Innholdsfortegnelse for 05-Jul-2018 i Horse & Hound

I bought a four-year-old showjumper in my second year at university, those halcyon days with time and money to spend on “bringing on a young horse to event”. Yes, I arrogantly believed that given the mare was pinging around newcomers tracks despite very little flatwork and schooling over intermediate fences, I’d have no trouble moving her through the levels and selling her at the end of my degree. She was my investment. The profit might even get me on the property ladder. Guffaw. There were flaws with this plan, not least my distinct lack of necessary skill. But, even if I’d been a Pippa Funnell in the making, the plan was doomed. The mare would still have been kicked in the stifle and have needed time off after an operation…

IF you don’t get enough of sitting in the saddle at work or outside it, you could now have another option. Broadway Luxury is offering for sale this handmade stool, made of maple, birch, aluminium — and an actual saddle seat. It is a one-off piece of “beautiful craftsmanship”, but H&H has been told the artist responsible is available for commissions, and will take riders’ own saddles to “upcycle” them into their very own seats. There do not appear to be any stirrups attached, or stirrup bars on which to hang them, so you may be able to improve your seat while you sit on it — although at an eye-watering £2,750, you would probably want to see some benefits……

Sir — I agree wholeheartedly with Pippa Roome (opinion, 14 June) that the standard at the grassroots end of eventing is extremely high. I recently competed in the BE80(T) class at Skipton Horse Trials — we had a solid performance with a double clear, a reasonable dressage score and were delighted with the day. But having just started competing in what seems to be the perfect class, it was disappointing that it was won by someone on a dressage score of 24, with a double clear. In my opinion, this combination is clearly competing in the wrong class. I understand that a rider may want to drop a level to help with confidence issues, but then surely they should compete hors concours? This situation is something that I have seen…

AS well as providing information about form, draw and choice of jockey, racecards for two-year-old thoroughbred races also list the month in which each runner was born. There is a good reason why racegoers are interested in this. If a race is being run in April but the horse’s birthday isn’t until May, then he is not yet even two years old. How can he be mature enough to be in intensive race training, at an age when most horses are barely broken to a headcollar? The answer is a combination of nature and nurture. Traditionally, thoroughbreds are considered a quick-maturing breed. In addition, good nutrition, healthcare, worming and exercise all help speed up growth and muscle development. Another answer might be that these horses are not yet mature and…

TOPSPEC ELECTROLYTES A high-salt formula, flavoured with wildberry, designed to compensate for electrolyte loss after heavy sweating. £17.50 for 1.5kg topspec.com FORAN EQUINE REFUEL GEL This concentrated gel replaces electrolytes lost through sweating. Contains B vitamins and vitamins C and E. £6.95 for 30ml syringe foranequine.com DODSON & HORRELL ELECTROLYTES Scientifically designed with specific salts to compensate for nutrient and electrolyte loss caused by heavy sweating. £15.50 for 2kg dodsonandhorrell.com SCIENCE SUPPLEMENTS COMPLETE ELECTROLYTES Designed to ensure optimal electrolyte uptake. £36.99 for 2kg sciencesupplements.co.uk HORSE FIRST HEAVY SWEAT This balanced supplement replenishes and hydrates your horse by replicating salts lost during exercise. £27.85 for 3kg horsefirst.net CAVALOR ELECTROLYTE BALANCE Used with the normal feed ration to replenish electrolytes lost during…

BD Affiliated to British Dressage BE Affiliated to British Eventing BS Affiliated to British Showjumping BHTDA Affiliated to the British Horse Driving Trials Association BDS British Driving Society IHDTUK Affiliated to Indoor Horse Driving Trials UK EGB/SERC/Sport Endurance Affiliated to Endurance GB/Scottish Endurance Riding Club/ Sport Endurance MGAGB Affiliated to the Mounted Games Association of Great Britain BHS British Horse Society BSHA British Show Horse Association BSPA British Skewbald and Piebald Association BSPS British Show Pony Society P(UK) Ponies UK NPS National Pony Society WPCS Welsh Pony and Cob Society WPCA Welsh Pony and Cob Association CHAPS Coloured Horse and Pony Society SHB(GB) Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain Sgd Showground EC Equestrian Centre RC Riding Club or Riding Centre DG/DC/HC/DTG Driving Group/Driving Club/HarnessClub/Driving Trials Group JAS British Eventing jumping…

KATIE PROWSE is on a mission. The 28-year-old, who was based in Wexford until the beginning of this year, has her sights set on competing in the eight- and nine-year-old CIC3* at Blenheim in the autumn with her CIC2* runner-up, Kilcoltrim Kit Kat, who she bought as an unbroken three-year-old. “My business is sourcing and producing young horses, but I normally have to sell them once they have jumped around a few novices,” explained Katie, who completed Blenheim in 2010, but has yet to keep a horse long enough to return to that level. “I’m doing everything I can to hang on to Kit Kat. I decided at the beginning of this year that I needed to relocate to give myself the best chance, so I’m renting some stables in…

IMOGEN MURRAY and her 14.2hh Ive Dun Talking finished on their dressage mark in the Diamond Controls Ltd CIC* to record their first victory together. “She’s been knocking on the door of a win for a while, but I never expected it here,” said Imogen, who bought the eight-year-old four years ago as she reminded her of her old FEI event pony, Juno II. “She’s never going to lead the dressage, but gets a good mark. She was 14th after dressage, but pinged round the showjumping, and then stormed the cross-country,” added Imogen, who says Ive Dun Talking is for sale, but she keeps “forgetting” to write her advert.…

OI.— 1, JL Dublin (N Wilson) 29.1,0,6.4=35.5; 2, Beltane Queen (N Wilson) 31.6,0,5.6=37.2; 3, Bradeley Law (M Owen) 28.2,0,11.2=39.4. int sec A.— 1, Faerlie Similar (J Lawson) 25.5,2,11.2=38.7; 2, Prince Ramiro (B Bolton) 32.7,0,15.2=47.9; 3, Trent Long Stride (Z Dawson) 29.1,9,14.4=52.5. sec B.— 1, Piltown Colours (B Levett) 33.9,0,0=33.9; 2, Edison NJ (C Dennis) 27.5,0,14.8=42.3; 3, Quaikin Qurious (J Stokes) 25.9,0,17.6=43.5. sec C.— 1, Fatomone (S Davies-Cooke) 32.7,0,13.2=45.9; 2, Metropolitom (M Owen) 32.5,0,15.2=47.7; 3, Dantino B (E Sjostrom) 33.2,4,11.2=48.4. ON.— 1, The Corn Crake (M Wright) 30.3,0,0=30.3; 2, Franzipan (M Wright) 29,0,1.6=30.6; 3, EG Michealangelo (R Nesbitt) 29.5,4,0=33.5. nov sec E.— 1, Wil Jack B King (C Parry-Ashcroft) 28.3,0,0=28.3; 2, Chabadu (N Wilson) 27.8,0,3.6=31.4; 3, My Zenyatta (L Atkinson) 31.5,0,0.4=31.9. sec F.— 1, Arctic Skippy (E Hawksby) 33,0,3.2=36.2; 2, For…

CHERYL CHAMBERLAIN was thrilled with her win on her 16-year-old mare, Salamanca (Leica), at the Graham Heath Construction-sponsored Keysoe (2). Their early partnership, eight years ago, was blighted by mystery unsoundness. “Leica started to show signs of discomfort, and was short behind. Although a sacroiliac issue was diagnosed, this was never the whole story,” explained Cheryl. When diagnostics and investigations failed to pinpoint the problem, Cheryl opted to give Leica time in a field. “She spent nine months living in a herd before coming back into work with lots of walking,” continued Cheryl. “I am careful not to run her on hard ground and I try and keep her trim and fit.”…

29 June: GP (A Smith, J Ward, C Ballantyne).— 1, Mr Hyde (S Croxford) 67.9; 2, Samba Dancer (K Cowell) 67.1; 3, Contender (R Moody) 66.27. PL inter II Q (J Van Daele, J Harris, K Ratcliffe).— 1, Welcome O (J Hugo-Ross) 65.96; 2, Ciljano Van De Kampert (L Davison) 65.13; 3, Valliant (R Tilton) 65.13. PL inter I Q (A Smith, C Ballantyne, C Elvin).— 1, Eureko (R Moody) 71.89; 2, Zick Zack Toftegaard (J Clarke-West) 71.75; 3, Sirocco (K Cowell) 69.78. PL PSG Q (J Van Daele, K Ratcliffe, J Harris).— 1, Rowan Magic (C Abel) 70.53; 2, Barnebie (K Imm) 68.16; 3, Spitfire (G Pinson) 67.89. PYO adv med (S Payne).— 1, Don-Davidoff CL (K Imm) 74.4; 2, Davidoff (S Higgiins) 70; 3, Holmegards Bastian (S Brown)…

PSG.— 1, First Romance (D Schneider) GER 72.52; 2, Auheim’s Del Magico (S Dearing) AUT 69.35; 3, Die Fuerstin (B Carrascosa) ESP 69.02. GP for special (K Wüst, S Hoevenaars, HC Matthiesen, A Fransen-Iacobaeus, A Gribbons).— 1, Bella Rose (I Werth) GER 77.52; 2, Faustus (D Schneider) GER 74.37; 3, Dono Di Maggio (E Faurie) GBR 74.02. inter I (S Hoevenaars, A Fransen-Iacobaeus, A Gribbons, HC Matthiesen, K Wüst).— 1, First Romance 71.55; 2, Auheim’s Del Magico 67.97; 3, Die Fuerstin V 67.35. GP for kür (A Schwab, I Wessels, G Fouarge, D Plewa, T Lang).— 1, Emilio (I Werth) GER 79.8; 2, Fohlenhofs Rock’N’Rose (D Schneider) GER 71.93; 3, Tannenhof’s Fahrenheit (A Plönzke) GER 70.26; 7, Rubins Nite (H Watson-Greaves) GBR 67.3. cons GP (A Schwab, I Wessels, S…

ANVIL PARK STUD 22 June: prelim 15Q gold.— 1, Don Oswald (D Hughes) 66.4. brnz.— 1, Midnight Star Of Vienna (M Lucas) 66.2; 2, Polish Welcome (L Gold) 59.8. prelim 17Q gold.— 1, Don Oswald 71.2. silv.— 1, Carragh Man (S Sloan) 68.79. brnz.— 1, Power Boy V (M Sparrow) 69.82. nov 23 gold.— 1, Its Avo (A Bostrand-Daly) 73.12. silv.— 1, Vantage (J Lawrence) 67.91; 2, Woodcroft Don Frederica (K Dutton) 67.5; 3, Suave Cousin Kevin (K Young) 67.08. brnz.— 1, Power Boy V 64.37; 2, Mountain Creek (L Sing) 62.7. nov 39Q.— 1, Its Avo 70.38. silv.— 1, Suave Cousin Kevin 68.65; 2, Woodcroft Don Frederica 67.69; 3, Vantage 66.92. brnz.— 1, Mountain Creek 62.3. elem 53Q silv.— 1, Woodcroft Ophelia (L Harrison) 63.82; 2, Crackenthorpe Daytona (R…

ADDINGTON MANOR 21 June: prelim 17 A gold (J Catling).— 1, Plush Music (L Robson) 70.52; 2eq, Rajasthan (T Woodrow) & Celestial Dream (K Jobling) 65.52. silv.— 1, Ginvino H (A O’Brien) 67.93; 2, Nancarrow Apache (L Green) 63.79; 3, Fidelia I (L Cassidy) 63.45. brnz.— 1, Feronia (L Howson) 57.59. prelim 19 Q gold (C Alston).— 1, Plush Music 69.38; 2, Celestial Dream 63.96. silv.— 1, Ginvino H 69.17; 2, Fidelia I 63.33. brnz.— 1, Grovepark Dassett (J Moorman) 67.92; 2, Edward II (P Heilbron) 65.63. nov 23 gold.— 1, Zaire LH (J Mouradian) 70.42; 2, Dassett Design (K Reddrop) 70.21. silv.— 1, Fearless (A Sweeney) 66.46. brnz.— 1, Edward II 62.5; 2, Celestial Dream 61.88. nov 37A Q gold (J Catling).— 1, Zaire LH 74.07; 2, Dassett Design…

HUNTERS EQUESTRIAN 24 June: prelim 14Q silv (S Buttenshaw).— 1, Ingmar (P Lewis) 66.53. brnz.— 1, Junipers Casal (L Kelly-Ramaer) 62.69. prelim 15Q gold (E Clarke).— 1, Furst Dance (A Newbury) 71.4. silv.— 1, Port (D Davies) 68.4; 2, Ingmar 67.4; 3, Emoe Rocky Road (J Jackman) 62.4. brnz.— 1, Diminutive (K Byam-Cook) 68.4; 2, Junipers Casal 64.2. nov 28 gold (S Buttenshaw).— 1, Ice (J Johnson) 72.71; 2, Furst Dance 70.42; 3, La Grande Damme (J Smith) 66.04. silv.— 1, Cloherview Eddie (S Martin) 65.6. brnz.— 1, Prince Zar (A Evans) 61.46. nov 38Q gold (E Clarke).— 1, Quendrim (K Suomio) 75.48; 2, Ice 73.39; 3, La Grande Damme 67.42. silv.— 1, Cloherview Eddie 69.84; 2, Montreal Skyline (L Sterrow) 67.1; 3, Hooky Gold (R Elliott) 64.19. brnz.— 1,…

‘I couldn’t cuddle Blue enough when I got him back to the stable, I feel he’s back at his very best’ ANNABEL SHIELDS Royal Highland, Edinburgh ANNABEL SHIELDS reinforced why she is the current British Showjumping national champion by storming to victory in the Spire Medical Group grand prix with Wet Wet Wet. The north-east rider had the massive crowd on their feet as she sealed the honours from last draw, taking the newly increased first prize of £7,500. “That final fence seemed a long way off, but he’s so careful I knew that I could just keep pushing him across the ground and he’d look after me when we got there,” said Annabel. With only a handful of shows under her belt so far this year with Wet…

27 June: Eastern Power Systems A&B A4.— 1, Wilandri E (A Burchmore-Eames); 2, Tiger Bright (W Fletcher); 3, Quick Quintender (T Page). Broadland Business Park AT.— 1, Montreuxs Tale (M Edwards); 2, Greenacres Diadoro (M Williams); 3, Wilandri E. Emma Easton Memorial 1.25m.— 1, Skerne Scipio (C Phillipps); 2, Vykinbay (A Clutterbuck); 3, Happy Fomia (H Whall). Speedi-Beet HOYS grade C.— 1, Vykinbay; 2, Mylow Blue Z (R Jones); 3, Bazento (L Whitehouse). Equitop Myoplast Foxhunter.— 1, Laroc (S Marsh); 2, Night Tide (C Phillipps); 3, Macho FZ (A Strawson). 28 June: 1.20m.— 1, Caloundra Van Der Koekoek (A Routledge); 2, Capitol Star (L Gray); 3, Dutsy Van Het Hek (R Pointer). BS Business Partnership International Stairway.— 1, Montreuxs Tale; 2, Hello Disckoboy DN (O Fletcher); 3, Quidde Du Buisson…

29 Jun: CSI2* small tour 1.30m.— 1, Lux Fabulous (P Barker) GBR; 2, Annbalou (B Vernon) GBR; 3, Newton Tigra (M Allen) GBR. CSI am (B).— 1, Sandors Legacy (S Mousley) GBR; 2, Waikiki II (E Derbyshire) GBR; 3, Lingala (M Wood) GBR. CSI am (A).— 1, Courageux (C West) GBR; 2, Tawnmore Lux Cruisalier (H Hankey) GBR; 3, Camona (J Dixon) GBR. CSI2* middle tour.— 1, Quinu De Pravia (M Allen) GBR; 2, Dublin IV (A Condon) IRL; 3, One Two Watch II (J Trickett) GBR. CSI2* big tour.— 1, Nouvelle (J Welles) USA; 2, Jubilee III (N Coupe) GBR; 3, Ghana (P Moloney) IRL. pony A4.— 1, Capability Brown (L Freeman-Attwood); 2, Ruby Riot (F Roberts); 3, Bay Friend (V Selby). June 30: Am (B).— 1, Caruno (C…

I had to wait eight years for my fourth Hickstead Derby victory after winning it three times in four years and it does make you appreciate it more. It’s been a huge team effort to get Billy Buckingham to this point, and it’s the same with every horse at the Billy Stud. Those first two years of a horse’s career, when you’re establishing a horse’s basic knowledge, are the most important, because what he learns then sticks with him for life. I can tell immediately, five years on, when my wife Pippa has ridden a horse at this crucial stage and instilled these basics. From Donal Barnwell, who bred Billy Buckingham, to Will Plunkett who does the breaking, to Lucy Townley who produced him for two years, and all the…

VETERANS’ VICTORY THE Great Britain team won gold at the Veteran European Championships in Germany. The quartet of Derek Morton (KBS High Quality), Keith Stockdale (Grauffs Clear Round), Catherine Fowdrey (Emalia) and James Loffet (Zandokan H) secured victory ahead of Italy and Germany. BRITS SHINE WILLIAM WHITAKER was best of the Brits in the CSI5* grand prix at Knokke Hippique, Belgium, finishing third on Utamaro D’Ecaussines. The winner was home rider Niels Bruynseels (Gancia De Muze), with Ireland’s Darragh Kenny, at only his fourth show with Balou Du Reventon, in second. “If I was going to say that there was an area that I could have been slightly quicker, it would be to the second-last fence,” said William. “I tried to just balance him up a bit around the corner…

DETAILED breakdowns of cross-country speeds are being analysed in the hope of improving safety, and eventing in general. EquiRatings has started to provide analysis of riders’ speeds, distances and timings to sport and technology company SAP. At the moment, this data is coming solely from Event Rider Masters (ERM) competitors. Riders wear small, noninvasive trackers on number bibs, which feed data to the livestream. “On the screen you can see speed, distance and the rider’s position on the track mapped out,” EquiRatings director Diarmuid Byrne told H&H. He added that EquiRatings is starting to analyse statistics in more detail, to see what routes riders take at combinations and between fences as well as how speeds vary on each course. “We hope this will mean we’ll be able to look back…

A HUSBAND and wife have been sentenced at crown court for defrauding buyers out of tens of thousands of pounds through Newmarket Elite Horseboxes Ltd. Director Daniel Trevelyan, 36, and 41-year-old Newmarket Elite salesman Sarah Trevelyan, of Moat Lane, Audley, both pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation, and were sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on 19 June. Daniel also pleaded guilty to being concerned with the formation, management and running of a company as an undischarged bankrupt. The court heard that Sarah was on paper the company director, but the business was used as a front to allow Daniel to continue trading despite the fact he had been made bankrupt trading as HSD Horseboxes. The pair said horseboxes they sold had a specific weight capacity but the legal load…

SECOND SEASON OF PROS’ PROGRAMME THE British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is inviting applications for the second cohort of its young professionals programme. The 12-month course, funded by Sport England and in collaboration with British Dressage, British Eventing and British Showjumping, aims to help young riders develop skills to help them stay in the industry. Workshop topics include business management and career enhancement. BEF head of performance pathways David Hamer says: “The programme builds on great work by the Olympic disciplines to support [young athletes] to hopefully have a thriving future.” CASH BOOST FOR TRAINING CENTRE PLANS for a new national training centre for the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) have been boosted by a £37,000 grant. The Allchurches Trust has made the contribution to the purpose-built facility at Lowlands…

BRITISH EVENTING’S (BE) fixtures team has agreed the organisation should have had better communication with competitors during the period of cancellations due to poor weather in March and April. The team conducted a review into the procedures and processes during the “challenging start” to the 2018 competition season. Among the key lessons learned was “to communicate more regularly with competitors during difficult periods”. This includes explaining what goes in to trying to create more events and to tell people what solutions have been thought of and why some may not work. It was also found that BE should highlight which fixtures are taking entries and which are full, and that any replacement event needs at least five days’ notice to run.…

DENIS OLIVER, OBE, BSc, FRCVS, HonFWCF THE eminent and much-loved equine veterinary surgeon has died at the age of 98, having not only been a practising vet on his own account, but also serving as chief vet and adviser to major shows, events and organisations throughout the UK and in Europe. He was a Master of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF) and in 2015 was made a “Father” of the company. This was only the second time in 100 years the title had been awarded and, at the time, Mr Oliver was attending meetings regularly. Mr Oliver gained his BSc and MRCVS qualifications with honours at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 1942, and took over a private practice in Grantham, Lincs, in 1943. He remained a…

LOSERS The winners of a rather special polo final each took home a “hand-made Kabuto helmet, traditionally worn by ancient Japanese warriors”. We’re not sure where you’d sport your Kabuto, other than ancient Japan, but it wasn’t just the winners who were quids in; the match losers each got a trip to Paris. Soooooo polo! DEADLINES An H&H-er was concerned she had missed an event, having emailed minutes before entries closed. “A journalist leaving things till the last minute? Surely not!” came the reply. No idea what you’re talking about… INGENUITY A former jockey set up a football match at Ascot but no one had a ball, so he hijacked a £700 silk top hat, and got stuck in. Sadly the hat did not survive. Neither did its owners’ sense…

LEARNING FROM MUM Sir — I found Gemma Pearson’s article on the characteristics of foals extremely interesting (vet clinic, 14 June). We have bred a number of thoroughbred foals and I can identify with much of what she says. Every one was different in terms of behaviour and intelligence, and they inherited some traits from their dams — it was obvious they learnt about life from them and behaved in similar ways. But I wonder what effect the practice of embryo transfer has on the development of foals born out of surrogate mothers. Mares nourish their foals in and out of the womb to varying degrees, but a foal born to a surrogate mother will get no nourishment from its actual dam and it is possible that the quality of…

‘We tried out tennis on horseback once, on the Common, complete with a full-size net — which we later jumped over’ WE love Irish horses as they have fantastic temperaments and versatility — we need them to suit a city yard and many different riders. It amazes me just how adaptable horses are when given a good daily routine with regular holidays. We have all shapes and sizes, from Irish Draughts to thoroughbreds, and part-Shires to Fudge, our miniature Shetland. Our horses have more holidays than we do! Keeping them happy and sound in a city yard is paramount, so they have a strict working routine to keep them physically and mentally fit, and often visit their “holiday home” in Surrey. Wimbledon tennis time is fun. Riding along an urban…

“HE was small but quite leggy as an 18-month-old colt,” says Holly Norris of her Hanoverian dressage horse, Rubuloo. “At four years old, he was a nice little package, but still just 15hh. We are only now at elementary because he wouldn’t stop growing — he grew two inches just last year, at the age of seven — and he is so immature.” Rubuloo, known as “Ruin” because of his destructive tendencies, is now 16.3hh. According to Holly, his growth spurts followed a distinctive pattern. “He would go ribby, almost overnight, and it was clear that all his energy was going into growth,” she says. “He has always been quite juvenile in the head, but he would lose the ability to pick up canter, as if he couldn’t organise his…

BRITISH dressage team stalwart Laura Tomlinson MBE was a member of the gold medal-winning team at the London Olympics in 2012, where she also won an individual bronze medal with her long-term partner Mistral Højris. TRAINING THE STARS Andretti H was tricky in the contact. He could be a bit light in the hand and I had to have him in front of the leg and pulling into the bit before he could have true self-carriage. Mistral Højris was good in the contact. I could ride him off my seat and leg, and balance him without having to hold on. I could really show the give in the rein; that he was in his own balance.…

1 Bicton Arena, Devon What to expect: positioned in a majestic Grade I-listed parkland setting eight miles from junction 30 of the M5, Bicton Arena runs a variety of events including BE90 to CIC2* eventing, both affiliated and unaffiliated dressage and showjumping, National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) qualifiers, arena eventing, camps and hunter trials. “Bicton Arena is a beautiful show centre run by the extremely efficient Helen West and her dedicated team,” says Olympic eventer Mary King. “It has well-maintained surfaces, a friendly atmosphere, and caters for all levels.” Facilities include a grass main arena, four all-weather arenas and a warm-up arena, 116 permanent and 300 temporary stables, lorry park, 45 electric hook-ups, permanent toilet/shower block, on-site catering and licensed bar and Wi-Fi. USP: a stunning parkland estate location with…

1 Look at the bigger picture — take time to reflect on how far you have come. Remember, everyone has bad days, it doesn’t mean it is unfixable. 2 Don’t be afraid to ask for help — speak to your trainer, discuss how to move forwards and whether moving down a level would be appropriate for you and your horse. 3 Ask someone to video you at events so your trainer can see exactly what is happening. 4 Always seek appropriate help from your vet or qualified practitioner if you suspect your performance issues could be down to your horse being in discomfort. 5 Have a plan in mind, but be prepared to be flexible. 6 Be organised — have everything ready ahead of competition day and be prepared for…

Reverdy Brightling Park, East Sussex MATTHEW HEATH was in flying form in the Warners Solicitors-sponsored CIC2*, winning with his own and Hazel Livesey’s Aloha and finishing third with the same owner’s Sportsfield Lord Livesey. Aloha, a neat-jumping grey by Cult Hero, finished a country mile ahead of the opposition on a score of 37.7 — nearly seven marks clear of the rest of the field. “He came to me about this time last year having bounced around a few different yards,” explained Matt. “He’s quite an insecure character, which sometimes makes his behaviour appear a bit threatening, but it is all a smokescreen. Once I’d earned his trust he kept improving. He’s got all the ability.” With the ground undeniably on the firm side despite the organising team’s enormous efforts…

TREBOROUGH HILL (1) BE90 winner, Maddie Kemppainen, was used to riding naughty ponies before her current conveyance, the 14hh gelding Fallowfen Socrates, came along. “I saw him advertised on Facebook and thought he looked like a nice little pony,” said Maddie. Also at Treborough, Lisa Lindsay headed a BE100 with her own Hello Dolly IV. “This is only our first year at this level, so to win felt amazing,” said Lisa.…

IN. — 1, All We Need (N Wilson) 28,0,0=28; 2, Santiago S (A Farrar-Fry) 31.1,0,0=31.1; 3, Ericantos VDB (S Abel) 32.3,0,0=32.3. ON.— 1, Sappalot (L Hattersley) 29.5,0,0.4=29.9; 2, Champagne Charlie XI (M Gray) 29.8,4,0=33.8; 3, Thebestof Three (F Malcolm) 30.5,4,0=34.5. nov sec H.— 1, Linnel Dance Again (M Jackson) 30,4,0=34; 2, My Zenyatta (L Atkinson) 30.5,0,4.8=35.3; 3, Chabadu (N Wilson) 25.8,4,7.2=37. sec I.— 1, Geffory (I Bamford) 22.5,0,0.4=22.9; 2, Diamond Pippin (L Botterell) 28.8,0,1.2=30; 3, Drumnaconnell Toto Wolff (N Wilson) 29,0,2.8=31.8. sec J.— 1, Faerlie Flashy (J Lawson) 25.3,0,0=25.3; 2, Quinara (J Adams) 26.8,0,0=26.8; 3, Boss Lux (G Burns) 26.3,0,2=28.3. BE100 sec E.— 1, Touch Of Faerie Magic (W Murray) 31.3,0,0=31.3; 2, Projo (B Clarkson) 30.3,0,1.6=31.9; 3, Levitate (N Wilson) 29.5,0,5.2=34.7. sec M.— 1, Chance X (K Walton) 24,0,0=24; 2,…

Port Royal EC, Yorks Seven days earlier, Lucy, who is Jeanette Brakewell’s apprentice, finished in the placings with all four rides at Catton Park Horse Trials; four days later, she landed a Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) ticket and championship at Lincoln County Show with the 15hh working hunter pony Townranny Brian before Private Dancer V (elementary) and Johnson Jaz (medium) rounded off the week with dressage wins. “We didn’t think Private Dancer had won the elementary — we thought he was second or third. It was only at the prize-giving that we realised we’d read the scoreboard wrong,” quipped Lucy, who trains with Felicity Scott. Both her winners are owned and bred by Jane Boothroyd, who also rides and competes the two. “I had a wrist replacement and…

Merrist Wood, Surrey | Pachesham, Surrey Becky and the Fidertanz 10-year-old that she has owned for only two months produced 72.88% and 71.16% novice and elementary qualifiers at Merrist Wood. Becky said: “After I’ve ridden Fiorello, I’m on cloud nine — I could ride him all day. He’s only 16.1hh but very active and has huge presence. He’s obedient and has great talent for the collected work so it’s easy to be accurate. The small arenas allowed me to show him off.” She added: “Fiorello is a cheeky chappy, but I evented up to CIC2* on horses that I produced myself, so I don’t mind [that he has character]. “I switched disciplines to dressage a year ago and Matt Hicks has helped me get off to a flying start, being…

Ultrabed Highland Challenge.— 1, Lux Fabulous (P Barker); 2, Tawnmore Lux Furious (J Smith); 3, Congeniality B ( G Anderson). Fiona Gillespie memorial A&B stakes.— 1, Iron Lady Van’t Meulenhof (K Shore); 3, Ascension Lord (G Lovegrove). BS Business Partnership Talent Seekers.— 1, Zara Zing (A Black); 2, Ferragamo L (E Crawford); 3, Rubin VHS (A Shields). Allen & Page Power & Performance B&C.— 1, Moonface JX (D Duffin); 2, Tawnmore Lux Furious; 3, Olivers Diamond (J Smith). International Stairway— 1, Boucheron (G Babes); 2, Larksong (H Tredwell); 3, Mystic Hurricane (K Shore). Andrew Black Haulagae & Storage Grade A Championship.— 1, Ascension Lord (G Lovegrove); 2, Hugana Van’t Heike (L Guild); 3, Happy Boy (P Barker). Wm Sheret MBE Breakfast stakes.— 1, Lux Fabulous; 2, Farao M (G Babes);…

Weston Lawns Summer Spectacular, Warks NICOLE KERSHAW posted the only treble clear to claim victory in the Equitop Myoplast Foxhunter second round, with LCC Comanche. “He’s so kind and rideable and he always wants to do his best,” said Nicole, 17, who will also contend the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) grade C final after winning at Warrington four weeks earlier. Twenty-three of the 57 starters reached round two over course-designer Steve Williams’ 14-fence track, but the raised and shortened course brought only nine to the final round. “It ended up big enough and 14 fences in round one was a test in the heat,” assessed Nicole’s trainer Alan Fazakerley. The Corland eight-year-old, owned by Ireland’s Vincent Meaney, came to England just before Christmas and Nicole and Alan have…

1.05m.— 1, Fellside Red Dane (T Fell); 2, Murphy Hof Ter Zeedycke (S Coope); 3, Golina W (C Clothier). Connollys Red Mill newcomers.— 1, Billy Harmony (H Berryman); 2, Ringwood Cookie (A Speight); 3, Cruise Vivendi (N Simmonds). 1.10m.— 1, Alice 55 (C Fletcher); 2, Carabas Rebel (S Strawson); 3, Dellrose Rosie (C Williams). 1.15m.— 1, Code Red (V Hancox); 2, Caloundra Van De Koekoek (A Routledge); 3, Davidoff VD Rietvenne (L Hudson). Equitop Myoplast Foxhunter.— 1, Anis De La Piece (S O’Meara); 2, Hillery II (C Gradley); 3, Haya Loma N (M Potter). 1.20m.— 1, Ashdale Senica (C Flack); 2, Quadrofoglia Z (S John); 3, Zeusland (A Strawson). A, B&C h’cap.— 1, Corlando Of Cavallini (O Poole); 2, Obos Delightful (M Chandler); 3, Ashdale Luxara (C Flack). KBIS British…

Royal Highland, Edinburgh COMPETITORS travelled the country to compete at Scotland’s premier agricultural show, held in the heart of Edinburgh. Landing the overall championship for the best of Scotland’s native breeds was the Clydesdale champion Ord Tinkerbell, owned and bred by Eric Johnstone. The Eskchraggan Ernest two-year-old filly, who is out of the City of Aberdeen supreme champion Ord Envy, looked in tremendous condition. Eric has been breeding Clydesdale horses at his home at the Muir Of Ord for more than 30 years, but this was only his second time showing at the Royal Highland. “I’ve never thought I had anything good enough to show here and I can’t believe it — this is a dream come true,” admitted Eric. “She won at the National Stallion Show this year, a…

YORKSHIREMAN Steven Beane is concurrent national, World and European champion farrier after taking the European title in Switzerland (22-23 June). Mr Beane — who won the last world championships in 2014 — said holding all three titles “fulfilled a lifetime career goal”. The English team of Mr Beane, Alex Collier, Liam Collins and Robbie Watson-Greaves, brother of dressage rider Hayley, also won the 21-country contest. Teams were also sent from Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland, with five British farriers finishing in the top 10. “The standard has improved so much in recent years but the British are still dominating,” said Mr Beane. “Two French farriers finished in the top 10 this time though — which 15 years ago was unheard of.” Farriers had to demonstrate their skills at forging,…

PERSIMMON Kitty King’s ride at the 2015 European Eventing Championships has been named on the British squad for the 2018 young rider European Showjumping Championships with Will Fletcher. TEDDY EDWARDS Paralympian Anne Dunham’s multiple medal-winning Welsh section D has been put down, aged 23, due to PPID (Cushing’s). Anne won medals at Olympic, World and European championships on Teddy. LJT LUCAS NORMARK Suzanna Hext has taken on the ride on the multiple medal-winning stallion, posting two plus-76% scores on their debut. The 17-year-old won six individual silver championship medals with Anne Dunham in the saddle.…

JOCKEYS have welcomed new rules on body protectors due to come into force this autumn. Ruby Walsh and Aidan Coleman are among those backing the British Horseracing Authority’s (BHA) decision to increase the minimum standard from British Equestrian Trade Association level one to level two, from 1 October. The BHA will allow an extra 1lb allowance for the extra weight of the added protection. “I am delighted that the level two vests will be introduced as they offer enhanced protection compared to level one, and the extra weight allowance is very welcome,” said BHA chief medical adviser Dr Jerry Hill, adding that the BHA and research partners will monitor falls to investigate potential further measures to reduce racing injuries. Aidan said he wore a level two vest in Ireland some…

Irish showjumper Shane Breen achieved what he described as the biggest win of his career, the Monaco Global Champions Tour grand prix, on Ipswich Van De Wolfsakker on 30 June. Riders and supporters wore green last weekend to support injured event rider Jonty Evans. The #WearGreenForJonty campaign is being led by website Eventing Worldwide. Showjumper Michael Whitaker joked that it was “nice to get one back” over brother John when he beat him into second place in a five-star class at the Monaco GCT (report, p122). Eventer Laura Collett finished second on her first run with new ride, Parkfield Breeding’s Parkfield Quintessential, in the open intermediate at Great Witchingham (report, p93). Amateur jockey Brodie Hampson is at home after three nights in hospital following a bad fall from Saxo Jack…

BAREL OF LAUGHS The hunter chaser has been retired, aged 12. Most recently trained by Phil Rowley and ridden by Alex Edwards, he twice won the mixed open Gold Cup and was twice third in the Foxhunter at Cheltenham. DON COSSACK The Gordon Elliott-trained 2016 Gold Cup winner has started a new career under Irish eventer Louise Lyons. The 11-year-old won the racehorse to riding horse working hunter class at Charleville Agricultural Show. CORRILEAS IMP Louise Graham’s show horse has died, aged 21. A former Royal Dublin champion and Burghley Young Event Horse finalist with previous owners, “Herbie” and Louise won at the National Side-Saddle Championships.…

PUNCTUALITY Overheard at the yard, a rider telling her horse: “I can’t stand here and scratch you all day, I’ve got to go to work.” Surely the excuse: “Sorry, I’m late, I had to scratch my horse’s bottom,” can’t be argued with? INTERVIEWING An ITV Racing pundit interviewing Dame Helen Mirren mentioned her latest film, and got rather a cool response. It emerged later his researcher had given him information on Dame Judi Dench by mistake. It was all the dame to her, clearly. ADVICE Ah, Defra. The government department’s website is riders’ first port of call for advice on treating animals in a heatwave, and too right, as tips include such gems as: “If you can’t get enough water to your animals, you should consider transporting the animals to…

IT’S the Smashington Vale puppy show on Thursday, and Ken is steaming his bowler hat in preparation. No matter that every weather forecast predicts that it will be 30ºC and that the icing will be running off the chocolate sponge cakes in the tea tent in rivulets; Ken will be wearing a dark suit with a stiff collar and his bowler hat. The trendy new master from the nearby East Tamworth might well turn up in an open-necked shirt, but he will feel Ken’s glare more intensely than the sun. “The old major will be turning in his grave,” he mutters to his similarly attired neighbour. “He was always one for standards.” Both spent more than 40 years in hunt service, and take centre spot on the open trailer provided…

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BELGIUM seems to lead the way in thinking outside the box with class sponsorship, but why might this modest European country be the source of so many weird and wonderful prizes? Victoria Madsen, a UK eventer based in south-west France, feels that many countries on the Continent are willing to broaden their horizons when looking for support. “They don’t limit themselves to equestrian companies,” she says. “They try different businesses for sponsorship and it would be rude to turn down prizes in kind.” Victoria has always found Belgium’s Tongeren Horse Trials a particularly happy hunting ground. “I’ve won all sorts there,” she says, having returned home with garden furniture, an industrial-sized office printer and a mechanical axe, among other items. “I once rode my top horse at the time in…

CIC2*.— 1, Aloha (M Heath) 30.9,0,6.8=37.7; Kilcoltrim Kit Kat (K Prowse) 33.2,0,11.2=44.4; 3, Sportsfield Lord Livesey (M Heath) 36.4,0,8.4=44.8. CIC*.— 1, Cooley Moonshine (E Halliday-Sharp) 27.3,0,6.4=33.7; 2, Black Sands (R Scalisi) 35.4,0,2.8=38.2; 3, Djakota EB (C Pearce) 25.5,0,12.8=38.3. NRF.— 1, Cavalier Micky Finn (K Bleloch) 31.8,0,0=31.8; 2, Pizazz II (G Maksud) 33.2,4,0=37.2; 3, Uncle Desmond (M Joannides) 34.1,4,0=38.1. nov sec I.— 1, Star Dragon (T Jackson) 27.8,0,0=27.8; 2, Trenwheal Bonnie (I Limpus) 33.8,0,0=33.8; 3, Timmy Too (L Mclusky) 34.3,0,0=34.3. sec J.— 1, Monbeg Malvo (F Whittington) 32,0,4=36; 2, Royal Beach (M Heath) 28,4,4.8=36.8; 3, Musical Legend (Z Gould) 28.5,8,0.4=36.9. sec K.— 1, Cado Louvo (G Maksud) 27.3,0,0=27.3; 2, Galwaybay Panther (O Craddock) 30,0,0=30; 3, Flower Faerie (A Port) 27,0,3.6=30.6. BE100 sec E.— 1, Albertas Rose (V Bax) 21.8,0,0=21.8; 2, Josephine…

OI.— 1, My Royal Touch (L Hannon) 27.7,0,0=27.7; 2, Parkfield Quintessential (L Collett) 26.1,0,1.6=27.7; 3, Sir Papillon (L Collett) 29.6,0,0=29.6. int.— 1, The Classic Composer (L Freckingham) 26.1,4,0=30.1; 2, Traitors Ford (S McGregor) 31.6,0,0=31.6; 3, Rehy Royal Diamond (R Canter) 31.4,1,2.4=34.8. CIC*.— 1, Ive Dun Talking (I Murray) 35.5,0,0=35.5; 2, Making Waves (L Blades) 32.2,4,0=36.2; 3, Brenhin Bychan (C Stewart-Wood) 36.2,0,0=36.2. ON.— 1, Akolien (I White) 25.8,0,10=35.8; 2, Wow II (J West) 23,0,17.2=40.2; 3, The Last Striker (J Foley) 37,0,18.4=55.4. nov sec B.— 1, Starbucks I (S Bullimore) 23.8,0,10=33.8; 2, Shore To Shore (C Powell) 29.5,0,10=39.5; 3, Call To Conquer (B Westgate) 31.3,4,7.6=42.9. sec C.— 1, Ishtar Van Ter Royen (W Schaeffer-Macdonald) 31.5,0,7.6=39.1; 2, Lisheen Harlequin (K Barber) 40,0,0.8=40.8; 3, Merlot III (L Blades) 33.8,4,11.2=49. BE100plus.— 1, Bansha Vendi (B…

CICO3* Nations Cup.— 1, France 115.8 (Opium De Verrieres/M Livio; Totem De Brecey/C Six; Ogustin Du Terroir/F Lemiere); 2, Great Britain 139.4 (Sambo/A Dunsdon; Cooley Ramiro/W Oakden; Wellshead Fare Opposition/C Keen; Talent/J Sommerville); 3, Italy 209 (Amacuzzi/S Sordi; Midollino/S Breschi; Tresor De La Loge/M Biasia). CIC3*.— 1, Calle 44 (Y Oiwa) JPN 30.3,0,0=30.3; 2, Totem De Brecey (C Six) FRA 30.9,4.4,0=35.3; 3, Cooley Ramiro (W Oakden) GBR 32.7,4.8,0=37.5; 5, Talent (J Sommerville) GBR 35.8,3.6,0=39.4; 6, Sambo (A Dunsdon) GBR 33.1,0,8=41.1.…

A LOT of riders are unhappy because event organisers aren’t watering their courses in this long spell of dry weather. Some organisers have access to water and some don’t. You can’t extract water from any natural source without a licence; some do it illegally, some don’t feel they can take that risk and most don’t have the option. At Burghley, we are lucky — we have to lower the lake to make the causeway usable at the Lion Bridge, and so we can use that water on the course. For many events, such as Barbury and Gatcombe, it is not an option. Here are some facts: to put one inch of water on one acre of ground requires 22,000 gallons. In order to maintain grass growth at this time of…

GRAHAM HEATH CONSTRUCTION KEYSOE (2) ON.— 1, Master Jack II (L Bullas) 26.5,0,0=26.5; 2, Over The Moon VI (S Wallace) 34.5,0,0=34.5; 3, Ive Dun Talking (I Murray) 34.8,0,0=34.8. nov sec A.— 1, Hullabaloo I (B Way) 27.5,0,0.8=28.3; 2, According To Archie (H Ford) 29.3,0,0=29.3; 3, Lexus Hof Ter Zeedycke (K Gray) 32.8,0,0=32.8. sec B.— 1, Jagos Mill (H Scholl) 26.3,0,1.6=27.9; 2, Maistresse (P Burgess) 28.8,0,0=28.8; 3, Flearway (A Regis) 31,0,0=31. sec C.— 1, So Chic Des Costieres (N Brook) 28.5,0,0=28.5; 2, Lisbane Skyboy (P Ward) 29,0,0.4=29.4; 3, Game Changer (G Taylor) 28.8,4,0=32.8. BE100open sec G.— 1, Ricky Roller (B Wharfe) 29.5,0,2=31.5; 2, Shannondale Oso (S Hyde) 29,0,2.8=31.8; 3, Strattonstown Nico (Z Kerr) 30.3,0,2=32.3. sec R.— 1, Stillbrook Ben (L Millard) 25,0,0=25; 2, Jensen III (F Insley) 27,0,0=27; 3, Oslo (D…

ON. — 1, Boxtree And I (L Birley) 27.8,0,0=27.8; 2, Falco III (P J Holden) 26.8,0,1.6=28.4; 3, Making Waves (L Blades) 27.3,0,2=29.3. nov sec F.— 1, Fune D Or M (M Mills) 22,0,0=22; 2, Brooklet Boo (A Stonex) 23,0,0=23; 3, Kroon Freddie (S Jimmison) 20,4,0=24. sec G.— 1, Shannondale Nadia (R Canter) 12.8,0,1.2=14; 2, Lordships Graffalo (R Canter) 17.3,0,3.6=20.9; 3, Gideon II (A Heffernan) 12,0,10.4=22.4. BE100open.— 1, Castlekelly Todd (A Downes) 23.5,0,0.4=23.9; 2, Sarchie (S Brown) 25.5,0,0=25.5; 3, Sand Storm II (H McCance) 23.5,4,0=27.5. BE100 sec A.— 1, D Akieda (L Burton) 28.8,0,0=28.8; 2, Diancara VDL (L Anderson) 28.5,0,1.2=29.7; 3, Sanau Hugo (O Dawson) 28.8,0,1.2=30. sec B.— 1, PSH Deneb (A Penny) 27,0,0=27; 2, Garcia II (K Magee) 28.5,0,0=28.5; 3, Fruitloop (A Roberts) 29,0,0=29. sec C.— 1, Dawsons Diamond (S…

Sheepgate Premier League, Lincs A FLOWING test from Kate Cowell and Samba Dancer secured victory in Saturday’s grand prix. This was just a third attempt at the level for the eye-catching chestnut gelding, but the 11-year-old looked light on his feet as he sprang through the movements, leaving Kate with a huge smile on her face as she exited the arena. “I was chuffed to bits — he was so with me and I could tell he was concentrating so hard,” said Kate, adding she was particularly pleased with his canter zig-zag. “I call him my little pocket rocket. He is quite intelligent and he likes learning, which makes my job easy — he cantered up the lorry ramp on the day we left as he was so excited to…

30 June: B test 1.— 1, WFS Top Red (E Nelson) 94.15; 2, Crowide The Talisman (J Garrett) 90.8; 3, Bernwoode Golden Delicious (A Morris) 86.1. B+ test 1.— 1, Femma Lijbra (C Dawes) 89.4; 2, DHI Du Rouet (T O’Bryan) 81.2; 3, Browbank Jacob Black (C Clancy) 83.2. fledgling 1.— 1, The Longhouse Rosadonna (D Howard Cartwright) 96.1; 2, Saltmarsh Dragon (E Glennon) 95.1; 3, Merrimans Tympany (M Wing) 94.4. A test 1.— 1, Blue P (S Wuidart) 88.3; 2, Fine Feathers II (O Robertson) 84.8; 3, Perplex (J Reay) 84.3. C test sec A.— 1, Chiddock Hour Glass (E Collings) 91; 2, Rosewater Chamonix (P Burner) 89.2; 3, Armada Dyffryncothi Bridget (D Davies) 86. C test 1 sec B.— 1, Otto VII (M Evans) 93.4; 2, Cwmduad Hale…

Anvil Park Stud, Norfolk | Bluegate Hall, Essex | Brook Farm, Essex Anna posted two plus-70% novice scores on the five-year-old KWPN, by Chippendale x Contender, who’s been with her for six weeks. “This was our second outing and he gave me two really confident rides, producing some of the nicest work to date for a 73% and 70% score and very encouraging comments from the judge. I feel that we already have a great partnership,” said Anna, who runs Sitting Pretty Dressage on the Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border, as well as clinics at several venues, including Anvil Park. “I like horses with a mix of dressage and jumping blood: it seems to be a winning combination. I bought ‘Bo’ unseen based on a short video as I’d already bought a horse…

Addington Manor, Bucks | Swallowfield, Warks Jade Mouradian and 14-year-old Zaire LH landed a double novice with plus-70% at Addington Manor. The 16-year-old rider, who is based with Spencer Wilton, bought “Freddie” two and a half years ago. “He injured himself not long after I got him and had a year off, so this is our first year competing together,” explained Jade, who has just completed her GCSEs and would like to “follow in Spencer’s footsteps”. “Freddie knows all the moves but is sometimes a bit lazy, so we’re working on his fitness to try to give him some more energy. He’s a lovely horse but loves eating and it can be difficult keeping the weight off him.” Jade’s aim is to qualify for the nationals and then move up…

Hunters Equestrian, Glos | Kings EC, Glos It was Chloe Reeves’ first test at the level and a return to competition for Watson II after a lengthy absence through lameness. Chloe teamed up with the teenaged Westfalian gelding in January, when her friend Olivia Faith offered her the ride. “Olivia has had Watson since he was three and trained him up to grand prix level,” explained Chloe, 16, who is aiming for juniors. “Watson is still based at Olivia’s yard and she is training the two of us. “He is very different to what I’m used to,” added Chloe. “He knows his job, although it can be difficult to keep him balanced and straight. But it’s a dream come true to have the ride on him and I’m so grateful…

THERE has been some great dressage in the UK this year. British Dressage is supporting the Hickstead CDI by sponsoring the covered stand, with members receiving a 20% discount on tickets, and current entries hail from Great Britain, France, Portugal, Sweden and Ireland. One of the great things about Hickstead is the variety of tests on offer and this, combined with the new VIP area and ringside tickets for 1,000 Club members, will ensure a super show. The young horse classes are always popular at Hickstead, but it’s interesting to look back and see how many successful young horses went on to take part in the CDI in ensuing years. Very young horse assessments are becoming more popular in the UK, too, and I’m looking forward to polishing up my…

INITIATIVE has to be commended and so I applaud H&H contributor Penny Richardson who set up the Facebook group Jump British to highlight the achievements of British-bred showjumpers. In general, keeping track of British-bred horses, their breeding and achievements is not easy and something this column has been bemoaning for the past 10 years and the magazine longer than that. As Penny is finding, wrongly attributed bloodlines, breeders and studbooks are not uncommon. This is nothing new, but bizarrely it doesn’t seem to get better. It is disappointing that over the time it has taken to improve the quality of British-bred horses, creating greater awareness and subsequently getting more British riders to buy them is still akin to pushing water uphill. Many of the mistakes are simply human error, most…

CARDINO Z, a Carola Z x Carolus H seven-year-old with technique and scope to burn, just missed out on HOYS with third in the Foxhunter second round with Louise Saywell (pictured, right). Ireland’s Sven Hadley jumped him as a five-year-old and Louise has shared the ride with Billy Twomey for the past year. The eye-catching Belgian-bred is still in Foxhunter with just over 500 points on his card. “He’s very talented and pretty simple to ride. He can be cheeky but once he is bolder and more grown up he’ll be the one at the end,” said Louise.…

KAREN MOWAT was the emotional winner of the heavyweight hunter HOYS class with Ballarin The Conqueror. “I’ve never been to HOYS and I always said I wouldn’t go without a horse, but had almost decided to buy a ticket to watch this year as I’m 55,” she said. “I’ve also qualified for the RIHS and again I’ve never been. He’s a very easy horse at home and looks after me in the ring.” Another first time qualifier was Molly Barclay, who topped the Welsh section A qualifier with Butleigh Silver Flyer. “I can’t believe it, I had a baby in April so I’ve not been out much this year but we’ve been mostly doing novice ridden classes,” said Molly, of the Weston Distinction seven-year-old.…

HOYS, hunters (R Brown & J Cochrane) l’wt. — 1 & ch, K Douglas’ Man of Honour; 2, V Ramm’s Ducketts Grove; 3, N Neill’s Captain Casanova. m’wt.— 1, K Douglas’ Annaghmore Huntsman; 2, T Brash’s Remember Rossmore; 3, J Wilson’s Silver Dream Spirit. h’wt.— 1, K Mowat’s Ballarin The Conqueror; 2, M Montgomerie’s Dock of the Grey; 3, A Peet’s Bloomfield Ambition. sml.— 1 & ch, J Munro’s Ebony King; 2, B Edmondson’s Blairfield Silicon; 3, M Lewis’s Carnsdale Irish Times. M&M WHP (M Taylor, A Bell) 122cm.— 1, S Heath’s Frairs All Gold; 2, P Kirby’s Thistledown Fun Fair; 3, O Lyall’s Rivervalley Rob Roy. 133cm.— 1 & ch, G Rae’s Greenholm Emblem; 2, K Capstick’s Aigas of Achnacarry; 3, L Wraith’s Popsters the Love Machine. 143cm.— 1…