Innholdsfortegnelse for 13-Oct-2016 i Horse & Hound

THE PONY CLUB will be adding eventing to its new regional championship series in 2017 following the success of this year’s competitions. More than 2,000 grassroots combinations took part in the dressage and showjumping competitions over the summer. Iain Heaton, the Pony Club’s director of operations, told H&H the organisation is “delighted” with how popular the championships have been in their first year. “Each of the qualifying competitions and regional finals had a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, and the members really enjoyed the opportunity to compete as part of a team at a level at which they felt comfortable,” he said. “We hope to see the competition grow next year as we encourage more members to give the competition a try, and with the introduction of eventing we will be creating…

TOP-level riders are not the only individuals benefiting from funding schemes. Sport England identified a decline in the numbers of 16-to-25-year-olds taking up sport, according to statistics from the 2005-2012 Active People Survey, and so aimed to encourage more young people to get involved. The public body’s youth sport strategy for 2012-2017, Creating a Sporting Habit for Life, is designed to increase the number of young people taking part in sport once a week. Part of the plans to achieve this goal involve working with national governing bodies for sport. The BEF’s strategy to tackle this issue is Young Equestrians, which aims not only to retain young people taking part in equestrian sport but also to create appealing social clubs that attract new young people to the sport. Originally developed…

PEOPLE engaging in contact or risk sports such as riding who suffer three or more bouts of concussion increase their risk of suffering persistent post-concussive syndrome (PCS), which could be linked to neurological issues in later life, writes Julie Harding. Prof Huw Williams, associate professor of clinical neuropsychology at the University of Exeter, has drawn this interim conclusion from studies involving the effects of repeat concussions in active rugby players, but he says the same can be applied to equestrians. The study shows that multiple concussions, which are particularly common among riders, skiers and rugby players, can affect the integrity of diffuse white matter tracts, which carry signals between brain systems, such as the frontal lobe of the brain, which is responsible for concentration and judgement, and the temporal lobe…

RETAILER Ride-Away has been sold to the owners of Derby House. Martin Turley, managing director of new owner Newtyle Nominees, said he was “pleased to acquire this well-managed business” and is looking forward to developing it. Mr Turley said it would be business as usual for both operations, which will retain their branding. Ride-Away will continue to trade from its store in Sutton-on-the-Forest, near York, as well as its website, while Derby House will remain solely online.…

DRESSAGE RIDERS Lucy Mae Bush, 13, Jemima Stratton, 14, and Jess Parsons, 21, have won mentoring sessions with Paralympian Natasha Baker (pictured). The riders will also receive sponsorship and equestrian photoshoots thanks to the competition run by Jo Hansford Photography. VOLUNTEERING The recruitment of volunteers to join Racing Welfare’s pilot volunteering programme in the south-west has begun. Regional volunteer manager Carrie Lamb will be visiting racecourses over the next three months to promote opportunities. A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY The Exeter branch of Riding for the Disabled Association is celebrating 50 years of operation. The group marked the occasion by giving riding displays at Powderham Castle. FEMALE JOCKEYS A new racing series for women jockeys to take place next year across nine venues has a minimum prize fund of £100,000.…

HUMAN-horse interaction could be more easily detected in future thanks to a wearable system explored in a recent study. The team of researchers from the University of Pisa, Italy, monitored interaction between the two species by analysing their heart rate variability. The wearable system comprised a “sensorised T-shirt” for the human and an “elastic smart belt” for the horse. Three phases of interaction were carried out while the heart rates of both animals were recorded. For the first phase, the human sat on a chair in a stable, while the horse was free to move about in a stable next door. For the second, the horse was moved into the same stable as the human, who remained seated. In the final phase, the human stood and groomed the horse. The…

SCHOOL FOR THOUGHT Sir — As a granny with many years’ experience in the equestrian world, I was most impressed on my first visit to the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) Jumping with Style competition at Hartpury College. All the competitors took pride in competing for their schools; they were well turned-out, polite, every competitor warmed up their own horse or pony and I did not see a single rider under-horsed. Why are our show pony societies finding it so difficult to address the problem of very large riders on overweight ponies when the NSEA do not appear to have this problem? Jessica Middleton Tenbury Wells, Worcs WEIGHING IN Sir — I was interested in your story, “Action on rider weight” (news, 22 September), stating that the British Equestrian Federation…

Getting away from it all… I’m not a brilliant skier — I have my own style — but I’ll happily ski all day and we’re lucky enough to have some owners who let us use their place in Meribel (above). Sitting on the best horse… Mondriaan (treble Derby winner, main picture) was so sure-footed and easy to ride. Sometimes on Derby morning it feels as if it’s going to be a fight rather than a pleasure, but he was so genuine. My favourite show… Hickstead is my local show but it’s fantastic that it’s still one of the world’s best venues. If you win the King George or the Derby there, you’ve had a good year. My biggest influence… I’ve always looked up to John Whitaker (below) for his patience…

Conformation IT has been suggested that horses with straight hock (and dropped fetlock) conformation are more likely to suffer suspensory ligament injuries - probably because this conformation makes the horse more likely to hyperextend the fetlock during normal locomotion and place greater strain on the ligament. Movement EXTRAVAGANT movers tend to flex their joints and extend the fetlock, which could put more strain on suspensory ligaments. The more “uphill” a horse appears, the greater the strain likely to be experienced by the hind suspensory ligaments in trot. Training BEING asked to perform and repeat movements without adequate muscle strength or endurance, flexibility or fitness can result in the horse using incorrect muscle patterns. Parts of the body are then overloaded to compensate for the weakness, leading to abnormal strain on…

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HORSE of the Year Show is Horse of the Year Show and there is nothing to beat it. Winning the supreme on Our Cashel Blue was amazing. It’s so touching because everyone knows Blue; he’s so popular. Wherever we go, everyone says “Hi Blue” and “Well done Blue”, he has this appeal. In the preliminary judging for the supreme it was very hard to call — I don’t think you can ever predict a supreme. You sometimes get one or two that half mess up or are not quite settled, but on Sunday every horse gave its best. It was a very, very good supreme. Everyone had made a big effort, worked out what they were doing and did a little bit of something different — and that’s what it’s…

RESULTS Riding horse/hack (K Jerram, R Oliver). — 1 hack, E Melnyk’s Izzat Starlight; 1 rh, C Hiscock’s Aramis; 2, H Bird’s Hyperions Lady Boy; 3, C Marshall’s Runestone. riding club show horse. — 1, J Eyton-Jones’ Kerannen Brynn; 2, S Clare’s Roos Dead Ringer; 3, A Cooper’s Kass. hunter. — 1 & ch, V Rogers’ Yorkies Purple Diamond; 2, C Blair’s Equador; 3, K Dunkley’s Brogeen Bronco. working hunter. — 1, L Halsall’s Geoffrey; 2, C Elwes’ Harry Duke; 3, C Pearson’s Zorra Verte. cob. — 1, A Johnson’s Quintons Ernest; 2, K Riddle’s Corrabaun Kingdom; 3, B Kingsley Payne’s Spartacus III. show pony. — 1, M Kivell’s Newoak Flower Girl; 1 SHP & res, J Jesson’s Greensyke Sonny Boy; 2, V Hill’s Thirkleby Easter Parade; 3, G Neve’s…

Boekelo, Netherlands 6-9 OCTOBER BRITAIN scored an imperious victory at the final eventing Nations Cup of 2016, finishing 36.2 marks ahead of their nearest rivals. Oliver Townend spearheaded with third on Angela Hislop’s Ramiro B son Cooley SRS, who won Ballindenisk CCI3* last year. “It’s a top event and he’s only nine, so this bodes well for the future,” said Oliver. Laura Collett claimed fifth on her dressage score with the precociously talented Mr Bass, last year’s seven-year-old world champion, who belongs to his rider, Keith and Louise Scott and Nick and Lyn How. Izzy Taylor scooped seventh on Patricia Turner’s leggy Trevidden, a ride she gained a month ago when previous jockey Simon Grieve suffered an injury. “He wants to do what you ask and that’s the majority of…

IT has been very positive for the sport this year that most of the big events haven’t been dressage competitions. We went through a phase a few years ago where the dressage was excessively influential, but for example at Badminton, Burghley, Rio and Boekelo, the jumping phases have played the biggest part in the end result. But discrepancies in dressage judging continued in Boekelo; for example, Lauren Kieffer, second after dressage, was placed first by the American judge and 35th by the Hungarian. One judge had Sidney Dufresne in second, another had him in 24th and the other in 37th. Surely that can’t be right? The whole issue of dressage judging in eventing needs to be looked at. We as riders are having to hone our skills ever further —…

Third time lucky MEDIUM bronze winner Rhythm ‘N’ Blues (Jazzdancer x Havidoff) repaid all Dana Stevens’ love and care with a personal best of 69.65% in a straight test. Dana has owned the 14-year-old (pictured) - bred by her trainer Jackie Hinds - for 10 years and has had to nurse him through multiple injuries. As a four-year-old he had an operation for kissing spine and two years ago had time off with a hindleg ligament injury. “We’ve qualified twice before. In 2010 he got a skin abrasion that turned into a staph infection and in 2013 we had a mare and foal on the yard and didn’t want to risk infection during the equine herpes virus outbreak by going to the show,” said Dana.…

British Hanoverian Horse Society Show & Grading, Keysoe EC, Beds 24-25 SEPTEMBER HAWTINS STUD’S four-year-old San Floriana (San Amour x Florestan) continued her winning ways for owner-breeder Judith Davis when standing supreme champion at this year’s British Hanoverian Horse Society (BHHS) show. A week earlier, the brown mare was crowned champion four-year-old dressage horse at the British Dressage national championships. At the BHHS show, San Floriana claimed several accolades on her way to the ultimate prize; she received the highest score in the performance test, won the four-and five-year-old mare class and was overall mare champion before standing supreme. San Floriana was following in the footsteps of her dam, Hawtins Floriana, who is now competing at small tour and last week contested the inter I freestyle at Horse of the…

Croome and West Warwickshire AFTER a lovely summer where there was a big kennel spring clean, the puppy show came and went, rides were cleared, new jumps built and old ones were refurbished. Now it’s on to the serious business of autumn hunting. The seven couple of puppies have entered well, especially the two couple that were late whelps. We made a start on 25 August but after three and a half hours of feeling our way in the mist we gave it best. It’s amazing the number of members that come out at “silly o’clock” to follow their beloved hounds, however these early mornings are most magical and are certainly the best time of the day. Our trail-layers sometimes make our hounds’ lives most interesting, but maybe it’s the…

Bicester, Newton Morrell, Oxon 9 OCTOBER RELENTLESS showed their class to win the Skinner’s Pet Foods open qualifier despite starting as a team of just three. The Bicester course is held on flat ground over a succession of solid blackthorn hedges with a section of river crossings at its heart, and the twists and turns suited the Relentless team’s style. Matt Mackley led them off on Piggy, and they jumped better and better as the round progressed and the hedges got bigger. Luke Morgan took the lead to slice through the angles after the water, and Rowan Cope’s Arthur showed his growing confidence with some huge leaps. The only hitch came when Matt took a long one at the corner and had to sit tight as Piggy blundered, but he…

GREAT BRITAIN finished second in the 2016 FEI Nations Cup eventing series after a win at the final leg in Boekelo. As each country’s best seven team scores from across the series count, Germany took the title, although they finished fourth at the Netherlands event (6-9 October). Oliver Townend (Cooley SRS), Laura Collett (Mr Bass) and Izzy Taylor (Trevidden) finished third, fifth and seventh respectively to secure the win for Britain, with Flora Harris (Bayano) the fourth team member. British Nations Cup chef d’equipe Philip Surl said it was great to have this “very strong finish” to the 2016 series. “There were 12 teams and we were fielding two young horses [Mr Bass and Cooley SRS], and one [Trevidden] who was quite inexperienced and had only been with his rider…

KILVINGTON SCOUNDREL The super-sire was put down aged 25 after a bout of colic. The stallion sired a number of show champions, including hack Pearly King, HOYS supreme The Philanderer and RIHS supreme pony Dance All Night. SAMBERTINO The KWPN stallion has been put down aged 23 as “age caught up with him”. Sambertino had a successful ridden career, and sired grand prix dressage winners across the world, as well as Paralympic horses, showjumpers, eventers and show horses. KEYFLOW Tim Lips retired his four-star ride at the Nations Cup final in Boekelo (6-9 October). The 2014 World Equestrian Games team bronze medal-winning gelding, who was seventh at Badminton that year, finished 19th in his final competition. WHATCROFT EXCALIBUR The former working hunter pony champion has been put down aged 25.…

NICK SKELTON Nick was named British Equestrian of the Year at a presentation at the Horse of the Year Show on 9 October. The showjumping legend also won the British Showjumping award at this year’s British Showjumping Awards Ball on 4 October. LUCIANA DINIZ The Portuguese showjumper, who was placed ninth individually at Rio 2016, is out of action after breaking her foot. Luciana shared the news on social media on 4 October. It is not known when she will be able to return to the saddle. MICHELLE PAYNE The Melbourne Cup-winning jockey is to combine race-riding with a new training career. Michelle suffered a career-threatening injury in May and needed surgery, but returned to the track last month. LES SMITH Mr Smith was voted on to the BE board…

THE British Equestrian Federation, the British Horse Society (BHS) and British Dressage are among the bodies working with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) to promote parents’ role in sport. The Pony Club announced on 21 September it was among 100 bodies backing the NSPCC’s parents in sport week (3-9 October). A webinar focusing on how parents can help children enjoy sport and perform to the best of their ability was held on Friday (7 October). Its aims were to urge bodies to promote parents’ positive role, help officials understand this role and help parents support children. A BHS spokesman said: “Without parents’ assistance, many children wouldn’t have the opportunity to ride. “It does take time and investment. But the results can be invaluable; we…

A new “gold standard” register of approved animal osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists will benefit horses and owners, according to professionals, writes Eleanor Jones . Both Defra and the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) support the Register for Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP). The initiative came about after a Defra-led review, which looked into the exemption order that allows non-vets to carry out veterinary procedures. It found the industry includes different qualifications and approaches, which could confuse owners and potentially put animal welfare at risk. Dr Vav Simon, of the McTimoney Chiropractic Association, said practitioners currently work to different standards. “We’re trying to be as inclusive as possible but to set the standards the vets want, or it’s not worth doing” she told H&H . “They want a standard they’re confident to…

A RELUCTANT ROYAL Prince George looked in a hurry to dismount from a pony he was invited to ride. The royals were attending a party during their visit to Canada. A SPRAY-PAINTED HORSE Police are investigating after a horse in the Czech Republic was spray-painted with white stripes, leaving it resembling a zebra. HARD-UP GARDENERS Horse manure has been listed for sale on website Gumtree. The listing offers a “large quantity of fresh and well rotted” horse poo that is apparently “perfect for gardens and allotments”. A SOGGY RIDER An unlucky rider took a tumble during a photoshoot. US-based Sue Allegretta had dressed her horse up as a unicorn and donned her wedding dress before saddling up, but ended up falling into the water. Fortunately only her pride was hurt.…

DRESSAGE The British Dressage Veteran Horse and Rider Championships take place at Vale View Equestrian Centre, Leics, on 14-16 October. www.britishdressage.co.uk HUNTING CLINIC Boost your confidence on the hunting field with a schooling clinic at Lyneham Heath, near Chipping Norton, with Michael von Houben. www.equoevents.co.uk TWILIGHT TOUR See the private grounds of Hampton Court from a Shire-drawn tram on 18-21 October. Rides leave from Kingston Gate at 6pm and 7pm. www.operationcentaur.com MONTY ROBERTS Kelly Marks and Monty Roberts’ Living Legend UK tour starts at Myerscough College, Lancs, on 15 October with dates across the country until 12 November. intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk EXHIBITION Lucy Sewill’s Horses & Humans photographic exhibition takes place at Sculpture by the Lakes in Dorset on 15 October-5 November. www.sculpturebythelakes.co.uk RACING Go to British Champions Day at Ascot on…

I suspect many of us wait with anticipation for the outcome of the recent Parliamentary debate regarding horse and rider road safety (news, 6 October). The suggestion that some responsibility lies with driving schools to teach people how to pass horses on the roads safely is a point I agree on wholeheartedly following my recent experience with my horse. Due to a back injury and the desire to maintain my horse’s fitness, I took him out on the local rural roads with him in-hand. I left the yard fully equipped with a reflective vest, boots and rug. What I did not appreciate is how utterly terrifying the modern “rural” roads are from ground level. The vest states boldly “Please pass wide and slow”. The reality is that drivers pass wide…

‘Nothing changes in the rhythm, frame and direction’Spencer Wilton on transitions in a 20m circle “THE goal of the rider is ultimately to control the horse’s body and to help it develop its strength so it can do its job,” says Spencer Wilton. “One of the most important aims of flatwork training is to teach the horse to step his hindlegs more under his body. This enables the horse to thrust forward and at the same time to lighten the forehand. “This is important for the more advanced dressage movements, but every horse will benefit from stronger hindquarters whatever its job. Jumping and event horses need to be able to lift off their hind end while being able to sit back and balance before a fence. “These are the exercises…

The weight police FOR the first time, stewards were briefed to police the suitability of riders working-in small ponies and some were advised that their size was deemed “inappropriate”. “The Great Yorkshire [Show] took a stand on this earlier this year and we felt they should not be alone,” said Grandstand’s Sandy Anderson. “All competitors were warned about this in a letter sent out with their competitor packs two weeks before the show - giving them time to find alternative riders if necessary. “It is important from a welfare point of view - as well as people’s perception and the example it sets - that something is done about this issue, but we have no intention of interfering in what happens in the ring and children’s safety also has to…

Katie Brown and Tonlyn Tigger Two BOLTON-based home-producer Katie Brown was overcome when her own pony, Tonlyn Tigger Two, headed the 23-strong Welsh section C line-up. “I’ve had him for three years and he hasn’t been the easiest,” said Katie, who normally rides for other owners and had never even qualified a pony of her own before. “I just thought that as long as he behaved, I didn’t care what the result was. If someone had said we would win, I’d just have laughed.”…

CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN returned to the winner’s spotlight at HOYS on this occasion in a different discipline. Last time she won a title in the purple-adorned arena, it was in showing. This time, aboard Carl Hester and Ann Cory’s eight-year-old Hawtins Delicato (Diamond Hit x Regazzoni), she scored 78.6% to lead a small, quality intermediate I freestyle field in the Arbonne Future Elite Championship . “There are lots of childhood memories for me being here,” she said. “Going into the main arena under the spotlight was always every girl’s dream, so to ride here again, to win and have the presentation under the spotlight was brilliant.” Charlotte and Del’s programme was set to Simon and Garfunkel tunes. Their test started to strains of The 59th Street Bridge Song and began with…

Fifty years ago to the day HILARY BARFOOT-SAUNT had a surprise when she discovered her family and husband Tom had sponsored this year’s 128cm championship in honour of their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple got married on 8 October 1966 and went to HOYS to watch the evening performance after their wedding reception. “It was 50 years ago to the day and my mother had a friend at the British Show Jumping Association who got us tickets for HOYS,” said Tom, who met Hilary in 1964 when he was looking for somewhere to put his horses at livery. “This is the first time we’ve been back.” “They managed to keep it a secret,” said Hilary, who is assistant district commissioner of the Ledbury branch of the Pony Club. “I had…

Why didn’t Britain win the Nations Cup series? BRITAIN led the series by five points going into Boekelo but confusingly, despite winning this leg, finished second overall. This is because nations can only count results from seven out of nine legs and Britain already had seven results on the board. By winning, they added 45 points (dropping the 55 points for sixth in Fontainebleau and counting the 100 points for the Boekelo win) for a total of 600. Germany only had six results in the series before Boekelo so could add the full points for their finish here. By taking fourth, they acquired 70 points to finish on 620.…

Short odds FENCE judges were running a book as to who might be Monday’s unfortunate driver: on Saturday an ambulance slid into a ditch, on Sunday it was a waste removal vehicle. Shortest odds, 5/4, were on BE technical advisor David Merrett, with the tea van running at 5/1. Getting technical LITTLE DOWNHAM was trialling a new IT system boasting both an app for public consumption and a more in-depth officials’ cross-country resource, with regularly updated analysis. Designed by commentator/ controller Benji Unwin, it aims to reduce radio calls which block the airwaves, improve access to key information, enable better decision-making, such as when a class is running late, and encourage the reinforcement of good practice. “The system has been in use for 250 hours this season and only frozen…

‘He was quite a handful . We’ve had highs and serious lows but it’s been a great journey’Darcas Lever on her quirky gelding Valentijn Senior Home International, Sheepgate Equestrian, Lincs 30 SEPTEMBER-2 OCTOBER REFORMED character Valentijn WG won his fourth consecutive advanced medium/prix st georges individual title, helping Team Blueberry bring victory home to the North-West for the second year running. Darcas Lever rode her quirky 14-year-old gelding to a double win, providing a springboard for success for team-mates Samantha Fish, Ruth Kennerley and Melanie Rowley. It’s a remarkable record for Valentijn, who had earned himself a reputation for rearing and bolting when Darcas took him on to sell eight years ago. “He was quite a handful,” said Darcas, who spotted raw talent that needed harnessing. “We’ve had highs and…

Trakehners UK Show & Mare Grading, Keysoe EC, Beds 3-4 SEPTEMBER AT the end of the annual two-day show, Holme Grove Inger, bred by leading Trakehner breeders Holme Grove Farm, was bedecked in sashes and rosettes. The chestnut seven-year-old mare, by the stud’s Elite stallion Holme Park Krug, stood supreme champion, was “best British-bred” and both mare performance and mare grading champion from the seven mares forward for grading. “Entering was a bit of an afterthought and most unexpected that Inger would have such a successful weekend,” said Susan Attew of Holme Trakehners. “She is currently training under saddle as she is for sale, but if she is not sold we will breed her next year to an outcross as she is related to all of our stallions.” The reserve…

Verdo Horse Bedding British Riding Clubs Dressage to Music Championship, Bury Farm, Bucks 30 SEPTEMBER-2 OCTOBER MARES were on top form, winning three out of the four senior championships at Bury Farm. The competition featured a wide variety of ponies and horses dancing around the arena — from extravagant gypsy cobs, floating Friesians, cheeky ponies to expressive warmbloods and even an ex-police horse. They performed to classical music, Adele hits, and everything in between. Sue Lanz (Taunton RC) has previously won the novice, elementary and pairs championships at the riding clubs championships and she has now added the pick-your-own (medium and advanced medium) championship to the list. She was riding Wellshead Foxtrot, a home-bred 14-year-old by Matinee Du Madon. Foxtrot’s mother (by Ben Faerie) was also bred by Sue, as…

Sarah Coles SARAH missed several of the early season events due to ill health, which saw her hospitalised, but bounced back to complete her first open with the attractive palomino mare Honey for the Cunning Stunts. “I’m due to have major surgery but I’ve postponed it until the season finishes because I don’t want to miss any more team chases,” she said. “I’ve always stuck to intermediates with Honey before because she’s very precious to me, and my daughter Georgina has been showjumping her, but she made the open track feel easy. I wanted to ride with my friend Emma Fox and knew we weren’t going to go flat out but now we’ve qualified for the national championships.”…

British Horse Feeds’ Red Dragon Festival of Endurance, Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells 30 SEPTEMBER-2 OCTOBER IT was a ride of two halves in the 160km Speedi-Beet Red Dragon, won by elite rider Tricia Hirst, from Welshpool, on Vlacq Bronze Image at 12.06kph. There were 11 entries forward for the demanding two-day class. The event started in heavy rain, with poor visibility and treacherous going on the open hills. This made it hard to maintain constant speeds, leading to slower finishing speeds, but a real sense of achievement. At the end of day one, all 11 entries were still in contention going into the overnight hold, with Karen Jones (Treasured Moonbeam) and Nicky Sherry (Silver Zourra) three minutes ahead of Tricia Hirst. By contrast, the low mist burned off on…

THE Billy Stud hopes an online auction it is holding this month will help change the way horses are bought and sold in the UK, writes Eleanor Jones. William and Pippa Funnell and Donal Barnwell are selling 10 three-year-olds from the Surrey stud, in what William said is “just the start of what we’re trying to achieve”. “We’re following the model of European sales, where a lot is online,” he told H&H. “Both Pippa and I are coming to the end of our careers so we’re looking at how we can shorten the production time, from breeding to sale. Breeders have to be able to do that, to make breeding more commercial. “Anyone looking for a horse can see 10 in one place. It’s easier for sellers and buyers.” Videos…

Showjumper Laura Renwick has been sanctioned by the FEI after her ride Heliodor Hybris tested positive for a controlled substance. • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ heliodor-hybris Hopetoun Horse Trials has been held for the last time, as organisers say it is not financially viable to continue the event. • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ hopetoun-horse-trials Nick Skelton and Big Star were unsurprisingly among the winners at the 2016 British Showjumping Awards Ball. • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ bs-ball-awards British Eventing has agreed to trial an extension to its season, with an extra affiliated fixture on 4-5 November at Aston-le-Walls. • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ eventing-november The chance to enjoy a half-day’s hunting on 2010 Burghley winner Lenamore (pictured) is on offer at a hunt’s auction of promises. • www.horseandhound.co.uk/ ride-lenamore-hunting A video of an elderly lady who suffers from Parkinson’s having a final ride has gone viral online, with more than 73,000 views.…

THE FEI’s technical committees are studying national federations’ feedback on the Agenda 2020 plans. The federations had considered the proposals, which aim to keep equestrian sport “modern and relevant”, and include cutting Olympic teams from four to three members (news, 14 April), and sent in comments. The FEI said the feedback would be taken into account in proposals it will send back to the federations this month (25 October). They will then vote on the finalised plans during the FEI’s general assembly in Tokyo on 22 November.…

CAROLINE MACASKILL SHOWJUMPER Mrs MacAskill died in a riding accident on 2 October. The 52-year-old was the winner of the 2015-16 British Showjumping (BS) 70cm and 80cm Scottish club leagues and had been due to receive an honour at the BS Awards Ball on 4 October. BS and Caledonian Riding Club (CRC) are among those who paid tribute to the rider. “She gave terrific support to the CRC,” said a CRC spokesman. “Her good-humoured enthusiasm shone through everything she did. “She will be so much missed and was a wonderful example of doing what you love most with commitment and courage.” RIMAS RIMKUS THE Lithuanian showjumper died on 4 October following a schooling fall. Emergency services attended, but Mr Rimkus died before he could be taken to hospital. “He died…

IF you want to stand out from the crowd, why not show off your equine style with some new footwear? US-based Chaos Costumes’ “Hoof Shoes” have been taking the internet by storm, with millions tuning in to watch a model sporting a pair of the hairy clogs. In the video, which has been viewed more than 13 million times, a woman stomps around and paws the ground with the shoes. The design features a brown hoof with detachable furry feathers. “The construction of these hooves is of high strength resin fused to four-inch heeled shoes,” said Blair Ondrla of Chaos Costumes. “The fur ‘boot’ covers are detachable from the base hooves, so you are not bound to having fuzzy feet.” A pair of the shoes costs $285 (£225), while the…

WELL, what a HOYS! I always enjoy the Birmingham buzz and this year seemed bigger than ever. I only made it in to watch the Cuddy in-hand (report, p46) judging in the TopSpec arena when I flashed my press accreditation. It had become so packed that spectators were being turned away. So disappointing for those who missed out but wow — who says showing doesn’t put bums on seats? On Thursday, however, I found myself sitting with people not familiar with showing during the ladies’ side-saddle championship. They couldn’t follow what was happening and quickly lost interest. I don’t know how one tries to make showing more accessible without potentially swinging opinion over the loudspeaker. But once I pointed out The Queen’s Barbers Shop, the reigning champion Hello Dolly and…

BOTH front and hind limbs have a suspensory ligament, which runs down the back of the leg parallel to the cannon bone (see diagram). In the forelimb, the top of the ligament is attached to the back of the cannon bone, just below the knee, with a small accessory branch attaching to the back of the lower bones of the knee. In the hindlimb, the ligament starts at the back of the hock, with one part attaching to the back of the fourth tarsal bone (within the hock joint) and a second, larger part attaching to the back of the cannon bone below the hock. From the mid-cannon region, the ligament splits into two branches, which continue down to the level of the fetlock joint where they attach to the…

No rush • As eventing is expensive, I don’t rush my youngsters to affiliated competitions, but instead I do unaffiliated dressage and combined training. Variety is the spice of life • I believe in variety and so I take my horses cubbing, hunting and drag hunting, and sometimes team chasing. • They don’t all hunt — certainly not the hot ones — but if some of them are spooky over natural fences it certainly helps. Keep it simple • I start almost all of my horses off in snaffles. I actually possess quite a basic range of bits. • You have to be sensible if a horse is particularly strong, but as I produce most of mine myself I get a feel for them early on and what they will…

‘Very correct with super mechanics’ FACED with such a variety of types and breeds - particularly in the 14-strong pony section - judges Liz Mansfield-Parnell and National Hunt breeder and trainer Robert Goldie had agreed on their criteria. “No animal is perfect so you have to balance its good points against those that are a little disappointing,” said Liz. “With the native ponies, I was looking for breed type as well as correctness of action. “The overall winner [Moelgarnedd Stadros] fulfilled both criteria, and had presence and manners. The Shetland [Sharptor Trinity] was also very correct with super mechanics. It was a real little pattern and set about its job - it was a terrific goer.” Robert was smitten from the outset with the horse victor, Ballycreen Rainbow Magic. “This…

ANOTHER HOYS has been and gone, and as always by the end you are physically and emotionally drained. But despite the sleep deprivation and long-distance walking, coupled with the pressure of competing, we will all no doubt be back in 2017. This year there seemed to be a great atmosphere and very few niggles. However, working-in times featured as a huge topic of conversation around the showground. Showing competitors were allowed only half an hour at night and 20 minutes in the morning, which is simply not enough time to prepare these animals for such an important occasion. We are lucky enough to live close to the NEC and can therefore work all ours at home and then transport them across, but I do feel for competitors who do not…

NICK SKELTON and Big Star’s guest appearance was their first on UK soil since claiming the Olympic individual gold in Rio. Nick said the horse would be aimed at Toronto, Madrid and Geneva before returning to British shores to compete at Olympia this Christmas. “I’m going there to try to give something back to the people who supported me and the fans in Britain, because otherwise they don’t get a chance to see him,” said Nick, who was awarded the 2016 HOYS Equestrian of the Year on Sunday evening. PUISSANCE competitor David Murdoch was making the most of the occasion to raise funds for his friend and fellow Heathfield and Waldron Rugby Club member Joe Sandford, who spent five months in a coma following a car crash in New Zealand…

Driven round the S-bend THE most influential fence was number 7abc, the Teesinkbos Paddock - three triple brush arrowheads on an S-bend, with no alternatives. All three elements caused problems, with 25 competitors faulting here including two fallers. “I don’t think we’ve seen anything like that before,” said the USA’s Lauren Kieffer, adding that it was the first proper combination on the track and that this complex around the three-minute mark is always difficult. “You’ve galloped quite a bit and been in the woods and the horses are not quite ready for it.” Most riders had to pull their horses out to the left after the second element and make a ragged turn to the third. Laura Collett was one of the few who managed a smooth line. “Even when…

‘More judges are judging on the quality of movement and not just a flashy performance’Keri Ann Rockingham-Smith on how judging is changing Crofton Manor Petplan Equine Area Festival, Fareham, Hants 7-9 OCTOBER KERI ANN ROCKINGHAMSMITH will not be able to describe Sundance (Samuel) as “an ordinary” horse after he snatched the inter I championship from more traditionally bred dressage horses. She first saw Samuel as a scrawny 13.2hh 18-month-old of unknown breeding. “He was given to a friend for nothing as he was such a nightmare to handle and the family who had him couldn’t cope,” explained Keri Ann. “Once he was started he was so good under saddle that I bought him. He was still awful to handle but I didn’t want someone to buy him who would get…

Olympic inspiration THE opening ceremony centred around the theme of “Olympics past and present”, with competitors parading in costumes and with mascots representing the international venues they were allocated. The North-West region was given London, later choosing to use the stable names of the British dressage horses in Rio this summer as their team titles - hence, teams Blueberry (for Valegro), Barney (Nip Tuck), Tillie (Atterupgaards Orthilia), Neville (Super Nova II) and Rufus (Rubin Al Asad). “It was very nice to be associated with Valegro,” said team member Darcas Lever after a fitting win for Team Blueberry. A further Olympic link set the winners on the pathway to success, as Lou Jones explained. “When a couple of us went to a yard day at Carl Hester’s earlier in the week,…

CARL HESTER’S comment about young professionals (YP) doing an X Factor- style lecture demo was a great idea (comment, 22 September). There should be training for them to do this. Nerves can kick in but necessity has always been the mother of invention and those YPs who run businesses to support their riding rather than relying on support from other sources need to develop communication skills — shyness is a luxury for those who can afford it! It led me to think about the other skills needed to succeed in this highly competitive industry. Traditionally, YPs started as working pupils with the opportunity to learn on the job with invaluable “real-life” experience gained by training with support and supervision. The downside has been that these positions can be abused and…

OAP New Forest pony in pairs triumph SARAH GODDARD’S Hurstfield Billy Bigalo (William) came out of retirement at the age of 23 to partner Sophie Albery and Wayland Arabesque to win the pairs championship (pictured, with William on the left) for the New Forest Pony Enthusiasts at their third attempt. “My other horse has too many points so William had to put his dancing shoes back on,” said Sarah. “He retired from affiliated classes last year and after this he can put his carpet slippers back on.” Both riders and ponies know each other well and this showed in a charming programme where the ponies were virtually step for step throughout - despite Arabesque not having practised the test. “She anticipates so much that I practised with another horse,” explained…

‘Gambrinus taught me you have to ask, not tell, a stallion — he taught me to be tactful’ GAMBRINUS was a chestnut Hanoverian stallion by Grosso Z, bought for me by Pinkie Heintz when he was a three-year-old. Together, we worked up through the levels, being placed in young horse classes and winning national titles from medium up to grand prix, the latter of which he won two years running. We represented Britain at numerous internationals, including the 2001 European Championships and 2002 World Equestrian Games, and we were reserves for the Sydney and Athens Olympics. He was quite a laid-back character with his own little ways. You couldn’t make him do something he wasn’t keen on, and loading him could be an issue — once he’d decided he wasn’t…