Innholdsfortegnelse for 16-Jan-2025 i Horse & Hound

HAVING a knack for spotting a diamond in the rough, or a young horse from a field of 30 that will go on to achieve great things, is an enviable skill. Even those who can do this seem to struggle to put their finger on what it is they see that others miss. And however good the finder, nurture and fortune play a part. In “All in a day's work” (p20), renowned horse finder Reid Finlay reveals some of the secrets of his success in finding many future stars. Rain, or rather snow, continues to stop play for much racing and pointing, but in his comment this week (p15), Davy Russell looks back at the festive season and heralds the genius of trainer Nicky Henderson, who was undeterred by naysayers…

GALOPIN DES CHAMPS Audrey Turley's 2023 and 2024 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, heads the entries for the 2025 showpiece (14 March). CAPTAIN HASTINGS The Marfleets' former RIHS supreme and HOYS champion riding horse has died, aged 28. He was shown astride by the late Allister Hood and side-saddle by Kate Marfleet. MILA The European team silver and grand prix-winning 13-year-old, ridden by Ludger Beerbaum and Eoin McMahon, has been sold to join Switzerland's Nadja Peter Steiner.…

COMPUTER GAMES A horror computer game called Horses, in which one works on a farm looking after people wearing nowt but horse masks, isn't not coming out, reportedly, just delayed. Phew. GLORY HOLES What Granny called the place under the stairs or, as a young rider said, the gap between her stable and one inhabited by a mare called Glory. Perfect. HISTORY A horse transporter in Canada bought a horsebox built in the UK in 1934 and sold for £425. It's apparently the world's oldest… but we're sure we know a few older DAFs still going strong at yards across the country… SCAMMERS This week's award to he who is taking a different tack and looking for “eight-month-old jumping foals”. Very specific on age, but do they actually have to…

Email to hhletters@futurenet.com Name and address must be included. Letters may be edited. @ horseandhound instagram.com/horseandhound facebook.com/horseandhound CARRIAGE-HORSE CARE I ENJOYED reading Kieran O'Brien's article on veterinary care of equines in past times (19 December 2024) and seeing the photo of a hansom cab waiting for business. Hackney horses with their flashy trot were mostly used for light trade vehicles, such as butchers' carts, in order to attract attention to the advertising on the sides of the vehicle. Their ability to trot at speed also meant that perishable goods were delivered promptly. “Talent was the main ingredient for success” KAREN CARMICHAEL As your photo shows, horses used for cab work were often ageing hunters or carriage horses, which were no longer wanted by private owners, as they were past their…

BELGIUM is famous for its iconic contributions to the world stage: Tintin, chocolate, fine ale, top showjumpers. But until last summer, it had never produced a CCI5* winner. Enter the whirlwind of energy that is event rider Lara de Liedekerke-Meier, who captured the Luhmühlen laurels along with a slew of other accolades in 2024. I catch Lara in a rare moment when she's forced to sit still – driving to the airport to compete in the indoor eventing in Geneva (where she would finish third on Kiarado D'Arville). Last season she had five horses qualified for the Olympics, made over 80 international starts, won the most titles and landed her first five-star. Words tumble out of Lara so fast and articulately, it's hard to keep up, but it gives some…

FROM lugging heavy water buckets to picking out feet, mucking out and sweeping, it's no wonder many equestrians suffer from bad backs. Typically, our focus is on keeping our horses healthy and comfortable, while our own back pain is often brushed aside. Elizabeth (Liz) Launder is an osteopath and breeder of Welsh cob sport horses and Welsh ponies at the Skelwith Stud, Powys. She has over 40 years' experience treating horses and riders, including 24 years' working with Hartpury Equine Therapy Centre and the Margaret Giffen Centre for Rider Performance. “Repetitive strain is one of the key contributors to back pain in riders,” she says. “Mucking out more than six a day, for example, can cause repetitive strain injury, degenerative disc disease, wear and tear, and remodelling of the joints.…

MOORLANDS 23 December catherine.austen@futurenet.com @cfausten123 Moorlands, Stile House Farm, Staffs HUNTING is full of surprises, some of which are closely guarded secrets. Not all hunts measure their success by huge fields, rollicking vale days and riotous balls. The Moorlands offer something different, even niche, which oozes charm. And their hounds are impressive, too. I did feel a little guilty, standing at the meet, when Tom Richards, joint-master with his wife Bridie, recounted tales of the previous day spent battling with the now-weekly apocalyptic storm to walk and prepare the country. Today's weather was the calm after the storm but, unsurprisingly, several farmers had “reminded him” of how tender their sacred grass is in its wake. After all, this is sheep country. The hospitality at Mr and Mrs John Plant's Stile…

KELSALL HILL WINTER CLASSIC II 9–12 January jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald Winter Classic II, Kelsall Hill, Cheshire JENNIFER BILLINGTON and her “horse of a lifetime”, Flipper Darco UK Z, blitzed a challenging Audevard winter grand prix from final draw to claim the £3,000 top prize. “I don't think I'll ever find another one like him,” said Jennifer. “After you've sat on him, every other horse feels like it's not good enough.” Course-builder Raf Suarez created a highly technical first round that reflected the generous winner's purse – twice that of most winter classics – and which allowed just seven of 42 starters to access the second phase. “We've jumped a lot bigger but at every fence you had to be on the ball, you didn't have time for a breather,” Jennifer said.…

VICTORIA WALL enjoyed a medium 5 win with Nations Hit EDH at Hartpury, Gloucestershire, scoring nearly 75%. “He's very green, but that's the first test he's completed with no mistakes,” said Victoria of her 10-year-old homebred gelding, “Turtle” . “He's reactive but strangely sensible and great in the arena. He goes the same as he does at home, if not better.” Victoria moved from her native New Zealand to Germany in 2022, before basing herself in the UK to train with Carl Hester. She describes Turtle's Negro/Sandro Hit/Jazz breeding as “a bouncy combination”. “He wasn't much fun as a four-year-old, but he's becoming quite a little superstar,” she said. “He's still playing catch-up, after a minor health issue, so he's just a little short on mileage.”…

HIGHLIGHTS 11 January jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald Ffos Las Racecourse, Kidwelly, Wales FFOS LAS emerged from an otherwise largely frozen-off weekend of racing to host the Grade Two DragonBet Towton Novices' Chase, salvaged from Wetherby's abandoned card. Only two of the six runners finished in an incident-packed race. However, the Ben Pauling-trained Handstands' second successive victory over fences came with such a convincing swagger, you couldn't help but be excited by what the future holds for Tim Radford's six-year-old son of Getaway, bred in Ireland by Brendan and Mary Fitzpatrick. Pauling's string is spearheaded by the superstar young chaser The Jukebox Man, but the trainer has also been bullish about Handstands, who was racking up his fifth win under Rules. “This is another step in the right direction” BEN PAULING Having fallen on…

AT the 2015 edition of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), the iconic show cob The Humdinger retired from the ring after an illustrious career spanning almost a decade. He did not compete at the NEC that year but was invited to bow out during Sunday evening's cavalcade, an example of his popularity within the showing world. “Dinger”, aged 13 on the day, took his place in the spotlight with his long-term rider and producer Jayne Ross at the helm, before the commentator began reeling off his tally of accolades. At the same time, Dinger, as proud as ever, stretched out his legs and relieved himself before the crowd, who cracked up in hysterics. “He stole the limelight one final time,” Jayne laughs when recalling the memory now. “He was…

BY definition, the noun “humdinger” refers to something that is very exciting or impressive, a wholly apt description of this impeccable showman who dazzled so many. Jayne recounts how his name came to be: “David rang me and said he had a cob he thought I might be interested in. He said: 'I've this coloured horse for you, it's a right humdinger of a horse.' And that was what we called him. I've always trusted David completely, so we grabbed the chance to have him.” Carol adds: “It totally suited him. We never knew his breeding, though, so it was always fun when people advertised horses as having the same sire or being his full brother!”…

WHEN it comes to looking after horses and ponies, winter is most people's least favourite time of year. Dark mornings and afternoons, the various challenges of mud, grappling wet rugs, frozen pipes and ground. Even horses' mute dependence on us at a time when grass is scarce can be a downer at times. When I went out to the stables this morning, six expectant heads greeted me over the doors. I had barely switched the lights on before “get a move on, we're hungry” was made explicit in six different ways: an ear-splitting whinny from Sally joined by the mellow alto of Issy, an impatient stomp from Tuppy, some gloomy nodding of the head from Joe. Jack was doing circles in his shavings and Jim was eyeing me eagerly and…

Edited by Eleanor Jones Share your news story Call 0330 390 6386 Email eleanor.jones@futurenet.com @ jones_eleanor_ WHIP and spur rules brought in across sports are making a difference – in making riders think, as much as the use itself. Those competing under British Showjumping (BS) rules join The Pony Club and British Riding Clubs' (BRC) members in that whips may only be used to back up leg aids, never as discipline or punishment of the horse. Pony Club rules on spurs now apply; riders who want to use them must have passed their C+ test or an assessment showing that they understand spurs' use and have a stable enough lower leg. Coaches and officials may remove spurs if at any time they feel they are being used incorrectly. Leading physiotherapist…

Three-time Olympic dressage champion Anky van Grunsven broke her pelvis in a fall from a horse on New Year's Eve. She did not need surgery. Top British and five-star FEI judge Peter Storr has been appointed to the ground jury for the 2025 European Dressage Championships. Olympic eventing groom Adam Short, who works for Tom McEwen, has become patron of Stepney Bank Stables, which he attended as a child. Olympic and five-star event rider Doug Payne is switching disciplines and now hopes to represent the US in showjumping in future. Former Dartington Trust chief executive Rhodri Samuel has been appointed to the same position at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary.…

oscar.williams@futurenet.com @oscarw_dr OPINION WITH all this cold and snowy weather, I cast my mind back to late November having lunch in a T-shirt in Seville. Continuing my exploration of dressage around the world, I visited SICAB – the World Championships for Pura Raza Española (PRE) horses, the pure-bred Spanish horse known as the Andalusian. It's incredibly easy to find an Airbnb that doesn't cost a fortune in the middle of Seville, which is crammed with bars and restaurants, again all affordable. A short taxi ride took us to Fibes, an exhibition centre rather like the NEC, where three indoor pavilions were packed full of delights and surprises. POTENTIALLY SCARY LIKE Portugal's Golegã, which I was introduced to in 2023, this Spanish celebration of PRE horses showcases a vibrant cross-section of…

I was born on a farm to non-horsey parents, but was horse-mad from a very young age. I learned to ride the traditional Irish way – climb on, kick on and hang on – and for me, it was a 14hh three-year-old unbroken Anglo-Arab filly. It didn't matter how often I was planted into the ground, I kept coming back for more. Originally, I had several non-horsey businesses but I sold them to concentrate on horses. I count myself lucky to have found many successful show and competition animals, and very many good owners, too – ultimately, the credit must go to them for having had the faith to purchase raw three-year-olds and with knowledge, hard work and patience, transform them into accomplished performers. I don't use “spotters” to find…

MAEVE SHERIDAN is a chartered physiotherapist with 25 years' experience. She runs Activate Your Seat, an online exercise programme targeting the rider's seat muscles and improving strength, suppleness, symmetry and balance. Maeve's tips for riders with back pain: • Make sure your saddle fits you and your horse – if your saddle tips you forward or backwards, you can't move your pelvis, which can lead to jarring. • Don't brace through your core as it blocks your pelvis – instead, work on breathing using your diaphragm in a 360-degree manner so you breathe into the front, sides and back of your ribcage. This enables you to absorb the movement better. • Work on muscle control of your hips, pelvis and trunk to allow you to absorb the horse's movement.…

A FAIRYHOUSE FOUR-TIMER IRISH trainer Gavin Cromwell is well known for his raids on big races in England, but he racked up an outstanding four-timer at Fairyhouse on Saturday that included the first three home in the Grade Three SBK Dan and Joan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase. The race was won by The King Of Prs, with Conor Stone-Walsh in the saddle. The teenager finished third in the 2023 Flat champion apprentice standings before switching to jump racing and is a rising star of the weighing room.…

RACING BACKS FARMERS ON TAX TRACTORS – and farmers – are invited to a day at Fakenham racecourse's televised Sky Bet Raceday on 19 January, to show support to the rural community in light of future changes to inheritance tax. “Inheritance tax on farms will devastate farming families, making it impossible for the next generation to inherit a farm and feed the nation,” a spokesperson for the course said. “The tax will have a hugely negative impact on the entire rural economy. “We invite farmers, agricultural dealerships, engineers, suppliers, feed merchants, crop specialists, agronomists, contractors, land agents, Young Farmers' Clubs and anyone else linked to the farming community to bring their tractor and enjoy a day of racing on us.” Gate staff will hand out free entry badges to all…

A FORMER eventer and jockey celebrated her 100th birthday on New Year's Eve with parties, a card from The King – and a ride on a “lovely” mare. Elizabeth Breton told H&H she took her regular ride Lily. “I had a splendid ride on my birthday,” she said. “I wanted to have a canter, but my horse had been out of work and my 'minder' said we could only trot. I got a lovely card from The King, and I've got it sitting on my table.” Mrs Breton started riding aged about two and went on to pointing and eventing wins, only thwarted in her ambition to ride at Badminton by injury (“The way we were”, 9 January). She said she was not sure whether or not she will keep…

jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald OPINION THIS year's Christmas racing was unreal. Whether you're a diehard fan or someone new to the game, what we all witnessed was very special. A standout moment was mighty hurdler Constitution Hill returning from a year off to win the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day, beating Willie Mullins' Festival-winning mare Lossiemouth. It shouldn't be a surprise that Nicky Henderson pulled off such a remarkable training performance. He's done it so many times in the past with the likes of his three-time Champion Hurdle winner See You Then, who raced sparingly owing to tendon problems and won the Champion Hurdle off one run. Then more recently, there was Sprinter Sacre, who won the Champion Chase after an absence of nearly three months. Nicky has received…

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WHEN Faye Archer's back started to deteriorate during the summer of 2020, it resulted in her first back operation that autumn to shave part of the disc at L4. “Up until my operation, I had been on tramadol and liquid morphine so I could ride,” she says. “My recovery went well and I was back riding the next spring.” Sadly, Faye's back started to deteriorate again around Christmas 2023 and an MRI scan revealed the L5 vertebra pressing on her sciatic nerve. “My riding suffered as I tried to protect my back by arching it,” she explains. “I tried steroid injections to keep eventing, but last July, I spent two-and-a-half weeks in hospital having the L5 disc removed.” “When my back is aching, I don't ride” FAYE ARCHER Faye works with…

FOLLOWING early menopause at 39, Tot Wall developed osteopenia (low bone density) with degradation of the lower spine, causing ongoing back pain. More than 20 rib fractures from various accidents exacerbated the problem. “When I saw the X-rays of my lower spine, aged 42, I was horrified,” said Tot. “The consultant advised me to see a regular bodyworker or I'd be in a wheelchair by 50.” Living with constant back pain, Tot had to find ways to cope, such as using long-handled brooms and forks, and wheeled carriers to muck out. “The hardest thing was giving up backing horses, as that was my passion,” she continues. “I also stopped training college students and doing full liveries.” Tot continued competing until her late 50s, gradually switching to teaching. “I still breed…

IT is now almost 23 years ago that Captain Ronnie Wallace died in a road accident, aged 82, and I was quoted by Michael Clayton in his tribute book, “Ronnie Wallace is the one name in hunting that will be most remembered, certainly in the 20th century, beyond any other man – master or professional huntsman – as being head and shoulders above anyone else involved in foxhunting.” Here was a man with a remarkable intellect and many talents, all focused on the success of foxhunting. His presence was compelling and he was almost hypnotic in his ability to influence other people's time and practical support. Dukes and captains of industry would rush to his side at a meet when summoned to ask what was required of them. He could…

HIGHLIGHTS 16 December–5 January 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 oscar.williams@futurenet.com @oscarw_dr Radfords EC, Powys “IT was a brilliant end to the year,” said Sue Kiernan after a medium 5 outright win with Just Me. “We'd been struggling at medium with the half-passes. What a day for it to finally come together.” Bought during lockdown, Dutch warmblood gelding “Moses” was an import with showjumping breeding. “He came here green, at six, with all his muscles upside down,” explains Sue, who worked slowly through prelim to help him develop a better frame and topline. “Our trainer, Rui Campeão, has taken us from nothing. We did our…

Solihull EC, W Mids FAUST V kept his focus to win both novice and elementary freestyles outright – achieving almost 80% at novice. Tom Graham's home-bred Franziskus son, ridden by George Blackburn, is known for consistently high scores. “He's super-bright and constantly needs to be doing things,” said George of “Reggie”, who was reserve in the prelim gold at the national championships. “In the arena, he wants to get the job done.” George and Reggie claimed further wins in the same classes the following day, at Onley Grounds Equestrian Complex, Warwickshire. Greg Dickens scored two novice bronze section wins with Brutus G, a 15-year-old gelding bought through family connections with eventer Piggy March. “Bruno”, who had been ruled out of eventing through injury, had never completed an affiliated dressage test…

A SHOW-RING moment as scarce as hen's teeth was witnessed at HOYS in 2009, when The Humdinger scored a perfect 100/100 in his class before lifting his first ridden coloured of the year title (pictured). This was the only time that John Gilliver, who was assessing conformation, has awarded 50/50 to an animal during his career as a judge. “I can remember it very vividly, as it was understandably a memorable occasion,” John says. “In the class, I was marking quite high, generally in the 40s, as the standard was good. The Humdinger impressed on the go-round and when stripped, I liked that he had a leg at each corner, his limbs were clean and he walked and trotted back perfectly. “I decided, when marking him against the others, that…