Innholdsfortegnelse for 11-Jun-2020 i Horse & Hound

I’VE come to the conclusion we don’t look back enough – and that to do so is really good for us. Lockdown is giving people the time to get in their attics and sort through the photographs, the memories, and to recall the good times – and to be grateful for them. Perhaps that’s the key – we know that feeling grateful improves our state of mind, and nothing makes you more so than looking at what you once had and enjoyed and loved, while you are currently being denied it. I’m making an effort to enjoy current blessings in the moment more now – the photographs have reminded me of good times that I definitely took for granted at the time. It’s easier, with so few distractions allowed right…

ALL sellers can advertise horses and ponies free in Horse & Hound magazine and on our website, thanks to a new partnership with equine insurance specialists KBIS. During the Covid-19 lockdown, H&H made advertising horses free to help support the industry. Editor-in-chief Sarah Jenkins said: “Now, restrictions have lifted to the degree people can view horses, as long as government guidelines are adhered to. We want to continue making it as easy as possible for everyone selling a horse in the current climate and are delighted to partner with KBIS to make this possible. “We hope the option of free advertising on our updated platform will go some small way to boost this part of our industry’s economy.” Adverts can be uploaded in minutes, with unlimited pictures and video allowed.…

PUBLIC WARNING ON FEEDING HORSES THE British Horse Society (BHS) is warning the public not to feed horses, after equine illness, injury and deaths, while the countryside code has been updated. BHS director of welfare Alan Hiscox said: “We believe many people act with no malicious intent and are simply unaware of the risks certain foods can pose. The greater the awareness, the more likely people are to change behaviour.” The warning comes as the government has updated its countryside code. Visitors are asked to respect other people and protect the natural environment while they enjoy the outdoors. GRAND PRIX ONLINE DRESSAGE PLANNED BRITISH and Dutch riders will go head to head in an online Grand Prix Challenge at Hickstead and Rotterdam. Up to 20 combinations from each country will…

The Netherlands’ Olympic dressage champion Anky van Grunsven is recovering after breaking her collarbone in a fall. Anky expects to be out of the saddle for around four to six weeks. Irish showjumper Anthony Condon and his partner Laura Grace Johnson welcomed their second son, Finbar Michael Condon, on 5 June. Anthony said mother and baby are “doing great”. World Horse Welfare’s chief executive Roly Owers has been appointed as the British Equine Veterinary Association’s (BEVA) treasurer. Roly also chairs BEVA’s health and medicines committee. after breaking his neck in a fall in August. Kevin said he has been “working hard” on his rehab. British Horseracing Authority chair Annamarie Phelps has been reappointed to the Olympic Education Committee. She said the values of sport have “never been more important”. Irish…

NICOLA (NICKY) WILLIS THE re-enactment community and medieval jousting fraternity is mourning the loss of one of its brightest and biggest talents, who has died aged 50 from cancer. Ms Willis was a pioneering medieval jouster with a reputation for her ability, prowess and kindness in an often very competitive sport. Ms Willis was 10 when she was given six lessons at a riding school, where she became a working pupil. She enjoyed showing in the London area, and worked for Vauxhall City Farm, in the Riding for the Disabled Association aspect of the charity, as well as looking after farm animals. In 2001, Ms Willis answered an advert in H&H looking for the next Ben Hur, from a television company staging a chariot race in Spain. Although she did…

IN response to “The big debate” (28 May), greater input from real amateurs is required as they constitute the largest portion of competitors. The potential for them to compete at prestigious events and against some of the sport’s legends is one of the unique aspects of horse sport. But if you focus on age classes and elite sport, these amateurs may be lost. This could have serious financial implications for British Showjumping and unaffiliated competitions could be the only option for the amateur. If membership fees are increased, many may find it hard to justify the extra expense. I and many other casual members may have never utilised the full benefits of membership, due to work and family commitments. Introducing pre-entries for normal classes has been a positive step and…

WE should have reported Bramham this week, but it’s another casualty of Covid-19 as this strange non-season rolls on. My first Bramham working for H&H was in 2006, when Andrew Nicholson won the CCI3* (now CCI4*-L) on the Jumbo son Henry Tankerville. It was a controversial year: slippery, firm, inconsistent ground contributed to an influential cross-country course which featured multiple turning questions. Only one of the first nine out in the under-25 section finished and there were more than 20 falls across the CCI3* and under-25 sections. I was a rookie reporter, sweating in the sweltering sun as I tried to balance angry rider comments with being fair to the organisers. It feels a long time ago now and a one-off at a popular and well-run event, which I don’t…

A black Shetland pony called Cleo, but she was evil. She was 100% bombproof on the lead-rein and fine when tied up in the yard, but, if loose in the field, she would go for you. My brother, Jack, and sister, Bridget, also rode her but she was a bit of a tearaway. Dad used to lead us in gymkhanas but would have to wear a bandage on his arm because she would bite him. Bridget actually had a nasty incident in the ring when Cleo carted off with her and went to dive under the rope – nearly taking Bridget’s head off. Cleo died just before my 21st birthday having reached a good old age.…

“Like children, some horses try harder not to go to school than others” FROM a young age I’d trot happily behind my father, who was a huntsman and master, out with hounds. I’ll never forget one day when there was a huge queue coming out of a wood, so my father said: “Stay here, Son, don’t try to follow me over this gate.” It was huge and of course none of the field had wanted to jump it, but he set off over it – and smashed it clean down the middle. So I didn’t have to ignore his advice after all. As a 16-year-old straight out of school, I went to work for Cyril Light at the Brendon Stud. A load of unbroken horses would come in from Ireland…

RACING fans rejoiced at the news the sport would make a return to racecourses on 1 June, the first equestrian discipline to emerge from the dark depths of lockdown, owing to the coronavirus pandemic. The equally good news was that Royal Ascot would remain in its scheduled week in the calendar, 16 to 20 June, albeit behind closed doors – an event not open to members of the public. The grandstands will fall silent this year; there will be no pomp and pageantry or the much-anticipated vision of The Queen arriving in her royal carriage. There will be no sartorial elegance, bright colours or eccentric headwear on display. However, we can all celebrate the fact that Flat racing’s highlight goes ahead, and perhaps we can revel in our own ways…

THE Andrew Balding-trained Kameko landed the first Classic ever to be run behind closed doors when he won the QIPCO 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday, 6 June. Top Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien, who has won it 10 times, had to settle for second. However, he only had to wait 24 hours for Love to win the 1000 Guineas for him. It was, otherwise, pretty much new faces all round; a first Classic for champion jockey Oisin Murphy, a first for his owner and the race’s sponsor Sheikh Fahad Al Thani and a first Guineas for Balding, who broke his Classic duck in the 2003 Oaks with Casual Look. Kameko finished off last season by winning the Group One Vertem Futurity Trophy Stakes at Newcastle impressively and had a potentially…

FOR years, when young hopefuls at H&H job interviews were asked to prove their knowledge by naming a British dressage rider or two, one name was offered above all others: Jennie Loriston-Clarke. Jennie is in some ways the archetypal English horsewoman; riding from an early age, hunting through her childhood and surrounded always by ponies, hunters and foals. Yet in other ways, Jennie has been a pioneer, taking up dressage in its infancy in this country and doing much to put the sport on the British map with her skill, showmanship and generosity over a 35-year riding career. “ Jennie ended her demo with 15 one-time tempi changes, reins in one hand, into a 3ft 6in parallel”CARL HESTER One of six siblings raised by Anne and Colonel Jack Bullen at…

“I CAME third in a talent-spotting final when I was 17 and part of my prize was £20. “I was based in the New Forest then and Jennie was not far away in Brockenhurst. Realising I was desperately keen, Jennie very kindly said she would give me three lessons for £20 – obviously not her going rate! “I’d hack about 12 miles to Brockenhurst for my lessons and hack back. It took me all day. But she’s just so normal and generous. She’s willing to help anybody who asks.”…

SUNDAYS have become a bit samey recently. As I stood peeling potatoes in my customary place between the sink and the oven, on yet another Sunday morning, I felt a bit fed up. I think I must have voiced these feelings to Adam. Or perhaps it was the face like thunder and aggressive body language that did the trick. Anyway, when the next weekend rolled around, he was ready with a suggestion. “I need to deliver a bale of hay to Franki and Steve,” he said, referring to friends who live nearby. “Perhaps we could all go? Bit of an airing for the wife?” Ordinarily his “airing wife” comment would have gleaned a wan smile, but these days it’s different. Like most people in the country, I haven’t had a…

RIDERS and organisers are preparing for a new normal as the sport of eventing prepares to return on 4 July. British Eventing (BE) set its hoped restart date based on the government’s recovery strategy from Covid-19 and lockdown. Social distancing measures will be in place, entries will open seven to 10 days ahead of a “decision to run” date, balloting will continue as normal, entry fees will not increase, and the number of people on site will depend on government restrictions. A new “pandemic refund policy” will apply; competitors will receive at least 30% (+VAT) of their entry fee for coronavirus-related cancellations. Abandonment insurance will still be payable. Barbury (Wiltshire), Buckminster (Lincolnshire) and Aske (North Yorkshire) are among the modified fixtures scheduled on the sport’s re-opening weekend. An updated fixtures…

MAIFLEUR The dam to double Olympic champion Valegro has died, aged 26. The KWPN mare was owned by Valegro’s breeders, Joop and Maartje Hanse, and produced six foals, including three full siblings to Valegro. ARROGATE Juddmonte’s seven-year-old, twice named the world’s best racehorse, has been put down owing to illness. He retired to stud in 2018 after a glittering career, including Breeder’s Cup Classic and Dubai World Cup wins. SILENCE New Zealand eventer Dan Joceyln’s Olympic, world championship and five-star ride has died, aged 30. Their highlights include third at Burghley 2001, eighth at Luhmühlen 2005, and eighth at Badminton 2008.…

PLANS for an early start to the 2020/21 point-to-point season have taken a step forward with the first meetings pencilled in for the 24–25 October weekend. This is around three weeks earlier than the pointing season has started in recent years. Ottery St Mary (Devon) and Maisemore (Gloucestershire) are earmarked for the opening weekend, with Kimble (Buckinghamshire) the following week and then back to Maisemore for the third weekend. The 14–15 November weekend marks the start of the “normal” season, with an extra fixture scheduled for Charing (Kent) that weekend. A final decision will be made by the Point-to-Point Authority (PPA) board in July and a survey will be sent to owners and trainers to gauge interest. PPA chief executive Peter Wright said there will be new guidelines in line…

SEMEN Stallion AI Services ran a webinar on the legendary Big Star, with the prize of a straw from the Olympic champion going to one lucky participant. Just one of the myriad reasons we love the horse world. Where else would semen be offered as a prize, and a prize everyone would be desperate to win? GOGGLEBOX On the subject of the webinar, Big Star’s owner Gary Widdowson and rider Nick Skelton provided tremendous entertainment, prompting one watcher to ask whether they had considered going on GoggleBox… ah, please let that happen. DRIVING Employee of the week must go to the Asda driver whose passing of a horse on the road was so exemplary, the rider did her first ever online shop, with Asda. Save horses, live better. We like.…

A TEENAGER who was targeted by bullies over his love of riding has had the last laugh. Young eventer Theodore Anderson had been building a presence on social media, with posts about himself and his pony Dun Delight, but ran into some negativity from his peers. But when his cause was shared online by a leading dressage rider, he not only picked up new followers but was also approached by a brand, in hopes of working together. “If all this hadn’t happened, I don’t think I’d be looking at a brand deal, or speaking to H&H, or have as many social media followers,” the 13-year-old said. “Now, more people see my accounts and I can progress. “It’s almost like, ‘Who’s laughing now?’!”…

LOCKDOWN is easing a little and we are making our way up the centre line towards our “new normal” at the collected trot, with plenty of half-halts for reflection. British Dressage (BD) competitions may resume in July, but there are concerns from some competition venues that they may need more support staff for a much-reduced field. Many centres are already struggling, so I hope there is a way to compete safely and viably. In the interim, BD has brought in the concept of training shows, which seems to be a good step forward and a way to get back into test riding. This concept has been running in the Netherlands for many years and it is a great way to get feedback from a judge and to try out new…

AS lockdown restrictions ease and some elite sports resume, we’re all wondering what the implications will be for showing. And will it ever be the same? The answer to the first question is that there seem to be two options – aim for a winter circuit run regionally or write off the 2020 season and start again next year. As for the second, we need to find temporary alternative strategies to give a safe way back to our sport. No one knows whether Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) will go ahead as planned and if so, what will happen to the qualifiers? The HOYS website says that while it recognises this is an ever-changing situation and that they will be guided by the latest government recommendations, there is currently…

ZARA will never forget riding into the vast cauldron that is the main arena at Aachen for her showjumping round at the 2006 World Equestrian Games. “Bettina Hoy had just jumped, and her round meant that the Germans had definitely won team gold,” she says. “Imagine how loud 50,000 German spectators were then! I couldn’t hear the bell at all; I was just circling around and around and then I looked at the clock and saw it was already running. “But it probably helped me, as I had to ride forward. If you are in the lead you try to protect that, but I couldn’t do that – I had to get on with it.” Zara had one fence but not two in hand; she used up her life in…

I have a wonderful career and being part of Team GBR is the icing on the cake; the morale and sense of everyone working together to achieve a goal is very fulfilling. Every time you come back from a trip, you realise how many people it takes to keep things going, and every championships is an amazing opportunity. There are highs and lows in every competition and you share them all; everyone wins together or loses together. I started with the Pony Club. When I was six, we didn’t have much money; for my first rally, we didn’t have a horsebox so Mum put the Shetland in the back of the Land Rover and I was in there with him. His name was Silver and he lived until he was…

FLY fringes are relatively ineffective and do not provide any UV protection, so are best avoided. Instead, opt for a mesh fly mask (pictured, right) that covers the eyes – this will not only keep bugs away, but will shield the eyes from sharp objects and foreign bodies while he grazes. Invest in a quality mask with high UV protection properties, taking care to: • Make sure it fits. Too loose and the mask will allow flies to crawl underneath it; too tight and it will chafe the skin. An ill-fitting mask may even rub the eyelashes or push them on to the surface of the eye, causing serious injury. A good design will feature several darts around the eye area, to ensure that the mesh sits well clear. Additional…

IT’S almost impossible to name all the horses and ponies that Her Majesty has enjoyed over the decades. You have to bear in mind she breeds racehorses, carriage horses, hunters, sports and riding horses, and also polo ponies when, back in the day, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh was playing at a very high level. There are, of course, the rare breeds such as Cleveland Bays for the carriages at Buckingham Palace and of course her beloved Highland and Fell ponies. Here, we cover just a few of Her Majesty’s special horses and ponies. It only scratches the surface of all those The Queen has bred. There are so many more that could be spoken of. Her knowledge and expertise is well known. She names all of her…

ALTHOUGH Royal Ascot will look rather different this year behind closed doors, ITV Racing will be showing six races each day (1.30–5pm) on ITV, from 16 to 20 June. The presenting team will include host Ed Chamberlin, Francesca Cumani, Jason Weaver, Mick Fitzgerald and Luke Harvey. The show will be produced and broadcast in line with social distancing guidelines, with some members of the team joining virtually. The Opening Show (9.30–10.30am) will be presented virtually by Oli Bell on all five days, and Oli will also be at the helm of the “social stable” – where viewers can get involved.…

MOSSY THE Bullen family’s grey 13.2hh was thought to be by a pure-bred Arab. He made his way to the Bullens having originally been found pulling a knacker’s cart in Ireland, and was in poor condition initially. “Dad fed him up, gave him eggs and whisky and God knows what,” says Jennie. Having lovely movement, he did well showing and went hunting and so on with Jennie, and was eventually ridden by her daughter Anne in turn. “You could teach him anything,” recalls Jennie. “I rode him without a bridle, jumped through fire, all sorts of things. My parents nearly sold him once and I was devastated. I nearly died! I loved him.” BUBBLY A 13.2hh pony stallion, who was palomino champion for a decade and very influential in Catherston…

STAR PARADE The ladies’ hunter, owned by Kenny Moore and the late Hilary Green, has died aged 30. He was a prolific winner, as well as a Horse of the Year Show and Royal International finalist with his rider, Louise Graham. CHIANTI’S CHAMPION The jumping stallion has joined Ludger Beerbaum’s yard to be ridden by German Christian Kukuk. He jumped at WEG 2018 with Dutchman Frank Schuttert and for Ireland under Peter Moloney at the 2019 Europeans. PANCAKE Polly and Lorraine Mallendar’s star hunter has been put down, aged 16. He enjoyed eight seasons with the Readyfield Bloodhounds. He and Polly also came second in the 2015 Dianas of the Chase side-saddle race.…

WALKERS Bad walkers of the week, though, were those who rang top eventer Francis Whittington to tell him a horse was blocking a public right of way – or grazing in its field. What did Boris Johnson say about people using common sense? YOGA A Muggle who has been helping with horses recently appeared with horse, in a state of excitement. “She just did this thing, where she scratched her neck with her back foot!” he revealed, in awe. “It was like some sort of yoga.” She’s brilliant at Downwards Horse. MESSAGES An H&H-er hoping to speak to a charity that uses horses to protect rhinos left a message on what she thought was the owner’s phone… but no message was heard. So to whoever got said message and is…

THERE’S been a lot of good advice on veterinary matters in H&H recently. Although, I have to say that when it comes to colic, I have a firm policy. As soon as one horse is showing any signs, I ring the vet immediately. I’ve always believed that if you act quickly, with a bit of luck you can stop it getting to the next stage which is one of the most distressing sights you’ll ever see. Whether you blame the good Lord or evolution, the horse must have been assembled on a Friday afternoon – because no other animal has a worse digestive system. So for me, it’s always a case of calling the vet, no hesitation. And I hope no vets are reading this... because when one says, “He’s…

RACING is back with a vengeance. After a week of watching racing on the TV, mostly staged on the all-weather, we moved to Newmarket for a huge four-day meeting which, even without the crowds, made excellent viewing. Staging racing behind closed doors is no fun if you are an owner or a regular racegoer, but watching through the brilliance ofITV RacingandRacing UK at least made the sport exciting. The 2000 and 1000 Guineas were two fabulous examples of our sport, and well done to Andrew Balding and champion Flat jockey Oisin Murphy, trainer and rider of the 2000 Guineas winner Kameko. The 1000 Guineas went to old guard trainer Aidan O’Brien and jockey Ryan Moore, with Love. Aidan missed out on Saturday when second to Kameko with Wichita. Sadly for…

What’s the best book or last book you’ve read? I haven’t read a book since school and I left there as soon as I could. Now, I only read Horse & Hound and Racing Post. What are your favourite tunes for a road-trip? I like annoying pop songs that are easy to sing along to and the tunes topping the chart. We always have Radio One on in the yard and in the horsebox on the way to the races. Which famous person would you invite to dinner? Robbie Williams. I am a super fan and saw him live in Hyde Park last summer. If you weren’t a rider, you would... It has always been horses since I was a child. If I wasn’t a jockey, I’d love to be…

OWNER/BREEDER SALLY MCMILLAN “IT’S crazy to think that we qualified a home-bred pony for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), let alone won the final. I keep only five mares, including Heronsmill Tiger Lily (Lily), and I don’t breed from each every year, to keep numbers manageable, as I fit the ponies around work as a solicitor. “Lily’s dam, Copybush Eye Of The Tiger (Tiger) – a full sister to 1994 HOYS in-hand supreme champion Copybush Catchphrase – was bred just five miles down the road by Sarah Baker, who now produces Lily. Growing up, I’d always admired the Copybush ponies. A good friend of mine, Wendy Campbell, bought Tiger as a yearling and I’d always coveted her. In 2009, she let me borrow her to have a foal and…

DOZENS of fitness challenges flooded our social media at the start of lockdown – but how many have you managed to keep up? This week’s fitness focus is the side plank – key for working those crucial muscles which help your lateral work, controlling green horses and general yard chores. Those who managed lockdown’s 30-day plank challenge could be ready for the advanced exercise, while those of us who have been taking the last two months rather more sedately may have to start planking from scratch. Whatever your fitness levels, it’s not too late to start now. Stretching PIRIFORMIS STRETCH IN SITTING 45secs, 2 reps Start in a seated position. Cross one leg to rest your ankle on the opposite knee. Apply gentle pressure to the knee as you lean…

THE British Horseracing Authority has developed strict protocols in consultation with the government and public health officials to allow racing to return safely behind closed doors and safeguard everyone’s health and wellbeing. The measures include a three-stage health check that all attendees on course will have to pass, including temperatures being taken on arrival, strict social distancing rules, plus detailed guidance for all participants on how they will have to do things differently on course. Jockeys have been wearing face masks and are required to socially distance while getting changed.…

TURN up to any day’s hunting in Britain and you will find Irish-bred horses among the field – it is almost a badge of ownership to own a “Murphy” or “Paddy”, be they cob, Connemara, Irish Draught or part-thoroughbred. Of course, there are many good British-bred hunters, but it can’t be coincidence that time and again in Horse & Hound’s “Hunter of a Lifetime” feature, the subject has travelled across the Irish Sea. Dealers love them, as do hard-riding thrusters, but a good Irish horse is usually just as happy patiently following the non-jumping field master. Knickers in twists is rarely part of their profile and the Irish hunter takes some beating. It is no different in the world of horse racing. Asked for reasons why Irish horses make such…

WITH such a huge variety of online courses, it’s worth considering a few questions to make sure you choose the right one: 1 Does the company’s website have the right tone and feel for you? 2 Who founded the company, when, why and what are their qualifications? 3 Who is the coursework written by and what are their credentials? 4 Is the course based on a recognised training system? 5 What is your aim; will the course provide you with the qualification you want? Are you looking to increase your knowledge in a specific area, prepare for BHS exams or gain a recognised qualification? 6 How is the coursework provided? Some companies send you PDFs to print at home, others use sophisticated bespoke educational platforms for you to access it…