Innholdsfortegnelse for 7-Apr-2022 i Horse & Hound

GERAINT JONES THE former Welsh Pony and Cob Society (WPCS) president and founder of Nebo Stud died on 8 March, aged 88. As a young boy, Mr Jones would accompany his uncle David John Jones of Fronarth Stud to ploughing matches, and at the age of 10 he would harrow the fields at his parents’ farm in Tyngwndwn with mares Tyngwndwn Beauty and Isfryn Bess. When Mr Jones married Mary in 1961, they were given Tyngwndwn Mathrafal Lady as a present from Mr Jones’ father Idris. Following their marriage, the couple moved to Lluest Hen and formed Nebo Stud. The pinnacle for Welsh cob breeders is to breed a George Prince of Wales Cup winner and Mr Jones was proud that he had bred four – Tyngwndwn Cream Boy, Nebo…

I DISAGREE with Graham Fletcher’s opinion (17 March) that “the newcomers and Foxhunter should be replaced by age classes”. What about amateur British Showjumping (BS) members who only have one or two horses and neither the ability nor ambition to jump bigger than 1.10m? Once their horse is out of 90cm classes, do they then have to stop competing? The same goes for older horses who haven’t been rushed for age classes – they’d have to make the leap from 90cm discoveries to 1.20m or more. Will showjumping become so elitist that there’ll only be room for the pros? If we want to be world leaders with welfare at the forefront of our programme, we must abolish age classes. Research is showing the damage done to horses by riding and…

SINCE British-born Grace Debney first started accumulating rosettes in short-stirrup classes (the appropriately named under-12 hunter-jumper division in America), she has been channelling a strong competitive spirit and natural flair in the saddle which is now bearing rich fruit on the international jumping circuit. When H&H catches up with her, the teenager is enjoying an incredible purple patch at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Florida, and her latest haul of silverware includes victory in her first CSI5* class. It marks a rapid ascent into the top tiers of the sport, which was previously only hampered by the fact she was too young to contest the higher-level grands prix for which she regularly qualified. But since turning 18 in February – which she celebrated by winning a 1.45m CSI3* class…

ALONGSIDE the measures we can take to address emissions and the global environment, there are things we can do to improve sustainability more locally, too. POLLUTION • Reduce the use of plastics by reusing disposable items where appropriate – some medical devices, plastic gloves, plastic bags and packaging are suitable candidates. • Recycle suitable items – an example is donating unwanted headcollars or lead ropes which are in good condition to equine welfare charities. • Check if the plastic wrappers on bales of shavings or other bedding are recyclable. If yes, great. If no, can you source an alternative product that does have recyclable wrappers? • The equestrian market is starting to produce various eco-friendly accessories. Look for products which are made from recycled materials, for example rugs for your…

AS science marches forwards, so too do the ethical questions encircling every groundbreaking step. When it comes to that technology having a direct influence on the creation of new life, those questions of ethics understandably intensify. So with the ever-expanding multitude of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) available to breeders, what are the ethical considerations – how far is too far? “The moment you decide not to let your mare run in the wild with a stallion, the moment you are keeping your mare at home and ordering semen from a catalogue, you are already playing God, ” says breeder Dr Eva-Maria Broomer, executive director of British Breeding and World Breeding Federation vicepresident. “The only thing that is changing is the tools we have at our disposal. “I think we need…

THE equine breeding industry is brimming with pioneers and once in a while, a new concept emerges that makes you stop and take note. “Access proven breeding” is the buzz phrase behind Belgian-based Mares of Macha (MoM), which offers frozen embryos boasting only the finest genes via the best damlines. The name originates from a goddess in Irish mythology, who is often depicted with a foal, and underlines mares as the cornerstone of breeding. The enterprise is the brainchild of Belgian entrepreneur Klaas de Coster, alongside Belgian Olympic bronze medal-winning showjumper Pieter Devos and commentator and auctioneer Frederik de Backer – a team bursting with passion and knowledge on their mission to give breeders around the world access to some of the most coveted bloodlines in showjumping. “We noticed that…

A WELSH section C, bought as a fun pony, jumped to an RIHS pass on her qualifying debut at the UK Ponies and Horses Spring Classic. Lorraine Holland’s Tyngwndwn Chanele (Diva, pictured) was steered by her competition rider Georgia Love to score the 133cm class. “I’ve had great fun with Diva doing adult camps, beach rides, sponsored rides and dressage, ” said Lorraine, who bought the 15-year-old mare five years ago to get her back into riding after a lengthy hiatus. “Diva had contested a few worker shows with my daughter some years ago, but nothing of late. I felt she was missing jumping, so asked Georgia if she would consider riding her for me.” Diva splits her time between Lorraine’s home and Georgia’s yard. “I was at a 50th…

VERITY PERRY’S second-generation, home-bred Belissimo M gelding Bianchi (pictured) is proving consistent at novice, notching up another brace of plus-72% wins at Colraine EC, Cornwall. The rising six-year-old is out of Armani VI, now 20, who took Verity to inter I. “Bianchi was a late foal and it feels like he’s nearly 12 months behind, but there’s no mega rush, ” said Verity. “His mum was always so brave and quick-thinking, whereas he’s an absolute chicken and still a bit gangly and weak. But he’s such a nice person to hang out with and once he’s learnt something, he’s really got it down. “He was second in the Area Festival novice silver and we came within a percentage point of the winner to finish third in the prelim gold at…

Morpeth, Tranwell, Northumbs AFTER a three-year hiatus from the winner’s enclosure, Rushour Ryan claimed the hunt members’ under Laura Fenwick for her parents Sarah and John Fenwick and Derek Milburn. The nine-year-old won at the same meeting exactly three years ago. “He’s had his back medicated and wore a tongue-tie yesterday, ” said Laura, who rides out for Ann and Ian Hamilton. “He got his way yesterday – he likes to be out in front and there was no pressure.” After a run of niggly issues, the gelding was going to be retired after his last run at Charm Park, but connections wanted to give him one last chance. “He had a wind operation and then it was Covid so he didn’t run much two seasons ago, then he had…

Equestrian Notice Board National Team Chase Championship, Tur Langton, Leics FOX GRANT squads scored a one-two in the Equestrian Notice Board National Team Chase Championship at the Fernie, unprecedented in recent times, with a brace of finely judged, daring rounds over Roger Whitehead’s immaculately presented course. Fox Grant Dot Com prevailed from a late draw, Phil Nichols and Harry setting them the tightest of lines through the first switchback of hedges, with Jamie Goss (Tricky Silence), Anna Stone (Bertolli Boy) and Will Grant (Skipper Robin) following in close succession. Then they cut it so fine at the downhill palisade that the fence judge had to confirm to control that they were the right side of the flag. Phil made an impressive save when Harry hit the hanging log in the…

TOP riders say the “nightmare” of crossing the Channel with horses since Brexit has to change, as they report hours of “pointless” delays. H&H has spoken to world eventing team gold medallist Gemma Tattersall and showjumper Elizabeth Baker, both of whom were held up for hours on recent trips. Gemma had to arrange for one of her horses to be collected owing to a mistake on the paperwork, which left her hundreds of pounds out of pocket. “This really needs to be sorted out; it’s a total nightmare, ” Gemma told H&H. “I don’t understand why it takes so long and it’s ridiculous, as it’s supposed to all be about horse welfare but they don’t even check the horses.” Gemma allowed five hours extra when she left her base in…

BETTER awareness around minor traumatic brain injuries in children is needed, including the importance of rest and not dismissing the condition as “just a bit of concussion”. A published study has suggested that persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) – when concussion symptoms continue beyond the expected recovery period after the injury – is underdiagnosed in children. Parents of 205 children aged eight to 15, who attended hospital after a mild traumatic brain injury six months to three years before the research, completed a survey used to measure the severity of symptoms. It was found that 25% were suffering from PPCS, which had not been previously diagnosed. PPCS symptoms can include headaches, difficulty concentrating and irritability. Shai Efrati of the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research in Israel, who led the…

WELFARE IS PARAMOUNT DRIVING change of the public’s perception about animal welfare in horse sport is paramount. With the use of the internet and social media, all equine sport is highly visible for its actions and scrutiny by audiences not familiar with the equestrian world has already increased – one example being the distressing spectacle at the Olympic pentathlon last year. Things go instantly viral and the damage done can be irreversible. All the UK governing bodies need joined-up thinking to coordinate ideas and have responsibility towards animal welfare. Horse sports today are still considered elitist by most members of the public, so we are on dangerous ground unless we can change this perception. Education and explanation should be the keys to reaching a wider audience across the equestrian world.…

THELWELL THE GREATEST TURNOUT RUG BY HY EQUESTRIAN Any cheeky horse or pony will suit this limited-edition Thelwell print, which is available as part of the StormX Original turnout rug range in a 100g fill. The 600 denier rug also features a fleece-lined wither, adjustable cross-surcingles and leg straps. Sizes: 3ft-7ft 3in £62.99 hy-equestrian.com ICE MASTA THERAPY BOOTS BY HARRY HALL Ideal for use directly after exercise to help prevent unwanted heat in lower limbs. The soft-feel gel pack, which attaches to the top of the boots behind a mesh lining, remains pliable when frozen, ensuring the boots can contour around the legs for maximum contact. £115 for a pair harryhall.com ASCENT FULL ZIP SWEATSHIRT BY ARIAT Made from recycled materials, this hard-working sweatshirt uses clever technology and mesh panel…

THE reigning Olympic and European dressage champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl broke the happy news last month that she is expecting a second child. If there is one topic that’s almost guaranteed to cause fierce debate, it’s motherhood. Natural births versus caesarean sections, breast or bottle, spoon-fed or baby-led weaning – the list goes on, and the arguments are endless. Add horses into the mix and things get even more complicated. Is it safe to ride while pregnant? Can you find the time and energy to ride when you have a baby to look after? How do you feel about doing a high-risk sport now you have an infant depending on you? All this has been widely discussed, but what isn’t talked about as much is the physical effect that pregnancy…

AS Lottie Fry and Kjento concluded their final test at the 2021 World Breeding Championships in Verden, and the 10s flashed up on the boards, Gertjan Van Olst couldn’t hide his pride and delight. He had spotted something exceptional in this stallion as a two-year-old, and now here he was, proving to the world how extraordinary he is. “Kjento is something special, and for a horse you expect a lot of to win something like that is a real confirmation, a fantastic feeling, ” says Gertjan, when we chat in early 2022. Bred by the Van Os family, close to Gertjan and his wife Anne’s Van Olst Horses operation in the Netherlands, Kjento caught Gertjan’s eye from the start, and not just for the similarities he bore to his sire,…

MARES OF MACHA works closely with Spy Coast Farm in Kentucky, one of the USA’s most highly regarded sport horse breeders, and last year shipped the first batch of Chacco-Blue frozen embryos over the Atlantic. It is hoped this partnership will also help bring US bloodlines to Europe. “We decided to partner up because we felt similar-aligned interests in regard to breeding, as well as a bunch of mutual trust, ” says Spy Coast’s founder Lisa Lourie. “I thought it was a brilliant concept, so much so that I was willing to sell them one of the best bloodlines in the world, the Qerly Chin/Werly Chin De Muze (pictured) line. It’s the democratic nature of their business that really appeals to me – rather than one person owning a terrific…

FIVE months after giving birth to her son, Lisa Young was back in action with her seven-year-old Fell pony, Melliver Willy Wonka (Willy, pictured), to book their first ticket to the RIHS in amateur ranks as a partnership and jump to the overall novice M&M working hunter pony championship. Lisa bought Willy as a yearling for the sum of £200. Lisa had fully intended to invest in a young Highland pony, but the universe had other plans. “We’d been to view another pony at a friend’s yard, but saw this scruffy little pony in a barn among coloureds, ” Lisa said. “He moved straight and was friendly, so we had to have him.” Lisa backed Willy as a four-year-old and produced him through a couple of quiet novice seasons to…

A SHOW cob, who underwent emergency surgery for a complicated case of colic, has made a return to the show ring, booking a return ticket to the RIHS. Mother and daughter Leeanne and Holly Crowe’s maxi cob, Higherview King Of The Ring (Larry, pictured above), was bought three years ago from Peter Hodkinson. Larry’s size and stamp has always been one of his stand-out features. “He’s a really big boy,” said Leeanne, who works as a nurse. In 2021, Holly and Larry qualified for the RIHS, but just before the final, he suffered from a bout of serious colic. “We were told his chances of survival were less than 30% and that we should prepare for the worst,” Leeanne said. “We said our goodbyes, but Larry didn’t give up and…

“HE’S just a very ordinary little horse I bred, ” said Lucy Swinden of Odwigs Echo (pictured), her inter I winner at Field House EC, Staffordshire. “I dreamt that one day we’d make it to PSG, so to get this far is the icing on the cake.” Echo is by Stanhopes Odwig – the stallion competed as a younger horse by Hannah Esberger and later at young riders by Lucy – and out of her juniors mare Spirit Of Summer. “He’s almost identical to his dad in markings, hence ‘Echo’, but in movement he is more like his mum, ” said Lucy of the coloured gelding, now 14. “He’s not the flashiest, but both parents had lovely personalities and he, too, is incredibly trainable.” Lucy, who trains with Becky Moody,…

CHOBHAM AND DISTRICT RC’s Helen Francis piloted Gasper De L’Heute, a six-year-old Comtois, into top spot in the senior intro dressage. The pair, who were first to go, were awarded 75% for their test and were never headed. “He’s definitely not your normal dressage horse, but he was rhythmical, soft and supple throughout the test and felt lovely to ride. “We had to do two half-10m circles to change the rein, which is a hard movement for a horse of his size but he tried his heart out, ” said Helen of the French draught horse, who is 16.2hh and weighs 850kg. As well as teaching Helen’s 14-year-old niece to ride, Gasper also does horse archery, trek and makes regular visits to the local care home to see the residents.…

WHAT better way could there be to mark your 100th birthday than having your first ride for nearly 90 years? Millis Thompson “grew up on a horse” in Canada but, as she got older, stopped riding. Her great-granddaughter Amelie Moir, who has her own horse, said Millis had always wanted to get back in the saddle, so she came up with the idea of a birthday lesson at the Brae Riding for the Disabled centre in Dundee on 14 March. Amelie’s grandfather David Seymour told H&H: “They were fantastic at the centre. You could see from the look on her face she enjoyed it and she wasn’t the slightest bit fazed. “She’s fantastic, an extraordinary woman. It’s the riding, you know – it keeps you young!”…

THE United Nations has described climate change as the defining issue of our time. Extreme weather events are fast becoming an uncomfortable “new normal” across the world. In recent months we have seen scorching heat in Canada, wildfires in Australia and the Americas, and devastating floods in Germany, India and China. Horses living in the areas affected by wildfires have suffered catastrophic burns and lung damage from smoke inhalation. We are not immune to extreme weather events in the UK. Flooding is predicted to have a significant impact on infrastructure in this country, causing damage to buildings and wide-scale disruption. The Environment Agency estimates that 5.2 million homes and businesses in England are at risk of flooding over the next 20 years. Horses trapped in flood water can suffer serious…

MINELLA TIMES 9yo, 11st 10lb Form: 0/1221-FP Owner: JP McManus Trainer: Henry de Bromhead Jockey: Rachael Blackmore LAST year’s winner under Rachael Blackmore, the first woman to win the National and now back bidding for a follow-up. There’s a huge weight difference this time – 10st 3lb in 2021, now with another 20lb – and has disappointed in two runs this season. Repeat win unlikely. ANY SECOND NOW 10yo, 11st 8lb Form: 3-4661 Owner: JP McManus Trainer: Ted Walsh Jockey: Mark Walsh THIRD last year, beaten 8¼ lengths by winner Minella Times after being hampered at the 12th fence, before working his way back into contention. The experience did him no harm and he won a Grade Three chase at Fairyhouse in February. Has 12lb more to carry this year,…

START slowly. Don’t start strenuous exercise until six to eight weeks after a straightforward vaginal birth, or three months for a C-section. Walking is a good way to start building up your activity levels, while Pilates helps you to focus on your breathing, core activation and alignment. And don’t forget your daily pelvic floor exercises. TWO EXERCISES FOR CORE STRENGTH TRANSABDOMINAL ACTIVATION: to engage your core, lie on your back, knees bent with feet flat on the floor. Place your hands on your lower abdomen either side of your belly button. As you breathe out, engage and tighten the muscles underneath your hands in your lower abdomen, drawing the belly button down to the floor. Hold for up to 10 seconds and relax. Build up gradually until you are repeating…

SOMERSET-BASED British team rider James Wilson runs Hill House Sport Horses alongside girlfriend Heather Larson, but had never bought an embryo before hearing about Mares of Macha. “It really was a dream to get hold of some of these bloodlines, so I thought let’s have a go, ” says James, who has ended up buying a handful each year. His Catoki colt Cabago WY Z (pictured), out of Whoopie C, sold for £40,000 at the Bolesworth Elite Foals Auction, while he’s kept a full-brother to PSG Final and an Arera C offspring by Chacco-Blue. To acquire the bloodlines of Henrik von Eckermann’s Toveks Mary Lou would have once seemed impossible, but he’s bought an embryo by Zangersheide stud’s stallion Aganix Du Seigneur Z, which is set to be implanted this…

Great Witchingham (1), Norfolk IN the past two years, BE105 winner Indie Vaughan-Jones has undergone knee ligament reconstruction and dislocated and shattered her elbow. The latter happened in a fall last September and required major surgery. The outcome, she was warned, could have been life-changing. “The head of my radius had broken into pieces and I’d severed the main ligament in my arm, ” explained Indie. “It took speaking to five surgeons before I found one who was willing to operate.” But the 24-year-old not only defied the doctors who said she would be out of action for at least a year and would likely only reclaim 50-75% of her range of motion, but returned to the saddle three months post-surgery to begin her preparation for the new eventing season.…

BSPS Area 11, Stretcholt EC, Somerset WELSH section B Treflan Elfed and 11-year-old Molly Webb triumphed in both mountain and moorland junior and novice small breeds classes. Five-year-old “Elfie” was purchased by Molly’s mother, Pettina Webb, last July and has been based with his producer Sam Roberts since November. “He’s an old head on young shoulders and his temperament is second to none, ” said Pettina, who watched the pair trot to third place in the Royal International (RIHS) young riders class at Wiltshire Spring Show the following day. Molly has been a pupil of Sam’s for some time, but this is the first pony the family have had in production. “He’s only a baby, so we want him to be done correctly. Sam’s doing a wonderful job with him…

Winter Equestrian Festival week 12, Florida, USA THE 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida has been a gold mine for US-based British rider Grace Debney (see interview, p16) but she sealed the series with a milestone first CSI5* victory in Saturday’s $37,000 (£28,200) 1.45m speed class riding her long-time partner, Zarina De Vidau. “This has been a dream of mine for the longest time and I never thought it would come true, but the fact that it is with Zarina is unbelievably special, ” said 18-year-old Grace. “She has been my rock for so long and somehow she has stepped up even more for me this year. Never in a million years would I have thought I would win a five-star competition during Rolex week with this horse.” Ireland’s Daniel…

WE are used to Irish mares winning our Champion Hurdles, and the Coral Scottish version went to Anna Bunina (pictured, in stars), a pony-sized Irish mare who used her flat speed to overtake West Cork and Onemorefortheroad, who had shut her out going to the last. She finished second in the race last year. On that occasion, her trainer John McConnell – who does his raids across the Irish Sea – recalled she ran some birch into her tendon, so it was straight off the ferry to surgery when she got back after the race. It had, he said, been touch and go for a while. “I had no doubt going to the last, then I got absolutely milled, ” said her jockey Sean Bowen. “That wasn’t ideal, but she’s…