Innholdsfortegnelse for 19-Jan-2023 i Horse & Hound

HOW many riders have begrudged a bigger “name” beating them in competition, feeling this was on account of said fame? Anna Ross’s (possibly not very popular) opinion (p14), is that if we’re honest it probably wasn’t because of who they are, but because they paid close attention to the details that allowed them to secure every possible mark from the judges. Halting square, carrying out transitions at markers - being more polished, even if to the bystander they didn’t look to have the edge over a lesser known combination. That’s something I can embrace the idea that it is in our gift to improve our chances in the arena against any competitor, rather than the fatalistic view that if a top rider is in the class you stand no chance.…

THE BBC has secured the rights to broadcast the Olympics for the next 10 years, with broadcaster Discovery’s paid-for channels remaining the only place to watch every moment. The rights for Paris had been decided under a previous deal. For fans at home, this will mean a similar situation to Tokyo will extend for Olympic Games coverage up to and including Brisbane 2032. It means the BBC will show a lot of free coverage, but to watch every event from every sport in full, it is likely that viewers will need to pay. The deal, announced on 16 January, kicks in from 2026 and is a partnership between the European Broadcasting Union, of which the BBC is a member, and Warner Bros Discovery. The BBC will provide two simultaneous live…

WHEN North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service was alerted to a horse stuck in floodwater, the team leapt into action. Crews prepared to investigate, ready to save the stricken horse. And found it was a statue. “An officer trotted off to check out the situation and discovered a statue of a horse,” said group manager Bob Hoskins. “There was ‘neigh’ further assistance required on this occasion.” The metal sculpture - a World War I soldier leading his horse - stands on land, usually. It is owned by British Canoeing. It was installed in 2018 to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the war. It was left where it was, with no fear of harm to life or limb. Just possibly the minor risk of rust. EJ…

jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald EVERYONE is busy with goals for the new year, but the cost of living crisis is affecting all aspects of the sport, from staff to show centres. I worked apprenticeships with Corinne Beech (nee Collins) and Euro Sport Horse, learning all about the running costs of a competition yard before setting up on my own, although my parents always told me, ‘You’re not going to earn a living being a showjumper’ and they were right! “The opportunity for being successful on talent and hard work alone has gone” It’s a challenge between being a showjumper versus a businessman. The biggest struggle of running a yard now is offering fully comprehensive livery at £250 per week. That’s £35 a day to provide facilities, bedding, feed, rugs, tack, insurance, vehicles,…

“I’D been on the hunt for a horse that was both safe enough for me to hack around the block and quality enough to show, which is no mean feat. When Justine phoned me one Saturday night to say she thought she’d found the ideal horse, but that we had to act fast, we dropped everything and went to view him the next evening. “Justine rode him as well as my daughter, Florence, who was just 10 years old at the time, and he was perfect. I knew he was going to be the one, although we never bought him with any expectations and couldn’t predict how he was going to develop. “Unfortunately, when he was crowned supreme cob at the RIHS last year, I couldn’t attend. I’d mixed up…

KATIE GILMOUR owns 11-year-old, 13.2hh mini cob Clover, who “is a nightmare to fit tack to”. “When I took my daughter to try her, her saddle was slipping all over the place, so we tried her bareback,” says Katie. “She was everything we dreamed she could be, so we bought her. “Being a cob, she has a deep neck, big shoulders, a deep girth and a fairly short back. Finding a saddle to fit was tricky. She came with a saddle that I returned as the fit wasn’t good. My saddler, Karen Jones, fitted a Wintec, but it was a bit big for my daughter. Eventually, we fitted an old Bates pony dressage saddle, which has been great. We’ve had to change the gullet a few times as she’s gotten…

MIDLAND 20 November catherine.austen@futurenet.com @cfaustenl23 CAN hunting get any more hospitable than this? This question struck me as I walked into the grounds of the Witte Kasteel, Loon op Zand, a village in the centre of the Netherlands, just to the north of Tilburg. The Midland Hunt, one of six packs in the country, was soon to meet here. It looked like a party was about to begin; tables were laid, drinks were being poured and food was cooking. A group of sonneurs (French horn players), dressed in smart blue uniforms, was warming up. Members and supporters were drifting in, dressed in tweed jackets. In the Netherlands, every subscriber has to organise at least one meet, and everyone wants to put on a good spread when it comes to their…

HIGHLIGHTS 2-8 January Aintree EC, Merseyside KIRSTIE CLARKE proved that she is one to watch for 2023, when recording a whopping eight victories with three horses over two days. Jenny Ainscough’s five-year-old gelding Santa Monica Bay began proceedings with four prelim wins, one with plus-70%. “He came to me to be sold, so we thought we’d do a few shows and he’s done really well,” said Kirstie. “He is an absolute pleasure. Every time out, he improves. It’s really nice to watch him grow in confidence and there is still so much more to come.” “It’s really nice to watch him grow in confidence”  KIRSTIE CLARKE Her next ride, another five-year-old called Sunshine Valley, won two novices with plus-70% for owner Nicola Fishwick. “She bought him four weeks ago unseen…

THE first ride aboard Buachaill Dana proved to be a lucky one for Seb Mead, who broke his duck when winning the conditions (level two) for novice riders 6yo&up for trainer David Phelan and owner Paul Burden. Seb, who is head lad for David, is in his second season. “I rode a schoolmaster last season who taught me the ropes and I’ve been lucky enough to be put up on a few horses for David, so it’s been brilliant,” said Seb, who has been at David’s for two years, “Buachaill Dana is a lovely horse and won a few times for us last year. It was his first club run against older horses and we weren’t sure how he’d go, but he took to it like a duck to water…

Share your news story Call 0330 390 6386 Email eleanor.jones@futurenet.com @ jones_eleanor THE equestrian industry has to “work smarter”, do its calculations and know its value to remain viable with forthcoming national minimum wage (NMW) increases. The legal minimum that can be paid to employees is to increase again on 1 April, and British Grooms Association (BGA) and Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) founder Lucy Katan said the implications are concerning. The rate is increasing from £6.83 to £7.49 for 18- to 20-yearolds, from £9.18 to £10.18 for those aged 21 and 22, and from £9.50 to £10.42 for anyone aged 23 and over. For a 23-year-old groom working 60 hours per week, this is an increase of £2,870 per year. Ms Katan also points out that there may be many…

IN THE NEWS NOBLE YEATS The Emmet Mullins-trained 2022 Grand National winner is being targeted at the Cheltenham Gold Cup and retaining his Aintree crown this spring. Robert WaleyCohen’s eight-year-old has won his last two starts. MGH CANDY GIRL Isobel Fox’s showjumper, produced by eventer Gemma Stevens, has joined Matt Sampson, to be aimed at bigger shows. Gemma took her to CSI3* grand prix, while Matt’s ranking gives access to five-star shows. GLOCK’S FLIRT The 2016 dressage World Cup final winner, ridden by Hans Peter Minderhoud for Glock Horse Performance Centre, has died aged 21. Together they won three World Cup legs, reaching the finals twice.…

Email to hhletters@futurenet.com Name and address must be included. Letters may be edited. EQUINE ID ISSUES WITH reference to your news feature on equine identification (15 December), I disagree with many of the findings. Since leaving the EU, the enormity of problems for horse owners, riders and breeders has been huge. As we are no longer in the EU, we are a third country and we still have to abide by EU law and regulations to trade with them. To suggest that we can lead the way is very short sighted. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) have not listened or responded to questions from the 826 Equine Studbooks Association (ESA) who represent breed societies. I also question the Central Equine Database’s (CED) data after checking to…

When I was about nine years old, I fell in love with everything about horses. My mother opened me up to riding horses, while my father gave me my first camera, a box Brownie, and took me hiking in the mountains in Iran, where I grew up. All three passions have been in my blood ever since. What inspires me is to experience great moments anywhere in the world and, with a camera, I try to capture the beauty of the moment. Photographing the nomads and nature of Iran was exciting for me until the revolution in 1979, when our family came to London. I was feeling depressed, not knowing what to do with my life. One morning at dawn, I heard the clip-clopping sound of horses in the street…

HORSE&HOUND IN THE SPOTLIGHT COB Special PRODUCER JUSTINE ARMSTRONG-SMALL “BEAR was originally found in Ireland by Julie Marchant of Horton’s Irish Horses and we first saw him advertised in December 2020 by Georgina Wilkes who had him on her yard for his former owner, Racheal Pearce. “We jumped in the car to go and view him and, after arriving in half-darkness, we had a ride on him in the school. I’ve always liked his stamp; he’s typey, well-built and is an out-andout heavyweight with plenty of limb. He also gives a comfy ride and has a nice temperament to match. “The 2021 season was his novice year, but he qualified for the Royal International (RIHS), finishing third at the final in July. He adored the show; he’s a rangey horse…

CHARLOTTE WARREN owns Brian, a 14-yearold, 15.1hh heavyweight show cob who has “huge shoulders and a massive, thick neck”. “He’s only 15.1hh but takes 6ft 6in - 6ft 9in rugs due to the width of him,” says Charlotte. “He has a gigantic head so I have had to build a bridle piece by piece so that it fits. “He has a lot of bone but not a lot of length, so fitting brushing boots is almost impossible. Woof Wear medium extra wide are the only ones I’ve found to be any good, and he wears size XXL overreach boots.”…

LAST IN SERIES TO be called to a foaling mare in the late afternoon is unusual. Most mares foal in the dark, presumably a practice that evolved in their primitive ancestors as a defence against attacks by predators, when both the mare and the foal are at their most vulnerable. Similarly, the necessity to move away quickly from the place where the mare has foaled has resulted in the remarkable innate drive of the newborn foal to stand quickly. Hence the “1-2-3 rule”, well known to stud managers, determines if the foal is normal - an hour to stand, two hours to suck, and three hours for the mare to pass the placenta. On my arrival, the mare is lying on her side in a straw-bedded stable, attended by a…

HUNTING ON the first properly wet day in autumn a hardy bunch of spectators stood in a muddy field in Suffolk watching a group of four horses weave backwards and forwards over stout hedges. There were gasps as they thundered over a road crossing - the second part with a 2m drop into the field below - and cheers as the team galloped away up the hill over more hedges. It’s a scene that the late Hickstead maestro Douglas Bunn would no doubt approve of, some 48 years after he created the first team chase at his famous Sussex showground. The legend goes that the BBC wanted a different sort of equestrian entertainment for Easter Sunday’s programming. and Douglas suggested pitting showjumpers, eventers, even dressage riders against his fellow subscribers…

VALE VIEW HIGH PROFILE SHOW 13-15 January polly.bryan@futurenet.com @pollyrose21 Vale View High Profile Show, Leics “AFTER all our work over the winter, I just wanted our first show of 2023 to be a good one,” said Fiona Bigwood. And it was mission accomplished for Fiona, who came away with a grand prix victory riding the giant Dante Weltino son Daytona Platinum. The pair scored 72.5% to lead what proved a highly competitive class, as they pipped long-time leaders Becky Moody and Famke PF to victory from a late draw. “He has always been nervous indoors, so it was nice to come out and do a test like that,” said Fiona, explaining that while the grand prix work itself has never been difficult for 12-year-old “Dino”, he has struggled with confidence.…

Allens Hill, Worcestershire CONNEMARA Slieve Rushen Frank proved he has what it takes to beat the big guns when bagging two elementary wins for owner Gabriella Kozersky. Known as Murphy at home, the 10-year-old has been in the family for four years. “He means the world to everyone and is going to stay forever,” said 17-year-old Gabriella, who also events the 14.2hh gelding up to BE100. “We started affiliated dressage a year ago and I’ve learnt so much along the way, thanks to my trainer Diane Thurman-Baker. Murphy hasn’t got naturally big movement, so it’s rewarding to see that he’s been able to develop into a nice dressage pony.” The pair are training at medium at home and will aim for novice level eventing this year. “He’s quite an exuberant…

Felbridge Showground, W Sussex IZZY HOOLEY’s rising five-year-old Don Grande pulled off an impressive performance to top two novices, one with a dazzling 82.7%. Izzy, who rides for Andrew Gould, has owned the rising five-year-old gelding for a year. “We backed him at work and he’s been amazing and very straightforward,” she said, adding that his medium trot and canter are particular strengths. “We’re working on elementary at home, so I’ll take him out once he’s established. I keep him at work, so we get daily coaching from Andrew, which is amazing.” Private banker Rebecca Swain rode her nine-year-old gelding Despacito W to double advanced medium victory. “He’s quite clever and picks things up easily and has been very forgiving, as he is the first horse that I’ve trained myself,”…

Solihull RC, West Midlands EMMA MAGUIRE started her year with two wins on two different horses, including taking the top spot in the Bliss of London winter novice qualifier with the promising rising five-year-old, Orlando Moon. Emma bought the l6hh gelding, who was bred by the Abramovich family, from Jake Saywell in October. “I had another youngster I’d bought from Jake, who I’d sold. I bumped into him in September and he said he had another one who would suit me,” said Emma, who works for Equesure insurance brokers. “He was just backed and I’ve been spending time getting to know him.” Emma was second to go in the jump-off, in which she delivered one of only two double clears. “He isn’t five until August. I just popped him round,…

FOR several years now, I’ve been meaning to go to the Tynedale’s ladies’ day. However, I’ve always managed to baulk at the very last minute. “Isn’t it just a lot of drinking, jumping and chatting?” I said to a friend who had booked in early. “Absolutely,” she replied, looking confused. What could be better? But the day probably would have slipped by again if it weren’t for the galvanising effects of my friend Emma who lives up the road. We arranged to travel down together and meet some others there. Some more thrusty members of the College Valley were going too, so it was all set. THE day takes place on an estate belonging to one of the Tynedale masters and the meet alone was a sight to behold, with…

BIGGER AND BETTER FOR BADMINTON BETTER wi-fi and more camping are among the promises for Badminton 2023 - and all tickets must again be booked in advance. Tickets are on sale for the event, which this year finishes on Monday, 8 May, to minimise clashing with The King’s coronation on 6 May. The aim is for better wi-fi and phone signal and a larger campsite, event director Jane Tuckwell and commercial director Andrew Tucker said, and advance ticket sales will remain the only way to get in. Mr Tucker said this had a huge positive impact on traffic last year, benefiting all. “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back who’s part of our family,” Mrs Tuckwell said. “Roll on May!” NEW APP LAUNCHED FOR RACING STAFF RACING WELFARE has launched…

Five-star eventer Georgie Goss and her husband Toby are expecting their first child, a boy, this spring. Georgie said they are “looking forward to this next venture”. Showjumper Eric Lamaze will not be technical advisor for the Canadian team after his contract ends. Equestrian Canada said with his “improved health”, it is looking forward to his return to riding. Champion trainer Paul Nicholls had his 100th winner of the season on 9 January when Harry Cobden rode a four-timer at Taunton. Five days later, Paul and Harry had another winner, at Kempton. Irish showjumper Anthony Condon “got an extra big birthday present this year” when he and his partner Laura Johnson welcomed their third child, a baby girl named Addison Olive, on 9 January. Recently retired jockey Davy Russell has…

FIZZY DRINKS A legendary horsewoman shares an early memory of being asked what the aids are, at a Pony Club quiz. “Lemonade and orangeade!” she replied. Top marks, that child, and we’d say add a soupcon of gin in a few years’ time. Cheers! VISION A new online optical illusion test asks whether one can spot the horse in a photo of a forest, within eight seconds. We’d adapt the challenge to ask if you can find the horse in the field in the dark, within eight minutes. And the answer’s probably no… CLASS Spotted online, some tips on how to look classy and elegant. Number one, keep your nails clean and polished. Number two, always smell nice. We stopped there; Eau du Merde du Cheval and nails we have…

polly.bryan@futurenet.com @pollyrose21 THIS time of year can be challenging for many, and inspiration is needed to keep going with training until spring. The new prix st georges and inter I championship for silver riders at the Winter Dressage Championships is a great idea, and has certainly flushed a few fair-weather riders out of hiding. Motivation can come from a desire for success or a fear of failure, or looking silly. For some, yelling “Think of your ex” can generate a new level of impulsion, while others imagine the lap of honour as they are mucking out in -7°C. Every rider can maximise on the “cheap mark”. I often hear the complaint that a famous rider “got the marks” because they were better known. Sometimes a reality check is needed. It’s…

HORTONS MAGNIFICO Stable name: Bear Sex: gelding Class: heavyweight show cob Height: 155cm Breeding: unknown Owner: Lauren Cunningham-Bryce Rider/producer: Justine ArmstrongSmall Age: eight Best results: 2021, first novice cobs British Show Horse Association (BSHA) southern spring, third heavyweight cobs Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) final, first Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) heavyweight cob qualifier Stoneleigh Horse Show, first HOYS heavyweight cob and reserve champion Edenbridge and Oxted, first HOYS heavyweight cob Ashbourne, first heavyweight cob UK national championships; 2022, first HOYS heavyweight cob qualifier Stoneleigh, first BSPS Area 15 RIHS heavyweight cob qualifier and reserve champion, first heavyweight cob and overall supreme cob RIHS final.…

CAROL QUANTRILL owns 15-year-old, 15.3hh maxi cob Cormoy Lad, aka Hugo, whom she competes in dressage. “Everyone thinks a cob will be easy, but getting stuff to fit them can be a nightmare,” she says. “Hugo has ubersensitive skin, he struggles with mud fever and is allergic to neoprene. He has a huge chest and rugs are a headache, but I have a good selection of Premier Equine rugs, which fit without rubbing. I have a great saddler and have luckily found tack that fits like a dream. “I travel Hugo in a trailer, but have taken the partition out to give him more room.”…

DIVERSIFYING YOUR FACILITIES How to… MAKE MONEY FROM HORSES WITH the cost of living crisis in full swing, there couldn’t be a better time to take stock of your current inventory and ask what could be done to increase your income. First for any yard owner is assessing what facilities currently in place could be useful to other equestrians. Your riding school may have spare stables that could be liveried out, your arena might lend itself to training clinics or hire-by-the-hour services or your spare land might be suitable for a variety of uses. While brainstorming the opportunities at your fingertips, it’s also essential to consider what wouldn’t be a suitable venture. “We don’t encourage yard owners to pursue offering beach rides and trekking; they pose an increased risk to…

BEING a secondary school PE teacher, farmer’s wife and mother to two children doesn’t leave Katie Kay much time to ride, but with help from her mother Susie Dunn, she is able to ride and compete at weekends. The teamwork pays off and, at the Ian Stark EC in the Scottish Borders, Katie and Irish Sport Horse gelding Four Leaf Clover won both prelims with over 73%. “He’s rising six and we’ve had him a year now,” said Katie, who’s been producing the horse primarily to event, but says she’ll do “a bit of everything” with him. The gelding has been placed every time out, although these were his best scores to date. “I have my mum to thank, because she rides him and does everything with him during the…

WORLD CUP WIN FOR WHITAKER JOE WHITAKER and Jessica Crane’s Hulahupe JR landed the Al Shira’aa Longines Diamond Tour FEI Jumping World Cup grand prix at the CSI4*-W Al Shira’aa International in Abu Dhabi. From an 11-strongjumpoff, the pair rocketed home over 1.5sec quicker than runner-up Billy Twomey (Chat Botte ED) to scoop their biggest win together. Ireland’s Jessica Burke was also a victor at the show riding Inpulss, while there was a Breen Equestrian one-two in the seven-year-olds with Michael Duffy winning on Geniale Star Kervec, ahead of Shane Breen on Be Stakkato. KENNY IN FORM IRISHMAN Darragh Kenny landed the CSI3* grand prix during week one of the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, riding Volnay Du Boisdeville. “He’s an incredible horse and he’s better when he’s fresh,”…

Kempton Park Racecourse BOTH of Dan Skelton’s Warwick winners were ridden by his brother Harry, but the biggest winner of the day was West Balboa. Ridden by Dan’s sisterin-law Bridget Andrews, the mare got back up on the line in a terrific finish with Red Risk in the Coral Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton. It was the biggest win for Andrews since she returned from six months off after breaking her neck in April. “The broken neck was obviously a blip in the road and I’m not going to lie it was hard to get back, but luckily it was in the summer and I gave myself all the time I needed,” she reflected. “This is what we get back for - the big days and the really nice horses we…

Dunston Harriers, Ampton, Suffolk ANOTHER successful husband and wife duo, trainers James and Jennifer Owen, scored a race apiece when landing the men’s open with Midnight Cowboy and the conditions (level two) 9yo&up with Twilight Girl. James bought Twilight Girl from Ireland to give the lads working on his yard some race-riding experience. “She ran two weeks ago at Horseheath and just got beat a short head with Tommy Frogley, who was having his first ride, and Jamie Gambin has won his first race on her today, so she’s doing her job,” said James. “She’ll run once or twice a month and the lads will share the ride. She’s 10 and had a win under Rules, so carried a penalty, which made her a bit cheaper to buy, but she’s…