The visitor was at Gatcombe Park, Glos, on Sunday (9 August) when the accident happened during the CIC3* competition.
“A spectator was transferred to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital for further assessment and monitoring, after unfortunately being knocked down by a loose horse during the cross-country phase of the event,” a spokesman for the event told H&H.
The Australian rider and the 12-year-old mare were both unhurt in the fall.
“The British Open Championships was so nearly ours but then poor Brocks had her first cross-country fault of her career and we both ate dirt,” Sam wrote on his website.
“Luckily we’re both ok. Just so gutted.”
No further details are available about the spectator at present, though reports suggest the woman fractured a collarbone and some ribs.
H&H contacted Sam but he was unavailable for comment.
Britain’s team lie in second place after the first phase of the eventing Nations Cup in Aachen (Thursday 13 August).
The competition is running alongside the FEI European Championships in dressage, showjumping, reining, vaulting and driving taking place at this prestigious German venue. But it is not the eventing European Championships — this is taking place at Blair Castle in Scotland in September.
Britain has a policy of giving up-and-coming riders experience in the Nations Cup series and has stuck to this for Aachen. The four riders on the team are all making their championship debut at Blair, and three of them are riding the same horses here.
Holly Woodhead starred for Britain in today’s opening dressage phase. The 21-year-old sits in third place individually after a fantastic expressive test with her father Ian and stepmother Heidi’s DHI Lupison, the chestnut horse with whom she won Bramham’s under-25 class in June. She scored 34.3, a CIC3* personal best by more than eight marks..
“I’ve never ridden that test in the arena, while the Bramham test I knew inside out and I knew where I could get marks. This one was a bit alien, but his walk was much better here than at Bramham and I’m really pleased to be there against the best in the world,” said Holly.
Holly had to cope with the crowd exploding in response to Ingrid Klimke’s mark being announced just as she was riding past the grandstand before her test. DHI Lupison spooked, but she quickly settled him again.
Gemma Tattersall provided the second best British score, sitting 12th on the 10-year-old syndicate-owned grey mare Quicklook V.
“She’s the biggest show off I’ve ever known — she thinks everyone is here for her,” said Gemma after scoring 41.
Gemma is the only British competitor here not riding her Blair mount as she takes Arctic Soul to the Europeans.
Francis Whittington was the very first rider into the arena this morning and holds 15th place on 43.3 with Catherine Witt’s Easy Target. His only error was a costly spook early in the canter work.
“Apart from that I was pleased with him,” he said. “When I went into the arena he had a little look at that area, which is why I brought him back to trot and went past it again. He was just being a little fruity about it, but it’s good to sort these things out now.”
“The arena is electric and there are areas to work on, but overall I’m dead chuffed with him,” she said. “The changes were rather expressive and I’d like to get them a bit more in the box.”
Flora also turned right instead of left in the first walk pirouette.
“It was a blonde moment and not my finest hour — I’m very dyslexic, so left and right are not my strong point,” she explained.
The British team have a combined score of 118.6. The Germans are leading on 110.1, with New Zealand third on 121.2. The best Kiwi rider is Jonelle Price, eighth on Luhmühlen runner-up Faerie Dianimo.
“She’s not really a one-day event horse and she’s not been particularly easy this week. She was on edge, but she stayed the right side of the edge,” said Jonelle. “She can blow, but if we can keep going in the arena and producing incident-free tests, then with more maturity it will go the right way.”
There are nine teams here in total.
Britain’s fifth rider, Izzy Taylor, withdrew Allercombe Ellie before yesterday’s trot-up as she did not feel right.
Klimke heads German charge
The home side’s Ingrid Klimke holds the lead with individual ride Luhmühlen winner FRH Escada JS on 32.1, while her team horse Horseware Hale Bob, sits in sixth place. Her team-mate Sandra Auffarth claims second individually with world champion Opgun Louvo. Their other team riders are Michael Jung (ninth on Halunke FBW) and Dirk Schrade (17th equal on Hop And Skip).
Andrew Hoy is best of the fourth-placed Australian team, lying fourth individually too with Cheeky Calimbo (34.5).
Sara Algotsson Ostholt, who had her second child — a boy named Eric — 10 months ago, spearheads the Swedish effort with fifth place on Reality 39 on a mark of 35.9. Her team are also fifth.
“I think she liked it in there — the ground was perfect and she’s not a horse who gets tense,” said Sara. “That was about as good as we can do at the moment.”
The eventers will showjump this evening, kicking off at 5.30pm local time (4.30pm in Britain). They go across country tomorrow afternoon, starting at 2pm local time (1pm in Britain).
The Netherlands hold the silver medal position and Great Britain are in third, following Carl Hester’s performance with Nip Tuck.
The partnership’s 74.4% test — which will be a counting score for the British team — puts them in fifth individually, just behind Fiona Bigwood (Atterupgaards Orthilia).
Carl’s test on “Barney” was not mistake-free, but there were some real highlights.
“He was very good coming towards C, but towards A something caught his eye; I don’t know what,” said Carl. “We had minor mistakes, but I’m delighted with him.”
For team Germany, Matthias Rath and Totilas were expected to produce a plus-80% score for the host nation, but their test was rewarded with 75.971%, much to the rider’s disappointment.
“I’m happy with the horse,” he said. “But not with the points.
“For sure I have done worse tests for more than 80%, but today was good and we only got 76%.”
The judges also looked unsure how to treat the pair. His scores ranged from 71.6% (France’s Jean-Michel Roudier) to 80.7% (Susanne Baarup and Andrew Gardner). Three judges had him in first place and one as low as 12th.
Totilas’ score means that the door for the British team to snatch gold is still open, despite Nip Tuck’s slightly disappointing score.
But the ride of the session was Dutchman Hans Peter Minderhoud on the imposing stallion Glock’s Johnson, who was resplendent in his power and grace. They currently top the individual leaderboard with 77.586%
The final riders from every team will compete this afternoon, including Britain’s trump card, Charlotte Dujardin on Valegro. For Holland Edward Gal is yet to go on Glock’s Undercover, and Germany’s Kristina Bröring-Sprehe is the very last competitor, at 6.30pm UK time.
“Everyone’s been talking about Valegro versus Totilas,” said Carl. “But for us riders, looking at the warm-up arenas, we need to be looking out for Desperados because he looks fantastic.”
Charlotte’s ride on Valegro is at 6pm UK time, but the most pressure will be on Kristina, as she and the German team will know exactly what score is required to earn a team medal of any colour.
And no I am not pregnant. And nor is dolly before any of you get excited at the thought of baby Hovis’.
No it’s far more exciting. Herman has been to see me and guess what?! Stubble here we come, baby! Yes, he has said I can start cantering work again. Now admittedly he didn’t actually say “can now hoon across stubble fields like a greyhound on steroids or Usian Bolt on a promise” BUT he didn’t say I couldn’t either. What he said is “build it up slowly”. Now I know he’s not from these parts and to be fair to the man his English is better than my German will ever be but I think someone needs to buy him a dictionary. How am I supposed to canter slowly? Cantering is not slow and poncy, it’s not leisurely and gentle, its full pelt, feather flying, muscle motoring, eyes streaming, ground shakingly FAST! I am thus assuming he’d got himself a tad confused and actually means I can go and play. Oh yes the Destroyer is back in town.
So he made my day and probably mother’s year but the next words out of his mouth nearly made me kiss him. Yes I, Hovis the Destroyer, the mostly manly of all men nearly developed a bromantic crush on Herman for his next sentence. He looked at me critically, looked at mum and said the incredible words…
“His weight looks amazing, if anything I think he’s verging towards a little thin”.
THIN! FINALLY! Finally someone realises what an evil witch my mother is, how she starves me and denies me basic sustenance. Finally someone has realised that she has a secret desire to diet me down to the size of a polo pony. Finally I am SAVED!
The feeling of complete adoration for the man, the forgiveness for every needle he’s shoved into me, for every time he’s put his hands in places no man has a right to put his hands, surged through me. And then exited more swiftly than Dolly downs her dinner as he then said: “Keep him right at this weight, it’s a life saver.”
WHAT? I think it’s fair to say I went from love to dislike faster than a member of the Kardasian family. Apparently I need now to build my muscles back up but stay at my current weight. It’s fair to say the look I gave him would have withered a lesser man but either he’s become immune to my death glares or they don’t work on Germans. He remained sadly unaffected.
He then added insult to injury by listening to my heart, turning to mum and saying: “To be honest he’s more likely to suffer athlete’s foot than an athlete’s heart”. I looked at him with my big melting brown, puppy dog, chocolate eyes and plotted my revenge.
In fairness mother did suggest he might want to sit on me in a stubble field and then see if he still stood by that statement but I don’t think she really did enough to defend my sporting pedigree.
It has to be pointed out here that the reason I have so much junk in my trunk (yep back the Kardasians again) is I need somewhere to store the jet engines. I might look like a fluff ball on legs but I have nitrox in my veins – just ask Aunty Becky!
Anyway Herman has gone, I’m back in my stable plotting all the ways in which I’d like to “thank” him for his comments about my weight, while drying off from the shower mother gave me after he’d left. My feathers are so white I dare not go outside for fear of blinding any passing airline pilots with the reflection of my dazzling legs.
Why am I being “spruced up”? Well this afternoon apparently I am going to do a meet and greet at the local Pony Club camp while mother judges the best diary from the week. Apparently some district commissioner person contacted mum and asked her if she’d do it so mum said yes. I am assuming it’s not the district commissioner of the Pony Club where I may, or may not, not have parted company with mother and cantered off to play with the ponies when I was younger. Any hearsay that I might have tried to fornicate with one of said aforementioned ponies is an unsubstantiated rumour. Any further tales that the district commissioner’s daughter was astride said pony is just vicious attempts to sully my reputation.
Top Dutch dressage rider Anky van Grunsven will be swapping a top hat for a Stetson today (Friday 14 August) as she takes part in the FEI European Reining Championships.
The three-time Olympic gold medallist and dual world dressage champion is a familiar face at Aachen, but this year she’s a member of the Dutch reining team.
Anky joins Jurgen Pouls, Olivier van den Berg and Rieky Young representing Holland.
Anky took up reining in 2000 but has been riding in western competitions since 2009.
“After so many achievements, I was looking for new challenges. I found them in reining,” Anky told H&H when she took up the sport.
In 2010 she went to the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky as a reiner. She had previously been named a reserve on the team, but after Jurgen Pouls had to withdraw due to an injury to his horse, she received the call-up.
She didn’t reach the individual final, but is hoping to go better this time, and is a regular on the podium at Aachen.
Representing Great Britain in the competition will be Francesca Sternberg, Doug Allen, Shane Borland and Josh Collins.
Meanwhile, Michael Schumacher’s daughter Gina opens the reining competition. Gina will enter the arena as the official “guinea pig rider” before the decisive team competition starts.
She will ride the manoeuvres, which then have to be performed by the European Championships competitors.
Her ride will be commentated and explained to the spectators.
The Formula 1 driver’s daughter is following in her father’s footsteps as a champion in sport, as she took home two gold medals from the FEI European reining championships for juniors and young riders earlier this year.
The 17-year-old took the individual junior gold was also part of the German gold medal-winning team at the event, which took place in Givrins in Switzerland (2-3 July) at Gina’s mother, Corinna Schumacher’s, ranch.
It was then revealed that not only had Scott pulled Hello Sanctos from team selection, he had also made Hello M’Lady unavailable also.
“The decision was taken by Scott and his owners, Lady Kirkham and Lady Harris, as they felt the horse was still too inexperienced for the environment of the Aachen stadium,” said British Equestrian Federation performance director Dan Hughes, adding that it was “regrettable”.
Owner Lord Harris told H&H that the mare was “still young”.
“After jumping at Dublin we could see she was not ready for the Europeans yet, she needs 10 or 12 more grands prix,” he added. “She needs more time. It’s obviously disappointing for everyone, but there are other years.”
However, with Rio 2016 in mind riders are confused why the horses would be withdrawn.
“I think given that Scott’s in the enviable position that he is, it’s sad that he isn’t making one of his horses available to support the team,” said 2012 gold medallist Peter Charles.
“There’s a great array of young talent in the sport and funding depends on the Olympics. When you are a rider on a team you have the responsibility for the whole country.
“This is important for qualification and puts weight on inexperienced horse and rider combinations.
“I think Scott underestimates how much he’s needed. He’s one of the best we’ve ever had and he will be missed. He secured owners for the Olympics and the horses were bought for that. Not to be part of that is strange.”
To do so they must finish in the top three of non-qualified nations. The Netherlands, France, Germany and Sweden have already qualified but Team GBR face stiff competition in the form of Ireland, Belgium and Switzerland.
H&H columnist William Funnell added: “Lord Harris said he would buy horses to help Britain win medals, so it’s a surprise to see neither of Scott’s top two horses on the team.
“M’Lady might be inexperienced but having the world number one rider makes up for that. It’s bad for the sport if the reigning gold medallists don’t qualify for Rio.”
If the team do not qualify, there is still a chance to qualify as an individual via the world rankings.
Last month Scott told H&H it was not in Sanctos’ “best interests” to contest both the Europeans and the final leg of the Rolex Grand Slam in Calgary (9-13 September) — where the pair stand to win a €1million (£710,000) bonus. Just turning up secures them €500,000.
“I think it’s very disappointing. We’ve got such a talent in Scott and his horses, we’d like to have him fighting for the team,” said Tim Stockdale.
“My feeling is it’s a great honour riding for your country and, in truth, riding at a championship is everything we aspire to.
“I understand his predicament but certain competitions go beyond monetary value.
“I’m not so sure he is going to win in Calgary and the sport is a bigger priority. Aachen is in the DNA of the sport and we should be taking the money side out and competing for honour.”
John Whitaker said it was a “great pity”.
“Hello M’Lady has proved herself a few times this year,” he said. “We should be fielding our best team. But I think if things go well we’ll still be alright for Rio. We have to stay positive.”
However team member Michael Whitaker said he’s feeling confident heading to Aachen.
“All the horses have been on good form,” he said.
“We have five fighters going forward and there isn’t one that you wouldn’t want on your side.”
To the outsider, horsey lingo can sound like a completely foreign language. Let’s face it, phrases like ‘a leg in each corner’ or ‘good doer’ don’t really make any sense to the average person, although fellow equestrians will immediately know what you’re talking about.
Here are just a few of the terms that may prove particularly baffling to non-horsey types (or ‘normals’ as we describe them here), plus a useful explanation of what we really mean and how we recommend the normal to react.
Horse person says: ‘He’s really spooky.’
Normal thinks: That horse looks nothing like any of the characters in Insidious. Maybe that scary puppet in War Horse, to be fair. What we mean: This horse is easily scared and when scared he will try to run away from the terrifying object. You have been warned so keep out of the way or you risk being mown down!
Horse person says: ‘He’s behind the bit.’
Normal thinks: ‘Well, d’uh! He can’t be in front of the bit, as the bit is in his mouth. Which is at the front of him. So he has to be behind the bit.’ What we mean: the horse is tucking his head in towards his chest giving the rider very little weight in the rein. The horse is also not moving forward in a positive manner. This is not a desirable situation so do not congratulate us.
Horse person says: ‘He’s a good doer.’
Normal thinks: ‘Really? He hasn’t even got opposable thumbs. He’d be useless at putting up a set of shelves.’ What we mean: This horse tends to put on weight easily after eating very little. If he was a human he’d be signed up to weight watchers.
Horse person says: ‘That one’s an OTTB.’
Normal thinks: ‘Over The Top Bassline? Oh The Terrible Biscuit? Is this txt spk? What even is it?’ What we mean: OTTB stands for off the track thoroughbred – a former racehorse that has been retrained for a new career. These horses can also be described as RoRs. Yes we do love an acronym.
Horse person says: ‘I need some new chaps.’
Normal thinks: ‘Wow! That’s certainly upfront and modern. What was wrong with the old chap? He always seemed like a fairly decent sort of guy.’ What we mean: Chaps are a piece of clothing used by riders to protect their legs. If you are in a relationship with the horse person who is saying this, then hand over your credit card.
Horse person says: ‘That’s a clean-legged horse.’
Normal thinks: ‘So cleanliness is a desirable quality in a horse, is it? How come the last one you owned was covered from top to toe in mud, then?’ What we mean: The horse’s legs are without defects or obvious injuries. This is desirable. Horses being covered in mud is a perfectly normal state of affairs that we accept without question. This leads rather nicely on to…
Horse person says: ‘Chuck over the curry comb.’
Normal thinks: ‘What? There’s not so much as a poppadom in sight.’ What we actually mean: The curry comb is an item used when grooming a horse. If this expression is directed to you, pick up the nearest brush-like item from the nearby box or bag and pass it to the horse person. If you’ve grabbed the wrong item, they’ll be sure to let you know.
Horse person says: ‘Let me show you his flying changes.’
Normal thinks: ‘He’s not Pegasus. He can’t actually fly. Why is [insert rider’s name here] looking so pleased with herself?’ What we mean: Flying changes are an advanced dressage movement. Even if you think it looks like the horse is skipping from side to side like a child in the playground, the correct response is to look impressed and congratulate the rider.
Horse person says: ‘His frogs are soft.’
Normal thinks: ‘She’s lost it now. Totally bonkers.’ What we mean: Frogs form part of the underside of the horse’s foot and soft frogs are not a good thing. You should look suitably concerned if your horse person says this to you.
Horse person says: ‘That’s a chifney.’
Normal thinks: ‘Bless you!’ What we mean: A chifney is a special type of bit used when leading difficult horses. If your horse person needs one of these to handle their equine, it might be worth passing them their riding hat before checking their life insurance policy.
A few years ago, I heard someone say Aachen should run every World Equestrian Games (WEG). I dismissed the idea at the time, thinking it would be boring, that it’s good for championships to move around for both competitors and spectators, and so on.
But after the first day or so of the European Championships here, I’m wondering if there might be something in it. I’m here to cover the eventing (Nations Cup, not Europeans) this week, then the showjumping next week. And while last year’s WEG in Normandy became something of a slog, I’m ecstatic to be here for another 10 days.
So here, in seven easy steps, is a tongue-in-cheek look at ways to keep journalists happy at championships and big events (PS I realise not all of these are fully in organisers’ control).
1. Food. We need to eat, just like anyone else. And often we don’t have a lot of time, so while I don’t expect events to provide meals for free (though it’s lovely when they do), dealing with huge queues isn’t really viable. I’ve often gone whole days without eating at events. Hungry people are not happy people.
Here at Aachen they’ve definitely got it right. On Wednesday night, we were all invited to a big party, with a huge buffet and a free bar. And every day, we are entitled to lunch in the “Riders’ Club” — yesterday I had salmon, pasta and roasted veg. Yum.
And last night, when we left the showground at 10pm, I was ready to go to bed, but my colleague Alice Collins made me go into town in search of nourishment. We ended up sitting on the pavement outside a lovely little Greek restaurant, eating huge salads and tzatziki. I was thrilled, as you can see.
2. Wifi. Not being able to get online, being unable to check emails, send copy back to the office or load web stories, drives us mad and can be a huge time-waster.
And we need to be able to get more than one device online. I know, I know, we’re demanding. But modern journalism is demanding. Very few people are here to file stories for one “platform” — we’re all juggling multiple jobs.
During yesterday’s eventing dressage, the amazing Jenni Autry from Eventing Nation was live tweeting, keeping a live page on their website updated, taking photos and talking to all the US and Canadian riders. Us H&Hers are writing for mag and web, as well as doing videos. Those tasks demand different kit — an iPhone for tweeting out and about, the laptop for most things, the iPad for video processing.
Only being able to put one device online at a time and having to swap is very time-consuming. Here, our media login gets several devices online — and the public wifi is good too.
3. Transport. No buses, slow buses, late buses. No parking. Parking that’s miles away. All things guaranteed to cause angst when you need to be somewhere at a certain time.
We’re staying in a media hotel here — not that I’ve seen any other media in it. Not only is there a shuttle bus stop round the corner, but if you ask at the desk, a nice man in a Mercedes-Benz turns up and delivers you in style to the showground. That’s service.
4. Weather. It’s sunny here. And hot. Too hot? Maybe, at times but better than rain and mud…
5. A colleague with a sense of humour. Please see photo booth picture above of me and H&H dressage ed Alice Collins from the opening night party.
Also, since Alice and I took on the acting print director job at H&H, she’s decided we need our own hashtag, like some sort of ironic power couple (I’ve pointed out I’m married, but she’s having none of it). And so, our desk in the press office is reserved with a somewhat unusual sign.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.6. British riders doing well. Being patriotic is completely allowed at championships — look at my nails (right) — and reporting is so much easier when your competitors are happy, going well and winning medals. Explaining why it’s gone wrong isn’t fun for them or us.
7. Things being close together. There’s nothing more frustrating than the press stand being at one end of a huge arena and the mixed zone, for interviewing riders, at the other.
Either you watch — and know what happens but have no quotes — or you do interviews. Oh, and you do the interviews blind without knowing if the riders went well or badly, because there probably isn’t a telly in the mixed zone. This offers unparalleled opportunities for making a fool of yourself.
Here, the press office is right under the main grandstand. Run up two flights of stairs and you’re in the press tribune with a great view of the arena. Run down again and you’re in the mixed zone. I haven’t used this arena yet, but the signs are promising for it being user-friendly.
So, my friends, so far, I’m loving Aachen. Let’s hope I’m in the same frame of mind by a week on Monday…
Partnered by Matthias Rath, Totilas was part of the German bronze medal-winning team yesterday (Thursday, 13 August), alongside Kristina Bröring-Sprehe, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Isabell Werth. However, there was concern over the 15-year-old Gribaldi son’s soundness, and he will not contest the grand prix special class scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday, 15 August).
Indeed the famous stallion’s scores ranged wildly in the grand prix from 80.1% (fourth, from Andrew Gargner and the Dane Susanne Baarup) to 71.6% (21st, from the French judge Jean-Michel Roudier).
Matthias was very disappointed with his grand prix score of 75.9%.
“I had a good feeling in there and I’m happy with the horse,” he said. “But not with the points.
“For sure I have done worse tests for more than 80%, but today was good and we only got 76%.
“The trot work was good but could have been more active, the two-time changes were good, though we had some short one-times.
“In Hagen we made many more mistakes and got a better score. But people expect more from him every time.
“I’ll have to read the score sheets later — I don’t get it.”
Today (Friday, 14 August), Totilas’s co-owner Paul Schockemöhle confirmed to the German media outlet St.Georg that “the horse was not OK in the grand prix, I saw that.”
Totilas will now have an MRI and investigations to diagnose any possible injury.
Having already had a checkered and highly-publicised career — the horse’s competitive future hangs in the balance.
Since gaining world records in all three tests under Dutch rider Edward Gal, the sale to the German partnership of Paul Schockemöhle and Matthias’ step-mother, Ann-Katrin Linsenhof, for a reported €8m has been an unmitigated disaster dogged by both horse and rider injury and illness.
Enjoy some of our favourite tweets from the past seven days. From the dilemma of a dog and a portaloo to a high speed bending race fall, it all happened on Twitter this week.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Don’t miss the exciting competition on this weekly page. Our favourite tweet each week will win either an Apatchy mini tablet case or an Apatchy cosmetic bag, personalised with your own initials.For more information about the competition and to find out who this week’s winner is, go to the bottom of this page.
Tweets of the week
Ahh, Nip Tuck and Valegro congratulate each other prior to collecting their team European silver medal
That awkward moment when… (Anky won three Olympic gold medals, won the World Cup final nine times and was world champion in dressage prior to taking up reining)
Best question of today from a journalist:'Is this the first time you compete in Aachen ?'😳
And congratulations to this week’s Tweet of the Week winner
The bending race claims a couple of victims at a fundraising show at Todburn Equestrian in aid of cancer patients, including their local friend, Ben Hobday
If you like this, why not follow @horseandhound on twitter today?
Tweet of the week competition
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.The winner of the Horse & Hound tweet of the week competition can also be found by searching Twitter for #HHTweetOfTheWeek. The winner will receive an Apatchy mini tablet case (pictured left) or an Apatchy cosmetic bag (pictured below right), personalised with their initials.
Apatchy are designers and makers of bespoke lifestyle gifts. Their ranges include wash, cosmetic, Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.travel and sports bags, which can be instantly personalised or customised without the need for sewing, gluing or ironing. To find out more about Apatchy’s unique personalised products and their wonderful gift wrapping service, visit www.apatchy.co.uk
Great Britain’s children on horses team has won silver at the FEI European Championships in Austria.
The team took second place at the youth showjumping championships in Wiener Neustadt yesterday (Thursday 13 August) following a long day of competition.
Germany won gold on a score of one penalty and Poland took Bronze.
The British team was made up of Hallie Lunn on Brookwood Supersonic, Oliver Fletcher on Little Business, Lottie Tutt on Babylon and India Bussey on Westwinds Ego.
Coming forward into the second day of the team competition, Team GBR was on a score of zero and in joint first position with Italy and France.
After the first of yesterday’s two rounds, the British riders picked up just four faults to go into fourth place.
In the second round, India, Hallie and Oliver all jumped clear to keep GBR on a final score of four faults.
A nail-biting finish meant placings were undecided until the final rider from the 22 nations competing had jumped the 1.25m course.
Speaking yesterday (Thursday, 13 August), chef d’equipe Alan Fazakerley said that each rider contributed “brilliantly”.
“All four delivered played a major part in them winning team silver and they should all be very proud of themselves,” he said.
He added that while all played a great role, Oliver – son of H&H columnist Olympic gold medallist Graham Fletcher – deserves a mention.
“He put in a particularly big performance at the incredibly young age of just 12 with his double clear and he deserves praise for that,” he said.
“It’s been a long day and the way that each of the riders have handled the tension that comes with that when there is such a lengthy break between rounds makes me feel honoured to be representing them.”
The junior and young rider team competitions are underway today (Friday, 14 August) and the children on horses’ individual medals will be decided tomorrow (Saturday, 15 August).
“Andrew is indebted to Mr Jeremy Reynolds, Consultant Spinal Surgeon, and the rest of his surgical team at the John Radcliffe hospital, for their incredible skill in his treatment,” read a statement from his family today (Friday 14 August).
“He would also like to thank the nurses in the trauma unit for the fantastic care he has received.
“Andrew is continuing to make good progress after surgery and is able to walk unaided.”
It continued that he is looking forward to returning home to continue his recovery, but there is no indication when exactly that will be.
“He would like to thank everyone for their messages of support and goodwill, which have been much appreciated,” added the statement.
He had surgery on Monday, which “went well” and he was “comfortable with a full range of movement”.
Andrew fell with Cillnabradden Evo in the CIC3* at the event at Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire. The horse was unhurt in the fall.
The six-times Olympic event rider was taken to hospital in Swindon immediately. However, he was then transferred to the John Radcliffe in Oxfordshire for surgery.
Andrew has been competing Cillnabradden Evo, who is by Creeevagh Ferro Ex Siebe and out of Willow Garden, since March 2014.
With Andrew, the gelding won the advanced at Weston Park in April and most recently finished fifth in the open intermediate at Cholmondeley Castle.
Setting off for a competition alone can be daunting. There’s so much to consider — from what will happen to your horse if you are knocked out, to making sure you have everything you need before you mount.
But for many riders, without the back-up of a groom or willing friends or family, heading to shows solo is the only way to fulfil their competitive ambitions. And with practice, it needn’t be terrifying.
The three mantras of experienced “go it aloners” are practise at home, give yourself time and be organised.
Preparation
Make sure everything has its own place in the car or trailer and it’s all cleaned and put back after the previous event
If you are taking two horses out alone practise at home leaving one horse on the lorry while you school the other, make sure you can lead both horses together and practise tying one up to the lorry and loading the other
When you get your times, work backwards from each phase, writing out a timetable for warming up, tacking up, walking courses and so on
Most events which don’t send numbers in advance will post yours if you send a stamped addressed envelope, saving queuing up at the secretaries’ tent
Sports psychologist Inga Wolframm gives her expert advice for coping with competition day
Arriving and getting ready
Allowing plenty of time is vital
Often a visit to the secretary is essential, as well as heading off to walk courses, but leaving horses tied up alone is a safety no-no. So check your steed on arrival, but leave him on the lorry
If you are new to the venue, check where everything is located while on foot
Consider travelling in jodhpurs, stock shirt and stock under old clothes, ready for a quick strip
Organise yourself ready for after your class — leave a headcollar, travel boots and grooming kit within easy reach
The warm-up
Any collecting ring is a place where the solo competitor often needs to ask for help — people can only say no
On solo outings, put your show jacket on at the outset, with a coat over it
Practise removing your jacket and, if it’s needed, exercise sheet while mounted so your horse won’t object
Safety first
Even the calmest horse can get into trouble in the lorry or trailer, so leave names and contact details on the dashboard and taped to the doors
You should also make provision for your horse if you are injured
Some recommend handing the secretary your lorry details and contacts for someone who could collect your horse
Another suggestion is to pop this info in your cross-country medical armband or jacket pocket
Save the details into your phone, too, using the acronym ICE (in case of emergency) or perhaps “ICE eventing/showjumping/shows”
Di Lampard got off to a fantastic start in her first year as British team manager, with Nations Cup wins in La Baule, Rome and Rotterdam.
Sadly, the team’s more recent performance has disappointed, with sixth places at Hickstead and Dublin — not what you need before next week’s Europeans.
Aachen will be one of the most important weeks for British showjumping for many a year. We must qualify for Rio. It’s unthinkable to have won team gold in London and then not even make an appearance at the next Olympics.
When I spoke to Di in Dublin, she was in a sombre and reflective mood — unsurprising after the rollercoaster of the past few weeks. But she was upbeat about team morale and getting the result needed to qualify.
I’m sure I’d be too gung-ho to make a good chef d’equipe, but in Di’s shoes I’d go for a full-out attack. We have to be brave and chance our arm in the first speed leg to be up there with the leaders, else it could be too tall an order to claw our way back.
After that, it’s about tactics. It isn’t about winning medals, it’s about finishing in the first three of non-qualified teams — so we must beat three of our five main rivals: Ireland, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain and Italy.
The Belgians, who didn’t compete at Dublin, won at Hickstead, while three out of the other four teams beat us in Dublin. It will be a difficult task, but definitely an achievable one.
One thing we do need in Aachen is a man on the ground assessing the competition as it unfolds. My advice would be to send an SOS to Nick Skelton.
Di will have her hands full in the collecting ring, so we need someone with Skelly’s ability to analyse the implications of each round and formulate a strategy for each rider in response. Because believe me, the game will keep changing.
You need someone able to assess not only the riders who have jumped, but the likely form of those to come. For instance, it could be worth risking a time-fault to secure a clear round.
Next week, our Olympic qualifying predicament means we must play for percentages.
I wish our riders all the luck in the world. To recite that great quote: “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”
Calmers and Copacabana
I can’t remember a busier season for our yard. We’re producing a really nice bunch of youngsters, and Hello Sailor — Tina’s best horse — is back from injury. He’s fit and well and I was delighted with his jumping at Hickstead.
This week we’re in Austria for another European Championship. Our stable jockey Alfie Bradstock rides my KBIS Caicos in the young riders, and our son Ollie is on our home-bred mare Little Business in the children on horses.
I wonder if they’ve packed any of those herbal horse calmers — I may need a couple of squirts myself before the week’s over!
In past Olympics, a deputation of riders has competed on the proposed surface well before the Games. That isn’t happening this time, with “representatives” assessing the facilities instead at the test event.
Well, I’m volunteering myself and Geoff Billington as very able deputies. Not only could we ensure the ground is as good as it was in London, we could also check out Copacabana beach — just to see if it’s really all it’s cracked up to be…
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Princess Anne and her mount Stevie B taking the 20th fence in the Cross Country section of the Burghley Horse Trials at Stamford.
Princess Anne may be The Queen‘s only daughter, but with three European Championship medals under her belt, the 1971 BBC Sports Personality of the Year title, an Olympics to her name (Montreal in 1976) and a stint as the president of the FEI (1986-1994), this horswoman is an icon of the equestrian world in her own right.
On her 65th birthday today (15 August 2015), we’ve dug into the archives to celebrate Princess Anne’s status as equestrian royalty — from her competition days to watching the next generation in action.
Princess Anne in pictures
1971
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Princess Anne and Doublet on their way to an eventing European Championship individual gold medal at Burghley in 1971
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Princess Anne makes her Olympic debut in Montreal in 1976 with Goodwill, in front of an impressive crowd for the dressage. She was the first member of the British royal family to compete in an Olympics
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The next generation: Princess Anne helps Zara Phillips officilally retire her European and world champion horse Toytown at Gatcombe in 2011
2011
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2011 Burghley Horse Trials winner William Fox-Pitt receives his prize from Princess Anne, who won the title herself 40 years earlier on Doublet
2012
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A proud moment: Princess Anne and her father Prince Philip watch Zara and High Kingdom in the dressage phase of the London 2012 Olympic Games in Greenwich Park
2012
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Princess Anne presents Zara, and her team mates Nicola Wilson, Tina Cook, Mary King and William Fox-Pitt, with their silver medals at London 2012
Ingrid Klimke and FRH Escada JS or Horseware Hale Bob
Dirk Schrade and Hop And Skip
Peter Thomsen and Horseware’s Barny
The reserves have been named in the following order:
Andreas Dibowski and FRH Butts Avedon
Niklas Bschorer and Tom Tom Go 3
Claas Hermann Romeike and Cato 60
These combinations all competed in the Nations Cup at Aachen this week, where German won the team competition, fielding Ingrid (FRH Escada JS), Sandra Auffarth (Opgun Louvo), Michael Jung (Halunke FBW) and Dirk Schrade (Hop And Skip). Ingrid also finished first individually on Escada and second on Hale Bob.
The squad pairs all jumped clear across country at Aachen and finished in the placings. Of the reserves, Andreas had a run-out at the second angled tractor at fence 16b, an influential combination. Niklas and Claas both came through the finish flags, but were later eliminated for jumping the wrong side of flags at corners, the same fate that befell British rider Holly Woodhead on DHI Lupison. Niklas also had a run-out at 16b.
The Germans have won the team and individual gold at every senior eventing championship since 2011. The last team to beat them were Britain at the 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Kentucky.
So they might not be the easiest to keep clean, but arguably, you just can’t beat a good grey. If you’re prepared to put some elbow grease into keeping them sparkly, here’s our pick of greys for sale on the Horse & Hound website this week.
Take a look at this week’s selection of grey horses for sale on horseandhound.co.uk:
1. ‘Ability to excel in any discipline’
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Height: 16hh
Age: 10
Gender: mare
Selling points: “This ISH is a true all-rounder, currently eventing at BE100 level and showjumping to 1.10m. ‘Lola’ has also done Pony Club and hunted. She has a lovely careful jump, is fun across country and works beautifully on the flat. Jumps from any stride and is easy to do.”
Selling points: “‘This Connemara has a super temperament, talented careful jump, super paces and striking looks. ‘MJ’ has showjumped, done dressage and cross-country and has scope to go on. This one in a million pony is straightforward and very genuine to a fence. He is snaffle mouthed at all times and can be handled by anyone. 100% to do.”
Selling points: “This Connemara pony has competed at Pony Club novice and intermediate level, plus BE90 and BE100 plus he has been on 80/90 Riding Club teams for showjumping and horse trials for the past three years. Done all Pony Club activities and has manners to die for. No vices.”
Whether you want to jump everything in sight or enjoy a more leisurely pace at the rear of the field, More…
4. ‘Talented young eventer’
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Height: 16.1hh
Age: seven
Gender: mare
Selling points: “‘Roo’ is successfully competing at BE100 level with numerous placings and the potential to go much further. She has elegant paces, a neat jump and is bold cross-country. She has also hunted with the Bedale.”
Selling points: “‘Boris’ is an ISH with a lovely attitude, always wanting to please with a scopey, bold jump, combined with a genuine and honest nature. He has won in unaffiliated dressage, is a confidence giver showjumping and he was placed third at his first BE90. He has also hunted and has absolutely no vices. Boris has looked after a very novice and unbalanced rider and has so much more to give.”
Selling points: “Sweet little horse with three correct paces and a bold scopey jump. ‘Ziggy’ has done one and a half seasons of hunting in Ireland and has done a one-day-event and working hunter. Sure to excel in any sphere.”
Selling points: “This genuine horse loves to jump. She is bold and careful and has done a bit of everything including hunting, fun rides, dressage and has competed up to 1m in showjumping. She isn’t strong, has a lovely temperament and is easy to do.”
NB: Horse & Hound has not checked the accuracy of the claims made in these adverts and cannot be held liable if the information included above is inaccurate in any way
Does your horse have a bitting problem? Would you like to know more about bitting; how to stop your horse resisting; and how to make your signals as clear and effective as possible?
Myler Bits were developed by three American brothers, who were looking for a gentler, more effective way of communicating with horses. The Myler Bitting Philosophy is based on making the horse as comfortable as possible in its mouth, so it can be relaxed and concentrate on what its rider is asking it.
Dale Myler, one of the famous Myler Brothers and one of the most knowledgeable and skilled bitting experts in the world, will be holding bitting clinics around the UK 13-19 AUGUST.
