Innholdsfortegnelse for 9-Mar-2023 i Horse & Hound

IN this week’s eventing special, we ask the question what makes a great event rider (feature, p36)? Because if we know that, riders have the opportunity to apply the same approach whatever their level. Happily, the experts seem to agree that it is not down to pure talent, or something you are born with. Sports psychologist Charlie Unwin reasons that “feel”, which we associate with natural talent, can be developed over time. Trainer Caroline Moore suggests that the children of top riders are taught correctly from the off, as opposed to having something “in their blood”. Hard graft and bravery seem to be the crux of it - bravery meaning the willingness to come back again and again after setbacks and to be motivated by mistakes. There’s something we can…

THERE was a standing ovation as the Sir Colin Spedding Award went to Charlie Thornycroft at the National Equine Forum. Charlie was interviewed about her setting up and “becoming the linchpin” of the Polish supply hub to support Ukraine’s equestrian sector after the Russian invasion. “Charlie worked selflessly in challenging and extraordinarily stressful situations to ensure that aid got to where it was needed most, while managing the care and evacuation of horses,” her citation read. “She without doubt… saved the lives of very many horses.” Charlie described horrors, as she unloaded lorries, secured humane deaths for catastrophically injured horses and provided a safe place. “I am truly humbled by the response and the comments,” she said. “It was a huge team effort and one where I was lucky to…

HERPES CANCELS MAJOR TOUR THE Spring MET III showjumping tour (7-26 March) in Oliva Nova, Spain, has been cancelled owing to equine herpes. Four horses tested positive during the MET II tour (7-26 February), resulting in the cancellation of the second part of the tour. The British Equine Veterinary Association and British Showjumping said horses returning to the UK from these shows may not attend national competitions until a period of isolation of 21 days is completed, or they have negative laboratory results. ROYAL WINDSOR NAMES ITS CHARITY ROYAL Windsor Horse Show has announced the Household Cavalry Foundation as its official charity for 2023. The foundation supports the Household Cavalry’s heritage, serving soldiers and veterans, and their dependents, and supports the welfare of retired army horses. The partnership includes the…

MINIATURE therapy ponies are strapping on pedometers to help raise funds and awareness of prostate cancer. Every day this month, Keysoe Cuddle Therapy Centre’s 10 ponies will walk 11,000 steps, with staff, as part of Prostate Cancer UK’s March the Month campaign. The 11,000 steps represent the 11,000 “dads, brothers, granddads, partners and mates, who die from prostate cancer every year". Norman Frederick Buxton, father of Keysoe team member Lucy Matear, died from prostate cancer in December 2022. “I thought this was the perfect way to raise some money for a cause which has been very close to home for the past few years,” said Lucy. BM…

alexandra.robinson@futurenet.com @alexrob_ journo_ OPINION IN the past few months, showing has been surrounded by a cloud of negativity on social media, with a fair amount focusing on judging. In showjumping, it is easy to see when a fence is knocked down and a penalty given, but as showing is subjective, it makes it more difficult for the participants and spectators to understand the judge’s decision. Ultimately, our industry needs to be as transparent as possible for the modernday competitor. Across all societies we require knowledgeable judges who act with integrity and honesty, and who can justify their actions if required. The marks system has led to some individuals being able to hide behind a number, as you don’t need any experience to be able to issue two digits. It may…

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EVENTING Special LAPPING the Badminton arena waving to the cheering crowd is a fantasy most horsey people have allowed themselves. For some, it’s just a fantastical dream, for others it’s a genuine ambition and for the very few it becomes a reality. But what does it take to become one of this elite group? World number two Jonelle Price calls them a “rare breed” and they are an eclectic bunch - different shapes and sizes and ages, with backgrounds as varied as their riding styles. But the one thing that unites them all, in former British performance manager Yogi Breisner’s words, “is that they have a hunger - a hunger for learning and a hunger for developing themselves and a hunger for doing things the right way”. This hunger is…

A CORE aspect of the horses’ routine now involves an EQUUSIR BEST - which Dan refers to as “The magic box” (left). “We use it all the time,” says Dan. “It helps us think outside the box.” It was Dan’s father Nick who came across the kit while at a showjumping competition in Vienna, Austria. “It was something I’d never seen before so I enquired about it and they gave us a demonstration,” Nick explains. “I asked if it was possible to get one in England and they sent it over.” BEST stands for Bio Energetic Scan and Treatment, and the German-designed machine’s manufacturers claim the box identifies potential problems in the horse, and applies infrared and coloured light.…

NPS/Derby House annual performance awards ISLE of Wight-based police officer Megan Champney and her home-produced five-year-old plaited coloured mare, Penrock Perfect Puzzle (Portia), beat the odds to head the ridden showing section of the inaugural National Pony Society (NPS)/Derby House annual performance awards. “Megan does Portia around her shifts at work, and thankfully we have sponsorship from Red Funnel Ferries or we wouldn’t be able to compete,” said her mother Jan. Mandy Godden and her aunt Jennifer Newnham’s home-bred riding pony stallion, Moor Hall Peter Pan - produced and shown by Alan Charlesworth - finished third overall and took the in-hand showing points award. “He only did eight shows last year, but notched up 13 championships,” said Mandy. “We feel very lucky that we can incorporate showing alongside covering a…

Share your news story Call 0330 390 6386 Email eleanor.jones@futurenet.com @ jones_eleanor_ “RIDING is at risk” as 250 schools have closed since 2018, but there has been a slight increase in participation in horse sport. These were key findings announced at the 2023 National Equine Forum on 2 March, in a session on the opportunities and challenges for the future of the sector. British Horse Society (BHS) chief executive James Hick addressed the sustainability of Britain’s riding schools. “I think we can all recognise that riding schools are the lifeblood of participation,” he said. “With that in mind, should we be concerned that riding is at risk? The BHS researched to understand how the recreational riding landscape is changing.” Mr Hick said the BHS asked all local authorities in England,…

IN THE NEWS BALLAGHMOR CLASS The Olympic team gold medallist, owned by Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan, made a winning start to 2023, topping an OI section at Poplar with Oliver Townend. MOUNT ST JOHN FREESTYLE The world bronze medallist could return in time for Paris, says owner Emma Blundell. She also has a Glamourdale embryo transfer foal due. HAVANA GOLD The leading sire has died, at the age of 13, after sustaining a fatal pelvis injury. He won the Group One Prix Jean Prat, retiring to stud at Tweenhills in 2014.…

Email to hhletters@futurenet.com Name and address must be included. Letters may be edited. @ horseandhound instagram.com/horseandhound facebook.com/horseandhound CHOCOLATE NO-GO FURTHER to your news story about the US rider being disqualified after feeding her horse M&Ms (23 February), UK racing authorities introduced a threshold for caffeine after various caffeine positives including a racehorse given a chocolate bar as a treat - over 20 years ago. The NOPS (naturally occurring prohibited substances) accreditation scheme was set up by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), to reduce the risk of naturally occurring contaminants entering manufactured feed, supplements and forage products. “I hope British competitors will not make the same mistake” CLAIRE WILLIAMS, BETA This can’t, however, account for intentionally feeding our equines treats intended for our own consumption, but which may contain NOPS…

BEEDER of some of the best Welsh ponies in the country under her Rowfantina prefix, Mandy Burchell-Small says a touch of “natural instinct” plays a part in her quest to continually improve the breed and who are we to argue? She’s a woman at the top of her game, though she explains the breeding operation that now spans four generations is very much a family affair. Her programme, which was originally founded in I960 by her mother Jean Shemilt and friend Felicity Wilson, is a huge passion for Mandy who thrives on these distinctive Welsh section As despite a recent health scare. “They are the reason I get up very early in the morning,” says Mandy, who can look back on the past few years with satisfaction and pride. Not…

MANY equestrian fans will be familiar with the 1978 film International Velvet, where 18-year-old Sarah Brown produces her first horse through the grades to win eventing team gold at the Olympics. While this storyline remains a dream for most budding event riders, the odd few do find a horse who takes them from youth teams up to five-star. Laura Collett was 16 years old when she saw the then seven-year-old Rayef for sale in a magazine. “I was flicking through and liked the look of his picture,” says Laura, who now, some 18 years later, has a Badminton title and Olympic team gold. “For sure, Rayef set up my career.” When she went to try the gelding, he had done some 90cm showjumping and was being ridden by a 68-year-old…

IRELAND’S Stephanie Stammschroer, who competed up to four-star and attended three junior and young rider European Championships, was a burgeoning star. Last year, at 22, she gave up her dream of being a professional event rider. She talks about the dedication and sacrifice that it takes to get to the top - is it worth it? “My biggest dream was winning fivestars and the Olympics, but there are just too many bad days,” she says. “I always thought, one day it’ll be worth it. But then I began thinking, let’s say I did win the Olympics, on that day was! really going to think - yes, every single bad day has been worth it? Probably not.” It’s a wise reminder for us to check if our dream is actually making…

PEMBROKE 6yo by Blue Bresil, owned by Jon and Julia Aisbitt; McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle (Fri). “He’d be a big chance,” says Dan. “I don’t know why, but the race seems to have suited us over the years.” GALIA DES LITEAUX 7yo by Saddler Maker, owned by Michael Ariss; Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (Weds), also entered in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase (Fri). “She’ll run in the three-mile novice if the ground is soft enough. She’s strong, everything is big about her.” LANGER DAN 7yo by Ocovango, owned by Colm Donlon; Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle (Fri), with entries in the Coral Cup (Weds) and Stayers Hurdle (Thurs). “He’d have a chance. He runs well in spring.” WEST BALBOA 7yo by Yeats, owned by Bullen-Smith and Faulks; Close…

A LARGE field gathers at Landyke Lane at the top of the Vale ofBelvoir. I am hunting the East Sussex and Romney Marsh hounds of a decade ago - a Peterborough champion and other winners in their midst. But they are greater champions in the hunting field, modern English hounds with plenty of broken coats. They have boundless drive and enthusiasm. I had every confidence in them in any country. I am riding Brenda, my horse of a lifetime, who could have hunted hounds by herself and is as bold as a lion. As a boy, all masters and hunt staff were heroes. Michael Farrin and Robin Jackson, shires huntsmen of my youth, are whipping-in. I had better be on top form, although these brilliant huntsmen were both appointed as…

Beacons Equestrian Area Festival, Carmarthenshire SAM WHYLEY is signing off from the Area Festival circuit in style, having won the medium and advanced medium silver with Daybreak Dancer. Sam bought British-bred mare “Doree”, now eight, as a rising five-year-old, seeing potential in her as she cantered across the field. “She’s my absolute favourite horse to ride,” he said. “She’s very talented, with a great temperament, and she’s just one of those mares - when she’s good, she’s fantastic. When we started her at novice, she was scoring plus-70% straight away, and she has come on really quickly. I’m keen to try prix st georges when she’s a little stronger. “The finals will be my last-ever Area Festival championships as I look forward to a summer of Premier Leagues,” explained Sam.…

jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald HIGHLIGHTS 25 February-5 March Longines Global Champions Tour of Doha, Qatar THE 2023 edition of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) kicked off in Doha, Qatar, with a resounding grand prix victory for Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt riding the inexperienced nineyear-old Just Be Gentle. But there was plenty to celebrate for young British rider Jodie Hall McAteer, who swooped home fastest in Saturday’s 1.45m speed class riding the 13-year-old mare Kimosa Van Het Kitrahof. She beat leading Swedish riders Malin Baryard-Johnsson on Harley Davidson and Henrik von Eckermann riding Hollywood V by nearly two seconds. “I’d had a bit of an unlucky show, but she’s been in great form recently. We’ve not had a big win for a while, although we’ve come close a few times, so it was…

HIGHLIGHTS 4-5 March Duke of Beaufort’s Hunt, Didmarton, Glos gemma.redrup@futurenet.com @gemmaredrup A VARIED routine is proving to be the key for Eve Hobbs’ successful seven-year-old Tara Storm, who galloped over the line to land the intermediate, and his third win from three starts. “He’s moving his way positively through the ranks,” said Eve, who bought the horse from France last year and has Cheltenham in her sights. “We knew he was feeling on top form, but the ground was quite firm, and being a two-horse race, we weren’t sure how it was going to go. “He’s never jumped in front before, but he got to the front over the first and just kept going. He’s going from strength to strength.” Eve describes the gelding as a “teddy bear” at home.…

World dressage champion Lottie Fry rode a hat-trick of wins on the Van Olst’s nine-year-old Everdale son, Jackson, in the small tour at the Lier CDI, Belgium. Four-star eventer and coach Will Enzinger has been appointed Equestrian Australia’s new high performance director. He takes over from Chris Webb. German Olympic showjumper Ludger Beerbaum fractured his thigh in a fall at the Global Champions League in Doha on 2 March. Jockey Jack Kennedy is still recovering from a broken leg sustained in a fall in January, and will not return in time for the Cheltenham Festival. Amateur jockey Olive Nicholls, 17, rode her first winner under Rules at Wincanton on 1 March, Magic Saint, for her father and trainer Paul Nicholls.…

BREEDING Hats off to the legendary Michael Whitaker and his breeding details for horse Oscar at Addington. For sire, it said “Don’t know but good.” Out of “Not sure but super mare”? PROVERBS To the National Equine Forum, where British Horse Council chair David Mountford’s presentation featured Chinese proverbs, the last of which was: “It is not economical to go to bed early to save the candles if the result is twins.” A fair point. COMPLIMENTS A young rider was asked if he had enjoyed his hack. “Yes!” he declared. “It was even better than my iPad!” What higher praise could he possibly give? RIDING Scientists have found evidence of riding horses from 4,000 to 5,000 years ago; damage to bones and healed breaks. Riders will understand, but no fossilised…

pippa.roome@futurenet.com @pipparoomeorkyle WITH social licence in the news, horse welfare is top of the agenda for horse sports. There are many who think use of the horse is abuse of the horse and that horses should be fat and happy in a field. There isn’t much media coverage of the fact all sport horses have truly five-star love, care and attention, nor of the plight of those poor animals left neglected in paddocks. The pinnacle of all sports attracts the greatest attention. The higher the level of performance, the smaller the margin of error, therefore the higher the skill needed by the rider. But let’s be clear that horses competing at these levels love it. There is no way that lOOlb of rider can make l,OOOlb of horse do something…

Rowfantina Old Gold Five-year-old grey Welsh section A mare Sire: Monksfield Jupiter Dam: Rowfantina Old Times Mandy says: “Old Gold is a younger sister to On My Honour, who finished fourth in the M&M lead-rein final last year [at RIHS], and we absolutely adore her. If all goes to plan, she’ll be shown this year.” Rowfantina Man Of The Match Five-year-old chestnut Welsh section A x B gelding Sire: Monksfield Jupiter Dam: Manorcourt Mayflower Mandy says: “Matty, as we call him at home, came out and did a few shows under saddle last year as a lead-rein show hunter pony. Our neighbour’s daughter Ellie will ride him before Isabel takes over.” Rowfantina On Song Five-year-old grey Welsh section A mare Sire: Rowfantina Our Vintage Dam: Rowfantina On Tiptoes Mandy says:…

CHAMPIONS FARM Finchingfield, Braintree, Essex For you: a listed farmhouse approached via a long driveway in a picturesque village. This three-bedroom home dates back to the 1500s, with additions in the 17th and 18th centuries. It features exposed beams, original brick flooring and inglenook fireplaces. For the horses: the excellent equestrian facilities include eight stables, two tack rooms, two feed rooms, an all-weather turnout arena and a 22×44m floodlit manège. There is also an Essex barn, with scope for development, subject to planning. Set in 15.6 acres. £1.15m Zoe Napier Group, 01621 731800, zoenapier.com THE SPARROWS Gosfield, Halstead, Essex For you: a four/five-bedroom Grade II-listed home, dating to the 1500s but comprehensively refurbished. Features include red brick chimney stacks with exposed timber frame. For the horses: facilities include a large…

ALTHOUGH there are undeniably many advantages to producing a horse through the youth programme to five-star, some believe it can have disadvantages, too. “Wesley had a lot of mileage on him by the time he got to five-star, as you have to do a number of two- and three-star events in order to be selected onto a youth team,” explains Tom Jackson of Waltham Fiddlers Find, who suffered leg injuries later in his career. “In some ways, that held him back, but in others it meant that we were full of confidence, which was crucial as it meant he forgave me when I made mistakes at the top level.” Georgie Dalton agrees, saying: “I put a lot more miles on the clock than I needed to with Fachoudette, but that…

THURLOW 25 February catherine.austen@futurenet.com @cfausten123…

HIGHLIGHTS 20-26 February polly.bryan@futurenet.com @pollyrose21 Netherton EC winter regionals, Perthshire and Kinross JO BARRY scored a hat-trick of wins, claiming elementary, medium and medium freestyle gold titles with Karisma II. “They say that when you get a good mare who wants to work with you, she’s unbeatable,” said Jo. “Karisma is like that, she goes the extra mile. She’s so focused and has a fantastic work ethic.” The home-bred eight-yearold is by San Amour and out of Donnabel, who also produced Jo’s prolific winners Vivaldi V and Hidalgo II. “Karisma is a bit of a princess and can be difficult in the stable, but the judges often comment about how harmonious the partnership looks,” said Jo. “She hasn’t done many mediums and never a test as hard as that. You…

Northallerton Area Festival, N Yorks “I WAS a bit emotional; it’s the best test he’s done at that level,” said Lisa Clarkson, after lifting the inter I bronze title with Giannova. “I was really proud of him - and the judges seemed to be in agreement.” Since she bought the Goldfever gelding “Gino” nearly a decade ago, Lisa has brought him up through the levels with the help of her trainer Becky Moody. “He’s a bit of a character and can be quite tricky, as he likes things to be on his terms,” she said, likening him to the mythical half-horse, halfeagle Hippogriffs from the Harry Potter books. “You have to bow down before him and see whether he’ll be your friend. He has trained me quite well!” “He has…

South View, Cheshire MOLLI SANDERSON and Dungar Clover rebounded from a roller coaster of a year to win the 1.10m FMBs Therapy Systems star qualifier at their first show in five months. Molli has owned the Irish mare for seven years and last year they endured a fitful season after Dungar Clover suffered laminitis and two bouts of colic, while Molli also had an enforced hiatus. “Before that, she had a trauma on her shoulder that had to be drained,” Molli said. “Towards the end of the summer, she won two classes at her last show then I had to stop because of surgery. The story of my life is always having to start again or do things twice!” Even this win had a rocky start, as Molli’s lorry smelt…

HIGHLIGHTS 20-26 February alexandra.robinson@futurenet.com @alexrob_journo_ NPS Area 7, Bury Farm, Bucks ROSS KEYS had plenty to overcome - not least Lisa Kelly’s clever open track - en route to the top spot in the Royal International (RIHS) worker qualifier. He rode the only over-143cm clear to win by 21 marks on the Welsh section D stallion Dycott Welsh King. This was the first outing since Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) for the former RIHS victor, 2022 Royal Windsor reserve and HOYS La Liga section winner. “Ross is busy with his own construction business and works late nights and weekends,” said producer Anna Chaplin, who runs Broomvale Stud and also a textile printing studio. “He rarely gets to ride King at home; he sat on him once before today and…

Yorkshire Jockeys Club, Charm Park, N Yorks TOM ELLIS continued his run of good form when clocking up a treble, starting with wife Gina Andrews riding 11-yearold mare Kalabaloo to victory in the Retraining of Racehorses and Jockey Club veteran horse conditions (level two) 9yo&up for Shona Westrope. “She ran another ultraconsistent race and it was great to get her back to winning ways,” said Tom of the mare. “It was a step back for her as we’ve been running her in opens, but we managed to get her in this with a 5lb penalty, so it was the perfect race for her. She relishes a strong stamina test and you need to stay well at this track. She’s never run a bad race for us.” Next up was the…

THE hunt supporters’ curry supper with guest speaker is a fundraising evergreen in our neck of the woods. It has happened every year since Domesday, or maybe just the 1980s, in the same village hall and is presided over by a group of ladies who think nothing of knocking up several vats of curry and rice for an assembled crew of 70-odd. Sated by large platefuls, we are an undemanding audience, happy to hear about most things as long as the speaker doesn’t drone on forever. Our former chairman, Tom, who died just over a year ago, is hugely missed on these occasions. He always jollied things along in the nicest possible way, heckling from the back with a rubicund face or stage-whispering, “Sooooo boring!” to a neighbour if the…