Innholdsfortegnelse for 17-Oct-2024 i Horse & Hound

ACTIONS, not just words, are needed for horse sport to be relevant to the public. That was a theme at the Racing Foundation conference (2 October) attended by leading figures in the equine, racing and wider industry. The focus was how racing can retain public acceptance as societal expectations change. “Sport is changing, sport is evolving,” said Nevin Truesdale, CEO of The Jockey Club, who spoke about changes to the Grand National including a reduction in the number of runners and moving the first fence closer to the start. “Sport is evolving because society's expectations of sport are changing, and the Grand National is in the centre of that. “That's what we as a sport need to accept as the challenge, realise, and act to be able to tell our…

HORSE&HOUND THE INTERVIEW “ISN'T he the handsomest man in England?” Dame Jilly Cooper cocks her head to one side and asks me playfully. She's sitting on a sofa in a London hotel next to actor Alex Hassell, who plays her caddish hero Rupert Campbell-Black in the new TV adaptation of her 1988 bestseller, Rivals. While I splutter some sort of affirmative response, she purrs on, blue eyes twinkling. “Rupert is the handsomest man in England, though rather beastly, and look at this darling child! He is gorgeous isn't he?” It's hard not to feel I've been transplanted into playing Hugh Grant in Notting Hill here. In a hotel room with a superstar (or two) and trying to talk about horses in a film that doesn't really have an equestrian theme…

HILL HOUSE Monkwood, Alresford, Hants For you: an eco-friendly estate, completed in 2008, with a four-bed main house, two-bed lodge and one-bed flat. With panoramic views, this house has all the mod cons including a pool, spa and gym complex, treatment rooms and cinema. Outdoors is a patio with walled garden featuring olive, apple and pear trees and vines. For the horses: 15 stables, heated tack room, hot wash bay with solarium, rug room with heated racks and grooms’ accommodation. Facilities include a lunge pen, 40x50m outdoor school and indoor horse walker. There are 22 acres of paddocks. £12.5m Fine & Country, 01962 353229, fineandcountry.co.uk LOCKETTS FARM Blandford Forum, Dorset For you: built from Bath stone and English Oak, this house has six bedrooms, plus a three-bed cottage, one-bed flat…

Horse & Hound Awards 2024: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with GLAMOURDALE 13yo stallion, Lord Leatherdale x Negro Rider: Lottie Fry Owners: Van Olst Horses Breeder: Joop Rodenburg Groom: Richard Hauwaerts IT'S been another stellar year for the charismatic stallion Lottie describes as “the perfect dressage horse”, following his individual and team bronze medals in Paris. With an undeniable presence in the arena, he continues to captivate audiences worldwide, cementing his status as one of the most exciting and successful dressage horses of his generation. “He's so powerful when you canter it's like flying, but he's also elastic and supple at the same time, and it's rare to be so powerful and elegant,” Lottie says. “I was so proud of him in Paris; I 100% knew he was capable…

Horse & Hound Awards 2024: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with WESTFIELD CALENDAR GIRL 9yo Shire mare, Bickerscourt William x Arclid Frank Bull Rider: Emma Green Driver: Richard Green Owner: Lindy Winship Breeder: the Clayton family THE mare has broken multiple records during her career. In 2022, she became the only Shire to qualify for both the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) ridden heavy horse championship, which she duly won, and the in-hand Shire final in the same season. This season, she has become the first horse to have qualified for all three heavy horse finals – ridden, driven and in-hand. “She might not be the biggest, but as they say, ‘Though she be but little, she is fierce,’” says Emma Green after her HOYS win in 2022.…

Horse & Hound Awards 2024: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with LUCY LATTA The marketing professional who was Badminton runner-up – on her five-star debut IRELAND'S Lucy Latta, 27, took her debut five-star by storm when she came second at Badminton this year on RCA Patron Saint, with the fastest cross-country round. This would have been impressive for any young event rider, but is perhaps even more so as “Paddy” is Lucy's only horse and she also holds down a full-time job, working on early-stage marketing in the innovation team for alcoholic canned drinks brand White Claw. She is from a family steeped in horses and is coached by her cousin, five-star rider Elizabeth Power. “It's been a great year,” says Lucy. “Badminton was the highlight and we've improved…

Horse & Hound Awards 2024: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with TOM FARMER The farrier who had his heart set on his vocation from day one BEING from a line of east London coal and coke merchants, Tom Farmer has horses in his blood. “Our family loves driving horses,” says Tom, from Warboys, Cambridgeshire. Tom describes being “mesmerised” by farriery and snapped up a work experience place at 14, before starting his pre-farrier course then apprenticeship. After qualifying in 2009, Tom travelled to the US as part of the British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association Edward Martin American Cultural Exchange, where he worked with America's best farriers. “I received my Master Farrier status in 2014 and am working on achieving my Worshipful Company of Farriers judges’ badge.” A satisfied client…

Horse & Hound Awards 2024: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with NIRVANA MORROKO “He became my eyes and my ears” – the 21-year-old KWPN owned by Caitlyn Saddington “ROKO” came to Caitlyn Saddington at the age of 15 to take up a new career as a grade I para dressage horse, having competed up to medium level previously. In the past six years, he has won a national title, competed at CPEDI3* and been longlisted for the Tokyo Paralympics. But Caitlyn says “his ability to compete at that level is not his greatest achievement”. “Roko truly is my horse of a lifetime as when I lost my sight – I was already deaf – he stepped up and became my eyes and ears,” she says. “He is such a…

ROSS KEYS and Angela Thomas’ 17-year-old Welsh D stallion, Dycott Welsh King, posted an emotional win in the exceeding 143cm M&M worker final for the second year on the trot. Ross paid tribute to his late father, who died on Saturday after battling pancreatic cancer. “This one was for him,” said Ross. Alongside covering duties, King has aided talented worker jockey Brooke Pickering's journey back into the saddle. “Brooke woke up earlier this year with FND [functional neurological disorder] and isn't able to walk at 19 years old,” said Anna Chaplin, Ross's partner. “When Brooke and her mother brought their mare down for King to cover, Ross and his colleague lifted Brooke out of her wheelchair, carried her up the muck heap ramp and lowered her onto King. We took…

SHOWING HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW In-hand A TWO-YEAR-OLD riding pony contending her fourth show lifted this year's Price Family in-hand supreme. Evelyn Tate's home-bred Kirkwood Tabitha Twitchit stood out from the off in an uber-strong pony final, in which plaited and native representatives were equally matched with seven of each coming forward. Tabitha Twitchit could not have had a more capable handler at her side. Jerome Harforth, for whom this was a fifth Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in-hand supreme championship win, knew the filly was a star from the moment he saw her in Evelyn's paddocks last summer. “Evelyn asked if I would view her youngstock to see if there might be anything I might like to show, and when I saw her in the field I…

SHOWJUMPING 9–13 October Horse of the Year Show, NEC, Birmingham Edited by Jennifer Donald jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW FRENCH rider Julien Anquetin topped off his first visit to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) with a win in the leading showjumper of the year. Julien and nine-year-old Farah Tame swept all aside, snatching the title from Angelie von Essen and Daniel by more than a second, with Adrian Whiteway the best Brit in third and leading combination of the show with Chacco Volo. Alan Wade's track was testing; five of 28 starters were clear in the first round, with time tight and faults all over the course. Seven went through to the jump-off, including Adrian and Deborah Cox's Chacco-Blue 11-year-old on one time-fault. Adrian delivered a beautiful…

HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW National championships “THIS is an absolute dream – to qualify, let alone win. It's something I've dreamt of all my life, and now I've won it. I can't tell you how much it means.” Michaela Scott and her star, eight-year-old Eddie G Z, saw off all comers in the Redpost Equestrian senior Foxhunter final, finishing nearly two seconds ahead of Gaspard Maksud and Ballypatrick Tiberius. Michaela and the Echo Van't Speilveld gelding were fourth of eight to go in the jump-off, and the first to go clear. The hugely powerful chestnut flew, clinching the title with a perfect forward shot to the black cabs vertical that caught a few others out, followed by a beautiful curving gallop to the last line. That put them in…

HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW Pony championships HOLLIE GERKEN pulled off what must be the greatest achievement in Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) pony jumping history, winning a second consecutive leading pony showjumper of the year, plus the newcomers and Foxhunter championships. The 14-year-old rider won with her mother Jade's Galaxy V, a year after she had lifted the trophy with Ramiro High Society. The class has been part of HOYS since the first show, in 1949, and only three riders had ever won back-to-back titles. Asked what she would have said had someone suggested she would do the same, Hollie said: “I never would have believed it.” “I couldn't have had a better HOYS” HOLLIE GERKEN No one had ever won this title and the newcomers or Foxhunter…

HIGHLIGHTS 4–6 October National amateur second rounds, Chard Equestrian, Somerset LAST year's national amateur 85cm champion, Ffion Hier, increased her chances of retaining her title when she stormed to two wins with new ride Oakford Maisie May, heading both the 85cm and 95cm second rounds. Ffion took over the ride on Kimberlee Buckley's 13-yearold, who is by Lauriston out of a Connemara mare, in July, as her usual rider is pregnant. Despite partnering the mare only at shows, in just four outings they have claimed seven wins and four seconds. “We seem to have clicked straight away,” said Ffion, who took the 85cm qualifier with almost five seconds to spare. “She's a gorgeous, genuine mare who really comes alive in the ring. She's under 15hh, so she's very little. The…

HIGHLIGHTS 30 September–6 October 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 Felbridge Showground, W Sussex “NAUGHTY schoolboy” First Romance II put his cheeky behaviour to one side to impress the judges and land two medium wins under Hayley Pile. The eight-year-old gelding is owned by Jane Manley and has been produced by Hayley since he was a foal, after Jane found him in Denmark. “We have produced him and taken him up the levels,” said Hayley. “I liken him to a naughty schoolboy, always cheeky and looking for fun. If he was a child in the playground, he'd be the one with holes in his knees.…

NEW guidelines on equine worm control have been launched – with the warning: “If horse owners don't make these changes now, it will be too late.” Cross-sector group CANTER (Controlling ANTiparasitic resistance in Equines Responsibly), has published a “crucial” document setting out key principles, to support vets, pharmacists and SQPs (suitably qualified persons) in prescribing and recommending suitable parasite control strategies. INCREASING THREAT THE guidance, written by vets, parasitologists and other experts, is aimed at tackling the increasing threat of wormer resistance. H&H has reported that there has been resistance recorded to all the classes of wormers available, with no prospect of new drugs. CANTER veterinary representative and equine internal medicine specialist David Rendle said: “Anthelmintic resistance represents a huge threat to equine health and welfare. “Universal adoption of a…

I've hunted all my life. Growing up, I hunted with the Cotswold and VWH and I'm lucky to have been out with lots of packs, from the Teme Valley in Wales where I learnt the name of almost every hound, to days out with the Beaufort with a field of 200-plus. My greatest moments have been following my best friends over Ledbury hedges. Eventually, I focused on eventing – I did juniors and under-21s. Then I got a four-year-old, Bertie, and took him up to what would be four-star today. I remember going into my first intro and realising what a horse we had. At home, Bertie's sharp and spooky, but once you get him on a crosscountry course he'll jump anything. At Belton, he tripped in the middle of…

LORDSHIPS GRAFFALO 12yo British-bred gelding, Birkhof's Grafenstolz x Rock King Rider: Ros Canter Owners: Michele and Archie Saul Breeder: Lordships Stud, Writtle College Grooms: Sarah Charnley and Travis Leigh AFTER a successful 2023, Ros Canter kept Lordships Graffalo quiet this spring, doing just enough to secure Olympic selection. In Paris, the pair were victims of a controversial flag decision, without which they'd have been fifth individually, but helped Britain to team gold. They then headed to Burghley, where Ros has so much history, from Pony Club showjumping right through to her first five-star. With 11th her previous best here, she upped her game spectacularly and cruised to victory. “I wasn't sure I'd ever tick the Burghley box,” she says. “It just turns out you just need a horse like ‘Walter’,…

Horse & Hound Awards 2024: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with GB OLYMPIC EVENTING TEAM Laura Collett (London 52), Tom McEwen (JL Dublin), Ros Canter (Lordships Graffalo); alternate Yasmin Ingham (Banzai Du Loir) HOPES were high that Britain's eventers could defend their Olympic team gold title at Paris 2024, having won European team and individual gold at Haras du Pin last summer. At Versailles, they were supreme in every phase to take the crown again. Over seven penalties ahead of Germany after dressage, thanks to Laura Collett's record-breaking test, their lead was cut to just a pole in hand after cross-country due to a controversial flag penalty for Ros Canter. But on the final day, they stretched their advantage with just two down, while the French lowered four for…

OLLI FLETCHER Age: 21 Discipline: showjumping Best horse: “Hello William is my horse of a lifetime. You can hope for another one like him, but I very much doubt one will come around. I always believed in him more than any other horse.” Proudest moment this year: “Winning individual gold at the young rider European Championships with ‘Willy Wonka’ will always be a standout moment in my career. But also having two five-star wins when I only did three five-star shows this year was special.” Goals for 2025: “To tick off each short-term goal, do some five-star Nations Cups and some bigger shows with a nice string of horses I'm pulling together.” Equestrian inspiration: “My parents, Graham and Tina Fletcher, for what they've achieved in the sport. And Steve Guerdat,…

Horse & Hound Awards 2024: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with ADAM JACKSON Jackson Equine Vet Practice, Liphook, Hampshire What made you become a vet? “Like all vets, I love animals. As a pet owner, I always wanted to be a vet that cares deeply and provides comfort for the patient and their owners. I've always wanted to advocate for the horse, so I can be a part of making it a safer and better world for horses and their owners. I'm also passionate about science, research and the advancement of human and animal medicine.” A heartwarming story from 2024: “I was called to a pony with a badly cut hock. The young lady and her dad were really worried, and the pony ended up with a very big…

HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW 9–13 October Horses Edited by Alex Robinson alexandra.robinson@futurenet.com @alexrob_journo_ Horse of the Year Show, NEC, Birmingham A FAIRY-TALE season concluded with a happy ending for one showman and his horse of a lifetime, as they won the Supreme Products horse of the year accolade, three months after standing supreme at the Royal International (RIHS) under a different guise. Craig Kiddier and Sue Tennant's Mulberry Lane were assessed by a stalwart of the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the larger equestrian world, Tissie Reason, and Ann Overton-Ablitt of the prolific Colne Stud. Craig and “Obi” are more than used to the pressure of a supreme, having also finished reserve overall at the RIHS in 2023. On this occasion, they booked a supreme spot after…

HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW Natives A FINAL championship featuring 22 of the country's most regarded native ponies was whittled down to just one, as a 15-year-old Fell stallion was called forward as the National Pony Society/ Baileys Horse Feeds ridden mountain and moorland (M&M) pony of the year. Clare Fitch was marking a career first, having won two native ridden classes with two of owner Ruth Roberts’ ponies the previous day, taking her personal NEC centre-line tally to a total of 12. In the main arena championship, Clare opted to stay aboard winning Fell Wildhoeve Okidoki, while her daughter Domenica was handed Highland victor Valerock Monroe's reins. Throughout the open M&M classes, ride judge Vicky Lawrie was joined by successful showman, breeder and producer Mark Tamplin who was officiating…

HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW Coloureds AT just 14 years old, Oscar Konechny proved he was a showman to watch as he guided his mother Abigail's Radlee Sudden Impact to the top spot in the ridden coloured horse and pony of the year championship, sponsored by the Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS). Judges Jessica Stalling (ride) and James Hunton (conformation) had a final field of 10 contenders to assess. Oscar made full use of “Bentley's” active paces, guiding him on the lightest of reins, Bentley staying forward with his ears on throughout. Oscar and the nine-year-old, who was bred by Dawn Lee and is by Centyfield Censation out of Blaircourt Dena, have been partnered together for only a year. At Hickstead, they finished third and highestplaced junior, and they…

HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW SEIB Search For A Star and SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse SAMANTHA LEA lightly campaigned her gelding Redshaw Valentino (Henry) in the SEIB Search For A Star (SFAS) series when he was a four-year-old, and while the judges complimented him, they believed he needed more time to mature. At the beginning of this year, she felt he was ready for another attempt and the now seven-year-old qualified on his first try. At the final, the Avanti Amorous Archie son who is out of Pebbly Diva Du Mont, confirmed Samantha's decision to hold him back as he remained unphased throughout his class and the main arena championship. “I'm so glad we listened to the judges and waited until he was ready,” said Samantha, who runs her…

SHOWJUMPING HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW CSI3* classes THREE years ago, Rachel Proudley won the NAF silver league final at HOYS – this year she won the speed horse of the year on her international debut at the show. The 19-year-old and Petitfour VD Wareslage were faultless to win by nearly half a second. Mark Edwards and Royale Tale had set the standard, jumping clear in 56.91sec, which the next 18 combinations couldn't touch. Second-last in, Jodie Hall McAteer and Kimosa Van Het Kritrahof somehow went faster, in 56.33sec, but Rachel was to come. She and John Chadwick's nine-year-old were fast as lightning and smooth as silk to finish on 55.97sec. Rachel, who won the silver league in 2021 with Cartino III, had not thought Mark's time was beatable. “It…

CHARLOTTE ASH'S seven-year-old mare Air Sandulay turned heads, with great results in the newcomers final and international classes. Charlotte and the home-bred, owned by Charlotte's mother Shirley, were a close second in the newcomers, then just clipped a rail in the accumulator and the welcome stakes. “It's been a crazy week!” said Charlotte who earned the under-25s wild card to the international classes so had to bring two horses. “Air Sandulay was coming anyway, and she's got such a good head, so we thought we'd just jump one class – but she's taken it all in her stride, she's a dream.” Air Sandulay has had good results in national and international age classes, and Charlotte said she has always been a pleasure to ride and deal with. ONE TO WATCH…

DRESSAGE SUMMER AREA FESTIVAL AND MIDDLE TOUR CHAMPIONSHIPS 2–6 October Petplan Summer Area Festival Championships and Middle Tour Championships, Arena UK, Lincs “HE'S made all my dreams come true,” remarked Chelsea Donovan after her 12-year-old, home-bred gelding Frankie Zenturio won both the freestyle elementary silver and freestyle medium bronze Area Festival Summer Championships titles with plus-70%. Chelsea owns a riding school and is a mother of two, and admits she is new to medium. “We've been working hard on our training, so to get to the finals was a huge achievement,” she said. “To win was incredible – I was gobsmacked.” Competing at the Home Nations a few weeks earlier helped to keep “Frank” relaxed at Arena UK. “It definitely helped to prepare him, as sometimes he can be a…

“I FEEL like I've won the Olympics, I can't believe it,” said Kimberley Scott, who was crowned individual champion in the senior 70 challenge with the 12-year-old coloured cob Indi's Legacy (Domino, pictured). “I lost my heart horse, Indiana Jones V, earlier this year so I gave Domino the show name Indi's Legacy,” said the Darlington RC member. “He had big shoes to fill and I never imagined he'd be able to step into those shoes and we'd be standing here with a sash, rosette and prizes. “I'm really proud of him. He'd only hunted and hacked before I got him a year ago, but he just takes it all in his stride and loves doing everything.” FIRST WIN The pair was one of two combinations to finish on a…

BIODEGRADABLE bale wrap is being trialled in the UK with hopes of reducing single-use plastics, as equestrian businesses progress “in the pursuit of eco-credentials”. The project, led by non-profit research network Innovative Farmers, aims to find a solution to the 135,000 tonnes of agricultural plastic waste produced in the UK annually. In a one-year trial, farmers from 12 sites in England, Scotland and Wales have wrapped hay using twine from sisal, “a cactus-like plant widely used before plastic”. “Everything makes a difference” CLAIRE SHAND The bales will be assessed in March and November 2025 to test protein and sugar content, and compare the dryness of the hay under different conditions. Innovative Farmers field lab coordinator Stuart Oates, who aims to remove all plastics from his farm, said early experiments have…

MEET Fireman Sam and his bonfire, aka Harry, Heidi, Dahlia and Honey Woodall, who won the fancy dress at the Southwell Ploughing Match. Four-year-old Harry starred with 27-year-old Shetland Dahlia; his one-year-old sister, Heidi, with her 20-year-old Shetland Honey. Mum Katie told H&H Harry is a huge Fireman Sam fan, so said yes please, he would like to go as his hero. “I said, ‘Heidi could be something from Peter Rabbit,’ and he said, ‘Really Mummy, I'd like her to be the bonfire, then I can have a water gun to put her out!’” Katie said her mother Gill Greeves, “who claims not to be crafty”, created the engine from cardboard and red paint. “Harry was squirting the audience and Heidi with his water pistol; she got the short straw…

ROMEO 88 15yo Belgian-bred gelding, Contact Van De Heffinck x Orlando Rider: Harry Charles Owner: Ann Thompson Breeder: Picobello Horses Groom: Georgia Ellwood WHAT a journey Harry has been on with this megastar, culminating in that superb day in Paris when the pair were integral to Britain's Olympic gold. Harry described his final clear round there as “probably the best he's ever jumped” and says Romeo's top trait is his “huge engine”. “We know each other inside out,” says Harry, of the gelding who also jumped double clear in the Longines League of Nations in Rotterdam this year to help the team to a podium finish. “He's a great fighter, with a great heart and a great mind – three of the things I'd look for in a horse and…

Horse & Hound Awards 2024: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with ROS CANTER Olympic team gold medallist and Burghley winner ROS was under the radar in the first part of this year, biding her time for Paris with her top horse Lordships Graffalo. At the Games, she suffered the misfortune of a controversial flag penalty, which she handled with grace and professionalism, still contributing strongly to Britain's team gold. Afterwards, she headed to Burghley, where she built on her Olympic performance – a “lightbulb moment” on straightness resulted in an improved dressage test, which could be beaten only by Ros's other ride, Izilot DHI. When he dropped out of contention, it was a majestic sweep to victory for Ros and “Walter”. Ros has had to fight mental demons across…

FRANKIE DUNN The path to being a top groom: Frankie joined Team Campbell nearly three years ago and is head travelling groom – “I've always had horses and worked with them, and wanted to work in eventing.” Career highlight: “Probably when Georgie won the fourstar long at Lignières with Global Quest. All the hard work comes together for that one moment.” A special horse: “Diachello, Jesse's Olympic horse, is very special. He's like a big Labrador, and my pet. Global Quest too; he was a handful but there was something about him.” Top tip: “Just throw yourself into it – it's not the sort of job you can do half-heartedly. You've got to love every step of the way – if you don't, there's no point.” JACKIE POTTS The path…

Horse & Hound Awards 2024: celebrating the stars of equestrianism in partnership with BUBBY UPTON British event rider Bubby Upton, 25, sustained multiple fractured vertebrae in a career-threatening fall in August 2023, which required six hours of high-risk surgery to stabilise her spine BUBBY'S gruelling road to recovery began and she continued to surprise her surgeons and everyone around her, before an emotional return to the saddle last November. At the beginning of the year, Bubby's competition season was unknown as she continued to recover, but she “never lost faith that I would get back to what I was”, and in May she finished 10th at Badminton Horse Trials with Cola III. “I have to pinch myself at what we've managed to achieve. Knowing how lucky I am was what has…

SHOWING HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW Ponies A FIVE-YEAR-OLD jockey made an iconic Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) debut as she rode to this year's Supreme Products pony of the year title aboard an immaculate show pony lead-rein. Heather Clay watched her tiny daughter Sienna Clay reign above 12 other pony champions – and take the £1,000 prize pot – on their eight-year-old gelding Derw Dream Boy (Dave). The pair were handled to perfection by their co-producer Craig Elenor, and their supreme show in front of judges Ann Overton-Ablitt and Tissie Reason possessed just the right amount of sparkle, with Dave continuing to display manners and mini charm right through to the International Arena finale. The Westgrove Dark Secret son, bred by Julia Owen, appeared in the supreme back…

A WELSH section B pony provided his connections with a day of firsts. Celton Avallon (Alfie, pictured) went through the card to win the first ridden final and the Colne and Sweet Dreams Confectioners M&M mini pony spoils, ridden by Prestyn Patterson, 10, who kept his cool on his HOYS debut. The Dumfries pair are based with show horse producer Kirstine Douglas, who noted that this was also the first time her team had presented a mini pony at HOYS. Kirstine had her eye on Alfie in his previous home with Pippa Kirby when their hunt for the perfect pony began. “I knew if we wanted a first ridden, he'd be the one. Prestyn is very committed; he's at the yard every night to ride.” Dorian Lloyd's Welsh section A…

THE inaugural junior pony of the year was led by the firstseason combination of Poppy Gresty, 12, and the big-moving Catdol Daisy May. The class was introduced at the beginning of this season, providing riders under the age of 18 with an opportunity to compete traditionals up to and including 148cm and non-natives up to and including 153cm. Poppy has the six-year-old mare, who was bred by Catherine Jones, on loan for the season. “We've had some trouble with her so to come and do this is unbelievable,” said Poppy, who trains with Terry Clynes. “She was quite heavy and strong with me at the start, but we've worked really hard. She is such a loving mare, though.” FIRST HOYS…

WONGA SWINGER finally took to the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) centre line as he became the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse champion. The now 14-year-old is owned and ridden by Tori Thomas. He was in training with Tori's husband, former Gold Cup-winning jockey Sam Thomas until 2018. “He didn't really enjoy it that much, despite winning twice,” said Tori, who picked up the ride when Wonga retired from the track. He has been to HOYS five times in total, finishing reserve last year. Their partnership commenced on the hunt field, before Tori decided to venture into the show ring. He's Tori's first show horse. Tori and Wonga qualified on a last-minute outing, having had minimal trips out this year owing to Tori's pregnancy. Tori gave birth to her…

IN THE GENES LAURA TOMLINSON'S homebred eight-year-old Forest Hill showed what his future might have in store as he won the Dressage Future Elite Championship on 75.83%. The big gelding floated to a samba-style soundtrack that suited his relaxed, expressive movement. Judge David Trott said: “He looks like he has a big future.” Laura hopes so; she brought Forest Hill as she thought he would be relaxed in the big atmosphere. “He's lovely to ride,” she said. “The fact he went in and was listening, focused on me, was a really good feeling. Other horses might be flashier but the rideability comes through.” Laura commented that it is special to see the homebreds growing up. “My dad was there when they were born; I think if he could see how…

“THERE AREN'T MANY SPORTS WHERE YOU CAN STILL BE COMPETITIVE AT 69” THE Whitakers formed a guard of honour as John was named HOYS equestrian of the year. John, 69, was flanked by family from brother Michael, 64, to five-year-old great-niece Gracie-May riding Thistledown Silver Bullet (pictured) for the award. John, who has been competing at HOYS since 1971, said: “I didn't expect that! I was a bit lost for words but it's very nice.” John was 16 when he first jumped at HOYS, having been inspired to showjump by watching it on television, and he has barely missed the event since. “There aren't many sports where you can still be reasonably competitive aged 69,” he said. “I feel great on a horse; I might walk around like an old…

HIGHLIGHTS 4–6 October Addington Equestrian, Bucks BRUNO FRIERE found the extra millimetres to snatch a first win with the “brilliant” seven-year-old Drewmain Meira in the Blue Chip Dynamic grade B&C qualifier. The Carrera VDL x Quidam De Revel mare demonstrated a lovely technique over her fences as she stole a 0.50sec victory over Sophie Fawcett and Exel DK Z. “I got the ride on her a month ago and she's starting to change her shape and open up her canter a bit. She's ready for some bigger tracks,” said Bruno, who has been based in Malmesbury at the Drewmain Stud since January. “She's really flashy and it's time for her to start showing off a bit!” Meira is one of two Drewmain home-bred seven-year-olds Bruno currently has out competing, as…

IN their first year at the level, Scottish rider Carmen Gammie and Let's Make An Opera took the advanced medium silver Area Festival Summer Championships title. “He's only eight and this was only his sixth advanced medium, so I was really pleased with him,” said Carmen, who has owned the eight-year-old gelding for three years. “We got all our changes and they are now one of his highlights.” The win – with just shy of 70% – was made all the more special by Carmen and her mother having to camp out in the lorry all week, due to their class being moved from the Wednesday to the Saturday because of flooding. “We're from Aberdeen and it took us nine hours to drive down on the Tuesday, so we ended…

Dressage at Belmoredean, W Sussex PATIENCE and commitment are paying off for Sharon Adams, who enjoyed a double novice triumph riding her own 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, Sir Casper. Sharon bought the gelding three years ago, but the beginnings of their relationship weren't plain sailing. “Soon after I bought him, I discovered that he had bad ulcers, so he had a lot of time off to recover, followed by a period of time working through bad behaviour,” said Sharon. “It got to a point where I either sold him or threw everything at him and, thankfully, I did the latter as we've now built a strong relationship and all the hard work and patience is paying off. “He's been consistently winning tests at novice, so we're planning to move…

HUNTING COTTESMORE 8 October Edited by Catherine Austen catherine.austen@futurenet.com @cfausten123…