Innholdsfortegnelse for 19-Jul-2018 i Horse & Hound

OUR pages are full of welfare updates. Excellent news that, thanks to World Horse Welfare’s efforts, fewer horses are now subjected to live export, though the aim must be none (news, p9). The FEI reacted to the Badminton furore, where officials said rules did not stipulate for Oliver Townend’s use of the whip, and proposed rules that would (news, p4). And the Great Yorkshire continued the admirable if unpopular endeavour to tackle the problem of riders who are too heavy for their mounts. Kudos to officials for asking known riders to get off, not just amateurs. Rebecca Penny (comment, p74) raises valid points about deterring adults on ponies from competing and, far more seriously, encouraging children away from a healthy diet. The show’s persistence aims to tackle poorly matched combinations,…

SILVER CURTIS The horse who helped launch European eventing gold medallist Ros Canter’s career has died at 24. He took Ros to her first affiliated event in 2001, her first international in 2003 and her first advanced in 2006. MASAR Godolphin’s Epsom Derby winner has been ruled out of the rest of the season due to a leg injury, believed to have been sustained in training. Connections hope the Charlie Appleby-trained colt will return next year. WESKO The 2014 Luhmühlen CCI4* winner finished second on his return to top-level eventing following two years out after injury. The 15-year-old was contesting the Jardy Event Rider Masters (report, p42) with Tim Price.…

ORGANISERS of the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS) said they were pleased to see more riders being of a suitable size for their mounts at this year’s show. The GYS (10-12 July) continued to operate its strict rider weight policy this year, and 13 riders were asked to dismount. The first two days were an improvement on last year, with only one person each day asked to get off, but this rose to 11 pulled up while working in on the last day, when most pony classes ran. “The decision to ask someone to dismount is always made by a professional vet who gives the rider the option to be weighed, which is done with the saddle,” said Amanda Stoddart-West, livestock and entries co-ordinator. “This year the GYS society has also…

FINIAN’S OSCAR The three-time Grade One winner has died from organ failure following a bout of colic. The six-year-old, trained by Colin Tizzard, won seven of his 13 starts under Rules, including Grade Ones at Aintree and Sandown. DESPERADOS The 17-year-old stallion, who won dressage team gold and individual bronze in 2014 with Kristina Bröring-Sprehe will miss the World Equestrian Games as he is unfit to contest Germany’s final selection trial at Aachen. DEVON MAZURKA The Dent family’s prolific lead-rein show pony mare has died at the age of 30. Having joined the family as a seven-year-old, she claimed numerous honours under saddle with Sam Dent before retiring to stud.…

LANGUAGE The Oxford English Dictionary has asked riders to suggest colloquialisms or slang used in the horsey community. There are indeed many such words used among riders, most of which will no doubt be rather unfit for printing… UNDERSTANDING The language barrier proved interesting in an H&H story about a girl who lost a toe leading horses while wearing flip-flops. “I wore thongs around horses for years,” said a reader, to confusion from some who didn’t know thongs is the Aussie term for flip-flops… EYELASHES Spotted at a Pony Club event, a DC hopping about as a rider hadn’t arrived. When she did, seconds to spare, and was asked why she was late, she said: “I couldn’t get my false eyelashes on in the lorry.” We’ve all been there… (no…

BIANCA blushes when she thinks back to the first polo match she attended. She’d just started seeing Hugo, the young buck making his debut on the England team, and she wore a short, strapless dress and stilettos. Her heels disappeared immediately into the turf, and she had to pull them out with a suck and a pop at every stride, which made her look like she was goose-stepping. Not cool. Two years later, she’s a fully fledged, experienced polo WAG. It’s all cropped white jeans, a floaty, silky top and, most importantly, wedges. Huge Gucci sunglasses and extremely expensive highlights complete the picture. Bianca strides confidently on to the pitch to tread-in at half-time, secretly chuckling at the corporate hospitality guests wobbling on in their killer heels. She must remember…

CLAIRE OLIVER Show rider Claire Oliver is a former European young rider eventing team and individual gold medallist. She is married to top show rider Robert Oliver, and had her first HOYS win riding the middleweight hunter Enigmatic in 2001. TRAINING THE STARS Appledark Magic Touch can become anxious in the ring when horses come up behind him, so to help with this problem he’s fitted with earplugs. This makes a great difference to his go-round and prevents him getting strong and tense. Loughkeen Dancing Lord was a pleasure to show. I rode him in a short-cheek double bridle and he never pulled or got too strong. I did make sure he had enough work before his class and was carefully introduced to the show ring.…

THE third Duke of Richmond introduced horse racing to Goodwood in 1802 for the benefit of the officers of the Sussex Militia, of which he was Colonel. The first two-day meeting was such a success that a three-day meeting was held the following year under Jockey Club rules. During World War II, horse racing was suspended, but Goodwood’s popularity as a venue began to grow during the second half of the 20th century. In 1953, 55,000 spectators attended for the July meeting. Today, the Goodwood estate retains its quintessential English charm and the racecourse is undoubtedly the jewel in the current Duke of Richmond’s family crown.…

OI.— 1, MGH Grafton Street (P Funnell) 24.3,0,12=36.3; 2, Nimrod II (F Whittington) 29.3,0,14.4=43.7; 3, Bronze Dandylion (I Limpus) 30.9,0,13.2=44.1. int.— 1, Trefeinon Sovereign (E Chamings) 31.6,0,10.8=42.4; 2, RLE Spencers Dream (L Mclusky) 31.8,0,16.8=48.6; 3, Fabos (S Dutton) 39.3,4,8.4=51.7. ON.— 1, Step Smartly (K Jones) 26.3,4,0=30.3; 2, Carnaval Pop (A Hollis) 30.5,0,3.2=33.7; 3, Star Fighter CR (H Colderick) 31.8,4,2=37.8. ONu18.— 1, Annaghmore Boomlander (E Cariad Nicol) 32,0,0=32; 2, Call Me Cooley (M Faulkner) 26.8,0,5.2=32; 3, Fidelio II (M Jackson) 28,0,8.8=36.8. nov sec I.— 1, Brother Bertie (F Whittington) 26.8,0,0=26.8; 2, DHI Fiktor Nita (F Whittington) 29.3,0,4=33.3; 3, Irish Honours (L Pilbeam) 31.3,0,2.8=34.1. sec J.— 1, Cooley Moonshine (E Halliday-Sharp) 24.3,0,0=24.3; 2, Trenwheal Bonnie (I Limpus) 32,0,0.8=32.8; 3, Solsboro Sweetpea (A O’Connor) 29.8,0,3.2=33. BE100open.— 1, Kilsallagh Cathal (B Morrish) 27,0,0=27; 2,…

WE’VE made a rod for our own backs in eventing with the rule awarding 50 penalties for horses missing a flag across country. Before 2017, combinations were eliminated for this infringement, but that was such a strong penalty that five times out of six officials gave competitors the benefit of the doubt. Elimination was only enforced in clear-cut cases. Since the rule change, officials have consistently been far more likely to award faults than they were to eliminate a pair under the old rule, probably because psychologically 50 penalties feels like a middle-of-the-road option compared to elimination. But 50 penalties puts a rider entirely out of contention and as such, it’s just as bad as elimination. At Luhmühlen, four riders were penalised in this way, including two from the top…

STABLE KITCHEN KIRRIEMUIR (2) ON.— 1, Fugley III (D Gatherer) 32.5,0,0=32.5; 2, Kiljames Brown Thomas (L Waugh) 38.3,0,0.4=38.7; 3, High Time V (S Renton) 37,4,3.2=44.2. BE100 sec D.— 1, Jumble (J Johnston-Harman) 24.5,0,2.4=26.9; 2, Blaze (E Buchanan) 27.5,0,0=27.5; 3, George A (C Padfield) 27.3,0,0.4=27.7. sec E.— 1, Zazou V (G Finch) 27.3,0,0=27.3; 2, Caballo Rojo (R Grant) 30.3,0,0.8=30.3; 3, Cooley Crawford (K Lindsay) 29.5,0,0.8=30.3. 5yo.— 1, Northport Tiger Lily (D Edward) 26,0,3.6=29.6; 2, Hillside President (H Coper) 30.8,0,0=30.8; 3, Cooley Make A Move (K Lindsay) 30.5,0,7.6=38.1. BE90 sec A.— 1, Laghy Clover (S Bultitude) 25.8,0,0.8=26.6; 2, Aragon House Liana (C Padfield) 27.5,4,0=31.5; 3, Mini Echo (E Grant) 28.3,0,4.4=32.7. sec B.— 1, Far N Away (L Bayley Kerr) 23,0,0=23; 2, Dinozzo (R Scott) 22.5,0,0.8=23.3; 3, Lickeen Ryan (A-L Graham) 23.8,0,4.4=28.2. sec…

ON.— 1, Brilliant (E Ansell) 27.3,0,5.6=32.9; 2, Caliari King (J Bleekman) 26.3,0,10.8=37.1; 3, Annaghmore Bonita (H Beaumont) 35.5,0,5.2=40.7. nov sec L.— 1, Connaught Diamond (H Ewell) 36,0,0.8=36.8; 2, Social Butterfly (A Wilkes) 29.8,0,9.2=39; 3, Api Du Libaire (B Salaun) 28.3,0,10.8=39.1. sec M.— 1, Cutton Bentley (H Forty) 33.8,0,6.8=40.6; 2, Murphy Man (J Rimmer) 29.8,4,66.8=40.6; 3, Diamond Louie (J Bleekman) 28,0,14.8=42.8. BE100open.— 1, Tagal (A Wilkes) 27.5,0,0=27.5; 2, Diamond Ricardo (S Parker) 29,0,0=29; 3, Asparagus (G Bolt) 31.3,0,0=31.3. BE100 sec H1.— 1, Sunkissed (E Heighway) 28.8,0,0=28.8; 2, Lemon Twist (D Rusden) 30.3,0,0=30.3; 3, Fruli (C Gibbs) 31.8,0,0=31.8. sec I.— 1, Caledonia R (T Cheffings) 29.3,0,0=29.3; 2, Arkid (L Luxton) 31,0,1.6=32.6; 3, Greenvale Dior (J Hoskin) 29.3,4,0=33.3. sec J.— 1, Mind Over Matter (R Churchill) 21.5,0,4.4=25.9; 2, Clooncalagy Knight (V Tuffs) 27,0,0=27;…

Ch-on-horses prelim (I Judet, M Stukelj, J Graham, T Asmyr, M Ringmark).— 1, Fariska (L Van Nek) NED 75.61; 2, Ben Kingsley (I Dülffer) GER 74.73; 3, Excellentie (S Van Der Pols) NED 72.92; 18, Beckhouse Cancara (L Payne) GBR 69.42; 38, Salancio (R Kavanagh) IRL 62.19. ch-on-horses team test (M Stukelj, I Judet, T Asmyr, E de Wolff van Westerrode, JC Campos Escribano).— 1, Fariska 76.15; 2, Happy Feet (S Buijs) NED 75.61; 3, Ben Kingsley 75.38; 9, Beckhouse Cancara 70.19; 34, Salancio 64.46. ch-on-horses teams.— 1, NED (Woodstock/L Van den Hoogen, Fariska, Excellentie, Happy Feet) 224.92; 2, GER (Ben Kingsley, Havanna Negra/L Steisslinger, Dinos Boy/K Schwierking, Riana/A Hahn) 222.88; 3, FRA (Gayento Vh Bloemenhof/C Jawurek, Felipino/H Milochevitch, Eppo/CM Dufil) 207.88. ch-on-horses indiv (H Lehrmann, JC Campos Escribano, I…

HUNTERS EQUESTRIAN 8 July: prelim 13Q silv (C Hogg).— 1, Ingmar (P Lewis) 70.57; 2, Bellador II (J Barrott) 62.5. brnz.— 1, Cloherview Sunset (M Pollett) 73.26; 2, Catherston Bright Spark (I Hamilton-Burnet) 60.96. prelim 15Q gold (S Harant).— 1, Armas Hacendoso (K Suomio) 69.2. silv.— 1, Emoe Rocky Road (J Jackman) 67.6; 2, Ingmar 66.2; 3, Wayward Sun (J Barrott) 62.2. brnz.— 1, Cloherview Sunset 71.4; 2, Di Minutive (K Byam-Cook) 68.8; 3, Catherston Bright Spark 64.4. nov 27 gold (C Hogg).— 1, Shannondale Holly (S Rahmatalla) 72.14. silv.— 1, Urikaine (A Wright) 68.21; 2, Cherrywood Sim (H Wallington) 67.5; 3, Magistrado VIII (S Conway) 66.78. brnz.— 1, Luta Ska (C Blackmore) 66.78; 2, Mosaic IV (G Amer) 66.42; 3, Jock III (A Faulds) 66.25. nov 37Q gold (S…

Crofton Manor, Hants The pair topped the advanced medium silver at Crofton Manor Area Festival after completing only a handful of tests at the level. The Scolari 10-year-old, whom Tiggi bought unbacked aged three, is not built naturally uphill and so, as well as working on transitions and collected steps, Tiggy has employed a new tactic. “I’ve had to train my boyfriend to use a lunge whip and walk behind me, then I tell him when to give it a flick,” said Tiggi. “It’s helped make Santaire stronger and more able to sit, although I do have to be nice to my boyfriend as he holds my life in his hands!” Although their winning performance wasn’t mistake-free, Tiggi felt Santaire went the best he ever has in between the blips,…

Addington EC, Bucks A NEW young performance horse class for three-year-olds has received praise, with the Skelwith Stud’s Skelwith Diamond Lad running out the winner of the inaugural Sport Horse Breeding (SHB (GB)) competition. Seven horses came forward for the class, which was judged by Tim Price and Michael O’Callaghan on conformation, movement, athleticism and loose jumping, and offered a lucrative first prize of £500. “It was touch and go as to whether we got there, but we are glad we did,” said Diamond Lad’s owner/breeder Elizabeth Launder, who also breeds Welsh section Ds as well as sport horses at her Powys-based stud. The colt shown on the night by Matthew Launder is by the Diamant De Semilly son, Kalaska De Semilly, who represented the UAE in showjumping at the…

Longines FEI European Championships CH/J/ YR, Fontainebleau IT was a successful week for Britain’s and Ireland’s elite youth, as the two countries picked up medals by the handful across all age categories over Grégory Bodo’s big, undulating courses. In the young riders, it was double gold for Britain, with Harry Charles crowned European champion on the day of his 19th birthday on Vivaldi Du Dom, a 13-year-old Casall gelding owned by father Peter Charles. “It’s the best birthday present ever,” Harry exclaimed as soon as he had clinched gold. “This amazing horse has done three Europeans and got six medals — every time he’s been, he’s won an individual medal. “We’ve been silver twice, so to finally win gold is a dream come true,” he continued. “Both of [Sunday’s] rounds…

THE accumulator on the first day drew to a thrilling conclusion when last-drawn Matt Sampson and Christine Spanner’s double speed Derby winner Topflight True Carlo seemed to produce the winning round. However, there were loud groans when the top plank fell when Carlo was two strides away from the fence. Speculation rose that wind had dislodged the plank rather than Carlo, but after viewing the official video show recording and photographic evidence, judges confirmed the horse had made contact with the top plank. “It was one of those things and basically touch and go. I didn’t think he’d touched it and I’m gutted for Carlo as he deserved to win, but I thanked the judges for looking at it,” said Matt.…

into place. The course was quite technical with the water at number four and some tricky lines, but I’m beginning to learn how to read courses better,” said Toby, who is enjoying a successful first season with Zucan. The pair qualified for two finals at the 2018 Blue Chip championships and the 13-year-old gelding is no stranger to second and final jump-off in the 60-starter Blue Chip newcomers second round, where triple clears proved impossible. Quick-thinking Tatiane Mauree “kicked on” when Horseabout Zibu (Boo) faulted at the third from home, and a cut inside and run to the last fence saw them post the fastest time in 45.68sec of three four-faulters.…

A MAJOR reshuffle of the schedule proved largely successful, with cobs appearing in the main ring for the first time in many years, while hunter breeding classes moved to the quieter TopSpec White Rose ring and, for the first time, were judged consecutively. This made life easier for several exhibitors who previously had to find extra handlers when mare and youngstock classes clashed. “It’s sad not to be in the main ring but this one is closer to the stables,” said Billy Moran, whose mare Tiger Trap was overall hunter breeding reserve. “It also used to be eventful trying to get foals and young ones up to the main ring with so much going on,” added Billy.…

HOYS show pony (C Johnston, F Cabrol) LR.— 1 & ch, K Allen’s Cornashton Sky Wishes; 2, Z Holmes’ Hollybush Enchantment; 3, C MacIntosh’s Cosford Charming Gift. FR.— 1 & res, C Kerr’s Wytchwood Love Potion; 2, Snuggy Hoods’ Woodroyd Celebration; 3, G Holder’s Hightopps Dancing Bee. 128cm.— 1 & res, E Harker’s Ardenhall Blenheim; 2, D Thomas’ Small-Land Playalong; 3, E Ellingworth’s Sandboro Firestory. 138cm.— 1, Y Jobling-Purser’s Holnicote Hot Toddy; 2, K Morris’ Reduit Royal Mirage; 3, P Emmerson’s Laybalands Charisma. 148cm.— 1 & ch, E Aristidou’s Laybalands Fly By Night; 2, R Shakespeare’s Sparkton Feel The Fun; 3, A Whittle’s Moluccas Bengal Beauty. INT (P Pattinson, T Wiggett) SRT 153cm.— 1, J Harforth’s Stanley Grange Royal Silk; 2, C Thornton’s Sharlen Royal Enclosure; 3, V Rudd’s Hinwood…

‘The FEI had to tidy it up as it was a grey area’ MIKE ETHERINGTON-SMITH FLAGS, whips and blood are among the major proposed areas of change to international eventing rules for next year. Ground juries will have the power to take stronger actions on those abusing the whip, if these amendments are accepted. The proposals reduce the number of times the whip may be used for any one incident, from three to two, and misuse of the whip can now include multiple excessive uses between fences. The FEI has added that if a horse’s skin is broken or has visible marks, use of the whip will always be deemed to be excessive. It has also changed the rule’s wording, so excessive and/or misuse of the whip is “not…

YOU know when you see a horse, a unicorn, a donkey and a dairy cow lining up at the start for the first race of the day, in the knowledge last year’s camel was banned for having an unfair advantage? Those at Catterick racecourse on 11 July do know, and also know about watching said donkey inexplicably swerve left and crash into the rails in spectacular fashion, leaving the cow to win. (The unicorn came second, if you’re interested.) The third pantomime horse race, in aid of St Theresa’s Hospice, was won by the Heavy Brigade, aka the Royal Dragoon Guards based at Catterick garrison. It was the second win for the garrison, whose 2017 camel suit was deemed to give them an advantage but who battled back to victory.…

Sir — Regarding Catherine Stuart’s letter of the week (5 July) on pot-hunting in eventing, although I sympathise with the disappointment of putting in a good performance and still not being at the top of the rankings on the day, there are other factors to consider. After looking up the results of the event mentioned, it looks like the horse and rider who won on their dressage score of 24 are a new combination — perhaps they were having their first run together and opted for a BE80(T) to be safe. I’m sure they will quickly move onto the next level. I don’t think people stay at the level they are at just so they can win each time and I don’t think a handicap system would help the sport…

THE world-famous Royal International (RIHS) has been the scene of epic battles for jumping team glory, fierce jump-offs and intense rivalries for championship honours in the show ring. These sporting battles are exactly what has kept us gripped during the show’s 110-year history. However, the stories behind some of the show’s historic silverware are almost as impressive as the action. In the run-up to this year’s Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Great Britain at the BHS Royal International Horse Show, we take a look at some of the best. KING GEORGE V GOLD CUP STORY BEHIND THE TROPHY: if you spot a cluster of heavies at Hickstead on Friday, this is in all likelihood the security team hired to guard the irreplaceable and supremely valuable King George V Gold…

OI sec D.— 1, Kilpatrick Knight (A O’Connor) 29.6,0,0=29.6; 2, NZB Campino (M Todd) 28,0,2.8=30.8; 3, Cooley SRS (O Townend) 25.9,0,5.2=31.1. sec E.— 1, Cheeky Calimbo (A Hoy) 24.6,0,0=24.6; 2, One Of A Kind II (M Heath) 24.1,4,0.4=28.5; 3, Fiveberry (P McCarthy) 29.1,0,1.2=30.3. int sec A.— 1, Liscarrow Conista (I Taylor) 23.6,4,4.8=32.4; 2, Cavalier Micky Finn (K Bleloch) 34.6,0,1.2=35.8; 3, Akolien (I White) 32.1,0,8.4=40.5. sec B.— 1, Ciaos (A Pearson) 29.3,0,0=29.3; 2, KEC Deakon (M Dumas) 25,0,6=31; 3, TJ Blousey Brown (O Cooper) 31.6,0,0.8=32.4. sec C.— 1, Cooley Legaland (G Spence) 25.5,0,5.2=30.7; 2, Morning Fawlty (J Campbell) 28.4,0,4.8=33.2; 3, Morelands Casanova (S Milnes) 29.3,0,4.4=33.7. sec F.— 1, CHF Cooliser (T McEwen) 30.7,0,4.4=35.1; 2, Celus D Ermac Z (A Clark) 27.5,0,7.6=35.1; 3, Vivendi Time (S Milnes) 31.4,0,8=39.4. ON.— 1, Calvin II…

A NEW-LOOK warm-up and start took some Eridge regulars — human and equine — by surprise. When Pippa Funnell’s OI winner, MGH Grafton Street, dug his toes in at the top of the roped path from the collecting ring down to the start, Pippa gently coaxed him around in a circle before reversing him quietly backwards down the chute and into the start box. “He’d been a bit uptight on his last couple of outings and I needed to find a way of managing him myself, without outside assistance,” explained Pippa, whose rein-back — straight as a die between the white ropes and over the hummocks — was better than most people can muster in a flat arena. “He was fine once he was down there, but I didn’t want…

Longines FEI European Championships CH/J/YR Fontainebleau, France IN the perpetual battle between Germany and the Netherlands, it was the latter that came out on top in Fontainebleau. The Dutch riders dominated, taking home team and individual gold medals in all age categories with the sole exception of the young rider team. In the juniors, Daphne van Peperstraten and her own 11-year-old KWPN gelding Greenpoint’s Cupido (Johnson x Duko) won all three tests with plus-75% scores, culminating in an 80% freestyle and ending a German supremacy in the category that had lasted half a decade. Daphne dedicated the team gold to the Netherlands’ junior and young rider eventing coach, Jan van Beek, who suddenly passed away the weekend before the start of the Europeans. “We started this championship with a lot…

Tushingham Arena, Cheshire | Aintree EC, Merseyside The Lusitano stallion was overall winner of the elementary 45 at Tushingham Arena before finishing third by one mark in the 53. Jess bought the horse two years ago from her boss Tori Peter, who bought him from Portugal and competed him in working equitation, including with the British team in Sardinia. “Tori sold him back to Portugal, bought him back again and then I ended up buying him,” explained Jess. “He’s my first proper horse and my first Lusitano. Having had him, I can’t imagine having any other breed.” Jess trains with Tori, as does Demi Green, winner of the prelim 19 riding Cilsane Cadno on her British Dressage (BD) debut. Some of last year’s Area Festivals ran with disappointing numbers, but…

KEYSOE 7 July: prelim 15Q silv (C Brady).— 1, Chelsea Herself (Z Saville) 68; 2, Castro (A Hiatt) 67.8; 3, Jamesfield Donnaditzi (N Jarmain) 59.8. brnz.— 1, Dougal V (R Tanner) 67.4; 2, Mick (S Watkins) 61.2; 3, Man Of Many Countries (K Rowley) 60.8. prelim 17Q silv (L Pearce).— 1, Elvis VIII (L Samuels) 68.1; 2, Just Look At Me (Z Saville) 67.24; 3 Castro 66.55. brnz.— 1, Fuego’s Funny Guy (D Stapleton) 75.69; 2, King Simon (V Cleland) 66.9; 3, Apollos Adagio (K Smith) 64.66. nov 23 gold (D Harvey).— 1, Ivoor (H Gilbert) 70.21. silv.— 1, Lucy McCoy (M Hackett) 68.33; 2, Briarwood Santiago (J Greenless) 67.5; 3, Woodcroft Fifty Fifty (P Lock) 67.08. brnz.— 1, Fuego’s Funny Guy 70.63; 2, Squash (K Gregory) 69.79; 3, Ferdy…

Severnvale EC, Monmouthshire | Burrows Court Farm, Glos Katy Williams paid a token amount for Tizer, a lightly-competed 16-year-old gelding, when her friends wanted to sell him. Now 18, he has excelled in showing, combined training and one-day eventing – and is also making a name for himself in affiliated dressage. “When I first had him, he couldn’t even canter a 20m circle,” said Katy, who headed both prelims at Severnvale with Tizer. “My trainer Emma Corbett and I would celebrate if he did even a single stride in an outline.” Emma Maisey and Bogelys Corporal won at both novice and elementary level at Burrows Court Farm, with scores well above 70%. “I said that after the winter championships I would retire him,” said Emma of her 17-year-old former intermediate…

FALSTERBO has been another “super league” Nations Cup where we were unlucky to finish down the placings considering we jumped some good rounds. Five penalties left us in fifth, while four teams on four faults went through to a jump-off — a situation I don’t think I have ever seen in a Nations Cup. You might see two teams going against the clock but rarely this many — and it meant the jump off was crazily fast, almost motorbike-style. If we’re going to get more finishes like this then maybe all chefs d’equipe will be making sure they have at least one horse on their team who can go that quickly. On the plus side, it did make it exciting for the public. At the end of the first two…

7 Jul: Connolly’s Red Mills newcomers.— 1, Bianca Du Rouet (H Rees); 2, Lytse Marten (K Vaughan); 3, Billy Cassidy (J Hutchins). 1.10m.— 1, Carnavals Wonder (J Emblen); 2, LVS No Doubt (L Long); 3, Royal Trooper II (N Edwards). Equitop Myoplast Foxhunter.— 1, Truman IV (G Talbot); 2, Cordouan Fontanel (T Breen); 3, Headhunter II (J Elliott). 1.20m.— 1, Saber (L Long); 2, Ciara Ballerina (D McKinlay); 3, Royal Trooper II. 1.30m.— 1, Britannicus (L Long); 2, Cognac IV (L Simpson); 3, Carpe Diem Z (D Simpson). 1.40m.— 1, Mullaghdrin Touch The Stars (J Drea); 2, Quick Quintender (T Page). 80cm.— 1, Luxury Number (S Collings); 2, Plough Man (G Brady); 3, DK Goedzo (C Hassan). Graham Heath debut nov.— 1, Imperial Tangle (D Burrell); 2, Whitehawk Makawi Koda…

CSI5* 13 July: Prix French Tour Generali 1.45m.— 1, Talent Des Moitiers (C Angot) FRA; 2, VDL Edgar M (M Módolo Zanotelli) BRA; 3, Whitney (L Kraut) USA; 6, RMF Fairview (D Lynch) IRL. Prix Aire Canitilienne.— 1, Comme Il Faut (M Ehning) GER; 2, Camargo (L Diniz) POR; 3, Winning Good (B Maher) GBR; 6, EFS Top Contender (M Duffy) IRL. 14 July: Prix Ville De Chantilly.— 1, Argento (J Whitaker) GBR; 2, Lizziemary (D Goldstein) ISR; 3, Dublin Van Overis (K Cox) BEL; 4, Main Road (S Sweetnam) IRL; 6, Explosion W (B Maher) GBR. Longines GP.— 1, H&M Chilli Willi (N Philippaerts) BEL; 2, Tobago Z (D Deusser) GER; 3, Contanga (A Zorzi) ITA; 5, Explosion W. 15 July: Prix Groupama.— 1, RMF Tinkerbell (J Springsteen) USA;…

July 7: 1.15m.—1, Sultan Du Bary (H Squibb); 2, Orchids Vieznna (T Kyle); 3, Strider IV (H Nelson). pony Foxhunter second round.— 1, Zucan V (T Fry); 2, Valentino Supreme (H Cooper); 3, Family Affaer II (R Proudley). Stable Company HOYS 138cm.— 1, Lissduff Royal (T Kyle); 2, Grey Palace (P Thurston); 3, SOS The Milky Bar Kid (C Atkinson). Graham Heath 128/138cm.— 1, Drumaclan Flight (E Squibb); 2 & 3, Lissduff Royal & Playboy Van De Zoetewei (T Kyle). European long-list.— 1, Casino Royale (S Greig); 2, Valmy De Trielle (L Freeman-Attwood). 70cm intro.— 1, Midnight Whisper (H Hodge); 2, Cockleberry Buckaneer (S Rogers). Cats & Pipes Debut.— 1 eq, 7 shared. British novice.— 1, Magic Mist (M Wilkinson); 2, Knockaraha Lad (R Hurd); 3, Alan The Unicorn (I…

HOYS ridden coloured (M Evans, V Smith) unplaited, horse.— 1, C Lupton’s The Magpie; 2, R Cooper’s Carnsdale Graffiti; 3, S Samuels’ Ranchella Gold Dust. pony.— 1 & ch, V Smith’s Del Boy V; 2, R Ellis’ Rocco II; 3, R Lock’s Brickell Mr Pickwick. plaited, horse.— 1, J Wormall’s Kinder Scout; 2, E Bowen’s Memphis Belle; 3, E Simpson’s Freckleton High Flyer. pony.— 1 & res, C Gray’s Alaskan Mist; 2, K Towns’ Lokie; 3, J Crofter Harris’ Dancing Lad. ladies’ (A Hooley, R Harvie).— 1, C Gilston’s Hawklands Argento Amore; 2, A Naylor’s Shirleys Downtown; 3, Z Owen’s Red Letter Day. hunter, sml (G McCowan, A Hooley).— 1, R Croft’s Bowland Dynamo; 2, D Heath’s Bersham Dragonfly; 3, R Collins’ EPA Sonny Bill. l’wt (D Walters, N Fuller).—…

EVENTING • If a reserve combination is substituted in, the team will incur 20 penalties. Reserves are to be allowed if a horse or rider cannot continue, rather than for tactical reasons • Order of phases to remain unchanged — dressage, cross-country, showjumping • Cross-country: 38-42 jumping efforts over c. 5,700m and 10-minute optimum time • For team classification, penalties for not completing a phase: 100 for dressage and showjumping, 200 for cross-country SHOWJUMPING • The reserve is allowed to jump in the training session • Rankings to be involved in starting order, spreading the top-ranked nations across the draw — also for dressage • Individual event run before the team competition • In the team competition, elimination penalty is the number of penalties the lowest-placed combination already has, plus…

EQUINE CHARITIES JOIN FORCES THE merger of two equine charities will enable them to help more horses, it is hoped. The Mare & Foal Sanctuary and South West Equine Protection are coming together to create one of the UK’s largest equine charities. It comes as the organisations’ founders, Rosemary Kind and Maureen Rolls, retire, having “fought tirelessly” for equine welfare for more than 40 years. Simon Avery of the sanctuary, whose name will still apply, said the move is an “exciting development”. Mrs Rolls added: “Both organisations believe the same doctrine: no horse or pony is valueless and they all have a right to a life free from pain, fear, hunger and uncertainty.” MORE JUMPING AT HICKSTEAD A SECOND day at the Hurstpierpoint College National Schools and Pony Club Jumping…

Irish eventer Jonty Evans is showing “early signs” of progress towards regaining consciousness. The rider suffered a serious brain injury in a cross-country fall on 3 June. British Eventing chief executive David Holmes has been appointed chef de mission for Britain at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, US, from 11 to 23 September. He said he is “thrilled”. Endurance GB was “extremely proud” to name Ella Bunting as the 2018 young rider national champion, having won a 120km ride at Kings Forest on 7 July, on Aly’s Estrella De Rock. Eventer Willa Newton broke her collarbone in a cross-country fall with Cock A Doodle Doo in a novice section at Buckminster Park. The horse was fine and she hopes to be back for Burghley. RSPCA racing consultant David Muir…

JOHN DUNLOP ONE of Britain’s most successful trainers, Mr Dunlop died on 7 July aged 78. He trained more than 3,500 winners during his 46-year career, retiring in 2012. He saddled Derby winners Shirley Heights in 1978 and Erhaab in 1994, and won both the St Leger and the 1,000 Guineas three times and the Oaks twice. He won 10 Classics and 74 Group One races. Mr Dunlop was crowned champion Flat trainer in 1995 and appointed OBE for his charitable work in 1996. National Trainers Federation (NTF) CEO Rupert Arnold was among many to pay tribute. “As a trustee of the NTF Charitable Trust, John helped staff develop their skills and so forge a career in the sport,” he said. “This was typical of his approach to people —…

FASHION Ah, the proposed FEI rule changes, and the delights within; essential bedtime reading. One was particularly tickled by the fact dressage ground juries could wear “greatcoats or waterproofs in bad weather”. Everyone loves a greatcoat. And a Gareth Southgateesque weskit too, perhaps? BAUBLES Also in dressage, a proposal is: “Any decoration of the Horse with extravagant items is strictly forbidden”. Extravagant as in tinsel and baubles? Or as in a five-course meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant? I think we should be told. LAUNDRY A producer has been banned for life, from a laundrette. For smuggling in hoods, girths and Polypads. After a rollicking, he was out. And if anyone could pop back for his powder, that would be fab. He’s too scared……

TOP TURNOUT, PLEASE Sir — While I have every respect and admiration for the grooms who turn their horses out for the show ring in the most impeccable way (with the exception of too much white and fake black), what a shame the grooms cannot do the same for themselves. I was recently at a royal show and was hugely disappointed to see some grooms entering the ring in trainers, shorts and T-shirts, all set off by a navy hunting cap — not the look! I fully appreciate from experience the work entailed in looking after show horses, but it does not create a good impression for spectators. I think shows should be tougher in not permitting this type of dress in the ring as, otherwise, it permits a general…

A NINE-YEAR-OLD Irish Sport Horse mare came to us at the Bell Equine veterinary clinic for MRI examination. She had moderate left forelimb lameness when lunged on the right rein, which had first become apparent nine months previously. This lameness disappeared with a palmar digital nerve block. Radiography of the mare’s feet revealed no abnormalities. When she was rested, she became sound, but the lameness reappeared when she returned to work. Again, a palmar digital nerve block located the lameness in her foot. The MRI images (shown below) revealed damage to the distal sesamoidean ligament, with a large cystic lesion in the distal phalanx at the insertion of the ligament (indicated by arrows). The mare is being rested, as treatment is limited when the damage is located so deep within…

Be careful when introducing your horse to the show ring. Ideally, take him to a few smaller shows before going in a big, open ring. Practise with your show bridle at home. Use either a correctly fitted double or pelham bridle with a chain or leather curb to suit the horse. There are various types of curb bits and it’s a case of trial and error to find what suits the horse. A horse can become strong on the go-round because of its repetitive nature of the walk, trot, canter and, in particular, the gallop. This can be solved by not over-galloping at shows, especially early in the season.…

• In 1993, the Hollings’ 148cm show pony Royal Bronze (pictured, below), ridden at the time by Anna Evans, was the first pony to ever lift the Winston Churchill trophy. “The atmosphere was electric and the judging was nail-biting,” says Stuart Hollings. “Both ‘Royal’ and the legendary cob Super Ted [ridden by Ali Oliver, now Fernyhough] were on equal points the first time so these two had a re-run, each performing another show. Royal ended his show with a great gallop to capture the title after gaining two 10s and a nine, compared to Super Ted’s 10 and two nines. A great day for pony showing in the Hickstead main ring.” • In 2002, the very first victor of the pony supreme was Michael Coates’ bay show hunter pony Yealand…

ON a murky day, Goodwood judge Felix Wheeler has to squint through his binoculars, but on a glorious day there is no job that comes with a better view. Perched high in the grandstands, Felix takes to his “box” ahead of the 2.35pm race overlooking the final furlong, a piece of string lining up with the finishing line. “Goodwood is my favourite Flat track — it is beautiful on a sunny day. However, as a general rule of thumb, if I cannot see the half-furlong pole because the weather is so bad, then we don’t race,” explains Felix, who has been a judge for 12 years. Felix does his homework beforehand and “codes” each runner, so he can jot down the results quickly, while his computer converts the times between…

Jr.— 1, Daniel Del Impermeable (A Canteloup) FRA 25.9,0,0=25.9; 2, Royal Fury (H Coy) GBR 28.3,0,0=28.3; 3, Fraeulein Frieda 10 (B Schäfer-Gehrau) GER 28.7,0,0=28.7; 5, Playtime (S Hargreaves) GBR 29.7,0,0=29.7; 11, Spano De Nazca (G Bartlett) GBR 33.3,0,0=33.3; 23, A Sunny Bay (E Miller) GBR 40.5,0,0=40.5; 26, Superjumbo (M Ronan) IRL 38.1,0,4=42.1; 31, Rum Jumbie (R McCluskey) IRL 34.6,2,8=44.6; 33, Versace Biscuit (K Riley) IRL 33,0.8,12=45.8; 39, Fernhill First Friend (L Paske) GBR 29.6,24,0=53.6; 41, Something Special (A Kelly) IRL 36.5,20,4=60.5; 46, Major Black (L McIlroy) IRL 35,25.2,8=68.2. jr teams.— 1, France (Daniel Del Impermeable; Sursumcord’Or/J Simonet; Urban Legend Blues/C Autin; Udine Jolimon Bearn/Z Gardeau) 86; 2, Great Britain (Royal Fury; Playtime; Spano De Nazca; A Sunny Bay) 91.3; 3, Germany (Fraeulein Frieda 10; Barbados 26/A Dibowski; Altair De La…

ON.— 1, Ustinov Van Eslenham (C Deuten) 23.8,0,4.8=28.6; 2, Russal Z (L Blades) 28.5,0,2.4=30.9; 3, Indian Wizard (C While) 25.8,4,2.4=32.2. ONu18.— 1, Topspin II (A Casburn) 29.5,0,1.2=30.7; 2, Livella Z (K Dennis) 29.5,0,5.2=34.7; 3, Eric The Red (K Dennis) 32.8,0,3.2=36. nov sec F.— 1, Sportsfield Lexi (H Falshaw) 34.8,0,0=34.8; 2, Bold Over (H Lawson) 35.8,0,3.2=39; 3, Lexus Hof Ter Zeedycke (K Gray) 35,0,5.6=40.6. sec G.— 1, Harieko DHI (H Woodhead) 29.5,0,0=29.5; 2, Gorgeous DHI (H Woodhead) 23.5,4,2=29.5; 3, HHS Williamstown (A Hawley) 24.8,4,6.8=35.6. sec H.— 1, Fune D Or M (M Mills) 28.3,0,1.6=29.9; 2, Jagos Mill (H Scholl) 28.5,0,3.2=31.7; 3, Hiltje L (J Carlin) 28,0,6=34. sec I.— 1, A Cooley Takeover (J Chipperfield) 33.3,0,1.6=34.9; 2, To Love And Honour (J Haynes) 34,0,2=36; 3, Shannondale Nadia (R Canter) 28.8,0,11.2=40. BE100open.— 1,…

JOANNE BINNS and her home-bred mare, Bright N Breezy II, only had a handful of outings under their belts, but this did not stop them trouncing the opposition in their BE80(T) section at Bicton Arena (2). “Although Breeze is a nine-year-old, we’re both still relatively new to affiliated eventing,” explained Joanne. “We had problems with lameness last season and, although she’s been quite consistent in the dressage and showjumping this year, I have been having trouble with her stopping across country, which has led to a few eliminations.” Training sessions with British Eventing coach Sarah Thorne have put the pair back on track. “We not only went clear here, but also finished inside the time for the first time ever,” said Joanne. “I’m so pleased that I didn’t give up.”…

BackInAction prelim 17 silv (D Wardle, D Lush, L Burling).— 1, Jalado’s Star (H Millichamp) 72.59; 2, Otto VII (M Evans) 72.59; 3, Floreat Heartbeat (K McGrail) 71.78. Dodson & Horrell nov 37A silv (M Drewe, M Terry, C Robinson).— 1, Floriek (A Hill) 68.89; 2, Donaulied (K Lawrence) 68.83; 3, Maximus (H Goode) 68.83. gold (K Mepham, L Whetstone, A Duck).— 1, Izonik (K Mackin) 75.12; 2, High Hoes Florizel (D Morgan) 74.81; 3, Horatio VCG (B Bainbridge) 74.63. Childeric elem 59 silv (H Ashley, M-A Horn, P Lang).— 1, Doonaveeragh O Six (B Staples) 70.78; 2, Fire (R Lee-Woolf) 70.47; 3, Keystone Walente (C Oakley) 70.31. gold (L Hoad, K Warren, F Wilson).— 1, Headmore Bella Ruby (A Oppenheimer) 71.93; 2, A D Destination (J Thompson) 70.83; 3,…

Brahan Dressage, Invernesshire Alison Mcleod rode the 14-year-old Arastin x Amneris chestnut gelding Aathos to win at medium bronze level. Having previously competed in endurance for 20 years, Alison bought Aathos 11 years ago. “I wanted a horse for endurance, but needed one that was nice to ride, obedient and well-schooled — a nicely rounded horse,” said Alison. “Aathos was successful when shown as a youngster, and I also did some dressage with him as it was good experience for him,” said Alison, who tried endurance with the gelding, but explained that Aathos didn’t like horses in front of him and didn’t realise his own limits. Regular training with Brahan Dressage organiser Elaine Taylor has helped them improve, with the duo recently moving up to medium level. Aathos suffered a…

WHEN Tory Dobb set eyes on part-bred veteran appaloosa mare Sardra, she instantly fell in love. “A friend had Sardra on loan and asked if I’d like to ride her,” explained Tory. “At the time, I’d lost my confidence and was overweight, but I sat on her and loved her straight away so, when she came up for sale two years ago, I bought her and vowed to lose weight. She was my inspiration — I lost five stone over eight months.” The pair won the British Dressage veteran intro championships in October 2016 and, more recently, the prelim freestyle at Moulton with 72.5% — a personal best at that level. “She is an absolute legend,” said Tory. “I used to be a singer in a rock and punk band,…

THE 21-year-old Burglar Bill II put a life-threatening infection behind him to steal both elementary classes at Penrhyd Dressage. “We had recently returned from a dressage to music camp at Aintree when Burglar came in from the field with a big foreleg,” explained owner Jacqui McLeod, who called her vets at the RD Owen Equine Clinic. “We noticed an infection at the back of his heel and poulticed it for two days, but it quickly spread up Burglar’s leg and he stopped eating. “X-rays revealed that the infection had reached the pedal bone,” added Jacqui, who felt that surgery would be too risky for a horse of his age and build. “I feared the worst but, after antibiotics, frequent dressing changes and physiotherapy, he was able to come back into…

THINGS are heating up as selection for the World Equestrian Games (WEG) comes closer and our base of horses scoring mid-70% is increasing. Over the next month, there will be plenty of speculation as to who might make the teams of the top nations, and which countries have the strongest medal chances, other than the obvious choices. What doesn’t get discussed so much is how much goes into travelling to a championship on the other side of the Atlantic. Having been to a WEG in the USA — Kentucky in 2010 — I can say from first-hand experience that it is easy to underestimate the work that’s done behind the scenes. Taking horses to the USA is complicated, as is transporting all the kit and feed we take for granted…

INNOVATIVE SALE ATTRACTS BUYERS AN innovative hybrid-style sale, thought to be the first of its kind in the UK, took place on 25-30 June. The inaugural Kingsman Elite Sale allowed potential buyers to place bids via an app in the days running up to the live auction, which was hosted by Wellington Riding, Hants, on 30 June, and was also livestreamed. Some 16 of 34 lots were sold in the ring, the top lot being a three-year-old stallion by Balous Bellini x Nekton, who made £20,000. Two more three-year-old stallions, by Baloubet De Rouet x Quidam De Revel and Big Star Jr K Z x Sydney, were sold for £17,000 and £13,000 respectively. The average sale price was £10,205. “This auction concept allows bidders to source quality horses, with no…

‘I felt the pressure to the last, but I never had an anxious moment’ JOE CLAYTON ON VIA VD KARMENHOEK Z Great Yorkshire JOE CLAYTON scored end-to-end victories in Great Yorkshire’s vast arena as, after winning the opening class on day one riding Via VD Karmenhoek Z (Emile), the pair returned to claim one of the most coveted national showjumping titles, the Ripon Select Foods Cock O’ The North Championship. Yorkshire-born Joe had come close to winning before, riding Mr Darcy to come third in 2011, but after producing two perfect rounds, a well-judged final effort saw them post the winning time of 49.52sec. “I was quietly confident, but you just never know here. Emile has jumped a puissance before, so I knew big fences didn’t bother him, but…

William Hanson Stakes.— 1, Via VD Karmenhoek Z (J Clayton); 2, Cartown Danger Mouse (P Kennedy); 3, Golvers Hill (N Coupe). Badsworth Stakes accumulator.— 1, Happy Boy (P Barker); 2, Dublin V (A Condon); 3, Iron Lady Van’T Meulenhof (K Shore). BS International Stairway.— 1, Carsten (J Gornall); 2, Mystic Hurricane (K Shore); 3, Larksong (H Tredwell). Rudding Park table C.— 1, Happy Boy; 2, Catherston Connor (L Stephenson); 3, Doriena (D Burnham). Yorkshire Ice-cream mini-major.— 1, Munsboro Plunkett (P Deakin) & Newton Tigra (M Allen); 2, Darth Moll (E D’Ambrosia) & Carthogan CZ (S Crosby); 3eq, Painted Lady (S Proudley) & Predator Ridge (R Marsh) & Milford Fair Kommander (C Johnson) & TJM Henri De Reve (C Dawson). Cock O’ The North championship.— 1, Via VD Karmenhoek Z; 2,…

Longines Global Champions Tour of Chantilly, France BELGIUM’S 24-year-old superstar Nicola Philippaerts, son of the great Ludo, struck gold for the second time this season, winning the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) grand prix of Chantilly in breathtaking style, riding the hugely popular stallion H&M Chilli Willi. In a 10-strong jump-off, in which course-designer Uliano Vezzani encouraged combinations to open up across the vast arena — the biggest on the circuit and set within the famous racetrack — the winning margin was just 0.04sec. Nicola was drawn early, encouraging him and the powerful 10-year-old Holstein stallion (Casall x Lord) to carve their own path, and the big-striding Chilli Willi devoured the track to set a strong target of 37.26sec. Daniel Deusser (Tobago Z) just missed out on victory, catapulting round…

Great Yorkshire A LAST-MINUTE decision to compete saw a lifetime ambition fulfilled for Pembrokeshire-based Beth Simons with her home-produced Welsh D stallion, Ballynacoy Prince. The pair made a triumphant Great Yorkshire debut to head a class of 29 ridden Ds, earn the highest marks of the 200-strong section — 93/100 — and gain a return pass to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), where they won and stood reserve last year. “Prince” may now be 14, but his spectacular gallop was a masterclass for animals half his age, and a repeat performance to rousing cheers from the packed White Rose grandstand resulted in the section title. Fifteen came through to the final reckoning, judged by Tweetie Nimmo. “This was the strongest championship I’ve had the privilege to judge for many…

THERE was no mistaking the joy on Floriann Gilston’s face when she was called forward to head the ladies’ line, partnering her home-produced cob Hawklands Amorous Archie (Gento). The versatile Irish Draught, bought two years ago, was placed in the ridden breed class at this show last year and carries every member of the family — including two “non-horsey” ones — also competing in affiliated dressage. To fund her hobby, the Preston-based student also has three part-time jobs. “Gento gave both me and the judge an amazing ride, but I was astonished to win — it’s only his fifth show under side-saddle,” said Floriann, who stood supreme at Aintree’s unaffiliated spring show on the pair’s debut in that mode. “From a young age, I’ve always wanted to compete at HOYS…

GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW (GYS) is always one of my favourites. This year, its special atmosphere turned surreal, as I fell victim to the “fat police”. I’m 5ft tall and wear jodhpurs designed for 11 to 12-year-olds. Yet according to an official who asked me to dismount in the collecting ring, I was deemed too big for the Dartmoor stallion I was preparing to compete, despite having been placed in the top three in this class for the past four years. This is the third year running that GYS has targeted adults on ponies; while I agree welfare is paramount, it’s unacceptable that a subjective judgement was made on both welfare and weight of either the pony and rider without the use of weight-recording equipment. If this had been done, it…

HOYS M&M Mini (J Beatham, K Wainwright) LR.— 1 & res, S Osborne’s Woodend Marigold; 2, S Walker’s Firle Red Kite; 3, H Levett’s Thistledown Velvet Touch. FR.— 1 & ch, P Watson’s Wyedean Sinatra; 2, R Brightmore’s Lotuspoint Cassius; 3, C Sturrock’s Newoak Star Edition. M&M junior (T Nimmo, D Puttock) sml.— 1, S Whitfield’s Griashall Lara; 2, A Chaplin’s Waulkmill Redstart; 3, E Bond’s Thistledown Sea Anchor. lrg.— S White’s Thunderbolt Fairy Robin Bambi; 2 & res, A Drake’s Derinoghran Dawn; 3, V Smith’s Slievebloom Ester. open M&M (D Spears, M Beckman) Welsh A.— 1, L Ripper’s Colne Taboo; 2,J Green’s Ravenshead Caradog; 3, Z Neachell’s Glebedale Jumble. Welsh B.— 1 & ch, G Simpson’s Wortley Golcar Lily; 2, J Regan’s Eyarth Braveheart; 3, C Edward’s Monalaw Malcom.…

HARRIET DRAKE, 12, secured her first HOYS ticket with the nine-year-old Connemara gelding, Derinoghran Dawn (Will) in the junior M&M ridden large breeds class. The pair were only contesting their second qualifier this season — where they took the blue rosette in both — and ended the Monmouthshire show with the reserve spot. Owned by mother Anthea Drake, Will was purchased two years ago from the Horsley-Gubbins family and the well-matched duo compete in various disciplines, representing their school and the East Cornwall Hunt Pony Club. “He really is Mr Perfect. I have dreamt about riding at HOYS for as long as I can remember,” said Harriet, who was quick to thank Brett McKinnon’s show team for transforming her riding.…

NPS Area 25, David Broome Event Centre, Monmouthshire VANESSA COMPTON’S Connemara stallion Castle Emperor headed the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifier ridden by his producer Mathew Lawrence. The seven-year-old has previously matched his father Castle Comet’s record and qualified for the Cuddy four times. “He’s qualified every year since he was a three-year-old,” said Vanessa. “He was the youngest Connemara to qualify.” This season the dun picked up his HOYS ticket at Midland Counties. “Mathew and Mark [Northam] are doing a fabulous job and I really appreciate all the hard work they’ve put into him,” said Vanessa. “I’m so pleased, it was just a shame that I couldn’t be there.” Reserve went to second-placed Katie Goulding and White Diamond (see box, top right). “Our champion was a very…

AN eight-year-old son of Kilmore Diamond will make his debut at Birmingham in October. Owned and ridden by Katie Goulding, the grey Connemara gelding White Diamond, bred by the Carnakilly stud, was bought out of Ireland five years ago. “He was a three-year-old when I got him,” said Katie. “We’ve had a lot of wins in novice classes but this is the first season I’ve campaigned him in the qualifiers. He’s always been very consistent, and it feels amazing to get the ticket,” added Katie, who finished second to Mathew Lawrence in the Connemara qualifier. “I bought him unseen from Ireland and he wasn’t always the easiest ride. As most Connies do, he had his quirks! But with some help we got through the rough and he’s now exceeded all…