If you couldn’t make the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) winter championships (30 March-1 April 2018) or simply want to re-live the weekend (maybe not the weather…), you need to check out these 20 combinations who won at Arena UK.
Make sure you pick up this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (12 April 2018) for the full report
Ann Staines and the snaffle-mouthed Royal Standard led the Petplan Equine Inter II Silver Area Festival final on 64.74%, before also contesting the Superflex Inter I freestyle during Saturday’s gala evening.
“He goes better in a snaffle,” said Ann, who was actually eliminated last year in same final she won this time round.
“He felt amazing in the evening gala. He was bit tired but he came through so I’m delighted.
“I’ve had him for eight years and he certainly hasn’t been the easiest horse. When I went to try him, I was told all that he does is reverse into the jump cupboard. When I saw him I noticed his amazing walk and canter but he had an awfully tight trot.
“He was so naughty, I could barely ride him and we had to go out hacking on a lead-rein,” added Ann of the Rubin Royal son. “He would trot along and then just stop and spin. He’s taken us up and down the muck-up heap — he was really wicked.
Ann, who works full-time in A&E, trains with Conrad Schumacher and is in her first season at inter II with the former bad boy, who has started to compete at grand prix.
Ann really started to notice a difference after starting to have lessons with Conrad.
“He taught me to really think about the horse,” she continued. “We have actually worked out that he goes better with less working in — he does a 20 minute walk and a quick warm up, then goes back to his box, and before the test I literally give him 10 minutes — this seems to work so much better for us. I used to think I had to ride him for ages but he was just getting tired and that made his behaviour worse.
“To compete and hold our own against some absolutely top class horses here is amazing. I don’t mind what the judges say, I’m so proud of him.”
Beezie Madden won the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Paris this afternoon (Sunday, 15 April), her second time taking the title.
The first round this afternoon did not juggle the top three from the previous legs when Devin Ryan, Henrik von Eckermann and Beezie Madden all went clear.
In the second round US rider Devin repeated his feat with the fantastic nine-year-old Eddie Blue.
When Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann’s ride Toveks Mary Lou knocked down fence two with his hind legs, he dropped a place to third and Devin moved up to second.
“I didn’t want to come here unless I had a shot and I knew I had an amazing horse,” said Devin.
Beezie and Abigail S Wexner’s Breitling LS had not dropped a fence up to this point, but the second part of the short-striding treble at fence six tumbled. However, she could afford this four penalties and still win so when she added nothing further to her total, the World Cup was hers.
Henrik said: “I have mixed feelings — on the one hand third is not bad, but I was so close to a jump-off with Beezie. It would feel better if she’d gone clear [so that I couldn’t have beaten her even if I’d gone clear].”
Beezie said: “My horse was fantastic and to have the US in one-two is great — it couldn’t have been a better week for us.”
Britain’s Michael Whitaker and his nephew Robert both made it through to the 20-starter second round. In the first round Robert had the first part of the treble at fence 11 down with his mother Clare and Mandy Hall’s Catwalk IV, plus a time-fault, and Michael incurred just one time-penalty on Jayne Bean’s JB’s Hot Stuff.
Round two did not go so well for Michael, who had the oxer at fence seven and the second part of the double at nine down, and had to circle before fence 12. He dropped down to eventual 20th, while Robert’s four faults at the first fence, plus a single time-fault, left him 19th.
Article continues below…
The US rider repeats her first place from yesterday tonight in Paris, while Michael and Robert Whitaker both make the…
The US was the dominant nation tonight in the first leg of the World Cup jumping final, while Britain’s pair…
The World Cup dressage final came to a tense climax this afternoon in Paris as the top two combinations went…
Full report from Paris in Horse & Hound magazine this week (issue dated 19 April).
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.
The Mitsubishi Motors Cup (which used to be called the Mitsubishi Motors Grassroots Championships and is known colloquially as the Badminton Horse Trials grassroots championships), is an event that a huge number of riders jumping 90-100cm dream of competing at. Here is everything you need to know about it…
This competition is held at BE90 and BE100 level over the two days prior to the main four-star Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.
1-2 May 2018 in Badminton Park in Gloucestershire. The dressage phase takes place on the first day of competition and the morning of the second day, when the showjumping and cross-country phases also take place.
Horses must be grade four under British Eventing (BE) rules at the time of the ballot date. Riders must not have completed an intermediate or higher competition during the current or preceding 10 calendar seasons and must never have competed in a four-star competition. Horses must also be ridden by the same rider throughout the qualifying process, except with the permission of the chief executive of BE. Both horse and rider must still be eligible to compete in BE90 classes on the date of the BE90 championships final. Riders must still be eligible to compete at BE100 level at the time of the championship and horses must not have won more than seven BE points between the ballot date of the regional final, three-day event or BE100 Scottish Championship and the Mitsubishi Motors Cup final.
The qualifying process begins over a year before the Mitsubishi Motors Cup takes place.
Combinations which finish in the top 10% in each normal BE90 and BE90Open held at BE events between 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2018 will qualify to compete at the BE90 regional finals, which take place nationwide between August and October. Combinations which finish in the top 20% in each normal BE100 and BE100Open held at BE events between 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2018 will qualify to compete at the BE100 regional finals.
Combinations may only compete in one regional final for each qualifying result attained, and once qualified, are not allowed to compete in any more regional final competitions.
The top 20% of eligible starters at each regional final will qualify for the championships. Also combinations that are placed in the top 10% in a BE100 three-day event or BE100 Open three-day event held between 1 March 2018 and 31 October 2018 will qualify directly for the championship final. In addition to this, if eligible, the winning combination of the BE100 Scottish Championship will qualify directly for the championships.
The cross-country takes riders around the park of the Badminton Estate and even past the beautiful house and through the famous Lake, quarry and Huntsman’s Close. Courses are much longer than standard tests, measuring around 3000m.
The BE90 course will be conducted in accordance with the heights of BE90 classes at a one-day event but of a championship technicality.
The BE100 competition will be conducted in accordance with the heights of BE100 Plus classes but with championship technicality.
Take a look at the 2017 BE90 Mitsubishi Motors Cup cross-country course
Take a look at the 2017 BE100 Mitsubishi Motors Cup cross-country course
On-site stabling is available and is a great way of soaking up the championship atmosphere to the maximum.
Horseboxes and vehicles towing trailers only will be permitted to remain on-site overnight. Here is the full guide to camping at the horse trials, and you could also check out this list of nearby B&Bs and hotels.
Don’t miss our bumper Badminton preview issue of Horse & Hound magazine including Mary King’s thoughts on every fence on the cross-country course and our form guide (on sale 26 April 2018), plus our special in-depth report on all the action, complete with expert analysis (on sale 10 May 2018)
On the final day of the 2018 NAF Five Star Winter Dressage finals, Samantha Willson and Delhurens Sunshine took the top slot in the Petplan Equine Medium under 18 Area Festival championship with a score of 68.28%.
The home-bred mare who is rising nine has been ridden by 17-year-old Samantha for the duration of her career.
“I broke her in when I was 13,” said Samantha, who stood fourth in the advanced medium earlier in the day. “This is the third year we have been at the finals — to do it on a home-bred that I’ve worked so hard on makes the win all the more sweeter.”
The Deanes San Ciro Hit daughter is currently working at prix st georges (PSG) at home.
“She has a very trainable brain, but can be quirky,” continued the young rider, who trains with Claire Moir. “The harder the test is, the better she goes. I was particularly pleased with her medium trot and canter today.”
Coming in behind with a total of 68.14% was BKS Brandini with Ronni-Mae Morgan in the saddle.
Despite standing in first position for the duration of his competition, Scottish rider Scott McLellan and his ride Lemiroff were pipped to the post by the final pair to go in the Petplan Equine Advanced Medium Bronze Area Festival championship.
Scott, who scored 68.12%, was beaten to the sash by Thea Millward and Walentino 77, who achived a winning score of 68.21%.
Thea’s ride is a nine-year-old 17.3hh by Wolkentanz who she has owned for two years.
“I was pleased with his behaviour today as sometimes he can be spooky,” said the 18-year-old rider who has recently finished her A-levels. “He was really listening to me. His trot work started off a bit tense but he soon relaxed into it. I was particularly pleased with his last extension.”
The gelding, who is currently training at PSG, has spent the winter on a fitness programme, which included weekly water treadmill sessions.
“He’s come out stronger this year,” added Thea, who has her own small yard in Upton upon Severn. “At home, he is the friendliest horses and is just an all-round nice guy.”
It was a win for Chloe Barker and Cold Diamond in the Petplan Equine Novice under 18 Area Festival with a score of 71.50%.
Chloe, 16, has owned the 14-year-old gelding for a year and he is working at medium at home.
“The test was event-free and he felt really nice,” said Somerset-based Chloe. “He can sometimes get a bit tense in his mediums but he remained calm today. While he can have his moments under saddle and be a bit tense, at home he is the cuddliest horse — my mum has a unique bond with him and he absolutely adores her.”
The duo’s road to qualifying was far from simple. The big moving 16.1hh actually went lame during his second round, meaning they bagged a wild card ticket.
“We won our first round with 73.96% but during our second attempt, he went unsound. We later found out that this was because he was travelling backwards in the lorry meaning he wasn’t standing right — we’ve had to buy a new horse box. I’m so happy he has come back with this win.”
Jersey Garrett and Crowide The Talisman came in second with 69.86%.
In the Petplan Equine Prelim Bronze Area Festival, Amino’s Boy and Heather Wallace took the sash with 71.25%, while equal second on 68.40% were Suzanne Dickens and Treworder and Donna Fitzgerald and Castlelawn Diva.
Heather, who is based in Whitchurch, bought the six-year-old as a just-backed four-year-old.
“He’s not the easiest,” said Heather. “He is such a baby and is quite challenging — sometimes you feel like you’re sat on a ticking time bomb.”
Nicknamed ‘all-weather-heather’ at home, the AI-qualified instructor has worked tirelessly over the last few months to have the charismatic bay ready for Hartpury.
“I ride in literally all weather conditions,” she laughed. “He needs lots of variety and education as he is such a bundle of energy. While he can be difficult, it’s nice to know that when you get it right he stands at the top. In the future I’m hoping to event him and work up the levels; at our first novice outing we were second — and I know he has the advanced moves in there.”
For a full report from the British Dressage Winter Championships and Area Festival final – as well as news, views and expert comment – don’t miss Thursday’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (19 April 2018)
Alice Oppenheimer claimed a one-two in the Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Gold championship with two full siblings on the final day of competition at the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage finals.
Taking the sash with a score of 72.78% was Headmore Davina, a 16.3hh eight-year-old mare, while in second was the 17.3hh nine-year-old gelding Headmore Dirubinio (Robin) who was just behind with 72.61%.
Alice’s last national win was in 2015, and she missed out on the winters last year due to a fractured finger.
“After last year, I was just happy to be able to compete here,” said the Hampshire-based rider. “I will have done 11 tests by the time the week’s over, and all my horses have been amazing.
“I think Davina had the edge today because she is a bit more experienced,” Alice added, after a lovely relaxed lap of honour on Davina, who used to be a bolter.
“I take it slow on the victory lap as she used to have a habit of charging off!”
Charlotte Dujardin scored 76.63% with River Rise Nisa in the final competition of the week, the Albion Medium Gold championship, to win the class by nearly 3%.
Second was Jayden Brown and Atterupgaards O2 who came away with 73.47%.
Leading the PDS Saddles Elementary Freestyle Silver championship was a delighted Nicola Byam-Cook with the 13-year-old palomino Twyford Salamander (Solo), who topped their section with 71.99%.
This was Nicola’s first national championships, and said that she felt the pressure once she went into the lead.
“Waiting for the last score to come in felt like a lifetime,” said the rider, who won her regional qualifier on the charismatic 14.1hh gelding she bought from a friend last August.
“I knew if we did a good test we’d have a chance, and he tried his heart out for me in there.”
Nicola was on the hunt for a pony last summer when she stumbled across Solo: “I wanted something which was mainly safe, but also that I could be competitive on.
“He is just a pocket rocket. He is very correct and relaxed but also has a bit of flash. He has a great walk and canter.”
In 1991, Nicola, who now has two children, won at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) on a show pony and has fond memories of the music used for the lap of honour at Hartpury, which was also played at the RIHS.
Second was Alexis Ross and Quartz who were just behind with 71.73%.
For a full report from the British Dressage Winter Championships and Area Festival final – as well as news, views and expert comment – don’t miss Thursday’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (19 April 2018)
One of the most successful in-hand show horses of recent times has turned his hoof to dressage and showed off his talents on day five of the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage championships.
Tiger Attack, the now six-year-old stallion owned by his breeders Billy and Joanne Moran first shot to show ring fame when he took the foal championship at the national hunter show, under producer Jerome Harforth.
At Hartpury, ridden by usual partner Aimee Stunt, Tiger took third place in the Petplan Equine Novice Under 18 Area Festival final, with a score of 69.73%.
A Cuddy finalist three times, the exquisite bay was second and reserve champion at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) final as a two-year-old and was also a winner of the £1,000 Leeman in-hand championship and the British Show Horse Association Royal Mile championship. He also won the National Pony Society Ottergayle final three years on the trot.
The young stallion now combines stud duties and competing under the watchful eye of Jennie Lorison-Clarke’s team and is based at the Catherston stud.
“He felt so light and settled today,” said Aimme, who works at the stud and has been given the ride for the foreseeable future.
“He hasn’t done much dressage as he is mainly eventing at the moment. He began his ridden career last year as a five-year-old and qualified for the Burghley young event horse class.”
The pair qualified for Hartpury on a wild card and now have their sights firmly set on the grassroots 90cm final at Badminton in May and the sport horse class at Windsor.
“He is so laid back. He is the easiest, quietest stallion ever — showing has definitely helped him cope with the atmosphere,” she added. “He also covers mares and has some foals due this year.”
For a full report from the British Dressage Winter Championships and Area Festival final – as well as news, views and expert comment – don’t miss Thursday’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (19 April 2018)
Emotions were running high for Lee-Anne Baily and her team as she left the dressage arena, after completing a stunning test on Rainhill Merlyn (Merlyn), in the Petplan Equine Novice Silver Area Festival championship at the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championship.
Sharon Edwards’ 12-year-old Welsh section D gelding has certainly tested the will and patience of his loyal supporters.
“I was asked to ride Merlyn about two years ago and he was so naughty back then,” explained Lee-Anne, 24, who runs a livery yard in Epsom, Surrey. “I actually got him because he put Sharon in hospital as he was just so bolshy.”
“He’s come such a long way, but he’s still a sensitive soul. Even today before our test he was rearing during the warm-up — I spent an hour just calming him down.”
Lee-Anne’s trainer was acquainted with the big-moving black cob who recommended the young rider had a go on him as he was stabled at the yard opposite her own horse.
“People think that because he’s a bolshy cob that he will be super confident but he’s actually a very vulnerable ride, and you have to baby him through it all,” added Lee-Anne, who had Merlyn right on song to score 65.83%.
“With him being a cob, and a traditional one at that, when judges like him they fall in love with him. I’ve actually got a personal best of 74% riding him at novice level; he is very correct.
“Dressage has been the making of Merlyn,” she continued. “He used to never load but since we have been competing him he jumps on the lorry. He is loving life now he has a purpose.”
When asked about her tears, Lee-Anne said: “It was because it could have gone either of two ways today — either I would have had to retire because he was couldn’t keep his cool, or he would be angelic. I was so relieved that we didn’t let everyone down.”
The pair have stayed at novice for two seasons and qualified for their novice final as a wild card. This was only Merlyn’s second away show.
“Even if we stayed at novice forever I’d be happy. He has all his changes and he definitely has piaffe and passage in there somewhere, so maybe our little cob will get to grand prix one day.”
For a full report from the British Dressage Winter Championships and Area Festival final – as well as news, views and expert comment – don’t miss Thursday’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (19 April 2018)
Picture by Bob Cook
Opinion
With the vale ditches running as hard as they have all winter, it seems like “someone’s law” that now is the time that we have to stage our most public events, the point-to-points. Due to our hunt’s multifarious genealogy, we are entitled to several meetings held at two venues.
As our hunt lorry was towed out of the racecourse on Easter Saturday by three young farmers on their “green giants”, I reflected on a day not just stolen from the weather, but a true country celebration against the odds, which produced quality racing in front of a surprisingly large crowd. It required a Herculean effort by the organising team and a hundred volunteers, which was mirrored at events all around the country.
The financial value of point-to-points to individual hunts varies enormously, from those who barely muster a profit to those hunts who rely on a bumper bank holiday crowd to underwrite their season’s expenses. Event insurance or a payout from an area slush fund can lessen the pain after an abandoned meeting but, with so many lost or postponed meetings due to biblical conditions, hunt fundraisers will have to be at the top of their game to plug the financial gap.
I am assured by my family that the hunting world is actually a relatively small microcosm and not a global priority; however, some matters of principle. Few subjects raise the hackles in hunt committee meetings more than point-to-point subscriptions, particularly if the local Blankshire Draghounds are offering cut-price deals under the table to owners in your country. The new central collection of point-to-point subscriptions will be run through Weatherbys. No system will keep everyone happy but, crucially, it will level the playing field for hunts and owners alike and generate a genuine, consistent income stream for hunts. This further strengthens the vital bond between hunting and point-to-pointing.
Traditional qualifying did introduce horses and plenty of jockeys to hunting, but few huntsmen miss their hounds having to run the gauntlet past flighty point-to-pointers who probably should have been hunted more often, not less.
After more than 100 days’ hunting, hounds will now enjoy some deserved downtime before the bikes come out for the start of hound exercise in a month or so. They’ll gain a little summer condition, although I don’t recall Linford Christie gaining too much weight out of season.
Hound parades and shows loom. Our first parade, last weekend at the point-to-point, was only days after finishing hunting and slightly confused the hounds. As we galloped down the home straight, wiser hounds veered towards the racecourse covert. “Why is he blowing the horn like a crazed banshee? Why are those people cheering? And now we’re back on the lorry so soon.”
During the customary “meet the hounds”, one young bitch was photographed inspecting the furry tailpiece of a rather splendid hat, just to make sure it wasn’t going to jump off the elegant lady’s head and make for the hills.
“Not long to go ‘til we start again,” my old terrierman used to remind me once Easter had passed. In the meantime, support your local hunt and come racing.
Ref Horse & Hound; 12 April 2018
If the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials has always been on your hit list to visit, but you’ve still not taken the trip to Gloucestershire, take a look at our spectator guide to one of the world’s greatest equestrian events
The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, held in Gloucestershire, is one of just six four-star three-day events in the world. Four-star is the highest level in the sport of eventing and is renowned as being one of the toughest and most prestigious events known to equestrianism.
A three-day event consists of the disciplines of dressage, cross-country and showjumping, run on different days and this year’s event runs from 2-6 May 2018.
Four-star eventing is the pinnacle of the sport, which means Badminton is very important to riders — think of it as being similar to playing in the Premier League or the FA Cup final in football, careering around the F1 circuit at Silverstone or playing in the final at Wimbledon. The winner takes home a £100,000 first prize, and most of the world’s leading eventers will be battling for it.
Badminton is in south Gloucestershire, about 85 miles west of London and 15 miles from Bristol and Bath. The best way to get there is by car and all routes to the event will be sign-posted. The nearest railway station is at Chippenham, and you can also fly into Badminton if you wish, thanks to the grass runway just over the road from the event…
There is no set dress code. You should wear something comfortable and suitable for the weather conditions as the event is predominantly outside. It is also worth wearing practical footwear as you are likely to be doing a great deal of walking.
Advance booking
Advance book is available for the campsite, car passes and personal admission tickets until Monday 23 April and until Friday 27 April for the grandstand tickets and membership badges.
Wednesday:
Vehicle pass: £10
Personal admission: £8
Thursday:
Vehicle pass: £10
Personal admission: £16
Friday:
Vehicle pass: £10
Personal admission: £16
Saturday:
Vehicle pass: £10
Personal admission: £30
Sunday:
Vehicle pass: £10
Personal admission: £14
Season (whole event):
Vehicle pass: £30
Personal admission: £57
On the gate (cash only)
Wednesday:
Vehicle pass: £12
Personal admission: £10
Thursday:
Vehicle pass: £12
Personal admission: £18
Friday:
Vehicle pass: £12
Personal admission: £18
Saturday:
Vehicle pass: £12
Personal admission: £32
Sunday:
Vehicle pass: £12
Personal admission: £16
Season (whole event):
Vehicle pass: n/a
Personal admission: n/a
Admission for children aged 12 and under is free.
NOTE: Grandstand tickets are necessary in addition to car passes and personal admission to watch the jumping on the Sunday. Prices start from £9.
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The best way to plan your day at Badminton is to take a look at the Badminton website for a full timetable, so that you don’t miss a thing.
In order to make the most of your day, leave plenty of time to get to Badminton as traffic can quickly build in the area. Factor in plenty of pit stops during the day too, so that you don’t wear yourselves out too quickly.
Here’s some common phrases you might hear at Badminton and a brief explanation of what they mean:
Trot-up: this is when horses are presented by their respective riders in front of the ground jury (the people who judge the horses in the dressage), to ensure all horses are fit to compete before the competition starts on the Wednesday and before the final showjumping phase on the Sunday morning of Badminton, held in front of Badminton House.
Dressage test: the first phase of a three-day event is the dressage and all horses and riders must complete a dressage test, which consists of 26 set movements, each of which is marked out of 10 by a panel of three judges (the ground jury).
Cross-country: this is on the Saturday of the event and is a course of solid fences over a distance of around four miles. It must be completed at an average speed of 570 metres per minute. Horses refusing will incur faults, and any horse and/or rider fall will result in elimination, as will three refusals, whereby they will no longer be allowed to participate in the competition.
Optimum time: this is the time within which horses and riders must complete the cross-country course. For every one second a combination is over the optimum time, they will incur 0.4 time-faults.
Showjumping: the course on the final day of competition is set up to 1.40m high and as wide at 2.3m. It is often a high-pressure atmosphere and one fence being knocked down could be the difference between winning and losing. One knocked down fence results in four faults.
Penalties: horse and rider combinations will incur a penalty score in the dressage, which will then be added to if they incur any cross-country or showjumping faults. The winner is the combination finishing on the lowest penalty score.
Don’t miss our Badminton preview issue of Horse & Hound magazine (26 April 2018), complete with our form guide, as well as the Badminton report (10 May 2018), packed with expert analysis of the event
For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday
Chiara has begun her endurance season at last with a 32km graded ride held at the Royal Cornwall Showground (pictured above). I was surprised to be the first one to go out on course as usually there are some riders doing much greater distances than this. I wonder if this is simply due to the weather hampering riders’ efforts to get horses sufficiently fit for an early season ride, or whether riders now tend to want, or are only able, to do the shorter distance rides. I do believe that there needs to be more incentive for keen competitors to do longer distances and push themselves a little more.
Starting first brought its benefits and, indeed, its surprises. The going for me was pretty good even on the softer tracks and through the forests, and I could maintain a reasonably even speed all around. An additional benefit was that Chiara was much more settled with no horses ahead of her to distract her and, although her aim is always to go round in a flat out gallop, she was much more amenable to downscaling this to a steady trot and canter.
The surprise came just after entering the first forest when we encountered a large puddle just past a sharpish turn only to find that it was occupied by ducks. This enabled Chi to test her brakes which, I can assure you, worked perfectly!
Following our outing, Chi had a few days off and then back into the school now that it’s dried out a bit. We’re back to walking with walk/trot transitions and a little leg yielding. The right canter definitely needs work but this is best left to work on the trail rather than in the school.
Last weekend I organised a session on an equine simulator followed by flatwork for our local endurance group. This was quite an eye-opener and I learned a lot by just watching. It was impressive to see how riders improved after the simulator session when working on their horses in the school with many perceived problems resolved. Next time I will try to schedule myself in to the session.
The simulator
Chiara is looking a bit scruffy with a rather long beard — not very becoming in a female of her delicate proportions. Yes, I know most people use the trimmers or clippers or failing that, a pair of scissors but not with Chi… She is quite happy to have her jaw stroked and rubbed and even brushed, but take a pair of scissors or trimmers near that area and she is at her most precocious. Some people would, I’m sure, be more forceful in their quest for a neat, streamlined jaw but I thought I would be rather more inventive. Shaving with shaving foam and a razor seemed a possible alternative so I stole my husband’s equipment and sneaked them out to Chiara. After all my skulduggery, it was a massive let down. Although at first she didn’t object too much to the lather and the scraping, it simply didn’t work; horses’ hair must be too coarse and I had to clean everything and sneak it back into the bathroom.
Checking out the daffodils
The topic of the weather is still in all endurance minds. While there are glimpses of a warm sun and calm, even dry days, it continues to rain. The birds, however, think it’s spring and are cheeping merrily but they’re wrong and you have to ignore their tweets as you plough through the now gloopy mud and retrieve lost wellies.
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The rain has wreaked havoc with the endurance calendar. My next competition for Fantom was cancelled so I subsequently entered one two weeks later to have that cancelled too. Happily the first one took the date of the second one so I re-entered and just keep my fingers crossed that it will go ahead this time.
Fantom and Chiara have now been training on the beach and dunes several times and I am now looking around for different training ground. I think I have found somewhere — a magnificent daffodil field with a sand track all the way round. The daffodils have now been harvested so with a bit of luck I can use this for canter work and, being sand, this too will be an all-weather track.
Annie
Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift have won their first major title.
The pair won the Lycetts Grantham Cup CIC3* at Belton International Horse Trials in Lincolnshire yesterday (15 April).
Their victory comes eight months after £500,000 was raised to buy the horse in a successful crowdfunding campaign.
An emotional Jonty invited co-owner Jane Moss on stage with him to receive the trophy before extending the invitation to anyone in the crowd who had helped secure the “people’s horse”.
Jonty and “Art” scored a competitive 28.8 in the dressage to put them in contention in the 103-strong section.
They followed this with a clear showjumping and a fluid cross-country round over Stuart Buntine’s influential track, finishing in one of the fastest times of the day to add just 3.6 time faults to their score.
Piggy French and her 2017 Burghley runner-up Vanir Kamira finished 1.3 penalties behind to take second, with Gemma Tattersall and Pamero 4 in third.
“He was on it,” said Jonty, adding it was “fantastic to have everybody’s support”.
“We have had a really good weekend, all the horses have been great, we had two others in the CIC3* this morning who have never done a three-star and they both jumped round really well and it just seemed to set the tone.”
Jonty also praised the organisers, course-builders and designer for the weekend of competition.
“I would be happy to criticise when criticism was necessary, but what Stuart has achieved this weekend is probably slightly short of a miracle — a lot of us on Wednesday and Thursday didn’t think we would be coming.
“The ground has been exceptional and the courses were brilliant.
“I think it will have sharpened up the older horses and the riders, probably given the younger horses a lot of confidence, so I hope everyone has had a great weekend.”
Article continues below…
The Irish Olympian will head to the European Championships next week, having raised £500,000 through a four-week crowd-funding campaign
Jonty, who finished ninth individually aboard Art in the 2016 Rio Olympics, started a crowdfunding campaign to buy the horse after his former owner, Fiona Elliott, expressed an interest in selling him.
After securing some private funding, he started a campaign to make up the shortfall, which raised £500,000 in four weeks.
Don’t miss the full report from Belton in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound — out Thursday, 19 April
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While spring is here, the weather is still in limbo between hot and cold, so don’t miss these great medium weight turnout rugs
Medium weight turnout rugs are an ideal choice when the weather is changeable, such as during spring and autumn. The best medium weight turnout rugs should provide a clipped horse with some warmth, while being waterproof and breathable. It is important that your choice of rug fits the shape of your horse, allowing him to move freely while if he decides to stretch his legs in the field. If you horse has large shoulders then a rug with a front dart is a good idea, and if your horse is particularly active in the field, then a rug with both cross-surcingles and rear leg straps may help keep the rug in place. Take a look at our full guide to buying turn-out rugs for more helpful advice.
NB: The shopping links below are provided to help you buy these items. We earn a small commission from these links.
This new generation of rug with intelligent fabric technology and lightweight filling ensures it can be worn comfortably in temperatures up to 15°C. The rug has a 1680 denier ballistic nylon outer shell fabric. This 100% waterproof, outer shell is threaded through with a Teflon and Lami-Cell coating, which helps keep the rug clean and breathable while protecting and extending the life of the rug. The rug’s filling is ‘Hollow-Fibre Fill’ which gives the impression of a much denser insulation without the associated weight. This and the rug’s ‘CoolPlus’ lining draws excess heat away from the horse’s skin, helping to acclimatise your horse and wick away any moisture. A fully-lined detachable neck cover is also available.
Buy now: Kensington Rugs Platinum Collection from £115.54
Layered fill for more warmth with less weight — this turnout rug is ideal for the spring’s unpredictable weather. This rug is made from 1000 denier ballistic nylon, a strong and durable turnout material for a waterproof yet breathable outer. The rug uses vari-layer technology and thermo bonded fibre fill to keep your horse warm on cool spring days. It features a surefit neck design with V-front neck closure to give freedom to graze, leg arches, reflective strips, wipe clean tail cord, liner loops, three secure cross surcingles and shine enhancing polyester lining. The rug comes with a detachable hood and 250g filling.
Buy now: Rambo Supreme with Vari-Layer 250G from £264.56
This rug is packed with features to give your horse freedom of movement, comfort and protection. The strong 1200 denier polyester outer shell is both waterproof, breathable and triple weaved for extra strength with 220g of polyfill for warmth. The WeatherBeeta Freestyle system includes features designed to achieve the best fit and freedom of movement for your horse. To keep your horse warm and dry from head to tail, the new removable snug fit fleece neck cuff offers adjustable protection from the elements while the full wrap tail flap is gusseted to wrap around the quarters for the best weather protection. The cupped shoulder dart is shaped around the shoulder and works with the forward positioned gusset to allow total natural movement. The comfort cuff adds padding and warmth at the chest and the wither relief pad helps prevent rubbing on the mane. Additional features include quick clip front chest closures, adjustable removable web/elastic legs straps and reflective panels at the gusset and tail so you can easily spot your horse at night.
Buy now: WeatherBeeta Freestyle 1200D Detach-A-Neck medium from £117.59
This classy looking rug has a Teflon coated, 600 denier ripstop outer shell, 250g insulation layer and a nylon lining that helps polish the horse’s coat. Other features include quick release front fastenings, cross surcingles, removable leg straps and a generous pleated tail flap.
Buy now: Mark Todd mediumweight turnout rug from £79.99
The Bucas Smartex turnout range combines durability and comfort for your horse across a broad range of temperatures. All of the Smartex range can be put on a wet horse after exercise or washing and the stay-dry lining will wick away the moisture, dry your horse and the lining will remain dry next to your horse’s skin. The Smartex fits well with shoulder darts, strong front closing system and ballistic nylon shell with waterproof and breathable coating.
Buy now:Bucas Smartex medium weight turnout rug from £195
This rug has an integral neck cover and generous tail flap offering top to tail protection from the elements. Features include a 600 denier waterproof and breathable rip-stop outer, 250g insulation, adjustable quick release breast fastenings and a nylon anti-rub lining. Additional fabric inset at the wither gives a generous neck length and allows greater freedom of movement.
Buy now:JHL medium weight Combo turnout rug from £97
This tough, 1200 denier ripstop fabric is fully breathable and waterproof, with easy to use fastenings, roomy tri-vent shoulder pleat to allow full freedom of movement and an anti rub lining.
Buy now: Fieldmasta 200g fixed neck turnout from £80.46
The Bravo 12 Plus Turnout Medium is a high quality mid-weight rug with 250g of fill. It is both waterproof and breathable with a 1200 denier polyester outer and a shine enhancing polyester lining. It has the classic Horseware patented front leg arches and is cut to Horseware’s surefit neck design to allow for full freedom of movement.
Buy now: Amigo Bravo 12 Plus Turnout medium weight from £120
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.
Whether you’re a pro, a happy hacker or somewhere in between, you are sure to relate to these 11 tongue-in-cheek scenarios which only horsey folk will understand…
1. Has £3.20 in bank account — orders matching head collar, fleece and leg baggage set in three different colours because it has a 10 per cent discount.
2. ‘I’m in no position to buy another horse’ — spends most evenings scrolling through social media and replying to adverts with ‘got any more pics?’
3. Friday evening: promises other half that they will have a weekend off competing — Sunday morning comes around: will most definitely be found on a UK motorway in the lorry trekking to some far away competition because ‘the judges are great’.
4. ‘He’s snaffle-mouthed’ — said whilst simultaneously fastening the martingale, drop noseband and draw reins.
5. Cleans house once a month (if lucky) — cleans horse’s stable twice a day to immaculate standards.
6. Tells friends she’s ready to find the perfect man — buys a grey gelding.
7. Seven-year-old child says he doesn’t want to do lead-rein anymore — seven-year-old child WILL continue to do lead-rein (he didn’t have to pay for that custom made tweed outfit…)
8. Is 5ft3 with heels — buys a 17hh Hanoverian
9. Has absolutely nothing to wear to the cousin’s wedding — horse has nine sweat rugs, six stable rugs and four turnouts of varying thicknesses.
10. ‘I really want a holiday but I have no time or money’ – books two weeks off work for the summer championships
Continued below…
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11. Eats beans on toast for the whole week before pay day — horse is on a complex diet of oils, fibre and expensive balancer and is fed three times a day.
For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday
Caroline Powell and Up Up And Away will be first out of the start box, it was revealed during the live draw for the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials running order.
The draw was streamed on the Badminton and Horse & Hound Facebook pages at 2pm today, with Rupert Bell as the compère and guests Mary King and technical delegate Marcin Konarski carrying out the draw.
New Zealand rider Caroline will also wear number 87 with her second horse, On The Brash.
Georgie Spence will be the first British rider into the arena and on to the cross-country, carrying the number two on Halltown Harley. She will also start at number 89 with Wii Limbo.
Last year’s winners Andrew Nicholson and Nereo will be number four as they defend their title.
German favourite Michael Jung and the legendary La Biosthetique-Sam FBW will start at number 30 so their dressage will be on the first day, Thursday, probably in the afternoon session.
Fans of Ben Hobday and the supercob Mr Mulry will need to make an early start as he has been drawn at number 19.
H&H bloggers Kirsty Short (Cossan Lad) and Simon Grieve (Drumbilla Metro) are numbers 55 and 39.
William Fox-Pitt, who is back at Badminton for the first time since his win in 2015, will wear number 51 with Fernhill Pimms, while three-time winner Pippa Funnell heads out 10 horses earlier as number 41 on Billy Beware.
Horses have been numbered one to 93, but the maximum starting field is 85. Two horses (Fernhill Pimms and Absolut Opposition) are still on the wait-list, plus Tina Cook and Oliver Townend still have to decide which of their entered horses they will compete, as Tina has three horses entered and Oliver four, but they can only start on two mounts.
Article continues below…
Kirsty has received some incredible and long-awaited news
Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift took their first international win in the feature class at Belton Horse Trials, the…
If the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials has always been on your hit list to visit, but you've still not…
Don’t miss next week’s Horse & Hound for our full Badminton preview, including cross-country course walk with Mary King and full form guide.
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.
If you want to show off your horse or pony’s moves, take a look at these affiliated and unaffiliated dressage competitions you need to enter
Date: 21 April
Venue: Highfield Equestrian at Howe, Cupar
Details: “Affiliated classes from prelim to elementary which also include a selection of qualifiers.”
Enter now
Date: 21 March
Venue: High Plains Equestrian Centre, Northumberland
Details: “There are intro, prelim and novice classes available to enter with hot and cold refreshments on offer.”
Enter now
Date: 22 April
Venue: Witham Villa Equestrian Centre, Leicester
Details: “Prelim and novice classes available with junior and senior sections and affiliated or affiliated options. Affiliated classes hold some summer and winter qualifiers.”
Enter now
Date: 22 April
Venue: Forest Edge Arena, Swaffham
Details: “This competition offers classes from intro to elementary including Trailblazers second rounds.”
Enter now
Date: 22 April
Venue: Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester
Details: “Classes from intro to novice with My Quest, My Quest under-21, Team Quest and Team Quest under-21 sections.”
Enter now
Date: 26 April
Venue: Capricorn Equestrian Centre, Kent
Details: “Would you like to compete under more informal conditions? Our ‘come as you are’ dressage evenings are a chance for you to compete on a weekday and competition wear is not necessary. These events are designed to encourage everyone to compete. All classes are open to all with rosettes to sixth place. Classes available range from intro to medium.”
Enter now
Date: 27 April
Venue: Sheepgate Equestrian, Boston
Details: “Classes from prelim to inter I and freestyle prix st georges with a range of qualifiers including The Sheepgate Tack & Togs Championships 2018 and The Hickstead Masters League Finals 2018. Classes will run simultaneously on all-weather surfaces. There is also arena free time before each show day allowing competitors full use of all the competition arenas”
Enter now
Date: 29 April
Venue: Inchcoonans Competition & Livery Yard, Errol
Details: “Classes from intro to elementary with affiliated and unaffiliated options. Some affiliated classes hold qualifiers.”
Enter now
Visit equo.co.uk for full competition and training listings
H&H’s star equine blogger Hovis has claimed his spot as the latest hero on the eventing scene.
Large crowds gathered to watch Mary King ride the part-bred Clydesdale in demonstrations at Belton Horse Trials on Saturday (14 April).
Hovis, who was groomed to perfection with gleaming white feathers, looked to be thriving on the atmosphere and relished being at the centre of attention as he showed off to the crowds.
Hovis, whose Friday diaries feature on the Horse & Hound website, was there to raise awareness and funds for Lincolnshire-based welfare charity Bransby Horses.
Mary beamed as she took her “new ride” for a trot, before showcasing a few dressage moves in the CIC3* arena.
Bransby Horses is the chosen charity for 2018! We are joined by Hovis and Bransby Shetlands Summer and Aero.
Posted by Bransby Horses – Rescue and Welfare on Saturday, April 14, 2018
The eventing legend returned for a second ride that afternoon, by which time Hovis was feeling even more sprightly — eyeing up the inviting logs used for the inter-hunt relay and putting in a couple of cheeky bucks.
“He was so happy and felt like he was really enjoying himself,” Mary told H&H. “He seemed used to crowds and enjoyed showing off a bit.
“He felt slightly different to a fit event horse, but he was a nice, good solid feel — it is all for a brilliant cause and I hope it makes people aware of the work Bransby does.”
Hovis met with established members of the “Hovite Army” — his dedicated fanbase — and made plenty of new friends, including catching selfies with Lycetts Grantham Cup winner Jonty Evans, Mark Todd and British eventing performance coach Chris Bartle.
Article continues below…
Hovis has got his big day tomorrow and he would love for you all to be there
Hovis is looking forward to meeting someone special
Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift took their first international win in the feature class at Belton Horse Trials, the…
“That was a dream come true,” said Hovis’s “mother” Karen after Mary had dismounted and given him a pat.
“When I started doing this I could never imagine a world — having joked about it for eight years — where a top eventer like Mary would ride Hovis.
“As much as it has been fun, the whole purpose of this is to raise much-needed funds for a Lincolnshire-based charity that is right on the front line of the equine welfare crisis.
“While we joke about him, the money we raise is going to help so many horses and ponies in need.”
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday
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A competitor in the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Paris last week was spoken to by the governing body last week after his horse demonstrated an “extreme reaction” to her hind boots.
Admara 2, the ride of Colombia’s Carlos Enrique Lopez Lizarazo, showed a very unusual hindleg technique in the jump-off class on Friday night, in which she recorded a clear round with one time-fault.
A journalist brought up the topic at the press conference after the class and FEI jumping director John Roche responded.
“We’ve decided to get rid of hind boots that enhance performance over a staggered period of time,” said John, referring to the rule change which is coming in gradually between 2019 and 2021. “This will create a situation where riders compete under fair and equal conditions.
“One could definitely consider that this [horse’s action] was totally exaggerated and for sure that’s something we’ll be taking up with this particular rider.”
The FEI then released a statement on Sunday during leg three of the final which said:
“Following the performance of the Colombian horse Admara 2 (Carlos Enrique Lopez Lizarazo) in Friday’s jumping final II, the FEI has spoken to the rider. As a result of the horse’s extreme reaction to the hind boots and in the interests of the horse’s welfare, the rider has informed the FEI that the horse will only wear hind boots for protective purposes in today’s class. As with all jumping horses competing at FEI events, the horse’s hind boots will be checked prior to the competition.”
Admara had one fence down in round one of leg three and jumped clear with two time-faults in the second round. Carlos finished seventh overall in the World Cup.
H&H attempted to contact Carlos through the Colombian equestrian federation but without any response.
Article continues below…
The rule eliminating riders in these circumstances must be upheld for horse welfare reasons, says the FEI, after a rider…
Beezie Madden completed her domination of the World Cup jumping final this afternoon in Paris, while Britain’s riders suffered mixed…
The World Cup dressage final came to a tense climax this afternoon in Paris as the top two combinations went…
Full report from Paris in Horse & Hound this week, issue dated 19 April.
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has faced backlash after a Grand National jockey was reprimanded for trying to help.
Danny Cook, who had fallen from his ride I Just Know at Becher’s Brook on the first circuit, could be seen helping to wave runners around the fence as they approached it for a second time.
His weighing room colleague Charlie Deutsch had fallen from Houblon Des Obeaux and was being attended to by medics behind screens at the fence. A steward was also waving a flag and blowing a whistle to signal to riders that they should bypass the jump.
A stewards’ report following the Randox Health Grand National said an “enquiry was held” to ascertain why Danny had waved the riders around Becher’s Brook.
“After being interviewed and shown recordings of the incident, his explanation that he was attempting to help the racecourse staff by guiding the runners and loose horses around the bypassed fence was noted,” said the report.
“He was reminded of his responsibilities to not become involved in these procedures.”
Racing fans asked on social media why stewards felt the need to question Danny’s actions, drawing parallels with Ruby Walsh who flagged runners around the Canal Turn after Balthazar King’s fall in the 2015 Grand National.
A BHA spokesman later added: “While [Danny Cook’s] intentions are greatly appreciated, it is in the interest of welfare that we ask jockeys not to get involved as there are trained individuals managing these situations.
“To clarify, there were no repercussions for the rider following the earlier inquiry.
“Our stewards often look into anything which is out of the ordinary during the course of a race, as was the case here, so they can hear directly from the people involved.”
Danny thanked everyone for their messages of support.
“The stewards were just doing their job and I was just trying to help,” he said. “Great to be a part of it, what a brilliant horse race.”
Article continues below…
The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding triumphed in a thrilling finish under Davy Russell
Edie Molyneux, three, has been awarded the 41st place in the 2018 Randox Health Grand National to raise awareness about…
Photographer Jeremy Hoare reveals his mostly unseen and unpublished images of Red Rum
Charlie was not seriously injured — he walked to the racecourse medical centre, where he was checked over.
He went on to ride a winner at Plumpton in a handicap chase for conditional jockeys the following day (15 April).
Don’t miss this week’s issue of Horse & Hound — out Thursday (19 April) — for a full report from the Grand National Festival
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Opinion
I recently completed an online questionnaire on pointtopoint.co.uk which asked a range of questions about the point-to-point fixture list, and
I would urge anyone with a stake or an interest in the sport to do the same.
The fixture list is a hot topic at the moment and it is being discussed at every point-to-point that I attend. It’s also the subject of much debate on social media and online forums, so if you have an opinion, now is the time to act.
The first question asks, “What is your role within the sport?” and if you fall into multiple categories then you are encouraged to complete the survey more than once. Some of the questions give the option to select from a choice of answers, but in my opinion they are all relevant, and it’s not just a box-ticking exercise.
There is the option to add comments on the make-up of the fixture list and to put forward your opinion about whether you think there are any barriers to change, plus you can make suggestions on how to shape the fixture list for the future.
The Point-to-Point Authority has also set up a Fixture List Sub-Committee to consult with the point-to-point community on the shape of the current fixture list. So, if you feel the need to expand on any of the topics raised in the survey, then you can contact any member of the committee to have a chat about ideas.
The sport already has its fair share of committees and my first reaction was “not another committee”. However, having looked at the make-up of the committee, I have changed my opinion and, coupled with the survey, I think this is a good idea which could result in some meaningful change.
I would like to think that as many people as possible will take part, but I would also like to see a copy of this survey sent to every point-to-point owner and trainer, rather than simply posting it online — some may not even be aware of it.
I acknowledge there will be issues to overcome regarding the availability of volunteers and medical cover, there may not be an option to use the land, and there will be concerns over firm ground, but I would love to see more evening fixtures in the spring and early summer.
Ref Horse & Hound; 12 April 2018
