Innholdsfortegnelse for 18-Sep-2025 i Horse & Hound

EXPERTS have been saying for years that dressage rider Sadie Smith is one to watch. It’s brilliant to see her achieving some of the success she is due, becoming national champion at the LeMieux National Dressage Championships on her beautiful ride Swanmore Dantina. It was a dream realised and hopefully a sign of things to come (report, p54). Zara Tindall was one who experienced their fairy-tale win at a young age – becoming a European Eventing Championships double gold medallist 20 years ago. Zara recalls those heady days (How I won…, p18), saying: “It was a precious moment.” She acknowledges how fortunate she was to have such an incredibly talented horse with whom she created an excellent partnership, overcoming torrential conditions on cross-country day to win gold. This week her…

TRUMAN Showjumper Amy Millar’s Paris Olympic ride, with whom she went to the 2022 worlds and helped Canada to team silver at the 2023 Pan Am Games, has retired aged 16. JOLENE HILL The dressage mare, who won two golds with Dane Tobias Thorning Jorgensen at the 2021 Paralympics, 2022 worlds and two Europeans, has retired aged 17. SPARKY LAD Clarke Johnstone and the 11-year-old won the first Racehorse to Eventer Challenge at Cornbury House Horse Trials, which has a £45,000 first prize. Report, p68.…

ADS Spotted in an ad: “Tiger – more gears than your car, more fun than your ex, and a lot better-looking.” And won’t complain if you spend too long at the yard, presumably? Sold. MOULTING Apparently, pony hair is a big thing, on everything from jackets to megabucks handbags. Come back in April, we’ve got natives who will supply all the hair designers could ever use… TOES To the US, where an eventer stayed on in a hard landing in water, but his glasses didn’t. Barefoot volunteers searched the water and one found the specs unscathed. Top toe work! PROOF Overheard at a show, a young rider telling her mother she was going to do just what her trainer had told her “to prove it doesn’t work”. She did, and…

Email to hhletters@futurenet.com Name and address must be included. Letters may be edited. @ horseandhound instagram.com/horseandhound facebook.com/horseandhound “A PERFECT EXAMPLE” I AGREE with Anna Ross (comment, 4 September) that a relaxed and flowing way of going is crucial. It is also critical for the continued acceptance of dressage as an Olympic sport. I’m a Devon farmer and have just started prelim dressage on my wife’s 19-year-old Hanoverian. My wife and I attended the European Championships, and the atmosphere was a breath of fresh air. The Jiva Hill team organised their first European championship superbly, and it was a joy to see an event where harmony and soft, happy horses were the main talking point. “It was a joy to see harmony and soft, happy horses” GUY KIRKWOOD Justin Verboomen and Zonik…

bethan.simons@futurenet.com IT’S been a good season overall, and we were delighted with how smoothly the Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain (SHB (GB)) hunter championships at Addington went, and that good numbers came forward. The new Rory Gilsenan memorial championship, in particular, was brilliant, and spectators really got behind it. It was run in a new format, with a mark given for the go-round, judge’s ride, conformation and jump. The jumping phase was conducted in the evening, and in drawn order. Those with least points went first and the leaders were last to jump. We wanted it to be a nail-biting finale with competitors and spectators alike interacting, so we didn’t tell competitors how many points they had or if they had a fence in hand. An optional joker fence…

“Awareness is key to understanding treatment options available” INTRASYNOVIAL injections are a cornerstone of equine sports medicine, widely used for the diagnosis of lameness and subsequent management of joint inflammation and osteoarthritis. These injections can be intra-articular (into the joint) or intrathecal (into a tendon sheath or bursa). They target different anatomical structures, but the techniques, precautions, and potential complications are similar. When performed correctly, these procedures are generally safe, effective and well tolerated. However, even with meticulous technique, complications can and do occur. Synovial sepsis (vet clinic, 18 April 2024) is a feared and potentially life-threatening complication following intrasynovial injection and early identification and treatment are essential for a positive outcome. There is a wide array of medications and supportive treatments used to manage synovial inflammation, which can be…

WEST WILTS (3) BE90 section C winner, Susan Bill, is in something of a quandary. Her winning mount is registered as “Unnamed 818097” with British Eventing, yet the mare’s birth name is the infinitely more ladylike “Flamenco Princess”. “I worry that if I send the passport back to Ireland to get her name changed, a) I might not get it back, and b) I don’t want to tempt bad luck by changing it as we’ve had two very successful seasons with her competing as ‘Unnamed’ and I’m quite superstitious,” she said. Susan and Princess were third at this year’s BE90 grassroots championship and the pair have a return ticket to Badminton for 2026 courtesy of a regional championship win at Bicton. They’ve also enjoyed success in the dressage arena, finishing…

HIGHLIGHTS 8–14 September jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald Betfred St Leger Festival, Doncaster Racecourse, S Yorks TOM MARQUAND and the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt, Scandinavia, landed the Betfred St Leger in a thrilling battle to the line. Showing real tenacity, the huge-striding son of Justify repelled a three-pronged challenge from fast-finishing runner-up Rahieeb (Ray Dawson), with Scandinavia’s Ballydoyle stablemates Stay True in third and dual Derby winner and long-time leader Lambourn fading for fourth. “Scandinavia has the most beautiful temperament and everything reiterated to me by Aidan, [and previous jockeys] Ryan Moore and Wayne Lordan was that he was just so straightforward,” said the winning jockey, who racked up a four-timer at the Festival. “The ground was hard work, but he was so tough out there and he fended them all off.” Marquand last…

OUR first morning out was a glorious one, if you were a poet perhaps. We had it all: mist in the valleys, a big red sun peering lazily over the hill, parched fields gilded in golden light. I should have been thankful for the beauty of it all but I was concerned with matters closer to home. My companion, and husband, had assumed austere “foxhunter” (as dedicated hunting people used to be called) mode that morning, taking on the persona with his hat and boots. Gone was the man with whom I happily spend my days and in his place was a terse stranger. Assuming a posture not dissimilar to his predecessor, the late master and huntsman of the College Valley, Martin Letts – feet thrust forwards, stirrups long –…

Share your news story Call 0330 390 6386 Email eleanor.jones@futurenet.com @ jones_eleanor_ DEBATE and discussion on research in the equestrian world has been welcomed and responded to by researchers whose work has informed use of a noseband measuring tool. Leading researcher Russell MacKechnie-Guire has responded to concerns about studies he was involved in, on effects of noseband tightness. Dr MacKechnie-Guire and his team have released responses to comments published in the Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ), submitted by other researchers, including Orla Doherty and Paul McGreevy. Dr MacKechnie-Guire told H&H he welcomes questions and debate on research. “It’s good to challenge and have a critical discussion,” he said. “But that mustn’t hinder equine welfare.” The studies were both on pressure caused by nosebands at different tightnesses, one during ridden work, trot,…

LAMENESS AND COLIC CLAIMS LAMENESS, wounds and colic were the most claimed for, and most expensive, conditions in 2024–25, according to The Insurance Emporium. The company said leg issues were the most claimed-for ailment, costing £728 on average, and external issues such as wounds the most claimed-for accident, costing £739. Colic claims were the most expensive, at an average £1,033. CEO Francis Martin said: “With rising veterinary fees, it reinforces what we’ve seen in claims data; unexpected treatment costs can put real pressure on finances. Horse insurance isn’t just a safety net; it’s becoming a necessity for many.” NEW CHAIR FOR BEVA TRUST THE British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Trust chair Julian Samuelson is stepping down after 12 years. Vet Sara Barker will take over on 5 January 2026. The…

Former jockey Gary Bardwell, 57, won a second Leger Legends charity race on 40/1 outsider Shazani, 18 months after he had a stent fitted after a heart attack. The British Equine Veterinary Association has appointed Bell Equine’s Imogen Burrows as president for 2025/26. She takes over immediately. Top rider Sadie Smith and Swanmore Dantina were crowned national champions at the LeMieux National Dressage Championships. Report, p54 Showjumper Will Fletcher will be out for a couple of months after he broke his leg in three places in a fall. He hopes to “come out strong” next year. Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien is the first to win three consecutive St Legers in modern history, this time with Scandinavia ridden by Tom Marquand.…

oscar.williams@futurenet.com @oscnwilliams I CAN say with complete honesty that 2025 is the year I’ve had my eyes opened to the world of para dressage. I’d previously done training and a few shows with clients Susanna Wade and Melissa Cannon, but I was by no means an expert. So when Georgina Sharples, para dressage performance manager for the World Class Programme (WCP), approached me for a technical advisor role, I was surprised but excited. Although it has been a steep learning curve, everyone has been incredibly welcoming. And I’ve spent time observing how every rider approaches training and competition. Each is unique, but getting to know their disabilities, their strengths and how best to support them has been my biggest takeaway. They’re hugely talented and inspirational people. When I was on…

THERE appears to be a subjective increase in the number of fungal infections identified in horses in the UK. Fungal infections present a unique challenge to treat given the limited number of effective medications available and the increasing resistance to some. Fungal infections have been reported to affect the eye (keratitis), the sinuses (sinusitis), the uterus (endometritis), the skin, the respiratory system and, as discussed in this article, joints. Future research may improve our understanding and shed light on new treatments options.…

AGRIA FEI European Eventing Championships preview How to follow ALL THE ACTION WITH H&H • The Horse & Hound team will be creating extensive online coverage of the European Championships in addition to the magazine report. Our coverage will include photos of the course and the first trot-up, times for the next day’s competition, breaking news and numerous reports, interviews and more. • Video interviews on our website and social media, in partnership with NAF. • To keep reading at horseandhound.co.uk after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription either to the website or the magazine. • Magazine and website unlimited: six issues for £6, followed by our flexible offer of £29.99 quarterly, saving 29%. Visit: magazinesdirect.com/XHH/DJ59M • Website unlimited subscription: save 40% – pay £52 for a…

LEMIEUX NATIONAL DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS KBIS British Dressage Young Horse Championships NICOLA MAHONEY rode her home-bred Game On II (Governor x Sir Donnerhall) to a place in history, winning the KBIS British Dressage six-year-old title. The gelding, who claimed the four- and five-year-old titles with Ashley Jenkins, is the first horse ever to complete that hat-trick of young horse championships. But it was close between them and Tom Goode on Noora Bint-Hamad Al Khalifa’s striking Veto (Vitalis x Sir Donnerhall) in second. “I think he’s the best horse in the world” NICOLA MAHONEY ON GAME ON II The top two tied on 88.2% from the first round; judge Eva-Maria Vint-Warmington explained: “Game On was the most complete package at the moment. The walk pushed it over the edge, but it was tight.”…

HIGHLIGHTS 30 August–8 September 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 Bicton Midsummer Festival, Devon TOM MCEWEN took a detour from eventing at Chard to jump Kilcannon Mischeif round Bicton’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) grade C qualifier, cruising to a one-second win. The eight-year-old mare was bought by Tom’s mother Ali from Goresbridge Go For Gold sale as a three-year-old, and had a strong eventing record up to intermediate, but switched to showjumping this year. “She has a good jump, so we thought it was worth trying her as a showjumper,” said Tom, who jumped clear on the mare for one time-penalty in the two-star…

THE SHOWING REGISTER AMATEUR SUMMER SHOW 6–7 September bethan.simons@futurenet.com The Showing Register Amateur Summer Show, Stoneleigh, Warks A GOLDEN performance from Kym Dunston on the lightweight cob campaigner Ballyfarnon Henry resulted in the pair booking their third visit to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), before going on to head the cob championship. Owner Sue Burns, who, following an accident three years ago is unable to compete anymore, was ringside to watch and celebrate their victory. “Kym and Henry have an amazing connection and she has done such a fabulous job with educating him over the years,” commented Sue, who purchased “sensitive soul” Henry as a four-year-old. “I don’t believe in rushing young horses. Henry is now nine and just coming into his prime; it was hard when we first…

A HORSE who was carefully buried nearly 1,900 years ago may have been the beloved partner of a Roman gentleman farmer, it is thought. The skeleton of an animal smaller than many of today’s horses was found on the site of a Roman villa near Langport, Somerset. Thames Valley Archaeological Services (TVAS) has been excavating in a project funded by the Abri housing association, which is building 100 homes on the site. Former journalist and archaeology enthusiast Tina Rowe said the horse was lying in a “naturalistic pose, as if stepping forward, head raised”. “The position suggests it was buried with care,” she told H&H. “Burials of horses are rare on Roman sites and archaeologists believe it may have been especially important to its owner.” A TVAS spokesperson said the…

jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald A SUCCESSFUL Chepstow Summer International was really encouraging to see. With classes for all, there were two ranking competitions. The first was won by Olli Fletcher with Trevor Breen second, but Trevor came back to claim the grand prix with a masterfully crafted round on Kannoon Blue. It’s a big outlay for a CSI2* show to put on two ranking classes. But organiser Matt Broome was rewarded with their best international show yet. They even had to turn away some entries, he told me. The unbelievable cost of travelling horses abroad since Brexit makes it impossible to cover costs unless you have a string capable of winning ranking classes or grands prix. Aiming for young horse classes or producing horses needing experience at 1.30m and 1.35m means some…

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LEMIEUX NATIONAL DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS 12–15 September oscar.williams@futurenet.com @oscarw_dr NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS 1st Sadie Smith on Swanmore Dantina 2nd Gareth Hughes on Lufada MVL 3rd Lewis Robertson-Carrier on Diego V Winning owner: rider Breeder: Ben St John James Grooms: Sophie Lee-Amies and Maddie Biddulph 77.05% Sadie Smith’s freestyle personal best LeMieux National Dressage Championships, Somerford Park, Cheshire SADIE SMITH and Swanmore Dantina (Dia) sealed the biggest victory of their partnership to date, being crowned national champion and adding their names to the roll of honour alongside legends such as her mentor Carl Hester and great horses like Uthopia and Nip Tuck. Sadie first struck in the LeMieux grand prix, producing an elegant, expressive test that earned 71.96%. The extensions across all three paces were highlights, and further eights for the doublemarked…

West Wilts (3) YASMIN OLSSON-PAYNE and DHI Nango Z scored a pillar-to-post victory in the intermediate novice (IN), completing on their dressage score of 30. A winter’s drag hunting has proved the perfect pick-me-up for Nango, a Belgian-bred seven-year-old gelding, who is owned by Camilla Hughes and was previously campaigned by her daughter, Phoebe. “He’s a really exciting horse for the future,” said Yasmin, who is due to earn her senior stripes at the Blenheim Europeans where she will ride for Norway on her top string, Cos Me Will. “I feel like the more runs I can get under my belt in these last few weeks, and the more times I can get out of the start box and ride forwards, the better,” she said. “The cross-country has been a…

ELLENA THOMAS secured her first pass to HOYS in the horse classes at Moreton in Marsh, picking up a ticket with her maxi cob Mr Shelby II (Tommy). “Stepping into the world of horses and competing in them alongside my natives has been quite challenging,” said Ellena, who is also HOYS-bound with her string of five native ponies, including the Welsh section C Courtyard Al Johnson who also booked his first pass to HOYS here. Ellena purchased Tommy from Ireland two years ago. “I decided to produce him from home this season and I really wanted to get that golden ticket on him myself,” she added. Following the loss of her Royal Windsor working hunter champion Vulcanite in July, Katy Green had a smile put on her face again with…

catherine.austen@futurenet.com @cfausten123 HUNTING and racing. The two sports have plenty in common. No surprises then, that people fond of the first have enjoyed having a go at the latter over the years. If you like testing yourself across country, it makes sense that you will enjoy testing your mettle on the racecourse. It is also not unheard of for jockeys to become huntsmen. Guy Landau hunted the West Somerset Vale and the Meynell and South Staffs among other packs, having completed a successful career as a jump jockey. Another former jockey, Sam Jones, currently hunts the Cottesmore. Ryan Mania, who made the days of Scottish racing fans when he won the Grand National in 2013 on Auroras Encore, went on to hunt the Berwickshire before returning to the fray as…