Innholdsfortegnelse for 19-Oct-2023 i Horse & Hound

“DILEMMAS” around turnout, euthanasia and restrictive grazing have come under discussion by experts as they navigate what “good welfare” really means. At the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress (13–16 September), animal welfare specialist Madeleine Campbell chaired a panel discussion comprising vets Imogen Burrows, Becky Smith and Isabella Wild, and animal welfare researcher Jo Hockenhull, to tackle the theme: “Good health or good welfare? Why can’t we agree what good welfare means?” Professor Campbell opened the discussion by highlighting that in vets’ everyday lives, they come up against “welfare dilemmas”, and one issue is that there are numerous definitions of welfare, and debate on whether there is a difference between welfare and wellbeing. The aim was to discuss how a lack of agreement on what good welfare means can affect…

THREE-TIME champion Flat jockey Frankie Dettori has reversed his decision to retire. The 52-year-old had said he would hang up his silks at the end of this year, but has announced that he will go to the US to take up opportunities there and elsewhere. “I am simply not ready to retire completely,” he said. “I’m still enjoying riding and I want to carry on for a while on the international circuit.” Frankie said the decision had been playing on his mind after he rode so many big winners this summer. “My family were part of my decision,” he said. “When I announced I was going to retire, I expected things to slow down but it went the other way. I just kept winning. In the summer I thought, ‘Oh…

I’ve been immersed in the horse world since I was 10. I used to showjump, then later I went to Hartpury to do a BSc in equine sports science. I got my BHSAI, and retrained racehorses for several years, then I did a post-graduate diploma and an MSc in equestrian research. Before forming Equidance, my full-time job was doing equine thermal imaging. When we first met, my husband Tony was terrified of horses. On our first date, I took him to the yard and casually asked him to push my mare back into her stable – he was petrified. In 2017, we were watching a freestyle class at the winter championships and Tony kept whispering, “This music is terrible, who edits this stuff?” I told him, “If you think you…

Horse & Hound Awards 2023: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with NAF FLYING TINKER II 12yo gelding by Tinkers Tale out of Perpetual Motion Rider: Mark Edwards. Owner: Marlene Edwards Breeder: Martyn Edwards. Groom: Josie Dummett MARK’S 15.3hh home-bred has racked up an astounding 23 wins this year, taking his career total hurtling towards the century mark. He’s amassed red ribbons in everything from grands prix to back-to-back speed horse of the year finals at the national championships. He’s clearly one of the most consistent horses on the national circuit – and one of the most feared opponents in a jump-off – but he is also a real character. “He’s very sharp to ride – in his early years, I probably fell off him more than any other horse!”…

Horse & Hound Awards 2023: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with NAF AMY GEORGE AMY is an amateur event rider-turned-Trec national champion, who combines her riding with managing Whipley Manor Farm feed store. Having evented her home-bred A Touch Optimistik until 2019, to intermediate level, she and “Smarty” then changed disciplines. This year they were crowned Trec national champions at the highest level (four), and they are aiming to represent Britain at next year’s World Championships. “I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet,” Amy says. “It’s a niche sport, we all know each other, but it’s a much bigger deal in Europe, so it’s sinking in what a big deal it would be. “Smarty’s just been amazing. He’s like a lamb with my elderly sharer but when I…

Horse & Hound Awards 2023: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with NAF LORRAINE MALLENDER LORRAINE, 67, stewards most weekends throughout the summer. In fact, she barely spent more than three days at home in August owing to her involvement in championship shows. Despite past injuries, she is always there to help, come rain or shine. Why did you get involved? “I first got involved when my daughter, Polly, started her judging career. When Polly stopped competing, I started undertaking more stewarding to get my show fix. My favourite classes are the lead-reins and first ridden. I always like to have a chat with the jockeys.” Memorable moment: “One of my favourite moments was when I asked a young man on the lead-rein how old he was. He replied he…

Horse & Hound Awards 2023: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with NAF TAMMY MARX Tammy founded Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue in Devon in 2014 to rescue miniature Shetland ponies from abuse, abandonment and neglect. SINCE then, Tammy and her team have rehomed around 55 Shetland ponies and currently have 45 in their care. “I would not be where I am today without my amazing team,” says Tammy, who cites the rehabilitation of Poppet as her most recent proud moment. “When Poppet came to us earlier on this year, she was skeletal and she wasn’t expected to make it. She weighed just 93kg shortly after she arrived. But following amazing care, a specialist refeeding programme and thanks to her saintly temperament, Poppet now weighs 145kg and she is so happy.”…

WORKING RIDER ONE week on from parting company in the regional final at Little Downham (4), Marie Spillane and Westend Stevie set the record straight at Askham Bryan when they topped BE100 section M. “I ended up the wrong side of the ropes between fences two and three and in trying to turn Stevie round, I somehow managed to hit the deck,” explained Marie, who made no such mistake here and finished on her dressage score of 29.3. “I think Stevie was just pleased that he got to jump round the whole course this time!” East Yorkshire-based Marie works full-time in insurance for NFU Mutual and juggles work with horses and bringing up her eight-year-old daughter. She relies on the support of friends and family to keep Stevie fit. “I…

Chard Equestrian, Somerset “WE’VE had a really good year,” said Jane Phillips, whose former point-to-pointer Fair Duchess dominated at advanced medium to take both classes outright. The win came hot on the heels of the mare’s victory at the Retraining of Racehorses championships in August, where she was granted the Elite Performance Award for Dressage Champion. “It’s been quite a learning experience with her,” explained Jane, who bought ‘Briony’, now 13, straight from a training yard in 2017. “She’s amazing; she just wants to learn all the time. My trainer, Tyler Bradshaw, told me I needed to believe in myself, so I went in and relaxed and just rode her, for the first time. It worked!” In a convincing comeback following colic surgery last Christmas, Totally Chester took the elementary…

HIGHLIGHTS 5–8 October South View, Cheshire MARTHA PENNEY lined herself up for another shot at the star championship, where she finished runner-up last year, when she headed a 12-strong jump-off in the qualifier with her mare Eltaire-B. Martha, who is based just 10 minutes from South View, bought the 14-year-old last year after losing her previous horse and has managed to “crack on from where I left off”. “I didn’t know if I would be able to find a replacement but she’s been lovely,” said Martha, who juggles competing with working as a quantity surveyor and also studying for a degree. “I try to go out most weekends but I am also an Everton fan, so I go home and away for the football as well!” she said. “We were…

THE unstoppable stallion Monivea Black Magic made history as he stormed both in-hand and ridden supreme championships. The pony contender, still only a six-year-old, was reigning off the back of a bumper season in the ring, which includes RIHS and Great Yorkshire victories. Boston son “Merlin” is produced by Lucy Glover and has been piloted this term by his breeder, Pippa Kirby. “He’s still such a young pony,” said Pippa, who rode Merlin to win at HOYS soon after the BSPA championships. “I think it’s his temperament that gives him the edge. He takes everything in his stride, but he has so much presence in the ride; it’s a shame judges don’t get the opportunity to have a sit on him. Plus, we couldn’t do it without Lucy’s brilliant production.”…

Belvoir, Garthorpe, Lincs THE Belvoir kicked off the season with its sizeable intermediate over the muchloved course at Garthorpe, and with meaty hedges from the get-go it took some jumping. Cupid Stunts had the best of warm-ups for the open classes ahead with a measured round to win, steadying up to get together for the Belvoir’s unusual pen, where all three members must jump the left-hand side of an island rail before the leader jumps back over the other side. “We’d seen that other teams had gone away fast and had problems, so thought it was worth trying the steady approach,” explained Mollie Paxford, who led on the big jumping thoroughbred, Orla. “Sarah, Hayley and I have ridden together before, but Anna Hall joined us for the first time and…

PETWICK STABLES Childrey, Wantage, Oxon For you: an Arts and Crafts house overlooking a grass circular courtyard around which the property’s stables are situated. The four-bed house has been refurbished in a stunning contemporary style, with a vaulted open-plan kitchen and impressive vaulted drawing room. There is also a one-bed annexe and cottage. For the horses: there are 20 stables including three foaling boxes, a tack room, stores and a solarium. There is also a Monarch horse walker and 25×65m all-weather manège. Four post-and-rail paddocks and a large field. Set in 22.08 acres. £3m Knight Frank, 01256 630970, knightfrank.co.uk TOWNHEAD HOUSE Iveston, Co Durham For you: a substantial fivebed family home with two conservatories, plus three cottages and a private annexe with bar, snooker table, cinema room and a sauna.…

Horse & Hound Awards 2023: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with NAF GLAMOURDALE 12yo stallion, Lord Leatherdale x Negro Rider: Lottie Fry. Owners: Van Olst Horses Breeder: Joop Rodenburg YOU can’t fail to notice when Glamourdale is in an arena – loud gasps can be heard from any crowd when Lottie Fry unleashes this powerful stallion’s extraordinary extended canter. World champions in 2022, “Glammy” and Lottie added another gold medal to their collection this year as they helped Britain win team gold at the European Dressage Championships. Later that week, they delighted dressage fans both near and far with their mesmerising freestyle performance. It didn’t quite clinch another gold, but a personal best score of 92.38% earned them individual silver. “When the music starts, Glammy knows what to do…

Horse & Hound Awards 2023: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with NAF LABURNUM RICHARD 16yo exceeding 143cm M&M working hunter by Rynn Richard x Moy Johnny’s Pride Owner/rider: Amy Canavan-Smith Breeder: Thomas Folan. Stable name: Pedro THIS Connemara has achieved legend status on the worker circuit. His 2023 CV includes his fourth Royal Windsor mountain and moorland (M&M) working hunter pony championship and his second Royal International (RIHS) championship, adding this to his two Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) championships. Pedro’s a master of his trade, though Amy has never denied he has quirks. “Pedro is a work of art. He takes management and riding and he has to live a varied life, but when he’s out at a big occasion he loves it,” said Amy, after Pedro…

Horse & Hound Awards 2023: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with NAF ANNABELLA PIDGLEY Age: 18 BEST horse: “All my horses are talented in their own right, but I’ve been so proud of Espe this year for her outstanding performances, winning young rider tests at Aachen and at the Europeans in Hungary.” Proudest moment this year: “Winning double gold at the young rider Europeans with Espe because it was a dream come true, but I was also really proud to ride on the senior Nations Cup team in Aachen on Vamos Amigos.” Equestrian inspiration: “My biggest inspiration is my dad [the late Tony Pidgley], because his determination and hard work inspires me every day and all I do is to make him proud.” Goal for 2024: “My main goal…

Horse & Hound Awards 2023: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with NAF DALE GREENWOOD Walsall, West Mids THIS is the second year that Dale has made this shortlist. At 16, he started helping a local farrier who was part of the Welsh world champion shoeing team. “I was lucky to get that training and it set me up well for the future,” says Dale, who has now been qualified for 16 years. “I shoe a wide range of horses and enjoy making a difference to how they move. Many horses come to me with poor feet and I work hard to improve them, but I also enjoy the wide variety of people I meet and hearing their stories.” A satisfied client says: “Dale has been our farrier for 15…

Horse & Hound Awards 2023: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with NAF BOMBER The much-loved Shire bringing history to life and helping to promote the breed HISTORY enthusiasts Eve Millar and Jon Davison bought Bomber as a foal in 2015 from breeders William and Josephine Boulderstone to fulfil Jon’s dreams of owning a heavy horse. Bomber, who stands at 18.1hh, joins the couple at 1940s and World War II commemorative events around the country, taking part in ploughing and logging displays to demonstrate some of the work Shires were used for, and highlighting their “at risk” status on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s watchlist. “I don’t know any other horse that would stand next to a tank being fired off – he takes it all in his stride,” said…

HIGHLIGHTS 5–8 October DO YOU WANT TO BE ON THIS PAGE? HAVE YOU WON A SECTION? Email eventinghighlights@gmail.com within 24 hours of your event and please include a contact telephone number Swalcliffe, Oxon NANA DALTON and Romany Cricket’s win in novice section E was a triumph of organisation. Their trip to Oxfordshire was carefully orchestrated to coincide with the 80th birthday of Nana’s mother, Sheila Barker. Sheila has been a staunch supporter of her family’s eventing endeavours as well as starting the careers of countless under-18 riders -in 2018, she received a British Eventing award for her service to the under-18 (JRN) programme. “Mum lives in Scotland, so the secretary very kindly gave us times to fit in with her travel logistics and we managed to get the whole family…

AT the BSPA championships, Allana Green’s smart three-yearold colt Boxmoor Cody enjoyed a bumper run, being graded with the society in the morning and winning his class, the amateur supreme and the reserve supreme in-hand sash in the afternoon. “I was over the moon with him,” said home-producer Allana, who works for her family’s jewellery business. Bred by Frances Hunt, the traditional cob has had a successful season, standing champion at the Royal Welsh Smallholding Festival and picking up two reserves at the Traditional of the Year Show. “My future plan with Cody is to take him to some shows under saddle in 2024,” Allana added.…

THE next chapter in hunting’s history began at midnight on 2 October as the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023 came into effect. The new law repeals the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002. From 3 October, those wishing to hunt with more than two dogs in Scotland require a licence from the Government’s agency, NatureScot. NatureScot published guidance and an application form just a few days ahead of the law coming into force, which did not give hunts sufficient time to make an application to use a pack of hounds, let alone for the agency to process that application. Until licences have been granted to conduct pest control under the new legislation, hunts across Scotland are able to conduct simulated (drag) hunting or flush to guns using two…

THE Grand National field size will be reduced to a maximum of 34 runners and the first fence moved closer to the start in 2024 as part of changes designed to improve safety. This follows an evidencebased review by Aintree racecourse operators The Jockey Club, supported by the British Horseracing Authority. The main change is the reduction in runners from 40. The first fence will be 60 yards nearer the start, to stop horses building up too much speed, and a standing start is being reintroduced. An earlier race time is also likely, as “the ground can dry out quickly on a breezy, sunny April afternoon.” World Horse Welfare CEO Roly Owers told H&H the charity “welcomes The Jockey Club’s leadership in its continued efforts to make the Grand National…

THE decision to ban top US rider Andy Kocher for 10 years, for prolonged use of electric spurs has been upheld. In 2021, the FEI Tribunal ruled that the showjumper be suspended, fined CHF 10,000 (£9,051) and ordered to pay CHF 7,500 costs. Andy said he would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). CAS has now confirmed and upheld the FEI Tribunal’s decision and the sanctions. “Considering the dual iniquity of cruelty to animals and disloyalty to competitors, as well as the actions of the appellant in not only using electric spurs himself but also in instructing or encouraging others to do so, the panel reaches the same conclusion as the FEI Tribunal,” the CAS report stated. Among the evidence, the panel “specifically noted” events including the…

HORSE&HOUND THE INTERVIEW IT was his best five-star result in a decade, a podium finish on what most people viewed as the third string of his three rides. But Harry Meade’s third place at Burghley last month on Cavalier Crystal was no surprise to the rider. In most form assessments, the mare – known at home as Nell – was flying under the radar prior to the event, but Harry had been quietly confident ahead of her five-star debut. “She’s a real championship type,” says Harry when we meet on the day after Blenheim, where he again finished third on another dark bay mare – Annaghmore Valoner – who seemed to come from nowhere. “Nell isn’t a huge mover, but she’s consistent in the dressage and never underperforms; she’s very…

WHEN a horse is recovering from surgery, or suffers musculoskeletal injury, your veterinarian is instrumental in providing a diagnosis and treatment plan, which may include a rehabilitation programme. It is essential that that is in place, and that it is well-planned, to give your horse the best chance of recovery. WHAT IS REHABILITATION? THE purpose of rehabilitation is to restore some or all of the patient’s physical, sensory and mental capabilities that were lost due to its illness, injury or disease. For some patients, the goal is complete athletic recovery with full and unrestricted function. However, for others the goal is the recovery of the ability to do as many activities of daily living as possible. There are certain key points that are essential to note before beginning your horse’s…

Horse & Hound Awards 2023: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with NAF LORDSHIPS GRAFFALO 11yo British-bred gelding, Grafenstolz x Rock King Rider: Ros Canter. Owner: Michele Saul Breeder: Lordships Stud. Stable name: Walter “IT’S Walter’s world and we are privileged to be able to live with him in it,” said Ros Canter after double gold at the European Championships. Still relatively young for the top level, Lordships Graffalo claimed eventing’s two top prizes this year when he won Badminton and the Europeans, performing outstandingly over tough ground conditions across country at both events. At Badminton, he led from the front and won by a recordbreaking 15 penalties, and at the Europeans, he was the only horse to finish inside the time across country. “It’s an absolute privilege to ride…

Horse & Hound Awards 2023: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with NAF ROS CANTER Badminton winner, European champion and world number two WHEN Ros and Lordships Graffalo featured on the cover of Horse & Hound in February, under the line “Your best year yet”, it proved prophetic. The pair won Badminton, scooped double gold at the European Championships and Ros also enjoyed a month at the top of the world rankings. Ros, 37, often appears to be doing very little across country, guiding big horses with a seemingly effortless skill that belies her tiny frame, which is a testament to her home training. She said at Badminton that she’d never really ridden in wet conditions at fivestar, but she rose to the challenge both there and at the Europeans,…

Horse & Hound Awards 2023: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with NAF ADAM SHORT ADAM has been part of Team McEwen for three years, having decided to become a groom when he wasn’t enjoying studying at university and “knew that horses was what I wanted to do”. He moved to William Fox-Pitt’s and instantly fell in love with the grooming side of the sport and the people involved. Career highlight: “Our trip across the pond to Kentucky this year, where JL Dublin finished second.” A special horse: “I have been so lucky to work with lots of incredibly special horses. But if I have to mention a few, it would be CHF Cooliser, JL Dublin, Luna Mist, Toledo De Kerser and Oratorio.” Top tip: “Always prioritise the management and…

Horse & Hound Awards 2023: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with NAF HANNAH MITCHELL, BELMONT FARM AND EQUINE VETS, HEREFORDS WHAT made you become a vet? “I always knew I wanted to work with animals, having grown up on a farm, but the desire to become a vet became cemented when my childhood pony developed laminitis. Seeing the exceptional care provided to my pony and to us as her owners from our vet really fuelled the furnace.” A heartwarming story from 2023: “Attending a pregnant mare who was showing signs of mild colic three months off foaling. These calls are tricky to diagnose, since there is a large foal sitting in the way and two lives at stake. It was quickly apparent that the mare was suffering from a…

VERSATILE breeding stallion Corscaron Comet Aur scored two silver section and outright wins at elementary at Crofton Manor EC, Hampshire. The seven-year-old Welsh section D, owned and ridden by Chelsey Babbs, returned to competition in September after suffering a bone oedema in a fetlock joint. “He’s had the last six months off, but he’s back to fitness now and fabulous,” said Chelsey. “He’s so much fun and he never says no. When I bought him at age three, he was running wild in a national park in Wales and we literally lassoed him from the mares,” added Chelsey, who allows Comet to concentrate on his breeding duties from April to July. AGAINST THE ODDS “He can be territorial, but he’s very loyal to me. We train with Jezz Palmer and…

HIGHLIGHTS 5–8 October Aintree International EC, Merseyside BETH VERNON made her first proper bid against the clock with Tinka’s Glory Boy a successful one when they edged ahead in a closely-matched 1.25m winter championship qualifier by 0.18sec. Less than one second split the top four finishers, with Beth pipping Holly Truelove (Iriginea II), while Keith Shore picked up third 0.25sec behind on Fabuleux De Riverland. “It was really nice to have a jump-off class, so you could have some fun and be competitive. We don’t get that many of them,” Beth said. “All of the clears had already qualified, so it was nice to go in and be able to go for it.” Beth bred the seven-year-old 15.2hh gelding, who is by Galerius and out of a mare called Tinkabella…

Heythrop, Chipping Norton, Oxon FOX GRANT THRUSTERS Too took top honours in a wellsupported intermediate speed at the Heythrop, where there were plenty of empty saddles on the parkland course at Churchill. The team of Caroline Taylor, Maurice Linehan, Fred White and Oliver Woodland worked together well to tackle the track, which starts with solid timber and walls and moves on via the pen to a series of hedges. “I led off in front and then my horse Strong Pursuit took a stride out at the first big jump and scared himself a bit, so Maurice took us on, but he’s really a bold front-running horse so once he’d got his nose back in front, we were away,” said Caroline, of her former Philip Hobbs-trained chaser, known as Percy at…