.1,4,5.6=38.7; 2, Azerley Donald (M Broadley) 36.1,4,4.8=44.9; 3, Game Changer (G Taylor) 30.7,4,10.8=45.5. TCN2*.— 1, Benicia B (H Woodhead) 22.3,0,0=22.3; 2, Greenhays Super Nova (A Palmer) 24.5,0,0=24.5; 3, Fortune III (K McNab) 25,0,0=25. ON.— 1, Springheeled (M Healey) 26,0,5.2=31.2; 2, Fernhill Silk Road (M Townshend) 27.8,0,5.2=33; 3, So Chic Des Costieres (N Brook) 26.3,4,3.2=33.5. nov sec E.— 1, Coroyale…

Nov.— 1, NPS Gemini (C Rowe) 29,0,4=33; 2, Primitive Star II (H Wright) 32.3,0,2=34.3; 3, Ajax HZ (P McCarthy) 29.3,4,1.2=34.5. BE100openU18.— 1, Cutton Bentley (E Clist) 31,0,0=31; 2, Langarth Dilys (W Hoddinott) 30,0,2.4=32.4; 3, Samson (M Whitfield) 30.5,4,3.2=37.7. BE100 sec E.— 1, Rosshaven Last Flight (K Rickards) 28.8,0,0.4=29.2; 2, Moonlight VI (T Hutchins) 29.5,0,0=29.5; 3, George VIII (H Rose-Franks) 28.5,0,1.2=29.7. sec F.— 1, Corrieview Merlin Magic (J Rogers) 25.8,0,0=25.8; 2, Langaller Polzeath (P Walker) 23.3,0,2.8=26.1; 3, Penwind Ulyssa (C Rowe) 26.3,0,0=26.3. BE90openU18.— 1, Silver Kizzy (M Kennard) 24.5,0,0=24.5; 2, Rainbow Boy (M Juleff) 26.5,0,0=26.5; 3, Tanzanite Silver Lining (A Struel) 27.5,0,2.8=30.3. BE90 sec A.— 1, Springtime Sun (B Cork) 26.3,0,0=26.3; 2, Diptford Morning Haze (I Green) 23.5,0,3.2=26.7; 3, Fairways Lord Of The Ring (M Northmore) 27,0,0.8=27.8. sec B.— 1, The…

SHANE BREEN finished fifth in the opening class of the show, a 1.45m two-phase riding the 10-year-old mare Evita (Carambole x Equador). However it later transpired that the Irishman had fractured his leg in an incident in the warm-up arena shortly before he entered the ring. “I’d have won the class if my leg wasn’t broken!”, said Shane, who received medical attention immediately after the class and is now at home recuperating, hoping to return to competition in New York at the end of next week. They breed them tough in Ireland.…

Bundeschampionate, Warendorf, Germany MORE than 35,000 attended this year’s Bundeschampionat in Warendorf. The highest scorers of the preliminary tests in the five- and six-year-old dressage divisions, Valverde and Zum Glück, built on their performances in the qualifiers to take the two main gold medals at stake. The most advanced class, the six-year-old division, went to Dutch rider Robin van Lierop and Oldenburg stallion Zum Glück RS2 OLD (Zonik x Florestan). The Kasselmann-bred stallion was the price highlight of the 2017 PSI Auction, where he was sold to Dutch couple Saskia and Jacques Lemmens of RS2 Dressage for €850,000 (about £757,778). Last year, van Lierop was the first-ever Dutchman to pick up a medal at the Bundeschampionate. This year, he produced an impeccable test to claim gold. The trot, which was…

Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos SIMONES FIRECRACKER and Anna Crump made it a show to remember after nailing two tickets to this year’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). The nine-year-old gelding headed the New Forest qualifier before winning the mountain and moorland (M&M) junior large breeds class and taking the championship. “We’ve had him since the end of 2017,” said Anna’s mother Serena, who runs Rookery Stud in Hereford. Producer Clare Fitch sourced Firecracker and has produced him this season, but he’s been back at home for a few weeks now. “He’s the most lovely, kind pony you could wish for and Anna has really got to grips with him now,” said Clare. Judge Stephen Howard said: “Our champion was a typical junior pony. It was great to see that the classes…

THE debate over adults working in ponies seems to be raging on. The sooner The Showing Council and societies reach some common ground over the weight ratio, the better. While I understand the ruling specifying no one over the age of 16 can ride 122cm ponies anywhere on a showground has been brought in with the best of intentions, it doesn’t make sense that an appropriately sized 17-year-old cannot work in a pony of this height — yet a full-grown man or woman can ride a Welsh section A in the ring in the open mountain and moorland classes. In the horse classes, it is considered acceptable for professionals to work in animals for adult riders. This may be for a variety of reasons, including time, riding ability and confidence,…

TO ’gram or not to ’gram, that is the question. Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer the tweets and hashtags of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against the internet. And by opposing, end it. It may be the question but like it or not, the all-pervading internet — with all that it entails, good, bad and ugly — is here to stay. During several puppy show speeches in recent years, I and the congregation have been cautioned to be wary of social media or “avoid it” altogether. This, I would suggest, is not only rather silly, but for anyone under 50, entirely unrealistic. While email is still anathema to some oldies, it is now old hat to most and the various forms of instant messaging have long…

Longines Irish Champions Weekend, The Curragh and Leopardstown Racecourse, Ireland IT remains a pity that the Longines Irish Champions Weekend in Ireland clashes with the St Leger meeting. But while jockey Ryan Moore put an ordinary season behind him by claiming three Group Ones over the two days — the Irish Champion Stakes with Magical, the Moyglare with Love and the Derrinstown Flying Five with Fairyland — the undoubted star of the show was Godolphin’s two-year-old colt Pinatubo. The home-bred by Shamardal won the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes by a stunning nine lengths from Ballydoyle’s best two-year-old of the season so far, Armory. The colt, who gave an inkling of his ability at Goodwood, is now unbeaten in five starts and is already even-money for next year’s 2000 Guineas.…

Victoria Foods Carriage Driving Extravaganza, David Broome Event Centre, Monmouthshire THE prolific Dutch driving sire Manno is still making a mark in the show ring, with this show’s two championships falling to three of his chestnut Gelderlander sons. The ample arena space at Cricklands worked to the advantage of these big horses, with Gail Mills and her 13-year-old 16.2hh Synbad driving to triumph in the Victoria Foods private driving championship final. The substantial gelding, put to a Whitlock phaeton on loan from Geoff Dudley, provided a well-balanced eyeful and their smooth show was rewarded with two 10s from the panel of three judges. They tallied an unusually large three-point winning margin, while three other competitors of the nine turnouts forward tussled for runner-up on a tie of 25 points. Following…

HELSINGTON TAILOR MADE Glen Allen’s small riding horse has been retired. The 16-year-old won the amateur riding horse championship at the Royal International in July and has appeared at HOYS on multiple occasions. LOT 498 The filly by Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, out of leading broodmare Leslie’s Lady, broke records as she topped the 2019 Keenland September sale, selling to Whisper Hill Farm for $8.2m (£6.59m). CRACKER The North American mammoth jackstock donkey is at Stallion AI Services in the hope of preserving the endangered breed. The eight-year-old is the first donkey to stand at the centre and semen will be available.…

▲ PAIN THRESHOLDS The legendary Shane Breen jumped clear on the Global Champions Tour without realising he’d been injured that day. “I’d have won it if my leg wasn’t broken,” he joked. Mr Breen, we do not doubt that for a second. ▲ HOLIDAYS A rider was praising a holiday she’d just had to a Muggle. “The only thing was, you don’t do much exercise, you just sit,” she mused, to a blank look. “And there’s loads of good food,” she elaborated. “I see no problem,” said the Muggle. Ah, riders will understand. ▲ TRAFFIC A US mule called Raymond (we love this already), a “wild man” who lives with wild horses, caused traffic disruption by lying down in the road. Onlookers were concerned for his health — but he…

“AS soon as George has gone round Badminton, I’m going to downgrade him and get as many rosettes as I can,” grins Michael Fox. He’s joking, of course, but the Downton Abbey actor — and owner of advanced eventer George, otherwise known as SRS Kan Do and ridden by Kylie Roddy — really does love eventing and hopes, one day, to have the time to compete again himself. For any H&H readers who didn’t tune into the fifth and sixth series of Downton Abbey, Michael plays footman Andy Parker, whose big secret is that he is illiterate. He is one of the stars of the Downton Abbey film, released on 13 September — in Michael’s head, that’s the week before Blenheim Horse Trials, where George and Kylie are entered in…

MIKEY PENDER EARLIER this year, Ireland’s Mikey Pender became the youngest-ever winner of the Hickstead Derby, aged 19. He also became the first rider in nearly 40 years to lift the Boomerang trophy at his first attempt at the title. Mikey has also competed for Ireland in three pony European Championships — finishing fifth aboard his horse Imagine If One in 2015 — as well as one junior and one young rider European Championships. TRAINING THE STARS I HAVE used this exercise a lot with my Hickstead Derby winner, the 12-year-old puissance specialist Hearton Du Bois Halleux, as he can become strong going into fences. This has helped him jump a lot more smoothly.…

GRAHAM COURTNEY comes from a farming community. He learnt to drive, aged nine, on a Massey Ferguson 135 and graduated to a Land Rover Series 2A, Seddon truck and New Holland combine harvester. He has now road tested over 2,000 cars — everything from AC to Zastava — but still has a love of tractors — plus ride-on mowers and quad bikes. • We used an Ifor Williams model HBX 506. • Prices for the model start at £6,100 plus VAT. • Price of horsebox as shown is £6,655 plus VAT, which includes extras such as padding boards, high-level brake light and diamond-cut alloy wheels. • Gross weight: 2,600kg • Unladen weight: 865kg • Therefore, the trailer can carry a maximum load of 1,735kg. The average weight of 14hh pony…

LeMieux National Dressage Championships, Stoneleigh Park, Warks THEY are two of the sport’s greatest ambassadors. So it was only fitting that Carl Hester and his consistent partner Nip Tuck should reach major milestones together with their glorious victory at British Dressage’s flagship event. This was Carl’s 10th national champion title and 68th win at these championships. Reaching double figures was all the more special because it came on a horse with whom he has won medals and titles all over the world. The timing of this show means it usually falls too close to each year’s major international championship for the top combinations of the moment to compete. But with Hawtins Delicato serving as Carl’s ride for the Europeans, “Barney” was able to come to Stoneleigh and take his first…

OVER the past couple of decades, the things I’ve heard the most complaints about with regard to the national championships are the weather and the stabling. This year though, someone answered our prayers. The weather couldn’t have been better and the fresh mornings turned into balmy afternoons, which set the tone for a vintage nationals. The temporary stables, too, had a huge upgrade and were more spacious and up-to-date, something that was hugely appreciated by many. Ironically though, it seems this was our last nationals to be held at the Stoneleigh Park venue due to the HS2 project. Although the project has been delayed, British Dressage (BD) has made the decision to crack on and move the championships to a new venue for 2020. Let’s hope the new venue has…

LAURA GULLIVER topped the most competitive Equissage Pulse para division, the grade IV, with a former grand prix stallion she has had the ride on for less than a year. The 18-year-old Woodcroft Garuda K, who is German-bred by Muenchhausen, was ridden at top level by Lesley Peyton-Gilbert and Anne-Marie Cowan. Now Laura is forging a successful para career with him since they teamed up in November last year. “I was his groom when he was competing at grand prix. He’s now with me for a slightly quieter life,” said Laura, who has rheumatoid arthritis, which limits her strength and power, and trains with Judy Harvey. “He has such a wonderful, lovable temperament and the bigger the occasion the better for him,” she said, also crediting the Woodcroft Stud for…

Whatley Manor Gatcombe (2), Glos HARRY MEADE’S yard scored an international double at the final running of this fixture. Harry took CCI2*-S section A on the consistent Brookfield Cavalier Cruise, while Tim Rogers, who has been Harry’s stable jockey for the past six years, won CCI2*-S section B with Newton Belize. Six-year-old Brookfield Cavalier Cruise, who won at Dublin as a four-year-old before being bought by Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry, stayed on his dressage score of 24.2 to hold off Kitty King with Vendi Cruz by 1.2 penalties. This was his third good result at this level in 2019, following ninth at Chatsworth and third at Burgham. “He’s a relaxed, level-headed horse who has been improving all season,” said Harry. “He has a really nice way of…

AS I write from Tryon in the USA, Burghley seems like a world away, as I’ve already laid out courses at Kelsall Hill in England and Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina, since the British five-star. But I still feel battered and bruised after a really rough cross-country day at Burghley. Many people have already written about why only 50% finished and why thankfully all were able to walk back to the stables under their own steam. However, like so many things in life, nothing is just a simple black and white. There was no one reason and many contributing factors. Yes, there was a weakened field, but that is no excuse. Burghley has always been Burghley, at least over the past 30 years of my time there. It is…

Elite Foals Registration Tour National Final, Moreton Morrell College, Warks THE champion dressage foal of the 2019 national series, Fürstlich, received 9.5 for both his movement and conformation, cementing his owners’ instant belief in his raw talent. The chestnut colt was bred by Sandra Biddlecombe and was sold when he was a month old. “He’s a quality foal, classy and with nice conformation,” said the Hanoverian judge Katy Holder-Vale. “He’s strong, but supple and an amazingly powerful mover.” The engaged audience agreed with the judges, showing their approval for the colt’s athletic, uphill movement — and eye-catching four white socks — with whoops and cheers. He stood victorious in the 20-strong dressage section, the largest group of foals to qualify from the 12 regional shows at venues from Devon to…

IN the five-year-old division, the most represented sire was Ingrid Klimke’s grand prix stallion Franziskus, with six offspring. Fürstenball follows with five and Bordeaux with four. Don Juan De Hus and Escolar sired three horses each. Among the six-year-olds, Sir Donnerhall I was the most represented sire, with five offspring. De Niro had three while Belissimo M, Benicio, Dimaggio, Fürstenball, Scolari and Rock Forever all had two each. Bronze medallist Caracciola MT, a stunning Holsteiner grey stallion, boasts entirely showjumping lines: Chin Champ (by Chin Chin) out of a Calido I dam.…

HOYS, SHP (M Ryan, K Ryan) 122cm.— 1, C Kerr’s Wortley Perseus; 2, E Edwards-Brady’s Gryngallt Page Too; 3, L Bullock’s Sea View April. 133cm.— 1, N Ives’ Bryngwennol Colorado; 2, M Davies’ Isley Walton; 3, K Ellingworth’s Parkhills Van Persie. 143cm.— 1 & ch, A Picillo’s Eskside Carnellian; 2, J Harker’s The Real McCoy II; 3, A Ahern’s Lindeth Gran Plan. 153cm.— 1, J Grant’s Carnsdale Harrison; 2, H Richardson’s Fairlawn Zara; 3, D Weston’s Kativa Dumbledore. M&M jun (S Howard, A McHale) lrg.— 1 & ch, S Crump’s Simones Firecracker; 2, N Worthington-French’s Inverin Paddy; 3, E Kivlochan’s Gloves Blakehill William. sml.— 1 & res, T Spilman-Penn’s Bricklefield Jack; 2, J Green’s Ravenshead Caradog; 3, S Cooper’s Birkinbrook Juliet. LRSHP (M Ryan, K Ryan).— 1, K Demetriou’s Annandale…

William Hill St Leger Festival, Doncaster Racecourse, Yorks THE oldest Classic, the 243rd William Hill St Leger, may not have been a vintage renewal of the great race but the winner, Logician, certainly looked above average, coming home a comfortable 2¼ lengths clear in a course-record time. The course record in horse racing depends on two things: a good pacemaker and quick ground. The John Gosden-trained Logician, a strapping grey son of Frankel — who has the bone and stamp of a good steeplechaser — had both, as Ballydoyle’s Western Australia set a strong gallop, primarily to test the odds-on favourite’s stamina. However, running pacemakers can have mixed results. Sir Dragonet, the Ballydoyle number one — who was the Derby favourite after winning at Chester in May but could only…

EVERYONE knows that the lead-rein class at our local hunter trial is a competition for the mothers. As long as the tot on the pony can stay in the plate, it’s all down to the mum with the rope and how fast she can peg it through the timed section for a place in the ribbons. Jack and I did it for the first time in the spring and I thought we’d got through pretty quickly, so I was disappointed when the results went up and Jack’s name wasn’t there. “Ah, but I had a handicap,” I told myself, noting that no one else was wearing leather riding boots. This time I turned up in trainers with the knowledge that Jack has done a bit more riding so we could…