Innholdsfortegnelse for 22-Apr-2021 i Horse & Hound

WHENEVER we’re asked “what are the greatest problems that horse owners face?”, the first answer is inevitably “horse health”. When I talk to people who aren’t familiar with horses they are astounded as to how much can go wrong, medically speaking, with an equine, and how challenging it can be to even establish a diagnosis. I hope that after so many breaks in momentum over the past 18 months you won’t face yet more this year by having a horse on box rest (feature, p30), though there always is a certain inevitability with horses. Meanwhile, if you have an older horse in work I hope an easier year has prolonged his active lifestyle if anything (feature, p36). As we continue to look forward to Tokyo – 13 weeks and counting…

A RUCKUS over number bibs has been sparked by a mid-season British Eventing (BE) rule change. Companies had started selling reusable numbers that fit inside competitor bibs, in reaction to BE’s Covid regulations. As part of the sport’s safe return last year, BE said riders should print their bib numbers before arriving, instead of collecting them from the secretary on the day. Several brands reacted by producing reusable numbers. Many competed using these throughout 2020 and the start of this season; BE itself announced an official partnership with reusable brand NumberPro on 1 April. But the situation has since reached a sticking point. From 13 April, organisers have discretion on number provision to ensure sponsorship agreements are fulfilled. They may provide printed numbers or templates, or require riders to print…

CHARITY FORMED IN ROSE’S HONOUR THE family of late Aintree chair Rose Paterson has formed a suicide prevention charity in her memory. The Rose Paterson Trust was launched on the day of the 2021 Grand National (10 April) at the racecourse. Mrs Paterson was also inducted as an Aintree legend, when a plaque bearing her name was unveiled in the hall of fame. Her husband Owen Paterson, MP for North Shropshire, paid tribute to his late wife and added that money raised will be put towards projects and charities they hope will prevent suicide “and might just save that one family”. ● Visit: rosepatersontrust.com BEVA CONGRESS RETURNS IN 2021 THE 2021 British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) congress will take place on 4 to 7 September at the ICC, Birmingham. The…

THE past year has been tough for many people – and horses. In the past 12 months, rescued cob Paddy has overcome cancer and losing the sight in one eye – and his heart stopped for 45 minutes during surgery. Owner Helen Buckley said she discovered the growths, which were found to be cancerous, while she was cleaning the horse’s sheath. Three procedures later – one to remove his penis and one under sedation as his heart had stopped under anaesthetic – Paddy has adjusted to losing half his vision, and to urinating backwards. “It’s been a really tough time, but he’s such a trooper and I couldn’t give up on him,” Helen said. “But if I hadn’t washed his willy that time, he’d be dead now.”…

pippa.roome@futurenet.com @pipparoomeorkyle ALEC LOCHORE’S cross-country course for the CCI4*-S at Burnham Market was the best since I’ve been competing there. It was difficult enough, but nice to ride round with good distances and lines. I thought the intermediate track had been made for the open intermediate horses, rather than the “normal” intermediate horses, though, and it was the same at Weston Park and Tweseldown. I might be getting old, but some of the questions at all three events were pretty strong for proper intermediate horses. At this time of year – and especially considering that the riders who weren’t in the “elite” bracket have had very little opportunity to go cross-country – you do need intermediate courses that aren’t just designed with older, experienced horses in mind. I’m a big…

jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald GRAND NATIONAL-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore has brought our wonderful sport back on the front pages of the national newspapers for all the right reasons. The sport has suffered a difficult 12 months and Rachael has produced good stories in bucketloads – what she has achieved over the past month is staggering. She is a remarkable rider; she takes no prisoners as she is tough and hugely competitive on the racecourse, then charming, shy and understated in post-race interviews. What the two English racing festivals, Cheltenham and Aintree, have revealed though is a huge bias towards Irish runners – to such an extent that trainers on this side of the Irish Sea are panicking that our horses are not good enough. “The racing industry in England needs to look…

Need to know KEYSTONE DAWN CHORUS Age: 10 Breeding: Dimaggio x Escudo Studbook: British Hanoverian Breeder: Suzanne Lavandera Rider: Natasha Baker Owner: Natasha Baker, Philip Baker, Christian Landolt, Joanna Jensen Greatest achievements: novice silver reserve champion at National Dressage Championships 2019; triple gr III victory at Keysoe CPEDI3* 2019; gr III champion at Para Winter Championships 2020; triple gr III victory at Keysoe CPEDI3* 2020. RIDER NATASHA BAKER “‘LOTTIE’ is like my little Mary Poppins, as she is practically perfect in every way. She is very sweet, both to ride and in the stable. She is food-obsessed and will do anything for the munchies, and she has such a kind, generous personality – she loves to work and is willing. She will go into any arena or atmosphere and she…

IT’S a hard call knowing when your horse is ready to be retired. “All horses reach an age where they are no longer able to cope with the demands of a particular discipline, be that through individual injuries or a combination of reduced fitness,” says Matt Chesworth. “You’ll get a feeling when your horse no longer enjoys work. He’ll likely be reluctant to go forward, struggle to maintain fitness and niggles become more evident with a reduction in performance. It could be that he drops down a few levels if he is still keen to be in work or is retired to gentle hacking. Each horse is an individual so discuss with your vet what is best for him.” There will also ultimately be a time when veteran owners must…

alexandra.robinson@futurenet.com @alexrob_journo_ BSPS Winter Championships, Arena UK, Lincs TWO days of superb competition in glorious weather concluded with a masterclass display in the restricted winter supreme. Judge Teresa Stratford had eight worthy finalists to consider, but there was no doubting the sheer class of Sharon Harrison’s home-bred mare Sarison Heavenly Silk (Lily) as she glided her way to the top spot as if on oiled wheels, beautifully ridden by local producer Lucy Glover. Having earned her place in the supreme via the restricted part-bred section, the elegant bay mare oozed style, unhurried rhythm and superb cadence throughout her individual show, leaving Teresa in no doubt of her result. “It was poetry in motion,” said Teresa. “An absolutely beautiful animal with quality, balance and presence from the moment it entered the…

HOME-PRODUCER Helen Whiteley’s Welsh section B Linksbury Drummer Boy (Albert) stood BSPS Liverpool M&M supreme semi-final champion at North East Derbyshire Spring show. “I never expected it,” said Helen, who shows alongside her sister, Jamie. Nine-year-old Albert, who is by Linksbury Solitaire out of Linksbury Royal Charm, was bought from Neil Beaumont of the Dawthorne Stud. Albert has won several novice accolades, including at the 2019 BSPS Heritage championships. “The plan was for me to do a bit with Albert and then he’d go back to Neil, but I just couldn’t part with him,” said Helen. “He was ridden away when he was a six-year-old, and he’s technically still a novice but he’s ready for open classes now. HOYS is the one I’d like to get him to. He’s a…

jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald Winter Pony Championship, South View, Cheshire HENRY SQUIBB kept a cool head and used the power and scope of Kilcurry Dawn to land the prestigious Charles Britton Equestrian Construction winter JA classic. “The key is to keep him confident, he’ll jump the moon if he’s happy,” said the on-form Henry, winner of the previous day’s 1.25m and the only rider with two in the jump-off. Course-designer Gillian Milner’s 13-fence test questioned rideability, scope, carefulness and nerve for the 25 riders forward. An early skinny stile and the combination proved problematic. Only four found all the answers. Rachel Proudley dismissed her fall from The Bobster late in round one to come back fighting in the jump-off on Charlotte Shore’s Robin Hood Lad to provide a sensible clear over the…

Qualification round-up THE first senior qualifiers since competition resumed took place at Dean Valley Farm, Greater Manchester, and Speetley, Derbyshire. At Dean Valley, Emily Morris won the NAF summer silver league qualifier with Bean Cruising while Allan Birch continued his long run of success in the SEIB winter novice qualifiers with Bold Adventure. Abi Leadbetter, in her first year of senior classes, missed out on a winter novice qualifying spot at Dean Valley with Hearts Cruise, but topped the British novice second round at Speetley. “I watched the first one go and took exactly the same route but a bit quicker,” said Abi, who jumped one of only three treble clears. “Hearts Cruise isn’t used to going against the clock but she picked her feet up for me and did…

The Cabin Equestrian RC, Aberdeenshire AFTER a tough winter north of the border, riders emerged on form for a competitive day at The Cabin. “We laid our horses off in the snow and freezing wind, as the weather was a constant let-down,” said Nicky Heale, who headed both advanced mediums with Verity Jenner’s Fürstenball mare Furstinclaire. “I was quite nervous about competing again, which is not like me, but the horses seem to have come back feeling refreshed.” Furstinclaire, an embryo twin known as “Bandage”, has benefited from remote training with Nicola Buchanan, made possible with a Pixio “robot cameraman” that follows Nicky as she rides. “Bandage is secure in her changes now and scored two nines for her centre lines,” said Nicky, who was also second in the PSG…

TYLER BRADSHAW tested the water with her four-year-old gelding Mexx at Chard Equestrian, Somerset, winning both prelims. Bought unseen from Facebook two years ago, the youngster already stands at 17.2hh. “He has been under saddle for eight months now and reminds me very much of Dajano,” said Tyler, remembering the lofty Uphill gelding she lost last year due to suspected cancer of the colon. “They both have Uphill lines and seem to take everything in their stride.”…

jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald Ayr Racecourse, Ayrshire LUCINDA RUSSELL achieved a long-held ambition and completed a fantastic couple of weeks when Mighty Thunder won the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Sunday and, but for Covid which meant she was home by 6pm that evening, she and Peter Scudamore might still celebrating in the champagne bar at the racecourse. At the top of the straight, four out, as Sandy Thomson’s pair – Dingo Dollar and The Ferry Master – started to draw clear, it looked like a one-two for the former Scotland rugby player. However, Tom Scudamore, a substitute for the injured Blair Campbell, was working away on Mighty Thunder. Although Dingo Dollar, sent north on the recommendation of his former trainer Alan King, was still two lengths up jumping the…

gemma.redrup@futurenet.com @gemmaredrup Croome and West Warwickshire, Shelfield Park, Warks THE head lad for Alastair Ralph Racing, Callum Griffiths, scored his first-ever training win when 12-year-old Master Sunrise landed the hunt members’ under James King for owner Mervyn Jones. Callum took on the former National Hunt horse two months ago after Alastair retired him from running under Rules. Mervyn wanted to see him continue to run at a lower level, so Callum is pointing him. “It’s the first winner I’ve had in points, so it was good to get my name on the board,” said Callum, whose ultimate aim is to become a trainer. “I’ve got a couple of boxes outside the yard and keep a couple of pointers which I ride in my break. It’s working out well.” Callum employs…

catherine.austen@futurenet.com @cfausten123 THE unpredictable demands of hunting can unfortunately result in injury to both horse and rider, so knowing the risks and how to deal with situations when they arise will put you in a better position should the worst happen. Three Counties Equine Hospital vet Andrew Harrison MRCVS outlines the most common horse injuries and how to deal with them. Horse emergencies BLACKTHORNS JUMPING hedges can result in blackthorns penetrating joints and tendon sheaths. ACTION: if you have had a big jumping day, always thoroughly check joints after hunting, particularly the knees, for thorns. Often you can easily pull them out, but if a thorn is stuck in, don’t try to remove it as it might break – the tip then breaks off and remains in the joint (or…

“HE was really top-class, exceptional,” says Harvey, who rode on many Nations Cup teams alongside Merely-A-Monarch. “He was one of the best horses in the world and would still be if he were competing today. “He was a super jumper cross-country and when he switched to showjumping, it was second nature to him. He was a proper talent and Anneli rode him very well, too. He was one of those multi-purpose horses who could have been brilliant at any job. A top trainer thought he’d win the National and yet he had pony blood. “He was lovely, always full of himself – a true superstar.”…

THIS week’s trip to the supermarket was an odd one. There I was, innocently (or so I thought) roaming the aisles, when I noticed the other shoppers behaving strangely. As I rounded the corner by the tinned veg, an old couple were huddled together and tutting theatrically at each other. Further on, in the biscuit aisle, a young girl stole a glance at my face and turned away in shock, as if it harboured something obscene. Others were veering off with their trolleys as I came in sight. Still, I didn’t get it, so I carried on finding the items and shoving them in the trolley. It wasn’t until a voice came over the tannoy, telling all customers that they must wear masks, that the penny finally dropped and I…

Share your news story Call 01252 555021 Email eleanor.jones@futurenet.com jones_eleanor_ COMPETITION and breeding horses could be affected by new requirements under EU animal health law as an important deadline looms. As a result of Brexit, under EU legislation, the UK and EU countries are required to apply to each other for third-country status to continue to trade breeding animals and germinal products such as semen and embryos. The UK, and all UK studbooks, were granted this status by the European Commission in December, so trade can continue to Europe, but the deadline for EU countries to apply to Defra for the status is 30 June. This requirement is in addition to the extension of breeding territory for studbooks (news, 8 April). World Breeding Federation vice president Eva-Maria Broomer told H&H…

PRESENTING PERCY The dual Cheltenham Festival winner, owned by Philip Reynolds, has died aged 10 following a blood infection. The Gordon Elliott-trained son of Sir Percy won 11 of 26 starts, including the 2017 Pertemps Final. MOORTOWN FRILLY Liz Wright’s traditional mare has been put down aged 15 after a recurring injury. Also an in-hand champion, she was a four-time HOYS finalist and won at the RIHS twice, standing reserve supreme coloured in 2011. ROY ROCKET The winner of the Racehorse Owners Association’s 2018 Flat special achievement award has died aged 11 from a suspected heart attack. John Berry bred and trained the popular gelding, owning him with the McCarthys.…

polly.bryan@futurenet.com @pollyrose21 BEFORE the glory of the 2009 European Championships and the floodlit evening performances we’ve since enjoyed in the amazing atmosphere of the Royal Windsor Horse Show, the dressage world was delighted to be invited to take part, on grass, at national level, back in the 1990s. It was a rather splendid affair sponsored by Hermès, with a big lunch tent and all that, but positioned away from the main showground. My memory of those amazing times is knowing that if a horse could cope with the distractions at Royal Windsor, it could cope with any other international show. There’s probably some old footage somewhere of us warming up around the carriage-driving hazards, with the four-in-hand drivers warming up for their dressage in close proximity. “The Olympics is a…

THE cancellation of the second consecutive World Cup Final was galling for many people, but perhaps none more so than Jessica von Bredow-Werndl. For two years running, the German rider has topped the rankings for the highly competitive Western European League, and each year the final has been called off, first succumbing to coronavirus and then the outbreak of equine herpes virus. On the day we speak, Jessica should have been doing her grand prix at the final in Gothenburg, riding her 2019 European individual bronze medallist TSF Dalera BB in an attempt to deny her compatriot Isabell Werth yet another World Cup title. Instead, she is having an office day, a novelty borne from the past year of lockdowns. “My main office is on a horse, but even when…

“NATASHA and Lottie are such a good match. Lottie has a good work ethic and wants to help Natasha. She also has a big engine and is naturally self-propelled and powerful, but kind with it. It feels as though she has found her role in life as a para horse. “Lottie’s strengths are all the things that are important in para dressage. She is naturally uphill and in front of the leg with good rhythm. I find her lovely to ride as well, and I work on keeping her responsive for Natasha. “The movements in Natasha’s grade [grade III] are equivalent to novice/elementary but the frame and harmony are so important, and the judges are quite demanding. The precision and attention to detail that is required to do well in…

FIVE horses lost their lives when fire swept through the Rothenberger family dressage yard in Germany two years ago. Among the survivors was Sanneke Rothenberger’s Oldenburg gelding Sankt Anton (Toni). “When Toni came out, his rug had caught fire,” recalls Sanneke, who suffered smoke poisoning during the rescue. “Thank goodness he was wearing it; the top had burnt down to the wool padding, but the flames did not reach his back. But he had lost a lot of hair on his ears and neck, and he was kept in hospital for three days.” While Toni’s skin healed and an initial cough died down, Sanneke was worried about his demeanour. “He is normally a very fresh horse who comes out to work with his ears pricked, she says. “I was riding…

ENSURING our veterans are getting what they need from their diet is essential, as independent equine nutritionist Donna Case explains. “When feeding the harder-working veteran, their diet should provide an appropriate level of energy – calories – to help maintain an ideal body condition score [BCS],” she says. “They also require quality protein to support muscle repair and development as well as a balanced level of vitamins and minerals.” Many horses will drop weight during the colder months, but if you notice a sudden loss of condition, an increase in forage or higher calorie hard feed may be required. “Speak to your vet in the first instance to rule out possible underlying health factors,” says Donna. “Consider your horse’s clinical history, too, as this will have a massive bearing on…

NEW RIDE FOR KRAUT LAURA KRAUT (USA) and her new ride Baloutinue concluded the first week of their partnership with a win in the $137,000 (£99,000) CSI3* Bainbridge Companies grand prix at the ESP Spring tour in Wellington, Florida. The 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Balou du Rouet x Landor S), who is now owned by St Bride’s Farm, was previously ridden by Adam Prudent and won a four-star grand prix in Florida earlier this month (3 April). “Everyone in the world has asked to buy him, including me many years ago,” Laura said. “It was a great horse for Adam to have to go to the highest level, which he did and did very well, so when the opportunity presented itself, I was very fortunate to have an owner who was…

Pachesham EC, Surrey “TYPICAL redhead” Hawtins Lirica claimed the day’s highest score, winning her first-ever medium with 77.07%. Sara-Jane Lanning, who teamed up with Nicola Seale’s seven-year- old chestnut mare “Lyra” last September, saw lockdown training pay off – with Lyra earning an eight for the half-passes and nines for the extended walk and collected trot. “She is hot, but it’s a lovely challenge,” said Sara, who also rode the Lemony’s Nicket daughter to an elementary 53 qualifier win.…

Grand National-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore is to ride in France’s most famous jumps race, the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris, on 23 May, on Ajas, for trainer David Cottin. German Olympic dressage rider Dorothee Schneider fractured her collarbone when her mare Fohlenhofs Rock’nRose collapsed and died during a prizegiving ceremony in Germany. Irish eventer Susie Berry is out of action while she recovers from a broken arm. Susie said that on the “plus side”, she has lots of spare time to do more teaching. Jockey Harry Cobden has been sidelined for six weeks following a fall at Aintree on 10 April. Harry said further scans have revealed fractures to his cheekbone and he needs an operation. French Olympic eventer Astier Nicolas has been shortlisted as a flag-bearer for the Tokyo Games.…

▲ CASTRATION Spotted online, a rider whose colt is to be gelded soon, and who wants, we jest not, to “make earrings out of them”. More concerning than the question were the answers from people confirming that yes, this is possible. We really are quite concerned by this notion. ▲ HOOVES Spotted, an ad for, and again we jest not, a “horse hoof chain”, made of, apparently “real horse toenails”. The advert claims the chain will make “fab decor in your barn or man cave”. A side income stream, perhaps? ▲ JUMPING Overheard during a showjumping course-walk, a rider saying to her pal: “The good thing about single-phase classes is that by the time you get to the jump-off, the first-round fences don’t look big any more.” That’s one way…

AS a licensing inspector responsible for many riding schools, I am pleased to see H&H highlight the regulation involved in ensuring the wellbeing of horses and ponies working within licensed riding establishments (vet clinic, 8 April). Inspection day and licence renewal or application is a stressful time and much effort is put into ensuring the premises, tack and horses are presented well. And while unannounced inspections also take place at the mid term of a licence, they are not designed to catch the premises out, but to ensure that the high standards seen at the prearranged inspection are carried on throughout the licence period. The licensing authority aims to keep equine welfare high and enable the business to trade within regulation. This in turn ensures the safety of the public…

alexandra.robinson@futurenet.com @alexrob_journo_ YOU can put all sorts of plans in place, but if the weather isn’t good you’re set up for failure. This weekend at the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Winter Championships we were blessed with great weather. In all, the quality of competition was outstanding. This show at this time in the season is for the novice and restricted ponies, and there were some lovely new faces. One of the most encouraging trends was in the young children’s classes; in one cradle stakes class we had 22 entries. Lockdown has been positive for these jockeys who have been able to improve their riding, take more lessons and change up their routines; maybe even trying other disciplines, like some cross-country schooling. Splitting classes into sections of no more than…

I don’t think I would have become a farrier if it weren’t for a wonderful man called Norman Crouch. He lived in Wiltshire near to where I grew up and he taught me to ride and then took me hunting with the South and West Wilts. As a child I would mess about on his farm at all waking hours. He had broodmares, youngstock, stallions and point-to-pointers and he could do everything for those horses from repairing his own tack to shoeing his own horses. He had an indepth knowledge of horses that is rarely seen today. Under Mr Crouch’s tuition I rode in a few races. He had a little racing pony called Sherry who would refuse to start, but Mr Crouch had the knack of making her go.…

LONG gone are the days when we’d retire our horses in their early teens. Nowadays, it’s not unheard of to see horses in their twenties still enjoying an active life. “Keeping a horse sound into old age is a product of a huge number of factors, but most importantly, it’s about delaying the onset and severity of wear and tear,” says Newmarket Equine Hospital surgeon Matt Chesworth. One of the main issues facing older horses who have lived an active life is osteoarthritis. “Horses have a few common sites for developing osteoarthritis which become more significant as the horse ages,” explains Matt. “These include the lowest joints within the hocks, the coffin joints, and pastern joints, but arthritis can ultimately develop in any joint.” Equine joints, like human joints, have…

KARLEY HUBBARD owns 25-year-old Irish Draught/thoroughbred event mare Sadlers Symphony (Jazz). “We bought Jazz in 2008 as my first event horse,” tells Karley. “Although she’s hot-headed, opinionated and hates dressage, she gives you everything cross-country. She’s taken me up the levels, achieving our first British Eventing [BE] point, and numerous top-10 placings, including the Pony Club Eventing Championships and the BE100 under-18 finals. “Back in February 2017, aged 21, Jazz degloved her right hind down to the cannon bone. Six-months post injury, I was back on board and in June 2018, we were back out eventing, achieving a double clear and third place. “Although she’s dropped down the levels now and is enjoying a quieter life, Jazz is still in work four days a week. We’ll hack, school, use polework…

pippa.roome@futurenet.com @pipparoomeorkyle Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market (1), Norfolk PIGGY MARCH and Kitty King dominated at the first British CCI4*-S of the season, when between them they took first and second in both four-star sections. From her eight rides, only one of Piggy’s rides finished outside the top 10, but it was Dargun, a 13-year-old owned by Jane Del Missier, who provided the highlight. The chestnut, who was campaigned up to five-star level by Emily King before Piggy took over last season, completed on his 26.9 dressage in CCI4*-S section C. “He was really cool in all three phases,” said Piggy. “Last year was a building year for our partnership and I haven’t been that competitive with him up until this point. But this year it’s very much a case of…

CARRIE SKELTON and Ramesses B set a new BE record at Norton Disney (1) with a dressage score of 5.5 in BE100open section M. “The test felt lovely and he was very rideable, but I honestly thought 5.5 was a typo,” admitted Carrie, who rides for the horse’s owners, the Lancer Stud, in Suffolk. “He was super-sharp in the warmup, which made me think it would either be a great test or he’d spook his way round. My trainer, Fiona van Tuyll, always gets me to ride a canter square as the last thing I do before I go into the arena to get him ‘sitting’ behind and focused, so that’s what I did and it must have worked!” Unfortunately the pair were eliminated when Carrie missed out fence 10…

A FLURRY of well-known surnames have been gracing leaderboards in the various under-18 classes. At Portman, Isabelle Cook (pictured), daughter of Tina, kept a clean jumping sheet to land the under-18 open novice with Sarah Millard’s Stillbrook Ben. Further down the leaderboard, Andrew Nicholson’s daughter, Lily, steered her father’s former advanced ride, Andrea BT4, to a double clear. Meanwhile at Larkhill (1), Alex Bragg’s daughter, Ellouise, teamed up with her father’s five-star ride, Zagreb – who has more than 1500 British Eventing (BE) points to his name and finished fourth at Pau last year – to finish sixth in the BE100open under-18.…

polly.bryan@futurenet.com @pollyrose21 Myerscough College, Lancashire WITH a new game plan in place, Jessica Dunn staged a successful start to the season with Woodcroft Ferdinand – heading the prix st georges (PSG). “It was only his second PSG and I had doubts about whether I’d entered the correct class,” said Jess. “He usually needs to be out every week to stay calm, but clearly I had nothing to worry about. He was amazing.” “He’s an insanely talented horse; I would just like him to do himself justice”JESSICA DUNN Describing her five-year journey with Georgie Newton’s Fürstenball gelding as a series of “highs and lows”, Jess added: “Ferdi is very hot and quite ‘wired’ in a test situation, which has been tricky to deal with. He is so nervous of leg pressure,…

FIRSTS ALL ROUND • OLYMPIAN Fiona Bigwood made her competition debut with Hawtins Delicato, Carl Hester’s 2018 World Equestrian Games team bronze medallist, at Hunters Equestrian, Glos, scoring 69.9% to finish second in the grand prix. • Two mares by Timolin, Jennie Loriston-Clarke’s Totilas stallion, were successful with Charlotte Dicker at Fairoak Grange EC, Berks. Four-year-old Catherston Tarantella scored a first win, in the novice 23 with nearly 75%. Meanwhile, Catherston Timeless made his debut at medium and advanced medium, earning a 70% advanced medium 91 win.…

IN an astonishing comeback, international para rider Amanda Shirtcliffe scored a novice double with New Princess at Bury Farm, Bucks, just 10 weeks after tripping over and breaking her leg. “I did a Tiger Woods at the end of January and smashed my tibia and fibia,” explained Amanda, who underwent repair with a surgical rod and screws. “I was told I couldn’t ride for six months, but I don’t use my stirrups anyway. I was back on just a few days before and we gaffer-taped my boot together for the show. “Team GBR have supported me with rehab,” said Amanda, whose groom Louise Robson kept the horses ticking over while she was sidelined. “‘Princess Fiona’ was a bit lively, but the snow was my main worry. Riding in a full-on…

Quantock, Cothelstone, Somerset JOCKEY Will Biddick enjoyed a successful day when landing a brace of wins at the Quantock meeting. His first win came in the hunt members’ with seven-year-old gelding Florrie Webb for The Hot Toddie Partnership. The gelding was making his debut run on British soil after a few runs in Ireland. “We bought him off Henry de Bromhead in December as a maiden,” said Will. “He ran a few times and was unlucky in an Irish point-to-point as a four-year-old when he fell at the last when winning and then was placed over hurdles and fences. He knows his job, but has probably appreciated a change of scenery and coming back to pointing again. We’ll run him a few more times this season as he likes the…

IT’S something of a travesty that Merely-A-Monarch never had the chance to win an Olympic medal, as he was shortlisted in all three disciplines. His best chance was arguably in eventing, given his invincibility as a young horse, but in 1961 and 1962 when he won Burghley and Badminton, women weren’t allowed to compete in Olympic eventing. This may have precipitated Anneli’s switch to showjumping in 1962 and although she was asked to return to eventing for Tokyo 1964, she was intoxicated by the more “technical challenge” of her new discipline. “Showjumping was like Formula One – returning to eventing felt like a backward step,” she says. Monarch narrowly failed to make the cut for both the 1964 and 1968 showjumping teams, despite having played a starring role in countless…