Innholdsfortegnelse for 26-Nov-2020 i Horse & Hound

I DO hope readers enjoy a little cheer from this week’s advent calendar front cover. It is always a hit, with regular readers buying one for family and friends, too. This year illustrator David Stoten brought the concept up-to-date with a “rule of six” Christmas lunch scenario – which may or may not be an accurate representation of things to come, with the prime minister’s announcements about Christmas coming after I write. David did amuse himself – and sent us all into a brief panic – by submitting an initial “final” version with Carl Hester, Frankie Dettori, Jayne Ross, Ros Canter, Mark Todd and John Whitaker all wearing masks. Ha-very-ha. Very 2020. My favourite element is Valegro, Ballaghmor Class and Big Star singing carols in the background. Working for magazines,…

VALERIE KEMP MRS KEMP, who died on 21 October aged 62 after an illness, showed her renowned refusal to take a negative view until the end, marking dates in her diary well into next year. Formidable, determined, successful, generous, kind, and fiercely loyal are all attributes ascribed to her. Born in Devon to a non-horsey family, after school she was given a chance to attend the London School of Music, where her love of all things musical and talent as a pianist could have taken her down a different road. It soon became evident that equestrianism was to be the core of Mrs Kemp’s life. Her lifetime friendship with Colin and Joan Evans from Sigford started her off, and her journey began with roles in the South Devon Moorland branch…

ANYONE missing their drinking buddies during lockdown will probably sympathise with Midnight. The 33-year-old Dales loves a trip to his local, the Meynell Ingram Arms in Staffordshire, but of course is missing his half-pint (cider) and packet of crisps (sweet chilli flavour) while the bar is closed. Owner Jessie Sale told H&H that Midnight has been retired from ridden work but loves his trips to the pub, where the punters are happy to see him. “There’s a big open courtyard outside; we stay in there, but he’d go into the pub if he could,” she said. “Sometimes there’s live music and he loves it. “I’m still at university now so Mum’s looking after him, but hopefully by the time I get home, the pubs will be open and we’ll be…

polly.bryan@futurenet.com @pollybryan OPINION AS I write this piece, I am already starting to have to pull myself together and not let the dreary November weather and the shorter days have a negative effect on my mood. Luckily, there are some great events coming up that really are something to look forward to. The “TRT Live Worldwide” is taking place on 28 November and it is a chance for the whole equestrian community to come together and enjoy a hugely educational and wildly entertaining show, via Zoom. Tristan Tucker and his team are aiming to break the world record for the number of people being live together on Zoom, so this really is a big opportunity for equine enthusiasts from all disciplines and abilities to be part of something virtually, yet…

AN island, an invitation to coffee and a pony gold medal. What do these things have in common? It’s not a standard quiz question, but the answer is that all have been instrumental in building the career of promising event rider Yasmin Ingham. The 23-year-old holds the honour of having won the British championships at all four “under” levels – 16,18, 21 and 25. Then this autumn she cut it with the grown-ups successfully when she blasted through a quality field to pilot Banzai Du Loir to victory in the eight-and nine-year-old championship at Burnham Market. “If I could choose the qualities which combine to make an event horse, he’s the one with them all,” she says of Banzai Du Loir, a Selle Francais bought last May from French amateur…

“WE had been on the hunt for a large riding horse since we lost our 2019 BSHA supreme champion Southhills The Sorcerer, who was sadly put to sleep earlier this year after sustaining a leg injury. I’d seen Ziva with her previous owner, Martin Skelton, on social media and was instantly taken with her. “The opportunity to buy her came in August and we jumped at the chance; she then went straight to Rob’s base. Ten days later, she was champion at the UK Nationals. She’s got better and better as time has gone on and she’s already formed a great partnership with Rob. “Ziva is full sister to the prolific Diamonds Are Forever and her athletic movement reminds me of his. She has so much presence and her dressage…

Carl Hester, Olympic dressage gold medallist “It reminds me of that classic episode of The Vicar of Dibley – eating sprouts at everyone’s houses” CARL HESTER “NORMALLY Christmas is here at my place – I love being home and I’m always home on Christmas Day. This year has made me limpet on to my house even more than I do normally, and so this Christmas will be no different in that respect. We have plenty of space for friends and dogs, and people who might not have conventional family Christmases because of horses or other reasons. Of course this year it will have to be a smaller affair. But I can’t wait actually – I just love those sorts of days. This year, every Sunday has become a bit like Christmas…

“Add a Christmassy touch with hawthorn and rosehip berries, which are not toxic to horses” AT the start of the pandemic – nearer Easter than Christmas – people dug out their Yuletide decorations in an effort to cheer up the global gloom. When we are confined to our homes, making our own space look dazzling is more important than ever before for lifting the winter spirits. A report last month by retailer John Lewis showed sales of Christmas lights were up 48%, wreaths by 40%, and 40% of people said they planned to decorate more areas of their homes this year. Might the same go for yards? A natural, sustainable vibe – with minimal plastic and packaging – is hot on the agenda for many of us. Although most festive…

“HE’S a mischief-maker; his stable’s like a padded cell,” laughs eventer Emma Hyslop-Webb of her adored 17-year-old Waldo III (Wally). “And he loves drama! If we’re hacking, and people are walking through the village, he thinks that’s his audience and we have to canter sideways.” After 13 years together, Emma feels a very special bond and was worried when the vet agreed that Wally “wasn’t quite right” after two weeks’ rest following the Barroca International Horse Trials in Portugal last year. They were entered for their first Badminton just over two months later. “No one knew what it was or if he would recover,” she remembers, as diagnoses such as meningitis and the fatal West Nile virus were ruled out with extensive tests including a spinal tap. “I remember watching…

For more gift ideas, visit horseandhound.co.uk/buyers-guides BEHSA EASY-NET Make life at the yard easier with a haynet that has a unique bungee rope, making it easy to carry and simple to hang as no knots are required. From £11.99 thehaynetshop.com FERAGAIA ALCOHOL-FREE SPIRIT For those who want to avoid a hangover, this spirit has a winey, vermouth-type quality with refreshing citrus notes. £24.95 for 50cl feragaia.com WARING BROOKE PERSONALISED MONOGRAM SNOOD Chances are your friend doesn’t have a snood personalised with their initials like this one. £30 waringbrooke.com GEMOSI AMOR HORSE HAIR BRACELET Expertly hand-woven from your own horse’s tail hair, there are few gifts more special and personal. £120 gemosi.com FINER EQUINE BRIDLE BAG This bag has handy pockets and a thick and breathable faux sheepskin lining to protect…

For more gift ideas, visit horseandhound.co.uk/buyers-guides SPORTING HARES SPORTING SOCKS These British-made, thick, cushioned long socks are designed to stay in place. £15 sportinghares.com MARY KILVERT CHRISTMAS CANINES MUG A colourful, fine bone china mug that will cheer you through the winter months and beyond. £12.95 marykilvert.com EMILY COLE CROSS COUNTRY DESK PLANNER This fun desk planner is perfect for organising your work or yard life. £10 emily-cole.com HORSE & HOUND SUBSCRIPTION Save up to 50% on a weekly fix of the very best equestrian news analysis and access to H&H Plus. From £19.49 horseandhoundsubs.co.uk/AGV2 NOBLE OUTFITTERS 5 O’CLOCK HOOF PICK This handy ergonomic hoof pick has a bottle opener on the other end. £8.91 viovet.co.uk SOXTROT UK SOCKS Fun, comfortable, warm, thin, breathable and long-lasting – these socks make…

jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @donaldjdonald Betfair Chase, Haydock, Merseyside WHEN Bristol De Mai won his first Betfair Chase in 2017, he beat Cue Card 57 lengths, earning him the highest rating at the time in jump racing. On Saturday, Nigel Twiston-Davies’ grey returned to his favourite track to win the race for a third time. “As long as he keeps on winning it don’t mind”NIGELTWISTON-DAVIES ABOUT BRISTOL DE MAI The nine-year-old has never quite captured the imagination like other multiple Betfair Chase winners, such as Cue Card (also three) and Kauto Star (four), the only horse to have won it more often, probably because Bristol De Mai has never been as effective elsewhere; but he is the ultimate definition of horses for courses. His last win away from Haydock was at Wetherby in…

IT is November, month of Remembrance Day and opening meets. “People fought for this,” you think, in normal years, as you pin your poppy to your hunt coat. “They blew hunting horns on the battlefield,” you recall, and feel the goosebumps rising on your arms. There was a lovely story a few years back about an auctioneer in Suffolk who found two hunting horns in a house clearance. The horns were inscribed with the initials WAD Eley and the motto and crest of the Eton College Beagles. As Eley was a local name, the auctioneer contacted the family to find out if they had a WAD Eley in their history. It turned out that the hunting horns had belonged to a family member, Derrick Eley, who had joined up after…

Share your news story Call 01252 555021 Email eleanor.jones@futurenet.com @eleanor_jones_ OUTDOOR grassroots sport is set to resume and limited numbers of fans will be able to return when lockdown in England ends on Wednesday (2 December). Prime minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday (23 November) that outdoor sport can resume when England exits lockdown and returns to a strengthened tiered system. Mr Johnson added spectator sports will be able to resume inside and outside, with capacity limits and social distancing, in tiers one and two. Sport is also set to be permitted, with additional restrictions, in tier three. He said “by the spring”, the advances in testing and vaccination should reduce the need for the restrictions of 2020 “and make the whole concept of a Covid lockdown redundant”. Details on…

THE United Arab Emirates (UAE) federation will remain suspended from FEI membership until 31 December – but will serve a reduced suspension on endurance activity and pay reduced financial penalties after a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling. In September, the federation was suspended from all activities across FEI disciplines until the end of the year, while endurance activity was suspended until 31 March 2021. This followed an investigation into a breach of rules around two national endurance events – the Sheikh Mohammed Cup and the President’s Cup. Following a UAE appeal to CAS, a two-day hearing took place on 12-13 November after which CAS ruled that the federation’s suspension across all disciplines, including endurance, would run until 31 December. While the FEI had ordered that 50% of the…

GRAND NATIONAL BRONZE FOR SALE A BRONZE of Grand National winner Lord Gyllene, presented to the Animal Health Trust (AHT) by Sir Stanley Clarke, will be sold at auction as part of the charity’s liquidation proceedings. The Caroline Wallace sculpture shows the 1997 winner standing with a dog and cat resting at its feet, and is estimated to fetch between £30,000 and £40,000 at the Dreweatts sale of fine furniture, sculpture, ceramics and carpets on 10 December. The AHT closed in July this year after months of trying to source enough funding for a viable future and appointed liquidators on 24 September. NAYLORS JOINS GO OUTDOORS GO OUTDOORS has acquired major industry retailer Naylors Equestrian. Naylors will continue to operate through its existing website and three stores in Rochdale, Nantwich…

British national champions Ben Hobday and Shadow Man II took second in the CCI4*-S in week one of the Portugal Winter Tour. Ben also won the CCI* on Shadow Kingsman. Jump jockey Henry Brooke has broken three vertebrae in his neck and two in his back in a schooling fall. Henry is expected to be sidelined until at least March next year. Horse trainer Emma Massingale won two awards at the Equus Film Festival: the international short documentary and best international equestrian commercial – mini category. Showjumper Amy Inglis has made an appearance in television series The Crown riding as Princess Anne for a jumping scene. Amy, who rode her mare Applause, said the experience was “surreal”. Scotland’s first female professional jump jockey Lucy Alexander is recovering after fracturing vertebrae…

jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @donaldjdonald OPINION THIS has been another really tough month for the equestrian industry as things have ground to a halt once again. Since the announcement came at the start of November that England was returning to lockdown, I have had to cancel all the clinics I had planned in the run-up to Christmas; at this time of year, they are my bread and butter. But I’m not alone – there are very many trainers and coaches in a similar position to me who have lost all their income. These are desperate times for a lot of people. The situation wasn’t helped by the confusion and lack of transparency surrounding the communication of how the new restrictions would affect equestrians – in particular for riding schools and on the issue…

Who was your first pony? An 11.2hh Welsh pony called Bumble Barter. I didn’t name him, but I think my mum had bartered to get him and the name stuck. He was a nightmare; I can remember going hunting on him, which in hindsight was a silly idea, and I tried to get him to go over this ditch. I was holding up the whole field, then decided in my eightyear-old wisdom that I should get off and lead him through the ditch. So I got into the ditch, gave him a gentle tug with the reins and he jumped clean over me and galloped off. Disaster! If you weren’t a rider, you would be... I’m not very good at doing anything else, but I do love gardening, so maybe…

THE best piece of advice my dad gave me was: “Be nice to people on the way up because you might meet them on the way down.” My parents had nothing to do with horses when I started out but they became massive supporters. John Whitaker and I first met when we were 12 and our parents became good friends, so they used to travel to all the shows together. Harvey Smith and David Broome were our heroes. I started watching Horse of the Year Show on television when I was about nine and they were the most prominent riders then. At that age, I don’t suppose I dreamed that one day I’d be riding against them but it’s funny how life goes – we became fellow competitors and then…

THERE’S nothing quite like a warming sip from your hip flask on a cold winter’s day hunting. Reviving numb toes or giving courage for an upcoming hedge – or even refreshment on a long, fast-paced day. As with everything this year, Christmas will be quite different thanks to Covid-19 restrictions. Even when hunting restarts over the festive period, it may be lacking the usual crowds and revelry, so it’s up to all of us to make the best of it we can. It won’t be possible to pass hip flasks round to share and compare, so all the more reason to nail your own recipe this year. SURREY UNION joint-master Camilla Swift has refined her preferred tipple over the years. “I always used to plump for a homemade sloe or…

For more gift ideas, visit horseandhound.co.uk/buyers-guides MARIELI EQUESTRIAN DIARY This pretty diary allows you to keep a record of everything from your horse’s competition results to his weight. £18 marieliequestrian.com FINLOWS SNAFFLE SCARF BIT This handmade snaffle scarf bit is the perfect accompaniment to any silk scarf and is available in a brass and silver finish. £40 finlows.com TALOLO ANKLE COWBOY BOOT WELLIES A fun pair of wellies made from biodegradable and sustainably sourced rubber. £59 taloloboots.com HOLLAND COOPER COACH JACKET This warm and stylish jacket is lightweight yet insulating. It’s great for riding in or layering under a heavier coat. £149 hollandcooper.com NATTILY DRESSED FLEECE GILET Made from recycled plastic bottles – about 20 for each gilet – these Polartec fleece gilets have a fun and bright trim. £120…

For more gift ideas, visit horseandhound.co.uk/buyers-guides SWEETBRIARS: TABBY’S BIG YEAR This tale of a girl and her horses will go down well with any pony-mad youngster. £11.99 sweetbriarsfarm.com VOLTAIRE DESIGN BARDETTE SADDLE This saddle enables even the smallest of riders to express their potential. £390 voltairedesign.com HAAS DIVA GIRLIE BRUSH A pink lambswool and horsehair brush for polishing and achieving a beautiful shine on any pony. £27 eqclusive.com PONY FUN COLOURING BOOK Features more than 50 hand-drawn illustrations spanning all the major disciplines. £6.99 rainbowponypublishing.com TERESA LEWIS ART WATER BOTTLE These bottles are ideal for school or out and about and a fun way of keeping hydrated. £12 for 400ml teresalewisart.co.uk CHARLES OWEN YR8 SPARKLY HELMET The centre panel adds a bit of sparkle to everyday riding kit to let…

For more charity cards, visit horseandhound.co.uk/buyers-guides BLUE CROSS “Dancing through the snow” £5.99 for a pack of 10 bluecross-shop.co.uk COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE “Late winter on Exmoor” £5.99 for a pack of 10 shop.countryside-alliance.org HUNT STAFF BENEFIT SOCIETY “We’ll meet again” £6.50 for a pack of 10 hsbs.org.uk REDWINGS “Lady and Holly in the snow” £4.50 for a pack of 10 redwings.org.uk/shop BRANSBY HORSES “Wish upon a star” £3.95 for a pack of 10 bransbyhorses.co.uk EQUINE GRASS SICKNESS FUND “Leading the way” £6 for a pack of 10 grasssickness.org.uk INJURED JOCKEYS FUND “Snowy beach” £7.50 for a pack of 10 shop.ijf.org.uk RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION “Christmas cob” £4.90 for a pack of 10 rdashop.org.uk BOB CHAMPION CANCER TRUST “White turf” £8.20 for a pack of 10 double-sided cards bobchampion.org.uk HANNAH’S WILLBERRY…

The hunt: Nicholas Snow kept hounds at Oare Manor on Exmoor between 1869 and 1889. They hunted hare until Parson Jack Russell persuaded him to draw for a fox at Brendon Two Gates. Masters: Felicita Busby and Angela Ingram Professional huntsman: Tony Wright Hon Secretaries: Penny Crane and Richard Bowden Trail-layers: Adrian Clark, Mike Vincent and Ted Williams Invaluable car-followers: Edward Holroyd, Brian Taylor and Paul Apanowicz Subscription: cheaper than a day’s shooting on Exmoor Hounds: Capt Wallace bred 30 couple of whelps each season. When he died in 2002, Felicita and Lady Caroline Gosling decided, because his bloodlines were well embedded elsewhere, they would continue his outcrossing work – then in its embryonic stage. This involves maintaining the male and female American lines, West Country harrier and old English…

jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @donaldjdonald CSI03* Champions Tour week six, Clube Hipico de Vilamoura, Portugal JACK WHITAKER delivered consistent form in the final week of this tour, partnering Valmy De La Lande to a double clear in the Nations Cup and finishing best of the British with a fifth in the 1.50m grand prix. The performance indicated an increasingly solid partnership between the 19-year-old and his father Michael’s 11-year-old Selle Frangais, whom he started competing this summer. “Jumping a double clear in the Nations Cup is what you go for, that was the goal, and I was lucky to be sat on a very good horse that pulled it off,” Jack said. “Valmy is such a clever horse. If you get him in the right place, he rarely knocks a jump down. I’ve…

“OVER TO YOU was unbelievable – you could not want a better number one,” recalls team-mate Pippa Funnell (pictured below right, with Jeanette). “He and Jeanette were the most incredible pathfinders and we were so lucky to have them during that special time in the sport and to have that run of form with the British team. “We realised during those years how valuable it is to get that first score on the board – it puts a good vibe in the team and keeps the positive energy when you get off to a good start. I was quite nervous at the Europeans last year when I was pathfinder because I realise what an important role it is from the Over To You years. “Jack wasn’t the easiest on the…

DRESSAGE is set to return to Hickstead, with a Premier League show at the All England Jumping Course in May 2021 and plans for an international in 2022. Dressage at Hickstead, the sister site to the All England Jumping Course, was founded by Dane Rawlins and Douglas Bunn. It hosted top competition for 27 years, including the 2003 European Championships and an annual CDI which in recent years has incorporated the final leg of the FEI Nations Cup series. Dane announced its closure in August, owing to financial reasons, and the site has been dismantled. “We are immensely grateful to Dane for his many years of hard work and dedication to Dressage at Hickstead,” said Lizzie Bunn, Hickstead director. “We understand many riders were saddened to lose the venue, and…

GHAIYYATH The recently retired five-year-old (Dubawi x Galileo), trained by Charlie Appleby, was crowned Cartier Horse of the Year (20 November). He added three wins and a second in Group One races this year to his successes. ROMEO 88 Harry Charles has taken over the reins on the 11-year-old stallion, who will be aimed at next year’s senior championships. Ann Thompson’s son of Orlando was previously ridden by Ireland’s Darragh Kenny. START ROYAL Alan Hill’s pointing star, whom he co-owned with Michael Avery and Stewart and Hilda Nash, has died aged 16. With 29 wins over 13 years, he was James Tudor, Gina Andrews and Izzie Marshall’s winning-most ride. DENVER The late Anton Woertmann, breeder of Holly Smith’s Tokyo contender, Denver, who is owned by Ian Dowie, has been recognised…

EQUESTRIANS have been advised not to move horses to and from the EU “unless absolutely necessary” for at least the first two weeks of 2021. The recommendation comes from the Thoroughbred Industries Brexit Steering Group, which is leading racing’s Brexit preparations. H&H understands that British Equestrian will be issuing similar advice in the near future, while more details and a tool kit for “registered” international sport horses is expected shortly. The advice is owing to risk of delays and disruption at borders after the Brexit transition period ends on 31 December. Those looking to move horses have also been urged to stay vigilant to any alterations, as advice is liable to change. “Even if there is an overarching trade deal, we will still need specific arrangements to be agreed covering…

▲ LIFE CHOICES A rider who was struggling with a dilemma – mend the roof or buy a new saddle – was later spotted riding in a shiny new piece of tack. “Best start learning how to fi x holes myself,” she purred. Priority perfection. ▲ PEARLS OF WISDOM Anyone aspiring to improve their jumping ability would do well to remember the adage: strides are like men. You don’t have to take the first one you see. Or, as one rider sharply replied: Strides are like men, but the difference is that the perfect stride exists… Ouch! ▲ TAKEAWAYS One was amused by the website of a restaurant offering takeaways, on which the user must specify the vehicle in which they will arrive. As well as a range of motorised…

I LOVED reading “All in a day’s work” (12 November), featuring equine film producer Nathan Horrocks. My family and I recently watched his short film, Many Clouds: the People’s Horse, and it really underlined that racehorses are majestic animals. They don’t owe us anything, yet share their hundreds of years of breeding, power and speed with us, on and off the track. I own an ex-racehorse and while he has his quirks, I’m reminded that racehorses are such spiritual and intelligent animals. Especially during these uncertain times, we should remember how blessed we are to be able to share our lives with our horses, who help to maintain our physical and emotional wellbeing as we learn to navigate the “new normal” that 2020 has brought. Mel Brookes Kelso, Roxburghs The…

jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @donaldjdonald OPINION THE evergreen (or white) Bristol De Mai won the Betfair Chase for the third time on Saturday. This exuberant jumper seems to save his best for Haydock and this well-known chase. I know his trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies will probably not agree with me, but with a record of five wins from six starts around Haydock, it rather stacks up as his racecourse to savour. It was, as ever, an excellent training performance to bring this nine-year-old back to his very best first time out. Ground conditions at Haydock were pretty testing to say the least and the card was full of good performances, and although none better than Bristol De Mai, one has to say that Main Fact winning the Betfair Exchange Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle was another…

I have a really nice seven-year-old called Danny Zucco (pictured, left), whom I bred. He’s owned by Jen Goodman and is by Zamboucca, and is next in line behind my grand prix horse Super Nova II. Darren has competed him so far, although he hasn’t done a lot, but I’m excited to get going with him. He’s tall, dark and handsome, with a good work ethic and three lovely paces. His walk in particular is phenomenal – I’ve never seen a walk like it.…

RIDER ROBERT WALKER “THE one word I’d use to describe ‘Ziva’ is classy. While she is still babyish, there are glimpses of the horse she’ll be in the future. “She arrived at our yard 10 days before the UK Nationals, her debut outing with us. In the supreme at the BSHA [British Show Horse Association] championships, she stepped up to the plate and her performance is something we can take forward into next year. I felt that she wanted to win the supreme as much as I did. She entered the ring first, walked out and went about her job, giving me everything and more. She rode like an out-and-out champion. “When she first arrived at the yard she was in season, but she’s slowly chilled out and has now…

WHISKY MAC THE whisky mac – or whisky MacDonald – is reportedly named after Colonel Hector MacDonald, who devised it while serving with the British Raj in India in the late 1800s. The most common recipe is for one part Scotch whisky to one part ginger wine, but those who prefer more of a kick can go for three parts whisky to two parts ginger wine. It can also be warmed up – and made less potent – with the addition of hot water to make a whisky mac toddy. WILLIAM PITTENDRIGH’S HOMEMADE SLOE GIN INGREDIENTS • 500g ripe sloes • 250g golden caster sugar • 1 litre gin METHOD • Rinse the sloes, then pat them dry. Use a fork or cocktail stick to prick the sloes and put…

PAMPEANO NAVIDAD POLO BELT You can choose from a wide range of colours and patterns, so there will definitely be something to suit the man you’re buying for. £65 pampeano.co.uk LG LEATHERWORKS STIRRUP KEY RING A perfect addition to a set of keys or attached to a bag for decorative purposes. Available in steel or brass. £25 lgleatherworks.com ENGLISH UTOPIA HAVELOCK CANVAS Fully lined with 100% wool tweed, this waterproof cotton canvas jacket will keep any man warm and stylish this winter. £550 englishutopia.com TEAM EQUESTRIAN HORSEY HUSBAND VOWS MUG Make your horsey husband smile with this humorous mug. Dishwasher and microwave safe. £8 teamequestrianshop.co.uk MAUDE & FOX GAMEKEEPER TWEED HOODIE Made from a weatherproofed Scottish “sporting” tweed and lined with fleece for extra warmth. £350 maudeandfox.com ZEROFIT HEATRUB MOVE…

For more gift ideas, visit horseandhound.co.uk/buyers-guides ROWEN BARBARY CHRISTMAS SPRINKLES A delicious blend of fruit and vegetables that can be fed as a treat or sprinkled on top of feed. £3.50 for 300g rowenbarbary.co.uk DODSON & HORRELL EQUI-BITES A low-calorie treat that contains all the essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that your horse needs. £10.95 for 2.8kg dodsonandhorrell.com EQUESTRIAN STOCKHOLM ECO FLEECE RUG Your horse will really look the part in this beautiful rug with lavish edging and silver details. £161 equestrianstockholm.com HAWKINS ORGANIC WINTER WARMER This antibacterial no-rinse wash is great for refreshing and soothing tired muscles after exercise. Hand blended using essential oils. £9.95 for 500ml hawkinsorganic.com PONYO ULTIMATE TRAVEL BOOTS Ensure your horse travels in style with these generously padded boots. Available in six patterns, and sizes…

THE JOURNEY: FROM THE KILLING FIELDS OF DARFUR TO ROYAL ASCOT By Abdul Musa Adam; £8.99 ABDUL’S story is one that will stay with the reader for a long time. He tells of his childhood in Darfur, western Sudan, and how this was shattered when paramilitary forces destroyed his home and killed his family. After years in a refugee camp in Chad with his younger brother, Abdul left alone for Libya, where he hoped to find work. He made his way to England, clinging to the underside of a lorry. He now works for top trainer Andrew Balding at Park House Stables, where horses are helping him to heal – but his one desire is to find his brother again. EJ LIFE IN A TIME OF PLAGUE: A CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN…

“He loves hounds – he would leave horses but not hounds” WE all love it when a purchase turns out to be better than expected. “I wanted a carthorse cob, something sensible and safe to lead children from,” remembers Caroline Bullen, joint-master of the Staff College Drag Hunt. “Hobnob was advertised on HorseQuest as a five-year-old happy hacker, owned by a nice lady who hadn’t jumped more than 1ft 6in.” When Hobnob first went hunting, with the HH, Caroline realised she’d got something more than that. “I called my husband, Henry, on the way home and said, ‘This horse is amazing!’ I hadn’t felt that happy for a long time, having been out of it with children.” Despite having the biggest feet in Hampshire – “the farrier said he’d never…

OPINION IN 24 years of hunting hounds, this is normally one of my busiest times of the year. But for most of us the opening meet was to be the last time we hunted since new lockdown rules have stopped all hunting in England until further notice. The lack of any formal meet was sad for all those who come to show their support, especially foot-followers and those from the local community. For many of us, hunting forms a huge part of our social lives at this time of year and, like so many other activities, this is simply on hold for now. Our opening meet was made more exciting by the presence of a police helicopter, which proceeded to hover above us for 45 minutes. This was accompanied by…

VICTORY FOR WORLD NUMBER ONE THE grand prix at the CSI2* Equieffe Winter Classic at Gorla Minore, Italy, went to the world number one Steve Guerdat riding the 11-year-old mare Jonka-A (pictured, right). Twelve riders jumped off against the clock and the Swiss rider produced the fastest of seven double clears with this Belgian warmblood, a previous ride of his fiancée Fanny Skalli. The best of the British riders was Emily Mason, who picked up four faults in round one riding the nine-year-old Escorial К. The 29-year-old had headed the first day’s six-year-old class with Coco Bel Z, a smart looking Con Air daughter. Britain’s Jason Smith landed Sunday’s 1.35m speed class aboard the 10-year-old Cristallo 7 mare, Rivelina W, soaring home a second quicker from a 90-strong class. OLD…

“I’VE had horses with Jeanette since 2000 and I always followed Over To You,” says part-owner Mark Johnson. “He’s not your everyday event horse – I just loved him. “After the Europeans in 2005, the owners gifted Jack to Jeanette. She couldn’t afford to run him, so asked if I’d come on board. But he didn’t need any running – he won over £30,000 that year; he kept my other two horses with Jeanette over the winter. “As a character, Jack’s grumpy but lovable. You go in the stable and he has his ears back, but get a Polo out and he’s your best friend. He was a tricky, stressy horse who didn’t eat well at events – he knew what it was all about. “Over the years we developed…