Innholdsfortegnelse for 24-Oct-2024 i Horse & Hound

WHAT do Ballaghmor Class and VWH Saddler 24 have in common? At a glance, not much. The aforementioned horse has just thrilled the eventing world by winning his fourth CCI5* at Maryland aged 17 under Oliver Townend (p54). The latter hound was best unentered doghound at the Festival of Hunting this year, and, two months into his career on the hunting field, is taking to his job beautifully (p48). What they do share are the most desirable characteristics of any working animal – excellent conformation, proven, thought-out breeding for their job, willingness and trainability. And, of course, they are in the right hands to allow these traits to shine and their potential to be fulfilled – again and again. Our horses and hounds benefit best from consistent, skilled handling and…

AWAY CRUISING Harry Meade's star has bowed out aged 17, after eight seasons at five-star. He had 10 CCI5* starts, four Badminton crosscountry clears and came sixth at Burghley. CHILLI MORNING IV Christopher and Lisa Stone's Chilli Morning clone won the seven-yearold young horse eventing World Championships with Gemma Stevens. Report, 31 October. ON CUE Boyd Martin's British-bred 2021 Maryland five-star winner has retired from top-level eventing, aged 18. The Turners’ mare has been fourth at Kentucky and 10th at Burghley too.…

A UNIQUE diamond ring in the shape of a horse's head is being auctioned in memory of its late designer to raise money for horses in need. Susan Jamieson approached Cornish jewellery brand Ethica Diamonds in 2020, with a vision to collaborate on a bespoke jewellery collection to support an equine charity of her choosing. Unfortunately Susan died before the collection could be fully realised. But one piece, this solid gold ring worth £2,500, was completed and has been held in trust by Ethica Diamonds. “Susan was a true animal lover, and her passion for horses was inspiring,” said mother-daughter duo Elaine and Emily Refell, the founders of Ethica Diamonds. “It only felt right that proceeds of this ring went to helping horses in need.” Ethica Diamonds has donated the…

Email to hhletters@futurenet.com Name and address must be included. Letters may be edited. @horseandhound instagram.com/horseandhound facebook.com/horseandhound ALLISTER, A TRUE GENT I KNOW I am far from alone in mourning the passing of the great showman, Allister Hood – a true gentleman whose knowledge and kindness were legendary – but I have a special reason to be grateful to him. When I first started “serious” showing reporting for H&H more than 35 years ago, I was scared stiff of approaching most of the “famous” riders, owners and producers of the day, as I felt I ought to be able to recognise them. But having met Allister and asked for an interview, he so put me at ease that I confessed my fears. “How fortunate to be able to watch top-class judges”…

“WHAT you see is what you get with Medoc, but he has some funny ideas – he's such a character and we love him. He's like a big dog and I'm sure if he could fit through the door he'd come and sleep by the fire. “He seems to think I'm his personal slave and he'll get jealous if the other horses get something he doesn't have. I wasn't sure about him when he arrived and he's not flashy or pretty, but he wouldn't go anywhere without me now. He likes our system and he loves the way Tim rides him, so he's flourished here. “We have to be careful what we feed him as sometimes it affects his stomach, but he loves going out for grass and if he…

IT is not only the management of each horse's individual environment and diet that plays a part in combating any signs of SAD, but also social considerations. It is essential to provide opportunities for social interaction during winter, when turnout may be limited. This is because horses are social animals and thrive on companionship. Where possible, turn horses out in small groups, hack out in company, or let horses see each other when stabled. This can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation, reducing the risk of depression and anxiety.…

LORNA BROUGHTON owns Longdole Polo Club and Polo Academy, where her family runs a yard of more than 100 polo ponies. “We're constantly adjusting feeds based on how the horses look and their level of work,” she says. “Our ponies live out almost entirely in summer and might go out once a week during the wet periods in winter, so the biggest thing to watch is energy levels. We have lots of school ponies and we don't want them getting too frisky! “Most ponies get chaff and a balancer. Then the lighter ones get a conditioning meal and a mix if they need it. I find the school ponies can get fresh when stuck in during the winter doing slow work, so I like to give the slimmer ones Allen…

THE highest mark of the under-21 classes came in the children-on-horses team test, with Hugo Hamblin-Brown – who, at 13, was the youngest rider at the show – riding to the win on Kerrishill Zeus with 76.08%. ONE TO WATCH It was a first ride and first win at a High Profile show for Hugo, who has had the Welsh section C gelding – who was successful in the show ring before being switched to dressage – for two years. “We spotted him for sale in Scotland and it was a bit of a mission to go and try him,” said Hugo's mum, Emily. “We're in Kent – Aintree's a seven-hour drive, so Scotland was a major expedition. However, Gran is up that way, so we made a weekend of…

Newbold Verdon EC, Leics SEEING her mare Heart Of Grace win two prelims outright with Catherine Ellis was the “icing on the cake” for Wendy Parker, who was celebrating her birthday the same day. Catherine offered to compete Grace for Wendy this autumn. “Grace is a good all-rounder and riding club eventer, but Wendy isn't so keen on the dressage,” said Catherine. “This arrangement suits us.” Catherine also rode her own Grafenstolz gelding Trezelland to an inter I bronze section win at Weston Lawns EC, Warwickshire, on his debut at the level: “I'd never ridden the test in a long arena and was thrilled to get round with few mistakes. He's a busy-minded horse and it has suited him to be pushed up the levels.”…

AINTREE YOUNG HORSE PREMIER 10–13 October Edited by Jennifer Donald jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald DO YOU WANT TO BE ON THIS PAGE? HAVE YOU WON A CLASS? Email jennifer.donald@futurenet.com within 24 hours of your event and please include a contact telephone number Young Horse Premier, Aintree International EC, Liverpool JONATHAN DIXON and his brawny but careful grey Jack JL crowned a standout fortnight of form with a confident victory in the young horse show grand prix. The Cumbrian rider had based himself at Aintree to take in their winter classic, where he finished fourth in the grand prix with the 10-yearold gelding, before heading to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) where they finished third in the talent seekers final. They then returned to Liverpool for this big class, where they delivered…

QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY 19 October Edited by Jennifer Donald jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald Qipco British Champions Day, Ascot Racecourse, Berks THERE was an upset in the £1.15m Group One Champion Stakes, when 40/1 shot Anmaat secured victory under Jim Crowley for trainer Owen Burrows and owner Shadwell. Racing on the tighter inner course, owing to heavy ground on the usual track, was always going to change the dynamics of the Champion Stakes. Anmaat, like the eventual runner-up Calandagan, was unable to get a clear run as the field bunched early in the home straight. But Crowley finally found daylight aboard the son of Awtaad and proceeded to collar 6/4 favourite Calandagan in the final strides, putting the race to bed by half a length. In the process, Anmaat, who has won…

Edited by Eleanor Jones Share your news story Call 0330 390 6386 Email eleanor.jones@futurenet.com @jones_eleanor_ THE equestrian community has paid tribute to Allister Hood, “one of the greatest horsemen, showmen, and gentlemen”, admired by all. The Norfolk-based producer and head of the Hood Show Team died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on 14 October, aged 69, following a long illness. Allister grew up in Yorkshire, and was a member of the Middleton Hunt branch of the Pony Club's Prince Philip Cup team. Aged 15 he joined trainer Ruth McMullen, before working for producer Paul Rackham. Here Allister met his wife Anne, and the couple had four children, Louenna, Ollie, Harry and Ben. CHAMPION ALLISTER won his first Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) championship in 1975 with Langton…

Oliver Townend won Maryland, his ninth five-star victory and a fourth for the all-time great Ballaghmor Class, on 20 October. Report, p54. Irish rider Oisin Murphy won his fourth champion Flat jockey title, receiving the trophy at Ascot Champions Day on Saturday (19 October). British vaulter Ursula Levett finished with two podium places, second and third, at the FEI international CVI2* at Sentower, Belgium. Tom McEwen's head groom Adam Short is the new youth ambassador of the Emile Faurie Foundation, which aims to remove barriers to equestrianism. US eventer Caroline Pamucku and her husband Deniz are expecting their first baby, a girl who is to be called Blake, early in 2025.…

SCAMMERS This week's award to he who was perfect in the description of the horse. When asked the price, he said: “£900 inc. postage via Royal Mail, tracked next day delivery.” Sigh. Through the letter box? FANCY DRESS A Halloween site has an option to make the blood run cold… a “women's equestrian costume”. Failing quite to appreciate the scary element on the whole, but especially the “jabot”, which is included. NAMES Promising five-year-old jumper Basingwerk Big Richard Z once had a different name, changed after a complaint, we hear. He's by Big Star and out of a mare by Dick Z. We'll leave it to you to work out the original name……

Edited by Oscar Williams oscar.williams@futurenet.com @oscarw_dr SINCE my last column, I've had a fabulous time at the National Championships with success on my two home-bred eight-year-olds and my 10-year-old upcoming grand prix horse. I also had a third home-bred there for one of my masterclass days. It felt wonderful to showcase horses that have been raised in our system from the start. The youngest, in the Saturday masterclass, impressed me the most. Having never been in a situation like that before, he was so honest and focused. “It felt wonderful to showcase horses raised in our system” The nationals at Somerford Park were well organised and a pleasure to compete at. It was clear that the stewards had been tasked with managing the warm-up and general exercise arenas with far…

FIND MORE GREAT PRODUCTS ONLINE For more feeds suitable for senior horses, visit horseandhound.co.uk/veteran-feeds ROWEN BARBARY HORSE FEEDS SENIOR SUPPORT Ideal for older horses that would benefit from added glucosamine, MSM and turmeric. £18.60 for 20kg rowenbarbary.co.uk SARACEN VETERAN MASH Formulated to support seniors with their condition, wellbeing and coat shine. Contains added live yeast for gut health. £21.99 for 20kg saracenhorsefeeds.com BAILEYS NO.15 SENIOR MIX For overall health and wellbeing with added vitamins, minerals and prebiotic to help promote muscle tone. £17 for 20kg baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk DENGIE HI-FI SENIOR A highly digestible and easy-to-chew fibre feed that blends soft grass and alfalfa with a light molasses and rapeseed oil coating. From £18.49 for 20kg dengie.com TOPSPEC SENIOR FEED BALANCER Formulated to maintain muscle development, topline and condition. £44.95 for 15kg…

Edited by Catherine Austen catherine.austen@futurenet.com @cfausten123 LADIES’ days are as polarising as Marmite; guaranteed to provoke a strong nay or yay from female hunting fans. The nay crowd are purists, reared on the hunting field of old by a generation who only jumped when hounds were running. “Watching hounds work” is their favourite catchphrase and they tend to think of ladies’ days as a gimmick – and a trifle naff. Then you have the yay side; younger than the nayers as a rule, unfettered by memories of hunting's past. They have only known post-ban trail-hunting with its friendly, PR-conscious face. As children, they grew up riding at the front of the field rather than being yelled at to “get to the back”. They bring a freshness and energy, which is…

MARS MARYLAND 17–20 October Edited by Pippa Roome pippa.roome@futurenet.com @pipparoomeorkyle Mars Maryland, USA WHEN Ballaghmor Class was withdrawn from Olympic selection in June, unable to complete his qualifications because a deep-rooted hoof abscess had decimated his spring campaign, many wondered if the three-time five-star winner's career was over. At 17, would he quietly fade from view? They had reckoned without the skill of Oliver Townend and his team, who have managed the son of Courage through eight years at five-star, and the sheer tenacity and grit of this superb equine athlete, whose owners Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan have “been on quite a journey” with him, as Oliver said. Four months after that withdrawal, “Thomas” boarded a plane for the USA and with the sun on his back,…

BEN HOBDAY finished a close second in the CCI4*-S at Strzegom, Poland, with Shadow Man II (pictured) – the horse on whom Chris Burton won individual silver at the Paris Olympics. This was the duo's second event back together since 2022. Ben and “Fidgy”, who is co-owned by Ben, Jane Chambers and Ben's father Stephen, led the dressage on 29.2, but dropped behind Clarke Johnstone and Domasco after picking up 10 time-penalties across country. ON FORM…

OISIN MURPHY (pictured) was crowned champion Flat jockey for a fourth time, notching 163 winners, more than 50 clear of his closest challenger Rossa Ryan. “This is something I really tried to achieve this year,” said Murphy. “I have had great support from so many trainers and owners, and having a fair lead has meant I have been able to enjoy it over the past month or so.” Sean Dylan Bowen clinched the champion apprentice title following a hard-fought battle with Joe Leavy, finishing the campaign with 45 successes, having moved from Ireland to James Owen's Newmarket yard at the start of the season. “My plan was to go jumping, but everyone said I was mad because I was too light,” said Bowen. “Time has flown since I came over.…

TRAINING CHARITY FOR EVENTING BRITISH EVENTING has set up a new charity, the British Eventing Training Foundation, to support competitors, volunteers and the wider community. The charity will provide training for competitors and improve the skills of volunteers and staff. It will also promote animal welfare through education on the care, protection and treatment of event horses. David Howden, founder of Cornbury House Horse Trials, has supplied the initial funding. Rosie Williams, CEO of British Eventing, said: “This is a significant step forward. The British Eventing Training Foundation will allow us to support our members, while also enabling broader support from benefactors who share our vision. We are deeply grateful to David Howden, for his unwavering support and commitment to the future of our sport.” UNLIMITED ACCESS FOR SUBSCRIBERS ALL…

STATISTICS Spotted, the (unverified) stat, that the average person owns three horses in their life. We've always prided ourselves on being well above average… FOOTBALL A football club kindly donated many old balls to The Donkey Sanctuary, as it heard the equine residents like playing with them. Hope the balls can take mud as they're likely to get a bit Messi… MIRACLES Unconfirmed reports from Kent of a mare with an abscess who kept her poultice and poultice boot on all night in the field. Possibly irresponsible to report without official verification but this revelation could be huge.…

Edited by Jennifer Donald jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald THE huge significance of a successful Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) to British Showjumping (BS) and its members cannot be underestimated. Jumping in Britain has changed irrevocably in the past five years, so much so that centre shows have become the lifeblood of the sport. Indeed, riders’ enthusiasm to compete in the novice classes with HOYS finals means qualifiers get bumper entries at these venues. If the finals weren't at such a prestigious show, it's likely the system would collapse. Many professionals have called for all novice finals – including the Foxhunter and newcomers – to be changed to age classes. Such a move would reflect what happens at nearly every other international show, most of which have classes for five-, six- and…

HORSE&HOUND IN THE SPOTLIGHT RIDER TIM GREDLEY “I ENJOY not choosing the most obvious horses to buy and now I've got to know Medoc I find him easy, but he has a special way of doing things – he's always on his forehand. So he might be a bit unorthodox, but he gives you so much confidence. “I've never jumped so big in my life as in the grand prix at Spruce Meadows this year, but he's so careful, so consistent and he has so much scope that I look forward to jumping big tracks on him. He just enjoys life. “I can't remember the last time he had a fence down in a grand prix and every time they put a huge track up, he steps up. He's not…

THE COMPETITION HORSE TICKING OVER IT'S vital to ensure your horse gets essential nutrients during their downtime. For the good-doer, Lucy Baskeyfield, equine nutritionist at Baileys Horse Feeds, suggests starting with a quality balancer. “Feeding a balancer at the recommended levels will maintain protein, vitamin and mineral intake without unwanted calories. This will help to support any healing and recovery, and replenish internal nutrient reserves, as well as maintaining healthy hoof growth and muscle tone.” If your horse needs help maintaining condition, Lucy advises feeding the recommended amount of his usual mix or cubes for his current workload, and adding a higher-calorie fibre option. You could also change your bucket feed as a whole to a higher-calorie feed. “This delivers more per mouthful, while keeping meal sizes manageable. Should your…

AS I sat down at my daughter Lily's parent-teacher evening to discuss GCSE options at the end of the last academic year, I felt empathy with my parents, who undoubtedly sat through an identical conversation some years ago. “Your daughter must concentrate more. She is not applying herself to learning, her grades are below average and she is disruptive in class. “If she doesn't change her attitude towards her work, she will get left behind and not achieve satisfactory grades. Too much time spent with ponies and hunting, with not enough emphasis on school and homework!” This was the general feedback across the board. So her mum and I had a stern word with Lily, explaining she'd better get her head in the game quickly. Otherwise, if she leaves school…

WHAT'S NEXT FOR MAI BAUM? TAMIE SMITH always planned to retire Mai Baum from five-stars after Maryland. “While he's very athletic, he is only 30% blood and it takes a tremendous amount to get him and keep him in that peak performance,” she said. The 18-year-old may do some short-format and showcase competitions and Tamie is interested in the hunter Derby circuit, or he could have fun with Alexandra Ahearn, his original rider who still owns him with her parents Ellen Ahearn and Eric Markell. “‘Lexus’ could do anything – he could do pure dressage or showjumping, he could go on the trail with Alex. He's a very all-around type when he's not five-star fit. We'll keep enjoying him,” said Tamie. Mai Baum retires as a legend of US eventing…

THE HIRD & PARTNERS HIGH PROFILE SHOW 16–20 October Edited by Oscar Williams oscar.williams@futurenet.com @oscarw_dr The Hird & Partners High Profile Show, Lancs MICHAEL EILBERG had a dream of a show with his three horses at Aintree. MSJ Dante VX won three at the highest level – the inter II, the grand prix freestyle and the grand prix special – while EDH Nanouk picked up a couple of placings at inter I and EDH Saubermond won the prix st georges (PSG) freestyle. The latter, a chance buy, has more than proved its worth. “We bought him as a foal from his breeder Jennifer Charleston, as we were short of a foal to run with one of ours when we weaned him,” said Michael. “We ended up part-swapping a mare for…

NOTCHING up personal best scores in excess of 71% earned Charlotte Gomez and Bacardi Z (pictured) an outright novice double at Brook Farm EC, Essex. Bought by Charlotte five years ago, 11-year-old “Vossi” is by Big Star Jr KZ – a son of Olympic showjumping gold medallist Big Star. “When showjumping didn't work out for us, we changed disciplines altogether,” said Charlotte, who is coached by Georgina Day and several British Dressage (BD) judges. “We've just started our second year at BD and Vossi has proven to be just so trainable. “He's the sweetest character with the biggest personality and a willing attitude. A highlight this year was being selected for the inter-regionals squad to represent South and East England and placing in the top 10.”…

ALREADY familiar with his sire, Classic Charmeur, Maddy Frewin is building a partnership with Classic Chiko – the sevenyear-old gelding she guided to a highscoring novice double win at Stourport Riding Centre, Worcestershire. Angie Booth's home-bred was showjumping when Maddy teamed up with him earlier this year. “He's a cool little horse to have on the yard – a powerhouse and quite switched on,” said Maddy. “He's building strength that he's starting to show in the arena and he's perfect to push up the levels. He's small, compact and ready to go.”…

A MAJOR WIN HARRY CHARLES (Bandit) joined Archers team-mates Aaron Vale (Styles) and Nicola Philippaerts (H&M Luna Van't Ruytershof Z) to take their first win of the 2024 Major League Showjumping season at Tryon International in North Carolina. “These boys teed me up perfectly,” said Harry. “Bandit was flying today with two quick rounds.” Ireland's Conor Swail won the show's five-star grand prix on Casturano. “He's been an incredible athlete right from the beginning,” said Conor. WORLD CUP RESUMES MEANWHILE, the season's first Longines FEI World Cup at the Agria Oslo Horse Show was won by Belgium's Gregory Wathelet (Bond Jamesbond De Hay), who posted the only double clear after a four-way jump-off.…

ON most days we tow our horses without a problem, but yesterday two things happened that made me question the sense of putting large animals into a wheeled vehicle and dragging them around the countryside. We were only a couple of miles from the meet when we heard a knocking sound coming from behind. A flat tyre. “I think I'll get there,” Adam said calmly, but the familiar drive seemed to be getting longer as we trundled onwards. Metres later and the tyre had started to smoke. There was nothing for it but to unload the horses and walk them on while Adam carried on with the smoking trailer. Eildon, who used to work here, appeared as if by magic from the back of a quad bike to lead Tuppy…