Innholdsfortegnelse for 17-Oct-2019 i Horse & Hound

I share Dan Sherriff ’s concerns (comment, p62) about the lack of boys and men continuing up the levels in dressage. This fear can be extended to equestrianism as a whole — according to this year’s British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) survey, 67% of regular riders in Great Britain are female. Attitudes towards riding differ elsewhere — for example in Spain, as Dan points out, and America, where riding, particularly Western, is seen as a more macho pastime. Conversely, Dan recalls being laughed at at school, having been seen hacking out. Riding is still being pigeon-holed as a “girl’s” sport here, in the way that pink is deemed a girl’s colour — which is in itself baffling. The association is everywhere. The only Lego set featuring horses that I could…

MORE PROTECTION FOR ANIMALS TOUGHER sentences for animal cruelty and more protection for service animals will apply in Scotland. The Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections, and Powers) (Scotland) Bill will increase the maximum penalties for the most serious offences to five years’ prison. Rural affairs minister Mairi Gougeon said: “Through increasing the maximum penalties available, we are ensuring those who carry out these heinous acts will rightly face the full force of the law.” The bill also implements Finn’s Law, giving extra protection to police horses and dogs by making it an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to a service animal. VITAL AGREEMENT FOR VETS SIGNED A HISTORIC agreement has been signed by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) to recognise each…

Jockey Jason Watson, 19, won his first Group One race on the Roger Charlton-trained two-year-old filly Quadrilateral at Newmarket on 11 October. Jason said the win was a “fairytale”. MP Nick Herbert has been appointed chairman of the Countryside Alliance. Nick, of Arundel and South Downs in West Sussex, formerly founded and hunted the Newmarket Beagles. British showjumper Joe Whitaker and his wife Fiona welcomed their third child, daughter Emily Rose Whitaker, on 10 October. Joe thanked everyone for their good wishes. Jockey Fergus Sweeney will join the British Horseracing Authority as a steward when he retires in November. Fergus, who won the 2015 Haydock Sprint Cup, is “excited” about his new career. British Equestrian Federation (BEF) council chair Malcolm Wharton CBE  has accepted the role of BEF interim chairman.…

ROTHERWOOD RAINMAKER The most prolific show pony and part-bred winner ever has retired. Produced by Katy Carter and ridden by her daughter Poppy and India Till, he had seven HOYS wins, two RIHS supremes and three Windsor titles. TOP NOTCH TONTO The Flat racer, trained by Brian Ellison, has retired to a “home for life” aged nine with Karen Woodall. He had six wins under Rules, including a Group Three, and was runner-up in the 2013 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. DOLPHIN ARISTOCRAT The large riding horse, who stood champion twice at the Royal International, has died aged 26. Bought as a foal by Louise Graham, he was sold to Peter Ireland and produced by Allister Hood, then given to Louise in 2004.…

SPELLING On a similar note, a national newspaper carried an article on someone who gave his opinion on, apparently, “ox hunting”. We’re not sure anyone’s ever hunted oxen, but there’s got to be a joke there about the missing F… BOOTS A rider selling tendon boots was pleased to have a message from an interested buyer, telling him they had only been tried on her horse. Which was helpful, as the buyer realised they were not kickboxing shin guards… and apparently there’s a famous kickboxer called Whitaker. Is there anything that family can’t do? ROAD TRIPS French eventer Tom Carlile was annoyed to get a puncture in the lorry en route to Boekelo, and surprised to find the cause — a bit, embedded in the tyre. Had someone thought the…

HOW possible is it for the horse world to join forces, led by the British Horse Society, and lobby the government to support adverts on prime-time TV saying why there is a need to slow for horses? I feel many drivers think the speed limit is a target and are unaware that horses could shy into the middle of the road due to something on the other side of a hedge, or be scared by a noisy motorbike. But I do find most drivers, especially lorries and motorbikes, slow down when they see me walking my little boy Oliver on his pony, and people smile as he waves to the drivers. However, many drive much too fast. Janet Lodge Broxbourne, Herts The writer of letter of the week wins a…

‘Don’t hold the horse; the aid has to come from the seat’ AS you progress through the levels of dressage, your tests will feature gear changes that require increased accuracy and collection. The key to a good downward transition is to ensure that the speed you are in is level with the speed of the pace you’re going into. TACKLING THE ISSUE 1 The horse must be on the aids. Walk-halt-walk transitions are a good way of testing your horse’s reaction — these are tools we have in order to make a precise transition. When you close your upper leg, the horse must stop; when you close your calf, he must go forward. The reactions must be instant. 2 From there, progress forwards from walk to trot. On a 20-metre…

HAS your horse been feeling a little off the boil lately? Perhaps it’s been a long season, or maybe he’s simply a bit of a lazybones. If he’s a little behind the leg or has lost some of his sparkle, chances are you’ll have considered if the answer to the problem lies in the bottom of a feedbag. However, with the wealth of products on the market today, it’s hard to decide which is the best feed to improve a horse’s energy levels, and what’s appropriate for your own horse’s specific needs. Katie Williams, technical and product development manager with Dengie Horse Feeds, says that before you even consider changing feeds, it’s vital you know your horse is fit enough for the level of work being asked of him. “Once…

SARACEN CONDITIONING CUBES Calorie-dense cube with high-fat rice bran to support weight gain, muscle and top-line development. Provides slow-release energy. £15.50 for 20kg saracenhorsefeeds.com EQUERRY CONDITIONING MASH A quick-soaking mash with protein for muscle development and top-line. Oil and linseed promote condition and shine. £12.95 for 20kg equerryhorsefeeds.com BLUE CHIP PRO FEED BALANCER Formulated for performance horses to ensure optimum condition and correct metabolic and immune function. £34.95 for 15kg bluechipfeed.com SPILLERS DIGEST+ CONDITIONING CUBES Low in starch and high in fibre and oil for slow-release energy. Supports gut health, is molasses-free and has no added sugar. £13.25 for 20kg spillers-feeds.com DENGIE ALFA-A OIL A high-calorie, pure alfalfa feed that uses fibre and oil to promote weight gain and condition without excitability. No added sugar, low in starch and molasses…

ENABLE, 5 FLAT RACING THE John Gosden-trained super-mare has been dubbed the “Queen of Racing”, and during her final season on the track this year she extended her impressive formbook to 12 unbeaten runs since 2017 — 10 at Group One level. Partnered by Frankie Dettori — who credits her “unbelievable will to win” — the five-year-old daughter of Nathaniel won her first three races this season after 245 days off the track. In July, she won the Group One Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown and also took her second King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes win. After her Yorkshire Oaks win in August, Enable returned to France to seek her third Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, but her famous finishing kick was blunted in the wet turf…

CORMAC KENNY, 25 GROOMS FOR: BEN MAHER 2019 highlight: “I’m just a small part of what Explosion W does but it was amazing to stand beside him at the LGCT final. He makes you feel that he has it all under control, all you can do is your best for him.” I decided to become a groom when… “I originally came to Ben’s for work experience, aged 16. I went home and finished that year of school, then came back. I worked as Ben’s rider for a bit before becoming his groom, although I still ride the horses at home.” Top grooming tip: “A healthy horse is a happy horse — so I never go anywhere without carrots for Explosion!” A word from Ben: “Explosion pretty much has Cormac to…

LAURA COLLETT and London 52 found redemption for a rollercoaster season by winning the CCI4*-L at Boekelo on their dressage score of 26. “I’m genuinely relieved that something has finally gone right,” said Laura, for whom this victory and Event Rider Masters triumph at Chatsworth has sandwiched disappointment at Bramham, Aachen and the European Championships with Karen Bartlett and Keith Scott’s talented 10-year-old. “My main aim here was to give the horse confidence and put this year to bed. Winning is the icing on the cake.” London 52 was virtually foot-perfect in all three phases. One blip in a flying change barely affected his dressage mark. He sat in third place behind Germany’s Sandra Auffarth and her new ride Let’s Dance 73, who led with 24.9, and Japan’s Yoshiaki Oiwa,…

Childéric Saddles Little Downham (3), Cambs ROS CANTER made the most of the good ground to win the sole advanced section aboard the seasoned Zenshera. They led the dressage on 26.3 and then posted a double jumping clear, adding 17.2 time-faults around a course on which the time is notoriously difficult to achieve. ‘He’s such an amazing horse and has done so much for me’ROS CANTER ON ZENSHERA “The whole point of coming here was as a prep run for Pau as I’ve felt a bit rusty since giving birth,” explained Ros. “Zenshera is such a polite horse, but I haven’t felt as if I’ve given him the best of rides on the past couple of runs. He really needs to be ridden in an attacking style, but I’ve felt…

AF prelim 19 silv (H Carstairs, G White, J Wilkie).— 1, Trailtrow Texa Beag (K McMurray) 70.56; 2, Chilternview Elite Star (L Wright) 67.99; 3, Bella Vista (E Grimwood) 67.5. brnz (H Carstairs, G McKee, J Wilkie).— 1, Opposite Reflection (S Rodgers) 70.97; 2, Rushiefauld Havanna (C Hequet) 69.93; 3, Gortmore Unavoidable Diamond (C Bain) 69.24. U21.— 1, Eden Maybe (G Carpenter) 69.24; 2, Inside Out II (R Cunningham) 66.04; 3, Mr Rise N Shine (A Wareing) 65.76. AF nov 23 silv (F Baker, E Love, C Paterson).— 1, Hillgarth Rachelian (K Sanderson) 70.07; 2, Deludo (C Gospel) 69.24; 3, Gibside Jacob (S Eke) 68.96. brnz (F Baker, G Lewis, E Love).— 1, Emale Khan (C Galbraith) 71.94; 2, Miss Schufro (S Melvin) 68.26; 3, Daniki M2S (K Davidson) 67.85.…

Prelim 19 silv.— 1, Billy (A Smith) 67.43; 2, Maesmynach Perlen (J Barnard) 67.01; 3, Royal Heritage (H Westgarth) 66.53. brnz.— 1, Louis VIII (S Scarlett) 72.5; 2, Wingspan (J McLean) 70.97; 3, Manderville Capriccio (C Pretious) 70.69. U21.— 1, Haybells Cinderella (F Hayes) 70.56; 2, Milenka (J Underhill) 70; 3, Tomriland Billy (K Joyce) 67.92. nov 23 silv.— 1, Bionicle W (S Murray) 69.17; 2, Balthasar (E James) 68.33; 3, Westoak Malbec (J Williams) 67.64. brnz.— 1, Zico (A Hamilton) 70.35; 2, Maggies Hope (K Low) 67.92; 3, Benassis Fine Example (E Grady) 67.36. U21.— 1, Haybells Cinderella 71.46; 2, Love On Sight (I Simper-Lewis) 70.56; 3, Treworgan Black Cat (C Rutherford) 67.64. elem 53 silv.— 1, Ilien (Z Kirkpatrick) 67.94; 2, San Francisco PR (K Heap) 66.86; 3,…

30 Sept: prelim 17Q silv (C Kershaw).— 1, Brickell Mr Pickwick (R Lock) 70.17; 2, Flagmount Lady Grey (R Campion) 64.48; 3, Desdemona III (D Malone) 63.1. brnz.— 1, Over The Limit (L Crouchman) 67.93; 2, Glenford Elvis (H MacFarlane) 66.72; 3, Rockwell Domina (D Bassett) 64.82. prelim 19Q silv (A Nicell).— 1, Brickell Mr Pickwick 72.29; 2, Desdemona III 67.08; 3, Flagmount Lady Grey 64.16. brnz.— 1, Glenford Elvis 68.95; 2, Rockwell Domina 66.04; 3eq, Keano (J Johnson) & Maesyfelin Llew Du (K Thakrar) 64.79. nov 22 silv (C Kershaw).— 1, Totili London (F Langley) 66.37. brnz.— 1, Brandy IV (C Leahy) 62.24. nov 38Q silv.— 1, Rockwell Farrah HFD (S Graves) 73.71; 2, Totili London 69.19; 3, Centaurus (M Hackett) 69.19. brnz.— 1, Sammy IV (T Ellis) 66.29;…

4 Oct: prelim 17 silv (S Duffy).— 1, Shilo II (L Whitehouse) 66.03; 2, Hall Kelly (K Jones) 63.97. brnz.— 1, Royal McKinley (E Quinney) 62.41. prelim 19 silv.— 1, Shilo II 65.63; 2, Hall Kelly 61.46. brnz.— 1, Brynithon Silver Locket (M Elphick) 77.92; 2, Royal McKinley 65.21; 3, Orions Tennessee 64.38. nov 22 gold.— 1, Daffodil (K Smith) 70.86; 2, Donallt Black Lily (L Mills) 63.62; 3, Don’t Worry (R Bird) 59.31. silv.— 1, Tywysog Troy (S Lowe) 65; 2, Swing King (J Davies-Bennetts) 64.83. brnz.— 1, Brynithon Silver Locket 69.66; 2, Happy Vemma (E Brown) 67.24. nov 38 gold (P Watts).— 1, RFW Fatal Attraction (M Rowley) 70.97; 2, Daffodil 70.65; 3, Donallt Black Lily 66.45. silv.— 1, Swing King 65.32; 2, Thilde (C Gaskin) 55.65. brnz.—…

British Breeding Futurity evaluations 2019, various venues ONE mareline dominated the upper echelons of the dressage scoreboard at the 2019 Futurity evaluations. The year’s overall top score of 9.55 was awarded to the four-year-old mare Fashion, by Freddie M. Fashion is out of the Blue Hors Zack mare Zandra, who hails from the direct motherlines of the titans Sandro Hit, Diamond Hit and Royal Hit. Zandra’s two-year old offspring, the chestnut Revolution filly Regatta De Blanc, gained the highest score of any two-year-old presented. The filly was also the supreme champion of the season finale show, held on 22 September (which is not technically part of the Futurity evaluations, but high-scoring Futurity entrants were invited to participate). Both mares were bred by Lynne Crowden of Woodlander Stud, but sold as…

9 Oct: KBIS Insurance British nov.— 1, Jessie Hill (D Kennedy); 2, Chicos Valentine (A Birch); 3, Mlyn’s Kashira (C Reynolds). 90cm.— 1 & 2, Gypsy Moth & Vanda Billionaire (C Miller); 3, Flamenco Star (J Crippen). Nupafeed discovery.— 1, Hugo (E Murphy); 2, AR LA Mars (L Whitaker); 3, Elaiza Du Rona Z (D Walton). 1m.— 1, Newtowns Cash Only (G Hilton); 2, Walty L (S Cuthbert); 3, Harley Quin (A Birch). Connolly’s Red Mills newc.— 1, Newtowns Discovery B (G Hilton); 2, Shadow Seahorse (B Hobday); 3, Diamond Z (D Irvine). 1.10m.— 1, Karmijn (S Posnett); 2, Ballyfree Luxalier (R Connor); 3, Bas II (C Miller). Equitop Myoplast Foxhunter.— 1, Exelby Cloverbelle (C Clayton); 2, Hanniemo G (C Horne); 3, Shadow Sister (B Hobday). 1.20m.— 1, Keeford Carousel…

I’M writing this the day after Team Ireland’s incredible victory in the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, and the meaning of it all is just starting to sink in What a feeling! Our performance as a group personified the meaning of grit, determination and perhaps something that has eluded us as a unit on other occasions — team spirit. The big question from everyone in the past has been — why do the Irish perform so well individually, but can’t seem to get it right on the team days? My theory is that the jumping calendar is action-packed with so many competitions on a weekly basis that the old days of building towards a huge goal are no longer, as people have a goal every week. It felt different in…

TAKARA GREGSON will make her first visit to Aintree’s national amateur championships after she and Billy Rubens won the Dodson & Horrell 85cm second round at Dorset Showground. Billy Rubens, a seven-year-old Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve gelding, is owned by Lucy McGill. “He arrived on loan at the end of April,” said Takara. “He’s such a character and really enjoys his job.” Hannah Bishop, who won the 1.05m second round at this show on Arianne De Blagny, will be another Aintree first-timer. Bristol-based Hannah, 17, who is in her first senior season, bought her striking nine-year-old Selle Français mare in May. She and Arianne have been in good form, also winning the 1.10m Derby at Wales and West a week after this show. “Arianne’s forward-going and loves jumping, so she’s…

Hackney Horse of the Year Show, Arena UK, Lincs REUBEN CARTER’S “freak” pony mare Aghaderg Let’s Up The Antie may not be the first to claim a hat-trick of open pony titles, but she certainly ranked as one of the most precocious as she achieved the feat at just seven years old. “She just does it naturally. From the first day we broke her, the minute you put the shafts alongside her, she was on fire,” said Reuben, who bought the Irish-bred pony as a youngster from his father-in-law. “Her action is unique.” Having had a tendency to bubble over indoors in the past, the extravagant mare had two warm-ups on a surface before this championship, taking the hackney wagon title at Addington and standing reserve at the Victoria Foods…

Open horse of the year.— 1, F&C Vyse’s Luddington Maestro; 2, J Peters’ Sir Arie; 3, F Wadham’s Baldwins Shenandoah. open pony of the year.— 1, R Carter’s Aghaderg Let’s Up The Antie; 2, P Peters & L Huckriedes’ Brookfield Olympic Dreams; 3, A&B Ward’s Luddington My Way. Denis Midgley novice horse of the year.—1 , R Denness’ Duval’s Quickstep; 2, F Wadham’s Baldwins Tranquility. novice pony of the year.— 1, A&B Ward’s Luddington Abracadabra; 2, Halebourne Hackney Stud’s Tivoli Prince Charming. private drive of the year.— 1, J Dudley Apicella’s Aghaderg Stand And Deliver; 2, W Murrell’s Nutfields The Contender. junior whip of the year.— 1, Nutfields The Contender. international pony of the year.— 1, S Trimble’s Noddyvyse Prestige; 2, D&C Vyse’s Heartland Bell Ringer; 3, R&E Allen’s Heartland…

AT the end of the summer, my friend Sophie got in touch with me and some other Pony Club mums. “Should we?” she asked, tagging us into an advert for the cheerfully named “Belsay Bounce”, a fundraiser organised by the Tynedale Hunt. As fundraisers go, it’s a winner; a pre-season chance to jump yourself silly around the hunt jumps on the Belsay Estate (home of the three-day event) in a group scenario, rather like you would on a hunting day. There are groups for all speeds and levels of windiness; intro for so-called beginners, a middle group called “steady away” (that was us), and then a thruster group for hell-for-leather adrenalin junkies. Belsay is jump city, all on old turf. What’s not to like? Back in the summer, this sounded…

THE bitless debate has come up again as a campaigner is calling for riders to be allowed to take part in eventing dressage with nothing in their horses’ mouths. Mark Smith, an eventer and advocate of riding bitless, made a presentation to British Eventing’s (BE) risk and sports committee, asking for the rule allowing bitless bridles in BE showjumping and cross-country to be extended. Mark told H&H he had “bent the rules”, including riding tests with a bit, but with reins attached to the noseband, and with a bit, but behind his horse’s chin. ‘I can’t see the problem’HENRIETTA KNIGHT “It’s crazy I’m allowed to go cross-country and showjumping without a bit but not dressage,” he said. “So it can’t be a safety issue.” Mark believes it is in some…

SUPERSTITION II The 10-year-old won Strzegom CCI4*-L two weeks after joining Harry Meade. Harry’s long-term owner Mandy Gray bought the Millstreet winner from Gillian Greenlees and former rider Lucy Jackson. LOT 148 The Dubawi colt, out of Galileo mare Alina, set the highest price for a yearling colt at auction this year, selling for 3.6m guineas at Tattersalls Book One sale (8 October). He was bought on behalf of Godolphin. HELLO GUV’NOR The 14-year-old, whose previous riders include Hayley Dunne, Scott Brash and Laura Kraut, has joined British showjumper Joe Clee. The combination have been in action at Bonheiden, Waregem and Oliva recently.…

HANNAH’S Willberry Wonder Pony charity has announced a new osteosarcoma research project. The charity, established by young eventer Hannah Francis before her death in 2016, is part-funding the three-year PhD project which will build on preliminary findings into how to slow and control the growth of the bone cancer. The initial project, funded by the Friends of Rose Children’s Cancer Research Fund, led by Katherine Finegan of the University of Manchester, found a protein called ERK5 can control the growth and spread of osteosarcomas. By removing it, they could slow their growth and prevent spread to the lungs. Dr Finegan, who will lead the project, said the information will help them understand how ERK5-targeted therapies could work. “It will also help us understand the proteins that ‘talk’ and ‘listen’ to…

MANY female riders will find they only ever seem to have two wardrobe options — breeches or ball dresses. One who may know that more than most is farmer, yard manager and eventer Sammy Lambert, who swapped wellies for heels to make it to the finals of Miss Great Britain 2020. In February, the 29-year-old will be one of 25 over-28s to competed in a new “Ms” division to mark the pageant’s 75th anniversary “I am the sort of person who likes a challenge,” Sammy told H&H . “While I don’t get sick of horses or farming, it’s a breath of fresh air to do something different — and it is definitely out of my comfort zone as well. “I don’t usually wear makeup and I’d only wear a dress…

My parents-in-law, Dennis and Margaret Davies, started Davies Riding Boots in 1977. They were made redundant when one of the last shoe factories in Brynmawr closed. As both were keen foxhunters — Dennis was amateur whipper-in to the Monmouthshire for 16 years and later hunted with the Brecon — they set up a firm making bespoke riding boots. My wife Elizabeth and I joined them 30 years ago. Previously I worked as an engineer and a teacher. Each boot is individual. It requires precision and patience as you carry out each part of the process needed to complete a bespoke, handmade pair of boots. Leather is a natural material and I spend a considerable amount of time placing the patterns on the best part of the skins, avoiding any flaws,…

Riding these transitions on a circle is easier; on a dead-straight line, it’s harder for the horse to balance and stay supple. Incorporate some leg-yielding on the circle to keep the back soft, as horses can often tense their back in the downward transition. Once you master these transitions on the circle, ride them on a straight line. From the long side, ride a small circle to prepare the pace ready for the downward transition, and in the last quarter of the circle make the transition. Reducing the size of the circle will increase collection and suppleness, helping the downward transition. An eight-metre circle in canter is the tempo he needs for a good canter-walk transition. Once the horse makes the transition, he needs to find his own balance, so…

SINCE their European Championships bid came to a soggy end, Laura has worked to rebuild the partnership by going cross-country schooling — and taking advice from the best. “I had a very long talk with Pippa Funnell, who was amazing,” said Laura. “She said to take all the pressure off, go back to basics, take him cross-country schooling and ride him like a four-year-old. “I went on my own and jumped lots of small fences, mostly from trot.” Further sessions followed with Laura’s long-time coach Yogi Breisner before the decision was made to go to Boekelo. “Dan gave me every reason to take him — he’s a funny horse who doesn’t hide his emotions. I knew our problem at Bramham had really knocked him, but I also knew he was…

Adv.— 1, Zenshera (R Canter) 26.3,0,17.2=43.5; 2, Spano De Nazca (G Bartlett) 32.8,0,11.6=44.4; 3, Balladeer Durban Hills (S Way) 32.1,0,14.4=46.5. OI.— 1, A Bit Much (A Smales) 30.9,0,0=30.9; 2, Mr Fahrenheit III (S Grieve) 31.4,0,5.2=36.6; 3, Top Biats (H Payne) 25.2,4,8.8=38. OIu21.— 1, According To Archie (H Ford) 25,0,4.8=29.8; 2, RSH Contend Or (F Collins) 27.5,0,10.4=37.9; 3, Hasty Imp (D Zander) 29.1,8,2.8=39.9. int.— 1, E Boy (A Walker) 28,0,8=36; 2, Monbeg Maximus (A Haynes) 36.4,0,1.6=38; 3, King Creole VD N Ranch (L Wheeler) 29.6,0,14=43.6. ON.— 1, Inspiring Isa (K McNab) 31.3,0,0=31.3; 2, So Chic Des Costieres (N Brook) 28,4,0.8=32.8; 3, Scuderia 1918 Humphreys (K McNab) 30,4,0=34. ONu18.— 1, Stillbrook Ben (L Millard) 34.5,0,0=34.5; 2, Livell (D Zander) 31.8,4,3.2=39; 3, Constance O Cool (G Rhiannon) 35.5,4,2.4=41.9. nov sec S.— 1, Mr…

EVERY horse evaluated was assessed under the linear scoring system, which provides detailed data about the horse’s conformation. Linear scoring gives a highly detailed snapshot of the horse’s physical appearance, and the data gleaned from this system is extremely valuable. British Breeding’s Eva-Maria Broomer says: “Every foal’s linear profile is completed by trained linear scorers and available to view online, so you can see details like slope of croup, angle of shoulder, and others. As we evaluate, we will gain a clear picture of exactly what sort of foals each stallion produces, and how their phenotypes evolve each year. “We are also evaluating across a variety of studbooks, which solves the problem of too many little studbooks that alone could never collect meaningful data. There are already other countries looking…

A MARE who has recovered from a series of serious problems carried Josie Nisbet to victory in the Dodson & Horrell 85cm amateur second round at Tushingham Arena. After coming to Josie four years ago, 10-year-old Tulloch Mhor had to be treated for stomach ulcers. Then extra teeth on both sides of her jaw were discovered and plenty of dental work carried out. Finally, the 15hh mare underwent a kissing spines operation. “She was fizzy and quite sharp at the start, probably due to pain, but she’s absolutely fine now,” said Josie, a final-year nutrition student at Leeds Beckett University. The pair topped a tense nine-horse jump-off. “With eight qualifying places, I really didn’t want to be the person who missed out, but she absolutely flew,” said Josie, who has…

RONNIE WALLACE’S name is synonymous with foxhunting, and it can truly be said that he was a legend in his own lifetime. However today, 17 after his death in 2002 and 100 years after his birth in 1919, there will be many young hunting people to whom his name may mean very little. Here was a man with a remarkable intellect and many talents, all totally focused on the success of foxhunting. His presence was absolutely compelling and he was almost hypnotic in his ability to gain control of other people’s time and practical support. Dukes and captains of industry would rush to his side at a meet when summoned to ask what was required of them. He could be ruthless, and his fierceness with both staff and followers was…

THE British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has welcomed the news that UK horses will be able to move to the EU in the event of a no-deal Brexit on 31 October. The EU granted the UK listed status on 11 October after it met required health and biosecurity assurances. BHA executive director Will Lambe said the status provides important certainty. “There will still be additional requirements for [those] wishing to travel a horse into the EU, but full guidance and assistance is available. We continue to support and appreciate the UK government’s position that there will be no immediate change to arrangements... in the event of no deal,” he said. If the UK leaves without a deal, all horses leaving the UK for the EU, including those travelling abroad to compete,…

ROAD NAMES An H&H-er taking an, er, alternative route to the BS awards found herself deep in a housing estate (Which way did you go? Ed). Light relief was provided by spotting roads named Avebury and Ardingly. Was the estate planner an eventing fan? ACCIDENTAL DRESSAGE A rider who had worked for years on flying changes was over the moon (and over X) to nail it. “I should thank my trainers for their patience and dedication,” she mused, but it was actually down to the sudden appearance of a high-vis-clad workman. Can we book him for shows? AUTOCORRECT Autocorrect of the week was in texts between two riders over some bags of feed. “They’re not in Mum’s or Dave’s car, or in either bum,” one wrote, quickly adding, “Bin!” Very…

OISIN MURPHY is taking the daily grind of fighting for the champion Flat jockey title in his stride. Despite a busy schedule of riding wherever and whenever, while in much demand for TV and newspaper interviews, the laid-back Irishman remains unflappable, seemingly making time for everyone. This Saturday, 19 October, the 24-year-old Killarney native will lift the prestigious trophy as the curtain falls on the 2019 Flat season during QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot. It’s a title many jockeys spend a lifetime dreaming about, yet the youthful Oisin will become the youngest champion Flat jockey in 13 years, since Ryan Moore took the title in 2006. Aptly, I meet him at Kempton Park, the racecourse at which he has enjoyed the majority of his success this season, on a…

BE savvy on what certain types of feed can do for your horse, to avoid over- or underfeeding — which can both lead to energy loss. “Straight feeds are single ingredients such as oats, barley and sugar beet,” explains Clare Barfoot, research and development manager at Spillers. “These feeds will have often gone through various processing methods to make them more appropriate to feed. Cereals are cooked by micronising or steam flaking to make the starch more digestible, and sugar beet is often micronised to make it quicker to soak. “Straights are usually fed mixed together, such as oats and chopped alfalfa, although without careful balancing they will not meet nutritional requirements and can contribute to dietary imbalances. “Mixes are premixed complementary feeds which, if designed appropriately, will provide a…

MIKEY PENDER WINNING THE HICKSTEAD DERBY AGED 19 MANY of the world’s greatest horsemen have spent years trying to win the Hickstead Derby and never taken the title. But in June this year, Irish teenager Mikey Pender lifted the Boomerang trophy, stamping his name in the record books as the competition’s youngest ever victor. The 19-year-old and the big-jumping Hearton Du Bois Halleux — a 12-year-old gelding more famed for his puissance credentials — jumped the only double clear after a three-way jump-off to become the 59th winner of the Hickstead Derby. Making the feat all the more astonishing is the fact that it was the first-ever Derby for either of the pair. “It’s the dream of every rider who comes here,” he said. “My horse was absolutely amazing.”…

CROWN Year founded: 2014 Number of members: 211 2019 highlight: “Being nominated for this award for a third time.” Annual event not to be missed: “Our summer camp at the Unicorn Trust Centre. A long weekend of horses, friends, training, lots of laughter, food and gin!” What the members say: “A very bubbly group of people, always supporting and encouraging everyone. Crown offers a wide range of training sessions, including horse agility. The club caters for so many different types of rider. It doesn’t matter what you want to do or how you do it, you are treated with kindness, respect and support, plus a tremendous dollop of fun. The leadership team also seem to know us all, which is incredible, and are absolutely lovely.” ROYAL ARTILLERY EQUESTRIAN CENTRE THORNEY…

CCIO4* Nations Cup.— 1, Germany 94.1 (Let’s Dance 73/S Auffarth; FischerRocana FST/M Jung; SAP Asha P/I Klimke); 2, Australia 123.5 (Clever Louis/C Burton; Fernhill Tabasco/K McNab; Finduss PFB/S Birch); 3, Japan 124.2 (Bernadette Utopia/K Tomoto; Ventura De La Chaule JRA/A Negishi; Bart L JRA/Y Oiwa); 5, Great Britain 143 (Charly Van Ter Heiden/M Summerland; Dacapo/L Collett; Artfull Trinity/I Taylor) CCI4*-L.— 1, London 52 (L Collett) GBR 26,0,0=26; 2, Clever Louis 26,0,0=26; 3, Creevagh Cooley (M Jung) GER 26.5,1.6,0=28.1; 7, Class Affair (Z Tindall) GBR 30.1,1.2,0=31.3; 9, Charly Van Ter Heiden 31.1,0,0.4=31.5.…

THE end of the European season draws near with just the young horses in Le Lion d’Angers and Pau left to go. The evolution of the sport into the modern era has produced unbelievable excitement and entertainment, but having spent two days watching FEI TV from Boekelo, I find the Olympic format for next year impossible to follow. This is not something that the International Olympic Committee, national federations or the FEI eventing committee want — it has been imposed on us by higher authority within the FEI, in an attempt to get one format for all disciplines. Not even the commentators on FEI TV could make head or tail of it. This is not the sport I’ve grown up with over the past 50 years. We had riders showjumping,…

PLAIN SAILING AFTER A CHANGE OF TACK A CHANGE of tack has made all the difference for Last Love, Kate Smith’s lofty home-bred six year old. “He was definitely too much horse for me in a snaffle,” explained Kate, who stands just 5ft 2in against 17.2hh “Buddy”. “He had a bad habit of throwing his head up and running off — he once ran headlong into a mirror. “Since we put him in a double bridle, he seems to be genuinely happy and settled,” added Kate, who headed a competitive elementary with Buddy at Hartpury University and Hartpury College, Gloucestershire, and finished second in an elementary qualifier. “He has never been anywhere like Hartpury, but he rose to the occasion and loved every minute. The difference was that it felt…

FOR many years now, I have been noticing how few boys are getting involved in dressage at a younger age. It concerns and frustrates me that there are many talented young male riders out there who are not pursuing the sport, and it’s made me wonder why this is and what we can do about it. Perhaps it’s just that boys are attracted to faster, adrenalin-fuelled disciplines; after all, like many boys, I started with eventing, hunting and polo. But then I realised that I enjoyed the detail and discipline required for dressage. At school, the sports I was strongest in were diving, swimming and athletics — I liked individual sports where I took responsibility for my own actions, and in dressage I am out there performing on my own…

Aintree International EC Winter Classic Premier, Merseyside AFTER winning the grand prix at Aintree’s winter elite show in January, Keith Shore and Nicky Morgan’s Djoel returned to clinch another major victory in the Andrews Bowen winter classic grand prix. “With a big crowd watching and the owner coming from Scotland to see his horse compete, the pressure was on. But Djoel loves an audience and the atmosphere helped,” said Keith. Raf Suarez received plenty of praise from riders and without overfacing anyone, his 15-element grand prix course cleverly reduced the 47 starters to seven jump-off contenders, all with clears. It proved an intriguing jump-off, as favourites Keith and Iron Lady Van T Meulenhof opened with four faults, the lightest touch at the third fence earning fifth. Jessica Botham and Evita…

4 Oct: British nov.— 1, Tims Twist (C Crocker); 2, Knock Out I (M Evans); 3, Hebe Havana (D Pottie). 90cm.— 1, Not So Slim Shady (L Perkins). Nupafeed discovery.— 1, Ballyfoley Tally (C Moyce); 2, Hot Blue I (B Dove); 3, Princess Cruising (R Horton). 1m.— 1, Radento (S Reeve-Young); 2, Paris XI (E Evans); 3, Roundthorn Firebrand (J Gill). 1.05m.— 1, Dancing Hero (S Worrow); 2, Quidelle Du Reverdy (R Horton); 3, Endless Love D’Hof Ten Bos (I McClelland). Connolly’s Red Mills newcomers.— 1, Jafar VD Zwinkhoeve (D McCoppin); 2, Elegant Dollards (R O’Sullivan); 3, Chimorka Z (S Slater). 1.10m.— 1, Premier Diamond (R Jones); 2, Dancing Hero; 3, NPS Easter (C Doel). Equitop Myoplast Foxhunter.— 1, Camblin Daisy (D McCoppin); 2, Stand Up (S Slater); 3, Holisco…

‘I could jump on him bareback, point him at a fence and he’d do it’ IT was after second horses on a Leicestershire verge in about 2004 that Jimmy earned his last name. “We’d had an amazing hunt in the morning,” remembers farrier Stephen Hill, then field master of the Cottesmore. “We were near Zoe Gibson’s drive when his hindleg went down a deep, man-made, one foot-square hole and severed two tendons in front of the hock. Fortunately, I had a vet galloping alongside me.” Being close to the boxes, Jimmy was swiftly invalided home and six months in his box ensued. Thankfully, the makers of the hole, British Telecom, admitted liability and compensated Stephen for his not inconsiderable vets’ bills. Even more thankfully, Jimmy “has never been lame otherwise,…