Innholdsfortegnelse for 23-Sep-2021 i Horse & Hound

PET abduction will be made a criminal offence, the Government has announced, as calls are made to include equids in the new law. In May the Government launched a pet theft taskforce, which considered evidence and has made recommendations. One is to create a pet abduction law. “The new offence will prioritise the welfare of our pets as sentient beings and recognise the emotional distress to the animal in addition to its owner,” said a spokesman for the taskforce. The law, which will come in in “due course”, is part of the Government’s new action plan for animal welfare, and follows a parliament debate in October 2020 calling for an amendment to the Theft Act or a new offence under the Animal Welfare Act. H&H asked Defra if horses will…

AT 6pm on the night before the eventers’ dressage started in Tokyo, there was a dramatic late switch in the Irish camp. Cathal Daniels’ ride Rioghan Rua, an individual bronze medallist at the European Championships, was pulled out, and Austin O’Connor came into the fray with Colorado Blue. Like a super-sub, he was ready and waiting to make an impact. He went on to finish best of the Irish in 13th. “I was always prepared, as ready as I could be right up to the off,” says Austin. “In my head, I’d spent a year and a half aiming for this Olympics and I was prepared as if I was going to do it.” Austin had already watched one Olympics from the substitutes’ bench as reserve in Rio, and he…

ALL equine cheek teeth have areas of secondary dentine on their chewing surface (the dark areas, pictured right). This bony tissue protects the pulp from becoming exposed. In addition, the upper cheek teeth have an enamel cup called the infundibulum (outlined in red), filled with a dense tissue called cementum. Infection can descend from the tooth root, via blood or lymphatic-borne bacteria, or may gain entry because of an issue on the chewing surface – pulp exposure, for example, or decay of the infundibulum that leads to fracture. If pus becomes trapped, as a result of bacterial infection, a tooth root abscess will form.…

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Bentley Bentayga V8 FANCY some envious looks at your next point-to-point or Pony Club rally? Look no further than the Bentley Bentayga. Bentley aficionados were spluttering into their brandy when it was announced a 4x4 would be joining the Bentley range. It’s now Bentley’s top seller. Needless to say that with so much petrol V8 power on tap, towing a trailer is a doddle. The only clue is the odd rattle from the tow-bar connection. Otherwise, this is peerless motoring at its best. Don’t be fooled by the fact that this is a Bentley. It’s not all about style and no substance. The Bentayga is a serious 4x4 and will happily scramble across boggy fields and rutted lanes (mind the brambles; a paint touch-up will cost a fortune). I shan’t…

TWO riders shared the spoils in the Equitop elementary and the TopSpec medium. In the former, New Zealand rider Sarah Wilkinson and six-year-old Koko II (Desperado x Johnson) triumphed on 74.81% over Becky Moody and Jack Diamond, with the result reversed at medium. Sarah found Koko at Kirsten Becker’s yard in Germany two years ago. “I went to see another horse but she was too little,” explained Sarah. “They said they had another mare and pulled Koko out of the box. I saw her ridden and despite only being in work a few weeks, she really wowed me.” At the Winter Dressage Championships earlier this year, Koko and Sarah took home the elementary silver winter title. “She’s improved so much since then,” said Sarah, who trains with Gareth Hughes. “She’s…

THERE was some serious horsepower on display, with the most exciting class the Shearwater six-year-olds. Sadie Smith’s gorgeous Swanmore Dantina had not put a foot wrong throughout the final, and her victory was richly deserved. But no sooner had she been called forward as the winner, she took fright at the rosette and unceremoniously dumped Sadie on the sand. “She has never done anything like that in her life,” said Sadie, who owns the elegant Dante Weltino mare in partnership with long-time friend Steve Readings. “It was so out of character and took me completely by surprise.” “She’s always known she was a star”ANNA ROSS ON NEWTON TIGER Anna Ross’s Newton Tiger, ridden by Beth Bainbridge, took the win in the five-year-olds fresh from a trip to the World Breeding…

GEORGIA BARTLETT’S Blenheim dream came true with a fairytale result. The Newbury-based 20-year-old and the 15.3hh Spano De Nazca, her first horse after moving off ponies, jumped double clear to finish 11th on their Blenheim and CCI4*-L debut. The result was made all the sweeter given the injuries both overcame to get here. Georgia broke her arm in the spring, when another horse reared over and landed on her in the start box. Meanwhile, the 15-year-old gelding sustained a bone bruise. He has been swimming to build fitness, but the rehab process meant Blenheim was only his second event this season. “It’s always been a dream, but to actually be here with him is amazing,” said Georgia. AGAINST THE ODDS…

Burnham Market (2), Norfolk FRANKY REID-WARRILOW and Dolley Phantom were the runaway winners of the open intermediate (OI), finishing on their dressage score of 23.4 – six penalties ahead of their nearest rivals. “She’s the most talented horse on the yard, but mentally she’s the most challenging,” admitted Franky, who has produced the 10-year-old mare, who belongs to Mike and Jeanette Nuttall and Pegasus Arenas, since she was a five-year-old. “She’s terrified of life – even trying to get her to walk into her own stable can take all my patience. Thankfully, though, she’s bold across country and loves to run and jump.” This win was just the boost Franky needed after a shaky summer by her standards. “I had a few horses, including Dolley Phantom, stepping up to four-star…

SMALL animal vet Olivia Fox had to pinch herself after winning not once but twice at Frickley Park (2). The 28-year-old mother of one triumphed in BE100 section H on Inisbri Creme De La Creme (Peroni, pictured) and in BE100 section G on Primitive Buzby. “I should probably think about retiring now,” joked Olivia, who relies on “brilliant family back-up” to keep Peroni and Buzby fit to event. “My dad [Martin Wells] hacks them both out for me. Peroni was actually bought for him to hunt with the Readyfield [Bloodhounds], but he jumped him out the plate one too many times so I took over the ride.” Olivia, who works for Collingham Vets in Newark, learnt the eventing ropes while she was based with Belgian international event rider Karin Donckers…

Westmorland County, Cumbria SISTERS Chrissy Knipe and Rebecca Abba enjoyed a bumper outing at their local county fixture, with their team of ponies and riders scooping several wins, championships and the top spot in Thursday’s overall supreme. Their campaign began with Chrissy’s daughters Samantha Taylor, 11, and Olivia Taylor, 16, clinching both spots in the plaited pony championship with hunter ponies Bronheulog Gold Dust (Casper) and Moluccas Royal Anise, respectively. “We bought Casper during lockdown last year from Mark Reeves and Steven Hulston,” said Chrissy of the 133cm contender who ended up supreme of show. “He wasn’t gelded until he was six, but he’s a true child’s pony.” Samantha ensured the supreme was hers with a show featuring two blistering gallops. “She always goes for it,” said Chrissy of the…

BSPS Scottish Finale, Morris EC, Ayrshire THE 2019 pony of the year enjoyed a successful pre-HOYS practice before she returns to the show where she made history two years ago. Will Calder’s Coco Bongo (Bluebell) – the first working hunter pony to win the supreme at HOYS – was crowned supreme worker here with Will’s daughter Jessica, 12, in the saddle. Jessica and Bluebell gained their HOYS ticket at Stoneleigh in July. “After a lot of practice on grass at summer shows, we’ve been back on surfaces in preparation for HOYS,” said Will. “We’re heading down to Netherton Equestrian’s new indoor school in October to try to replicate some of that atmosphere, in between practising at home with trainers Russell Skelton and James Munro.” Reserve for the working hunter supreme…

DRIVERS are playing “Russian roulette” with animals’ lives in the New Forest, as calls are made to install average-speed cameras. Thousands of people have signed petitions asking for the cameras to be installed at Roger Penny Way, following a number of fatal collisions. The first petition, created by Gilly Jones of the New Forest Roads Awareness group, asked New Forest District Council (NFDC) to support cameras. It was open to New Forest residents between January and September and was signed by 3,557 people. A second petition, open to all, was created by commoner Sarah Weston after her four-year-old gelding Juma was killed on Roger Penny Way in August. The petition was signed by more than 50,000 people in 10 days. It is hoped a feasibility study could show the need…

DRIVERS who were unaware of how to pass horses safely have been educated as part of work to improve all road users’ safety. The British Horse Society (BHS) and Sussex Police put on a “safe pass” event, from Plumpton College, on 14 September. BHS safety director Alan Hiscox rode on the road outside the college, on 14-year-old gelding Dallas, with a body camera and radio. When a driver passed him inappropriately, he radioed two police motorcyclists, who escorted the vehicle into the college. There, the driver would be booked if necessary, but also educated; shown videos of the consequences of passing horses unsafely, and spoken to about how and why to do it. Sussex police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne told H&H the event was part of the country-wide Project…

TIME FOR EVERYONE FURTHER to Lady Blyth’s letter about Carl Hester (12 August), not only is he a fantastic rider, trainer and mentor, he is a lovely person. I visited his yard when he hosted an open day. He has all the time in the world for the everyday rider, answers questions, shows people around and participates in photo calls. Everyone comes away with very happy memories. So, yes, let’s see him knighted! Fiona Burns Clifton upon Teme, Worcs NOTHING STOPS HIM LIKE Mikki Kutcha (letters, 26 August), we have a horse with one eye. Cody is an Appaloosa we bought for my grandson Cai to do mounted games. We’d only had him a short time when he suffered a bout of uveitis. The vet cleared it up, but Cody…

A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD mare developed mild swelling over her left jaw, which caused discomfort while she was being ridden. Initially, this was thought to be some kind of knock or trauma, but no response was seen following four days of anti-inflammatories. On examination, a marked pain response was noted when pressure was applied in this area. Secondary dentine defects were evident in the outside pulps of tooth 308 (the left lower premolar four, or PM4), with a number of small fissure lines on the surface. Radiography revealed mild inflammatory changes. This X-ray (pictured) shows infection at the roots of the affected pre-molar. Given its young age (the permanent PM4 erupts around four years of age), the tooth was treated conservatively with antimicrobials and antiinflammatories. There was no improvement, however, and repeat…

FIFTEEN Irish-bred horses competed across three disciplines at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. These included Oliver Townend’s team gold mount Ballaghmor Class, bred by Noel Hickey of Co Limerick. Ireland remains a must-visit for equestrians to holiday and to compete. Ballaghmor Class epitomises Ireland’s famous quality breeding and its constant ability to produce modern champions. But what is it about this tiny island nation that offers so much for equestrians, and how can you share in a bit of its magic? Olympian Cian O’Connor describes Ireland as “a synonym for horses and education”. A great place to start that education is with some of the best hunting in the world. Hunting remains a tradition hugely supported within local communities in Ireland and a rite of passage for its young horses…

CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN showed that her supply of serious horsepower is seemingly neverending, as she and the immensely talented eight-year-old Imhotep laid claim to all four gold small tour titles at Somerford. This supercharged gelding by Everdale x Vivaldi was declared by Charlotte to be the “bounciest, springiest horse I’ve ever ridden”, and like his famous sire – the Olympic and European medalwinning ride of Charlotte’s championship team-mate Lottie Fry – his energy levels are certainly extraordinary. “He’s hotter today than he was on the first day,” said Charlotte, after claiming the overall Saracen Horse Feeds inter I championship title on the third day, having also already topped the Fairfax Saddles prix st georges (PSG), the PSG freestyle and the inter I. “But he loves this and it will be handy…

IT was a tortuous five hours for Jade Clark, the eventual winner of the TopSpec medium, who performed her test and went into the lead with 69.76% just before 11am, but had to wait until past 4pm to find out if she’d held on to the top spot. Jade, a pupil of Carl Hester, was riding her own and Sue Brennan’s home-bred mare Jemimah HH, a Lord Leatherdale seven-year-old out of Sheepcote Compliment. “She’s always been a bit sharp; it’s all about containing her, even just for five minutes, at the right time,” said Jade, who has produced the mare up the ranks herself. “Today I did, even though the warm-up was awful. She was really spooky and I couldn’t use the whole arena. When I went in, though, she…

FOR Equissage Pulse grade II winner Julie Payne, just reaching the championships with Divinity was an achievement in itself, being just weeks after the Don Frederico eight-year-old almost died from a mystery bacterial infection. “I found him in his stable flat out on the floor – I thought he was dead,” explained Julie. “He didn’t move when I took his temperature, which was 42°C. We got him to the vets and they initially thought it was peritonitis. He was there a week, came home and then had to be rushed back for more IV antibiotics as he relapsed.” Thankfully, Divinity recovered in time to make it to the nationals, scoring 67.01% to triumph. Erin Orford rode herself into the record books as the first winner at the championships’ new venue.…

NICOLA WILSON proved the strength in depth of her string on the eve of her departure for the European Championships. She won the CCI4*-S on Coolparks Sarco and finished fourth on Hawk Eye. This is a prestigious class for eight- and nine-year-old horses – five out of 11 previous winners have gone on to win at five-star – and this renewal brought the cream of bold young jumpers to the top. It was not a dressage contest. Ros Canter’s two-phase leader Izilot DHI ran out halfway round the cross-country, while Tom Jackson racked up 35 jumping penalties on HH Moonwalk to lose second spot. Two stiff jumping tracks rewarded horses who finished on their dressage score or thereabouts, with the top four jumping double clear and within three seconds of…

EMMA STRINGER and Witchcombe Prophet stepped down a level to win the intermediate novice (IN) at West Wilts (3). The pair, who had recently jumped double clear in their intermediate debut at Aston-le-Walls (4), enjoyed a confidence-boosting spin around an easier track before heading to Osberton for the CCI2*-L. “I’ve had Prophet for two years and we’ve worked our way through the grades together,” said Emma, 20, who is studying equine performance and business at Writtle University College where she is also part of the equine academy. “The academy is a brilliant support. It means I can have Prophet with me while I’m studying and I have support with my training, and things like fitness and nutrition. My showjumping coach, Jane Hart, who is based there, has helped me enormously…

CHIO Aachen, Germany BRITAIN topped the eventing team competition at Aachen, the SAP-Cup, for the first time in 10 years, finishing just 0.3 of a penalty ahead of the US. Laura Collett and Emilie Chandler led the charge. Laura finished second on individual ride Dacapo and fourth on team mount Mr Bass, while Emilie claimed third. “People say Aachen is amazing and you build it up in your head – but it really was,” said Emilie. “Gortfadda Diamond put his best foot forward all week.” Fifth after dressage on 28.7, Emilie and Maria Doel’s 12-year-old added just a handful of timepenalties in the jumping phases, while Dacapo rose from seventh to take the runner-up spot for Diana Chappell, Gillian Morris-Adams, Alison and Michael Smedley and Carolyn Taylor. “It’s nice for…

THE traditional “golden tickets” – where HOYS qualification passes down the line – again proved a strong lure. A 15-hour round trip from Cornwall paid off for newly engaged Katey Saggers, whose fiancé, Alex Meeks, proposed to her in the ring at Hickstead, when her home-produced hack, Whalton Razzle Dazzle was successful at only the mare’s second attempt. “I’ve qualified animals for other people before, but this is the first time I’ll be going with one of my own,” said Katey, who is kept busy during the show season with her business, Prestige Browbands. “It doesn’t leave much time for me to go showing any more!” FIRST HOYS…

Sport Horse Breeding North West, Warren Farm EC, Lancs RAINE HARTHERN’S team were on stellar form to win both supreme in-hand and ridden titles. Freya Metters was in the driving seat of Raine’s five-year-old novice lightweight Carrowgar Herald (George), who lifted both novice hunter and sport horse classes before netting the supreme ridden accolade. Bred by Emelyn Heaps and Gina Sivyer, by Herald 3 GFE out of Equine Connect Monchie, George was bought from Dublin Horse Show in 2019 where he was supreme young horse. “After I’d lost my lightweight hunter, Littletree Whirlwind, I went to Dublin with my husband, Gary, and got a bit carried away,” said Raine. “I’d seen George and had picked him out as the winner. I sent Gary to the bar, then to the stables…

A NEW World Horse Welfare campaign is targeting a “window of opportunity” for better equine welfare in Scotland and Wales. The charity has launched #ActNow4Horses following the countries’ elections on 6 May. The campaign asks for support on pledges in five-year manifestos. Both call for improved welfare in transport, work towards full digital traceability and updating of the Riding Establishments Act. The Scottish plan also asks for consideration to regulation of commercial equine premises and breeders, and to ensure the success of the licensing of welfare establishments, which came into force on 1 September. The Welsh manifesto asks for better enforcement of legislation, faster rehoming of equines involved in prosecutions, improved welfare on the commons and to consider licensing welfare establishments. World Horse Welfare senior public affairs officer Kim Ayling…

MAJOR show organisers have been asked to help Britain’s para riders “win gold medals in Paris” and bridge the gap between disability and able-bodied sport. Sir Lee Pearson and Natasha Baker spoke of the challenges of preparing horses for the atmosphere of championships. Lee, who won triple gold in Tokyo, said 10,000 people in the Equestrian Park, had spectators been allowed, would probably have been “overload” for Breezer. “We’ve got to get him used to that for Paris,” he said. “If any of the big venues… can have us doing displays, they’re going to be possibly helping us win gold medals in Paris. To go from no audience to 10,000 in three years is a big step for a sensitive horse.” Natasha agreed; she would like to see the Paralympic…

• ASHBROOKE HOUSE in Northern Ireland is a stunning Georgian estate steeped in equestrian history. Once the home of European champion Connemara Olive Oyl, you, your friends and your horse can rent the magnificent country house with adjoining livery and enjoy guided rides over 1,000 acres of Co Fermanagh. There is even a hot tub to soak away riding aches with a glass of wine in the evening. • EVOLVE EQUINE is run by Olga Doyle, sister of Olympic showjumper Greg Broderick. She offers bespoke equine experiences of the highest quality, including premium riding holidays and lessons that are the envy of every rider. You and your horse can enjoy lessons in the very best riding establishments in Ireland and can learn in the hands of top riders and Olympian…

JO BARRY went into the Fairfax Saddles PSG silver with Goofy La Perle hoping for a top-five place and came out as champion. “We’ve had a bad 18 months with him,” said Jo of the 10-year-old Belissimo x Jazz gelding. “He had white line disease last year – I suppose if he was going to choose any year, then it was a good one to choose, but having got him back from that he took on a slip rail in the field.” Jo went out to catch the horse and found the broken rail, but it was only when she brought Goofy into the stable that she realised he’d hurt himself. “His tongue was hanging out of the side of his mouth and he was struggling to eat and drink,”…

DAVID EVANS was “pleased on the whole” with how this influential track jumped. “Faults were all over the place and made for an exciting competition – it was going very well until the end,” said David, referring to the fact that four of the provisional top eight faulted in the final phase. The brush skinny (7b) on a bending line into water was very influential. “I live and learn – next year we’re building a new water jump, so we’ll have a splash-through for the first water and a question later on,” David said, mentioning also fence 12, four skinnies over undulating mounds, which caught out leader Izilot DHI and over which Kate Rocher-Smith on HHS Dassett Class are pictured. “That jumped well for those who had a plan with…

Frenchfield (2), Cumbria VICTOR BURTIN and Billy Bergerac made it two wins from two starts when they added novice victory here to a BE100open win at Sapey. The 24-year-old Frenchman, who won team gold at the young rider European Championships in Fontainebleau in 2018, was based with Oliver Townend for three seasons before setting up by himself last year in one of Oliver’s barns. He only took on the eight-year-old gelding at the beginning of the month after his previous rider, Cleona Muir – who still owns him alongside Fionnuala McCredie – went to university. “He’s a really nice horse and it’s exciting to win,” said Victor, who has not only benefited from Oliver’s guidance and expertise but is thoroughly enjoying being part of an Olympic gold medal-winning set-up. “It’s…

British Show Horse Association (BSHA) Hunter Championships, Arena UK, Lincs JAYNE ROSS (Temple Ogue) and Robert Walker (Patrics Choice) made history when they became the first joint supreme winners in a BSHA hunter championship show finale. In the Binks Family overall supreme of show, both combinations performed at the very top of their game for judges Mathew Lawrence, Ellen Walton and Ian Smeeth, showing off their best party moves – complete with a few extra flourishes. Robert, drawn fourth of the seven finalists forward, concluded by cracking his hunting whip to demonstrate Classic Supreme champion “Pat’s” steadiness, while Jayne countered this on Kay Campbell’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) section victor “Verdi” with a sweeping walk to begin and a rock-solid halt after a rousing gallop to conclude. But,…

LEAD-REIN jockey Ginny Mcnulty, aged five, and her mother Julie Westwood’s Welsh section A Auric Mini Me (Suzy, pictured) will be making their NEC debut after winning a strong M&M lead-rein class at the final Stoneleigh Horse Show of the term. The home-produced pair have made their way up the ranks this year, beginning at local riding club level. Their 2021 tally includes the Pretty Polly mini M&M championship at this year’s BSPS summer championships. “They’ve got better and better each time out,” said Julie. Nine-year-old Suzy was bought locally two years ago and has been Julie’s daughter’s “home pony” while their other Welsh section A, Brynrodyn Hidalgo (Gareth), is in production with Lauren Brill and will be joining Suzy at HOYS. “I admittedly never put Suzy into the same…

Henley Show, Oxon CARRON NICOL has been on a winning streak with 10-year-old Galerius in recent weeks, and crowned the run of form with a “surprise” victory in the area trial here. Having sold most of her older horses, Carron has been concentrating more on running her stud this year. But she has made the most of recent outings with “Buddy”, claiming the six-bar at Moreton before delivering the quickest of five double clears to take this county win. “He’s quite sharp to ride jumping – there is no choice but to go fast with him, he likes to run and jump,” Carron said. “I was last to go but I didn’t watch anybody else’s round. It doesn’t make a difference on this horse as he is quite buzzy. I…

A 15.1hh gelding, owned and ridden by Daniella Johnston, has added a talent seekers ticket to his qualification for the intermediate working hunters at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at the Science Supplements All England September Tour at Hickstead. Twelve-year-old Elton John (Verdi x Heartbreaker) had never jumped a 1.40m class until a fortnight before the show, but managed to come second in his first attempt at the qualifier. He has mostly been campaigned at workers, winning the intermediates at HOYS 2019 and at the Royal International in 2019. “He’d won just about all there was to win, so we decided to have a real bash at the showjumping,” Daniella said. Daniella only found out that she had qualified for the talent seekers by asking the judge after the…