Innholdsfortegnelse for 26-Mar-2020 i Horse & Hound

AS Anna Ross says in her comment (p46), “it’s never been so cool to be kind”, with owners caring for horses of those in self-isolation without a second thought. We need kindness and financial goodwill, too – from all who are in a position to give it. Charities, trainers, retailers, events, riding schools – all risk losing jobs, while some have already lost their income. Don’t stop buying for you and your horse if you are still in a position to. Consider virtual lessons — some trainers are teaching via FaceTime. So much can be done remotely and so doesn’t have to stop, but much must. As we went to press, the government had pledged less support to the self-employed than businesses. And whether the business measures will be enough…

BILLY BUCKINGHAM William Funnell’s home-bred 2018 World Championship ride, Hickstead Derby winner and Nations Cup stalwart has been put down age 12 after sustaining a fractured pastern bone while being lunged at home. TIGER ROLL The Gigginstown-owned double Grand National winner will be aimed at the 2021 race, trainer Gordon Elliott said. The 10-year-old was to target a record third consecutive victory in the cancelled 2020 running. STAR WITNESS Tina Cook’s Burghley specialist finished sixth in the under-18 BE100open at Swalcliffe Park on 14 March with her daughter, Isabelle. The pair jumped double clear to finish on their dressage score of 37. Report, p40.…

THE SEIB Insurance Brokers charity giving awards will run virtually during the week beginning 30 March. The awards, which had been due to take place on 20 March in London but were cancelled owing to the coronavirus, will run across SEIB’s social media channels daily at 1pm. Two charities per day will find out how much of the £50,000 grant they have received. The 10 finalists include six equine charities; Bransby Horses, Gaddesden Place Riding for the Disabled, Hope Pastures, Redwings, the Flicka Foundation, and the Horse Trust, along with Doris Banham Dog Rescue, Hope Rescue and Once Upon A Smile. A spokesman for SEIB said the coronavirus will have “devastating implications” for charities. “That is why these awards are even more important in 2020,” he said. “We are grateful…

DISTANCING As people refuse to practise social distancing, should the horse world step in? A red ribbon on every hairdo would do the trick; no one would come anywhere near you. Not sure we’d want to see men sporting white ribbons though… THIEVES Idiot of the week goes to whoever broke into a yard and stole a chest freezer in which the horses’ food was kept. Not sure there are words in any language to describe this person, especially as it should have been fairly clear the freezer didn’t even work… LLAMAS On a different note, a rider asked what she could do to help her horse become used to a llama at her yard. “God knows,” came one response. “My mare shared her field with 20 sheep for months…

NEITHER Mark nor Steven hail from horsey backgrounds; each of them caught the bug at their local riding schools as children. While Mark reminisces about getting his first pony when aged 14 – a hairy cob called Molly – Steven started riding at 10 while his brothers played football. “Every weekend, I’d be dropped off at the yard at 6am and picked up at 6pm,” he says. “I went to work at the riding school part time while I was doing my A levels and then full time after school. I then had a break from horses and worked as cabin crew for British Airways. I did this for 13 years and always had horses in the background, producing a few on the side with a friend. I then gave…

BE100open.— 1, Shannondale Sonoma (J Fairbank) 26.8,0,0=26.8; 2, Quantanamo Z (S Jenman) 31.3,0,0=31.3; 3, Curolea Mika (A Czylok) 35.3,0,0=35.3. BE100open u18.— 1, Union Fortunus (D Amin) 28.5,0,4.4=32.9; 2, Boy IV (C Boyden) 30,0,4.4=34.4; 3, Ardeo Fun Size (B Monks) 31,0,3.6=34.6. BE100RF.— 1, Tremeer (C Bosley) 20.3,0,0=20.3; 2, DHI Chilli Start (S Hodgson) 29,0,0.4=29.4; 3, Nero The Hero (S Martin) 29.8,0,0.8=30.6. BE100 sec F.— 1, Fly Boy II (S Firth) 27,0,0=27; 2, Just Cawrus Girl (G Strang) 27,0,0.4=27.4; 3, Cloonelara Summertime (P Hendry) 31.3,0,0=31.3. sec G.— 1, Johan-Some (G Tattersall) 28,0,0=28; 2, Irish Jig III (V Panizzon) 29.3,0,0=29.3; 3, Zealous (A Dunstan) 31.8,0,0=31.8. sec H.— 1, Grand Cru E (M Warburton) 25,0,0=25; 2, Scoobo (A Hawker) 28.5,0,0=28.5; 3, Dassett Select (A Walker) 28.8,0,0=28.8. sec I.— 1, Rock Anthem (G Strang) 22.3,0,0=22.3;…

Prelim 2/70cm (S Smith).— 1, Davidoff 84 (S Thomas) 76.9,0; 2, William (S Roberts) 73.62,4; 3, Millfield Lancelot (D Rhodes) 73.28,4. prelim 18/80cm (J Byrne).— 1, Pop The Champers (K Pickering) 72.69,0; 2, Millfield Lancelot 72.69,4; 3, I Duno (B Slade) 71.35,4. novice 24/90cm (S Marshall).— 1, Langson Govenor (V Gregg) 74.13,0; 2, Just Like That (S Roberts) 69.57,0; 3, Hillgarth Rachelian (K Sanderson) 69.13,0. novice 34/1m (A Bennie).— 1, North Astor Cooter (J Brett) 76.9,0; 2, Cortynan Girl (S Crane) 75,0; 3, September Song (G Rockingham) 73.33,0. elem 42/90cm (J Critchley).— 1, Coltstown Glider (E Sutton) 72.03,0; 2, Rascalini (E Watts) 73.91,8; 3, Rock Supreme (V Gregg) 70.94,0. elem 50/1m (S Smith).— 1, September Song 70.54,0; 2, After Darkness (S Burns) 70,0; 3, North Astor Rossco (J Brett) 69.11,0.…

JAZZMAN MFS added another three classes to his winning tally, scoring novice, elementary and elementary freestyle victories at The Cabin, Aberdeenshire. “I’m very excited about him,” said Jennifer Johnston-Harman of the rising six-year-old, who is by the Jazz-sired stallion Wynton and was bred at MFS Studfarm. “I loved the mare he was out of, when I saw him as a foal at foot – she was spectacular – and he had phenomenal movement. “He is trainable and generous but with endless energy,” added Jennifer. “If that’s what they say is the Jazz sharpness, I like it.”…

IT takes a committed parent to spend their birthday weekend at a pony show, but Judi Piper-Dadswell is glad she did. On the opening day, Judi’s 15-year-old daughter India attempted her first JA classic class on her lovely gelding Ballykeelaune Euro (Shelby; pictured) and gave her mother the best possible present with a super clear and a ticket to the final. The Pipers travelled to Donegal in 2018 to buy Shelby, now 16, and he and India started at 90cm level. “He’s amazing. I loved him from the moment I first sat on him. That was the biggest course I’ve ever jumped, but he gave me such confidence,” said India, who is trained by Judi, a UKCC level three coach. “We get on well and never have arguments about riding,”…

KAY SIMPSON and Caretino Crackerjack (pictured, right) were too quick for their rivals in the jump-off of the Voltaire novice qualifier at the Grange EC, Devon. This was also the first win for the six-year-old mare Kay bought locally in Devon from her breeder Marion Clark. “I got her at the end of her four-year-old year and she hadn’t done much. She’s still maturing, so I’ve produced her very slowly and she didn’t start jumping until last September,” said Kay, who somehow fits in horses with a full-time job managing a college department for students with learning difficulties and behavioural problems. As well as “CJ”, Kay has a 22-year-old ex-racehorse – “He’s still out jumping and loving life” – and is also a Pony Club instructor and a British Showjumping…

ENSURING your horse has a smooth and comfortable journey will not only help prevent injury, but good experiences will also mean he’s more likely to load again next time. Here, Equine Rescue Services’ Chris Facer offers his advice for towing horses: 1 Plan your route to avoid busy spots and bumpy, windy roads where possible, and work out where to stop if your journey is more than three or four hours long. 2 The maximum speed to tow a horse trailer is 50mph on single carriageway and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways, but always drive at a speed that is safe for the road conditions. 3 Be mindful of your braking distances and how hard you brake. You should brake slowly and carefully so as to not cause your…

THE UK equestrian industry was preparing for possible lockdown as H&H went to press, amid mass event cancellations and the possible postponement of the Olympics. Badminton Horse Trials, Royal Windsor Horse Show and Bolesworth International were among the events to cancel owing to the coronavirus pandemic, while all affiliated horse sport in the UK has come to a halt. The BEF has called for a stop to all organised equestrian activity, which includes “travelling your horse for lessons or schooling, having a coach to your yard, having a lesson at a riding centre and riding in large groups”. “But we actively encourage enjoying your horse in the fresh air due to the benefits to your wellbeing and mental health, and those responsible for the care of a horse can still…

BILLY SHANIA Gemma Tattersall’s multiple international winning event mare (Billy Congo x Mark Twain) has had a foal by Sligo Candy Boy. The 10-year-old, who sustained an injury at Belton 2019, scored wins at South of England CIC1* and CIC2* (now CCI2&3*-S) and Osberton CCI* (now CCI2*-L). ASHKARI The Pinchen family’s star home-bred has died, aged 18. Yazmin Pinchen partnered the showjumping mare on numerous Nations Cup teams, World Cup qualifiers and top international shows. MARLINKA The Elite Racing Club mare (Marju x Barathea), dam to Judicial and dual Group One winner Marsha – the highest-priced thoroughbred at a European auction – has died from colic, aged 12. She was in foal to Showcasing. Her foal could not be saved.…

NEITHER riding bareback nor hunting all day could be seen as an easy option. But 13-year-old Hattie Cobden combined the two to raise more than £2,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support after a schoolfriend was diagnosed with the disease. Hattie’s mother Victoria told H&H the teenager does ride bareback at home sometimes, “but usually because she can’t be bothered to get her saddle out of the tack room”! Hattie went out on her pony Snowy, with her father, Hursley Hambledon joint-master Simon, on 14 March. “To him, I think it was more of an amazing thing to do; to her, it was just, ‘I’ll try to do this,’” Victoria said. “She’s so pleased to raise so much money and I think it’s pretty amazing.”…

WHAT goes in, must come out. This is a sentiment all too familiar with those of us who muck out daily, yet this onerous task can provide vital information about a horse’s health. The importance of faecal monitoring should never be underestimated. The basic anatomy of the digestive system is the same for all mammals. Horses have evolved as forage eaters who will graze for 16 to 18 hours a day, so the equine digestive system functions best when trickle fed in this way. However, the performance horse needs more energy than can be supplied by an all-forage diet. Health problems can soon arise when high levels of concentrates are fed infrequently and at the expense of forage. The average horse will defaecate up to 12 times a day to…

“My dear mummy always told me to smile, whether I won or lost – it helps when things haven’t gone well” A FEW people have had a big impact on my career. Double European champion Sheila Wilcox was my mentor and thanks to the two years I spent working for her I formed a broad base of knowledge. Without that education, I would have reached the peak of my career at an earlier stage. I think gaining that all-round knowledge is where many riders miss out. Sheila was a real stickler in every aspect; from stable management to training, to getting the best out of different types of horses, to dealing with injuries. She had tremendously high standards and it becomes ingrained in you. My lower leg used to slip…

HARRY FINCH, 15, scored his first win at Lincolnshire in a BE100 aboard his own Great Guy (Freddie). The Ludlow Hunt branch of the Pony Club member started eventing when he was 11. “Freddie has been tricky and I have had to work hard to get his brain into forward gear,” said Harry, who credits a winter’s hunting with the Ludlow for encouraging the gelding to take on his fences. The pair preceded two sound jumping performances with a personal best dressage score of 26.3.…

JAYMEE SAVILL added a win and a second place in the pony trial at Lincolnshire to the third and fourth places she’d already bagged in the same class at Oasby (1) the previous week. “It has been a challenge trying to fit in riding with school work, but Jaymee’s school [Cheltenham Ladies’ College] is very supportive,” said her father, Neil. The 16-year-old, who is in her last year of ponies, also occupied the top two spots in the CCI-S P2* at Millstreet last year.…

Merrist Wood College, Surrey GEORGINA NICHOLLS made the most of the chance to compete Florencio gelding Headmore Figaro, winning both novices. “I’ve always loved Figaro,” said Georgie, an apprentice at the Oppenheimer family’s Headmore yard. “He has been brilliant for me – so forgiving of my mistakes and not overly hot, but sensitive enough to do the job.” Kate Hewson, 15, headed the elementary 44 with Laithehill Flute, the 12.2hh Welsh section B gelding she has shown successfully at the Horse of the Year Show and the Royal International. “Flute is a very intelligent, high-energy pony,” said Kate’s mother, Emma. “While he has wonderful natural movement and cadence, Kate has been learning to channel his exuberance and achieve collection with softness and submission. “She has been training with Leanne Wall…

Bury Farm 148cm Premier, Bucks THE old adage “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again” rang true for two friends, who saw their dreams come true at this show. Jake Barton and Par Thurston had travelled far and wide in their quest for a precious ticket to the JC final at this year’s Royal International (RIHS), and it all came right for them over the weekend. This was the final 148cm pony premier show of the season and Keith Bristow’s clever courses received praise from trainers and parents. The fences weren’t over-big, but every course asked enough technical questions and required good riding. In Saturday’s JC qualifier, 15 good combinations reached round two and seven went through to jump against the clock. None of these ponies…

ALL our horses have finally arrived home safe and sound from the Spanish Sunshine Tour, which the coronavirus brought to a hasty conclusion two weeks earlier than planned. We had 19 horses with us, including my wife Pippa’s Burghley winner MGH Grafton Street, whom she wanted to have a bit of jumping practice before Kentucky – another casualty of the pandemic. So it was a disappointing end, not least because we usually return with fewer horses than we left with; although we had a lot of people asking about our horses, deals aren’t usually done until the final couple of weeks. Competition was also cancelled before the big-money invitational, so business-wise it wasn’t the best trip. But I reckon as soon as people are able to travel again, top riders…

Premiere UK Scurry of East Sussex, Northease Farm, E Sussex TOM JONASON and Sire Collonges won the Premiere UK Scurry of East Sussex – the only hunt race to be run this season since Badminton’s Yeomanry Ride in November – in a tight finish with Alex Vaughan-Jones and Gorran Haven. “Alex and Tom were neck and neck over the last three fences, both riding as if possessed! Tom got the better jump at the last, which clinched it,” said co-organiser Diana Grissell. The pair had fought it out in the Wynnstay hunt ride the week before, with Alex coming out on top by a 1½ lengths. “Alex persuaded me to come down here today, and I am very happy to have reversed the result,” said Tom. “We discussed the course…

A PLEDGE of £500,000 to support struggling equestrian retailers during the pandemic is an example of how the industry is pulling together in the coronavirus pandemic. David Mitson, whose investment company owns brands including Gatehouse, Mark Todd Collection and Science Supplements, has pledged the money, for support and investment, in the short and long term. “We’re in uncharted waters with the likelihood of the economic downturn affecting many equestrian stores throughout the country,” Mr Mitson said. “Many of these stores have been loyal customers to our brands and the challenges some may now be facing are unprecedented. “For businesses looking for support and investment, we are here to help, both for the short term, but also to provide growth opportunities for the future” Any company interested in the offer is…

BALLINGER EQUINE BAG BEST AWARDS VETERINARY practice Ballinger Equine was crowned a winner at the Rural Business Awards. The Hertfordshire practice was against competition from all sectors to be judged the best rural start-up business, at the awards on 27 February. “National recognition from industry giants and the Rural Business Awards’ formidable judging panel is a big boost for everybody,” said Ballinger managing director Andrew Hillier. The practice also won the best rural professional services business for the east of England. VETS CONSIDERED KEY WORKERS THE Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and British Veterinary Association (BVA) have issued guidance to the profession on “key workers” in relation to school closures. Government advice states key workers include those essential to the provision of other key goods (for example, hygienic and…

Eventer Imogen Murray has become engaged to farrier Tim King. Imogen said the news had not quite sunk in yet, but added she now gets to call “this wonderful man my fiancé”. Jockey Tom Marquand enjoyed his first Group One winner on the William Haggastrained Addeybb on 21 March in Australia. Tom said the win had been “all he had dreamt of ”. Producer Lynn Russell has launched a monthly online showing series beginning in April. Riders can submit a photograph and video to be judged by two judges in a choice of 10 classes. Apprentice jockey Gavin Ryan suffered a fractured vertebra in a fall at Dundalk, Ireland. Gavin, who is based with Donnacha O’Brien, said he will be in a back brace for six weeks. Showjumper Michael Whitaker…

PE A young rider being home-schooled owing to the coronavirus was delighted to hear the school had emailed to remind her parents it was PE day, and to encourage said child to exercise. Never seen a child run to the tack room so fast. Every cloud. LUNGEING On the same topic, the thoughts of riders – who are also parents of energetic children now being home-schooled – must already be turning to the lunge rein. A few circuits before lessons, just to take the edge off their energy, perhaps? BOX REST Still on the virus, anyone who’s box-rested an injured horse knows just how enjoyable a process it is for all involved – and now we’re having to do it to ourselves and other people, too. Stable mirrors, anyone? Bars…

IS it me or have we been here before? We’ve just had the first day of spring sunshine following a winter that has been so wet, the horses have all developed webbed feet. And now we’ve been dealt the blow of having to survive without our beloved events, due to a new bat-induced cold. I do hope all of us involved with the horse world can keep sane and remember those friends we won’t see for some time. For me, I love to meet our customers and spend time with our fellow tradestand holders, but I will also miss the competitor parties and the fantastic event organisers and volunteers. We are all going to struggle, but while I know that a lot of us who reside in the countryside already…

DRESSAGE rider Jodie Phillips (née Lister) is one of many who started off in plaited pony ranks, in her case progressing from top-level showing to medal-winning junior and young rider teams, achieving international success at grand prix level. She has also judged the pony supreme at Hickstead. She is another who believes current “fashions” may adversely affect riders in the future. “If judges reward ponies that are overproduced, are they not taking away the opportunity for the next generation of young riders to learn the correct scales of training and experience a free-moving, correctly trained pony?” she ponders. “Instead, it appears these children will only develop a feel for ponies that are blocked through their body, and stay behind the leg. “Surely this is not the right path for children…

Swalcliffe Park, Oxon FOR the third time in six years, Julia Fairbank and Shannondale Sonoma opened their season’s account with a win at their most local venue. They topped the BE100open on a score of 26.8. “‘Sonny’ is an intermediate horse, but we always come to Swalcliffe for a first run as it’s such an inviting course and the ground is brilliant, so it sets us up for the year,” explained Julia, who lives within hacking distance of the Oxfordshire venue. Unlike previous years, however, this run was likely the pair’s one and only outing for some time, as British Eventing announced the following day that the coronavirus had curtailed all eventing for the time being. “I was just very grateful for the chance to get out and take my…

ONE evening last week, I had three jobs to do. The first was to enter Badminton, which seemed futile; the second was supplying information for Olympic accreditation, which could well be futile, and the third was to answer questions from my solicitor who was drafting my will, which with any luck will be futile! We’re trying to carry on as normally as possible since the shutdown of British Eventing competitions. The horses’ preparations are continuing as if they have events coming up. The aim is to have them ready to hit the ground running when we’re given green light, but also to make progress in the meantime, so that when we start eventing they’re all half a season further on in their training than they are now. We’re all coming…

Ideal and WRS Saddles British Dressage Combined Training Final, Field House, Staffs A FORMER racehorse who has been out of training for less than a year proved he has multiple talents to scoop a championship title in his new career. Pop The Champers (Pops) took the prelim 18/80cm title under rider and retrainer Kathryn Pickering, who also rode him in his previous career while he was in training with Nick Kent. Owner Wendy Wesley, who was also one of his owners during his racing career, was there to witness her elegant nine-year-old shine in a new sphere. The 17.2hh gelding by Scorpion, whose other progeny include Might Bite, won two point-to-points in Ireland, but decided racing wasn’t for him on his starts under Rules. However, he gave connections a reason…

PORT ROYAL EC 15 Mar: prelim 13 gold (A Peel). — 1, Infield Princess (H Woodhead) 71.73. silv.— 1, Reggie IV (N Granger-Savage) 65.77. brnz.— 1, Dalcotes Yildiz (K I’Anson) 64.81. prelim 14 gold.— 1, Infield Princess 70; 2, Thistle Do Nicely (R Holloran) 69.23. silv.— 1, Kansas Toddle (F Rowland) 66.35; 2, Dalcotes Yildiz 64.23. nov 28 gold.— 1, First Sebastien (H Hutchinson) 68.75. silv.— 1, Rubiks Cube (V Turner) 68.75; 2, Sportsfield Bright Sparks (R Dean) 67.71; 3, Tyersal Easter Fayre (K Hammerton) 67.29. nov 30 gold.— 1, First Sebastien 60.77. silv.— 1, Jancol Mallow 67.31; 2, Rubiks Cube 64.62; 3, Llynhelyg Jigsaw (S Ashby-Arnold) 63.08. brnz.— 1, Kansas Toddle 61.15; 2, Galleon (S Grocott) 55.58; 3. Darno Z (C Barraclough) 53.85. elem 43 silv (S Cooper).— 1,…

ROCKROSE EC 14 Mar: prelim 13 silv (E Love). — 1, The Only Way Is Micklow (C Rogerson) 74.81; 2, Gems Sullivan (E Watson) 67.5; 3, Golden Miracle (A Anderson) 64.04. brnz.— 1, Tower AE Fond Kiss (F Steel) 67.69; 2, Vulcanus (D Purchase) 66.73; 3, Urien H (J Edwards) 63.85. prelim 19 silv (S Walsh).— 1, The Only Way Is Micklow 76.46; Golden Miracle 67.71. brnz.— 1, Ilsa (L Stewart) 76.88; 2, My Gypsy Less (D Walkingshaw) 67.29; 3, Urien H 66.67. nov 34 gold (F Baker).— 1, Karisma II (J Barry) 70.71; 2, Joie A Vie (K Tullie) 70.48; 3, Furst Cointreau (L Faulks) 63.33 silv.— 1, Obsidian Of Kinnaird (K Morrison) 70.48; 2, Harlequin Vision II (S Adam) 68.57; 3, Havana L (A Van Heelsum) 66.43. brnz.—…

WHILE physical health must take priority, it’s time for the equestrian community to come together and find our way forward through the coronavirus crisis. Thankfully, riding horses teaches us to expect the unexpected. Equestrians are used to having curveballs thrown at their plans. And while we hear a lot about the downside of social media, it’s never been more important than now and will help us all to stay connected, healthy – and in business. Horses play a huge part in our lives and are an outlet that many consider essential to their wellbeing and mental health. Spending time outside is proven to have psychological benefits and, in these anxious times, it’s even more important that equestrians can reduce stress. The various Olympic committees will have their work cut out…

EMILIA NELSON enjoyed a busy week, heading classes at both Wellington Riding, Hampshire, and Merrist Wood College, Surrey. Her novice winner Woodlander Wales, by Woodlander Wavavoom, is owned by Lynne Crowden and has been based with Emilia for 18 months. She has been riding Sarah Steggall’s WFS Top Red, who claimed a medium outright, for three years. “They’re both talented ponies,” said Emilia’s mother, Nicole. “Emilia has been on the prime squad for two years with Top Red, who is well-established at pony and FEI level, but we started from scratch with Wales and it has taken time for him to relax and develop confidence.” “Wales is quite a worrier, but he learns so quickly and it now feels as if he knows and trusts me,” added Emilia, 15, who…

14 Mar: Blue Chip pony newcomers.— 1, Maily 17 (L McDonald); 2, Doonard Micko (S Martin); 3, Ashwey Paintpot Sparrow (E Denton). pony 1m.— 1, Shannon Moonlight (R Proudley); 2, Paint Perfection (L Logan); 3, Claddagh Prince (C Morris). Blue Chip Pro Sparkle JC/JA.— 1, 2 & 3, Trevoulter Ladies Man, Dapple Grey Dew Drop & Westward Sunshine (E Jacques). Charles Britton winter JA Q.— 1eq, Trevoulter Ladies Man & Kiltormer Hero (T Francis-Jones); 3, Harry (M Li). winter JC Q.— 1, Catherston Bobby Bright (J Barton); 2, Fancy A Baileys (O Carpenter); 3, Qrevette GII (C Page). pony Foxhunter.— 1, Robe Park Bobby (R Proudley); 2, Ramiro High Society (J Phillipps); 3, Miss Mia (K Bromley). pony 1.10m.— 1, Top Silvio Hastak (O Sponer); 2, Whos Arco (T Fry);…

“I liked her so much that I bought a leg”ALICE PEARSON ON MOVEEN OBOS Allens Hill, Worcs “I won £130 and that very rarely happens when I’m eventing!” said Alice Pearson, who went home to Hereford from Allens Hill competition centre with wins in the 1.05m open and newcomers classes. Alice’s 1.05m victor was 15-year-old Say That Again. “He’s actually my hunter and is an absolute machine across country,” explained Alice, who follows the North Hereford, Ledbury and Heythrop hounds on the Irish-bred gelding. “He should have been an eventer, but he’s a bit of a lunatic and couldn’t cope with the dressage phase,” she said. “He’s incredibly careful and loves showjumping, so it’s nice to let him do what he enjoys.” By contrast, Alice’s newcomers winner, eight-year-old Moveen Obos,…

WHEN I catch up with the Ampleforth Beagles kennel-huntsman, Mike Smith, he is looking forward to hunting hounds for the final time at a joint-meet later that week to mark the end of 36 years in hunt service. Listening to the trim 55-year-old reminisce on the highs and lows of his distinguished career is to embark on a tour of some of the most celebrated hunting countries in the land. Born into a family steeped in farming and venery, Mike was brought up in the Whaddon Chase country during the era of Albert Buckle and Dorian Williams, and began helping out at the kennels as soon as he was strong enough to push a broom. He hunted on foot whenever possible and didn’t allow the inconvenience of school to stand…

“Her engine never dies. She is always there at the end of the day” SOME people might be disconcerted by a “vertical leap 6ft in the air, head between her legs and an almighty double fly kick”, but not Camilla Corrie, joint-master of the South Shropshire. “I’ve had Nellie for 13 years and know her inside out. I can read the signs. I get her out wide and away from everyone before she explodes.” Camilla adds with a smile: “She doesn’t want to get me off, she is just bursting with enthusiasm.” Nellie was bought as a five-year-old from Ireland by Lucy Ferry for her son, Otis, then hunting hounds. He rode her until Christmas, then turned her away to grow up. “I’d seen her jump a suicidal spot with…

OUR season finished with a send-off for the College Valley’s long-serving kennel huntsman, Andrew Proe, who has completed an incredible 35 seasons here. The Cuddystone Hall has never been so full as people gathered for breakfast, speeches and present-giving. It was just a couple of weeks ago, when the dreaded virus was only starting to gain momentum. There was no government advice about not ramming multiple folk into a small, steamy room with social kissing and hand-shaking aplenty – before we’d really cottoned on to the severity of such a disruptive pandemic. Speaking to my sister later in the day, she told me that trips to two supermarkets in Woking had revealed empty shelves where the loo roll should have been. Containers of hand sanitiser are rarer than hen’s teeth.…