Innholdsfortegnelse for 04-Jul-2019 i Horse & Hound

WHEN Tim Stockdale died last November you couldn’t find anyone without a good word to say about him as a rider and ambassador for the sport, such was the positive impact he’d had on so many equestrians’ lives. Testament to that is the support shown for the charity set up in Tim’s memory, the Tim Stockdale Foundation. Furthermore, in his H&H interview this week (p38) Tim’s son Joe reveals that all his horse’s owners and sponsors have stayed with Joe now that he has picked up the baton from his father. Until Tim’s illness, Joe was pursuing a cricket career and horses were “just for fun”. His father told him to do cricket — “much easier”, he said. However, as Tim’s illness worsened and he was given limited time, he…

RICHARD BARBER ONE of pointing’s greatest trainers, who helped launch the careers of many in the point-to-point and racing worlds, Mr Barber died recently aged 77. He saddled more than 1,000 winners in British point-to-points as well as four victors of the Cheltenham Foxhunter and a winner of the Aintree Foxhunters’ Chase. Mr Barber frequently had 50 winners in a season and would have been champion point-to-point trainer numerous times, but the title was only introduced six years ago. His grandson Jack Barber, now a licensed trainer, became champion point-to-point trainer the following two seasons after Mr Barber’s retirement in 2014. Hundreds turned out for his funeral, held at St John’s Church in Seaborough, Dorset, on 24 June, which was adjacent to Mr Barber’s Manor Farm. It was standing room…

THOSE who thought they had been invited to Piggy French and Thomas March’s home on 26 June for a party to celebrate Piggy’s Badminton win found themselves as guests at the couple’s wedding. After drinks in a marquee, and an emotional speech from Piggy, the bride then announced the real reason for the occasion, to loud cheers. Two double-decker buses whisked guests, including a legion of top eventers, to church, and then back to the farm for dinner, speeches and dancing. The occasion was largely organised — in just five weeks — by Sara Fowler, Piggy’s friend and former PA, and is a tribute to the affection and high esteem in which Piggy is held by her fellow riders that so many of them made the effort to attend during…

POST-OP physiotherapy is key to success with ISLD treatment, explains Rachel Greetham MCSP, ACPAT physiotherapist. “The aim is to remove any muscle spasm and pain, before restoring correct muscle function and range of movement,” says Rachel, a physio for the British senior eventing team. “It’s very important to develop the horse’s topline to create strength and stability. His core muscles — the abdominals and gluteals — also need to be strong to support the spinal column. “All the basics, such as saddle fit, should be checked to rule out any other causes of discomfort,” adds Rachel. “It’s quite common to sort out back pain only to unearth another lameness or a secondary cause of pain, so it’s vital to make sure that the horse is moving properly. “Ideally, the horse…

GEORGIE SPENCE FIVE-STAR eventer Georgie Spence is a multi junior and young rider European eventing medallist. She has completed both Badminton and Burghley eight times, her best result at five-star (previously four-star) being 12th at Burghley in 2015 on Wii Limbo. TRAINING THE STARS I HAVE had one horse who struggled with the start box. She was very talented and although she had a “naughty” streak, the start box issue was purely through adrenalin. We would always keep her walking because as soon as she stood still it was a chance for her to plant her feet and refuse to move. If you then tried to kick her forward she would rear or spin. If she had a problem at an event, we’d go back to basics and practise being…

“I DON’T do a lot of other Pony Club activities, but I’m quite competitive and tetrathlon is challenging, rewarding and very sociable,” says 15-year-old Charlotte Hadden-Wight from Berkshire. As disciplines including eventing and dressage have lured Pony Club members away from camp and rallies to specialise ever younger, has the Pony Club’s very own discipline of tetrathlon fared any better? This quirky contest comprising air pistol shooting, running, swimming and cross-country riding was originally run only for boys. It is still considered a boy-magnet for the Pony Club and has certainly helped fuel our successes in the Olympic sport of modern pentathlon — in which cross-country riding is switched for showjumping (on an unknown horse, rather than your own), with fencing added to the mix, too. Yet despite the enthusiasm…

THERE wouldn’t be many grand prix winners as adept on the turf of Lord’s as that of Royal Windsor. Last summer, schoolboy Joe Stockdale was set for a stellar cricketing career. On the Northamptonshire county squad, the bowler had secured a contract with an Australian club for the winter after his A levels. A troublesome knee injury put that trip in jeopardy, but that was just a shadow of how fate would intervene. In October, his father, Olympic showjumper Tim, was diagnosed with stomach cancer. The following month, Tim died, leaving a yard full of riderless horses and owners, and his devastated family — wife Laura and sons Joe, 19, and Mark, 15. During those six short, agonising weeks, Joe decided to put his cricketing dreams to one side and…

Reverdy Brightling Park, East Sussex A HORSE who started his eventing career at Brightling Park won the last-ever three-star class to be held here. Deniro Z and US rider Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp took the Charles Stanley CCI3*-S. The 11-year-old gelding added just 6.8 cross-country time-penalties to his dressage score, in a class in which no combinations finished within the optimum time. ‘The heat isn’t his favourite thing but he was really happy to be out’GEORGIA BARTLETT’S WACKO JACKO SHRUGS OFF THE HEATWAVE “I was aiming for a tidy run rather than a quick one, so I didn’t go mad but I was pushing at the end,” said Elisabeth, adding that it was the horse’s first run since Kentucky in April, when he fell across country, and he is being aimed at…

CCI2*-S.— 1, JSR Crazy Mazy (Z Rymer) 30.2,0,0=30.2; 2, Shannondale Inca (C Powell) 31.6,0,0=31.6; 3, PRF Jaguar Elite (L Atkinson) 31.9,0,0=31.9. OI.— 1, Artful Trinity (I Taylor) 25.9,0,0=25.9; 2, Calling Card (P French) 23.6,0,4=27.6; 3, Monkeying Around (I Taylor) 28.2,0,0=28.2. int sec E.— 1, Cock A Doodle Doo (W Newton) 27.5,0,8=35.5; 2, Hartacker (I Taylor) 30.7,4,2.8=37.5; 3, Ducatti II (E Hyslop-Webb) 29.8,0,10.4=40.2. sec F.— 1, Newmarket Glider (I Taylor) 25.2,0,0=25.2; 2, Ardagh Breeze (B Staples) 25.7,0,9.2=34.9; 3, Dali III (G Gurvidi) 29.3,4,2.4=35.7. ON.— 1, Brookfield Inocent (P French) 24.3,0,1.6=25.9; 2, Major Diamond Flight (W Clayton) 31.3,0,0=31.3; 3, Kilpatrick Knight (G Herrling) 31.8,0,0=31.8. nov sec B.— 1, Hikita (J-P Sheffield) 23.3,0,2.4=25.7; 2, Vintage Graffiti (A Hallows) 24.3,0,2.4=26.7; 3, Kannanball Run (F Davidson) 28.8,0,0=28.8. sec C.— 1, Redwood Autumn (M Wright) 34,0,0=34;…

ZOE TAYLOR said it was a “real shock” to win BE90 section C at Alnwick Ford. The primary school teacher from near Whitby in North Yorkshire was riding her 13-year-old home-bred mare, Dilys, who is by Marius Claudius. “It was only our second event and second dressage test, so my aim was really just to get her going,” explained Zoe, who added 0.4 of a cross-country time-fault to a 21.8 dressage, leading from start to finish. “I bred her out of my first-ever horse while I was at university and we’ve concentrated on showjumping up to Foxhunter,” said Zoe. “But I hunted her over the winter and I was getting a bit bored of showjumping, so I decided to give eventing a try. I’d like to move her up the…

I HAVE to admit that I have been rather a part-time eventer recently, as we have been getting everything sorted for our new racehorse training venture. I have six two-year-olds in work; some will be ready to run in eight to 10 weeks’ time, while others will take a bit longer and are more like three-year-old types. A couple of older horses look like they are heading my way, and we are steadily building up. He’s Eminent, who finished second in a Group One for me in Australia earlier in the year and then ran in Hong Kong just before Badminton, is in quarantine before heading home to go to stud in New Zealand. I think he will make a really good stallion. He’s a lovely horse and I think…

Youth Inter-Regionals, Keysoe, Beds THE South-West Donald Ducks defended their 2018 title, defeating 42 teams featuring young leading lights of the future. Florence Human and Fulgencio spearheaded the team to glory as they triumphed individually in the B+ squad section. The pair have been together for two years and this accolade added to a sparkling list of achievements, including two regional titles at elementary. Florence and the eight-year-old gelding by Furstenball produced magical performances, which echoed his namesake. “His nickname is Dylan, from The Magic Roundabout,” said Florence, who scored at least 90% in both tests, which are marked primarily on the rider’s abilities rather than the horse. “He’s so named because he is quite lazy. Nothing ever fazes him, which is very much a blessing.” Reflecting on her tests,…

A FORMER parade horse who served with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards is behind Shaun and Eva Measures’ dressage dynasty. Sea Mist was given to the regiment by her breeder. They quickly discovered the excitement of being on parade was too much for her, so she served instead as a riding horse. The mare came down to Sandhurst Military Academy, which is where Eva “fell in love” with her. “As the regiment were being posted to the Balkans, we asked if we could have her on a two-year loan to breed from — 17 years later, she was still here,” said Eva, adding that the mare lived to the age of 32. They had three straws from Rubinstein and the mare took on the final one, giving them a much-wanted…

PSG (E Eisenhardt, M Sanders, S Baarup, T Lang, J Foy).— 1, Valparaiso (V Max-Theurer) AUT 73.91; 2, Smirnoff (D Schneider) GER 73.7; 3, Fürst Fiorano Ymas (P Gomez Molina) ESP 70.5; 16, Leroy Naeldeborg (J Reynolds) IRL 64.11. GP for special (K Wüst, P Storr, S Hoevenaars, A Schwab, I Maknami).— 1, Bella Rose (I Werth) GER 82.95; 2, Gut Wettlkam’s Stand By Me (L Müller) GER 75.47; 3, Vancouver K (J Reynolds) IRL 75; 9, Esporim (A Merveldt) IRL 69.76; 10, Into The Blue (L Bell) GBR 69.6. inter I (S Hoevenaars, A Schwab, I Maknami, P Storr, K Wüst).— 1, Smirnoff 72.97; 2, Farant (T Zach) AUT 70.41; 3, Fürst Fiorano Ymas 69.5; 8, Leroy Naeldeborg 66.73. GP for kür (T Lang, E Eisenhardt, M Sanders, J…

Bold Heath EC, Cheshire | Myerscough Arena, Lancs “Luckily all my kit was in the lorry,” said Paula Holden, who stepped in and won both novices on the mare she shares with Caroline. “I’ve been competing her at elementary while Caroline has qualified her for the regionals at prelim and the Area Festival at novice.” The mare was bought through word of mouth not long after she was imported from Ireland. “She’s a dream girl,” added Paula. “Get a mare onside and they are the best, and this one’s a star; she makes you look the best you can.” Jane Taylor and her former “project” Riverstone Blue Diamond won the prelim and novice qualifiers at Myerscough Arena. Jane bought the 14-year-old after he came to her to be sold five…

LAKE FARM 23 June: prelim 7Q silv (D Hibbert).— 1, Southborne Rolo (T Muir) 67.95. prelim 19Q silv.— 1, Mister Red 2 (D Norris) 68.54; 2, Southborne Rolo 65.83. brnz.— 1, Solcara (K Quinn) 65.42. nov 27 brnz.— 1, Gitana (S Henton) 68.39; 2, Southborne Rolo 63.93. nov 39Q brnz. (SJ Lanning).— 1, Gitana 69.23; 2, SHW Mr Footings (T Read) 63.65. elem 43 silv.— 1, Gold Flame Guy (S Holmes) 66.38; 2, Cholido (S Darling) 63.28. brnz.— 1, Capuchin Unique (N Coventry) 65.17; 2, S.H.W. Mr Footings 65.17. elem 53Q silv.— 1, Gold Flame Guy 67.79; 2, Cholido 63.53. brnz.— 1, Capuchin Unique 63.82. PSG Q brnz.— 1, Harley Brown (S Holmes) 66.05; 2, Garfield (M Harbour) 59.74. inter I Q gold.— 1, El Paso Van Overis (G Maddocks)…

Ladyleys, Aberdeen | Morris EC, Ayrshire Hilary topped a novice bronze freestyle at Ladyleys, scoring plus-70% with the Welsh section B mare. The Pennwood Troubadour 10-year-old, known as Princess at home, had been lightly shown until purchased in February 2018. Hilary’s mother Emma explained they’d previously had show ponies produced in the south for Hilary, but missed being able to ride at home. “We’ve concentrated on dressage since then and they’ve been based at Caskieben Dressage with Eilidh Grant, who has been very supportive. It has allowed them to continue training through the winter,” said Emma. “Unfortunately Hilary has now prematurely outgrown Princess; she is beautifully schooled and finished fifth in the bronze league novice music leaderboard.” There were a number of high-scoring tests at Morris. Zoe Burgoyne led a…

WHILE it is now so easy to jump on a ferry and compete in Europe, I love to support the British international shows. I have been competing at South View for the past few years in two-star classes, and had a great first visit when winning a ranking class and finishing second in the grand prix riding Wet Wet Wet. This year, winning the opening 1.45m class here with Creevagh Carisma was also a huge bonus, as she had to step up to that level quicker than expected as one of my other horses was sidelined. Because I can’t get into all the international shows I would like to, it is frustrating when two I can enter clash. To travel on from here and compete at Keysoe a day later…

20 June: Ultrabed Highland Challenge.— 1, Happy Boy (P Barker); 2, Hero II (N Williams); 3, Chantal V (M Allen). Fiona Gillepsie Memorial A&B Stakes.— 1, Tinkers Tale (M Edwards); 2, Happy Boy; 3, The Black Flyer (J Smith). British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet HOYS Grade C ch q.— 1, Green Grass (P Barker); JJ’S Prince Chaccomo (G Anderson); Dukes Of Hazzard (E Crawford). William Sheret MBE grade B&C ch.— 1, Zara Zing (A Black); 2, Glencoe (G Babes); 3, Elo II (N Williams). 21 June: International Stairway.— 1, Montreuxs Tale (M Edwards), 2, Sebastian VII (H Tredwell); 3, Quinu De Pravia (M Allen). Andrew Black Haulage & Storage A&B ch.— 1, Happy Boy); 2, Sharp Image (L Saywell); 3, Chantal V). 22 June: Wright, Johnson & Mackenzie LLP breakfast stakes.—…

Royal Highland, Edinburgh THE ever-popular mountain and moorland (M&M) ridden sections provided some of the strongest classes, as several combinations endured long journeys across the border to compete for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) tickets and, ultimately, an iconic blue Royal Highland sash. Topping Sunday’s open ridden championship was the typey bay Welsh section D stallion Northwick Notorious (George), who powered his way to the title with accountant Claire Evans at the helm. Fresh from picking up a HOYS qualification at Royal Cheshire County just a few days earlier, Claire and George were able to take to the main ring without the pressure of needing that golden ticket. A foot-perfect show in a well-filled Welsh cob class saw them retain their top pull-in position, with the qualifying ticket therefore…

COMPETITORS seem to have been bombarded with new “on-the-day” rules at recent shows in wet weather. While we understand it is important to protect the show grounds as much as possible when the rain descends, we must surely endeavour to be as practical as possible. Riders have been grateful that there have been few cancellations; however, some shows put up so many restrictions that it can make it practically impossible to prepare your horse for the class. I have seen rules imposed such as “no cantering” and “no lungeing on the show field”. Unsurprisingly, not all horses come off the lorry prepared to go in the ring. Not everybody seems to have these “police horses”, although I am amazed that many competitors do miraculously bring these animals that can step…

A COMBINATION new to showing turned several heads in the marathon mini native section. It was an emotional moment on several counts when Sandy Wooderson’s home-bred five-year-old Exmoor Badleybridge Ab Fab finished third in a huge lead-rein class with Jennifer Frost, also five. “This was the first foal I bred, and she was born on my late husband Martin’s birthday in the year he died,” said Sandy, who co-owns the mare with her daughter, Madeline Haynes, and has her produced by Christina Gillett. “This was only the third time in a ring for both pony and rider so we certainly weren’t expecting such a great result.”…

British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Midsummer, Arena UK, Lincs IRISH visitor Tiggy Hancock, 13, sealed a successful week across the water when her first-season 143cm worker Monarch Of The Glen landed a winning double and championship, and her 133cm Corries Jack In The Box (Doc) also won to book his place at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). Entries were again good at this popular show and Lisa Kelly built a forward, flowing track for the worker hopefuls, who produced some excellent jumping as a result. Glen’s was the best of six clears in his class and, according to judge Jane Carter, richly deserved his subsequent tricolour. “This pony was totally charming,” she said. “It’s so free and balanced, and its feet hardly touched the ground in canter. Then it…

THE journey from Scotland proved worthwhile for Clare Pearson, who claimed her first HOYS ticket after In Contention (Oliver) won the Cuddy open working hunter qualifier. Due to the amount of travelling required from Ayrshire, Clare manages only around five shows a season with her home-bred Converter 11-year-old. Although Clare has three other horses for showjumping, Oliver is her only show horse, and this was their one and only class here. “We keep ticking over with some winter jumping, but as he is laid-back and gives a soft ride, he can just pull out and do the showing job. This was a tough course, but he is very careful,” said Clare, who also went on to win the same class at the Royal Highland. Robert Walker, the winning lightweight and…

A MEMORIAL campaign to raise money to train mental health first aiders in memory of a teenage rider has passed £10,000. Tim Jones, 17, a talented young eventer and work rider who had dreams of becoming a trainer, took his own life in May. He evented at BE100 level, competing at the Mitsubishi Motors Cup at Badminton this year and had been involved in racing for many years; pony racing, helping and riding out for North Yorkshire-based trainer Micky Hammond and had completed his amateur jockey licence course. His father Simon set up the fundraiser with the aim of raising £5,000 to go towards training racing staff to be able to spot and help in situations regarding mental health. “I want, with your support, to help Racing Welfare build up…

THE results of the 2019 British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) survey give a “cautiously optimistic” view of the industry. The results of the survey, the only one to investigate the size and shape of the UK equestrian industry, show the number of riders in the UK, and the amount they spend, is on the up — but also that many of those who cannot ride cite lack of access to horses and facilities. The survey, the sixth over the past 25 years, shows that the decline in the number of riders in the country over the previous 10 years appears to be recovering. “This latest survey is one of the most robust ever — based on 6,151 nationally representative interviews,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams. “On the whole, it…

OLYMPIA HONOURS FOR STOCKDALE THE Tim Stockdale Foundation is to be the official charity of Olympia, the London International Horse Show this year. The foundation, which was launched at the show in 2018, aims to raise money to support young people making their way in the three sports Tim was passionate about; riding, golf and cricket. An Olympia spokesman said the show is “honoured” to be supporting the charity at this year’s event. The 2019 show takes place from 16-22 December. RACING WELFARE REWARDS STAFF RACING Staff Week has returned, with all 41 courses hosting fixtures this week (29 June-6 July) supporting Racing Welfare’s initiative. The campaign champions those working in the industry with events and activities. The Racehorse Owners Association is sponsoring 30 yard barbecues, Careersinracing hid 15 £100…

Assistant trainer to Nicky Henderson, Toby Lawes is to embark on his own training career this year. The 27-year-old is to take over from David Arbuthnot at Henfold House Stables, Surrey. British eventer Nicola Wilson fractured four vertebrae in a cross-country fall in a six-year-old CCI2*-S in Belgium on 22 June. The horse was unhurt and Nicola expects to make a full recovery. Irish Olympic dressage rider Judy Reynolds picked up a podium finish in the grand prix special at a CDI4* in Austria on 30 June. Riding Vancouver K, she scored 73.51%. Report, p54 Eventer Ben Hobday finished best of the Brits and helped the team to second place at the Strzegom leg of the FEI Nations Cup. Ben and Shadow Man II finished runners-up. Report, p50 Gemma Tattersall’s…

MILLPOND LOOKS THE BUSINESS The first coloured pony to qualify for the open 138cm show pony final at HOYS has died aged 14. Ridden by Kinvara Garner, he won at HOYS and the Royal International. ELSA A pony found with third-degree burns on her hindlegs has received the RSPCA survivor animal award in recognition of her recovery, “strength and will to live”. She was one of 14 to receive honours, on 27 June. WHO DARES WINS The Alan King-trained seven-year-old, who has been placed over hurdles at both Cheltenham and Aintree, scored a major Flat handicap in the Northumberland Plate under Tom Marquand at Newcastle on 29 June.…

SPONSORS News reaches our ears that a grand fromage in a company sponsoring a series of classes is also competing in said classes… could be awks if she wins, couldn’t it? Would she shake her own hand? MYSTERY Speculation is shared online that the cause of hundreds of years’ worth of crop circles has been found — it’s not aliens or God, but dressage riders practising their circles. Hmm, slightly after C on some attempts, we think… CHEESE A Serbian manufacturer of donkey cheese is selling his wares at £900 per kilo. The good news is it’s helping protect the local donkey population; the bad news is that he also sells donkey milk liquor. We’ll stick to the gin, thanks.…

BEING 6ft 6in has its problems for Kiwi eventer Jesse Campbell. We meet at the Wiltshire yard he shares with his fiancée and fellow eventer Georgie Strang, days after a buying trip to Ireland, and he is lamenting a scenario that is all too familiar to him. “Whenever we go to Ireland, the dealer always brings out these beautiful little horses for Georgie, and then they look at me and say: ‘Oh, we have a horse for you’. Then it comes out and its head is massive, it has feathers and its feet are like dinner plates,” he says. But while the 29-year-old’s current string of rides is certainly big, there is nothing carthorse about it. At the start of the season he finished fourth with the 17.1hh Diachello at…

• Ensure all regions use well-built cross-country courses on decent ground. In some regions, “farm courses” on poor ground have triggered mass withdrawals. • Branches are getting creative when limited numbers make it expensive to hire and set up a cross-country course. Some branches switch a round of showjumping for the cross-country in branch tetrathlon competitions; some are joining forces to run them; others couple a tetrathlon with a hunter trial. • Mini and junior tetrathlon events abound — do take your child to have a go. It will be unintimidating, fun and a great way to gauge their aptitude and interest. • Transparency about team selection criteria can be variable. Branches with well-defined selection policies generally attract more participants.…

FOR most of us who have partaken in equestrian sports, there have been moments of fear. I have always felt that if somebody can say that they have no fear, then they have either had a charmed life or, more likely, are brain-dead with no imagination whatsoever! I suggest therefore, for most of us mere mortals, the ability to conquer feelings of apprehension or plain fear is one of the rewards for doing what we do. ‘Conquering fear is a reward for doing what we do’ Most of us ride with a full set of limbs or faculties, knowing that nature is basically on our side. Therefore, a photograph I was shown recently of someone on a class horse in mid-air over a formidable Berkeley hedge, the jockey with only…

CCI3*-S.— 1, Deniro Z (E Halliday-Sharp) 24.8,0,6.8=31.6; 2, MGH Grafton Street (P Funnell) 25,0,10.8=35.8; 3, Just Amazing III (F Collins) 30.8,0,6.8=37.6. CCI2*-S.— 1, Harley Brown (S Holmes) 24.4,0,0.8=25.2; 2, Consequent Pia Z (G De Jamblinne) 25.8,0,0.8=26.6; 3, Coolrock Wacko Jacko (G Bartlett) 29.5,0,0=29.5. NRF.— 1, Billy Pacific (I Limpus) 25.9,0,5.2=31.1; 2, Touch Heaven (S Adams) 30.5,4,0.8=34.5. nov sec I.— 1, Ferdi III (F Brough) 28.8,0,0.8=29.6; 2, By Design II (P Gale) 31.5,0,0=31.5; 3, Merengo V T Dauwhof (S Butchart) 25,4,2.8=31.8. sec J.— 1, Prometheus II (M Joannides) 30.8,0,0=30.8; 2, Ask For Manchier (T Jackson) 27.3,4,0=31.3; 3, Mexican Law (K Cook) 31.3,0,0=31.3. sec K.— 1, Dassett Endeavour (T Jackson) 28.8,0,0.4=29.2; 2, Fernhill Smart Choice (S Sweeney) 29.5,0,2.4=31.9; 3, Bannerfarm Quality (L Wheeler) 29.3,0,4.4=33.7. BE100 sec E.— 1, Twice As Nice IV…

ALNWICK FORD (1) RESULTS IN sec L.— 1, Chasmarella (L Crawford) 27.5,0,0=27.5; 2, Ballintoher Harry (L Crawford) 28.2,0,0=28.2; 3, Travis IV (J Brakewell) 27.3,1,0=28.3. sec M.— 1, Kilcoltrim Mermist (S Bowe) 23,0,0=23; 2, Kilmazing Topaz (J Fawcett) 35.3,0,0=35.3; 3, Extender (S Harrison) 31.8,4,0=35.8. nov sec N.— 1, Golden Chance Remark (X De Wesselow) 25,0,0.4=25.4; 2, Ballyvadd Sarco (J Wareing) 27,4,0.4=31.4; 3, Linnel Dance Again (M Jackson) 24.8,8,0=32.8. sec O.— 1, Ferdi (C Allwood) 23.3,0,0=23.3; 2, Fuzzyfelt (H Towers) 26.5,0,0=26.5; 3, P G Withernay (C Whittle) 28,0,0=28. BE100open.— 1, Beltane Queen (R Scott) 30.8,0,0=30.8; 2, High Voltage (E Donaldson) 33,0,0=33; 3, Drakes Drum II (F Richardson) 30.5,0,4=34.5. BE100 sec E.— 1, Burnlea Viva La Vida (E Galbraith) 23.3,0,1.2=24.5; 2, Ringwood Dalto II (K Edgar) 25,0,0=25; 3, Top Gun VII (J Proctor)…

29 June: A test 1.— 1, Zolansky (O-R Robertson) 87; 2, Keystone Royal Chrystal (M Dawes) 85.9; 3eq, OFS Ferrari (C Clark) & Femma Lijbra (C Dawes) 85.5. B+ test 1.— 1, Wallenstein (J Mellor) 91.2; 2, Fulgencio (F Human) 90; 3, Galant IV (D Marshall) 87.1. B test 2.— 1, Hey Mambo (R Baybutt) 94; 2, Armarda Dyffryncothi Bridget (D Davies) 90.9; 3, Global Super Nova (A Palmer) 90.7. C+ test 1.— 1, BKS Brandini (T Wood) 88.2; 2, Cavallina Herself (A Houldcroft) 87.3; 3, Bon Ami II (S Bass) 87.2. C test 1.— 1, Gangster (J Pidgley) 89.7; 2, Laithehill Flute (K Hewson) 87.9; 3, Crunchie (A Sibley) 87.5. D test 1.— 1, Rascal (A Gray) 95.8; 2, Wiaun Ultra (D-M Allen) 90.1; 3, Scooby Doo (T Jordan)…

28 June: inter II Q (J Van Daele, A Smith, R Baldwin).— 1, Bodyguard Moorland (L Edwards) 68.29; 2, Valucio (L Marriott) 68.25; 3, Highcliffe Apollo (J Thurman-Baker) 67.28. inter I Q (J Van Daele, R Baldwin, A Smith).— 1, Odwigs Echo (B Moody) 70.48; 2, Lykkeshojs Ibi Kanobi (J Thompson) 69.3; 3, MSJ De La Beaute (S Duckworth) 69.12. PSG Q (P Bushell, N Herbert, I Auty).— 1, Odwigs Echo 71.23; 2, Jazzed Up (L Edwards) 71.14; 3, Branduardi (A Woodhead) 68.86. pony team (K Ratcliffe, A Hessay, C Elvin).— 1, Berlioz (M Anderson) 64.27. pony indiv (K Ratcliffe, A Hessay, C Elvin).— 1, Berlioz (M Anderson) 64.84. ch-on-horses team (K Ratcliffe, A Hessay, C Elvin).— 1, My Delilah (A Coller) 62.5. ch-on-horses indiv (K Ratcliffe, A Hessay, C…

6yo.— 1eq, 14 tied. amat 1.10m.— 1, F Kwanah IS (C Horne) GBR; 2, Cartouche II (H Barker) GBR; 3, Ecarentina (G Wallace) GBR. amat 1.20m.— 1, Gordulane (S Winterbottom) GBR; 2, Merllyns Chacco B (I Carpenter) GBR; 3, Eau Claire V (G Wallace) GBR. small tour 1.30m. — 1, One Two Watch II (A Trickett) GBR; 2, Crispina Z (P Barker) GBR; 3, Carolus K (L Saywell) GBR. middle tour 1.40m.— 1, Happy Boy (P Barker) GBR; 2, Corvette Van Overis Z (G Billington) GBR; 3, Fabienne (M Armstrong) GBR. big tour 1.45m.— 1, Creevagh Carisma (A Shields) GBR; 2, Fiona V/H Lemmenshof (L Simpson) GBR; 3, Juharah (M Armstrong) GBR. 6yo.— 1eq, 16 tied. amat 1.10m.— 1, Cartouche; 2, Wynton D (M McCrory) GBR; 3, Forrella TS (A…

HOYS, M&M, open, lrg breeds (S Howard, S Seward) Fell.— 1, D Chadwick’s Hedgethorpe Master Jack; 2, Stonefold Native Ponies’ Bracklinn Dynamite; 3, L Marshall’s Hardendale Ray. Dales.— 1, C Smiley’s Copleylane Ringo; 2, W R Ireland’s Kilmannan Jack Sparrow; 3, R Bradley’s Hett Solitaire. Highland.— 1, E Hamilton’s Mozart Of Millfield; 2, H Brooks’ Jack The Lad Of Ednam House; 3, C Rafferty’s Margaret Of Meggernie. Con.— 1, W Aird’s Castle Neptune; 2, S Smalley’s Bailey’s Mist; 3, C Mackintosh’s Woodbank Smokey Sam. D.— 1 & ch, C Evans’ Northwick Notorious; 2, K Nicoll’s Broughton Royal Diplomat; 3, D Evans’ Trehewyd Cardi. sml breeds (R James, J Webb) C.— 1, C Fitch’s Glebedale Jonny Depp; 2, L Beaumont’s Synod Ribbons; 3, L Scott’s Lynuck The Showman. B.— 1, A…

HOYS, Ridden hunter (A Varley, J Graham) l’wt.— 1, Mr & Mrs M Jerram’s Ballarin My Lady; 2, C Blair’s Equador; 3, E Kinton’s Boswell Bay. m’wt.— 1 & ch, P Coles’ Bloomfield Valhalla; 2, A Cook’s Mr Darcy Dancer; 3, T Ewen’s Doolin Dancer. h’wt.— 1 & res, HM The Queen’s Tower Bridge; 2, E Gibson’s State Of Play; 3, E Allum’s Foxridge Secret Smile. sml (A Varley, R King).— 1, N Wilkes’ Mexican Summer; 2, H Binks’ Brookdale Masterpiece; 3, A Bevan’s Sydney. ladies’.— 1, C Ford’s Master Bandsman; 2, A Naylor’s Shirley’s Downtown; 3, Sydney. WH (N Peel, J Banks).— 1, G Rose’s ABC Little Rock; 2, F Hirst’s Dartans Barrack; 3, S Tennant’s Bloomfield Bergerac. riding horse (M Hopkins, S Hollings) sml.— 1 & ch, D…

ADAM and I went to the Borders Book Festival this week — yes, get us. I think it would be fair to say that a book festival is way out of Adam’s comfort zone. He’d spent the day judging the Morpeth hound show agreeing in a saintly way to come to the festival in the evening. It wasn’t an easy sell. Adam likes telling people that he has never actually read a book and treats anything resembling “aaaart” with deep suspicion. If people get starry-eyed about his literary connections he is mystified, though there are a few: grandfather Alec, great uncle Evelyn and second cousin Auberon. “Imagine you met the grandson or great-nephew of Frank Freeman [famous Pytchley huntsman]. It’s like that,” I say, but I can see that he’s…

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID (MHFA) is a training company that teaches people how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue. MHFA, a community interest company, has more than 1,800 qualified instructors in England, who have in turn trained more than 400,000 people. They teach people to spot the warning signs of mental ill health and what they can do to help; how to respond and reassure in a crisis; and how to potentially stop a crisis from happening. • For more information, visit mhfaengland.org…

CONEYGREE The 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner stood Retraining of Racehorses (ROR) champion at his first competitive outing in his new career at HEROS charity show. He has qualified for the RoR finals in August. CHAMAN Ludger Beerbaum’s jumping stallion has died aged 20. The son of Baloubet Du Rouet won around €1.8m (more than £1.6m), with victories including the German Masters and on the Global Champions Tour. FISCHERCHIPMUNK FRH Michael Jung and the 11-year-old scored their first FEI win as a combination at the FEI Nations Cup leg in Strzegom. Formerly ridden by Julia Krajewski, the Hanoverian gelding jumped double clear (report, p50).…

BRITISH EVENTING (BE) is “delighted” an alternative has been found for Belton International. Thoresby Park, Notts, is to run the March fixture from next year, with Belton organisers Bede Events at the helm. Seven venues had applied to host the replacement, after Belton landowner the National Trust said it would not host the horse trials after this year (news, 9 May). Bicton Arena, Frickley Park, Weston Park and Thoresby were shortlisted. BE CEO Jude Matthews said it was a hard decision, adding: “The key focus has been to ensure the sport selected the best possible venue to deliver such an important early season international. “All the final four could have delivered this, but we are delighted to award this fixture to Thoresby Park and the Bede team. “We fully appreciate…

THE new British Eventing (BE) CEO says she is looking forward to moving the sport forward. Jude Matthews, who has served as interim CEO since April, said she was “thrilled” to take on the post, from 1 July. The “passionate and active” grassroots eventer had served on the BE board as a non-executive director for 12 months and has more than 17 years’ experience in business. “The past few months have been both challenging and rewarding,” she said. “There has been a lot to address, and we know there is more to do. “It is exciting to be working with such a strong team, and I look forward to the opportunity to move the sport forward.” At the same time, and “to reflect the focus on the development of the…

MARRIAGE A twice-divorced racing fan celebrates his single status every year by sponsoring the David Chillery Continues Celebrating His Divorce Novices’ Handicap Chase at Newton Abbott. Both wives left him for friends of his and, funnily enough, he doesn’t plan to marry again. They’re trouble, women… SCIENCE Summer’s back, and so are all the old wives’ tales saying that leaving a horse wet can make it hotter. Because, as one person said, “the horse can boil”, while another said water “acts like an insulator”. Mmm-hmm. Swim fully clothed in a river next January, then we’ll have a chat about how water’s insulating, shall we? MORE SCIENCE On the same subject, another rider argued that not scraping a horse heats it up because water “acts like a Thermos flask”. So there…

ON Saturday, 22 June, Cambridge Past, Present and Future organised a walk from Nine Wells spring in Shelford, along Hobson’s Brook to Cambridge city centre to celebrate the work of Thomas Hobson, a 17th-century businessman who ran a livery and hireling yard. Mr Hobson coined the phrase “Hobson’s Choice” — meaning that you can take the one choice offered or leave it — as he rented his horses out on a rota basis according to which was the most rested, ensuring the wellbeing of his equines. He also commissioned the building of Hobson’s Brook which brings water from Nine Wells spring to the city. When Swavesey and District Bridleways Association (SDBA) heard of the walk, we sent two delegates on horseback to ensure that the inclusivity of the horse connection…

IMPINGEMENT of the dorsal spinous processes, a condition known as “kissing spines”, is a common finding in horses that present with back pain. In affected horses, the spaces between the tips of the vetebrae’s fin-like spinous processes are narrowed and eventually obliterated. Where impingement is moderate to severe, the affected area reacts by producing more bone — further reducing the space between the vertebrae and exacerbating the disease. Although radiographic (X-ray) changes to the processes may be easily identified, making a diagnosis remains challenging. There is not necessarily a link between the changes evident on X-ray and the clinical signs — in other words, the impinging processes may not be the cause of the horse’s sore back. If a connection can be made, however, various treatment options can be considered.…

‘I work on the start box early on with all my young horses’ LOTS of horses have an issue with the start box. For some it’s excitement while for others it’s naughtiness. Whatever the cause, address it at home to settle them. TACKLING THE ISSUE 1 The first thing I’d consider is whether it is actually the rider making the horse more nervous, which is totally understandable as you’re about to go cross-country. I’d work on practising trying to stay calm at home, and not transferring your nerves to the horse. At the event, try not to hang around the steward and start order board, just keep walking until shortly before your turn. 2 If I have a tricky horse, I will often pre-warn the steward and ask if we…

• “I’VE got my water pistol packed already,” says Charlotte Gallian, who is well prepared for a water fight. “I also recommend taking a big builder’s sack (rather than a wheelbarrow) for carting clean straw, so it doesn’t blow all over the place. And wet wipes, possibly the most versatile thing for cleaning pony, tack, boots and rider.” • Good yard equipment is a must-have, agrees Sophie Toogood, who remembers “being sent to camp with a laundry basket to muck out with — everything seeped through the holes and all over my cream jodhpurs”. Warm layers are essential to keep the chill out at night, she suggests, so a onesie and bedsocks could be a winner. “Flip-flops are also a good idea for the shower blocks.” • “You have to…

RUPERT WESTMACOTT’S book Horses for Courses describes how, having lost a leg at Gallipoli in 1915, he was helped to recuperate by a nurse at Roehampton who, being a hunting girl, took him off to purchase a saddle, devising a leather socket to hold his stump. He had a pair of one-legged breeches made and hunted with the North Cornwall, the Four Burrow, the Fowey Harriers, the South Pembrokeshire and the VWH and others. In one season he had 33 falls! Riding was not the only problem he mastered. He recalled: “Talking about being in Africa, the customary loo in villages was usually a small hut with a hole in the ground. There was a pole across the hole balanced on two forked sticks. This was all very good if…

ON.— 1, Brookfield Quality (P French) 25,0,0.4=25.4; 2, Calvin II (A O’Connor) 28.3,0,0=28.3; 3, Highdown March (P French) 27.3,4,0=31.3. nov sec E.— 1, Fadeline (W Newton) 26.8,0,0=26.8; 2, Irene (J-P Sheffield) 24.8,0,4.4=29.2; 3, Baskin Wicked Game (A Clark) 29.5,0,0=29.5. sec F.— 1, Knockmullen Flyer (J Savill) 29,0,0=29; 2, MDSandyhill Penhills Zorro (I Murray) 29.5,0,0.4=29.9; 3, Mr Bing Bong (A Clark) 32.5,0,0=32.5. BE100open sec D.— 1, Fivale Indian Art (E Hobbs) 31.3,0,0.4=31.7; 2, Westwinds Mackenzie (T Glen) 32.8,0,0=32.8; 3, Conzalez M (L Thompson) 32.5,0,0.4=32.9. sec P.— 1, Lakota Ghost (L Hunt) 24.8,0,3.2=28; 2, Zeno Das Gluck (R Woolley) 26.5,0,2.4=28.9; 3, Jazz Time III (A Bacon) 26.3,0,2.8=29.1. BE100 sec A.— 1, Rapid Global VB (G Hilton-Jones) 27.8,0,0=27.8; 2, The Boatman (J Upton) 28.3,0,0=28.3; 3, Nadiva E (W Crawley) 32,0,0=32. sec B.— 1,…

WILLIAM HEATON led the sole open novice section at Farley Hall from start to finish to win aboard his own 13-year-old mare, Seapatrick Hint Of Cruise. The pair added just one cross-country time-fault to a 29.3 dressage. William, who is 19, is juggling being a vet student — he has just completed his second year at Surrey University — with his hobby of eventing, and manages to get home to ride every two weeks. “Polly Tompkins at Fernhill Farm near Banbury looks after ‘Milly’ while I’m away and she does an amazing job — I really couldn’t do it without her support,” said William, who bought this mare three years ago to “have a bit of fun on”. “Milly hasn’t always been the quickest across country as she doesn’t have…

CCIO4*-S Nations Cup.— 1, Germany 90.4 (FischerChipmunk FRH/M Jung; FRH Corrida/A Dibowski; Hamilton 24/J Sommer; Bonita Bella/M Engel); 2, Great Britain 122.5 (Shadow Man II/B Hobday; Talent/J Sommerville; Eisfee/D Doel; Shadow Puppet/E Hobday); 3, Netherlands 146.7 (Bayro/T Lips); Wicro Quibus NOP/L Hoogeveen; Chiccolino/M Blom; ACSI Champ De Tailleur/J Boonzaaijer). CCIO4*-S— 1, FischerChipmunk FRH 23.2,2,0=25.2; 2, Shadow Man II 27.1,1.6,0=28.7; 3, FRH Corrida (A Dibowski) GER 26.8,2,0=28.8; 9, Talent 34.5,7.6,4=46.1; 12, Eisfee 35.7,7.6,4.4=47.7; 20, Shadow Puppet 44.5,5.2,4=53.7.…

Sheepgate Premier League, Lincs BECKY MOODY had a show to remember with a hat-trick of wins in qualifying classes. Becky and the eye-catching coloured gelding Odwigs Echo claimed the top prize in the prix st georges (PSG) and inter I on the opening day on plus-70% scores. Owned by Lucy Swinden, with whom Becky shares the ride, the 11-year-old son of Stanhopes Odwig performed two consistent tests to be rewarded with 71.23% in the PSG and 70.48% in the inter I. “He was a bit of a legend,” said Becky. “I wouldn’t normally do two tests of that level with him in one day, but I thought I would give it a shot and it worked. His real highlight is his walk, which is such a good point-scorer. “In general,…

SUMMERHOUSE EQUESTRIAN 21 June: prelim 15Q gold (S Buttenshaw).— 1, Kojack (K Zainchkovskaya) 64.2. brnz.— 1, Danny’s Boy (L Painter) 66.6; 2, Rexford Carson (C Clark) 63.2. prelim 19Q gold (M Galland).— 1, Kojack 61.87. silv.— 1, Toberpatrick Tom Boy (N Nolan) 75.41. brnz.— 1, Danny’s Boy 69.37; 2, Thorneyside Buccaneer (L Rogers Deacon) 66.04; 3, Mr Prince Charming (L McKenzie-Crawford) 63.33. nov 23 gold (S Buttenshaw).— 1, Florence Bean (R Lumb) 66.45. silv.— 1, Toberpatrick Tom Boy 67.7; 2, Headmore Braithwaite (K Palmer) 65.62; 3, Monatrea Victor (M Philpott) 65. brnz.— 1, Emoe Rocky Road (J Jackman) 67.29; 2, Premier Cru II (D James) 65.83; 3, Shannondale Holly (F Boswell) 65.62. nov 37Q gold (M Galland).— 1, Florence Bean 63.33. silv.— 1, Sandro Piet (K Whiston) 70.92; 2, Monatrea…

IT was wonderful to see Mount St John Freestyle return to the ring at Bolesworth in such magnificent style with Charlotte Dujardin. The patience and care Charlotte, Carl Hester, Emma Blundell and the horse’s other connections have shown in not rushing to bring the mare back after her virus just before Christmas has paid dividends, and should be an inspiration. Charlotte must have been desperate to get Freestyle back in the ring, but having the discipline to hold off until she was 100% fit and ready will go a long way towards preserving this horse’s incredible talent and zest for competing. IMPRESSIVE CONTENDERS BOLESWORTH is one of my favourite events of the year, but what a shame the weather this year caused so many problems for Nina Barbour and her…

AFTER jumping clear in both preliminary rounds, Vins VD Tojopehoeve Z (Vince, pictured) rose to the occasion to post the winning time in the six-year-old final for Charlie Jones. Eight combinations came through to contest the final round and it proved a close-run thing as Anthony Condon (SFS Mirage) and Harry Whall (Kings Borough Casper) finished less than one second behind to take the next places. Charlie, who is based with his uncle Nick Skelton and Laura Kraut, found a change of bit helped to steady the son of Vagrant Z. “He’s eager to get to his fences, so I have to hold him back and I’ve found that easier since we switched from a snaffle to a pelham. He covers the ground well and there were some open distances…

1.15m.— 1, Lumbrook Lastique (C Reynolds); 2, Nistria E (A Thompson); 3, Javas KP (C Gunning). Equitop Myoplast Foxhunter.— 1, Heerdelon (L Wood); 2, Bouncer II (E Sargeant); 3, Flavie V (C Skelton). 1.20m.— 1, Super Model (C Neilson-Hansen); 2, Denzel II (V Burns); 3, Cornet Obolensky Junior (A Thompson). B&C h’cap.— 1, Casarella Nobile (A Silk-Jones); 2, Quality Street (C Bolam); 3, K Fiore Hop (T Dovkants). 1.30m.— 1, Valentina B (A Silk-Jones); 2, Django Blue (J Elliott); 3, Caramba (C Skelton). D&H amat 85cm.— 1, Springtime III (R Mosley); 2, Ferano (N Atkin); 3, Viper B (J Sykes). KBIS British nov.— 1, Maximum Joe II (J Hopkins); 2, Hamberlins Charmer (G Burchmore); 3, Money Talks (C Hewings). 90cm.— 1, Zahinha (T Doyle); 2, Hylayab (C Bolam); 3, Billy…

HOYS, SP, mini (P Cooper, P Cook) LR.— 1 & ch, P Ahern’s Barkway Sweet William; 2, A Fowler’s Cosford Charming Gift; 3, N Turner’s Sycamore Sambucca. FR.— 1, C Mitchell’s Litton Perfection; 2 & res, R Brightmore’s Megland Harlequin; 3, P Baker-Beall’s Anndalyse Sugar Plum. SP (E Corkett, S Somers) 128cm.— 1 & res, G Jago & P Carvosso’s Whiteleaze Secret Charm; 2, L Kirkbride’s Flecknoe Fandango; 3, A Thornhill’s Ravara Jeremy Fisher. 138cm.— 1, Z Muxlow’s Valentine Quickstep; 2, A Reeves’ Strinesdale Genius; 3, N Donaldson’s Broadgrove Oscar Wilde. 148cm.— 1 & ch, J Harvey’s Small Land Dream Maker; 2, S Parkhouse’s Jackets Destiny; 3, C Read’s Carmens Novello. WHP (V Appell, J Carter) 133cm.— 1, J Hancock’s Corries Jack In The Box; 2, C Pickering’s Bronheulog Harvey;…

HOYS, hunters (B Ensten, T Wiggett) l’wt.— 1 & ch, K Campbell’s Temple Ogue; 2, J Day’s Sydney Poitier; 3, H Welsh’s Our Kingsman. m’wt.— 1 & res, J Day’s Northern Pride; 2, C Ford’s Master Bandsman; 3, H Snook’s It’s The Kings Speech. h’wt.— 1, J Day’s Patric’s Choice; 2, R Page’s Evros Playboy; 3, R Maxwell’s The Parishioner. sml (R Harvie, A Spalding).— 1, J Day’s Carnsdale Wise Guy; 2, K Campbell’s Church Rock Cashel; 3, L Winter’s Constantine. ladies (R Harvie, T Wiggett).— 1, M Cook’s CSF Cummer Paradise; 2, C Gibson’s Hawklands Argento Amore; 3, Master Bandsman. WH (L Whitehall).— 1, C Pearson’s Incontention; 2, S Callwood’s Mr Seniority; 3, A Birch’s Romeo Royale. hacks (N Arnold, J Jefferson) sml.— 1 & res, C Dilasser’s Sutton…