As the Dublin Horse Show comes to a close today, we look at how much bang for your buck you can get when it comes to equestrian property for sale in Ireland.
1. Derryclough, West Cork
For you: a three- to four-bedroom south-facing house in a peaceful location with its own lake, beautiful grounds and a long driveway. For the horses: a manège with an observation area, a block of three stables including one mare-and-foal stable, a hay barn and post-and-rail paddocks. Set in 4.5 acres. What’s the damage? €395,000 (£281,807) Agent: Charles McCarthy Telephonenumber: 00353 282 1533 Visit: www.charlesmccarthy.com
2. Mytrle Lodge, Co. Wicklow
For you: a house with three bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, ancillary guest and staff accommodation and a tennis court, just 63km (39 miles) from Dublin. For the horses: according to the agent, Myrtle Lodge is “ideally set up for those in the sport horse business” with extensive stabling and an indoor and outdoor arena. Set in 175 acres. What’s the damage? €4m (£2,853,119) Agent: Savills Telephone number: 00353 16634300 Visit: www.savills.com
Bask on the bank with our pick of properties with fishing possibilities
3. Mylestone House, Co. Cork
For you: a six-bedroom modern house with an open fireplace and open-plan kitchen, approached via a long private driveway. For the horses: a six-block stable yard with a sand arena, set in nine acres. Millstreet is close by with its equestrian centre. What’s the damage? €499,000 (£356,256) Agent: Rural and Equestrian Telephone number: 01553 618834 Visit: www.ruralandequestrian.com
4. Milltown Park, Co. Offaly
For you: an eight-bedroom Georgian mansion with staff quarters, walled kitchen gardens with a former cottage and greenhouses. For the horses: an impressive quadrangle of model farm buildings with stables, a tack room, hay and grain stores. Set in 285 acres. What’s the damage? €3.5m (£2,476,093) Agent: Windsor Clive Telephone number: 01672 521155 Visit: www.windsorclive.co.uk
Tack and branded equipment worth £7,000 have been stolen from a horsebox in the Wirral.
The tack had been left in a lorry at showjumping yard Team Two Mills overnight (Monday, 3 August) ready for a show the next day.
When joint-yard owner Adele Plant arrived at the yard the following morning (Tuesday, 4 August) the lorry had been broken into and all the equipment inside was missing.
“We had loaded the lorry up the night before with our saddles, girths and bridles,” Adele told H&H.
“They broke the handle on the jockey door.
“It’s just a joke — we were all ready to go to the show and then this happens.”
An Albion dressage saddle and a black Stubbon saddle was taken as well as bridles, branded show jackets, saddle cloths and rugs.
“They’re all branded so they will be hard to sell on,” said Adele.
“The rugs are worth £150 each.
“They took things that you wouldn’t even think of, like whips and boots as well.”
The Anglesey Hussars, who portray all aspects of the British Napoleonic soldier, had left tack and equipment in a horsebox on Sunday (26 July).
The following evening (Monday, 27 July) the group’s chairman and sergeant major, Ian Walker, discovered all the tack, estimated to be worth £2,000, was missing.
If, like most of us, you are unable to get to Aachen in Germany for either the European Dressage or European Showjumping Championships (11-23 August), here’s how you can keep up-to-date with all of the action without leaving the comfort of your own home.
European Dressage and Showjumping Championships TV coverage
Provisional BBC TV coverage:
16 August, 2.50-4pm: dressage freestyle, BBC Two
16 August, 12.20-4.20pm: dressage freestyle, BBC red button (will have a commentary-free option)
20 August, 1.15-4.55pm: first round team showjumping, red button and BBC Sport website
21 August, 4-7.20pm: second round team showjumping, BBC Sport website
22 August, 2.30-4pm: showjumping team highlights, BBC One and BBC Sport website
23 August, 3-5.40pm: showjumping individual competition, red button and BBC sport website
FEI TV coverage (This is an online live streaming subscription service)
11 August
7pm: European Championships opening ceremony
12 August
8.30am: grand prix dressage first session
1.05pm: grand prix dressage second session
13 August
9.50am: grand prix dressage third session
12.50pm: grand prix dressage fourth session
14 August
7.20am: reining first individual qualifier
12.40pm: reining team final
15 August
9.50am: grand prix special dressage final
5.05pm: reining second individual qualifier
16 August
8.50am: reining individual final
12.20pm: dressage grand prix freestyle final
19 August
8.50am: driving dressage part I first session
11.05am: driving dressage part I second session
1.20pm: showjumping first individual qualifier
20 August
8.50am: vaulting compulsory squad
11.05am: driving dressage part II first session
12.50pm: vaulting compulsory female
1.10pm: showjumping first round team qualifier
21 August
8.50am: vaulting female freestyle
12.50pm: driving obstacle
1.30pm: vaulting male freestyle
3.50pm: showjumping team final
3.50pm: vaulting squad freestyle
22 August
9.50am: vaulting male technical
10.50am: driving marathon
11.20am: vaulting female technical
2.20pm: vaulting pas de deux freestyle
7.15pm: driving medal ceremony
23 August
10.20am: vaulting feamale freestyle final
12.00pm: vaulting squad freestyle final
2.50pm: showjumping individual final first round
4.20pm: showjumping individual final second round
5.20pm: closing ceremony
HorseandHound.co.uk
The Horse & Hound team will be publishing regular written reports, complete with video interviews with the winning riders, on HorseandHound.co.uk throughout the championships.
He won the Smith & Williamson British Intermediate Championship on Andrew Cawthray’s Note Worthy by a huge margin of 12 marks, and took first and second in the Dodson & Horrell British Novice Championship with Stephanie D’Andrimont’s Sonic De Sermentol and Karyn Shuter’s Ridire Dorcha.
Note Worthy (pictured top), by Limmerick, scored 23.3 in the dressage and just added 1.2 time-faults across country.
“He’s very careful,” said Oliver. “He occasionally needs a squeeze, but has endless gallop and I really rate him.”
It was Oliver’s third victory in the intermediate championship and his fourth in the novice championship, but the first time he has won both in the same year – as William Fox-Pitt did in 2014.
Oliver led both classes from the outset, and showjumped clear on all three horses.
“I love it here. I hoped we’d have a winner this weekend – it’s very special when you fancy one for it and a plan comes off,” he said.
Sonic De Sermentol, a Belgian-bred Anglo-Arab nine-year-old, finished on his dressage score of 27.7.
“I told the owner [Stephanie] we’d win this two months ago but, because she’s Belgian, she hadn’t heard of it and didn’t know what I was talking about!” said Oliver.
Italy’s Vittoria Panizzon, who has only been back in the saddle for a couple of weeks after breaking her collarbone, finished second in the intermediate finals with Amy and Patricia Lambert’s Chequers Play The Game. Vittoria took over the ride on the 12-year-old this year from Jock Paget.
“I’m used to producing my horses from scratch so this feels like a fairly new ride, but I’m having such a good time with him – he’s a very happy, easy horse,” said Vittoria.
Third was Tom McEwen on Frank and Jane Inns’ Toledo De Kerser, who was second at Le Lion d’Angers in the seven-year-old world championships in 2014.
“He’s quirky, but he was completely class today,” said Tom.
Polly Stockton took third in the novice championship with Mafra Smithers’ home-bred Stanhopes Mr Macoy, a seven-year-old out of Miss Haversham, whom Polly rode to advanced level. She added 1.6 time-faults to her dressage of 29.7.
Piggy French pulled up from 18th after dressage to fourth on Morswood, completing on her dressage score of 32.8.
Andrew Hoy leads the British Eventing Open Championship after dressage. The Australian, who won this class in 1997 on Darien Powers, scored 31.6 with Rutherglen. Oliver Townend lies second and third on Mr Hiho and Armada.
Have you been inspired by the return of The Great British Bake Off? Forget treating your friends, family and work colleagues with a lemon drizzle or triple chocolate brownies. Why not treat your horse instead?
Here is a straight-forward, no-fuss horse treat recipe based on the humble flapjack. We’re sure Mary Berry would say ‘it’s a classic’.
Ingredients
2 large carrots (grated)
1 apple (grated)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup molasses
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup oats
1 cup flour
Optional: 1/2 cup of your horses’s regular feed
Optional: polo mints
Method
Preheat the oven to 180°C
In a large bowl mix together the carrots, apple, oil, and molasses until combined.
Add the salt, oats, flour and optional feed and stir until it’s combined. It will be a sticky, dough-like consistency.
Form into small 1″ size balls with your hands.
Place them on a tray lined with a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 mins until golden brown.
Note: if you’re going for a ‘show-stopper,’ you can reveal your artistic side and decorate the treats with mints too.
Allow to cool.
Give your horse a homemade treat!
Create your own horse treat recipe
Or maybe you’re up for the technical challenge? It can be a lot of fun to experiment in the kitchen and produce ‘the unknown.’ So why not try to create your own horse treat recipe. Then you can tailor it to your horse by using his favourite ingredients.
Suggested home-made horse treat ingredients
Rolled Oats
Whole Oats
Whole Wheat Flour
Molasses
Apples
Carrots
Apple Sauce
Brown Sugar
Sugar
Crushed Peppermints
Cinnamon
Salt
Just to be on the safe side, here are some ingredients that are NOT recommended as they could be toxic to horses:
Chocolate
Milk
Maple Syrup
Cherries
Rhubarb
Peaches
Perhaps you’ve made some horse treat recipes before that have turned out well? Or do you have any photos of your horse-treat-creations? Send them to olivia.mulligan@timeinc.com – I’d love to see them.
Christopher Burton won the British Eventing Open Championship at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe on TS Jamaimo, becoming the first Australian to do so since Clayton Fredericks in 2006.
“It’s very exciting to win here – he’s fast and we hoped to be competitive,” said Christopher.
TS Jamaimo, a 16-year-old thoroughbred on whom Christopher won the Adelaide CCI4* in 2013, was ninth after dressage with 36.9, and stayed in that position after one show jump down. But the second-fastest cross-country time of the day for just 2.8 time-faults propelled them up the leaderboard.
New Zealand’s Jonelle Price finished second on Trish Rickards’ Classic Moet, 4.5pen behind Christopher and TS Jamaimo, while Nicola Wilson is the new British national champion after taking third place with Ann and Valerie Robson’s Beltane Queen.
“I’m pinching myself,” said Nicola. “I’m so proud of her – she gets better and better.”
Oliver Townend, third after dressage with Armada with a mark of 33.5, hit four showjumps. But he was the only rider to go inside the time across country, which meant that, despite dropping to 23rd after showjumping, the pair ended up in fourth place.
Louise Harwood and Whitson, third in this class last year, were fifth this time, up from 16th after dressage. Georgie Strang and Cooley Business Time took sixth place.
Dressage leaders Andrew Hoy and Rutherglen had three showjumps down, and later fell on the cross-country.
Andrew Nicholson and Cilnabradden Evo, fourth after showjumping, fell at the final cross-country fence and Andrew then withdrew Perfect Stranger, who had been in third position. Andrew was taken to hospital for precautionary check-ups.
William Fox-Pitt had run-outs across country on both fifth-placed Luxury FH and Fernhill Pimms, sixth after showjumping.
Oliver Townend and Mr Hiho had shared the lead after showjumping with Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh, but withdrew before cross-country.
♦ Noah Brook led from start to finish in the TopSpec Challenge for the Corinthian Cup, a new restricted novice championship for amateur riders. Riding Paul Crompton’s Deo Volente III, the 19-year-old won by a margin of 10 marks and finished on his dressage score of 22.5.
Second was Sara Chittleburgh (Sari De Lobelle) and third was Cathrine Taylor (Lorelei).
USA’s Kent Farrington prevented an Irish whitewash by claiming the grand prix at Dublin Horse Show today (Sunday 9 August) riding 14-year-old Uceko.
Eight clear rounds went forward to the jump-off after Alan Wade’s 1.60m track saw penalties strewn across the class. Kent scooped the €66,000 winner’s prize fund after a well-judged final round in a time of 43.14 seconds, fending off American-based Irishmen Kevin Babington (Shorapur) and Conor Swail (Grand Cru V. Vijf Eiken).
“It was a competitive class – there were a lot of fast riders. My horse has been a mainstay of my stable for a while. I got him as a seven-year-old,” said Kent. “He seems to get better with age and is a special horse to me.”
Conor Swail, who was unable to hide his disappointment at not being chosen for Friday’s (7 August) winning Irish Nations Cup team, added: “Competing in America I come up against Kent a lot. He is a winning machine, who doesn’t know how to lose. It’s always dangerous when he’s in your class.”
Last year’s victor, 20-year-old Bertram Allen produced a flawless first round clear and looked set to give Kent a run for his money. He was up on the clock until an ambitious turn to the third-last fence didn’t pay off and his 17-year-old ride Romanov had a glance off.
Following their clear rounds during Friday’s Nations Cup, British hopes were pinned on Scott Brash (Hello M’Lady) and Robert Whitaker (Catwalk IV). However, grand prix glory was not to go their way after both riders had two poles down each. Ben Maher and Michael Whitaker also failed to make it through to the final round.
The most influential fence proved to be the upright planks at fence three, which was set on five strides after a substantial triple bar. It claimed 11 victims, including puissance winner, Egypt’s Sameh El Dahan, Irishman Dermott Lennon, and France’s Roger Yves Bost.
Don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine’s full report on all the action from Dublin, on sale Thursday 13 August
I have always wanted to retire at the top and I couldn’t think of a better place to sign off than at Goodwood — it’s a special racecourse to me. I’ve been lucky there in the past and I like it because you don’t always need to be on the best horse to win, due to the nature of the track and the way it rides.
I was pleased to score a win on the opening day on Gibeon. To get another on the Friday with Belvoir Bay was a bonus, especially as both horses are trained by my brother-in-law, Richard Hannon Jr.
Even though I didn’t ride a winner on the final Saturday it was still a great day.
Training is in my blood, having grown up watching my father [the late Dessie Hughes] train. Even when I started out as a jockey it was always going to be my next venture after riding — I never thought of anything else.
I know communication as a trainer is important and something I will have to think about more. As a jockey, communication only really comes into play three minutes before a race when you’re talking to the trainer and owners.
However, I think my biggest challenge will be going out there and buying quality horses from the sale ring and trusting my instinct. Then, of course, finding owners to buy them.
I’ve been lucky to have always enjoyed my job as a jockey. Not just riding in a race and having winners but the riding-out part and the preparing of horses beforehand has always interested me. There is satisfaction in finding a nice two-year-old and watching it grow into a decent racehorse. For me riding winners was the bonus that came with the job.
There have been so many trainers — too many to list here — that I’ve enjoyed riding for over my 27-year career but Mick Channon was vital in getting my career going. I was his first jockey when I initially came over from Ireland. As a trainer, I will be looking to give good young apprentices the opportunities to start riding and finding them from scratch. Getting going is a challenge for any young jockey but they need to believe in themselves.
‘I will probably put on a couple of stone’
I never moaned about my weight but it was always there in my subconscious — knowing when I woke up I’d be heavy, I’d even have dreams about it. I will probably put on a couple of stone and fill my frame out a bit. I’ll still be riding out every day so that should keep me fit and make sure I don’t get obese.
My first ride was in 1988 and the sport has changed a fair amount since. The lads in the weighing room are more professional these days. I remember a time when you’d go into the sauna at a racecourse and there would be empty champagne bottles and cider cans in there — we’d crack open a bottle of champagne after the third race. That just would not happen any more, not only because of the alcohol-testing that came into play, but jockeys are looking after themselves better than ever before. They are becoming more educated thanks to improved nutrition and fitness advice on offer.
The camaraderie in the weighing room is something I definitely will miss, there’s nothing like it, but I will also miss being in demand. I’m lucky to have reached the top of what I do, but now that I will be training, I’ll be down at the bottom of the ladder and working my way back up again. It will keep me on the ball for sure and I’m looking forward to the challenge.
Who needs a gym membership when you’ve got a horse? You can improve your cardio and strength without even leaving the yard. Elements of this little routine* might sound familiar…
Warm-up
We know we have to warm up our horses before asking them to do any strenuous work, and the same applies to ourselves. Exercising with cold muscles can result in paralysis, or death, or something. So go out to the field and attempt to catch your horse. By the time he’s run round their field several times, with you chasing after him yelling: ‘I’ve got treats! I’m just bringing you in for a feed, not for riding’, you’ll be nicely warmed-up and ready for the next stage of the workout. Hopefully at some point you will have also managed to catch your horse.
Cardio
It’s time to get that heart rate up and the blood pumping round your body! (This sounds awful, but it’s a good thing, apparently. It produces feel-good hormones and we could all do with those, especially at 5am on a show day). Some people say that horse-riding doesn’t count as a cardio-vascular workout, as the horse does all the work. Those people have never sat on a horse.
Mount and take your horse into the arena or field. Proceed as follows: trot a figure of eight, kicking frantically with your inside leg as your horse falls in through the shoulder and your outside leg as he swings his quarters towards the gate. Repeat on the opposite rein. Move into canter; depending on your horse, you will either work your calves and glutes trying to get him forward, or your triceps, quadriceps and abs trying to slow him down.
Put up a course of jumps. Point horse at jumps. Get off horse and demonstrate to him how to jump the course of jumps, on foot. Get back on horse, ride horse over jumps. Repeat a few times. Get off, try to regain breath. Drink some water. You’ve burnt 6,429 calories during your cardio session. Have a Twix to celebrate, you deserve it.
Strength and conditioning
Squats: Fill your horse’s two 20-litre water buckets, bend your knees and – lifting from the legs and not the waist – carry them to his stable without stopping. If this proves a challenge too far, tip some water out and try again. If it’s too easy, add some more water back in. Come on, this is a hardcore workout, not a relaxing day at the seaside. Get on with it!
Tricep and bicep lifts: The fight against arm flab is an ongoing battle for many of us, but your horse can help tone up those bingo wings. Well, your horse stuff can, anyway. Make sure you keep all your rugs, head collars, lead ropes and numnahs on a high shelf in the tack room. Now, raise your arms above your head, reach up to remove them and carefully lift them down. If you stand on tip toe to reach, you’ll experience a calf stretch at the same time. But don’t ever try this with heavy stuff, folks. Leave your grooming box on the ground. Concussion is a serious set-back for any exercise routine and best avoided.
Cool down
Finally, it’s time to cool down. Sit down and eat an ice-cream. Soleros are nice, but you really can’t go wrong with a Magnum. * NB: This routine is definitely not approved by any trainer, physio, or sports-related person what so ever.
The team was made up of Phoebe, Rebecca Bell on Valido’s Sunshine, Clare Hole on Rembrandt and Isobel Berrington on DHI Langar.
Their total score of 222.87% them a less than one percent ahead of second placed Germany.
Denmark took team bronze.
Britain’s showjumpers swiftly followed the dressage team’s success to collect another team gold on Friday (7 August) morning with just one fault.
Ireland took silver with three faults and France came third with five faults.
Jodie Hall Mcateer on Tixylix, Jack Whitaker on Zodianne van de Doevenbree, Jessica Hewitt on Ammanvalley Santino and Charlotte Ash on Aughnashammer made up the gold medal-winning team.
Jodie, 15, and Sarah Mendoza’s Tixylix also claimed individual silver.
“Jodie has ridden with determination and a calm head all week,” said chef d’equipe Matthew Lanni.
“She has jumped six rounds throughout the championships and to only have one fence down across them all is quite a feat.
“Her performance in the final jump-off, under tremendous pressure, only serves to show the talent that she is and the great partnership she has built with Tixylix.”
Tixylix was previously partnered by Jessica Mendoza, who has been a frequent member of British senior Nations Cup teams this year.
These medals take Tixylix’s pony European Championships medal total to seven.
Meanwhile, Team GBR’s eventers (pictured top) moved up from team silver following the cross-country to make it a clean sweep for the pony teams in all three disciplines.
All team members – Thomas Tulloch on Spirit VI, Saffron Cresswell on Cuffesgrange Little Ric, Phoebe Locke on Quay and Harriet Wright on Foxtown Cufflynx – showjumped clear to secure the gold on a score of 138.7pen.
Thomas, Saffron and Phoebe also took individual fourth, fifth and ninth places respectively.
Gary Parsonage, chef d’equipe and chairman of the Charles Owen pony selectors, said he “couldn’t have asked for more”.
“The tables really turned for us when a good French score was disqualified during the horse inspection meaning a less strong score had to be taken, but our guys still had to hold their nerve,” he said.
“Thomas was so close to [individual] bronze but he couldn’t have done any more for us.”
For full report don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H out Thursday (13 August).
Children were not the only ones cooling down in a Yorkshire paddling pool last week.
Passers by spotted a pony being washed by two handlers in a public paddling pool in Bude Park in Bransholme, Hull.
A picture of the piebald pony in the shallow pool was posted on social media and was shared hundreds of times.
The pool was then closed by Hull City Council to be drained and cleaned.
A spokesman from the council confirmed that the paddling pool had been closed after they were notified of the incident.
“The paddling pool at Bude Park has been closed for cleaning and will reopen by tomorrow (Saturday 8 August),” said a Hull City Council culture and leisure spokesman.
The popular pool is used by hundreds of children during the summer.
“The kids are not going to be able to use it for a while,” local ward councillor Danny Brown told local press.
“It just shows that those people don’t give a thought about anybody else.”
He said he hoped families from Bransholme and Kingswood would not have to wait too long to use the pool again.
The West of England Hound Show at Honiton in Devon on Thursday, 6 August drew a large crowd, including many who book this day in as part of their summer holiday when visiting the West Country.
This show is particularly important for packs of staghounds and minkhounds. They have their chance to compete and follow up any successes they may have had at Dunster Hound Show held the week before.
Local foxhound pack the Dulverton West enjoyed success in many classes, however it was the South and West Wilts who took the doghound championship with Harlequin 14, their winner of the entered class.
The Chiddingfold, Leconfield and Cowdray enjoyed another successful day on the flagstones, taking the bitch hound championship with Royalty 13.
The Tiverton Staghounds took home an armful of prizes back to their kennels including the doghound championship with Dawlish 14. They had to settle for reserve in the bitch hounds where the Devon & Somerset’s unentered winner Chuckle took the title.
With classes for both purebred and part-bred minkhounds, there were plenty of prizes to be won, with the overall championship being awarded to Devon & Cornwall Brushford 14.
The Cotley Harriers and the Axe Vale shared the major prizes in the harriers ring while the Royal Agricultural University claimed both the doghound and bitch championships in the beagles ring.
Take a look at the gallery below to see if your local pack was caught on camera.
Man’s best friend…a relaxed huntsman and his hound prepare for the judging
The Tiverton Staghounds win the doghound couples class with Rucksack & Rupert
RAU Sapperton, winner of the stallion hound class, also takes the doghound beagle championship
Champion part-bred minkhound and overall champion, Devon and Cornwall Brushford 14
Joy for the supporters of one winning pack
The beagle judges take a close look at the bitches lined up for thechampionship
The Chiddingfold, Leconfield and Cowdray enjoy success with their two couple of bitches in the foxhound classes
Horse & Hound's Olivia Mulligan explains why she fell in love with Western riding during a visit to California
I have recently returned from an adventurous trip to Mammoth Lakes, California. Although I had planned to spend most of my trip hiking and running, I couldn’t resist trying Western riding up in the mountains.
I was introduced to a bonny looking palomino and eventually found out that his name was ‘Chief’ (pictured below). I say ‘eventually’ because there was a slight misunderstanding due to my terribly British accent.
“What’s he called?” I asked. (The tour guide thought I was asking if he was cold). “Ohhh, what’s his name? Chief. He likes t’take the lead.”
The experience of riding around Convict Lake was incredible. Thanks to Chief, I have fallen in love with the mountains and riding Western style.
Here are six reasons why you should give Western riding a try:
1. Keepin’ it casual
You won’t be judged for wearing jeans and trainers – what’s not to love?
2. Great for novices
You can choose a group that sticks to a slow pace. Especially if it is up in the mountains, it will be mostly walking.
3. Unleash the adrenaline
Thrill seekers don’t need to galloping to enjoy it. You and your horse may get pretty close to the edge of the mountain track at times and the paths can be very steep.
It's competition season, but if you fancy trying your hand at something other than the usual suspects, check out these More…
4. Relax for once
Horses that are trained Western-style are often extremely responsive. Chief was the easiest horse that I have ever ridden, even in a bitless bridle.
5. Culture and history
We dismounted our trusty steeds to have a well earned lunch break (including potato chips and beef jerky, of course). Our tour-guide spoke about the history of Convict Lake and we had a little wander on foot. When we returned our untied horses hadn’t moved an inch – just like the movies.
6. A memorable experience for the whole family
In Mammoth, the scenery was breath-taking. Remember to take a camera – the photo opportunities are fantastic.
I experienced my first taste of Western riding in the mountains with my parents (non-horsey people) and they agreed that the experience of riding in the mountains was the highlight of the trip.
For further information and to get an idea of prices, check out the Convict Lake Resort website: www.convictlake.com
The great and the good of European showjumping will be heading to Aachen in Germany to compete at the FEI European Jumping Championships on 19-23 August. As we countdown to the event, this page will be kept up to date with team news as and when it becomes available.
Showjumping teams for Aachen European Championships 2015
A man from the area, believed by North Yorkshire Police to be in his 20s, who was travelling in the cart suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The accident happened on the northbound carriageway of the A63, also known as the Great North Road, near South Milford.
Four others who were travelling in the cart – a man and three children – were taken to Leeds General Infirmary.
The man and two of the boys that were in the cart remain in hospital with serious injuries.
The fifth casualty from the cart – a boy – was discharged from hospital after receiving treatment for a knee injury.
The van driver, a 45-year-old man from Leeds, suffered minor injuries.
He was arrested in connection with the collision.
A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police told H&H that the horse was injured and was taken to a nearby veterinary practice.
He added there are currently no updates.
Police are appealing to anyone who saw either a small silver van or the horse and cart before the collision or the crash itself to contact them.
Call 101, select option two and ask for the major collision investigation team at Tadcaster and quote reference number 12150136245.
william fox pit falls from dynasty in the british novece at gatcombe park 8-8-15
The Festival of British Eventing 2015 at Gatcombe (7-9 August) enjoyed the best of the British summer as the national eventing championships brought the crowds out in force to watch the top-class action in Princess Anne’s back garden.
The British Open championship was won by Australia’s Christopher Burton and TS Jamaimo (pictured above), while Nicola Wilson took the national title with the popular coloured mare Beltane Queen, as best of the Brits in third.
Oliver Townendscored a notable double in Saturday’s intermediate and novice championships, taking the intermediate with Note Worthy (pictured below) and the novice on Sonic De Sermentol.
Other top names to come a cropper during the day included William Fox-Pitt, who took a dunking from Dynasty in the novice championships (pictured below) and Sam Griffiths, who fell from his Badminton winner Paulank Brockagh late on the cross-country course when leading the British Open.
The new novice restricted championship for the Corinthian Cup was won by Noah Brook riding Deo Volente III. Unfortunately some of his fellow riders had a less successful time…
Elena Palmer parted company from Queue Jumper Z when they had a difference of opinion at the fence into the pond…
and Charlotte Jeffes competition came to an end after she took a tumble from Willows Patriarch.
Bronia Hill’s hopes for restricted novice glory ended when she took a ducking from Daisy XIV.
But the canine spectators couldn’t wait to enjoy the water after the competition came to a close.
Flora Harris survived a scary moment when jumping the wall on Cooley Lord Lux in the intermediate championships.
In the main arena, the crowds were treated to displays of speed with the scurry driving…
and the crowd-pleasingly popular Shetland Pony Grand National…
while Alice Plunkett grilled Mike Tindall on the highs and lows of racehorse ownership.
Don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine’s in-depth analysis of all the action from the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe, on sale Thursday 13 August 2015
The first evaluation of the 2015 Baileys/BEF Futurity young horse evaluation series threw up seven elite premiums — the highest accolade — at Hampshire’s Catherston Stud.
Dressage foals dominated proceedings with Franky (pictured top) and Fascinize (For Romance x Don Frederico) both receiving elite scores of 9.3.
Franky, a filly by Fürst Romancier, was bred by Ange Felton from Upper Swanmore, near Southampton from Ange’s Flemmingh mare, Alexsis. Franky was produced for the Futurity by Ben St John-James.
Fascinize is owned by his Chesterfield-based breeder Joanne Hobson.
“Fascinize’s dam, Donna Diana has now had four foals; her first foal has just been awarded a state premium in Germany and she has two other foals by Fürstenball in Germany,” said Joanne. “She’s back in-foal to Fürstenball for 2016.
“I’m incredibly grateful to both Darren Mattia for producing the foal and to Christian Heinrich who found Donna Diana for me.”
Fascinize has been sold to Rory Carrol, for his daughter Fern — apprentice to Hannah Esberger — to ride.
Fascinize
The dressage colt foal Platinum Kapone (Alexandro P x Rotspon) attained an elite of 9.1 for owner/breeder Louise Davies of Platinum Stud in Hampshire.
Louise said: “Platinum Kapone’s dam, elite Ronja B is a wonderful mare, and putting her to Alexandro P has resulted in a lovely foal. She is back in-foal to him for next year.”
Sarah Oppenheimer’s dressage colt foal, Headmore Bugatti (Belissimo M x Damon Hill) also gained 9.1. The family were returning to the Futurity after a decade.
“We haven’t been for 10 years, as we’ve been focussing on the ridden side of things,” explained Sarah. “We really thought Bugatti was very nice, so decided to take him.
“We’re thrilled at how well he did and will take him back to the Futurity as a three-year-old for hopeful selection on to the Futurity Equine Bridge. Alice is very much looking forward to his ridden career.”
Bugatti is out of Sarah’s Damon Hill mare, Daylight, purchased from James Crawford.
Top of the yearlings at Catherston and the only non-foal to score an elite premium was Elisabeth Sweet’s Javanica (Sandro Hit x Fürst Heinrich).
Javanica is an embryo transfer daughter from Elisabeth’s dressage mare, Fari.
“I’m very pleased with Javanica’s mark, I only started breeding three years ago as a hobby. My mare, Fari, competed to advanced medium level, although she is now retired and in-foal to Blue Hors Zack for 2016,” said Elisabeth, who runs Ladyswood Dressage and plans to keep Javanica and back her herself.
Catherston @ Tiffany’s
Catherston’s owner, Jennie Loriston-Clarke registered success on home soil for her filly foal, Catherston @ Tiffany’s. The Timolin x Sir Donnerhall dressage offspring scored 9.05.
“This year is Timolin’s first crop of foals and we are very pleased that the two we entered for the Futurity, Catherston @ Tiffany’s and Catherston Timpany [who gained an eventing higher first] did so well. We are very excited about Catherston @ Tiffany’s; she has great swing and elasticity coupled with a lovely nature.”
Timolin, now four, himself attained three elite Futurity premiums. Tiffany’s dam is the Sir Donnerhall mare Sweetheart. She was bought from Brightwells auction and, now seven, is competing at advanced medium.
Olympic blood shines through
The only non-dressage elite of the day went to the eventing foal, Cornish Princess (Latin King x Rock King). Bridget Parker’s third-generation home-bred — from the family of her 1972 Olympic team gold horse, Cornish Gold — scored 9.04.
Bridget said: “Cornish Faer, who was on the short-list for the Atlanta Olympics, competed at both Badminton and Burghley with my daughter Katie Burton. Faer was the daughter of Cornish Gold’s full-sister, Tregea. Cornish Gem is the daughter of Cornish Faer, and now we have Cornish Princess.”
Katie is competing Cornish Princess’ uncle and half-brother, Cornish Daybreak and Cornish Curtis in the Hartpury CCI* this week.
Cornish Princess
The top two-year-old at Catherston was Elisabeth Ahn’s dressage filly, River of Love EA (Franziskus x Sandro Hit) who scored a higher first premium of 8.9. She was produced by Darren Mattia.
The three-year-old gelding, Three Chimneys Esquire (Le Rouge x Elitaer) took a higher first premium of 8.85 for owner and breeder, Marion Fuller. This is the third time Three Chimneys Esquire has attained a higher first premium at the Futurity.
Also scoring 8.85 was best showjumper, the two-year-old colt, Sir James Bond (Sir Caprimond x Lucky Champ) for owner and breeder, Caroline Crane.
1 August – Catherston Stud, Hampshire
2 August – Chelwood Equestrian, East Sussex
3 August – Writtle College, Essex
4 August – The College, Keysoe, Bedfordshire
7 August – Tall Trees Arena, Cornwall
9 August – Hartpury College, Gloucestershire
11 August – Arena UK, Lincolnshire
12 August – Richmond Equestrian Centre, North Yorkshire
13 August – Myerscough College, Lancashire
14 August – Southview Equestrian Centre, Cheshire
17 & 18 August – Solihull Riding Club, West Midlands
Age: 37 From: Belgium Horse: 11-year-old Utamaro D’Ecaussines (Uta) Owner: Ludwig Criel Previous success: Joe made his first senior championship appearance for Great Britain at the World Equestrian Games last year. Originally from Yorkshire, he moved to Belgium over 10 years ago where he lives with his wife and three children. Joe represented Great Britain at junior level at the European Championships in 1996. Uta and Joe have been part of the British team at the past three Nations Cup events, winning in Rotterdam. What you might not know: Joe began his career working as a stable jockey at the Brendon Stud. His reaction to selection: “I’m delighted to have been selected and I’m really happy for Utamaro’s owner and the entire team. It’s been a lot of pressure in the lead up to this and I just want to thank everyone for putting up with me!”
Age: 32 From: Hertfordshire Horse: 10-year-old Diva II (Diva) Owner: Tatiana Korsakova Previous success: No stranger to the senior Great British team, this European Championship will mark his fourth European team call-up. Ben was also a member of the 2012 Olympic Games gold medal-winning team. Ben and Diva are regulars on the Global Champions Tour circuit and most recently were on the British Nations Cup team for both Rotterdam and Hickstead. What you might not know: Ben first represented Great Britain at the young rider Euoropeans in 2004 riding Alfredo. His reaction to selection: “I’m very happy to be selected. Diva has been a great horse to me over the past twelve months and has proved herself to be a good team horse. Hopefully we can play a strong part in qualifying Great Britain for the Olympics.”
Age: 20 From: The Netherlands Horse: 14-year-old Spirit T (Spirit) Owner: Sarah Mendoza Previous success: Jessica got her first British team call-up in 2010 for the pony Europeans. Last year she won team gold and individual silver at the Junior European Championships with Spirit. Originally from Wiltshire, Jessica recently moved to The Netherlands where she is now based with her parents. Spirit and Jessica have come up through the showjumping ranks together and were recently part of the winning British Nations Cup team in Rotterdam. What you might not know: Jessica was National School individual champion at Hickstead in 2007 and 2008. Her reaction to selection:
Amazing news!!
Spirit and I have been selected for the Senior Europeans in Aachen in a few weeks!
Equestrian… http://t.co/uvGMTOzgeu
Age: 55 From: Nottinghamshire Horse: 10-year-old Cassionato (Casey) Owner: Beverley Widdowson Previous success: A stalwart of the British showjumping team for many years, this championship will mark Michael’s 14th European Championship appearance. He was a member of last year’s World Equestrian Games team riding Viking and won team gold riding the same horse at the 2013 European Championships. Michael and Casey have notched some good results on the Global Champions Tour circuit and were part of the winning Rotterdam Nations Cup team earlier this year. What you might not know: Michael trained with legendary Swedish coach Lars Sederholm when he was 16. His reaction to selection: “I think we’ve got a very good team, it’s been a good selection. All horses have been on really good form; in fact they have all been brilliant. I’m looking forward to it and feeling confident”.
The Royal International is always a great show. The weather forecast at the start of the week wasn’t so good but by the end it was gorgeous — and that always helps to make any show feel a bit more special. To my eye, the crowds were up, the stands were all full for the big classes and there was an excellent atmosphere.
Ireland didn’t have a team for the Nations Cup, which was disappointing, but it was still a really enjoyable class for me to watch and to walk the course.
The jump-off was an exciting conclusion and you would have definitely picked Beezie Madden as the favourite going in. She turned a bit tight and it went wrong for her but it shows everyone has an off-day.
Janika Sprunger had a cracker of a round and I didn’t think it could be beaten, only for Pieter Devos to take nearly 2secs off. Beezie more than made up for the error by going on to win the King George V Gold Cup.
It would’ve been the perfect end to the fairy tale if Adventure De Kannan (pictured at the Derby meeting) could have won for me and added the final piece to the puzzle. Although the full house of classics wasn’t to be, he is still a great horse, especially at Hickstead.
He jumped his heart out, as he always does on a big day. He knows when I try and he does too — and I was really trying on Sunday. He jumped the first, second and third and the treble superbly and I thought it was going really well. We got to the gates the way I wanted but he clipped it behind — it was just one of those things. They took a lot of jumping and I was victim to it as well.
The horse was fantastic and all I can ask of him is his best. One thing is for sure — Addy doesn’t owe me anything. He’s been my top horse for six or seven years and I’ll never be annoyed or disappointed with him. He’s been an unbelievable servant for me and his owner Karen Swann.
Up against five-star riders
When I walked the course for the King George, I didn’t think it was a killer. I expected eight to 10 clears but it turned out to be more difficult, with only six going through.
The gates played their part but everywhere needed care — especially the combination and the last line to the Bunn Leisure oxer. Course-designers Kelvin Bywater and Bob Ellis got it spot-on.
I watched Hickstead on TV growing up and it’s a show I always try and gear towards. I’m lucky I have two really good Derby horses, so at the Derby meeting I knew I had a chance.
Going to the Royal International is a different experience, and I’d be an outsider to win the grand prix here — you’re pitched against five-star riders such as Beezie, Marcus Ehning and Christian Ahlmann. I don’t get to jump at five-star shows week in and week out and it’s great to be up against them.
I won the first day here in the 1.45m Bunn Leisure vase with Georgie D’Auvray. He’s only nine and a relatively new ride — there’s a lot more to come from him.
As an Irishman, Dublin is the pinnacle. Hickstead the week before is ideal for getting the horses up to speed at five-star level. I’m hoping for good results in Dublin to put myself in contention for future Nations Cups.
Two horses ran loose on the M25 on Saturday (8 August) after a trailer overturned.
The accident occurred on the anticlockwise carriageway at Junction 9 at Leatherhead and caused traffic chaos.
The horses had been travelling inside the trailer and escaped when it fell onto its side.
Surrey Police arrived at 9.40am and one of the horses was caught close to the trailer.
The second horse was captured almost a mile away after running loose up the carriageway.
Traffic was at a standstill as two lanes were closed between Junction 9 and Junction 8 and the motorway was blocked between Junction 8 and Junction 7.
The owners of the horses, who were travelling in the 4×4 that had been pulling the trailer, were not hurt. The horses were treated by vets.
“Surrey Police was called to the M25 at Junction 9 on Saturday 8 August at 9.40am following reports that a trailer, being towed by a 4×4 had overturned,” said a police spokesman.
“No one in the vehicle was injured. The two horses in the trailer escaped, one was brought under control near the vehicle and the second nearly a mile along the M25 thanks to help from members of the public.
“They were both assessed by a two vets and were transported to safety in two separate horseboxes, which had volunteered by passing members of the public.”
A witness, who was travelling on the motorway at the time, told local press that the crash sent “a huge cloud of dust in the air” and “a brown and white horse [was] half hanging out the back [of the trailer].
“About a quarter mile further on I was shocked to see a large brown horse galloping down lane three just before Junction 8,” they added.
Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call Surrey Police on 101 and quote reference number P15206849.
