Innholdsfortegnelse for 11-Apr-2024 i Horse & Hound

AS Tessa Waugh mentions in her column this week (p90), horse injuries tend to come in waves – and that's true whether you have one horse or several. Just when you think he's back on the road from months of box rest and walking inhand, another spanner gets thrown into the works. Similarly, how many amateurs have bought a second horse while their first is recuperating, only for the second to sustain an injury immediately, despite an entirely unnoteworthy pre-purchase exam, resulting in two horses to bandage and hand-graze for weeks on end rather than just the one. To endeavour to assist with just a few of the many things that can “go wrong” with our horses, in addition to this week's regular vet clinic (p28) – which looks at…

RUNDALES MAYFLY Charlotte Miller's Fell mare has died, aged 18. Mayfly won many titles including at the BSPS championships. She was also a multi HOYS and RIHS finalist. Z Phillip Dutton's five-star and championship ride, who sustained a serious injury at Pau 2023, is home and may go on to lower-level activities after time at a rehab centre. FAMOSO OLD German dressage rider Benjamin Werndl's 2022 world team bronze medal winner, owned by Flora Keller and Klaus Werndl, has been put down, aged 15, after a field accident.…

IS this the coolest tack room you've ever seen? It's the creation of Britishborn Sarah O'Hanlon and it stands proudly in her home in Virginia, US, from where it has caught the attention of thousands on social media. “I had no idea it would blow up so much,” Sarah told H&H. Sarah bought the box, an aluminium replica made from the mould of an original British phone box, over a year ago. “I'd wanted one for so long, so decided to buy it for my birthday,” she said. “I thought, ‘I'm not getting any younger, I'm doing it.’” The question was what to do with it, Sarah said, adding, “I have no tack room, so I had my saddles in the hall. I suddenly wondered if they would fit [in…

Email to hhletters@futurenet.com Name and address must be included. Letters may be edited. @ horseandhound instagram.com/horseandhound facebook.com/horseandhound WHY SO ONE-SIDED? I SUFFER with a stiff and painful osteoarthritic left knee, which I put down to riding for most of my life with an infuriating tendency to tip sideways and place more weight in my left stirrup. Recently, a riding companion – who has begun to experience a similar left knee problem – suggested a different potential reason for our afflictions, namely the constant weight-bearing and twisting of the left knee from always mounting from the nearside. “Can we not approach bitting thoughtfully?” DR SARAH PROCTOR Mounting from the nearside is apparently a throwback to the days when cavalry officers were required to carry swords, which would have caused great difficulty…

FIND MORE GREAT PRODUCTS ONLINE For more waterproof fly rugs, visit horseandhound.co.uk/waterproof-fly-rugs MASTA VENTOMASTA WATERPROOF FLY COMBO Features a 600D ripstop waterproof upper, a pressure-relieving neck insert and anti-rub lining along the neck and shoulders. £69.95 harryhall.com BUCAS BUZZ-OFF RAIN The upper part is waterproof and breathable while the lower part is mesh. It offers UV protection and has an elasticated and detachable belly pad. From £157 bucas.com MACKEY EQUI-SENTIAL WATERPROOF FLY RUG With a water-repellent back insert combined with breathable high-performance mesh, a removable neck, soft lining and leg straps. £77.95 mackey.ie WEATHERBEETA COMFITEC 600D/MESH II COMBO With a wither-relief pad, clip front closure, large belly wrap for protection and removable, adjustable, elasticated leg straps. £129.99 weatherbeeta.co.uk LEMIEUX ARIKA SHOWER-TEK Hybrid rug with an extended belly flap to maximise…

MEDICATIONS used for joint injections primarily have anti-inflammatory properties. None can repair cartilage, but by providing a healthier joint they can slow the progression of degenerative joint disease. The main medications used by vets to reduce joint inflammation are corticosteroids. They are a very effective, consistent and relatively cheap medication. Many products are available, but triamcinolone and betamethasone are the two most commonly used, due to their consistent effects and relatively short detection times – the approximate period of time for which a drug (or its metabolite) remains in the horse's system. In general, corticosteroids will be used alone or in combination with hyaluronic acid, which can contribute to pain relief via a variety of mechanisms. Biologicals are a group of treatments whereby the animal's own cells are collected, processed…

AN athlete's nutrition is vital to supply energy for both body and mind. An empty stomach can leave you jittery and weak, while a heavy meal can make you feel either sick or lethargic. And we all know the effects of too much sugar and caffeine. While we make such efforts to ensure our horses’ nutritional needs are perfectly met, how much care do we pay to our own diet on show day? For many it is a toss-up between the burger van and a picnic on a long day out with horses. But it's frustrating to put time into producing a picnic only for the intended recipients to sniff the air longingly as the wafts of bacon drift towards them, and look forlorn as you try to tempt them…

HIGHLIGHTS 25–31 March HAVE YOU HAD A NOTABLE WIN IN THE SHOW RING? Email alexandra.robinson@futurenet.com within 24 hours of the show for your chance to appear in this section BSPS Area 7, Aston le Walls EC, Northants AFTER a superb run in-hand, a four-year-old show horse impressed on her debut under saddle to win the novice horse championship. Sarah Milnes’ home-bred Mylens Limited Edition, a daughter of Namche Bazaar out of Sarah's own Native Star, was piloted by her producer, Martin Skelton, who runs his horses from Amanda Picillo and her daughter Libby Taylor-Hopkins’ yard in North Yorkshire. The large riding horse contender stood supreme in-hand hunter at last year's Great Yorkshire before she led the prestigious Royal Mile championship at the British Show Horse Association's national championships, shown by…

NALANI KING rode FHS Whatalittlemiss to outright wins in both the elementary 53 qualifier and medium 61 at Swallowfield Equestrian, Warwickshire. Since she was given the ride on Maddy Gardner's 10-year-old mare six months ago, freelance groom Nalani has been building confidence with her. ONES TO WATCH “She's big-moving and very bendy and supple,” she explained. “I've had tricky horses in the past, so having such a lovely mare who is so willing was quite weird and at first I kept trying to over-correct her. We've recently been training through the British Dressage youth camp, and with Owen Cooper and David Trott, who've both helped me in different ways to connect with her.”…

Edited by Eleanor Jones Share your news story Call 0330 390 6386 Email eleanor.jones@futurenet.com @ jones_eleanor_ THE importance of the sport pulling together and why fans’ attendance is key in helping to support fixtures have been a talking point in eventing. The cancellation of Gatcombe (news, 7 March) and the news that this will be the final year of international horse trials at Blair Castle (news, 28 March) sent shock waves through the eventing world. H&H has also reported on challenges of running greenfield sites, with costs and insurance big factors in the loss of certain events (news, 15 February). Mark Phillips touched on the subject in his 21 March column, noting that “with insurance costs tripling, [Gatcombe] was unable to raise the revenue needed to make the event viable”.…

Irish showjumper Cian O'Connor took the overall leading rider award of the 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival. He said it had been an “incredible winter”. Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Aidan Coleman, 35, has retired owing to the injury he suffered in a fall last June. He rode more than 1,250 winners. Irish showjumper Michael Duffy won his firstever five-star and Global Champions Tour grand prix, in Miami, with Claptonn Mouche. Business leader and rider Fields Wicker-Miurin will be the new British Equestrian chairman. She will take up the role on 1 July after a handover period. Eventer Harry Meade is set to be the first for some years to ride three horses at Badminton. Harry is entered with Away Cruising, Red Kite and Cavalier Crystal.…

▲ DRESSAGE Top marks to the winner of a novice dressage test whose father described riding novice 34 as “trying to navigate your way around a bowl of spaghetti”. Just hope no meatballs were involved… ▲ COURTESY Overheard at a show, two showjumpers discussing a former ride. “He was so polite,” one sighed. “He always stopped at the jumps and let me go first.” What a gentleman. ▲ RESILIENCE A rider whose prosthetic arm popped off in her dressage test managed to reattach and regather with aplomb. “Mechanical failure… great comeback,” the judge wrote. Should have been a 10 scored.…

DRESSAGE ONLY IN HORSE & HOUND Edited by Oscar Williams oscar.williams@futurenet.com @oscarw_dr OPINION PREPARATIONS for the Paris Games are underway at pace. As head of operations and logistics for British Equestrian (BEF), Sophie Thomas heads a small team of three with lots of support from the wider organisation. After visiting the venue a few weeks ago, Sophie told me the setting in the gardens of Versailles, overlooked by the spectacular palace, is amazing and reminiscent of Greenwich, the equestrian venue of London 2012. Spectator stands and some arenas are already in place. Of course, there were no crowds in Tokyo due to the pandemic, but with seating for 16,000 in Paris, I hope lots of Brits will be able to get there and support the teams. France feels more accessible. Paris…

FOLLOWING debate between the major equestrian sporting bodies and interruption in vaccine supplies over recent years, there have been significant adjustments to the primary course (the first three equine influenza vaccines), which came into effect from 1 January 2024. It is wise to check the specific requirements for any competition or event that you are attending with any horse or pony. Even if you are bringing an extra only as a companion, always ensure you are in compliance with all your equines. Be aware that if an event is held on a racecourse, you will need to ensure all horses on site comply with racing vaccination requirements. IN GENERAL ● THE second equine influenza vaccination must be given 21–60 days after the first. The second tetanus vaccine dose can be…

JOINT injections should only be performed by a qualified vet and should never be attempted by anyone else. Injecting into a specific region is highly skilled, requiring advanced knowledge of anatomical structures and a controlled environment with the animal sedated. Vets prepare the horse and the injections in a very systematic way to ensure that everything has been done to reduce the potential for contamination. This may include clipping depending on the region or the scenario, and the injection site and equipment used will be sterile. Following injection, your vet may place a light dressing if appropriate and will provide an exercise programme either to bring your horse gradually back into work or rehabilitate a specific injury. With every injection there are potential complications. There is an inherent risk of…

ELENI FALLA must have an instinctive connection with her identical twin sister Alicia's Lightning W (pictured) – the pair qualified for two Blue Chip finals when Eleni picked him up as a catch ride while her sister was away in Doha. She was offered the chance to compete in the classes she'd qualified for and hoped to get in some practice, but she ended up not sitting on him again until the Blue Chip Karma performance final – which she won with an exhilarating clear. “I was in the UK last weekend and was going to have a quick sit on ‘Rolex’ before the championships but we ended up being at Wellington for two days, so I haven't ridden him since the qualifier six weeks ago,” said Eleni, who lives…

SHOWING WILTSHIRE SPRING 30–31 March Edited by Alex Robinson alexandra.robinson@futurenet.com @alexrob_journo_ Wiltshire Spring, West Wilts EC SARAH MORELAND and her winning amateur supreme champion Coultard (Scottie) finally made it home at 3am following a blowout on the motorway after leaving the show. But even the unplanned disaster couldn't dampen their spirits following the pair's uber-successful day out. They kicked off their campaign with a second place behind Hannah Horton and Lucinda Freedman's Tigbourne in the Royal International (RIHS) open lightweight hunter qualifier, which booked them their place at the final. As the highest-placed amateur combination they went through to the amateur supreme, which they duly won. “My champions gave outstanding performances,” said supreme judge Mark Tamplin. “For a big hunter, it was very light on its feet and I'd have…

CHARLOTTE KNIGHT, seven, and her parents’ delightful Welsh section A Thistledown Princess Letizia (Lu Lu) have been untouchable in mini classes over their past few outings, winning two RIHS qualifiers, multiple championships and bagging a reserve supreme sash. The mare, also seven, only joined the family in February, from Laura Long. She is currently based with Sharn Linney. “I knew she was something very special so I approached Sharn about having her; she's the first pony we've ever had produced,” said mother Jamie, who led Charlotte on her RIHS debut last term with their home-produced lead-rein pony Thistledown Magpie. Charlotte and Lu Lu's tally includes both RIHS mini mountain and moorland (M&M) championships at UK Ponies and Horses Spring Classic, where they were also reserve mini supreme, and at BSPS…

HIGHLIGHTS 25–31 March Edited by Oscar Williams oscar.williams@futurenet.com @oscarw_dr HAVE YOU WON A BD CLASS? DO YOU OR YOUR HORSE HAVE A GREAT STORY? Email dressagehighlights@yahoo.com within 24 hours of your win for a chance to feature on these pages Sparsholt College, Hants MORE accustomed to being the right-hand man for her son, international event rider David, Maggie Doel is competing once again – winning an advanced medium silver section with Lance A Little. Maggie teamed up with Julia Andrews last year to buy the former event gelding from Toby Pigott. “He moves well and always did a good dressage test with Toby,” she said. “We've not done a lot competition-wise, but this is our best score to date. It's lovely to be back in the arena.” Recognisable by his…

BARRIER ANIMAL HEALTH SPRING FESTIVAL FINALS 24–25 February, 23–24 March & 30 March–1 April Edited by Becky Murray becky.murray@futurenet.com @murray_bex…

ROYAL ARTILLERY 16 March Edited by Catherine Austen catherine.austen@futurenet.com @cfausten123 Royal Artillery, Bulford, Wilts WHILE smart turnout is expected at any meet, gleaming boots and plaited tails were definitely the order of the day at the Royal Artillery's (RA) closing meet, kindly hosted by the Household Cavalry Officers’ Mess at Bulford. They know all about marching on your stomach here, and a table heaving with port, sausage rolls and cake welcomed 30 or so followers, many of whom had travelled some way to hunt hirelings. Angela Davies had no fewer than eight former racehorses out with various clients. Lindsay Sinclair was among them, rounding off his first season's hunting on Angela's horse, Frog: “I met my wife through horses and thought I should try hunting, and it's the best thing…

WE'VE had a bad run of injuries and ailments with the horses this winter. “It goes like that sometimes,” say the sage horse folk. “Months of nothing and then a rash of problems all at once.” No sooner had we got one box rest case cleared for work than Joe the Ginger Giraffe went lame. The vet diagnosed a possible fractured pelvis and prescribed 6–12 weeks of box rest. I have no clue how Joe could have injured himself in this way. It is a cruel time of year to be kept in. There are breaks in the rain and the sun is shining, the birds are singing their hearts out and the scent of spring grass is wafting over the stable door. All a horse wants to do is…

NEW CHARITY FOR FIVE-STAR EVENT BURGHLEY Horse Trials’ charity partner for 2024 is the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation. The charity was launched by the late Scotland rugby player Doddie Weir, to fight motor neurone disease. Doddie made 61 international appearances for Scotland and was a keen rider in his youth, eventing on the Scottish circuit. He remained interested in horses throughout his life. Plans for Burghley (5–8 September) include a tug of war with rugby players and eventers. Paul Thompson of the foundation said that being associated with “such a prestigious event means a great deal” and it will “make an important impact on our ability to invest in vital motor neurone disease research”. TWO NEW FRIESIAN STUDBOOKS TWO new studbooks have been approved by Defra for Friesian horses in…

▼ A QUICK WEE Oops of the week to an event where three portable toilets were spotted face down on a somewhat breezy day. Just very, very much hoping no one was midwee at the time… ▼ CALENDARS Overheard at the Blue Chips, riders wondering why showjumping's winter champs were two weeks after the spring champs. They could both have been called the Narnia Everlasting Winter Championships this year, though, tbh. ▼ SCAMMERS This week's award to the seller of a buckskin gelding. Age reasonable, height plausible, it was all going so well until he included a picture of an appaloosa. Good try!…

Ronnie Lee Jones on the importance of good sportsmanship Edited by Jennifer Donald jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald THE new-look Blue Chip Winter Showjumping Championships, held at Addington Equestrian last week, give everyone something to aim for. The amateurs have a goal to work towards over the winter and people with younger horses can produce them through the qualifiers. Then for riders jumping grands prix, it marks the end of the winter season and a chance to see how they're upping their game ready for the summer ahead. My partner Alex and I have a really good group of 10 kids we're training at the moment, so it was nice to have the horses and ponies together at the same show. I was able to walk the grand prix course with some of…

HORSE&HOUND IN THE SPOTLIGHT OWNER AUDREY TURLEY “WE knew Galopin was favourite for the Gold Cup, but you never know with racing what is going to happen, so I'm thrilled that everyone got round and Galopin won. “He is so special to us, we absolutely love him and when we go to the stables, he is so kind and loving. He nibbles our hair and he is such a beautiful horse. I just want to snuggle him and cuddle him all day. “To win on the 100-year anniversary is very special – we are thrilled to be part of this magnificent team.” Groom Adam Connolly “I RIDE Galopin every morning and you can really feel the engine under you. At the races, he probably calms me down now – he…

SHIPPING FEVER is a type of pleurisy and pneumonia affecting horses shipped over long distances, usually more than 500 miles. If left untreated, cases of this disease can become severe enough to require hospitalisation and even endanger a horse's life. Tragically there have been cases of elite competition horses that have succumbed after long journeys to and from international events. Occasionally cases are diagnosed in horses travelling even after shorter journeys, especially if they have suffered delays, particularly in traffic or at international borders. Two factors contribute to horses developing the disease: the head-up position inhibiting clearance of bacteria for the windpipe, and the adverse effects of prolonged transport on the horse's immune system. THE SIGNS ARE: ● Elevated rectal temperature ● Depression ● Lethargy ● Coughing ● Nasal discharge A…

MOST horse owners are familiar with joint injections. “I get his hocks done every year,” is a phrase we've all heard, accepted, and just moved on. But what does this really mean? Is it right, or even necessary? Joint injections are technically known as intra-articular injections and are often referred to as intrasynovial injections. Intrasynovial injections also include injections into other synovial structures that are not joints specifically but are closed synovial compartments, such as tendon sheaths or bursae. Joint injections allow for localised, targeted treatment of a specific area, maximising the dose of medication at the target site and minimising any potential systemic effects. They are used to reduce inflammation and therefore pain, which results in an improvement and often resolution of lameness. They improve flexibility and the horse's…

● TAILOR your exercise plan to your horse's individual needs and give your horse the time to strengthen and increase fitness levels. ● Don't expect your horse to jump higher or perform more complicated movements if not physically ready. ● Prioritise a good warm-up and warm-down. ● Make sure your horse is not standing still in a stable for long periods of time throughout the day. ● Make sure to have your tack fitted by a professional at regular intervals. ● Diversify your rides and the type of work you do, and exercise on multiple different surfaces. ● Work on your own fitness and arrange for a rider biomechanics assessment to optimise your positioning, to prevent asymmetry. ● Get to know the normal appearance of your horse's joints. Be aware…

BSPS Area 13B, Chard EC, Somerset AN ultra-versatile Welsh section A landed the top spot in a competitive supreme championship after winning on the flat and over fences with two sisters. Rachel Savery's seven-yearold Fieldcote Fly Away (Marge) and nine-year-old Maya Bakshi booked their supreme pass after landing reserve in the novice mini M&M championship. The pair were joined in the overall by six-year-old sister Eila, also lead-rein working hunter winner and section champion with Marge at Chard, and the family's super Shetland Stapley Taurus, a former HOYS and RIHS finalist with Maya. The previous day Eila and Marge booked their Pretty Polly lead-rein pass at BSPS Area 13A. Marge has been the sisters’ dream maker since October 2022. ‘When I started my search for a new pony I said…

“I NEVER thought she'd do that well,” laughed Glea Laanisto after an impromptu debut outing to Sparsholt College with Creevolan Holly resulted in a 75% prelim 17 qualifier win. Glea, who specialises in groundwork training, has been schooling the 14.2hh Connemara – known as Sansa – for Aurora Eastwood. “Aurora bought Sansa for me to sort, aiming to then find her a home,” said Glea, who explained that the eight-yearold mare had been aggressive on the ground. “Sansa was treating every human as another horse, so I used natural horsemanship methods to remind her that she couldn't do that to people. She had always been good to ride and she's so nice that Aurora decided to keep her for her children.” FIRST WIN…

LOFTY Welsh section D/Shire gelding Cwmtysswg Excaliber scored a novice freestyle win at Aike Grange Stud, East Riding of Yorkshire, with Michael Hutchinson. Performing to an Elton John Rocket Man soundtrack that culminated in the Apollo 11 “Eagle has landed” words, the pair achieved 73.89%. “Our daughter Jessica is studying musical theatre at university and put the music together,” said Michael, who trains with Paul Hayler. “It was a really good day for ‘Griffey’. He's a horse who always has a smile on his face and he's lovely to deal with in every way. “We've not done a great deal of competing yet as it has taken him time to find his balance, but he has an enthusiastic engine and he is always on the go.”…

England and Wales final at Arena UK: arena eventing 100cm.– 1, Kilcannon Coolmint (M Day, East Kent Hunt); 2, Lois Na Tuleha Blaithin (A Hewett, East Kent Hunt); 3, King Harry (D List-Rose, Avon Vale). 90cm.– 1, Cluainte Ailinn (A Lupton, Bedale & West of Yore Hunt); 2, Crockaulin Cruise (E Frost, York & Ainsty South); 3, Ballylee Boy (J Ingham, Wokingham). 80cm.– 1, Cogs (V Perkins, Hampshire Hunt); 2, Lucky Lane Rocket (A Dennett, Hampshire Hunt); 3, Saoirse Roo (P Brown, Pembrokeshire Hunt). 70cm.– 1, Yorkie (A Perryman, Grafton Hunt); 2, Copper Sonny (F McCready, The Stables at Cissbury); 3, Shanvoher Lardy (E Ridgway, Old Berkshire Hunt). teams.– 1, Bedale & West of Yore (A Lupton, L McGrath, F Holland, A Hird); 2, East Kent Hunt Apples (A Hewett,…