In an age when social media is awash with snaps of green smoothies and people are brandishing their #eatclean lives, healthy living is on everyone's radar. Sue Polley finds out what riders can do to give their bodies a boost

British rising star Jessica Mendoza has added to her already impressive horsepower and showcased her new talents at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last week (7-11 October).

The 19-year-old showjumper, who helped the British team to an Olympic qualification at this summer’s European Championships riding her mother’s mare Spirit T, has been riding the two new horses for just one week.

Jessica’s boyfriend Michael van den Bosch previously rode Atilja, a 10-year-old mare by Guidam (pictured top). The Belgian rider enjoyed success with the mare at this year’s young rider European Championships — they were members of the gold medal-winning team.

“I’ve always liked her and Michael rode her for about three years before, but he has now decided to concentrate on the family business and is riding less,” said Jessica.

“We were placed at HOYS so I was really happy with her. We’re not quite there yet but it was interesting to see how she responds, so I can make it better next time. We now have a really exciting group of horses at all levels and I am really looking forward to the next few months.”

The Brit, who is based in Holland, collected further placings in Birmingham aboard Wan Architect (pictured above), having recently taken over the ride from Eric van Vleuten. The Dutch rider had triumphs in Nations Cup teams and also at five-star level with the 12-year-old gelding.

Jessica will be campaigning Wan Architect internationally under the new private ownership of Julia Hammond.

The horse hasn’t been seen on the European circuit since 2013, having competed in both America and Canada last year under Brenda Riddell and Francie Steinwedell-Carvin.

Jessica jumped the gelding in both the 1.35m and 1.40m classes at Opglabbeek in Belgium ahead of HOYS. Their best result in Birmingham came during Saturday (10 October) evening’s Naylors Equestrian Accumulator, where they picked up the £3,300 prize-fund for third place.

Tina Cook‘s top horse De Novo News has died due to an infection that developed after he fell sick while travelling

The 12-year-old, who helped Britain to team silver at last year’s World Equestrian Games, competed at Strzegom, Poland, with Tina in June.

On his return home she felt he was “a little quiet”. It turned out he had contracted shipping fever — pleural pneumonia.

This is very unusual, especially as Tina broke up the journey with adequate breaks. The other two horses on the lorry showed no ill effects.

De Novo News was moved to Newmarket Equine Hospital in early August as he had fluid in his chest cavity and given only a 10% chance of survival. While some of the fluid could be drained, an abscess also formed at an inoperable site at the top of the chest cavity under the shoulder blades, which the vets were trying to break down with strong antibiotics.

Last month H&H reported that the horse was “showing positive signs”, putting on weight and going out in the field.

“Everything is still very slow, but it’s more positive that he will survive,” said Tina on Monday, 21 September.

But De Novo News took a turn for the worse and was put down today (Tuesday, 13 October).

“We thought he was going the right way and not far off coming home,” a devastated Tina told H&H. “The infection got into his joints and they couldn’t manage it.”

Tina bred De Novo News — he was by Last News — and she rode his dam Douce De Longvaut round Burghley when the mare was in-foal with him. He was part-owned by Jim Chromiak.

The pair fell at The Lake at Badminton this spring, but returned with 15th in the CIC3* at Bramham.

They were named third reserves for the British squad for the European Championships at Blair last month before the horse fell ill.

It’s the 32nd week of the season and our statistical series rolls on with facts from Little Downham, Weston Park, Calmsden and more

Dates: 3 – 11 October, 32nd week of the 2015 season

The basics

Number of British Eventing (BE) fixtures: seven (Little Downham (3), Weston Park International, Weston Park (2), Askham Bryan (2), Calmsden (2), Port Eliot, Littleton)
Number of BE sections run this week: 81
Number of FEI sections run in Britain this week: four
Event with most sections: Little Downham – 22
Number of BE sections run so far this year: 2431
Number of combined BE and FEI sections run so far this year: 2505
Number of BE fixtures run so far this year: 160

Best dressage scores

Little Downham: 10, scored by Casey Parker and Eeyore DS, who finished second in BE90 section A with 12 showjumping faults. This score joins Lucinda Crawford and Vattrick’s honour of being the best dressage score so far this season
Weston Park: 20.5, scored by Samantha Cadwallader and The Doc, who won BE90 section J on their dressage score
Askham Bryan: 19.5, for Laura Hayward and Rockmills, who won BE90 section B on this score
Calmsden: 13.8, scored by Jason Hobbs and Woodfalls Brook, who won BE90 section L on their dressage score
Port Eliot: 21, scored by Bella Balian and Merlino, who won BE90 section B on this score
Littleton: 18.8, for Katy Jones and Valentinos King, who won BE100 section H despite 0.4 time-faults across country

Speedy gonzales

1: number of pairs inside the 6min 15sec optimum time over the advanced course at Little Downham. They were Izzy Taylor and Be Touchable who finished first in the advanced section

And also…

1: number of events cancelled this week – Pulborough
2: number of wins for the Ingham’s at Littleton. Catherine Ingham riding Filedmouse II won BE90 regional final section D and Hannah Ingham on Fairy Wand won BE90 section M
55: number of starters to complete BE100 under 18 section E at Weston Park
2: number of Australian riders who made up the top two placings in novice Section Q at Little Downham. They were Emma Dougall riding Fernhill Ferro Clover (first) and Kevin McNab on Creevagh Bobby Joe (second)
10: the number of starters to complete open novice section N at Askham Bryan
2: number of wins for Canadian riders at Calmsden. Michael Winter on Shannondale Arlo won BE100 section J and Rebecca Howard riding Shannondale Julia won BE100open section K
58: percentage of starters to finish BE90 section B at Port Eliot

Further afield

4: number of double clear showjumping rounds, out of 85 starters, at Boekelo in the Netherlands
1: new event added to the eventing calendar in Reddick, Florida. The competition will take place over the 2016 Thanksgiving weekend at the 950-acre Ocala Jockey Club property and will boast CIC3*, CIC2* and CCI* classes
8: starters in the CCI3* class at Karpatia, Romania. The eventual winner was Belgium’s Karin Donckers riding Grandioz

Full reports from Weston Park, Boekelo and Little Downham in H&H this week, out Thursday, 15 October 2015

Few owners are aware of the potential dangers of shipping fever in horses, believing that they are protecting their horses on a journey by bandaging limbs, supplying haynets, making sure the horses are safely secured and checking that their lorry is roadworthy.

However, when transported horses across long distances there is the potential for damage to the horse’s lungs in the form of shipping fever (pleuropneumonia). This is essentially a combined infection involving the lungs (pneumonia) and the pleural cavity (pleuritis). This can be potentially fatal and one recent high-profile victim was Tina Cook’s De Novo News, who succumbed to the condition after contracting it on his return from competing at Strzegom, Poland, in June 2015. He was put down in October 2015.

There is minimal danger involved in a short trip to a local show, but increasingly large numbers of animals are now transported worldwide. Competition horses, family cobs and ponies are being flown across continents, while lorry loads frequently go back and forth between the UK and Europe. There are also animals doing lengthy domestic journeys.

The risk of the horse suffering from shipping fever increases with the duration of transport, but the length of the journey is not the only contributing factor.

Horses are trickle feeders and need to nibble continuously. When travelling they will consume less hay and water, so on a lengthy journey they run a risk of becoming dehydrated. Dehydration will impair lung defence mechanisms that normally help to clear infectious material.

If ventilation is inadequate, the horse may also be exposed to a higher concentration of irritants or allergens from the hay and bedding. In addition, ammonia from urine acts as an irritant to the airways, as do temperature extremes and overcrowding.

One of the biggest problems is that by being tied-up for the duration of the journey, the horse is stuck in an unnatural, head-high posture. Unable to put their head down, this will affect the clearance of mucus from the airways and cause bacteria to spread to the lower airways, causing infection.

The stress of travel also contributes to disease. Cortisol, the hormone produced by the body under stress, decreases immunity and the ability to combat infection, making the horse more susceptible to the bugs heading into the lungs.

Preventing shipping fever in horses

It may help to drain mucus from the airways by encouraging horses to lower their heads occasionally during travel, for example by feeding them titbits at floor level. This is one reason why it is important to ensure that the horses have rest breaks and are unloaded and allowed to move.

The air quality when travelling by road can be improved by good ventilation, but this is not so simple on a plane, where windows cannot be opened or dirty bedding easily offloaded. It will help to use a low-dust bedding material such as paper or cardboard on rubber matting and feed well-soaked hay or haylage.

It is important to ensure that horses are fit for the journey and do not have any ongoing respiratory problems. It is also advisable to check their temperatures before they travel. Consider delaying the trip if they have a high temperature before they start, as they could already be incubating an infection.

Warning signs of shipping fever in horses

Signs of shipping fever include:

• Lethargy, depression and loss of appetite
• Cough
• A nasal discharge, which may smell foul
• A high temperature
• If the pneumonia is severe, it is very painful for horses to breathe, so they take shallow breaths
• The chest may be so sore that they do not want to move, pass dung or lie down. This can be mistaken for laminitis, colic or other illness

Diagnosis relies on the clinical signs, especially if recent travelling is reported, with an ultrasound scan used to detect fluid in the chest. If significant amounts of fluid are found, this may need to be drained and analysed to ensure appropriate treatment is prescribed.

Chest drains may be inserted and washing through sterile saline (pleural lavage) may help remove infection. Occasionally, the chest has to be opened to drain abscesses.

The likelihood of any affected horse returning to normal function depends on the severity of the disease. Survival rates range from 30% to more than 90%, and the chance of a full recovery is improved with early diagnosis and prompt and aggressive therapy. Any case is likely to need lengthy antibiotic therapy.

Other causes of pleuropneumonia

While the majority of cases are associated with the stress of long-distance transport, pleuropneumonia can also occur:

• After strenuous exercise, particularly in racehorses
• After general anaesthesia and surgery
• After infections such as strangles
• As a follow on from inhalation pneumonia due to choke or other problems such as an inhaled foreign body
• After a chest wound such as a broken rib or penetrating injury

This article was published in full in Horse & Hound (15 April 04). To purchase a back issue contact (tel: 020 8532 3628).

Italian junior dressage rider Filippo Di Marco has been seriously injured in a dirt bike accident.

The 15-year-old reportedly crashed the bike into a gate when the brakes failed at his home in Rosate near Milan last month (29 September).

Filippo was taken to hospital where they found he had a compound fracture to his right femur. He was operated on immediately and has since had a second operation following the accident.

Filippo is required to stay in the hospital for 45 days and will be out of the saddle for at least six months.

The accident occurred just days after Filippo returned from the 2015 Italian dressage championships last month (25-27 September) in Arezzo, Italy.

He finished fifth individually in the junior rider section riding Anaya Welt.

‘Back stonger than before’

The son of dressage riders Nausicaa Maroni and Roberto di Marco is based with his family at Il Cavallino Riding Center.

The riding centre posted an update on Fillipo’s condition on its Facebook page.

“The second operation was overcome with success,” they wrote.

“Filippo Di Marco hang in there! You’ll be back stronger than before!”

Many supporters replied to the post and wished the teenage rider well.

“That is great to hear good luck,” wrote one.

“You are young and strong… Soon on the road again,” posted another.

Filippo is reportedly in good spirits following the accident.

He aims to qualify his new horse, 10-year-old Dutch warmblood Alfons, for the 2016 European junior/young rider championships in Madrid next summer.

A Shire cross became trapped in a bog in Dartmoor for more than two hours on Monday morning (12 October).

15.2hh gelding Inky was being hacked out in Two Bridges, Princetown, by his owner Sam Poulter when the accident happened.

Credit: Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

Ms Poulter noticed the ground had become boggy, but when she went to turn Inky round he lost his footing and slipped into a muddy pool of water.

Ms Poulter was unable to pull the seven-year-old from the neck-high muddy water, and called the emergency services. Firefighters arrived at 9.54am.

Credit: Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

“Initially crews attempted to pull the horse clear using a rope winch and strops connected to a tractor a local farmer had brought along to help,” said a spokesman from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

“The horse remained stranded so once a telehandler [crane/forklift] arrived, again provided by a local land owner, the horse was lifted and pulled to firm ground. Our thanks to the local community for turning out and helping.”

It took over two hours to rescue Inky, who escaped the ordeal without injury.

“I am so grateful to the rescuers, if it wasn’t for them I would have lost him,” Sam told local press.

“I was frantic but Inky was very calm, he is a sensible horse and when he was freed, he just stood up as if nothing had happened.”

Credit: Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

Sam, who suffered some bruising in the accident, regularly rides in the area.

She added that she will be sticking to the roads for the time being.

Credit: Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

A horse believed by a horse sanctuary in Essex to be one of the oldest in the world has died aged 50.

Orchid arrived at Remus Horse Sanctuary in January 2014. She was a firm favourite at the Essex centre and died on Thursday (8 October) aged 50.

The mare was suffering from colic on Wednesday and the vet was called. Despite having a “comfortable” night, she colicked again on Thursday and was put down.

Orchid had quite a character and was popular at the yard.

“Every morning she would bang on her stable door for her breakfast and not stop until she got what she wanted. As an occasional treat raspberries were a particular favourite as she could suck on them,” said a groom at the centre.

Before arriving at Remus Orchid had been a broodmare, but had been mistreated and was taken in for further care.

Sue Burton, founder of the Sanctuary, said it was a “devastating decision” to have to put the horse down.

“Orchid was a beautiful girl, but we have to do what is right for the animals, not ourselves,” she said.

“With the care she received here, she put on weight, gained strength and her health improved massively within weeks of arriving at the Sanctuary.

“Her time here was a happy one, it was easy to see, especially with her new friend Guinness. We’ve got lots of memories and some lovely photos.”

Five days of top-class showjumping and showing at last week’s Horse of the Year Show (7-11 October 2015) calls for two things — some serious thrills… and some equally serious spills. Our photographers were on hand to catch those hairy moments when our fists are clenched and it was hard to fully open our eyes to watch the drama unfold in Birmingham’s NEC.

1. ‘Er… what’s meant to happen here?’

In the Cuddy Working Hunter of the Year Championship, Sophie Round and Captain EC get into a spot of bother with the wall.

2. The rear view

A day of ups and downs: Victoria Gulliksen and Grand Balou 4 are the joint winners of the Puissance — but take an unexpected tumble after the finish line.

3. ‘Is this bunting about to flap around my legs?’

Emma Augier De Moussac’s grey stallion Wembley doesn’t like the look of this fence in Sunday’s Speed Horse of the Year class.

Continued below…

PICS: 16 riders reach the point of no return

• 21 June, 2015 - 12:05

We’ve all been there — one minute you’re enjoying the ride of your life and the next you experience that More…

4. ‘We can make it…’

The London 2012 postboxes cause a problem for Jonathan Buxton and Toupie Du Quesnoy…

5. Hold on tight!

Julie Andrews and her bay gelding Wilando B tip a pole in Thursday’s CanterBanter.co.uk class.

6. It’s that bunting again…

Larksong puts in a stop with Helen Tredwell.

7. A side door exit

Things seem to be happening in slow motion for Emelia Mitchell and Litte Miss Ebony in the 138cm Championship.

8. Head first…

Sally Swiers and Millfield Long Socks get into trouble in the H&H Senior Foxhunter Championship.

9. Wave goodbye to the white breeches…

Emma Crawford takes a tumble from Maximus Gladiator in the Leading Pony Showjumper of the Year class.

10. The butterflies strike again…

Lily Dean’s Mister Seamus tips a pole in the Leading Pony Showjumper of the Year class.

11. ‘I’m not sure about this one…’

Maia Andrews and Miami Carwyn survive a blip for four faults in the Pony Newcomers.

Don’t miss our exclusive 32-page report from this year’s Horse of the Year Show, out this Thursday (15 October 2015)

Credit: Cambridge Fire and Rescue Service

A horsebox was engulfed in flames on a dual carriageway in Cambridge last week (9 October).

Witnesses reported 20ft-high flames coming from the horsebox, which was travelling on the A14 westbound between Histon and Girton just after 2pm.

The driver and the horse travelling inside the lorry were able to escape the vehicle before the fire took hold.

“The horsebox was well alight when the fire service arrived and a water carrier from Newmarket was also sent to the incident,” said a spokesman from the Cambridge Fire and Rescue Service.

Credit: Cambridge Fire and Rescue Service

“Two crews of firefighters had to wear breathing apparatus to battle the flames, which were brought under control within 45 minutes.”

They added that no injuries were reported.

The carriageway was closed at the Histon exit while emergency services assisted at the roadside.

The eastbound carriageway remained open but police advised drivers to seek alternative routes to avoid long delays.

“Police were called at 2.18pm to reports of a horsebox fire on the eastbound carriageway of the A14 at Girton,” said a Cambridgeshire Police spokesman.

A narrow escape

This is not the first time horseandhound.co.uk reported has reported on a lorry fire.

Two years ago, a family and their pony had a narrow escape when their lorry set alight on the M62 (7 September 2013).

Vincent and Cathy Mulready, and their 10-year-old daughter Pippa, were en-route to the British Riding Clubs national championships at Lincoln when they smelled smoke in the cab.

“We managed to pull over into a rest area and just as we did, flames started coming up through the floor,” said Cathy.

“We rushed round and managed to get the ramp down — by now, the whole front was on fire. We managed to get the pony out and no sooner had we done this than the whole thing suddenly went up in flames.”

After the failure of getting an intermediate run last season, we have been itching to climb the ladder out of novices.

We ran in the Belvoir novice rather than the fun class, where we got a bit of a taste for the step up. Then, after a fab clear at the kind novice at Meynell we were confident the intermediate at the Pytchley wasn’t going to be much more of a question than the novice we sailed around last year.

We pressed send (yay to online entries!) and our intermediate entry was in!

Grabbing a lift with my instructor, Sarah Williamson, I arrived earlier than the rest of my team so I joined the open Dapper Dobbins team for their course walk.

This was a bit of tactical move in the hope that by walking their ginormous open course, our intermediate track would look less ‘significant’.

At this point I will say well done to you, Dapper Hedge Hoppers, what a fab run you had, and hope you heal well Emma.

My team

I was relieved that the tactic wasn’t required as the intermediate course walked really nicely. A mixture of the novice course with some of the open fences. It was so well presented that the hedges looked appealing rather than daunting. Yes, there was a line of hedges that we had to switch back over three times that had a sizeable question in the middle, but none of it worried us and we were all feeling quite content as we headed off to tack up.

I got a surprise call from my dad who was staying with family locally and had headed over to watch us. Being ‘non-horsey’ he did a great job at holding Kitkat while I tacked up. He was utterly enchanted by the idea of putting studs in. He must have asked at least three times if I was done yet as each brushing boot went on, when each pad was placed and as the breastplate straps were done up. While waving my whip around he kindly offered to give me a leg up — I declined and borrowed a ramp!

With a number one on our bibs we were down to go first in our class. Kerrie comically pointed out this meant there wouldn’t be any gaps in the hedges where earlier riders might have brushed through. I tried to be more confident and suggest it meant untouched going!

As it happened, a team that was both bitless and bright pink ended up running before us having opted to not run in the open.

We had a final canter around the warm up before the starter called us.

Kelly on Bluey took the lead; I sat in my comforting spot of second with a new member to the team, Izzy, on her mother’s gorgeous big hunter behind me and Kerrie bringing up the rear.

The first, and second were small, but as they were on a twisty line we took it steady. We got to the small hedge at three and Bluey in front snuck an extra stride in so I got a bit of an awkward jump.

Heading to four, Kerrie was fast coming upsides Kelly, shouting at her she was on her right. In the next stride I shouted I was on her left and we jumped it as a trio. At this point Kelly and Kerrie must have taken a check because to my absolute horror I found myself in front heading towards a sizeable hedge; the first of the three switch back hedges.

I gave a gesture of confident riding and slapped (tickled) Kat down the shoulder and we sailed over it. On landing I spotted in the corner of my eye the fence judge waving a red flag. It took a moment, but then, OH NO, we were we being held. I screamed back to the others to stop and we swung around wide and pulled up by the fence judges car. It was quickly apparent the hold on course was serious and a sad event. Selfishly we tried to keep our morals high by chattering about how the first part of the course had gone. We must have been held for a good ten minutes (pictured above on hold and while warming-up at the end of our hold), and while trying to not think about what was happening further on in the course I was also trying to not think about the fact that we had been stopped right in front of probably our biggest hedge on the course…

The fence judge was a credit to the event. He kept us well informed of how long they expected us to be on hold and updated us to the point of a two minute warning.

Kerrie leading me

We cantered a few laps around his car, heard on the PA system that the course was green and the fence judge sent us on our way. Kerrie now in front, me again in second, we took a short approach to the hedge, flew it and knew all was going to be ok. A few more hedges and a sharp left-hand turn, I found myself taking over the lead again after the sloping gate and heading towards the next drop hedge.

Kerrie and Harty

Now the next moment wasn’t my proudest, but Kerrie was just behind me and as we began our approach I couldn’t help myself, I looked across to her and said: “Kerrie, where are you? I need you!” It was more of a whimper than a shout and it was total nonsense. Kitkat flew it and as if he knew the course and bowled on down the hill to the now hazardously small rail which we again flew. I led over the small brush with Kerrie growling behind me at Harty. Kitkat pretty much tucked his tail between his legs like a punished whippet and hurtled away from the terrifying Kerrie. By the next Kerrie was upsides again and we jumped it together.

Izzy Castle on her mother’s hunter

A change of hands from Kerrie and she was off. We had plenty in the tank and we stormed up the final hill together. Jumping the last well I finished in front and shot the commentator a look as he praised Kerrie for leading us home! Izzy and Kelly we right behind us and beaming.

Me in the lead after our hold

We’d done it! We had done it slow, but we had completed our first intermediate team chase!

Sophie

Comptitive riders are more extroverted and conscientious than their non-competitive counterparts, according to a recent study.

Researchers surveyed more than 4,000 English-speaking equestrians and found that personality traits are linked to the discipline a rider practises.

The study discovered that competitive riders are more open to new experiences, ideas and thoughts, with dressage riders scoring highest of all.

“Most competing riders will encounter situations that will tax their resolve,” said sports psychology expert Dr Inga Wolframm, who carried out the research alongside Dr Jane Williams and Dr David Marlin.

“Injuries to their horses immediately prior to an important competition, the struggle of combining a competition schedule with family commitments and financial strains — it all adds up.

“Riders who are conscientious by nature will work very hard at overcoming these obstacles. And riders who are extrovert may even enjoy the challenge of it all.”

The research also found that riders become more genial with age.

Equestrians aged over 35 were found to be less anxious and more emotionally stable and open to new ideas than younger riders.

“Riding is one of the few sports where performance isn’t hindered by advancing years,” said physiologist and biochemist Dr Marlin.

“We need to encourage any coaching whereby older, experienced riders take youngsters under their wings.”

The research, conducted in spring last year, was published last month (7 September).

Participants completed a questionnaire that allowed for personality profiles to be developed based on the traits of emotional stability, extroversion, agreeableness, openness and conscientiousness.

Participants were mainly female (96%), from the US, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Europe, and participated in pleasure riding, dressage, eventing, showjumping, Western riding and showing.

‘A little obsessive’

Olympian and H&H dressage columnist Richard Davison said he sees shared characteristics between top riders.

“Most are a little obsessive and pay great attention to detail — in all aspects of their life,” he told H&H.

“If you turn that round that’s probably why they’re very good riders. Dressage in particular requires very consistent, routine training techniques.”

Richard questioned whether competitive riders are naturally extroverts or if they learn this behaviour to be successful.

“Other psychologists say it’s not that unusual to adopt a personality trait for people dedicated to success in any sphere.”

He agreed older riders are more genial and cited the fact that top international competition yards have younger riders as apprentices.

“The findings that dressage riders are more open to new experiences do not surprise me at all,” he added.

“If you want to be successful, it’s all about appraising what you are currently doing and questioning if there is a more effective way.

“To be successful at any elite level of sport you need a strong resolve to bounce back when faced with the knocks and challenges.”

Despite the findings of the study, a handful of leading riders display more introverted characteristics.

For instance, the world’s leading dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin chooses to keep her trainer Carl Hester by her side during press conferences, and has only recently appeared more confident under the public eye.

Similarly, three-time champion Flat jockey Ryan Moore speaks very little in public, preferring to keep his head down to focus on the job.

Showjumper John Whitaker is also known for having a more reserved nature.

The researchers hope the study will help riders make the most out of their partnership with their horse.

“It could be useful for a rider looking to specialise or young riders starting out,” Dr Williams
told H&H.

“They can look at their personality to see which area suits them — for instance if they struggle to pay attention to detail then dressage wouldn’t be for them.”

Twas the night
Before the flight
The nerves have set in
Yet Hilly oblivious and is calm within.

The bags are all packed
By the stables with care
In hopes
That all horses travel well in pair.

The horses are nestled
All safe in their beds
While visions of kangaroos
Are dancing in our heads.

One last kiss to say goodnight
Hilly I do hope you will be alright!

I have a secret to tell you. I had help with that from Jenny (pictured above with Hilly), oh and also I don’t like flying.

Hilly rolling in quarantine

I have never understood the whole concept of 450 tonnes being up in the air. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not one of these nervous flyers that shriek every time we hit a bit of turbulence. I’m more of the type that clings onto arm rests so tight my knuckles go white.

So many emotions are going through me right now. I am excited but I am nervous of the unknown for Hilly (Fernhill Present) and I. I worry how he will cope with such a long flight. What will he be thinking? How will he cope?

Horses are confined to box rest or even crossed tied for much longer periods of time but we cannot escape the fear of travel sickness or other travel related issues. My cousin Tina Cook has just had to make the awful decision to put to sleep De Novo News after he suffered with complications from shipping fever.

For those of you who have not come across shipping fever or travel sickness, it is a bacterial infection of the lungs and pleural space around the lungs. Otherwise know as pleuropneumonia. Horses may contract this if they have been traveling for over four hours but as we all know, not all horses fit the mould!

Horses are more likely to get shipping fever if their heads are tied up in a high position. Horses need to be able to drop their heads to clear mucus from their respiratory system as this makes a wonderful breeding ground for bacterial infection.

With vet Amy Kelly on board the plane and the very experienced flying grooms who will be with Hilly, I am happy we are all controlling the controllable. We will take every measure possible to make sure Hilly has a happy, healthy, safe flight. The horses are our utmost priority.

At the beginning of this week Hilly was shod in quarantine by Mark Spriggs and we have two sets of Hilly’s shoes with us if he is needs to be shod again whilst we are out there. Unfortunately Mark will not be flying out with us! Some horses have their shoes off for flying but Hilly will have his shoes left on and taped up to to and prevent him pulling them off.

Hilly’s wings!

Earlier today Hilly was given his IRT headcollar or as I like to say, Hilly has been given his wings! I honestly cannot believe we have almost completed leg one of this epic adventure. The time has flown by and a part of me will be sad to leave our little safe bubble here in Newmarket.

My boyfriend Dave has been brilliant at keeping me calm. He knows me better than anyone and although I may appear laidback on the outside I’m actually like a duck on water with my legs paddling madly below the surface.

Not only am I worried about what’s in store for us with the flight, Sydney quarantine, the drive to Adelaide, the two weeks before the competition at the Magic Millions Complex and then the actual competition, but I’m also worried about my yard at home.

I have left Amanda Lysaght in charge at home and I am confident everything will be ok but I am still away for six weeks and I can’t help but worry like a mother hen. Most of my horses have been turned away on holiday. I still have a few in though such as hunters. Helen Wilson will be going into school a couple of horses twice a week for me. I love the way she rides and she has legs Cindy Crawford would die for.

Me with Dave

I am in my seventh season of Mastership of the Surrey Union Hunt. This responsibility is a huge part of my life and to be leaving just before the start of the main hunting season isn’t ideal. I wish everyone all the best for our opening meet — for any Master this is probably one of their toughest days of the season or even their life! Good luck! Lizzie Calvert MFH, you will do a brilliant job field Mastering for the opening meet! ( I write this tongue in cheek because normally I field Master for the day and I know Lizzie will do a brilliant job if she accepts the challenge!)

I want to mention in this blog if you have any questions for me about quarantine or the travelling involved please email me at alicedunsdon@yahoo.com and I will try and answer them in my next blog!

Until next time, when if all goes to plan I will be down under!

Alice x

Buying a horse is difficult enough as it is. Buying a horse from the small percentage of vendors out there who also just so happen to be pathological liars makes it even trickier. So to help you avoid getting hurt or ending up with the wrong horse (or both) we've de-mystified some of the commonly used phrases by dodgy sellers

1. “He would suit you perfectly”

What they mean: “Regardless of the list of must-haves you have just reeled off to me, and how applicable they are to this horse, I have to sell it, so it will have to suit you.”
How not to be fooled: Ask for references from impartial people who know the horse. For example you could speak to committee members of the Pony Club or riding club the horse has competed with, or the secretary of the local hunt to find out if the dealer is being honest when he says this horse will suit you.

2. “It’s my wife’s/husband’s/child’s favourite horse”

What they mean: “I’m playing the emotional card so that you think we actually love this horse and never want to sell it. Really we can’t wait to see the back of him.”
How not to be fooled: Ask to see the wife/husband/child riding their “favourite horse”. If they are “too busy” or not available then take the claim with a pinch of salt.

3. “I thought I’d save time and have him tacked up for your arrival”

What they mean: “It’s taken us four hours to get near this horse to tack it up. Plus the tack helps to hide some of its conformational faults.”
How not to be fooled: Ask to see the horse stood up without tack upon your arrival to examine its conformation, before having it walked and trotted in hand. Then monitor the horse as he is tacked up so you can spot any problems.

4. “Sorry he’s a bit damp, we’ve just given him a bath so that he was nice and smart for you”

What they mean: “We’ve been riding this horse all morning so that he is safe for you to get on. He’s still wet from the bath we gave him to wash the sweat off.”
How not to be fooled: Go and see the horse at least twice, at different times of day to lessen the likelihood that the horse has been worked hard before you arrived.

Continued below…

13 signs you’ve bought the wrong horse

• 14 October, 2015 - 12:55

It's not easy to find the right horse. Misleading horse ads*, dodgy dealers*, and owners who are totally deluded about More…

The ultimate guide to buying a horse

• 3 November, 2014 - 15:50

Finding the perfect horse is a long and challenging process. So, we're here to help with H&H's ultimate guide to More…

5. “He’s never done that before”

What they mean: “Oh, he’s doing that again”
How not to be fooled: Simply don’t believe that the horse has never done this before. It almost definitely has. It’s up to you whether you think you can deal with it or not.

6. “As promised, he’s as safe as houses”

What they mean: “The sedative has kicked in just in time”
How not to be fooled: Look out for signs that the horse has been doped such as the horse being unusually sweaty after very little exertion, and a general sleepy look in his eye. Male horses may also dangle their penis outside their sheath. Insist on taking a blood sample when the horse is vetted. This may not completely cover you, but any sedative present at the time of vetting will be present within the blood.

7. “There is a lot of interest in this horse and I already have several offers on the table so you will need to decide quickly”

What they mean: “No one has put an offer in and we really need to get rid of him”
How not to be fooled: Take your time. If the horse is sold while you are deliberating then it wasn’t meant to be. Equally if the horse does take a while to sell, you may be able to haggle the price down.

8. “The boy/girl who had the horse before couldn’t ride”

What the mean: “They are very good riders, but I just want you to think that you could do a better job given the state of its competition record.”
How not to be fooled: Do your homework. Find out more about the person who previously owned the horse where possible and see what results they’ve had with other horses.

9. “You can send him back after x weeks/months if he isn’t quite what you’re looking for”

What they mean: “I’m just saying this. We will not take the horse back. If you do manage to persuade us to do so, you’ll be lucky to get a partial, let alone a full, refund.”
How not to be fooled: Insist on a written and fully signed contract before you buy the horse. Make sure the contract explains in detail the circumstances under which you can return the horse and where you stand financially. This will leave you in a stronger legal position than you would otherwise be, but if you do have concerns it’s safer to walk away and save yourself the hassle of possibly going through the courts at a later date to recover your money.

A double celebration was held by a horsey family last week.

Showing owner Clare Davies saw her pony win at his first visit to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and also welcomed a new family member.

Harvey’s Magic Moment, owned by Clare, took the M&M ridden New Forest pony of the year title at HOYS on 7 October.

The following morning, her daughter Melissa Thorley gave birth to a boy at the Royal Derby Hospital.

Clare told H&H that the week had been “awesome”.

“I was a bit lost for words,” she said. “It has not really sunk in yet.”

Clare has had the 11-year-old pony, by Oke Dene Red Alert, since he was three.

He was ridden by Clare and Melissa until March, when he went on loan to his current rider Abigail Staff.

“Melissa was going to come and watch him [at HOYS], but her waters broke on Tuesday evening (6 October),” said Clare.

As Birmingham’s NEC is less than an hour from her house, Clare went to watch Harvey win his class.

Then at 8.42am on 8 October, she became a grandmother for the first time to Henry Robert Adams, who weighed in at 6lb 10oz.

Clare said that Melissa and Henry are both doing well.

Harvey and Abigail have had a successful first season together.

The pair qualified for HOYS at the Royal Norfolk Show (2 July) and also won another HOYS qualifier at Stoneleigh Horse Show (15 August).

They have also picked up placings at the Three Counties Show, Lincoln County Show and the British Show Pony Society Summer Championships.

The combination now plan to compete at some Olympia qualifiers.

“Harvey is quite a character, but lovely to have around,” said Clare. “You can do anything with him.”

She added that producing Harvey is a “team effort” with the help of Abigail’s parents.

There has been talk about whether HOYS should be upgraded to a four-star show. While there are plenty of different ways for British riders to qualify for here, the fact it is a three-star show does give the riders who aren’t at the top of the rankings, like myself, the experience of riding in this kind of environment.

If it were a four-star show, I probably wouldn’t have the chance to come here, and riding at HOYS helps both me and my horses to improve.

The top riders, like the Whitakers and Ben Maher, also use this show for their second-string horses to gain valuable experience. Plus, with three world-ranking competitions already in place, I don’t think the quality of international classes is disappointing.

I qualified via the wildcard system at Bury Farm with my home-bred mare Larksong, which then allowed me to bring three horses to HOYS. In the end, a wild card was my only route to the show, as qualifying through the gold league is restricted from April to July. My mare was only just stepping up to this level in April, so it was just too soon for her — if the gold league had run until mid- September it would have suited us better.

I think it is great that county shows host stairway classes — it gives riders who don’t have a big team of horses, but who want to ride at HOYS, a route to the show. I am a huge supporter of the county show circuit.

Acclimatising riders

I agree with Graham Fletcher’s comment that there should still be young rider classes at HOYS. It should be about showcasing future talent and it is a great experience for the youngsters. When I first jumped here there were both under-18 and under-21 classes. I definitely found jumping in that atmosphere as a young rider beneficial, the more times you can do it the better.

It was amazing to jointly win Friday’s five-fence challenge with Sebastian VII. It was the first time both of us had done that type of class and I really enjoyed it. He does tend to get a bit tense indoors, so to keep going back into the arena for each round was good for him and he kept on improving with every round and that is the beauty of that format.

I would be really pleased to see more passes offered to riders at HOYS. At the moment, each horse gets three passes, however, a few of my horses are owned by couples and by the time you’ve included grooms and family, it does become restricted. The price of buying extra wristbands has also risen. Showjumpers are expensive horses to own and I think syndicates should be encouraged, like in racing, but three passes among a syndicate is problematic.

Keep the Foxhunter magic

Having won the H&H Foxhunter with my mare Opportunity B in 2003 (pictured) it is one of my favourite classes. It is so historic and the one everyone wants to win. There has been talk about changing it to an age class, which I don’t agree with; it would be a huge shame — the H&H Foxhunter is unique.

I was delighted with how Balouetta jumped in it on Thursday, and even more chuffed that her owners and breeders, Philip and Jane Tuckwell, won the British-bred breeders award.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 15 October 2015

Advertisement Feature

British showing would not be complete without the face of top showman Robert Walker.

He is a true expert in the showing world and is hugely knowledgeable in all aspects of show horse production. From choosing the right youngster out of a field, to breaking, schooling and exemplary ring craft, Robert is a master.

He has enjoyed countless wins including all major showing titles. Here we find out more about Robert, his routine at home and the stories behind his success, courtesy of his sponsor TopSpec.

One of the first impressions that hits you when talking to Robert is his drive, enthusiasm and organisational skills, allowing him to always be one step ahead of the game.

While preparing a team of horses for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2015, he was already planning for next season and the youngsters he would be preparing and working on for the following year.

Robert and his wife, Sarah’s base at Sandy Brow Stables in Taporley, Cheshire houses 25 horses ranging from show hunters to riding horses, cobs and hacks.

Also filling the stables is Mrs P, belonging to their two-year-old daughter Izzy and son Sam’s team of Show and Show Hunter Ponies.

Robert is well known for his success with his show hunters and admits that they are his “first love.” Robert says: “When I was younger everyone’s aim was to ride in a hunter championship and that’s what I followed.”

His strategy is well thought out and Robert likes to target the major traditional shows, such as the Great Yorkshire and Royal Windsor which are good examples and were again successful for Robert in 2015.

The Great Yorkshire is undoubtedly Robert’s favourite show and he has said on many occasions how much it means to him when a win at the Harrogate event comes along.

Highly regarded in the world of showing for his immaculate presentation, attention to detail and the wonderful condition of his horses, Robert works closely with the team at TopSpec to develop individual feed regimes for each horse or pony.

His favourite products include TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer and TopSpec CoolCondition Cubes which he feeds to most of the team.

Robert explains that when he is planning his events schedule, he starts at HOYS and works backwards rather than going forward from April.

Robert’s consistent good form at HOYS does not happen coincidently. Besides the top quality horses that he rides, Robert’s meticulous planning gives them the winning edge. He is careful not to over show them in the run up to HOYS, but instead keep them fresh and enthusiastic.

Robert explains: “I usually fit in a few day’s autumn hunting before HOYS and I will sometimes take a younger horse that is going to HOYS and needs freshening up.” Robert is no stranger to the hunting field, having mastered the Cheshire for seven years, before retiring in 2011.

It is clear that Robert is a real family man and it is his family that motivates him through his career and day to day life. He met his wife, Sarah on the showing circuit when they were teenagers and she is a huge support to him.

Their 11-year-old son, Sam is already keen to follow in his father’s footsteps and is certainly showing his talent in the saddle. He won at the 2015 Royal International Horse Show and also enjoys hunting every Saturday and during the week in the school holidays. Two-year-old Izzy is also smitten by ponies and is very at home on her charming grey pony, Mrs P.

Although Robert mentions the strain on the bank balance and the gruelling hours involved with horses, he is happy to support his children if that is what they would like to do. He concludes that his family are a great means of switching off from the job and reminding him how important it is to appreciate everything you have. “Izzy will make me laugh or Sam will ask an interesting question and it takes my mind of everything,” he smiles.

Five things you may not know about Robert Walker:

• Robert was selected for the Hull City Juniors football team but never got his big break
• Robert did some point-to-pointing in earlier years, but did not pursue it because his brother Simon was already in the sport and “got the better horses.”
• At HOYS 2010, Robert won the Show Hunter Championship on Pride & Joy just weeks after fighting back from illness.
• Robert and Sarah are due to leave their current base soon as the owners are building on the yard.

Robert believes that if management is done correctly, everything else will follow. He is meticulous about high standards when tacking up, turning out and mucking out.