Innholdsfortegnelse for 29-Apr-2021 i Horse & Hound

I DO like an inspirational quote, and Judy Murray provided a few new ones at the Aintree Grand Women’s Summit (news, p8) – including: “The minute you have anybody who is just happy to be there is the minute things can start to derail.” Slightly snappier was: “You’ve either won or you’ve learnt.” The insight was an essential reminder of what it takes to succeed, and what support top athletes need. Meanwhile, Oliver Townend continues to prove himself the antithesis to the notion you can’t win all the time, having picked up his third consecutive Kentucky victory, this time riding Ballaghmor Class (report, p36). Congratulations Oliver, and to all those competing overseas this weekend for the first time in a long time, including Charlotte Dujardin who dominated in Germany on…

THE Royal International Horse Show (RIHS, 20-25 July) at Hickstead will take place in a reduced format this year, without five-star international showjumping classes. For this year only, the RIHS will run as a two-star international event with showjumping aimed at British-based riders. This means classes such as the Nations Cup leg and King George V Gold Cup will not take place. The showing will run as normal, concluding in Sunday’s supreme championships. Organisers said the “difficult decision” had been made owing to the ongoing Covid situation and restrictions on international travel. This follows the cancellation of the 2021 Hickstead Derby meeting, which has been replaced with a national show. “Hickstead director Lizzie Bunn said the team had “so hoped” to return to normality this season, but the current situation…

THE RSPB is harnessing poo power thanks to ponies called Kevin and Roger. The two Dartmoors, with their colleagues Podkin, Pook, Barramoor Tom and Black Magic, have moved from the moor to RSPB HQ in Bedfordshire until the autumn. They will benefit the nature reserve by helping restore the space for invertebrates and birds “through their grazing, trampling and poo”. An RSPB spokesman said the team had been using diggers and mowers to do what the ponies do naturally, adding that the Dartmoors’ taste for plants other animals dislike opens paths. “This creates space for plants to grow, and their poo provides food for insects and bugs which are tasty morsels for reptiles and birds,” he said. “Their pooing style is an essential skill set.”…

pippa.roome@futurenet.com @pipparoomeorkyle I’M over 70 years old and lucky to have had both my Covid vaccinations – and to be able to travel on an elite athlete backup ticket. However, I’m beyond tired of all the restrictions and bureaucracy surrounding sport and travel. Two weeks ago, I spent two hours in a hot immigration line at Heathrow, where the charming ladies handling the frustrated travellers were giving out water to the weary and battery chargers for drained mobile phones, such was the embarrassment of our border force. My travels have highlighted the paper-thin FEI risk management policy. Strzegom had probably 80% of its fences up to height, but the technical difficulty was barely of intermediate standard, with combinations on five to eight strides. In Kentucky, at the same qualifying level,…

IN the midst of a crazy, virus-plagued year, Laura Kraut is working toward making the US showjumping team for her fifth Olympics. “It’s the strangest thing. We’re used to being such planners and organisers and now we can’t plan anything,” says Laura, referring to Covid-19 and EHV-1. The 55-year-old rider’s situation was complicated by a fall in February, when she broke her collarbone. “It’s been a bummer,” says Laura, who was out of the action from midway through the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida, leaving her 41st in the Longines rankings. That was on top of an accident last year at a Dutch show, where she broke her nose and her horse stepped on her Charles Owen helmet. Happily, it protected her head and has been seen in advertisements with…

“CYRIL really grew on me – he’s not flashy, but he’s a trier and beautifully bred on old Irish lines. He’s a compact little horse, with good conformation. The thing that really sells him is a video Richard Sheane has of him free schooling over cross-country fences – I’ve never seen a horse hunt for his fences more. “He’s a strong little horse and wants to gallop. I don’t think I’ve ever ridden a horse with so much turn of foot – and I used to ride thoroughbreds in Australia. At WEG, he made the time with 20 penalties when he spooked at the first water and at Badminton [pictured], I could have gone faster in any minute if I’d wanted to. In the showjumping he’s very careful with perfect…

SHOWJUMPER Camilla Bingham is on a sustainability mission and has various strategies to reduce her carbon footprint. “Before using a company or brand, I check out their sustainability policies and opt for those which are more eco-friendly,” says Camilla. “The bedding company I use recycle the pallets they deliver the bedding on. They also teach their drivers to drive more efficiently to reduce their carbon footprint.” When it comes to tack and equipment, Camilla’s philosophy is that if you don’t need something, don’t buy it. “Sell unused items and buy second-hand. Also, get things fixed instead of replacing them,” she says. “I also prefer to save up and buy better-quality items rather than cheap items that will need replacing sooner. If you look after your things, they will last longer.”…

polly.bryan@futurenet.com @pollyrose21 Keysoe Premier League, Beds ALICE OPPENHEIMER’S homebred Headmore Dirubinio came of age to blossom with new-found confidence in his winning grand prix test. The 17.3hh 12-year-old (Dimaggio x Rubinstein) made the movements look effortless. His athleticism shone through, moving forwards and collecting for fun, with his changes and pirouettes highlights of the test. The pair were rewarded with a score of 69.23%, clinching the win ahead of Fiona Bigwood on new ride Fame XX and Louise Bell with star campaigner Into The Blue, joint second on 68.97%. “I was not expecting that this morning at all,” said Alice, crediting trainer Erik Theilgaard for his help. “It’s not because he’s not talented – this horse is phenomenal – but because he hasn’t done a lot of competing on the…

jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald The Dutch Masters, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands FIVE-star jumping made a spectacular return to Europe, and although spectators were noticeably absent – the makeshift painted grandstands were a novel touch nevertheless – there were three days of top-flight sport to savour. The new hero is Max Kühner, who triumphed in Sunday’s Rolex grand prix, making him the first new live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of showjumping since Martin Fuchs took the baton in Geneva back in 2019. The Austrian rider, ranked 23rd in the world, triumphed after an eight-way jump-off. Germany’s Christian Kukuk took an early lead with the 11-year-old gelding Checker 47 and it wasn’t until the penultimate partnership – Max and the 10-year-old Elektric Blue P – that his time was beaten, by over a second.…

HORSES under Jayne Ross’s instruction secured all three spots in the overall supreme, with Rose Bailey’s nine-year-old heavyweight hunter and 2019 HOYS supreme horse Twinshock Warrior lifting the top accolade with Jayne in the saddle. “He’s benefitted from a year off and has come out bright,” said Jayne. Reserve supreme was Linda Upton’s champion hack Whalton Reprise, who was ridden by groom Ciara Mullen in the final reckoning. “I’m looking forward to running her on some grass,” said Jayne of the seven-year-old 2019 HOYS winner by Kilvington Scoundrel. Liz Edwards’ small riding Assagart Vision (Ruby) stood second reserve supreme with stand-in pilot Rose Bailey. “Ruby only arrived three days before the show after being up north with Faye Helliwell, who has done a fabulous job,” said Jayne. “We commandeered Rose…

jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald Sandown Racecourse, Surrey BRITISH jump racing’s end-of- season finale at Sandown had a little of everything on Saturday; thrilling finishes, old stars returning, new stars making their way, controversy and even one result which appeared to have a degree of help from above. The Bet365 Gold Cup used to be one of the great staying chases of the season, one notch below the Grand National but on a par with the Hennessy and, like the Newbury feature, one of the first sponsored races when it was the Whitbread. “It’s tough, but I’m very proud of the horse”CHRISTIAN WILLIAMS These days, however, it is just another long distance chase and it is a pity Paul Nicholls did not chuck Clan Des Obeaux in there with top weight to give…

catherine.austen@futurenet.com @cfausten123 The Hunting Notice Board Quorn Hunt Ride, Ingarsby, Leics MARK HEUFF and Thegreendalerocket saw off a competitive field at the Quorn’s new hunt race to snatch victory on the line from local favourites Lydia Cope and Arthur. “I had a clear plan to follow Lydia, and I have to give her all the credit – I just mugged her on the line – but ‘Rocky’ jumped and travelled fantastically,” said Mark, joint-master and field master of the Taunton Vale. When Rocky’s trainer, Richard Woollacott, sadly died, the Oscar gelding needed a new home, so Mark acquired him with these races and team chasing in mind “I’ve brought him on slowly in the three years I’ve had him; we’ve done some team chasing and races like the Silver Spur…

Share your news story Call 01252 555021 Email eleanor.jones@futurenet.com @jones_eleanor_ A RIDER has regained her Olympic showjumping slot in the latest twist of an incredible saga concerning shows and points. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld the appeal of Sri Lankan Mathilda Karlsson, the Sri Lankan federation and Romanian rider Andrea Herck against the FEI’s decision to annul results from Villeneuve-Loubet, France, between December 2019 and January 2020. H&H has reported widely on the fiasco; classes were added to the event schedules after the definite entry deadline, and the additions approved by the FEI and the French federation. Some of the shows included Olympic and Longines world rankings points classes with entries confined to a handful of riders (news, 30 January 2020). The FEI investigated and found the…

RUBIN AL ASAD Lara Butler’s long-term top ride, with whom she was British senior championship team reserve three times, has retired, aged 19. Lara and the Bechtolsheimers’ “Rufus” were also 2018 British national champions. JACK THE GIANT The former racehorse has been put down, aged 19. He was given to Sophie Henderson, who owned him with The Jackpots syndicate, and won Retraining of Racehorses showing titles with Allister Hood. WELTON ENVOY The top eventer has died peacefully, aged 34, at his long-term home, the Barrs’ Welton Stud. He was competed by Leslie Law then Blyth Tait, with whom he won Kentucky and competed at the Sydney Olympics.…

PARK-AND-RIDE HACKS FOR years we took our hacking for granted, but now realise how lucky we are to live in the fabulous Chiltern Hills surrounded by stunning countryside with miles of bridleways. We hacked out to get our hunters fi t, have fun with children cantering up steep hills and teach our horses to look where they put their feet when walking through the woods. But our eyes were opened at a farm diversification event and now we welcome riders and their horses to the Chilterns, either on a park-and-ride basis for the day or on a holiday with their horse. In the summer, we’ve had Pony Clubs, riding clubs and groups of friends camping. Being blessed with good hills means that those wanting to get their competition horses fit…

polly.bryan@futurenet.com @pollyrose21 FIRSTLY I would like to add my heartfelt condolences to the royal family, and pay a small tribute of my own to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. What a life he led and what a legacy he has left behind, in the equestrian community and other spheres. As a keen sportsman and equestrian himself, he excelled on the polo field and later in carriage driving, which he helped turn into a competitive discipline in itself. As president of the FEI he helped create the World Equestrian Games (WEG), and I can vouch for what a phenomenal event the WEG is to be a part of. He also devised the Prince Philip Cup games. Mounted games is a discipline I never took part in as a child, but…

I have worked for Jane Tuckwell, the event director, in the event office for about 22 years and my main responsibility is to send out the passes to all the officials including the doctors, vets, paramedics, and fence judges, together with all the ones for the tradestands and hospitality and so on. I was a PE teacher when my children were at school but I have always ridden and my children were members of the Pony Club and hunted with the Berkeley. We used to go to Badminton every year when I was a child, and I in turn would take my children. “It’s wonderful to be involved in something that I have enjoyed so much over the years” My job here started when a friend asked me if I…

ABSORBINE ULTRASHIELD INSECTICIDE Provides “instant knock-down” and protection against more than 70 species of flies and insects. £29.33 for 946ml absorbine.co.uk CARR & DAY & MARTIN FLYGARD EXTRA STRENGTH INSECT REPELLENT Provides protection from biting insects; contains 20% DEET. £16.75 for 500ml carrdaymartin.co.uk STÜBBEN FLY SPRAY This formula contains a blend of natural oils with a long- lasting fragrance, designed to keep annoying insects away from your horse. £18.99 for 500ml stuebben.co.uk BARRIER SUPER PLUS FLY REPELLENT Deters flying insects and calms the effects of midge bites, with a blend of herbal and essential oils and pure avocado oil. From £9.50 for 500ml barrier-biotech.com GLOBAL HERBS CITRONELLA SPRAY A soothing and gentle citrus spray with a pleasant fragrance, containing lavender, tea tree and lemongrass essential oils. £6.92 for 500ml globalherbs.co.uk…

SHEILA WILLIAMS was firmly rewarded for her patience in nurturing the “rather high maintenance” Donail Beauanco (Boris) when the 10-year-old Irish-bred gelding won a BE90 at Bovington. “He’s had terrible foot problems in the past and he’s injured a suspensory,” revealed Sheila, who has to manage Boris carefully. “We had an anxious moment three weeks before Bovington when he pulled off a shoe while in his turnout pen and then trod on it. He has very flat feet and poor horn quality, so I’m careful not to do too much on firm ground. He didn’t even do a practice fence before the showjumping or cross-country here.” The lack of a warm-up did not dint the pair’s chances. They added just a couple of time-penalties to their very impressive dressage score…

ANNABELLA PIDGLEY secured a one-two at advanced medium on two exciting new rides, as she heads into her first full season of juniors. The 16-year-old former British pony team member scooped first place with Hilus MHB (pictured), with whom she also won another advanced medium section, and second on Sultan Des Paluds. Hilus MHB joined Annabella from her trainer, Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour, around a month ago, while Sultan is also a recent arrival, with Keysoe capping a string of top recent results. “They are both quite new and I’m just trying to get as much experience at junior level as possible, as that’s new for me,” said Annabella, adding that Belafonte – whom she campaigned alongside ponies last season – has helped to bridge that step up on to horses.…

THE 2019 Great Yorkshire Show novice working hunter winner and overall champion once again proved his credentials over sticks to land the worker accolade. Adele Hanson’s nine-year-old bay gelding The Top Drawer (Draco) is entering his first open term. Draco was bought as a lightly backed five-year-old from Malcolm and Janet Ambler. “I saw Malcolm at a show and on the off-chance he mentioned he had Draco,” said Adele of her home-produced Irish Sport Horse by jumping stallion Tabasco Van Erpekom out of National Hunt mare Indabag. “I did my research into his breeding and knew he’d have a jump.” Here, Draco landed the restricted class and Adele will now dabble in a few open classes to give the gelding some experience. “We did the open, too, and just had…

“I WANT him to go on forever; I need to find the philosopher’s stone that grants eternal life,” said Chloe Marsh, who is now 28 and has had Bertie – officially Oaklawn Gypsy – since she was 14. “He was my first horse, and I had only had one pony before that,” she says. “We wanted something about 10, been-there-done-that for a petite 14-year-old girl, and we had tried 14 others before him. He was rising six, over from Ireland and very green, but as soon as I sat on him, I knew he was coming home.” Chloe lived in Leicestershire and was a member of the Quorn Hunt branch of the Pony Club. “Bertie had an incredible jump but wasn’t brave, so someone suggested I took him out with…

“WHEN Regal Realm won the World Championships in Luhmühlen in 1982, Britain hadn’t won double gold for some time,” says Malcolm Wallace, chef d’equipe at the time. “We were watching the showjumping and, of course, Lucinda jumped clear and Lord Hugh Russell said, ‘Ah’ rather sternly. “‘Is there a problem?’ I asked. “‘You’ll see later on,” he said. “We had a party that night to celebrate and invited every team. I spent £1,000 on champagne. Lord Hugh Russell arrived on a bike under an umbrella, under which it transpired he was wearing just a pair of Union Jack underpants. He’d made some promise if Britain won gold.”…

ALARM bells rang this week when two men turned up at the farm in a van. Although vans come up here all the time, unmarked ones that aren’t delivering anything always arouse suspicion. Matthew spotted them as he was coming back on the bike and stopped to see what they wanted. “Just wondering if you need any tarmacking done?” said the driver, who was well-dressed and very presentable, but he might as well have said, “Just checking if there’s anything worth stealing around here and then I’ll be on my way.” Matthew promptly told him that the council takes care of our road, and the van and its contents rumbled away. It is a common gripe that along with dud broadband and patchy mobile signal, we are woefully short of…

FREE HORSES FOR SALE ADVERTS ALL sellers can advertise horses and ponies free in Horse & Hound magazine and on our website, thanks to a new partnership with equestrian insurance specialists SEIB Insurance Brokers. During the first lockdown, H&H made advertising horses free to help support the industry, and that has continued. An SEIB spokesman said the company is delighted to be part of the scheme, adding: “Finding the right home for a horse has been known to be tricky, so surely there is no better place to hunt for a new partner than the UK’s premier weekly magazine with its knowledgeable and professional readership.” FREESTYLE PARA SERIES LAUNCHED BRITISH DRESSAGE (BD) has launched a freestyle to music series for para riders in a “remarkable step forward” for the sport.…

World number one eventer Oliver Townend won his third consecutive Kentucky Three Day Event, on Ballaghmor Class. He won on Cooley Master Class in 2018 and 2019. Report, p36 Showjumper Jack Whitaker beat a star lineup to clinch the 1.55m Audi prize at the Dutch Masters on Scenletha. Jack said winning his first five-star “hadn’t sunk in yet”. Report, p48 German showjumper Simone Blum has been ruled out of the Tokyo Games following her mare DSP Alice having surgery on a leg. Simone said Alice’s wellbeing is the “absolute priority”. German gold medal-winning Olympic eventer Michael Jung has got married to equine physiotherapist Faye Füllgraebe. The couple announced their engagement in November 2020. Jockey Harry Skelton, 31, has been crowned the 2020/21 champion jump jockey. Harry said it had always…

▴ SNOW The last time it snowed in Kentucky on 21 April was 1901. Until last Wednesday, the day of the first trot-up for the event, when it fell with joyous abandon. Is that a cloud approaching, or a plague of locusts? ▴ DIGITAL In the latest “crypto” trend, digital racehorses (yep) are “bred”, traded and raced. One virtual horse sold for $125,000 recently. We suppose digital horses are cheaper to feed and need less mucking out (you never know), but think we’ll stick to real ones, thanks. ▴ TIGER WOODS One hears of a reader using a treadmill in Dubai, with H&H open, when the top golfer started using the next machine. As she left, he said: “I never realised that was an actual magazine, I thought they made…

alexandra.robinson@futurenet.com @alexrob_journo_ IT seemed like it was never going to happen but we’re back in the show ring, and it’s fantastic. Apart from having the chance to compete again, it’s wonderful to see friends and to see everyone so thankful. So far, I haven’t heard any complaints, so let’s hope it stays that way as we cautiously count our blessings. We’ve been itching to get our young horses out, and had a great day at Lucinda Haines’ superbly organised British Show Pony Society Area 15A show held at Arena UK. Everything was done safely, but the four rings were close enough to make everything seem connected. Judges and stewards did a great job and as far as I could see, everyone was sensible about social distancing and staying in their…

Need to know COOLEY LANDS Age: 13 Breeding: Cavalier Land x Clover Hill Rider: Kate Walls and has also previously been ridden by Chris Burton Owner: Kate Walls, her husband Joe and Rob and Tricia Sargent Breeder: Peter Rice Greatest achievements: fifth Rockingham CCI3*-S 2015; second Camphire CCI3*-L 2015; fourth Le Lion seven-year-old championships 2015; first Blenheim eight- and nine-year-old CCI4*-S 2017; eighth Boekelo CCI4*-L 2017; sixth Jardy Event Rider Masters CCI4*-S 2018; member of the Australian team at the World Equestrian Games 2018; third Badminton 2019 (all with Chris Burton); seven top-20 placings in international competitions including third Weston Park CCI2*-L 2014 and 16th at Blair CCI4*-S 2019 (with Kate Walls). All class names updated to current levels. OWNER AND RIDER KATE WALLS “I WAS in business with Piggy…

• CAR SHARE TO THE YARD: if you’re heading in the same direction as a fellow livery yard member, take it in turns to drive each other (subject to Covid restrictions). Or perhaps split the work so each of you does one end of the day. • BUY SECOND HAND: check out your local equestrian social media page or group to pick up good quality second-hand items that are fit for reuse. • BUY LOCAL: support your nearest tack shop and feed merchants as well as local producers in order to reduce travel and delivery. • INVEST IN ECO PRODUCTS: many brands are now creating goods from alternative materials. For example, Poly Jumps’ Eco Jumps range is made from bio-resin, which contains polyethylene derived from plant sources. • HELP GOOD…

pippa.roome@futurenet.com @pipparoomeorkyle Land Rover Kentucky, USA FANS of the Kentucky Three- Day Event always knew it was special, but this year’s edition really proved their point, highlighted by a memorable, unflinching performance from Oliver Townend and the equally tenacious Ballaghmor Class. Oliver became only the second person, after German superstar Michael Jung, to win the event three times in a row. The world number one was part of a contingent from Britain, New Zealand and Australia who flew over for the five-star at the Kentucky Horse Park and went home with all but one of the top ribbons. After the cancellation of most of the world’s major competitions since the spring of 2020 due to Covid, competitors on both sides of the Atlantic were hungry for a chance to assess…

alexandra.robinson@futurenet.com @alexrob_journo_ BSHA Southern Spring, Brook Farm, Essex A STAR of the future reigned in the cob championship. Richard Leeman’s smart six-year-old Love Joy (Duke) and Frazer Atherden first topped the lightweight Royal International (RIHS) qualifier. Duke was bought as an unbroken three-year-old from Wayne Thorneycroft. “He’s had limited experience due to the pandemic, as is the case with most novices,” said Frazer. “He gives a lovely, light ride and is a real trier; I couldn’t ask any more from him.” “In the past year he’s really turned a corner. He’s got the presence to be a showman”ROSIE TRY ON AZERT DE COEUR The Leeman’s Kellythorpe stud has a string of promising young horses in their stables. “We’re all really enjoying being back out,” confirmed Frazer. Rosie Try secured the…

VICKY SMITH made a winning debut on the reigning HOYS intermediate of the year Holmestones Tailor Made (Worzel). Now owned by Janet Neeld, the nine-year-old was formerly produced by Team Jinks and will be campaigned solely as a hack by Vicky. “He’s only dipped his toe in hack classes,” said Vicky, who’s only had Worzel with her for two weeks and also won the cob championship here riding Alan Marnie’s Toberpatrick Boss (Baxter). “Alan nagged me to go to see Baxter – who was with Robert Walker – for weeks. I eventually gave in and we bought him,” added Vicky.…

LUCINDA GREEN has had many beloved champions. Six Badminton victors, seven gold and five silver-medal winners. And while they all had their fortes and foibles, Regal Realm – her fifth Badminton winner and 1982 world champion – is the horse she puts “in the position of the most talented of all”. Regal Realm’s story begins 10,000 miles away from the scenes of his great victories, under the fierce Australian sun on the dusty Comboglong cattle station in New South Wales. Bar the brief and rather brutal invasion of humans into his life for branding and castration, the young thoroughbred spent the first two years of his life almost untouched, roaming the vast outback in search of food and water, and developing the tough, independent spirit that would later become his…