Innholdsfortegnelse for 03-Jan-2019 i Horse & Hound

I’M not currently involved in any non-equestrian sport, and have often found myself wondering whether the volunteers in other disciplines are anywhere near as fantastic as those in ours. If they are, that’s rather heartening as it means there are many more good eggs in the world than it appears on the face of it. From the show secretary to the cross-country starter, the dressage judge to the ticket checker at major horse shows, there are vast amounts of extraordinarily generous people keeping our shows on the road. Without volunteers, our sports could not run. Entry fees, sponsorship and advertising alone could not sustain the manpower necessary at any level. The volunteers I’ve met at World Championships and Olympic Games have been some of the most exceptional. Some are there…

Showjumper Will Fletcher, 19, has received the 2019 Ella Popely mentorship award. Will wins a year’s mentorship from US rider Laura Kraut from the award, set up by Lea Popely and Lauren Hough. Vice-chairman of the British Driving Society Neil Wray has become chairman after Brian Ball stepped down. Neil said he looks forward to taking the society forward in 2019. Newbury clerk of the course Richard Osgood officiated for the final time on 29 December. The first race of the day was named the “Farewell to Richard Osgood” juvenile hurdle in his honour. Irish eventing senior high performance director Sally Corscadden has signed a two-year contract extension. Sally has more than 25 years experience as a medal-winning rider and coach. Eventer Mary King has become the first equestrian ambassador…

ELEGANT ESCAPE The 3/1 favourite won the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow on 27 December under jockey Tom O’Brien. Trained by Colin Tizzard, the six-year-old won by 1¼ lengths (report, p74). THE MAGPIE Clare Fitch will take the ride on the 2018 HOYS winner, bought as a Christmas gift by her daughter, Domenica. The double Royal International-winning traditional coloured gelding was ridden by Adam Forster. I’M BLUE CHIP TOO Clare Blaskey’s champion riding horse has died aged 23. Clare bought “Glen” as a three-year-old from an advert in H&H.He won 35 championships, with wins at HOYS, the Royal International and others.…

THERE is a variety of roles filled by volunteers in a range of equestrian sports. These include fence-judging, score-collecting and running cross-country starts and finishes, as well as dressage writing and stewarding, collecting-ring stewarding and being part of arena parties. Anyone interested in helping at horse trials can register with the British Eventing volunteers’ database, or watch out for requests for help online from local unaffiliated events. Hunts, Pony Club branches and riding clubs also often ask for help for shows and special events on their social media pages, as do county and other showing shows. The Riding for the Disabled Association is also dependent on volunteers for activities such as grooming, tacking up and leading. More information on volunteering is available at bhs.org.uk, britisheventing.com and rda.org.uk…

‘It takes around three months to make a side-saddle, as opposed to a week for a regular saddle’ I became interested in side-saddles when I went to a “have-a-go” clinic with the late, great Betty Skelton. But I might never have started making them if I hadn’t injured my knee in a motorcycle accident. I had to give up nursing, where you are on your feet all day, and my husband persuaded me to switch to saddlery. I was too old to get an apprenticeship, so I self-funded my training over 10 years, and the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) sponsored me to learn how to make side-saddles. I doubt I’d have had the patience for it if I’d tried it straight after school, and this way I’ve learnt to…

‘Make “brush poles” with hedge cuttings’ YOU will find multiple brush fences on almost any cross-country course, no matter what level. Brush fences can appear anywhere, from being on the top of island fences, to the more technical elements of a shoulder, corner or triple brush. When you start training your horse for cross-country you should begin with introducing him gradually to the different types of obstacles. Start with getting him used to a shoulder-type fence — in other words, an angled rail… TACKLING THE ISSUE 1 Begin with a pole on the floor, negotiating it on an angle, then increase the angle and height as your horse understands the question. Once your horse is confident, move onto a double of angled rails. The same process can be applied for…

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL, GLOS 12-15 MARCH JUMP racing might be forever indebted to the late Queen Mother — she is considered one of the most influential owners of the post-war era — but her family has taken on the mantle with their enthusiasm for this sport. Nearly 40 years after Cheltenham’s two-mile champion chase was renamed the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 1980, you will spot her granddaughter the Princess Royal, great-granddaughter Zara Tindall and the Duchess of Cornwall donning their tweed to brave the weather at Prestbury Park. BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS, GLOS 1-5 MAY DIG into the archives and you’ll find pictures of Her Majesty glued to the action at Badminton, signature headscarf in situ; in 1974, her then son-in-law Captain Mark Phillips took the title on her own Columbus.…

London International Horse Show, Olympia ITALY’S Alberto Zorzi is known for his consistency, and he certainly upheld his reputation when he became only the fifth rider to take back-to-back wins in the Turkish Airlines Olympia grand prix. This year it was the gutsy little 10-year-old Ulane De Coquerie who landed Jan Tops’ stable jockey the €31,250 (£28,190) jackpot, as he topped a small but quick jump-off field. If course-builder Bernardo Costa Cabral had misjudged the previous day’s Longines FEI World Cup (report, 28 December) — where 18 jumped clear — then he was compensating in the last day’s big class. An up-to-height track, exacting lines and a tight time resulted in just five clears. Scott Brash and the hugely promising but inexperienced Hello Jefferson were the lone British hope in…

HEAD judge Jackie Webb, who had given the winner her highest mark of the day, commented: “I was delighted with the general standard and all four judges were pleased with our top 10 — they did the best shows and were extremely good examples of their breed. “The winner was all ‘pony’; he was fit, had loads of limb and just shouted out his breed — he was outstanding. “However, there were still some ponies that were too fat, and I marked them down accordingly. Sadly, a few exhibitors also let themselves down badly with their in-hand shows — it’s impossible to assess conformation when an animal won’t even walk in a straight line or stand still, and this is how additional marks are lost.”…

MY first judging appointment at Olympia certainly lived up to expectations. I’ve ridden in the native final on four occasions and was lucky enough to win in 1997 on Rannoch Of Trailtrow, a Highland, but being on the other side of the fence allows you to appreciate the competition in a different light. ‘You really do need something that is going to shine’ The first thing I noticed when I was standing in the middle was just how small the arena is; the atmosphere felt electric and it was a really intense experience that was heightened by the marking system where the judges are required to show their scores after each performance. My co-performance judge, David Machin, and I were generally impressed with the quality of the competition seen across…

Myerscough Arena, Lancs The Westpoint nine-year-old, who scored 75.96% in an elementary freestyle, had nearly 18 months out of competition before returning at the end of September. “He didn’t feel 110% so he was turned away last winter,” explained Philippa. “He’s spent most of this year just hacking, but now that he’s back in proper work, he feels like a different horse.” Eastpoint is now qualified for three classes at the winter regionals, after which Philippa will move back up the levels again. “He was out at advanced medium level before his time off; I thought it would take the pressure off to drop down a level or two to give him confidence,” she added. Sarah Higgins took the reins on Sarah Rao’s Alfranco (Alfie) to win the inter I…

SPARSHOLT 15 Dec: prelim 15Q gold (A Duck).— 1, Aabernethys Eywas Bay Lady (G Palmer) 67; 2, Keystone Diem (S Green) 60.4. silv.— 1, Winmark Jade (S Snow) 72.4. brnz.— 1, Goldbrooks Midnight Air (H Corlett) 70.6; 2, Rosewater Clementine (A Orchin) 67.6; 3, Newtons Bluebell (I Lang) 62. prelim 17A Q silv (J Surr).— 1, Winmark Jade 70.17; 2, Topimist Utopia (S Evans) 67.58; 3, Zen (A Lawrence) 66.89. brnz.— 1, Goldbrooks Midnight Air 71.89; 2, Contadino (F Bowman) 68.79; 3, Sekret Buy (S Parkes) 66.72. nov 22 gold (C Weston).— 1, Hampton Lucy (J Whitehouse) 61.37. silv.— 1, Patrick Star (R Smith) 70.17; 2, Sraghmore Misty (D Debenham) 68.96; 3, Chicago Rose (L McMillan) 64.31. brnz.— 1, Taylor’s Flicka (B Moorhouse) 67.58; 2, Holywell Likely Lad (R Watson)…

32Red Winter Festival, Kempton Park Racecourse, Surrey WHEN Paul Nicholls retires, which won’t be for a long time because he’s just getting a second wind, he will be defined by a number of top horses, but just one race, the Grade One 32Red King George VI Chase. On Boxing Day at Kempton Park, he won it for a record-extending 10th time when Clan Des Obeaux beat the 2016 winner Thistlecrack by 1½ lengths. All of Nicholls’ previous winners — See More Business (twice), Kauto Star (five times) and Silviniaco Conti (twice) — have won the race more than once. Whether Clan Des Obeaux turns out to be more of a Kauto Star than a Silviniaco Conti, only time will tell. At six years old, Clan Des Obeaux is the same…

1997 See More Business (owner Paul Barber/ jockey Andrew Thornton) 1999 See More Business (Paul Barber/ Mick Fitzgerald) 2006 Kauto Star (Clive Smith/ Ruby Walsh) 2007 Kauto Star (Clive Smith/ Ruby Walsh) 2008 Kauto Star (Clive Smith/ Ruby Walsh) 2009 Kauto Star (Clive Smith/ Ruby Walsh) 2011 Kauto Star (Clive Smith/Ruby Walsh) 2013 Silviniaco Conti (Chris Giles and Sullivan Bloodstock/Noel Fehily) 2014 Silviniaco Conti (Chris Giles and Sullivan Bloodstock/Noel Fehily) 2018 Clan Des Obeaux (Paul Barber, Ged Mason, Sir Alex Ferguson/ Harry Cobden)…

HUNDREDS of thousands of people did their bit to ensure the sound of hounds never dies, by turning out to support hunts on Boxing Day. Whether they were following on foot, mounted or lining the streets and marketplaces, supporters across the country were out in force, at more than 250 registered hunts. “This annual spectacle is an opportunity for hunts to thank all those who support them, from the farmers and landowners over whose land they ride, to their subscribers and the public, to the different venues that host meets, whose enthusiasm for hunting shows no signs of waning, despite more than a decade of the Hunting Act,” said a spokesman for the Countryside Alliance. David Elliott, master of the York and Ainsty South, added: “The hundreds of people who…

NEW ONLINE PARA DRESSAGE SHOWS DRESSAGE ANYWHERE (DA) has launched monthly competitions for para riders. The British Dressage (BD) para equestrian online competitions allow riders to film their tests at home and upload to dressageanywhere.com for judging, and will run in addition to its Riding for the Disabled Association competition. BD para director Julie Frizzell said: “Our most qualified para judges are among those working with DA so the feedback is invaluable for all.” The first BD para equestrian competition is running the BD2017 grade I to V para bronze tests and is open to all bronze, silver and gold riders who have a national or FEI classification. COULD YOUR HORSE HELP FIGHT CRIME? THE Greater Manchester Police mounted section is seeking equine recruits to help patrol the region’s streets.…

A PASTE form of the drug commonly used to treat PPID (Cushing’s) could be on the cards after a successful pilot study. David Rendle, a specialist in equine internal medicine from Rainbow Equine Hospital, found the new unlicensed form of pergolide, one of the biggest-selling equine drugs, was effective in treating PPID. His paper on the study won the British Equine Veterinary Association’s 2018 Sam Hignett award, for the best clinical research presentation from equine practice. His report explained the difficulties of giving tablets to horses, especially those who only need a fraction of a pill at a time, adding that horses might respond better to treatment if they are given smaller amounts of pergolide more often. Mr Rendle said: “Although pergolide paste is available in the UK through veterinary…

CATCHING Top marks to the Aussie clerk of the course Kevin Wynne, who managed, on horseback, to catch a loose racehorse at full gallop, and bring both animals home safely. Can we book him next time the ASBO Shetland won’t be caught? RESOURCEFULNESS Feel for the hunt supporter on Boxing Day, when his son was riding in a chase at Wincanton. The answer? Find a high spot and watch on one’s phone, while missing not a moment of the hunting action. Well done, sir! PRESENTS As mentioned on this very page last week, there are some Christmas presents it is impossible to disguise in wrapping paper. Bottles of wine, books, and our favourite under the tree this year? A new mucking-out fork. Couldn’t ask for a better gift, tbh.…

ALISON’S New Year’s resolution is to get fit. No longer will she run out of puff halfway round a cross-country course. In fact, she will be the Ros Canter of BE90, and Buddy, her piebald “supercob”, is jolly well going to have to be Allstar B. On 2 January, she gets up 45 minutes earlier than normal and puts on her new Insanity DVD, launching into a series of high-energy moves in her kitchen. After 20 minutes, she collapses on the floor and is nearly sick. OK, you’ve got to start somewhere, Alison tells herself. But no pain, no gain. On 3 January, she revs herself up to do it again, only to pull a groin muscle attempting a high kick that looks pretty easy on Strictly Come Dancing. On…

• MELANOMAS According to statistics, 80% of grey horses over 15 years of age have a melanoma somewhere. These often benign growths typically manifest themselves as smooth nodules under the tail, but can occur in other parts of the body. • SARCOIDS Sarcoids can range from small, warty lumps to large, aggressive-looking growths. These cancerous tumours require prompt and expert veterinary attention, as lesions can spread across an individual and frequently recur. • SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (SCC) These fleshy growths commonly affect the eyelid or genital areas. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light, which is greater on bright, clear days, is thought to be a trigger, so sunblock is sensible — especially in areas of pink skin that lack pigment.…

FRANKY REID-WARRILLOW FRANKY is a British event rider based on the Herefordshire/Wales border. She became European two-star champion in 2015 with her self-produced Dolley Whisper, and has represented Team GBR at Nations Cup events on four separate occasions. Franky has been consistently placed at three-star in recent seasons. TRAINING THE STARS DOLLEY WHISPER has always been a brilliant jumper, but in the cross-country phase she is almost too good. At the beginning of her career she had a tendency to over-jump brush fences. By jumping them too big, she made related distances more difficult and would lose time in the air, and ultimately it would affect her confidence on course. When moving her up the levels, this was something we had to put a lot of work into to increase…

WHEN Laura Tomlinson started experiencing severe pain and numbness in her left leg, she put it down to postpartum sciatica. It was early 2017 and she was just returning to high-level competition after her second pregnancy. “I tried to ride through it, but the pain got worse,” she remembers. “Eventually, I had a scan and was told that I had a prolapsed disc with a sequester. The strange thing was that I’d never had back pain, just terrible pain in my left leg.” Disc problems are common among riders of all levels and they can produce hugely varying symptoms. Laura’s injury was at the severe end of the spectrum. Fortunately, she managed to get the pain under control with a combination of medication, intensive physiotherapy, Pilates and personal training. Most…

✔ Invest in padded pants — don’t skimp on these to save on baggage. Think Bridget Jones meets Laura Kenny. ✗ Don’t forget the Dioralyte — high altitude and physical exhaustion are demanding; these sachets are a cheap and effective way to help rehydrate. ✔ Brush up on your Spanish — Gabriel’s English is perfect, but many of the chagras speak only Spanish. Your horse will also speak Spanish. ✗ Don’t follow loose horses — follow your guide instead. ✔ Get fit before you go, particularly if you don’t ride frequently. ✔ Be prepared to go with the flow — this is South America, not Surrey.…

THE “situations vacant” column has been particularly busy this year as jobs within hunt service become available and then positions are filled, which has a knock-on effect, filtering down through the ranks until hopefully everyone finds a suitable position. There are two ways to progress within hunt service. Firstly, to climb the ranks of responsibility. Roughly speaking, the order of progression might go from kennelman or second whipper-in, to first whipper-in then kennel-huntsman. In the latter role you are, as the name suggests, responsible for the care of the hounds and running of the kennels but still acting as first whipper-in on the hunting field, usually to an amateur huntsman — most often one of the masters. The top of the professional tree is, obviously, huntsman. While it is possible…

THE time for reflection on the 2018 season is all but over. It’s now the start of a new year with all its challenges — the most important being for Britain to qualify for next year’s Olympics at this year’s Europeans. For sure, there were positives to come out of the World Equestrian Games (WEG). But now we need our top two riders, Ben Maher and Scott Brash, on board to help scrap for that ticket to Tokyo. With all the money on the global tour, it’s a difficult one for them to balance. But imagine taking David Broome and Harvey Smith out of the 1970s and ’80s teams; or losing Nick Skelton and John Whitaker from our ’90s and 2000s teams… What would we have won then? A CALL…

LeMieux BSPS ridden native championship (J Webb, J James, D Machin, H Prescott).— 1, S Burton’s Banks Timber (BoB Connemara); 2, H Grota’s Cadlanvalley Buzby (BoB Welsh B); 3, E Boardman’s Dyffryngwy Sir Picasso (BoB Welsh D); 4, S Fowler’s Glencarrig Marble (Connemara); 5, C Gough’s Lunesdale Dixie (BoB Fell); 6, K Johnson’s Menai Eurostar (Welsh D); 7, H Hird’s Saith Magical Ginger (Welsh D); 8, S Dowdeswell’s Cargarsar Silver Phantom (BoB Welsh C); 9, L Glover’s Carrwood Shimmering Gold (Welsh B); 10, L Scott’s Lynuck The Showman (Welsh C). other BoB.— J Pennell’s Nipna Flora (Dales); M Stanford’s Benbreac Of Croila (Highland); M Hewitt’s Dunmere Woodruff (Dartmoor); S Wilson’s Thistledown San Siro (Welsh A); W Dibdin’s Ashley Rancher (New Forest); L Brill’s Edwinsfield Nocturne (Exmoor); L Joslin’s Sapphire Classic…

THE oldest pony to hit the ring was the delightful Welsh section A mare Maesglas Lili Wen (Poppy), who was led out by her owner Samantha Norris. The 24-year-old was originally loaned by Samantha, who works as a client support advisor for Ticketmaster, and was gifted to her as a 21st birthday present three years ago. Her old owners were there to watch them compete in the final. “She was a broodmare for the first 19 years of her life,” said Samantha. “But we’ve found her forte is definitely in-hand showing. She came alive in that ring and I was so proud of her. “She’ll have a chill before next season and then we’ll try to do it all over again.”…

KEYSOE 18 Dec: prelim 15Q gold (A Wilks).— 1, Bathleyhills Burglar Bill (V Murrell) 59.2. brnz.— 1, General Tiberius (V Newitt) 65.2; 2, Fantastico XXIII (P Everitt) 53.6. prelim 17Q gold.— 1, Bathleyhills Burglar Bill 58.79. brnz.— 1, Slaney River (R Moreton) 60.17. nov 23 gold.— 1, SJL Generous (A Brown) 73.75; 2, SJL Happy Feet (B Hummerstone) 70.42; 3, Gabana HFD (N Brook) 70.42. silv.— 1, Gibantos (L Hatcher) 63.33; 2, Pernod II (A Dethlefsen) 59.79. brnz.— 1, Carmore Village (F Durman) 61.88. nov 37Q gold.— 1, SJL Generous 75.93; 2, Gabana HFD 68.89. silv.— 1, Gibantos 61.3; 2, Pernod II 58.7. brnz.— 1, Dunsmore Glenfiddich (A Perry) 61.48; 2, Carmore Village 57.04. elem 43 gold (J Robinson).— 1, MSJ Furstin Rosa (E Woolley) 73.97; 2, SJL Happy Feet…

MYERSCOUGH ARENA 16 Dec: inter I (H Bradley).— 1, Alfranco (S Higgins) 70.25. PSG.— 1, Bojack JX (H Dunning) 65.79; 2, Diamond Legacy (I Carr) 61.05. adv med FSM silv.— 1, Dublin (L Johnson) 67. adv med 92 gold.—1, Z Flemmenco (S Taylor) 70. silv.— 1, Albero LXXX (R Brennand) 68.92. brnz.— 1, Dexter (M Verkade) 61.62. med 73 gold.— 1, Wikefield Prada II (L Hancock) 59.85. silv.— 1, Temujin (V Johnson) 68.38; 2, AB Barroco (C Lutener) 65.74; 3, Sirius Black II (G Owen) 64.12. med FSM (S Kingwells) gold.— 1, Wikefield Prada II 66. silv.— 1, Dublin 74.5; 2, Eastpoint (P Hamilton) 69.17. elem FSM gold.— 1, Eastpoint 76.96. silv.— 1, Epernay ELS (S Whalley) 70.96; 2, Rafferty I (E Denney) 70.77; 3, Gladiator DHI (P Lupton) 69.62.…

WITH so much controversy and negativity surrounding the trialling of a new shortened grand prix, it was no surprise to hear Olympia supremo Simon Brooks-Ward say at the riders’ meeting that, of all the sports they deal with, dressage is the one that doesn’t seem to want to move forward. However, we have to move forward and engage, or stay as we are and quietly rot. The shortened grand prix at Olympia was only a trial. So many reports prior to the show had been written without the correct facts — it was scaremongering gone mad and, in some cases, bad journalism. On the night, there was a larger-than-normal attendance but it was still not sold out, and to retain a popular time slot, that is what we have to…

KEMPTON PARK’S two-day meeting produced the best racing over the festive period. More than one million people tuned into ITV Racing to watch the King George VI Chase this year, and they would not have been disappointed by what they saw on their screens. It was a race full of drama, with Bristol De Mai falling and bringing down the fancied runner Waiting Patiently. It was a great win by the Paul Nicholls-trained Clan Des Obeaux and an impressive 10th winner for Paul in the historic race, which, frankly, speaks volumes about what Paul has achieved — not only as a trainer but as an ambassador for the National Hunt game. The winning horse was ridden by the “new kid on the block” Harry Cobden, 20. He has been thrown…

COLIN TIZZARD played cricket at a teenage level for Yeovil alongside Ian Botham. He claims that during one match, which they were losing, Botham (then a specialist batsman) turned to Tizzard (his vice-captain) and asked if he should bowl. Tizzard replied that Botham couldn’t be any worse than the others, so he bowled and the rest, as they say, is history — England’s greatest all-rounder was pretty much all down to the racehorse trainer. But (“ahem”) Tizzard clearly did not field in the slips. Having been presented with the trophy for the Coral Welsh National, he promptly dropped it...…

WE have a pet fox. Well, that’s pushing it a bit. The fox is no more a pet than any other wild animal that lives on the farm, but he or she has taken to hanging out around the house after dark. We’ve seen this solitary customer a lot over the past few weeks, quietly minding his own business. He couldn’t care less about us. Simply looks up as if to say, “Move along, nothing to see,” before getting on with the urgent business of skulking about. ‘A minute after spotting two foxes, the baby shot out in the car footwell’ While I was checking the horses the other night, I caught a flash of eyes in the torchlight and found him nosing around in some rough grass by the…

URSULA XII Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham’s 17-year-old showjumper, who officially retired from competition in a ceremony at Olympia on 23 December, is likely to be put in foal. Rider Scott Brash said the mare will “continue to have five-star treatment”. CLAN DES OBEAUX The six-year-old gave trainer Paul Nicholls his 10th King George VI win at Kempton on Boxing Day, by 1½ lengths over Thistlecrack. The gelding was piloted to victory by Harry Cobden. (report, p70). VANCOUVER K The gelding and his Irish rider, Judy Reynolds, scored 71.087% for fifth in the World Cup grand prix at Mechelen, Belgium, on 28 December. This was the 16-year-old horse’s first FEI outing since the World Equestrian Games.…

MORE PRESENTS A rider whose horse gave her “broken ribs for Christmas”, albeit slightly early, took revenge by giving him a rug in an eye-searing shade of fuchsia. That’ll larn him. MUCK A muggle father asked his daughter whether a friend could take some manure from the muckheap for his garden — a request she was only too happy to grant. “But have we got enough?” asked the muggle. As Jay-Z almost said, riders got 99 problems but a lack of horse poo is certainly not one of them. AILMENTS A horse due to lead the All the Queen’s Horses parade on New Year’s Day has overcome PPID, a broken bone and cancer, leading his owner to muse that he must read 101 Horse Ailments in search of his next…

Sir — Where would we be without our volunteers? Those selfless individuals who give their time and effort to ensure our competitions run like clockwork. Many of the jobs require expertise and knowledge, and what you might not realise is that these devoted supporters of our sport often have to attend courses to understand the complex rules of the various disciplines. Or they work behind the scenes, checking rights of way or visiting animals that have been neglected. No start is too early nor finish too late for these devotees, so let’s make it our priority to value, respect and look after these unsung heroes of the equestrian world. From jump judges to stewards, writers, secretaries, car park attendants, score collectors, ring erectors and many more, you’re all worth your…

WHILE a lump or bump is never welcome in the showing world, a prominent growth on the shoulder of Our Cashel Blue took a particularly sinister turn last September. Tests on the lump, which was becoming larger and more ulcerated, revealed a rare form of cancer — devastating news for connections of the usually hale and hearty champion cob. When his owner Caroline Tyrrell and the Hood Show Team announced his impending operation on Facebook, Blue’s fans responded with a collective “fingers crossed” for successful surgery. He is now home and recuperating at the Hood’s yard after removal of the tumour, but is he completely in the clear? SUSPICIOUS SIGNS BLUE’S lump was situated on his right side, in the large infraspinatus muscle that lies on top of the scapula…

1 POSTURE MAKES PERFECT “If you have a good posture and good control of that posture, so that the spine is correctly supported by the pelvis, you’re going to protect your back to the best of your ability,” Liz Launder explains. 2 SADDLE UP “A lot of saddles — dressage saddles in particular — don’t allow enough room for the body of the pelvis,” says Liz. “Make sure your saddle allows you to sit squarely in pelvic neutral.” 3 LIFT WITH CAUTION Engaging your core before lifting is key to avoiding back problems, according to Kate Haynes. “Bend your knees into a squat, hold the object close to you, engage your core and push up through your legs.” 4 BREAK UP YOUR DAY “Repeating the same movement pattern again and…

‘I could feel his tail at the back of my head, then he took the wire on a bounce’ TO hunt hounds in Ireland, you have to be tough, especially in the Scarteen’s “strong country”. The “mighty servant” Sprite’s ability is proved by his legs, “as clean and tight now as the day he was born” after more than 10 years with huntsman and joint-master Chris Ryan. Sprite had been to sales with no success until Chris visited the three-quarter-bred at Fergus O’Shea’s Tipperary yard. “I liked him in the box, then took him down a field to wire. He saw it 40 yards away and took off. I couldn’t pull him up and we were right by the Limerick road with evening traffic and light failing. I turned him…

London International Horse Show, Olympia Lightning rarely strikes twice in the same place, but for Lancashire-based home producer Sandra Burton, it certainly did at Olympia when she took her second LeMieux British Show Pony Society (BSPS) ridden mountain and moorland championship title. Joe Burke’s lovely Connemara stallion, Banks Timber, was both foot- and model-perfect to eclipse a stellar field of 40. This win followed in the footsteps of Fly The Last Flute, another Connemara produced and ridden by Sandra, who triumphed in 2013, and brought the breed’s total tally to 12 wins in this competition. Standards this year were as high as ever, giving judges Jackie Webb, John James, David Machin and Heather Prescott plenty of food for thought. Indeed, after the initial performance section, only five marks separated the…

“I DON’T think it has quite sunk in yet,” said an emotional Alice Stratton as she stood with her 2018 Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd (SSADL) ridden supreme champion, Laithill Pasha (Buzz), a delightful chestnut gelding. “He showed off as usual and it’s like he knew that he had to go and win it for himself.” Buzz, a 17-year-old Welsh section B by Heaton Romeo, had taken the reserve sash in the in-hand final last term but following the disqualification of the champion, the pair were presented with the supreme award after the class had finished. Alice has owned Buzz, a previous SEIB Search for a Star winner, since he was 14, and together they’ve racked up various veteran titles on the county circuit. “He did some showjumping when he…