Innholdsfortegnelse for 05-Oct-2017 i Horse & Hound

‘Our rare breeds are part of our heritage, containing genetic diversity we desperately need’ Prince Charles BRITISH heavy horses will “die out within a decade” if action is not taken now, the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) has warned. The organisation has put the cost at £375,000 to ensure enough Clydesdale, Shire and Suffolk horse genetics are collected to keep the breeds alive. “They were key to our agriculture and how we farmed — but as the years have gone on, they have gradually been pushed to the side,” said Tom Blunt of the RBST. “Over the past few years the numbers have declined quite drastically. Unless we try to promote and preserve them, we might find the breeds are lost.” The campaign was launched with the RBST National…

Amateur jockey Page Fuller has been shortlisted for the sport category of the Women of the Future Awards (15 November). The 22-year-old is one of five selected for their talent and achievements. Irish grand prix dressage rider Kate Dwyer is out of action after breaking her back in a fall. Kate missed the Irish national championships and was to spend at least four weeks in a back brace. Showjumper Laura Renwick won the CSI3* grand prix in Vilamoura on 1 October on Bintang II. Laura had won 79 times there since 2014, but this was her first grand prix victory at the event. German dressage rider Ulla Salzgeber is to step back from competing to focus on training. Ulla, who won two Olympic team golds, individual silver and bronze, is…

THE FEI secretary general Sabrina Ibáñez has been elected president of the newly formed Association of Paralympic Sport Associations (APSO). The purpose of the association is to ensure sports not governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) — including equestrian sport — are “fully involved” in the IPC’s decision-making processes. “Specifics relating to the sports, such as classification, will remain a function of the international federations,” Ms Ibáñez told H&H. “However if representation is needed on any areas at a higher governance level then APSO would provide this for the member federations.” These also include the badminton, triathlon, cycling and wheelchair rugby federations. Ms Ibáñez added she is “truly honoured” to have been elected as the body’s president. “It is our function as governing bodies to safeguard the rights of…

A MYSTERY equine bug that infected dogs, cats and humans in Iceland was identified by the Animal Health Trust (AHT), with British and Icelandic scientists. The AHT and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute investigated bacteria during the 2010 respiratory disease outbreak. They used DNA sequencing to identify the bacterium, which the MAST Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority traced to a rehabilitation centre, where horses used a water treadmill. It is thought the water was a perfect breeding ground. Horses would return home, taking the infection with them. “There are a couple of theories as to how the disease entered Iceland,” said Dr Andrew Waller of the AHT. “The pathogen can survive outside a horse for a week or so, which means equipment or clothing could have transmitted the disease to…

CARL’S AN INSPIRATION Sir — I wholeheartedly agree with Spencer Wilton that Carl Hester is the most talented, hard-working and inspirational person and deserves every bit of his success (My Inspiration, 21 September). As the owner of Legal Democrat, I wanted to add some more information. After winning lessons with Carl through a magazine, I too was inspired and continued to train with Carl (at this time, Democrat was already established in piaffe and changes, competing at advanced medium). I competed Democrat to inter I myself before handing the competition reins totally over to Carl, when he lost the ride on Gershwin, on the understanding that I continued to train the horse at home in Shropshire. We went down to Carl’s three or four days before a competition for “fine…

 My secret weapon… ‘I haven’t always had patience, but experience has taught me that it’s the most effective tool’ My family. They offer advice on tap when I need it (as well as comments and opinions when I don’t!). The biggest mistake I’ve learnt from… Kicking my pony in the belly after a Starter Stakes final hadn’t gone to plan. My dad was right behind me and promptly kicked me up the backside. Since then, I’ve never behaved badly when results haven’t gone my way — I learnt that lesson from a very young age. My tip for schooling… Patience. I haven’t always had it, but age and experience has taught me it’s the most effective tool. My tip for saving time around the yard… It’s called the “return spring”.…

WORLD HORSE WELFARE rescues hundreds of horses every year. The charity’s main aim is to rehabilitate the horses taken in at its four rescue and rehoming centres where possible and find them a suitable new base as soon as they are ready. But while straightforward riding horses go like hot cakes, many people fail to realise the rewarding nature of rehoming a youngster or project horse, according to Glenda Spooner Farm manager Claire Dickie (pictured right). With 90 horses at this centre near Somerton in Somerset, it is severely overpopulated, with more rescue cases coming in on an almost daily basis. “Potential rehomers invariably say, ‘I don’t want to take on a horse that’s young’,” says Claire. “But they have never learned bad habits and bringing on a youngster can…

The background story — Twinkle Toes was born at Glenda Spooner Farm in April, a month after her dam, Fairy Dust, was rescued by the RSPCA from a dealer’s yard. The filly has proved easy to handle, compared initially to her dam, who was feral on arrival. The assessment — Pippa kneels in the straw of Twinkle Toes’ loosebox to meet her and gets a nuzzle in return (above). The filly is not only friendly, she has already learned to stand to be groomed. “She will be ready to go out as a project horse once she’s been weaned and assessed,” says Claire. Pippa has already been beguiled by the skewbald. “She’s coming home with me,” she jokes. “I’m going to call her Billy Twinkle Toes. It looks like she’ll…

• Royal Windsor mini champion Pumphill Fandango, who has defied his poor start in life. He was rescued by the RSPCA as a two-year-old, but seven years later was winning in the shadow of Windsor Castle with Toby Johnstone Evans in the saddle. • World Horse Welfare Harry Potter, who is winning at British Eventing with Kate McCormack. The nine-year-old qualified for a BE90 regional final this year and already has qualification for next year under his belt. • Billy, a Dartmoor Hill pony now with the Thurman-Bakers at Turville Valley Stud. Billy, a coloured six-year-old, can be seen at their lecture demos doing all the lateral work, piaffe and Spanish walk both in-hand and under saddle.…

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Moreton Morrell (2), Warwickshire BECCI LEIGH HARROLD overcame her fear of corners to win for the first time with her seven-year-old mare, Shannondale Annie, who topped BE100 section P. “It’s something I’ve always had; I think it’s to do with the solidness and spread,” explained Becci, who credits her trainer, Sarah Healy, for giving her a “kick up the backside” after failing to complete last time out at Frickley Park. “I practise a lot over simulated corners in my neighbour’s arena. My grandfather even built me one a few years ago.” The 26-year-old from the Peak District juggles riding with a full-time job as a locksmith and managing her own booming small business, Super X Country, which offers bespoke cross-country colours. “I made my own silks for my textiles A…

YOUNG AT HEART HOW old is too old? Yasmin Dadkhah’s inter I ride NikNak is obviously not feeling his age and is still enjoying his work at 22 years young. He was bought by Yasmin’s mother Ellie as a potential hack so she could escort Yasmin’s young horses. “He turned out to be too dangerous for me to hack so Yasmin rides him,” said Ellie. “He goes hunting and does cross-country and lives out. He’s on our vet’s page as an example of a horse that’s sound with no medication or supplements.” MAKING PLANS WIDMER pulled out all the stops for their first Area Festival final. A new snack bar was created two weeks before the show and a bright red double-decker bus was the perfect viewing place next to…

Pauline headed both prelims riding her own five-year-old mare Donatella VI, and was runner-up in prelim 17 with Alexis Hopper’s 16-year-old mare Matilda’s Star. “It was the first time that I’d competed Matilda’s Star and she was lovely,” said Pauline. “She is winding down as Donatella winds up competition-wise.” Pauline bought Donatella as a two-year-old. “I bought her quite cheap to keep another youngster company and didn’t think she’d be as nice as she is, so she’s staying now,” added Pauline, who trains with Dan Greenwood. “In the second test, she exploded into canter and because I then had to circle, we had an error of course which resulted in a zero, so I was amazed that we ended up winning.” Another rider making a success of a new ride…

Event rider Kirsty Matheson rejoined British Dressage (BD) only a few months ago after moving to a new yard in Perthshire. She rode Iain and Fiona McCombie’s D Hummingbird to win the elementary by more than 5%. “I started riding her in the summer; she’s a nice active mare with a big reach and a lovely temperament,” said Kirsty, who is producing the nine-year-old by Dayano until Fiona takes over. Freelance dog-walker Linda Faulks enjoyed a brace of novice silver wins, including achieving a personal best of 74.78% with Knocknacree Bentley. She has owned the now seven-year-old part-bred Clydesdale gelding for three years. “I’d sold my horse and was sharing a friend’s when I spotted him advertised on the internet. He was the spitting image of my old horse whom…

She won both novices on Don Corrado at Fairoak Grange and tied for first place in the novice qualifier with Caroline Sparks riding Just A Jarma at Crofton Manor. Kim has timed her pregnancy neatly as she will have the winter months off and hopes to be back in the saddle in time for the winter regionals. Now standing 18hh, Don Corrado (by Don Crusador) was bought as a three-year-old from Woodcroft Stud by Leanne Sikorski, who will also compete the five-year-old gelding. “He’s remarkably developed and mature in his brain for such a big horse,” said Kim. “I did a few young horse classes on him and he’s stepped up to novice really well.” Emma Harding won the prelim and silver novice qualifier on her own Swanmore Sollisto (by…

‘It was a big track today, a big challenge. The time was really tight; I had to be really on it, but my horse was incredible’ HARRIE SMOLDERS ON HIS NATIONS CUP PARTNER, DON VHP Z ‘We were all set in our minds that we were going to win, but I think we underestimated the United Arab Emirates’ SHANE BREEN OF SECOND-PLACED IRELAND Longines FEI Nations Cup Final Barcelona, Spain DESPITE a delayed start of two hours due to a fused floodlight and a near-1am finish, the riders all knuckled down to produce some of the best sport of the season. But it was the Dutch who stole the limelight, their masterful performance sealing a resounding victory in the Longines FEI Nations Cup final. “We had a good…

Allington, Grantham ROBERT WHITAKER landed the richest national prize with super-smooth turns in an exciting grand prix on Catwalk, pocketing the £20,000 winner’s purse. “I got the perfect inside turn to the double,” said Robert. “There are not many horses that could do that; most riders would be kicking to get out, but he’s so scopey, he found it easy.” With strong technical lines, wide oxers and a tall vertical to finish, Di Boddy’s track tested from the off, with an early line to a double of verticals claiming its fair share of victims. Only eight of the 57 starters found all the answers, although there were some hard-luck stories on the way, including Georgia Tame’s first ride Cordano incurring just one time-fault. “Di did a good job. It wasn’t…

JOE CLAYTON topped the 13-strong 1.40m jump-off with Jane Heerbeck’s Carolus K. The win marks Joe’s final week at Michael Whitaker’s yard before he returns to Huddersfield to set up on his own after HOYS. “I can’t thank Michael enough for the past 10 years, I’ve learnt so much and I’ve realised dreams in Nations Cup teams, especially at Hickstead,” said Joe. The 10-year-old Carolus K and Ballinteskin Eye Catcher — a HOYS grade C contender — will move with Joe, and he is looking for other owners, sponsors or maybe more: “If something else came up, such as a job offer, I’d consider that, too.”…

EQUESTRIAN employers have been reminded of their duty to provide a workplace pension for workers, regardless of how many staff they have on their payroll. All UK employees aged 22 or over, and earning £10,000 or more a year need to be auto-enrolled into a pension scheme. The date a business needs to auto-enrol is specified by the government’s pensions regulator. The latest date for auto-enrolment is currently set at 1 February 2018. Staff will be able to opt out of the pension scheme if they wish within the first month, but it is illegal for employers to encourage workers to do so. The newly launched Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) (news, 14 September) has dedicated a section of its website to pensions and payrolls. It offers advice as well as…

GET YOUR SKATES ON AND VOTE NOW ANYONE who has not voted in the Horse & Hound Awards should do so as polls close today (5 October). As was the case last year, H&H readers will decide the winners in 10 categories. They will be revealed at a ceremony at Ascot Racecourse on 2 November, at which Mark Todd has been confirmed as guest speaker. • Visit horseandhound.co.uk/awards PRODUCERS LOSE HOYS SPOTS PRODUCERS Steve Pitt and Vicky Smith have lost their Cuddy final spot at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) after a failed dope test. The National Pony Society (NPS) has suspended both from NPS shows and classes until 31 December 2018 as Inspector Montablano tested positive for sedative acepromazine. Mandy Burchell-Small has also lost her HOYS place and…

MISCONCEPTIONS I hear from a rider who once thought showing people were “terribly genteel”. Not so, apparently. “A rider’s husband came in to call the judge a…” (word deleted, Ed.) she said. “My producer said he was a f*****g ****** and always doing that… such fun!” Gosh. MISCONCEPTIONS TWO A rider used Facebook to ask “how you travel babies/ under-ones in a lorry?” “Loose with space” said one. “In a baby seat in the cab” said the next. Much hilarity ensued over whether the youngster was human or equine. “Whichever, one of those answers would be concerning!” came the reply. FASHION One was intrigued by pictures of a top-end designer handbag that looked familiar. That rubber texture, that shape, those handles… Tub trug, anyone? Maybe our feed buckets are worth…

REHOMING is simply defined as “finding a new home for” but in practice the word means so much more. It enables charities to help other horses, ponies or donkeys in need by freeing up resources and space in rescue centres, and gives the assurance that you will receive complete honesty, which is not always the case when buying a horse. I am a rehomer myself, having taken on World Horse Welfare Annie (pictured) following a visit to the charity’s Glenda Spooner Farm rescue and rehoming centre in 2013, so can testify to the values of rehoming first-hand. Annie is still here, but I have the reassurance that if we annoy each other too much she will be taken back. By far the biggest advantage rehoming has over buying a horse…

“IT’S one of my passions, getting small children hunting,” says Sarah Austen, teacher of Latin and all-things-hunting at The Elms School near Ledbury. “It gives them something to look forward to, and, if it’s handled well and is a positive experience, it gives children a lot of confidence.” ‘Mrs A’, as she is affectionately known at school, is notorious for her ability to nurture talent on the hunting field. Anyone from the age of five to 13 is welcome to tag along on a Ledbury Monday at second horses so long as their school report is up to scratch, and they have mastered the rising trot — a vital prerequisite. “Having the rising trot is important before I can lead them off a horse because it is very tiring bumping…

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Osberton, Notts OSBERTON was a special, if slightly muddy, occasion this year, as it was organisers Bede Events’ 100th British Eventing (BE)-affiliated horse trials. It was equally special for unassuming Kiwi James Avery, whose clear showjumping round with Zazu (on rain-soaked, holding ground that caused many other combinations to fault) earned them victory in the CCI2*. Joe and Alex Giannamore’s nine-year-old Holsteiner was originally produced by Jock Paget. Here he finally produced the performance James felt he was capable of. “He’s such a cool horse,” he commented. “I came here knowing he had all the tools to do a good job but he can be a little quirky so it’s taken a while for it all to come together. He’s almost got too much character and he is very sharp,…

STEVE HEAL christened his new yard by chalking up a first novice win at Pontispool (2) with his Libra K mare, Grafs K. Steve, who previously worked for Alexander Whewall, Alex Bragg and, initially, Oliver Townend, moved to his current base near Bridgwater earlier this year. “I have had about four eventers competing, but I’m looking for more rides,” he said. “Grafs K [Ruby] had never evented before I took her on a couple of years ago, but she went quickly from BE90 to novice in her first season. She wants to please, but she does have a slight edge. She is famous for bucking and smashing a car window last winter when I brought her back into work.”…

Saumur CDI3*, France MARIA EILBERG celebrated two comfortable victories at middle tour, riding the eye-catching Royal Concert. The pair stood clear of the class and earned the unanimous approval of the judges. This followed a season of wins and top placings with the Royal Diamond gelding, including standing reserve to Charlotte Dujardin in both the inter II and the inter I freestyle at the British Dressage national championships. “The good thing is that I know there is still more to come with ‘Rico’,” said Maria. “He is super talented and capable of nines in the piaffe and passage tour. I will aim him at grand prix next year. He is enthusiastic to do the work, but just becomes a little anxious, especially if he thinks he has got something wrong.…

 The KWPN gelding was bought from Astrid Bolton eight years ago and the two have risen through the grades together. ‘He takes on most tasks and keeps getting better’ ALAN ROGERS ON ASPEN VALLEY “He was being sold as a show horse but jumped out and gave himself a blemish on his hindleg, so I got him,” said Alan, who trains with Sarah Kingwells. “He’s been a great horse; he has Weltmeyer in the sire line and is jumping-bred on the dam’s side, so he takes on most tasks I ask of him and he’s just getting better and better.” Alan has qualified the horse for the winter regionals and is hoping to do some advanced mediums: “And then hopefully top hat and tails!” he added. Eventer Helen Jones…

The Grafenstolz mare, who is out of ISHD On A Promise, has been evented to two-star level by Alyse’s daughter Jolyse. “We bred ‘Wini’ to event, but she hasn’t been the easiest to produce,” said Alyse, who was making her first visit to Epworth EC in more than 30 years. “It’s changed out of all recognition,” Alyse added. “It was great to be back and Wini is proving she has dressage diva aspirations. Her mother was a beautiful mover; she worked at advanced medium at home, but was more of a Lipizzaner out competing, producing airs above the ground.” Steph Crowther was on the mark at Aldham Mill Livery, winning the prelim 13 qualifier with the jumping-bred Huevo. Steph inherited the five-year-old from Roger Craddock when he died of cancer…

● THE TEAM RIDER: WILLIAM WHITAKER “AFTER this year, it may seem like we’re a million miles away but we’re actually not — I’m full of confidence,” said William. “Di is doing a great job and Great Britain has always had some of the best riders in the world, so I think it’s just a matter of time before it clicks again and we’re away. “We do just need a bit of luck now to get everything together on the right days. We’re back in division one, which was the main aim for this year, so if you look at it like that, we’ve achieved what was asked of us.” ● THE TEAM PERFORMANCE MANAGER: DI LAMPARD “IT’S a relief to get to the end of the season heading for…

THE Blue Chip Dynamic B and C is now handicapped and under national B and C rules for dual qualification, although show centres and riders appeared unaware. “The schedule was approved by British Showjumping, but the rules and hadn’t been altered,” said Solihull secretary Terrie Atherton. “It was a shock to be told as we were walking the course,” said Derek Morton. “I agree it should be a handicap the same as the final, but I don’t agree if you qualify at grade C and your horse upgrades before the final, you jump the B section.” “At 1.25m, the C section was too low and it was a hurdle race, but if course-designer David Cole had been aware, he could have made it stronger,” said Angie Thompson. “It should have…

OPINION A WELL-KNOWN trainer once gave me a wonderful piece of showing advice that is so appropriate for all those competing at this week’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS): “Don’t expect too much, as it’s better to be surprised than feel disappointed.” How true. One year our Royal champion and the hotly tipped favourite didn’t make the final line-up. In contrast, a pony that was difficult to produce chose the one day in his career to excel, giving us our first HOYS show hunter pony championship. Every exhibitor has their own memories of HOYS and they are not always related to personal success. I well remember being captivated when watching the 1950 and 1951 show pony of the year, Pretty Polly, sparkle under the Wembley spotlight in the 1970…

ONE TO WATCH TEAM GETAWAY have worked their way up through the intermediate ranks and looked well prepared in their first open. “All four horses hunt with the Berkeley and we thought if we were going to do an open, this should be the one,” said Julia Hall (above, black bib), whose lead horse Lake Street Tuppence was bred by her family. Team-mate Lizzie Croft (red bib) added: “We couldn’t believe how supportive the leading open teams were — they all gave us encouragement in the warm-up.”…

COUNTRY CODE Lisa Hall’s mare has died aged 25. Arab Horse Society supreme national champion in 2002, “Cody” foaled High Fidelity, the 2016 British Show Pony Society supreme intermediate, and High Treason, the 2015 Royal International riding horse champion, Royal Windsor part-bred victor and three-time Cherif reserve. PRINCE MAYO British event rider Matthew Wright has got off to a winning start on Paul Tapner’s former ride. The pair won the open novice at Bishop Burton on 30 September. Twelve-year-old gelding “Prince” has been bought by Sir John Peace and Charlotte Cole. ENABLE The British-bred and -trained three-year-old filly won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with Frankie Dettori (report p80). It was Frankie and trainer John Gosden’s second Arc victory in three years. Cloth Of Stars, ridden by Mickael Barzalona,…

POLITICS RDA award-winner Darren Ashton told guests at the charity’s gala evening of the £7,000 he owed for his new chair – and secured the means to pay it back (via a kind donor) as he left the stage. “You wouldn’t like to lead the Conservative Party?” murmured auction host Jeffrey Archer, to guffaws. COMEDY Talking of the auction, Mr Archer was a top host, keeping up banter with the bidders throughout. Which is just as well, as the Trump joke with which he tantalised guests, and finally told at the close, was a bit rubbish. ANATOMY A PR firm sent H&H an infographic on equine breeds, entitled “Do you know your Irish draught from your Dutch warmblood?” Clearly not, as it contained such “facts” as Irish sport horses are…

Sir — Reading about mental health issues in last week’s issue (news, 21 September) brought to mind my own struggle. I wanted to be the youngest BHSI to qualify. I took not only my Stage 4 on the way but my Pony Club A test, which I passed with honours. However, it was never enough because no matter how often I was told (by Ferdi Eilberg via Jennie Loriston-Clarke) that I was the best young rider he had seen in the country up to that time, or from Jennie that I should take my FBHS at the age of 24, none of it ever felt enough. Because I did not believe. Their words meant nothing because I did not believe in myself. People come into horses from all walks of…

PIPPA FUNNELL recently became patron of World Horse Welfare following seven years as a trustee. The dual Olympic team silver medallist, dual European champion, three-time winner of Badminton and first victor of the Rolex Grand Slam says: “It’s been a huge honour to be involved with such a well-respected charity. I’ve been astounded by the amazing work, from the shocking subject of transporting live horses for slaughter, to rescue and rehoming in the UK and the incredible educational programmes World Horse Welfare sets up in third-world countries.” Pippa adds that she has been impressed by what she has seen during her afternoon at Glenda Spooner Farm. “I’ve seen their incredible attention to detail, great care and the emotional connection the team show towards all the horses. It’s been really touching.…

CARRIE ADAMS of Centrelines Dressage has rehabilitated a number of horses from Bransby Horses Rescue and Welfare, including Singing Impressario, who looked to have a great dressage career ahead of him until the side effects of his poor start caught up with him. “I get the ones with the potential for a competition career, and by the time they come here they’ve gone through the initial rehab,” says Carrie. “The majority are starvation or neglect cases and I find they don’t tend to be as robust, so a good diet and training exercises to build up their core strength are essential. We use physio, and they’re monitored by a vet, but only in the way you would do with a normal horse unless something is flagged up. I think you…

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STUART BUNTINE’S team did a great job at Osberton. At lower level three-day events, there isn’t a big crowd or a high-level feature class, so the priority is less about showcasing top-end sport to the public and more about putting on a well-run and fun week for the many riders and connections. The organisers made a real effort with entertainment every evening: welcome drinks with a mechanical surfboard, a pub quiz, A Question of Sport-style panel show in aid of The Brooke and the traditional Saturday-night party. All were very well attended and it was like a three-day event of old, when the riders’ tent was the focal point after dark in the days before lorries had such comfortable living! PRINCIPLE VS REALITY THE proposal to appoint an official responsible…

Widmer Petplan Equine Area Festival Semi-Final, Bucks DIANA BARLEY’S “horse of a lifetime” gained his second ticket to the championships with an impressive win in the inter I silver. The judges rewarded Nirvana Celestial (Harry) with 71.56%, with one judge awarding him over 75%, to give him a lead of over 3% from second-placed Rebecca Tilton and Valliant. Diana rode an accurate and flowing test with good-quality, balanced extensions on the 12-year-old Blue Hors Don Romantic gelding she has owned since he was five. “He’s a dream to train,” said amateur rider Diana, who has trained Harry herself. “He qualified three days ago at prix st georges (PSG) at Oldencraig but today was the best ride I’ve ever had on him. We lost marks as I fluffed the two-time changes…

“He made me feel like a dressage rider, even though he’s not designed for the job,” said Tracey. She added: “I enjoyed sitting on ‘Alfie’s’ back because it felt like a lovely trampoline. If I wasn’t able to lift his back, he would just go up and down like a cart horse, which isn’t dressage. “Training horses to lift their backs has become my speciality. I’ve learnt so much with Alfie about lifting the core and hindleg engagement. “I’ve had fantastic lessons with Stephen Clarke at Training the Teachers of Tomorrow, where he might say, ‘Do one shoulder-in, then stretch him down’, ‘one haunches-in and then stretch him down’.” Suzanne Lavandera’s Dimaggio x Florestan I breeding stallion Keystone Diaggo resumed his competition career, topping a pick-your-own class with a plus-68%…

LISTENING to gripes about the British Dressage (BD) National Championships, a click on the BD web forum revealed a cross-section of opinions. The food is always a gripe, the toilets, ditto, and the dullness of the venue. But when you look at how many horses have to be accommodated, where do gripers suggest the championships be held? I had a look at Germany and the Netherlands. The German championships are only at top level. The whole German system is based on education, with riders making their way from the bottom up through results in the various level. Before starting to compete at all, riders need to pass exams and obtain riding badges. Then they compete in low-level competitions; if they have achieved a certain amount of good placings, they are…

‘She’s unbelievable. She isn’t normal!’ PIPPA GODDARD ON CHILLI FEI World Breeding Jumping Championships, Zangersheide, Belgium BRITAIN’S Pippa Goddard and Chilli scored a hard-won victory as they added the world five-year-old championship to the national title they took at Addington in August. The pair from Kent took on 227 rivals from all over the world over four days of intensive competition and were among 44 pairs who reached the final after jumping clear in both qualifying classes. Pippa and this fabulous mare, who resembled a ball of elastic, then attempted the biggest course they had ever faced and were clear over the 1.30m fences to reach the seven-horse finale. Their jump-off performance from second draw was one of the rounds of the show and they set an unbeatable time.…

Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Chantilly, France GREAT is an overused adjective in sport, let alone racing, but Enable joined some of the greatest fillies of all time on Sunday when she added the 96th Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe to her other achievements this summer — and gave her jockey Frankie Dettori a record fifth win in the race. Since she finished third first time out at Newbury this season, nothing has been able to test Enable; not in the Epsom nor Irish Oaks, the King George, the Yorkshire Oaks nor, against the best Europe and Japan had to offer, on Sunday when she came home two and a half lengths clear of Cloth Of Stars and the admirable Ulysses in third. Whether ground is good or…