Bexs Salt is joint owner of Flora Harris' Blair Europeans ride Bayano. She will be keeping us up to date with their progress both in the run-up to the championships and during the competition so come along and enjoy the ride...

My name is Bexs Salt and I am the accidental owner of Bayano (aka Barney), Flora Harris’ ride at the Longines FEI European Eventing Championships at Blair Castle (pictured above at Belton). I own Barney with Caroline Harris, Flora’s mother, but the experience of owning a ‘proper’ event horse is rather new to me and certainly was not on the cards until just a few months ago!

So how have I found myself in this situation? Allow me to explain…

Completely out of the blue in the spring, I was offered my dream job based in Luxembourg. So I asked Flora to have a sit on my novice horse, CrossBoyne (aka Ned, pictured below), to see whether she would be happy to ride him for me until he moved out to Lux in the autumn, which she agreed to do.

Flora riding Crossboyne at Hambelden with Bexs accompanied by her terriers Alan and Arfur

Not long after Ned moved to Flora’s yard in Wiltshire, Jane Keir, who owned Bayano with Caroline, decided she wanted to focus on her breeding operation and was looking for someone to buy her share. I have liked Barney since he arrived with Flora several years ago. He is small – more pony-like than you would expect – but a ball of energy with lovely paces and as agile as a cat.

So I decided to buy Jane’s share as it would keep me linked to UK eventing and I thought it would be fun to share a horse with Caroline. Caroline and I also have opinionated Jack Russells in common – my two, Alan and Arfur have already moved to Lux – so we thought adding a horse could only add to the fun!

I also own Knight Hunter (aka Badger), a retired one-star eventer who has turned his hoof to dressage in his later years. He will stay in the UK as he is very happy at his current yard, and will be competed by their head girl Amy Bruce.

How things are going

I was delighted that Barney had an OK start to the season and so I headed to Belton, in my new role as owner, with limited expectations given it was one of his first advanced runs. I was thrilled with how he tackled the tough cross-country course and ended in third place.

From there we have had a great season so far. There was a bit of a blip at Tattersalls when Barney decided he was no longer capable of jumping left hand corners, but it was followed by the amazing result at Bramham. Flora won her first three-star on my horse!

I find it rather unbelievable that thanks to Flora’s hard work and her amazing support team, we are heading to the Europeans via the Nations Cup at Aachen. Please keep your fingers crossed for us. I’ll keep you up to date with our progress along the way.

Bexs

Dates: 7–9 August, 23rd week of the 2015 season

The basics

Number of British Eventing (BE) fixtures: four (The Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe, Hendersyde Park, Chilham Castle (2), Skipton (2))
Number of BE sections run this week: 49
Number of FEI sections run in Britain this week: two
Event with most sections: Chilham Castle and Skipton — 16 sections
Number of BE sections run so far this year: 1711
Number of combined BE and FEI sections run so far this year: 1755
Number of BE fixtures run so far this year: 114

Best dressage scores

Gatcombe: 22.5, for Noah Brook and Deo Volente III in the new novice restricted championship, the Corinthian Cup
Hendersyde Park: 20.9, for Wills Oakden riding Blackcol Lotte, who won the intermediate novice section N, despite eight showjumping faults
Chilham Castle: 21.5, scored by Sophie Forbes and Tricky Johnie, finishing second in the BE100 section M with four showjumping faults
Skipton: 17, for Eliza Stoddart on two rides (Future Gravitas who won the five-year-old section D and Future Illicit Heights who finished second in the BE100 section N)

Speedy gonzales

1: number of pairs who beat the 6min 28sec CIC3* optimum time at Gatcombe — Oliver Townend and Armada finished fourth
0: number of pairs who beat the 5min 51sec optimum time at Gatcombe over the intermediate course. Oliver Townend and Note Worthy were fastest, winning section B with 1.2 time-faults
2: number of pairs inside the 5min 8sec BE100 optimum time at Hendersyde; the fastest were Henry Cooper riding Soprano D L Henbage and Katy Thomson riding Mohawk

And also…

31.5: the best FEI dressage score this year, scored by Andrew Hoy and Rutherglen in the CIC3* at Gatcombe. However the pair were eliminated after a fall across country
4: the number of pairs who finished the four-year-old section D1 at Chilham Castle
84: percentage of starters in the British Open Championship who scored below 50 in the dressage
2: the number of wins claimed by Oliver Townend at Gatcombe (British Novice and Intermediate Championships), matching William Fox-Pitt’s 2014 achievement. 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
100: percentage of starters who completed the BE100 section J at Hendersyde Park
2: the number of Antipodean riders taking the top two places in the British Open Championship at Gatcombe
12: the number of marks by which Oliver Townend and Note Worthy won Gatcombe’s British Intermediate Championship
100: percentage of starters who finished the BE100 section B at Skipton
7: the number of British riders finishing within the top 10 in the British Open Championship at Gatcombe
2: the number of Oliver Townend’s rides to finish within the top two in Gatcombe’s British Novice Championship
19: the age of Noah Brook, who won the Corinthian Cup at Gatcombe by 10 marks

Further afield

28: the age of Kerry Millikin’s 1996 Olympic partner Out and About before he sadly passed last week due to old age
15.9: the margin by which Britain’s pony European riders won the team gold last week in Sweden

Full reports from Gatcombe and the pony European Championships in H&H this week, out Thursday, 13 August 2015.

Top Swiss combination Steve Guerdat and Nino Des Buissonnets will not be taking part in next week’s FEI European Showjumping Championships (19-23 August) as the horse remains suspended.

The horse tested positive for banned substances in May.

The FEI Tribunal yesterday (Monday 10 August) ruled that the two-month provisional suspension on the 2012 Olympic gold medal-winning horse was to be upheld.

Two other Swiss horses — Nasa, also partnered by Steve, and Charivari KG ridden by Alessandra Bichsel — also remain suspended after testing positive for banned drugs.

Both riders were cleared to compete again last month (27 July), following a hearing in which they pleaded food contamination caused the postive tests.

This meant that the Olympic champion would be free to jump at the Europeans. However, he is now without his top horse.

“The FEI Tribunal subsequently responded to Guerdat’s request for a further decision regarding the lifting of the provisional suspensions on his horses to be taken by 10 August, the closing date for definite entries for the FEI European Showjumping Championships 2015 in Aachen,” read a statement from the FEI.

“As a result of the FEI Tribunal decision to maintain the provisional suspensions of the horses, although Guerdat is eligible to compete in Aachen, he will not be able to ride Nino Des Buissonnets, one of his horses declared for the championships and will need to select an alternative pre-declared horse.”

But last night (Monday 10 August) the Swiss squad was chosen, and Steve is not on the list.

Romain Duguet and Quorida du Treho, Paul Estermann and Castlefield Eclipse, Martin Fuchs and Clooney III, Niklaus Rutschi and Windsor XY and Janika Sprunger and Bonne Chance CW have had the call-up.

The Swiss Equestrian Federation added that Niklaus takes the place of Steve, in light of his strong performance in the Dublin Nations Cup.

Samples were taken at the CSIO5* at La Baule in France on 17 May from Steve’s London 2012 gold medal-winning partner Nino Des Buissonnets, on the day the 14-year-old gelding won the grand prix.

The tests returned positive for codeine and oripavine — banned substances — and morphine, a controlled substance.

At the same show but a day earlier (16 May), samples were taken from Steve’s other ride, Nasa, after the 14-year-old grey mare finished third in the La Baule Derby.

These tests were positive for codeine and morphine. The horse’s sample also showed traces of oripavine, but not at a sufficiently high level for the testing laboratory to declare a positive for the substance.

Is dressage in need of a plain English campaign? The most helpful comment I’ve had so far this season was “get him on the bit” during an inter II warm-up, followed by “get him on the bloody bit”. The timing, accuracy and clarity was spot-on.

But even when there’s more time to absorb advice — when reading a test sheet for instance — shouldn’t words of wisdom still be straightforward and understandable to all?

When I was a judge, the hardest aspect was learning what’s perceived to be the required language. Whether it’s a prelim or an advanced test, comments should be definite rather than a matter of degrees. We’ve all had one judge say “needs to be more forward”, only for the next to remark “running”.

When confusing words abound, care is needed about what’s taken on board. At least my horse is either “on the bloody bit” or it’s not.

Milk, bread and early to bed

Every time I compete, which I do as it helps with my teaching, I get very nervous. Yes, even at my age! To deal with the butterflies and feeling sick, I kick myself mentally and hard. It’s a process I’ve come to know only too well.

Maybe my early days competing are to blame; like being sent to bed with milk and bread for having an unnecessary stop at a cross-country fence.

Or the time I was banned from riding a lovely horse for three months because I hadn’t been in bed by 10pm, then rolled two poles in a Foxhunter jump-off. I knew the bedtime rule, and was always truthful… Or was it more recently, cantering in a piaffe and thus throwing British Dressage national championships qualification out of the window?

There is no universal fix for nerves; one competitor’s saviour can be another’s downfall. In my case “get a grip” works best. It’s brilliant that our top riders have access to sports psychologists. The rest of us just have to get on, get into that arena and do it.

As I write, regional championships are making me nervous. Will I ever grow up?

Instinct over theory

They say you should never alter anything just before a competition. But sometimes one has to risk change — in our case, a bridle for para rider Suzanna Hext.

As was often the case with Abira, owned by our son Charlie and me, he took to kissing his knees in his familiar double bridle. Overnight thinking prompted us to swap it for a snaffle. Even though Abira rarely works in one, it made a huge difference for the better.

Horses are animals, so need treating individually. And sometimes it’s worth trusting instinct over theory.

Perfection, down to the loos

It was an absolute privilege to see so many British senior team members at Hartpury.

Thank goodness the “we prefer to compete abroad” syndrome is no longer so fashionable. No wonder the crowds flocked to this friendly, well-organised show.

Hickstead had big screens, live scoring, electric bells and next year’s team hopefuls trying hard. Two internationals back-to-back like this give selectors and fans alike a really good barometer.

It’s many years since I complained about Hickstead’s loos. Well, Dane Rawlins, your shows — and loos — are now perfect. You’re to be congratulated for your vision, while all you do to encourage the young has not gone unnoticed.

Meanwhile at Stoneleigh, a reported 4,000 took part in the Trailblazers championships. With whole families having a wonderful time, that’s what it’s all about.

Fighting for the fourth spot

The first three choices for our senior European Championship team were never in doubt. But who would join Carl Hester with Nip Tuck, Charlotte Dujardin with Valegro and Fiona Bigwood with Atterupgaards Orthilia caused much speculation.

Michael Eilberg with Marakov is the perfect choice for team safety with his improving scores.

Spencer Wilton, named first reserve, is knocking firmly on the door with Super Nova. However, the partnership I really hope settles to the task in hand is Gareth Hughes and Classic Briolinca. Wow, now that is a horse for an Olympic year.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 6 August 2015

Despite concerns that the journey to Aachen might be fraught with problems due to the worsening migrant crisis in Calais, the British dressage team have all arrived safely in Germany.

Ahead of the FEI European Dressage Championships, the British dressage team were forced to take action and book a back-up route for their journey to Aachen.

However, thankfully all horses “travelled across well” and arrived safely and the competition begins today (Wednesday 12 August)

In anticipation of problems at the terminal, the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) booked a ferry for the horses from Harwich to Holland, to avoid the Channel Tunnel should issues occur.

“We altered our plans slightly to ensure that the horses travelling out to the Europeans have as easy a journey as possible,” a BEF spokesman told H&H.

“Horse welfare is always our priority and we will continue to monitor the situation closely. We have a flexible travel strategy depending on the current situation.”

Valegro, Nip Tuck, Atterupgaards Orthilia and Marakov arrived safely via the tunnel on Sunday (10 August).

Their riders Charlotte Dujardin, Carl Hester, Fiona Bigwood and Michael Eilberg joined them a day later.

Calais’ migrant crisis is posing increasing problems for horseboxes returning from France.

There are more than 3,000 people at the migrant camp in Calais known as “the jungle” with poor access to food, water and health treatment.

Last month (29 July) a man, believed to be a Sudanese migrant, was found under a horsebox — hidden above the rear axle — at the Royal International Horse Show.

In October the lorry carrying Olympic gold medal-winning dressage star Valegro was targeted.

The dressage star’s lorry was preparing to board the train at the port on his return from a demo in Norway when a stowaway was discovered clinging on under the chassis.

In May Dutch eventer Tim Lips had problems while travelling to Badminton.

When the pressure is on and the collecting ring is busy, knowing what to do and implementing it can be daunting. We asked former European champion Rachel Bayliss to give us her tips

The dressage

“It sounds obvious, but no two horses are the same and riders have to adapt their warm-up to suit their mount,” says Rachel. “The warm-up isn’t the place to iron out new problems, but if you’re aware that something isn’t working find out how to improve it.

“Remember that every rider tries hard to have a successful day, so be considerate. It’s easy to get wrapped up in what you’re doing and cut up other horses. Always be polite — especially to stewards — no matter how bad things are going.”

Rachel’s tips for… the dressage

➤ When you collect your number, find out how long it will take to get to the dressage area. It’s better to have 10min in hand. Running late means stress for you and the horse.
➤ Before you start working in, find out which arena is yours.
➤ Make time to stand and watch a test in your arena to ensure you have learnt the correct one.
➤ Always pick up your dressage sheet to check that what you’re feeling matches what the judges see.
➤ Remember that each dressage movement is like a showjump or cross-country fence — they have to be done, so be accurate.
➤ Assess where the marks come from — sometimes a 10 is earned just for making a turn and halting. If you mess something up, forget about it. The next few strides could earn another 10 marks.

Continued below…

10 tips to banish competition riding nerves

• 28 April, 2014 - 10:00

Do you suffer from competition riding nerves? Find out how to take control and use nerves to improve your performance

The showjumping

Knowing how long to warm up for the showjumping can be difficult to gauge.

“The first thing to do when you get to the collecting ring is find out whether things are running to time,” says Rachel. “There is no point being ready to go only to have to hang around for another half an hour while your horse gets bored and you switch off.”

There are two common errors that Rachel witnesses in this phase: riders overjumping their horses or having a lesson in the warm-up area.

“You’re not going to transform a horse in the warm-up, so don’t try to,” she says.
“Having a helper is very useful, though, and many riders do find that having someone giving pointers gives them confidence.”

Often the warm-up ring can become busy and subsequently get chaotic.

“A lot of riders don’t really know what they are doing and get anxious because they’re not used to working with others who do. It’s easy to be fazed by professionals taking over a fence, but you have every right to be there, too. Take your time and do what you need to.”

Rachel’s tips for… the showjumping

➤ Often riders don’t get a chance to walk the showjumping course. If you don’t, walk around the edge of the arena looking at the fences to work out your line.
➤Go through the course in your mind to make sure you can remember it. Once it’s in there you won’t forget it.
➤If there is a long period between your dressage and showjumping times, allow an extra 20min or so to warm up on the flat. Don’t overjump your horse.

The cross-country

“You can’t just float from the showjumping to the cross-country. It’s important that both horse and rider get into cross-country mode in both body and mind, so you have to make a clean break,” says Rachel.

This starts before you get on — changing your kit, shortening your stirrups and changing studs if necessary.

Begin by establishing a good quality canter in a forward rhythm.

“It doesn’t need to be fast or for a long time. The aim is to get the horse thinking forward and in front of your leg,” says Rachel.

She suggests that you try to achieve a more open jump compared with the showjumping and, once you have cleared the fence on both reins, try riding it at an angle and off a turn.

“This makes sure the horse is switched on and listening to you,” says Rachel.

“Aim to have no more than three horses left to go before you. Then you have time to catch your breath, check your girth is tight and that the stirrups are still sitting properly on the bars of the saddle before heading off to the start.”

Rachel’s tips for… cross-country

➤ If you are riding multiple horses, write each name on their number so you don’t get confused. Keep all the numbers in your bib and change the order as needed, then you will never find yourself without one.
➤Make sure everything is as you want it. It’s very easy to get down to the start only to be told you’ve forgotten something. Eliminate unnecessary stress by sorting your kit into a pile in the lorry so it’s ready to grab.
➤ When you arrive at the cross-country warm-up, find out if it is running to time.
“As with the showjumping there is no point having your horse ready to go only to discover there’s 15 more horses before you. It’s very frustrating,” adds Rachel.

This article was published in the Summer 2014 issue of Horse & Hound Ask The Trainer

Riding and competing successfully are all about creating a solid partnership with your horse. Mary King bases hers on these 10 tried-and-tested principles, which you can find in her latest book 'Mary King My Way: How I train for success'

1. Patience and calmness

Be methodical in your teaching. Repetition makes for true understanding. You must be black and white in your training principles as to what is right and what is wrong. Consistently correct mistakes and reward the right response with your voice and/or a pat when your horse produces good work.

2. Understanding and coping with tension

Tension can be caused by a variety of reasons — excitement on the part of the horse, anticipation of the work ahead, nervousness, not trusting the rider. Therefore, find ways of easing the pressure for your horse and helping him to relax — perhaps through lots of steady work, hacks and plenty of turnout. A tense horse will be much happoer to be out 24/7 and ideally with a calm companion.

Continued below…

19 signs you’re an incurable eventing nut

• 5 July, 2015 - 17:30

Are you so crazy about eventing it fills every area of your life? Read on to find out if you’re More…

3. Be thorough

Horses like to have a routine so make sure your horse has his — for example, feeding on time and exercise. Make sure that you’re organised in your day-to-day running of the yard, that you’re on top of paperwork and competition entries, fitness work for you and your horse, and preparation for events.

4. Effective riding

Try not to let the nerves take over as that can affect your riding, turning you from a positive partner to a passive passenger. Your horse needs your support and guidance so effectiveness of the rider is all-important.

5. Sensitivity

Remember, horses are all very different, so be sensitive to their individual needs. Some require a much more gentle approach, others you can be firmer with — it all depends on their character.

6. Coping with the lows

Difficult though it may be at the time, try to take a positive out of a negative situation. In eventing, you have to be able to cope with the lows if you want to continue eventing and compete for a long time. And don’t let yourself get too low in the lows. Simply work out what went wrong, why it went wrong, how you can make it right and how it could have been prevented. Then enjoy the good times!

7. Dedication

Are you prepared to get out there and work, whatever the weather and however you feel?

8. Be open to criticism

As a rider, always be aiming to improve and find a trainer you click with. Even at my age, I realise that I can always learn more. I personally love it when people tell me that I’m not sitting up straight or my reins are too long. I don’t take offence, I’m happy for people — especially my trainer Ferdi Eilberg — to point things out that might make a difference.

9. Positive attitude

Each day, work at being positive in everything you do, especially at events. Try to keep on top of your nerves, don’t dwell on the bad points — and smile!

10. Choosing the right horse

Don’t be too proud and persist with a horse who’s not living up to your dreams. If a horse you’ve bought — who you thought would be top class — is not enjoying the work and not performing consistently well for the level of training he’s at, be prepared to bite the bullet and sell him on to someone who’s less competitive and happy to compete at the lower levels. Keep looking for that right horse — there will be one out there for you.

This is an extract from Mary King’s latest book ‘Mary King My Way: How I train for success‘.

Mary opens her doors to reveal the formulas she uses on a daily basis and how they apply to every aspiring equestrian — from the working rider enjoying the grassroots levels through to those dreaming of representing their country.

Price: £25

Order a copy of the book

If you’re waiting for your results and wondering whether a college course will get you that dream job with horses, don’t miss our live careers web chat in association with Reaseheath College on Wednesday 12 August, 12 noon – 2pm.

Reaseheath’s senior equine science lecturer Kate Douglas-Dala, who has been involved in the development of Reaseheath’s degree programmes, and Jess Denham, who manages the college’s popular level 2 diploma in horse care, will be online to answer your questions on university, on-job training and life in the equestrian industry.

Both have extensive experience of working in the industry previous to joining Reaseheath. Kate, who lectures on horse nutrition, welfare and behaviour, was a veterinary nurse specialising in grass sickness cases at the Royal Dick Veterinary Hospital in Edinburgh. Jess was an equine yard supervisor at another college, responsible for the welfare and care of 40 horses as well as supporting students.

Kate has an MSc degree in equine science while Jess has a BSc(Hons) degree in equine studies. Both hold a PGCE teaching qualification and own their own horses.

For more details on Reaseheath’s equine degrees and diplomas visit www.reaseheath.ac.uk/horseandhound or phone 01270 613242.

About Reaseheath College

Recognised as one of the UK’s leading specialist colleges, Reaseheath College in Nantwich, Cheshire, works closely with industry bodies to ensure that the skills of its students match the demands of the world of work. This ensures a high rate of employment for equine graduates and opens up opportunities for young people, whose practical skills and knowledge are appreciated by employers.

Reaseheath has invested £50 million into cutting edge technology and world class facilities on campus, with a further £30 million planned over the next four years.

Our equine students tell us they most enjoy:

• Riding in our fabulous indoor arena or two outdoor arenas, all with synthetic surfaces

• Working horses from the ground in our round pen, purpose built for natural horsemanship

• Our range of 60 horses, in small yards and for all standards of riders

• Flicka, our mechanical horse

• Their supportive and experienced tutors and lecturers

• Preparing for extra qualifications such as BHS exams and college certificates

• Joining our Riding Club with its competitions and clinics

• Helping to organise masterclasses and national shows or joining our arena team at the Horse of the Year Show and Bolesworth International Show Jumping

Another popular equestrian venue is to close its doors later this year.

Carlton Cross-Country in Bedfordshire will shut at the end of this season, it was revealed today (Wednesday 12 August).

The venue hosted affiliated British Eventing (BE) competitions from BE80 up to novice as well as Burghley Young Event Horse qualifiers.

It also ran unaffiliated cross-country and hunter trial events over the Philip Herbert-designed courses.

Nicholas and Sara Tusting have run the course, which is also open for schooling, for 25 years.

A statement on its website said it was with mixed feelings that the owners had decided to make 2015 their last season and hoped riders would join them for “one last gallop”.

“We have always fitted the building, maintenance and administration of the course into evenings and weekends and this has been made possible by our whole family giving us so much help,” the statement read.

“However, family dynamics change with children having their own jobs and careers to follow and at the same time the demands, not least that of health and safety, become ever more onerous.”

The course will close permanently in October.

“We have been incredibly fortunate in the support that you have all given to us over the years, including those of you who in recent years have volunteered at our horse trials as well as competed in them,” the couple added.

“We hope that many of you will be able to have one last gallop over the course.

“To everyone, we wish you every success with your future riding careers whatever level you may be at.”

Riders took to social media to share their sadness at losing the established venue.

“The people that ran the events were amazingly friendly and I for one will miss the venue and those people enormously,” said one Facebook user.

Another added: “Very sad. The few times I have visited you I have always been impressed with the beauty of the course and the real friendliness of the family and volunteers. Thank you.”

At the lunch break of the opening day’s session at the FEI European Dressage Championships (Wednesday, 12 August), Germany sit atop the leaderboard with Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (pictured top) posting an unassailable 75.5% on Unee BB.

The Dutch rider Patrick van der Meer (Uzzo) lies in second with 72.4% and in third is Sweden’s Emilie Nyrerod (Miata) with 71.82%.

Four combinations have already posted plus-70% scores. Michael Eilberg and Marakov (pictured below) looked to be the fifth, but his score was revised down some time after his test to 69.94%.

The test had a few errors in it, but the final centre line picked up strong marks. They now lie in fifth.

“He found it quite daunting in that arena,” said Michael. “I had to ‘hold his hand’ through the test and the zig-zag was a mess. But he can be really spooky, so I always just have to gague how he feels and ride accordingly.

“Aachen is such a professional set-up; you really feel that you’re at a major championships.”

Michael Eilberg and Marakov

One member of each team has already competed. Nations traditionally put their lowest-scoring combinations first. Teams are made up of four riders but with just three counting scores, so the current placings are likely to alter as these riders may well turn out to be the drop scores tomorrow (13 August), when the team competition culminates.

Carl Hester, who has in 15 years of competing has “never had a good Aachen” has had an inauspicious start to the championships, falling off Nip Tuck this morning.

“This is my luck in Aachen: this morning I finished my training and went for a walk round the big grass field with the eventers. A waiter dropped a tray of glasses in front of us and, being a wimpy dressage horse, Nip Tuck spun round and all 18hh of him came down on top of me on the grass.

“He shocked himself so much that he didn’t even bother to run off, which is lucky as he’s a bit neurotic and we’d probably never have caught him. So I haven’t had the best start to the week.”

Another competitor having a less than ideal start was the Ukranian Alisa Kovan’ko. She and Vian Stallone were eliminated for blood during their test. The horse, a son of Emma Hindle’s Lancet, stepped on the arena board — which is a tiny angled picket fence — and cut himself just before the first piaffe. The pair completed a few more movements before the bell was rung, signalling their elimination.

Richard Davison joined the disgruntled list when his bicycle was stolen from the British team hotel. He had borrowed it from his son to cycle daily to a nearby yard to ride his grand prix horse Bubblingh and a youngster whom he has brought over to train during the championships.

Click here for full grand prix results.

The show season and summer holidays are rattling through. Everyday I put off the need to address the return to school with all equipment needed. Knowing full well it will be another chaotic dash and go back to organising the next show.

Maria

Some losses affect you more than others and I am not ashamed to say I am still struggling with Maria being second at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) recently. Yes, I know it’s a great result but I can’t help disappointment. Yes, I know we have to move on but sometimes it’s harder than usual.

Marks are a funny thing and you only had to watch the show pony classes to see how they sometimes do not actually reflect the way the class unfolded. The RIHS was its usual fabulous self and spectators bathed in sunshine to watch the finest show animals in the country and with such a beautiful main arena to compete in too, it is a real treat.

I very much enjoyed my judging of the maxi cobs with my father David Tatlow. His knowledge is immense and he had a very set idea of how he was going to arrive at his result.

My rides were varied, but in general I would say lighter and more agile than I anticipated. A lot of attention was paid to the walk. I am pleased to say I hear more pony judges asking for a walk these days as it seemed at one stage to be a forgotten pace. We walked our cobs three circuits to get a full assessment of what we had before us to judge. How classes on other days were judged on one walk, one trot, one canter is beyond me. The pull ins showed this too.

I was heard last year to say if you ever hear me going to NPS again shoot me! Well I went again and I really hope that this was the last time.

The rings we were in were hard with little grass covering and the timetable impossible to follow. Come on, surely it can be better than this? The entries were good in some classes but I am sorry to say I think it does need work in many areas.

After missing Dublin Show for a few years I had a very enjoyable few days there taking my daughter Alice for her first trip. What great company she was and she got me out of going clubbing in Dublin using my responsible mother side as an excuse!

It is such an education to go to Dublin. The raw, backward horses are judged with the future in mind, which is a refreshing change to the shiny finished animals with conformation faults heading the lines. Manners were strongly adhered to which must be good on a safety basis, however it was a shame to see one class actually halve in number.

The main arena showjumping was superb and I am not sure which Alice enjoyed more, the horses or the lunch in the champagne bar! She is learning well from her mother.

Loraine

Young showjumping sensation Bertram Allen is one of five riders selected for the Irish squad for next week’s FEI European Showjumping Championships (19-23 August).

Bertram and Molly Malone V are joined by Greg Broderick and MHS Going Global, Darragh Kenny and Sans Soucis Z, Denis Lynch and All Star 5 and Cian O’Connor and Good Luck.

Ireland’s showjumping manager Robert Splaine made the selection after a strong performance by the country during the home leg of the Nations Cup last week (7 August).

The Irish team picked up the Aga Khan trophy at the Dublin Horse Show, and the team includes four of the riders — except Denis — and three of the horses that helped Ireland to victory.

Ireland fields a strong squad for the championships.

“We are very capable of being competitive at the Europeans and the Olympics if we qualify,” said Robert after the Nations Cup win.

Cian O’Connor won individual bronze at London 2012, while Bertram finished best of the Irish (seventh individually) at last summer’s World Equestrian Games.

Last month he became the youngest rider to win a Global Champions Tour (GCT) grand prix, when he took the Paris class.

Darragh also competed at last year’s WEG, while Cian and Denis have both represented Ireland at past Olympics.

Greg makes his championship debut.

However, like Team GBR, Ireland are yet to qualify for next year’s Olympics in Rio.

To do so they must finish in the top three of the non-qualified nations.

The Netherlands, France, Germany and Sweden have already qualified, so the teams face stiff competition from nations including Belgium, Switzerland and Spain.

At London 2012 Ireland failed to qualify a team, but secured individual spaces for Cian and Billy Twomey, with Cian picking up the individual bronze medal.

There was controversy at the time, with a review launched to establish why the Republic could not qualify a team – despite having two riders in the world’s top 11 and five in the top 100.

Ireland’s Olympic ride has not always been smooth.

In 2008 Ireland also failed to qualify a team, sending Denis as an individual. He was subsequently disqualified after his horse Lantinus tested positive for capsaicin.

In 2004 Cian O’Connor was stripped of individual gold after his horse Waterford Crystal failed a dope test.

Richard Kinsey, who ran Tetton Hall Horse Trials with his late wife Frances, has died aged 90.

He died peacefully on Monday (10 August) following a short illness.

Frances died on 12 March 2013 aged 88. The pair last ran the event in Middleton, Cheshire, in 2009 when they were both 82.

They then decided to retire in early 2010.

“We have always held the event for owners and riders with emphasis on rider appeal, friendliness, and having fun,” Mrs Kinsey said in 2007.

“We could not have done it without all the support and commitment from everyone involved.”

The couple, who were married for 65 years, were also former farmers.

Mr Kinsey was a keen huntsman in his younger days, but stopped after a bad fall later in life.

He and Mrs Kinsey then decided to involve themselves in the eventing world.

The late Caroline Pratt was based with the Kinseys and competed several of Dick Kinsey’s homebred horses.

Last month (29 July) a man, believed to be a Sudanese migrant, was found under a horsebox — hidden above the rear axle — at the Royal International Horse Show.”It is with great sadness that I have to pass on the news that Richard (Dick) Kinsey of Tetton Hall in Middlewich has passed away,” said a spokesman for British Eventing.

“He died peacefully in hospital after a short illness.

“He and his late wife Frances ran the successful Tetton Hall Horse Trials for 23 years and were involved in the sport for many years as owners.”

“He will be sadly missed and remembered fondly by all who knew him,” added the spokesman.

Mr Kinsey’s funeral will be for family only but a memorial service will be held on Thursday 20 August at 12 noon in St Leonard’s Church, Warmingham, Cheshire.

Donations in his memory can be made towards St Leonard’s Church.

So the past couple of weeks has been a big turnaround for the big orange man in my life, Pinocchio. After being at a three-star grand prix international in the same class as Valegro, his next challenge was to do a grade 1a international with Emma Sheardown, just three weeks later.

I don’t know if there is any other horse in the world that could do that, he is just one in a million, as are his owners, Jackie and Neil Walker.

I have been riding Noki for nearly seven years now, and we really have been through so much together, the bond we have is special, and we trust each other. It was due to this trust that I knew we could work with Emma on him, in a short space of time to attend an international.

Emma is without a horse at the moment, after losing Wolf at the beginning of the year in tragic circumstances, and we have yet to find a perfect replacement. Netty at 24-years-old has done a great job of keeping her going and teaching Emma valuable lessons, but isn’t quite as supple as she once was.

Noki really looked after Emma. Grade 1a is the most disabled grade, and as Emma has Cerebral Palsy, she has a lot of tone and tension in her muscles, and involuntary movement. Her test comprises of walking, free walk, small circles, and halts. This all sounds fairly straight forward, until you try to keep the rhythm and contact the same for five minutes. Even with cooperating limbs that’s difficult.

At Bishop Burton CPEDI*** he followed me round the outside of the arena. I reassured him it was ok, before

Sophie and Noki

starting the test with Emma. You could see in his eye he was trying to be careful and do what was asked. He hasn’t got the best of walks for 1a, after all not many grand prix horses have, however he most definitely has the heart for it, and that goes a long way!

Words cannot describe how I feel about this horse, and how proud I was of him in that arena. Although I have to say, I was the most nervous I have ever been watching him go into the arena. Although I’m not his owner, I still love him like he is my own, and now I appreciate how nerve wracking it is watching with no control over what is happening in the arena. He finished the competition in third place with +70% in the freestyle. Emma did a great job!

This horse has taken me to eight countries, to a para Europeans, one para World Equestrian Games, one Paralympics, two young rider Europeans, one young rider World Cup final, three under-25 grand prix internationals, two three-star senior grand prix internationals, numerous para and young rider internationals and national championships. He has also won five golds and two silver medals and won my heart! He owes me nothing and I owe him everything. I’m so happy that he is as cheeky and happy as ever at home, loves going away to competitions, and being involved. He literally hates time off and watching other horses going away without him. At 18-years-old, that is quite amazing. Such a gentle giant, I will always be eternally grateful to Jackie and Neil for allowing me the opportunity of having this bond with Noki, and Angela for helping to get the best out of him.

This highlights whatever happens in the competition arena, nothing can beat what you feel between horse and rider in your heart.

Sophie

I always look forward to the Festival of British Eventing — the national championships is a big target for many riders and owners. The event provides a real international atmosphere for the horses and the reverse-order cross-country in the Open adds a bit of pressure and excitement.

There were significant changes to the course and some good new questions. The problems were spread out throughout the whole track, which was positive.

As a boy I loved watching the British Open on the BBC. Since the event is no longer televised is it great to regain many of the benefits through internet streaming and the cross-country made fantastic viewing.

Camera coverage obviously plays a part in the changes to the route. For designers it is always a hard balancing act between creating a course for horses and planning for the media and public.

Disappointingly, a third of the field in the British Open withdrew before the final phase. The team at Gatcombe had worked hard on the going, but for some the steep descents, the camber and the drop fences were a factor, plus some horses were aimed elsewhere.

There are always withdrawals here, but they were made more noticeable by the change in classes. Previously some who were in two minds as to whether to run would have entered the less high-profile national advanced classes, which did not take place this year, so withdrawals were less obvious than when horses are pulled out of the Open.

Oliver Townend was in his element with wins in the Novice and Intermediate finals — he’s had a lot of success at Gatcombe and the course really suits his style of riding.

It takes a specialist horse to win the Open, one that is light and fast on its feet. The title went to Christopher Burton and the nippy thoroughbred TS Jamaimo. Runner-up Jonelle Price’s efficient style was a great display of cross-country riding.

Beating the clock at Wilton

I had a real time challenge the previous weekend at Wilton, with four horses to compete by 1pm before a friend’s wedding. Rosemary Cann, Wilton’s entries secretary, was very accommodating and gave me tightly packed together times. My head groom Jess managed to prevent me from stopping to chat to anyone all morning! I got to the wedding with minutes to spare, averting the need to overtake the bride down the aisle.

Wilton is a well-established event and has all the ingredients to be a popular one, but it could benefit from some updating of the course and attention to the ground. There is certainly the appetite from riders and owners for this event, and a good field would lead to a strong crowd from nearby Salisbury.

Bumper autumn

As we head into the busy autumn season there is plenty to look forward to. This week Nations Cup teams head to Germany for Aachen. It is unlike any other event, with the most amazing facilities and hospitality. The Nations Cup has become a major focus for many, especially those countries which do not have a major team finale in a European Championships year.

After that we have Burghley and the excitement of a championship on home soil. Scotland hasn’t been short of rain during the summer and with the Europeans scheduled for two weeks later than Blair’s usual slot, the conditions could well be a key factor in determining the medals.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 13 August 2015

Are you stuck for things to do this week? To keep your diary up-to-date and make sure you’re never missing out, we’ve picked a selection of equestrian events to keep boredom at bay over the next seven days.

Exhibition
An exhibition paying tribute to the working horse has been unveiled at Lamport Hall in Lamport, Northants. It is open on Wednesday and Thurdsay afternoons until mid-October.
Visit: www.lamporthall.co.uk

Showjumping
The British Showjumping National Championships runs from 11-16 August at Stoneleigh Park, Warks, alongside Stoneleigh Horse Show.
Visit: www.bsnationalchampionships.co.uk

Eventing
Watch one to three-star eventing at Hartpury, Glos, from 13-16 August.
Visit: hartpuryhorsetrials.co.uk

Shows
Mid-Somerset Show is on 16 August at Shepton Mallet. Attractions include an inter-hunt relay, showjumping and showing.
Visit: www.midsomersetshow.org.uk

Mounted games and carriage driving displays are on the schedule for Okehampton Show in Okehampton, Devon, on 13 August.
Visit: www.okehamptonshow.co.uk

Festival
The Heritage Exmoor Pony Festival week runs from 9-16 August at various locations in Exmoor National Park.
Visit: www.exmoorponyclub.co.uk

Happy birthday!
Princess Anne (15 August), jockey Aiden Coleman, showjumper David McPherson and eventer Ruth Edge (all 17 August)

This page will be updatedly weekly with new events, so why not add it to your bookmarks/favourites?

If you are organising an event that you think would be suitable for this page, please email details to lucy.elder@timeinc.com

Gerry when he was first rescued in July

A foal found with burns to 90% of his face and body has been making good progress since his rescue last month (10 July).

The three-month-old colt, originally known as Murphy but since renamed Gerry, was found staggering in a road in Braintree, Essex. There was no sign of a mare.

He had suffered other injuries that the RSPCA believes to have been caused by a hit and run vehicle incident.

Gerry was taken Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic in Halstead, Essex, where he received treatment for his burns and injuries.

He has since been moved to RSPCA Millbrook, a specialist equine centre in Chobham, Surrey,where he will continue to be cared for.

“Considering his awful trauma he is a very lovely boy with a super temperament,” said Liz Wood, deputy manager of RSPCA Millbrook.

Gerry at RSPCA Millbrook

“His burns are healing very well, and although he needs a few more months of rehabilitation, we will be looking for a new home for him in time.”

Gerry joins foals Anna and Elsa and colt Sid at RSPCA Millbrook.

The youngsters have been receiving care from staff for several weeks after being rescued themselves.

Elsa, a dark bay seven-week-old filly, was found next to her dead mother in a field in Redhill, Surrey, earlier this year (24 April).

Anna, a four-week-old skewbald filly, was discovered stuck in a big hole when she was less than a week old last month (15 May).

“It is so lovely to see Gerry enjoying himself here with the other foals,” added Ms Wood.

“He has been playing and running around — everything a foal of his age should be doing.”

Anyone with further information about Gerry can call the RSPCA inspector appeal line in confidence on 0300 123 8018.

If you've always wondered what dressage supremo Laura Tomlinson's guilty pleasure is, who she likes letting her hair down with and the best after show parties she's been to are, then you need to watch this video...

What’s your dream holiday destination?

It’s definitely Kenya, my favourite place to go.

Who were your horsey heroes as a child?

Probably my first horsey heroes would have been John Whitaker and Milton.

What are you listening to at the moment?

The main person that I’m listening to that’s new and current would be Ed Sheeran — but I do have a guilty pleasure in Taylor Swift.

Tack cleaning or mucking out?

I would rather clean tack than muck out, because you can drink coffee at the same time!

Continued below…

P

Tim Price: the scariest thing I’ve ever done *VIDEO*

• 24 July, 2015 - 12:05

In our quickfire Q&A with Tim Price, the eventer reveals his favourite food, his lucky mascot and the horse that More…

Who do you let your hair down with?

I let my hair down with my brothers and my old school and uni friends. I have quite a good group of friends who are still relatively local. Although recently [with my one-year-old daughter] the idea of going to bed early trumps letting my hair down…

What is the best after party you’ve been to?

The best after parties I’ve been to are probably the spontaneous ones at a championship when you’re finished — and especially if you’ve won medals — and it just develops into a party without it being particularly planned. I have been known to fall asleep in an elevator with medals around my neck, hairnet still on, going up and down by myself.

What’s your lucky mascot?

My Irish terrier Sherlock is probably my lucky mascot but I try not to be too superstitious because I think you’re setting yourself up for ‘bad luck’!

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done?

There are two scary things I’ve which are on a par — one is going up in a hot air balloon and the other is going down the Olympic bobsleigh run in St Moritz in Switzerland.

Don’t miss our exclusive interview with Laura Tomlinson in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (13 August 2015), where she gives us a tour around her tackroom

Police have teamed up with riders in Lancashire in a bid to improve road safety.

Local riders and mounted police officers in Waddington took part in a ride earlier this month (2 August) to raise awareness of road safety around horses.

The group rode along Fell Road, where a serious accident involving two riders took place last year.

Both riders were injured, one seriously, and a horse was killed.

The ride out was organised by Waddington resident Katherine Robinson and Ribble Valley Horse Watch coordinator PCSO Di Bioletti.

“We want all road users to respect the rules of the road and each other so roads are safe to use for everyone,” Ms Bioletti said.

“Riders in the area are reporting near misses and collisions. Many are a result of motorists not slowing down sufficiently to allow for the fact that they are passing an animal whose instinct is to react, sometimes excessively and unpredictably, to perceived dangers.

“As a driver and horse rider myself, I understand how both riders and motorists can behave to respect each other to prevent any undue stress to horses and ultimately, to prevent potential accidents.

“I must point out that in general, the vast majority of drivers are courteous and considerate around riders and we would like to take the opportunity thank those drivers for helping to keep the roads safe.”

Lancashire Police offers the following advice to riders:

• Use fluorescent and reflective clothing for yourself and your horse whatever time of day or weather conditions
• Use correct hand signals and be aware of what is going on around you on the road and follow the Highway Code.
• Pull in when it is safe to let a long traffic queue pass.
• Thank considerate and courteous drivers if it is safe to do so.

They also offer the following advice to motorists passing horses:

• Treat all horses as a hazard and expect the unexpected. Follow the Highway Code.
• When overtaking pass wide and slow — don’t see a gap and go for it — horses can jump six feet sideways so the gap may disappear.
• For increased safety riders may ride two abreast — please be patient, they will return to single file when it is safe to do so.
• Watch out for riders’ signals and heed a request to stop or slow down, they are in a position to spot a hazard you may not see.
• Don’t rev your engine, sound your horn or play very loud music near a horse or rider.
• When behind a horse give them at least two car lengths space and be ready to stop.
• Be aware of the reactions of the horse — is it agitated? If so, stop and switch off your engine, especially if you are driving a large or noisy vehicle.

Police are still looking for witnesses to a crash in which a horse suffered fatal injuries.

The collision happened at around 3.50pm on 3 August on the A710 at the entrance to Ardwall Mains, New Abbey, Dumfries.

It involved a silver Peugot 306 and a horse and rider.

The rider was thrown from the horse and suffered minor scrapes and bruising.

However, the horse had a serious leg injury and had to be put down.

Constable Allister Queen, of Police Scotland in Dumfries, said: “We are appealing for anyone who may have been using the A701 near to Ardwall Mains to call us if they either witnessed the collision or indeed saw either the horse or the car prior to the crash.”

H&H has reported on a number of recent incidents where horses or riders have been injured in road accidents.

Last week (Thursday 6 August), a man died and five others were injured when a horse and cart and a van collided near South Milford in North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire Police are also appealing for information over the accident.

In 2011-12, Hospital Episode Statistics Online (HES) recorded 4,199 riding or driving “injured in transport accidents” that required hospital treatment.

In May, riders took part in a march through Wokingham in Berkshire to call for more safe, off-road hacking.

Forty riders marched or rode through the town to promote the “Routes for All” petition.

The petition calls for off-road access to be increased to 30% of the rights of way network.

Currently it is around 22%.

The petition to the UK Government has currently received more than 5,500 signatures.

To contact North Yorkshire Police or Police Scotland with information on either incident, call 101.

The British Horse Society also asks riders who have been involved in accidents to report them at www.horseaccidents.org.uk