Innholdsfortegnelse for 09-May-2019 i Horse & Hound

PIGGY FRENCH is, as Mark Phillips puts it in his comment this week (p51), “a class act”. Honest and self-deprecating, the Brit won as many fans for her openness as for her victory at Badminton. She talks with affection for Vanir Kamira, but believably — the horse is a character not a saint. And I wouldn’t have been the only one affected as Piggy explained how much she missed her son, Max, that week. He was, like any toddler, really taken with the tractors and not the least overwhelmed by the enormity of the occasion. His mother, this beautiful rider, who looks a picture at every cross-country fence, has suffered many disappointments over the years as horses’ injuries have cost her team appearances. She’s plugged away, or as she eloquently…

“IT’S our turn to speak” is the title of a new campaign aimed at getting hunting’s voice heard. This is Hunting UK (TiHUK) wants supporters to try to counteract the often misguided views spread by those who are against the sport. James Barclay of the group told H&H the countryside, and hunting in particular, are “very much in the spotlight”. “We want to turn that tide and meet it head-on,” he said, adding that hunting plays a central role in countryside communities, but that it is being “targeted” by antis. “It’s time for us to stand up and be counted against verbal or otherwise attacks, and ensure the message is put across.” Mr Barclay urged supporters to speak to unconvinced people, while the group will share positive information on its…

NEW EVENTING GRAND PRIX SERIES CAPT MARK PHILLIPS is to design a new three-leg eventing grand prix series. The leading course-designer says he is “delighted” to be involved in the series, which has qualifiers at Bolesworth International in June and the Bolesworth Young Horse Championships in August, with a final at Liverpool International in December. The first leg takes place on the evening of 13 June with, organisers promise, a “fast and furious” competition in store, involving 20 leading eventers against the clock in the international arena. STRANGLES ACTION DAY IS PLANNED REDWINGS is urging the equestrian community to come together in the fight against strangles. The equine charity is launching the Speak Out on Strangles Day, on 6 July, as part of its Stamp Out Strangles campaign. Redwings centres…

WHEN a colt lost his mother a few days after his birth, an unlikely substitute stepped up to the plate. Owners Imelda and Jim Kingston, of Co. Cork, had started bottle-feeding the Irish Draught colt but when Niamh Creagh offered her five-year-old nanny goat as a substitute mother, the family was willing to try “anything”. Niamh, whose goats have previously reared foals, lambs and fawns, heard of the colt’s plight and said: “I’ll put the goat in the car and bring her down.” The goat was propped on a ledge in the stable and the foal started suckling straight away — and hasn’t stopped since. Jim told H&H the happy colt is doing very well, and has been jumping around in the garden — we wonder if he will start…

WHAT is it with yard politics? Whether a happy hacker or confident competitor, we all have one mutual passion — our horse. But there seems to be an insatiable requirement to prove ourselves competent. Why is this? I’m fortunate to share a yard with genuine and open individuals, who are happy to muck in, offer solutions and learn. It was not always so, and we’d end up frustrated and dodging each other on the yard. However, we made big changes, and now we unify our experience and learn along the way, not retaliate against misconstrued suggestions. And now it is my happy place. I remind myself that to learn is to grow in confidence and in practice, and that is worth more than a chip in my pride. It’s been…

Mitsubishi Motors Badminton, Glos PIGGY FRENCH scored her first top-level win, producing the hot-headed little mare Vanir Kamira in perfect form to see off the world’s best over a fascinating four days at Badminton which came to an achingly close conclusion. The 38-year-old has been highly respected by those in the sport for her elegant yet fiercely competitive riding for many years, but this landmark win has been a long time in coming. Piggy has been a professional for over 20 years and was making her 25th start at this level, having been second at both Badminton — in 2011 on Jakata — and Burghley, with this mare in 2017. “Everyone says it’s the team, but it’s true — you have to have those people who believe in you. Nobody…

NEW ZEALAND rider Virginia Thompson, 27, made waves when she recorded the second clear in the time on Saturday, although a cricket score in the showjumping dropped her back down the order. Virginia sold her horses in the Southern Hemisphere to move to Britain before Badminton last year, bringing just her top ride, Star Nouveau, with her. She based herself with Blyth Tait at Suzanne van Heyningen’s yard in Northleach, Gloucestershire, and when Blyth moved back to New Zealand six months later, she took over the yard. “All the Kiwis have been so supportive — they know what the journey is like coming over,” said Virginia, who managed to wave to the New Zealand support tent during her cross-country round.…

IT was great to see such a high standard at the top end of the field. Some less experienced horses did find the atmosphere too much and showed tension. This test — five-star A — is not the most difficult, but it proves whether horses are working correctly in accordance with the scales of training. The trot work — with a section of just 10 metres or so of shoulder-in — demonstrates whether riders can keep horses in balance off the side of the arena and is also a good set-up for the half-pass. There were quite a lot of errors in the flying changes, but only a handful of horses weren’t trained correctly. The majority of the mistakes came from tension rather than horses not understanding what was required.…

FENCE 3 — LITTLE BADMINTON GATE Reve Du Rouet B FENCE 6 — WORCESTER AVENUE TABLE Charlton Down Riverdance HF Alfies Clover R+Ret FENCES 7 & 8 — JOULES CORNERS King Eider MF FENCE 10AB — SHOGUN SPORT HOLLOW Star Witness R+Ret Bango R Coolys Luxury R+Ret Tahina Des Isles R Rumour Has It NOP R Vendredi Biats R Sportsfield Othello R+Ret NZB Campino R+Ret Fernhill Fortitude R Billy Liffy R Proud Courage R Springpower R+Ret FENCES 11 & 12 — KBIS BRIDGE Dargun UR Billy Walk On B FENCE 13AB — OUTLANDER PHEV BANK Drumbilla Metro R+Ret Rumour Has It NOP R+Ret Vendredi Biats UR Reve Du Rouet MF Halltown Harley R FENCE 15AB — HILDON WATER POND King Eider R+Ret Templar Justice RRR+E Collien P 2 R Fernhill…

AFTER Oliver Townend’s win in Kentucky, which I was lucky enough to see, who would have thought that he would lose Badminton by a quarter of a second, having had a fence and time in hand going into the showjumping? I won at Badminton in 1972 when Richard Meade had a time-fault, but this was unbelievably close and superb entertainment for Badminton’s record crowd. But what a week it’s been for Piggy French — she is a class act and this result was so well deserved. We should spare a thought for Oliver Townend. There was so much controversy last year, but this time he was a true gentleman and showed the world his real greatness as a rider. These two were not the only good news for the Brits.…

BE100.— 1, Angels Spirit (A Sparrow) 25.1,0,0=25.1; 2, Dawn Chorus (J Hales) 25.8,0,0=25.8; 3, Martins Irish Eddie (O Martin) 30.6,0,0=30.6; 4, Vivendi Noble Cavalier (M Lowe) 30,0,1.2=31.2; 5, Woodfalls Brook (E Melhuish) 25.6,4,2=31.6; 6, Alvescot Made You Look (N Page) 29.9,0,2=31.9; 7, Dicali OHZ (K Welch) 29.5,0,2.4=31.9; 8, Cefnpant Iolo (K Thomas) 32.6,0,0=32.6; 9, Churchside Reflection (J Watts) 33,0,0=33; 10, Toby Horse (N Hackshall) 32.8,0,0.4=33.2. BE90.— 1, Stanhopes Travelling Man (L Greenhalgh) 24.3,0,0=24.3; 2, Kissemmie Midnight Magic (G Toole) 25.9,0,0=25.9; 3, Coltstown Glider (E Sutton) 24.6,0,1.6=26.2; 4, Macs Mirah (M Harris) 26.5,0,0=26.5; 5, Vision B (D Titterton) 28,0,0=28; 6, Ysgwynfawr Fergus (A Bettle) 28.1,0,0=28.1; 7, John Travolta (K Staples) 27.8,0,0.4=28.2; 8, A Little Unbelievable (N George) 28.5,0,0=28.5; 9, Macadam Jewel (C Bull) 29,0,0=29; 10, Miss Offaly Skippy (J Kavanagh) 29.4,0,0=29.4.…

Nov sec G.— 1, Caltra Western Dream (E Power) 26.8,0,0.4=27.2; 2, Cock A Doodle Doo (W Newton) 30.3,4,0=34.3; 3, Ballingowan Leia (P Stockton) 35.3,0,2.8=38.1. BE100 sec E.— 1, Voights Anky Panky (J Haynes) 27.8,4,0=31.8; 2, Penpont Showgirl (S Platt) 27.8,4,0=31.8; 3, PSH Charisma (A Penny) 31.8,0,0=31.8. sec F.— 1, Ballins Kelligs (A Downes) 25,4,0=29; 2, Keyland William (E Ormrod) 29.5,0,0=29.5; 3, Irish Konnection (N Anson) 32,0,0=32. BE90open.— 1, Lucky In Love (H Hankey) 24.8,4,0=28.8; 2, Bond Girl II (H Hankey) 25.5,4,0=29.5; 3, Bolacreen Lad (E Silman) 34.3,0,0=34.3. BE90 sec A.— 1, Olaris Beech (G Rockingham) 23.8,0,0=23.8; 2, Dinarthall Sea King (E Lawton) 24.5,0,0=24.5; 3, Gambi II (L Burns) 20.5,8,0.4=28.9. sec B.— 1, Farrellys Bar Carrigallen (S Jackson) 27,0,0=27; 2, James B Verde (H Moran) 24.8,4,2.4=31.2; 3, Willoway Chicago (M Maher)…

CHILHAM CASTLE (1) ON.— 1, The Gossip (K Beier) 25.3,0,0=25.3; 2, Watergate Bay (H Colderick) 29.8,0,2=31.8; 3, Bright Spark III (E Baldwin) 27,0,4.8=31.8. ONu18.— 1, Fernhill First Friend (L Paske) 30.3,0,0=30.3; 2, Killacoran Blue (K Hale) 26.3,0,5.6=31.9; 3, Stillbrook Ben (L Millard) 29.3,0,5.6=34.9. nov sec P.— 1, Ask For Manchier (T Jackson) 27.5,0,1.6=29.1; 2, Just A Jewel (S Sweeney) 32.8,0,1.2=34; 3, Monbeg Malvo (F Whittington) 33.3,0,3.2=36.5. sec Q.— 1, Greenlanes Hudson (G Wood) 30,0,0=30; 2, Monbeg Iguassu (S Jennings) 26.5,0,9.2=35.7; 3, Trenwheal Bonnie (K Spencer) 34.3,4,0=38.3. BE100plus.— 1, Prometheus II (M Joannides) 24,0,0=24; 2, Ringwood Gold Dust (K Roddy) 24.3,0,0=24.3; 3, Panache II (K Maurice) 24.8,0,0=24.8. BE100open.— 1, Brockley Star (E Baker) 27.5,0,0=27.5; 2, Party Juice (A Hilton) 28.5,0,0.4=28.9; 3, Electric Royale (L Plumtree) 24.8,0,4.4=29.2. BE100u18.— 1, Vardigo (C Cooper)…

HARTPURY UNIVERSITY & HARTPURY COLLEGE 28 April: elem 45 gold (K Warren).— 1, MSJ Charmer (C Dujardin) 76.89; 2, Florin II (L Hunt) 70.86; 3, Fandango V (N Lawson) 68.79. silv.— 1, Floris (C Creemer) 71.03; 2, Darco (V Leadbeater) 69.13; 3, Alamo II (E Glover) 67.93. brnz.— 1, Dexter I (E Jones) 68.27; 2, Verdict (S Walton) 65.34. elem 59Q gold.— 1, MSJ Charmer 76.4; 2, Florin II 72.34; 3, Fandango V 72.03. silv.— 1, Floris 71.71; 2, Darco 70.62; 3, Alamo II 70.31. brnz.— 1, Verdict 62.5. med 69 gold (J Surr).— 1, Sportsfield Quality (N Lawson) 63.93. silv.— 1, Amor V (M Depper-Westwood) 60.6. brnz.— 1, Parisienne Girl II (F Bumpstead) 64.24. med 75Q gold.— 1, Sportsfield Quality 65.67. silv.— 1, Amor V 62.29; 2, Pikador (A…

Bicton Arena, Devon | Bicton College, Devon Her home-bred eight-year-old Ex Luna Sea (by Uthopia) has been slow to mature. “He’s finally found his balance and was totally on side and listening to my aids,” said Katherine, who is an equine physiotherapist and is helped by Louise Hutchinson. “I lost my dressage mojo after having my second child, but with the help of Felicity Mann and some Alexander Technique lessons, my body now seems to do what I ask it to.” Taunton-based Katy Sawyer, 27, headed both novice bronze sections at Bicton Arena on her Quality Time-sired Greatest Time, eight, who had a year off following a stifle operation aged five. “Luckily he’s stayed sound and so we’re also aiming at British Eventing events this year,” said Katy, who works…

Cabin EC, Aberdeen Matilda Haley enjoyed a brace of elementary silver wins and a medium silver with her partner of 18 months, Go. The Carosso VDL eight-year-old has had limited outings this year after a car ran into the back of their horsebox en route to the winter regionals in February. “We missed competing and had to be taken home. Luckily all humans and animals were fine, but the lorry needed a lot of TLC. “This weekend was mainly to secure our elementary qualification for the summer regionals. We also decided to do two medium tests and now need only one point to qualify for the regionals, but this is a new level and we shall see how summer goes with more work on his laterals before deciding whether we…

THE journey from England to Ireland at the height of Storm Hannah proved eventful for Yorkshire-based Billy Moran and Tiger Cub (Arnie, pictured). However, all efforts paid off as this striking colt, owned and bred by Billy and Joanne Moran, stood supreme in a quality 12-strong line-up in the Cuddy supreme in-hand qualifier. After a rough ferry crossing, Arnie rested overnight before starting out to Cavan at 3am. A few hours later, the two-year-old by Tiger Attack took the hunter and sport horse titles. “Nothing seems to faze him,” said Billy. “He has never seen atmosphere like this, but he rose to the occasion, sat up and went beautifully.” “He is such an impressive young horse with fantastic limbs and a wonderful outlook,” said judge Rosemary Keeling.…

RIHS, ridden coloureds (M Hewitt) trad/native ex 153cm.— 1, D Cornthwaite’s Kimico Charlie Boy. do, not ex 153cm.— 1, S Davis’ Jojo; 2, C Owen’s Levi II; 3, I Barratt’s Scout. plaited ex 153cm.— 1 & ch, W Thorneycroft’s Monknash Moonshine. do, not ex 153cm.— 1, B Carta’s Littlebyrom Queen of Hearts; 2 & res, K Lee’s Montana Valley; 3, S Sloan’s Glynbourne Eler I. hunters (K Sears, M Fitton) sml.— 1, J Day’s Langland Bay; 2, A Wilson’s Jardine Rio; 3, G Mears’ Bersham Dragonfly. l’wt.— 1 & res, R Harthern’s Littletree Whirlwind; 2, J Day’s Somerville Lad; 3, J Tyldesley’s Rehy Horizon. m’wt.— 1 & ch, J Day’s Northern Pride; 2, D Harrod’s SVS Camelot; 3, L Falcus’ Pearls Bouncer. h’wt.— n/f. amt, lw’t.— 1 & ch, C…

THE media frenzy with Brexit has done little to solve anything surrounding it. But what it has done once again is identify people on both sides who are incapable of a “clean fight” when debating the subject, and incapable of working in the best interest of the country and its citizens. It has highlighted what some of us in the hunting world have known for a long time: there are certain topics of debate that are not and never have been carried out in a reasoned or evidence-driven way. Being a master of foxhounds, there is one area in which I find myself sympathising with MPs from all sides, and that is the online bullying and targeting they experience. When one removes one’s self from the relative safety of Westminster,…

QIPCO Guineas Festival, Newmarket Racecourse, Suffolk AIDAN O’BRIEN completed the Guineas double for the fourth time on Sunday, 5 May, when — a day after Magna Grecia won the QIPCO 2000 Guineas by 2½ lengths — Hermosa made all the running to win the QIPCO 1000 Guineas at Newmarket. Most of the records O’Brien breaks these days are his own; Magna Grecia was his 10th 2000 Guineas winner so it was probably more significant that after Churchill and Saxon Warrior it was his third on the bounce. Magna Grecia (Donnacha O’Brien), a son of Invincible Spirit, beat 66/1 outsider King Of Change by 2½ lengths. Skardu, the Craven winner, was a further 1¾ lengths back in third. The colt was probably a cut above his rivals but he did enjoy…

‘She comes into her own at Badminton’PIGGY FRENCH ON VANIR KAMIRA AN emotional Piggy French thought she had “absolutely no chance” of winning her first Badminton Horse Trials title when she walked the showjumping last Sunday. Leaders Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class’ one fence down would not have cost them the victory, but the pair finished one second too many over the time allowed and handed victory to Piggy and Trevor Dickens’ Vanir Kamira, by 0.3 of a penalty. “It was seriously close but I’ve never managed to be over the line first — and now I have,” said Piggy, for whom this was a 25th start at this level. “I’m so grateful; I know everyone says it but it is such a team effort, it really is. It’s amazing.”…

MOUNT ST JOHN FREESTYLE Charlotte Dujardin’s world team and individual bronze medal-winning ride will return to FEI competition at Bolesworth (12-16 June). It will be the first show for the 10-year-old mare since Tryon. BILLY CONGO William Funnell’s 18-year-old European team gold medal-winning stallion is to focus on breeding duties. Pippa Funnell, who produced the horse, retook the reins in 2018 and finished second in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup. ALICANTE VALLEY The 14-year-old, owned by Jennifer Whittaker, scored his first FEI wins abroad at Saumur CDI2* on his overseas debut, with British rider Jess Dunn. The pair topped the inter I and inter I freestyle classes.…

PETE THE FEAT The Charlie Longsdontrained veteran chaser has retired from the sport aged 15. He won 12 times under Rules in a career that spanned 12 seasons and left Charlie’s yard to start his retirement on 1 May. OOH LA LA DE FLORA The Totilas filly was the top lot at the Borculo online foal auction (29 April). Out of Beauté GEP (by Negro), she was bred by Marianne van Oenen and sold to Dutch dressage rider Lorraine van den Brink for €14,000. HILLGATE HENRIETTA-ANNE Robinsons Brewery has welcomed its first foal as part of its Shire breeding programme. The rare breed filly, by Acle Challenger and out of Horsemans Princess Giselle, was born on 27 April.…

FASHION Did Will Furlong don dark glasses at the Badminton trot-up in preparation for Harry Meade’s sartorial choices? Harry had in fact ditched the 2018 acid-green trousers for a royal blue jacket. Bright but no retina burn; always a bonus. TIM PRICE When a horse got loose at the Badminton trot-up, Tiger Tim leapt into action and saved the day with a jumping jack-style stance. Not only is he an eventing legend but a pretty nippy mover, clearly — no time-penalties there! GIVING BIRTH Pammy Hutton was fabulous as usual on the Badminton dressage commentary, including telling the pregnant Ros Canter. “[My daughter] was late so I did some one-time changes and she popped out a couple of hours later.” Not sure that was on the score sheets……

CONSIDER AN EX-RACER I’VE READ various news reports about racehorses with interest. From criticism of racing and its alleged cruelty towards horses, to the commendable retraining work by Retraining of Racehorses — there are strong opinions on both sides. After a break of nearly 20 years to raise my family, I now own an 11-year-old ex-racehorse. My personal experience has been that these horses are intelligent, versatile and sentient animals, with the potential to turn their hoof to a range of new challenges. My horse, Kilbree Chief, has a wonderful, calm temperament and has taken his new life as a riding horse in his stride. And I’m convinced that his former life has given him a broad perspective on most situations that he’ll face in the future. I just wish…

‘If you feed them racehorse mix, they turn psychotic!’ It’s thanks to my daughter Bea that we got our first Shetland. She nagged me to get one; she just loved them. Finally we did, and Carmillo Magician took Bea to Horse of the Year Show three times on the trot as a first ridden. It helps that we’re quite small and light. Bea is now 20, and still competes Magician, and I’m only 5ft 2in. My children show in summer and hunt all winter, so they’re quite robust and educated little riders. All four have been involved with the Shetland Pony Grand National (SPGN) in some way. It started when, 10 years ago, we met an organiser at a Shetland show who liked how my daughters rode, and offered to…

JULIE TEMPLETON JULIE is a leading producer of children’s show ponies; her team has had wins at both the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) and Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). She has been involved in training horses all her life and is based in Shropshire with her co-producer, Fiona Wallace. TRAINING THE STARS COLBEACH SALAMAN (Ralph) and I spent a lot of time on the long-reins together. He was only 12.2hh, but had the personality of a lion and a stride that was difficult for a jockey to sit to. Long-reining proved to be the schooling method that suited him. It allowed me to keep my staff and children safe while educating him, until I knew I could contain and control him in a way his rider could emulate.…

HARRY MEADE withdrew Charlotte Opperman’s Away Cruising before cross-country because he suffered a reaction to the needle used to give a routine joint injection on Monday. On Tuesday a swelling started to develop at the site of the injection on his neck. “Since then he hasn’t been able to put his neck down — he has had all his food and drink at human chest height,” said Harry after his dressage on Thursday. “There’s very little you can do other than ice and then heat packs and gentle physio, not too invasive. It wasn’t a welfare issue for him to do the dressage, but we will have to monitor him and see how he goes over the next few days.” Away Cruising scored 35.1 for his dressage, in which he…

SWEDISH first-timer Louise Romeike is married to Claas Hermann Romeike, son of 2008 Olympic champion Hinrich Romeike, who was sixth at Badminton in 2007. With Hinrich on hand to help, Louise (née Svensson Jåhde) built on 11th at the 2017 Europeans with 24th here with a double jumping clear on Wieloch’s Utah Sun. “I was so nervous before going out,” she said after the cross-country. “She got a bit tired, but we fought on to the finish line.”…

MITSUBISHI MOTORS BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS 2019 Withdrawn after cross-country — Magennis (Jim Newsam, IRL) 41.1,0,23.2; Mr Chunky (Padraig McCarthy, IRL) 31.2,22,3.2; Mr Bass (Laura Collett, GBR) 27.6,0,17.2 Eliminated on cross-country — Dargun (Emily King, GBR) 31.6; Charlton Down Riverdance (Becky Woolven, GBR) 40.6; Vendredi Biats (Kitty King, GBR) 27.2; Templar Justice (Katie Preston, GBR) 36.9 Retired on cross-country — Star Witness (Tina Cook, GBR) 40; 2, Bango (Tim Price, NZL) 37.6; Coolys Luxury (Tom Crisp, GBR) 34.2; Tahina Des Isles (Camille Lejeune, FRA) 34.5; Drumbilla Metro (Simon Grieve, GBR) 34; Rumour Has It NOP (Merel Blom, NED) 40.2; King Eider (Louisa Milne Home, GBR) 36.6; Alfies Clover (Richard Jones, GBR) 35.7; Sportsfield Othello (Joseph Murphy, IRL) 38.4; NZB Campino (Mark Todd, NZL) 30.6; Reve Du Rouet (Sarah Bullimore, GBR) 32.9;…

AFTER 14 years of trying, Kate Broatch (pictured) secured her first win in a BE100 at Frenchfield (1) on board her own seven-year-old mare, Trent Red Mexico (Tequila). “At last, everything came together on the same day,” smiled Kate, who works full-time in retail and bought Tequila, her only horse, as a five-year-old. “She’s brilliant — dead easy to handle and to ride,” she said. Unsurprisingly, given that the mare is by the Billy Stud’s Billy Mexico, Kate reveals that their strongest phase is the showjumping. “We both grin and bear the dressage,” she said. A step up to novice is now on the cards for the duo. At Chilham Castle (1), 12-year-old Crawley and Horsham branch of the Pony Club member Bridget Priest and Culmore Frank came out top…

KATE BEIER and her home-bred bay mare, The Gossip, aged 11, were the runaway winners of the open novice at Chilham Castle (1). “She was the third foal we bred from her mother [intermediate eventer] Macadee, whom we bought as a broodmare after she finished her eventing career. All three of her offspring were bay fillies, hence The Gossip’s stable name is ‘Ditto’,” ” said Kate. “She’s very straightforward,” said Kate, whose score of 25.3 was the best in the section. She works full-time in London and has two sons who are “active Pony Club members, so life can be hectic at times,” added Kate, whose mother helps keep the horses fit.…

SPARSHOLT 27 April: prelim 15Q gold (S Wood).— 1, Ketcher B (E Ivens) 66.6. brnz.— 1, Flash Dancing (S Billing) 68.2; 2, Super De Rouhet (M Lovejoy) 66. prelim 19Q gold (H Keen).— 1, Kentford Ultimatum (S Damment) 76.25; 2, Ketcher B 69.37; 3, Aabernethys Eywas Bay Lady (G Abernethy Palmer) 66.04. silv.— 1, Goldbrooks Midnight Air (H Corlett) 74.16; 2, Zen (A Lawrence) 65.2. brnz.— 1, Flash Dancing 75.41; 2, CVS Timepiece (S Herridge) 70; 3, Super De Rouhet 66.04. nov 23 silv (A Cardiff).— 1, Raffiti (K Carss) 69.79; 2, Nou Nours B (P Bennett) 67.29; 3, Kief Cavalux Rising (S Damment) 67.29. brnz.— 1, CVS Timepiece 68.75; 2, Goldbrooks Midnight Air 67.29; 3, Mumaathel (G East) 64.58. nov 39Q silv (H Keen).— 1, Raffiti 70.96; 2, One…

Hickstead, W Susssex | Hadlow, Kent “We couldn’t afford a horse with three good paces; Sam’s best pace is canter,” said Tania Grantham, who rode Samarino to score 64.41% at Hickstead. “After difficulty sorting out my previous horse’s confused changes I wanted to ensure I had an adjustable canter before teaching them. At home the one-tempis have been brilliant but things can be different in a test. “It didn’t all go to plan. In our first piaffe I pushed Sam out of rhythm so he ended up cantering, but I was proud that we managed to get back into passage in the arena for the following passagepiaffe-passage sequence.” Dressage newcomers Jen Wilson and Direct Cavalier notched up their third and fourth bronze prelim wins in three outings. Before starting to…

TYLER BRADSHAW’S Igor VIII was once given a 5% chance of survival after suffering from septic peritonitis. Two years later, he earned a plus-76% score in an elementary at Bicton. “I thought he had a bout of colic, but something made me think I should call the vet. He wasn’t worried until he took his pulse, which was through the roof. If I’d waited an hour, it would have been too late,” said Tyler. “We don’t know how it was caused, but he might have eaten a twig in the hedge that ripped his insides. He had an operation where they opened up his peritoneal cavity and washed it out.” Tiverton-based Tyler bought the Uphill-sired Igor VIII unbacked in the Netherlands, but the six-year-old only started serious work last year.…

Aintree Arena, Merseyside | Field House EC, Staffs | Arley Moss EC, Cheshire Cazzy and Frenderups De Nice scored 75% to win by a massive 10% riding to music by Sia, put together by Tom Hunt. Cazzy bought the De Noir x Blue Hors Future mare in Denmark in 2015. “Poor girl, she had the journey from hell when she came over and it really knocked the stuffing out of her,” said Cazzy. “It took her a good six months to recover and she is such a trier.” Last year the combination won the summer music championships and all roads lead there again. “This year is all about defending that title,” said Cazzy. At Field House, Chloe Naylor won both advanced mediums with her 12-year-old Holme Grove Prokoflev son Karisma.…

CSI3* Le Touquet, France WILLIAM FUNNELL claimed the young horse grand prix at this popular show riding the seven-year-old mare Billy Spiral (Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve x Billy Mexico), after more than 60 quality youngsters came forward for top honours. The pair produced one of only four double clears, then flew home nearly two seconds quicker than their nearest rival. Laura Renwick claimed a win in Friday’s 1.40m speed class on the eight-year-old Arkuga (Arko III x Heartbreaker) and the pair went on to finish best of the Brits in Sunday’s grand prix in sixth. Robert Whitaker took third in Thursday’s 1.45m speed class riding Javas Wild Child, then followed up with fifth place in Saturday’s Derby.…

Northern Ireland Showing Festival, Cavan EC, Ireland THIS show proved déjà vu for Louise Lyons and MJM Laszlo. After again winning the Cuddy Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) working hunter qualifier and their Festival working hunter division, they went on to take the final supreme honours. Louise started the week as The Greatest Showman as she led her daughters Nancy and Robin in the opening fancy dress, and she finished riding a horse she termed “the greatest showman” to lift the closing £1,000 supreme Festival working hunter championship. After finishing runner up at HOYS last October, Laszlo, a Classic Vision nine-year-old, wintered with his owner Paulette Cooper and enjoyed following the Quorn hounds with stable jockey Damian Curran. Having returned to Louise’s Kilkenny base five weeks ago, Laszlo was…

ONE evening in Liverpool, a few friends met to talk about forming a society for northern pony breeders, who felt remote from organisations flourishing in the south. The NCPA was subsequently founded in 1964 and is a ridden and in-hand showing society with charitable status, based on its training and education ethos. It consists of nine branches, which along with the main branch “Pony of the Year” show (8 September), hold a number of events throughout the year. The Lancashire branch is the largest, with an eight-strong committee and Betty Nuttall as chairman.…

RIHS, WHP (D Puttock) int.— 1 & ch, J Mitchell’s Glasson Rose. 153cm.—1 & res, A Ridge’s Tinkers Gift; 2, T Mortimer’s Buckland Gambler. 143cm.— 1, J Luker’s Meelickisland Corncrake. 133cm.— 1, K Jenning’s Hot Tottie; 2, S Godbear’s Bicton Dun In A Rush; 3, H Thomas’s Annandale Captain Splash. nursery.— 1 & ch, Y Lewis’s Bunbury Sail. Pretty Polly M&M (J Bushell) open ridden.— 1, E Lerwill’s Ambra Jacaranda; 2, S Waller’s Hillview Sandy; 3, C Hennig’s Chezmar Boogie Nights. LR.— 1, C Rafferty’s Crumpwell Chandler; 2, K Parkin’s Gelliniog Olga; 3, P Watson’s Glebedale Jimmy Choo. FR.— 1, Glebedale Jimmy Choo. mini M&M.— 1 & ch, B Hodge’s Sharptor Silver Skyline; 2, S Boustead’s Rookery Royal Edition; 3, Gelliniog Olga. FR.— 1 & res, P Watson’s Wyedean Sinatra;…

Hunter Chase Evening, Cheltenham Racecourse, Glos DOCTORS feared amateur jockey Lily Bradstock might never walk again, let alone ride. However, last Friday, 3 May, she defied the odds as she became the latest member of her famous racing family to savour success at the home of jump racing aboard Southfield Theatre. Seven years ago, then aged 15, Bradstock was kicked in the groin by a horse. So severe was the nerve damage that doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital doubted she would regain full mobility. A series of operations at the famous children’s hospital in London followed over five years, before she set foot on the road to recovery and returned to what had seemed a familial right of passage. Her parents, Mark and Sara Bradstock, both formerly amateur race-riders,…

World champion Ros Canter has claimed the number one spot in the eventing world rankings. Ros is the first woman to take the crown since Mary King held the spot in 2011. Amy Akehurst, who works for eventer Tom Crisp, won the Badminton Horse Trials groom award 2019. Amy said winning the award was “quite special” and a “real team effort”. Jockey Club CEO Simon Bazalgette has stepped down after more than 10 years. The search has begun for Simon’s successor while he hopes to stay in a non-executive or advisory role. Farrier Antony Marris won the prize for the best-shod horse at Badminton 2019. Antony is farrier to Call Me Maggie May who completed the event with Izzy Taylor in 31st place. Dutch Olympic gold medallist Jeroen Dubbeldam has…

ROY BUREK THE equestrian world is mourning the loss of a pioneer in safety after Mr Burek died in his sleep from a heart attack on 27 April, aged 61. Mr Burek (pictured, above) was the chairman and managing director of riding helmet manufacturer Charles Owen and a leading light in research into brain injuries and head protection. He was an instrumental part of the company, which was founded by his grandfather in 1911, and his life’s work was dedicated to making riding safer and saving lives. He was integral in developing international safety standards and research into the science of head injuries, which led to him being appointed as honorary professor at Cardiff University in 2017. British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) executive director Claire Williams told H&H “the trade…

GETTING A MOVE ON The Cheshire police and crime commissioner (PCC) held a “scrutiny” meeting on hunting, on 25 February. Having promised the minutes would be published in early May, nine weeks later the PCC is now saying it’s going to be next month. Almost as if they don’t want to publish them, isn’t it? BIG QUESTIONS Anyone who tries to sign up to Point-to-Point Authority newsletters may be taken aback by the anti-spam filter. Instead of “I’m not a robot”, the user is ordered to “confirm humanity”. Why not go the whole hog and ask for the meaning of life? NOTTING HILL An H&H journalist,on giving her identity to racing superstar Ruby Walsh, was surprised when he asked: “Is this a Love Actually moment?” Right actor, wrong film, Ruby.…

Always wear gloves to protect your hands when long-reining. Avoid getting left behind — your horse should not be steaming ahead as this can make you pull on the reins, preventing you from driving him forward. Ensure the bit is in the correct place — once an animal learns to get his tongue over, this is a difficult habit to correct. Use an appropriate bit, as too strong a bit will encourage your horse to overbend rather than take the contact forward. You need to be fit to keep up with your horse’s pace. You also need enough stamina to be able to persevere with solving a problem, or it will be even more difficult the next time you attempt it.…

MILLIE DUMAS, 26, made a stir on her debut with seventh after the first phase on her own and Ellie Guy’s Artistiek, with whom she was a young rider team silver medallist in 2013. The pair recorded a steady clear across country, finishing 34th. “He’s a character — a rubber bouncing ball. He’s only just 16hh, but he’s short-coupled with a lot of power,” she said. “He doesn’t give you confidence at home because he spends his life spooking at everything.”…

BE100open.— 1, Tarmac Adam (K Willman) 24.5,0,0=24.5; 2, Mutual Will (A Pearn) 27.3,0,0=27.3; 3, Bloomfield Tiger Two (G Toulson-Clarke) 28.8,0,0=28.8. BE100 sec F.— 1, Jannimesa Jewel (J Bleekman) 28.8,0,0=28.8; 2, Wizard Of Oz X (S Higman) 29,0,1.2=30.2; 3, Tolerant (E Slade) 33,0,0=33. sec G.— 1, Iwan (A Barlow) 24.8,0,0=24.8; 2, Lady Skylark (R Shire) 21,4,0=25; 3, Wilkismoor Wichita (C Thompson) 25,0,0=25. BE90 sec A.— 1, Towerhill Shamie (C Dunn) 29.8,0,0=29.8; 2, Midsummer Faerie (S Moore) 31.5,0,0=31.5; 3, Apyllios Legend (A Hughes) 33.3,0,0=33.3. sec B.— 1, Forever Autumn DS (L Luxton) 25.5,0,0=25.5; 2, Rainbow Boy (M Juleff) 23.3,4,0=27.3; 3, Banksy III (T Wallace) 29.3,0,0=29.3. sec C.— 1, Bowleaze (T Williams) 22.5,0,0=22.5; 2, Call Me Divine (E Dunstan) 23.5,0,0=23.5; 3, Cruise Breaker (L Luxton) 28,0,0=28. BE80(T) sec D.— 1, Penshanda (N Palmer)…

Addington Equestrian, Bucks Show producer Rebecca Lock’s 13.2hh coloured cob landed a prelim double — scoring 76.67% in one test — at Addington. Rebecca has owned the 10-year-old since he was a yearling. ‘He’s won every test so far’REBECCA LOCK “He’s been to Horse of the Year Show numerous times and was champion at Royal International last year, so there’s not much he hasn’t won in the show ring,” said Rebecca. “He’s such a flashy mover I thought I’d do a bit of dressage with him. It’s lovely being able to turn up, do your test and then go again.” Alongside aiming for a handful of qualifying shows, Rebecca is now aiming for the bronze championships and the Area Festivals. “Being a cob, how far we get depends on how…

KEYSOE 23 April: prelim 15Q gold (J Robinson).— 1, Kinnear (E Woolley) 68.8. brnz.— 1, Stefano III (H Allardyce) 67.8; 2, Milenka (J Underhill) 66.6; 3, Black Butch (E Ward) 66.4. prelim 17Q gold (J Patchett).— 1, Kinnear 66.38. silv.— 1, Llanstephan Merlyn (E Smith) 68.45; 2, Saoirse Serenade (E Ireson) 67.24; 3, Prestige’s Premier Start (M Hammond) 64.66. brnz.— 1, Stefano III 67.07; 2, Black Butch 66.72; 3, Castle Ellis Rodger (C Godfrey) 65.52. nov 23 gold (J Robinson).— 1, Intergalactic Aimbry (L Osman) 70.42; 2, Fred Astaire WD (J Turney) 66.46; 3, Charisma DD (TA Nelson) 59.38. silv.— 1, Drewmain Blackstar (D Rawlinson) 66.46; 2, Besotted (L Bartlett) 60.63. brnz.— 1, Saoirse Serenade 61.88; 2, Dunsmore Glenfiddich (A Perry) 60.21; 3, Silver Sky Twister (E Harton) 55.63. nov…

Summerhouse Equestrian, Glos | Hunters Equestrian, Glos Jessica brought Ilanka over from the Netherlands last autumn, with short-term plans. “I hadn’t ridden her, so I bought her on the strength of a video,” said Jessica of the six-year-old Sorento mare. “I thought I’d sell her on after a month, but now I’d love to take her up the levels. “She has so much scope,” added Jessica, who trains with Charlotte Dujardin and runs an Oxfordshire livery yard. “It feels as if there’s no limit to her movement.” Alex Harrison headed both mediums at Hunters Equestrian with Hero VII, who has been sidelined with injury for a year. “He’s a bit of a livewire and can be funny with other horses, but he didn’t seem bothered this time,” said Alex. “I…

HICKSTEAD 26 April: prelim 15Q gold.— 1, Noel Diamond (J Price) 64.2 silv.— 1, Ashley’s Imperial Diamond (S Bluck) 68.2; 2, Cruising on Red (L Downs) 65.2. brnz.— 1, Direct Cavalier (J Wilson) 72.4; 2, Mon Desir (A Pinnock) 65.2; 3, Rapacinos Lady (E Beasley) 63.4. prelim 17A Q silv (A Kempner).— 1, Lucy Kildare (E Bishop) 67.41; 2, Cikita (L Duval) 67.41; 3, Cruising on Red 66.03. brnz.— 1, Direct Cavalier 68.62; 2, Lookout Dakota (E Storm) 65.69; 3, Muckrim Breandan (L Bell) 63.79. nov 22 gold (Y Huber).— 1, Codello BS (M Bauer) 68.1; 2, Britannia (J Dykes) 63.79; 3, Diatano Delilah (D Timson) 62.24. silv.— 1, Grandeur Utopia (M White) 70.52; 2, Jalado’s Star (H Millichamp) 67.93; 3, Chincalease Spirit (L Hall) 66.03. brnz.— 1, Purple Cosmos…

IT’S amazing how quickly accidents can happen, and how things can turn from calm to chaos in a split second. This happened to me at the Doha CDI in March when my horse Rubins Nite (Squeaks) took fright and bolted while I was being interviewed. He had bad skin burns and swelling from where he fell on the rubber matting, but has now been given the all-clear to return to work. I don’t want to relive it, but I can’t help wondering how we could have prevented it, and thinking what I would do without my top horse. You just never know what can happen with horses; you live and learn from episodes like this and thankfully we will dance again. Having to take time off with him, especially at…

OVER the bank holiday weekend (3-6 May), I was competing in the CSI2* Chepstow (see report next week, 16 May). I’ve been jumping at the Wales and West venue since I was on 128cm ponies and I’ve seen it evolve, change and improve in the past 10 years. The old Castle Arena — now the Magic Arena — with its brand-new surface is now up to date and a great facility; we are lucky to have this show centre in Great Britain. And there is an added bonus. This new arena has taken quite a lot of classes out of other rings, opening up the working spaces. It’s fantastic to be able to work the horses not just in the warm-up arena, but to get the opportunity to use the…

CSI2* Bonheiden, Belgium BRITISH riders were out in force here, earning a hefty haul of ribbons between them. Matthew Sampson and the nine-year-old Firefly W headed a competitive speed class on Friday by nearly three seconds, before narrowly missing out in the equivalent class the following day by just 0.11sec. On Sunday, Matthew teamed up with the consistent Geneve R to finish ninth in the grand prix. Chloe Aston was among the winners in the young horse section on the Zangersheide mare Nistria Chanti Z, and she claimed victory in Sunday’s two-phase on Flavie Van De Helle.…

HOYS WHP (R Holmes, J Conifey) 133cm.— 1, L Kelly’s Tinnecarrig Milo; 2, J Hancock’s Corries Jack In A Box; 3, A Hobson’s Brimstone Bowman. 143cm.— 1, F Plumb’s Allandy Gold Spark; 2, S Riley’s Monarch Of The Glen; 3, G Creighton’s Derrygimbla Atlantic Storm. 153cm.— 1, L White’s Jimmy Thunderstruck; 2, J Hancock’s Coppenagh Spring Sparrow; 3, J Field’s Creganna Dandini. int.— 1, C Smiley’s Newmarket Alloy; 2, R Moore’s Country Strong; 3, G Creighton’s Altaskin Harley. WH (M Cooper, Z Pawley).— 1, P Cooper’s MJM Laszlo; 2, E McGowan’s EMS Richeals Pet; 3, L Kelly’s HL Marley And Me. Cuddy in-hand (R Keeling).— 1, W & J Moran’s Tiger Cub; 2, J Burke’s Banks Timber; 3, T Bell’s Beltoy Griffindor.…

HOYS, M&M ridden (L Hilard, D Spears) Con.— 1, S Fowler’s Glencarrig Marble; 2, J Andrews’ Boyne Girl; 3, C Goodridge’s Oaklands Adonis Blue. Fell/Dales/Highland/NF.— 1 & ch, A Thorpe’s Highland Chief Of Talisker; 2, C Green’s Woodrow March Past; 3, J Steeples’ Castle Hill Crystal. C.— 1, L Atkinson’s Danwood Llwellyn; 2, M & L Kilbey’s Parvadene Estelle; 3, L Beaumont’s Synod Ribbons. D.— 1, A Simcox’s Drogeda Valentino; 2, L Barker’s Tireinon Defender; 3, E Davis’ Haighmoor Llewellyn. jun (M Jones, B McGrath) sml.— 1 & res, N Bentley’s Glenlichd Fair Un Square; 2, H Grota’s Cadlanvalley Mikado; 3, L Richardson’s Elberry Suilen. lrg.— 1 & ch, K Seedhouse’s Skellorn Prairie Starlight; 2, K Lamont’s Sean Baille Larry; 3, K Faulkner’s Austin Of Miltonglen. RIHS, amt (E Mackechnie-Guire,…

RIHS, WHP (L Gaunt, J Carter) int.— 1 & ch, P King’s Shersheen Courage; 2, R Harrold’s Shannondale Gold Run; 3, D Vaughan-Jones’ Hare Meare Jimmy Mac. 153cm.— 1, J Wilson-Barnes’ West Grey; 2, J Reading’s Makers Laugh; 3, J Hurdis’ Evolution. 143cm.— 1, C Thompson’s Knockash Benji; 2, C Thompson’s Fraggle; 3, V Sidaway’s Knockboy Lad. 133cm.— 1 & res, J Linnell’s Wyfi Masterman; 2, K Kozersky’s Chester XVI . nursery.— 1, Wyfi Masterman; 2, V Bell’s CJ’s Tonto; 3, H Rodgers’ Wilderness Firecracker. part-bred Arab (H Cook, S Somers) 148cm.— 1 & res, J Watson’s Anton Dancing Romance; 2, C Mitchell’s Rotherwood Another Peep; 3, L Mitchell’s Caithness Royal Ruby. exc 148cm.— 1 & ch, J Eley’s Brindlebrook Little Scoundrel; 2, R Bailey’s Jazz It Up; 3, M…

RIHS, hack (J Judge) sml.— 1, J Spragett’s Whalton Extravaganza; 2, E Bergstrom’s Bankswood Savoir Faire; 3, S Altham’s Scottshall Rembrandt. lrg.— 1 & ch, M Lewin’s Temple Garden; 2 & res, G Wilkes’ Fridebi Supreme Way. RH, sml.— 1 & ch, HM The Queen’s Donation; 2, Mrs P Duncan’s Kilnamona Glenn; 3, L Homer’s SKS First Waltz. lrg.— 1 & res, D Williams’ Broadshard Simplicity; 2, H Whiteley-John’s Absolutely Fashion; 3, G Parkin’s Gems Black Magic. cob, l’wt.— 1 & ch, Lady Caroline Tyrrell’s Our Cashel Blue; 2, A Johnson’s Quintons Ernest; 3, Baileys Horse Feeds’ Epimetheus. h’wt.— 1, Mrs J Byford’s Master Of The House; 2, H Hyde-Andrews’ Randalstown Columbo; 3, Baileys Horse Feeds’ Volantis. maxi.— 1 & res, C Mackness’ Country Seat; 2, N Armstrong-Finlay’s Coast To…

IT’S that time of year when all the studs are frantically busy with foaling and covering. We have already had our first foal, with another two expected in the next few weeks. I have always maintained that breeding is a mug’s game; there are so many factors to get right in order to breed a potential winner, let alone a superstar. I don’t think the average competitor takes into consideration the time, effort, cost and heartache that goes into breeding just one animal good enough for the county level circuit. Not only do the breeders have to bear the cost of keeping the mare and covering her, they then have the cost of keeping and running the foal on in the hope that he will: a) stay alive; b) make…

THE new hunting year began on 1 May, and brought with it some considerable changes in personnel at hunts all over the country. Some were announced before Christmas, while others have taken place in recent weeks. ENGLAND THE Quorn — probably the most famous pack of foxhounds in the world — has a new look to its team, with Ollie Finnegan appointed as huntsman following the retirement of Peter Collins. Rowan Cope has moved from the Pytchley’s mastership squad to that of the Quorn, and is bound to give the Monday field some serious thrills. He and Paul Ikin join Joss and Nicky Hanbury, James Mossman and the Hon Amanda Eastwood. Following Andrew Osborne’s retirement at the neighbouring Cottesmore, Chris Edwards will carry the horn for the first time. Doone…