From spurs to rugs and girths we present to you the newest equestrian kit on the market today
HW AW15, Belmont House Stud, Ireland 2014
Neue Schule SpurSMART Spurs
Neue Schule SpurSMART Spurs offer high quality with beautiful styling, resulting in a classically elegant look appropriate for a wide range of disciplines. Cast in one mold using high-grade stainless steel to ensure durability without losing flexibility, allowing a perfect fit even on the slimmest of boots. The recessed strap shelf formed by the Neue Schule logo allows better fitting on the rider’s boot; reducing pressure points or rubs and encouraging the strap to sit comfortably and correctly over the boot. RRP: £47 Visit: www.nsbits.com
Sprenger Black Ultra Fit Extra Grip Spurs
Sprenger has added a new black series to its popular Ultra Fit Extra Grip spurs. Offering a modern, streamline look these matt black stainless steel spurs have a Balkenhol fastening and unique rubber cover to ensure they fit perfectly to your riding boots, while still giving maximum effect. RRP: £70 Visit: www.zebraproducts.co.uk or call 01352 763350
Sprenger 12mm HO Weymouth bit
Due to demand Sprenger has introduced new 12mm versions of its HO Weymouth bit. The bit’s slanting mouthpiece and smooth, rounded port is angled forward to give even distribution of pressure on the tongue. Suitable for horses that dislike tongue pressure. RRP: £265 Visit: www.zebraproducts.co.uk or call 01352 763350
WOW Supercool Saddlecloths
Supercool Saddlecloths, part of the WOW Saddles accessories range, are made from a 3D spacer fabric which literally keeps a layer of air between your saddle and your horse. The space that the fabric provides allows sweat to be wicked away from your horse and evaporate, keeping him dry. This is a unique, light, breathable saddle pad that works well under all saddle brands. Available in black and white, in either dressage or GP styles. RRP: £75 Visit: www.wowsaddles.com or call 01227 831614
Fiebing’s UV Leather Shield
Fiebing’s UV Leather Shield from Abbey England is suitable for smooth leathers which are exposed to direct sunlight. This quality product will protect the colour of your leather from fading. Fiebing’s UV Leather Shield is available in a 236ml bottle. RRP: £6.95 Visit: www.abbeyengland.com or call 01565 650343
Amigo Hero 6 Petite Plus Turnout/Stable rug
For chilly days out in the paddock, Horseware have the Amigo Hero 6 Petite Plus turnout, complete with front leg arches; and made from tough, waterproof and breathable 600D outer. To complete the Petite Plus Range look, Horseware designed the Amigo Petite Plus Stable, made from durable and breathable 600D to keep them snug in the stable. Both are lined with a smooth, shine enhancing polyester inner and 200G of fibre-fill to keep them cosy. Classic front closure, detachable hood and cross surcingles as standard. RRP: £80 (turnout) and £65 (stable) Visit: www.horseware.com
Amigo Petite Cosy Stable
For the coldest of days, the Amigo Petite Cosy Stable will keep horses snug as a bug. Made from a durable and breathable 600D outer, it’s complete with a super cosy padded fleece collar for added warmth and 350G of fibre-fill, making it the ultimate choice for the petites for the chilliest temperatures. Complete with a smooth, shine enhancing polyester lining, classic front closure and cross surcingles as standard. RRP: £69 Visit: www.horseware.com
Amigo Petite Show Rug
For the competitive petites,Horseware’s Amigo Petite Show Rug will have them looking smart from the moment they step off the lorry. Made from a high wicking and breathable wool like outer, it’s perfect for customizing, with gorgeous leather front closures, decorative double cording trim detailing and a hidden surcingle for a secure fit. The perfect rug for a championship feel. RRP: £85 Visit: www.horseware.com
Amigo Petite Jersey Cooler
To complete the range, Horseware have taken their classic Amigo Jersey Cooler and shrunk it down to make the Amigo Petite Jersey Cooler. Made from breathable brushed polyester that effectively wicks away moisture while keeping your petite warm. Classic single front closure with a hidden surcingle for a secure fit. The perfect choice for the travelling or active petite. RRP: £29 Visit: www.horseware.com
Made to order girth service from Kate Negus Saddlery
Kate Negus Saddlery is delighted to introduce the new made-to-order girth service available from the company – created to give customers ultimate flexibility.This new service will replace the ready made girths available to give riders more options when it comes to colour and style combinations. The main styles of girth will be available (Long Stud Girth, Short Stud Girth, Dressage Girth and Atherstone Girth) to order in any size required, and other girth styles can also be created. RRP: from £180 Visit: www.katenegus.com or call 0780 115 0571
Childéric Silhouette Girth
To achieve the perfect outline when it comes to your girth choice, the Childéric Silhouette Girth is a super stylish dressage girth, which has been designed to help solve the problem of saddles moving forward. Most saddles move forward because the build and movement of the horse is such that the girth cannot stay back and therefore wants to move and take with it the saddle. Created to utilize the power and shape of the horse, this girth has been designed to help keep the girth and ultimately the saddle in the ideal place for the horse and rider. This girth also helps the even distribution of pressure even on a horse’s narrow girthing area and helps prevent bruising of the sternum, whilst giving consistent support. The girth can also be adjusted in width for a bespoke fit if required. RRP: from £240 Visit: www.childericsaddles.co.uk
Young Classic-winning jockey Joseph O’Brien has revealed he will be cutting down his rides on the Flat to concentrate on training point-to-pointers.
At just 22, the Irishman has already had a flourishing career in the saddle having won the Investec Derby at Epsom twice in 2012 and 2014, aboard Camelot and then Australia — both trained by his father Aidan. He was also victorious in the 2,000gns in 2012 riding Camelot and partnered Leading Light to win the 2013 St Leger.
“I am looking forward to having some point-to-point runners in the future. We have a nice team of horses under all codes at Owning Hill, both our own and for outside owners — I’m looking forward to the upcoming seasons,” said Joseph.
The 6ft jockey has faced battles with his weight throughout his career. Earlier this year, he had his first ride over jumps riding Egyptian Warrior in a hurdle race at Limerick.
Even though Joseph has not ruled out returning to the racecourse next year, he has confirmed he will be helping out at his father’s Ballydoyle yard in Co Tipperary — while also concentrating on training a handful of pointers.
“I have been looking after the jumpers and some Flat horses for dad for the past number of months and have really enjoyed it. I ride work at Ballydoyle every morning and that is something which I will continue doing long term.
“I don’t intend to race ride as much next year but I will combine riding work at Ballydoyle and looking after the horses at Owning Hill,” he said.
It’s the show we cover the country trying to qualify for and from the minute you arrive, HOYS is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. It really is the place where dreams are made or broken.
It was also an emotional show for Poppy Carter, who marked the end of her hugely successful partnership with Rotherwood Rainmaker with another win in the 128cm show ponies.
At the other end of the scale, you have riders enjoying their first time at HOYS. We took three debutante lead-rein jockeys this year and they loved every minute of the whole experience.
Another first-timer was Lily Ahern-Lee, aged three. Led by her mum, Alex, she won the lead-rein show pony class on Barkway Sweet William — an experience the whole family will not forget. These children are the future of showing.
It’s not about the tricks
There are differing views on whether handlers should be expected to demonstrate that they can lead ponies from either side and keep the same way of going.
At this level, you have to be prepared for everything and practise it beforehand, but at the same time, we must remember that the class description means that judges should be looking for the best pony, not the quietest one.
If they want to make it a class for the pony who does the most tricks, or an equitation class, they should change the name. British ponies are the envy of the world for their conformation, breeding and type, and we mustn’t lose those criteria.
The explosion of the use of social media around the ring makes it far easier to find out results and in many cases, watch the results by video immediately after they happen. Personally, I’m not a big Facebook fan, though I do see that any positive PR that extends showing’s attraction to a wider audience is a good thing.
Dinner at 1am
Around this year’s show, I heard mainly positive comments, though there was disappointment at the number of clerical errors in the catalogue. Fortunately, the professionalism of the commentators meant that most names were read out correctly in the ring.
Inevitably, HOYS provides a strange environment. We’re living on a car park for a week where Greenwich Mean Time is irrelevant; we live by class times and working-in times, and eat whenever there is a slot in the day to do so, even if that means having dinner at one in the morning.
It’s a physical, mental and emotional endurance test but for some, the rewards are great. One thing is for sure — we will all want to be back next year.
Ahead of QIPCO British Champions Day this Saturday (17 October), the master of Flat racing Frankie Dettori gives us a taste of what life is like for a jockey on raceday
This Saturday (17 October) the weather is set to be fair and crowds will descend on Ascot racecourse for the finale of the Flat season — QIPCO British Champions Day.
As the richest raceday in the British calendar, this is racegoers chance to see the world’s finest horses and jockeys battle it out for their slice of history, with six races on the card.
But what is life like for the jockeys behind the scenes?
The master of Flat racing, 44-year-old Frankie Dettori, grabs a head cam to give us a taste Champions from the otherside…
Starting from the moment he wakes up, this video tracks Frankie riding out, heading to the course, being mobbed by autograph hunters and enjoying some banter with his weighing room colleagues, before heading out on track and signing off with his iconic flying dismount in the winners’ enclosure.
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“QIPCO British Champions Day is the showpiece racing event of the autumn in Britain and this video helps fans get an idea of what a jockey gets up to on such a big day,” says Frankie.
“The introduction of a camera on the helmets of jockeys during recent races has helped to give fans a different view of the action on the track, but I was keen to try and show the world the jockeys’ view of their daily routine as well.
“Nowhere else in Britain are there four Group 1 races in a single day and we wanted to show the importance to a jockey of riding the winners in these big races and the feelings you have before then. To have the chance to be a part of these races is the reason we spend all year riding across the country.”
Tickets from £30. Gates open at 10.30am with the first race at 12.45pm. Visit www.ascot.co.uk
Don’t miss our full report from Champions Day in the 22 October issue of Horse & Hound magazine
I am sulking. Big time. The biggest big time you can imagine. EVER.
Why I hear you ask? What on earth could have happened? What deed so fiendish can have been inflicted upon you, you lovely, cuddly, gentle but dashingly talented soul?
Well I shall tell you. Blood hounding. The chasing of the man in the red sweater. My second biggest love in life after cross-country. And carrots. And possibly mares (only ones in a good mood).
Anyway I digress. Yes the source of my unhappiness is blood hounding. And Aunty Becky. And the fact she went WITHOUT me. She took her little black dude of questionable taste (exhibit A — he wears pink your honour) and didn’t take me. The best chaser of the man in the red jumper in the whole of Lincolnshire and she left me behind. And what’s far, far, far worse is not only did she go and do one of my favourite things without me, I was then subjected to an HOUR of stressage with mother. How in all of creation is this fair?
I am unhappier than a nun in a strip joint. If I didn’t love that girl to the end of the earth and back then I think this would be utter grounds for sharer divorce.
And the stressage. Well. Let’s just say it was a battle of pure wills form start to finish with neither side walking away either happy or totally unscathed. I may have received the business end of mothers schooling whip across my manly derriere on several occasions and I may have accidentally taken the corner she was whinging about so tightly I may have sandwiched her leg into the school fence. Well she wanted me deep into the corners so deep I went…
Needless to say we weren’t entirely on speaking terms by the time we’d finished. Which was a shame because after an eventful hack the day before we’d been getting on quite well.
We’d gone out with the high maintenance diva and her horse (bom bom!) and had braved tractors, mad quacking things, a flying lawnmower and several rats on leads hell bent on suicide by Hovis hoof. I had taken it all in my stride (admittedly several quick strides forward and sideways down a track at one point but heh it was still strides). I had coped with the moody mare trying to eat me every time I drew further forward than her shoulder and had resisted all urges to cart mother to Cornwall and back. I had manfully coped with the fact due to my thick manly coat (which is in NO way ginger) I had sweated up more than a premier football player at a tax man convention and had generally both retained and indeed polished my halo.
Sadly Sunday’s antics put me firmly back in the bad books and I see a lot of school work in my future. Equally sadly this week I’m getting clipped so this will mean she-who-must-be-obeyed will take the opportunity to make me work within an inch of my life and possibly my ancestors’ lives too. It will also mean I am subjected to the usual cooing from anyone with double XX chromosomes about my “adorable” seal pup colouring, how it shows off my “girlie” cheekbones and highlights my big “cow” eyes. I hate this time of year. I hate the fact I look like an advert for green peace when I’m clipped. Life sucks like Dolly with a sherbet lemon. Fact.
Anyway while my life might be going down the toilet faster than Jamaican on a bob sleigh I do need to thank you for your continued help in changing the lives of those less fortunate than me. Your buying of my new book Hovis’ Friday Diary: The Fast and the Feathery has been impressive and with all proceeds going to the equine charity Bransby Horses then it really does make a difference. Buy your copy of this or any other of my books (or my clothing range) at www.bransbyhorses.co.uk from the online shop. Thank you again for all your support — you are amazing.
Unlike Aunty Becky.
Who I might not speak to until at least the New Year.
Or the next time she brings me a polo.
Anyway if anyone who appreciates me wants to take me chasing men in any colour jumper then I’m game if you are. Drop your details to my mediocre secretary (mother) and let’s go!
Somerley Park horse trials is the latest loss to the British Eventing (BE) calender.
The Hampshire event has been running for 18 years.
Organiser Suzie Cotterill, who has been involved with the event since it began, cited costs as the reason for closure.
“It has been an extremely difficult decision to come to since we have been running a very popular event in a stunning location for many years,” she said.
“However due to rising costs associated with the event and location, we simply have to draw the event to a close.”
The event was founded in 1997 by Adele Schardt, who was a long-standing organiser of the affiliated fixture.
She died in 2013 at the age of 59, following a long illness.
“This year was a great success and a legacy to Adele, we will find [another] event that meant much to Adele and have our CIC2* trophy presented in her and Somerley’s name,” added Suzie.
Somerley Park, near Ringwood, hosts classes from BE100 up to advanced-intermediate and also runs a CIC2*.
It holds two events a year in April and June. This year the June fixture was cancelled.
Suzie, who is also on the BE board of directors, thanked the sponsors and organising team.
“I would like to thank everyone for all their kindness and enthusiasm over the years,” she said.
“From the riders, owners and their supporters, to our many volunteers who have endured every weather, as well as the trade-stand holders and our local supporters.”
BE’s chief executive David Holmes also thanked the organisers and host, Lord Somerton, for “many years of dedication” to the sport.
“We are very sorry to see this much-loved fixture lost from the calendar, but will be trying our utmost to find another suitable replacement venue for this region in the near future,” he said.
Actress Emma Watson has revealed that she learnt to ride for her role as Princess Kelsea Glynn in her upcoming film Queen Of The Tearling.
She told This Morning: “That was pretty intense. I had to not just sort of, like, walk around on it, I had to really, like, gallop. I had two months. They would normally say it would take six months to learn to be a confident horse rider so, you know, it was a quick process, but I actually really enjoyed it.”
Here are five more actors who learned to ride for a role:
1. Aiden Turner
In the smash hit BBC TV show Poldark, hunk du jour Aiden Turner spends a lot of his time galloping along the Cornish cliffs on his horse. (And with his shirt off. Just saying.) He told the producers when he auditioned that he’d learnt to ride for The Hobbit, only admitting two weeks before filming began that he’d lied to get the role! He was packed off to a riding boot camp in Yorkshire – and unlike some actors (Greg Wise in Sense & Sensibility, we’re looking at you) Turner manages to look pretty convincing on a horse. Well, probably. The shirt-off stuff is a bit of a distraction.
2. Kristen Stewart
Kristen Steward had to get over a lifelong fear of horse-riding for 2011 film Snow White and The Huntsmen, a version of the fairytale that sees the usually sappy Snow White character (played by Stewart) become a bad-ass warrior and horsewoman. Stewart reportedly suffered a “bad horse-riding accident” as a child that left her terrified of getting on board, and although she managed to broadly overcome this, confessed afterwards that, “I would rather hang out and watch them sort of like prance round a pasture. They’re beautiful and I don’t like telling them what to do!”
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3. Tatum O’Neal
In the classic 1978 film International Velvet, 14-year old Tatum O’Neal plays Sarah Brown, a young American girl who moves to England, starts eventing and helps steer the British Olympic equestrian team to victory. Trainer Marcia Williams was hired to teach her to ride for the film, and although she’d never ridden before, O’Neal turned out to be something of a prodigy. “She was doing in one month what many new riders take four or five months to learn. If she wanted to take up riding seriously, she could become outstanding,” Marcia remarked.
4. Oded Fehr
Israeli actor Oded Fehr plays the mysterious Ardeth Bay who spends most of the The Mummy and The Mummy 2 galloping about in the Sahara desert, trying to protect the world from evil curses. However, he couldn’t actually ride in the first film. Embarrassed by his fake stunt horse, he decided to take up riding with a vengeance, and did all his own stunts in the second film.
5. Zac Efron
Zac Efron had never been on a horse before he was cast in The Derby Stallion, playing a 15-year old boy who beats the odds to ride an injured racehorse to victory. Described as the “best worst horse movie ever,” where the boy’s mysterious bond with his horse overcomes a lack of basic training to catapult him to success, strangely the film went straight to DVD. Zac went on to find huge success — and become every little girl’s dream crush — in High School Musical.
Is equestrianism in danger of losing the interest — and investment— of riders to other sports because of a lack of accessible facilities?
Leading figures in the equestrian industry believe so.
Ashley Parasram, co-founder of Riding Club London (RCL), which caters for people in and around London who may or may not have their own horse, believes that a lack of riding schools providing decent horses and quality instruction is causing fallout from the sport.
“There is simply not the means for more experienced riders, who don’t have their own horse, to enjoy riding at a reasonable level,” said the former treasurer and chairman of the Civil Service Riding Club and who was a key figure in the Olympic equestrian legacy’s consultation process.
“The feedback from members is that people are consistently drawing a blank when it comes to finding places to ride.”
Meeting needs of riders
HOOF, the Olympic legacy project, has made a concerted effort to grow the sport, but its energies have primarily focused on encouraging new participants to sign up for lessons rather than meeting the needs of existing riders with a desire to improve.
Laura Graham was an active member of Edinburgh University’s equestrian club and was confidently jumping round 90cm courses by the time she graduated.
She was keen to continue riding when she left, but struggled to find a facility near to her base in Leeds that could provide high-quality tuition on good horses.
“The first place I went to I was put on a 14.2hh cob that had two speeds — slow and slower,” she told H&H. “I stuck with it for a few weeks, but I soon became bored. I tried a few other places, but none ticked the box. I sometimes ride a friend’s horse, but it’s not the same as having proper tuition.”
H&H’s acting digital editorial director Carol Phillips has had a similar experience. “A while ago I wanted to find somewhere local [on the Herts/Beds border] to have some schoolmaster lessons, but there seemed to be nowhere that could cater for a rider at my level,” she said.
H&H columnist Pammy Hutton, (pictured, top), proprietor of Talland, has long championed the riding schools’ cause and strongly believes in the importance of accessible, top-quality training and tuition for all.
“Many a top rider across all disciplines has sprung from a riding school,” she said.“As the growth of cycling has proved, it’s all about accessibility, but yet again the British Horse Society has confirmed a fall in the number of approved establishments.”
Is there a solution?
Mr Parasram believes that existing riding schools need to adopt a more focused, strategic approach.
“There appears to be a disparity between the service establishments are delivering and what riders are expecting,” he said. “Generally, riding schools are run by people with a passion for what they do rather than a CV bursting with business acumen; we need to train passionate people on how to grow their business rather than get by on a day-to-day basis.”
He would like to see more riding schools with horses capable of carrying adults (including men) over 1m-plus fences, and preferential young person riding rates to encourage new graduates who like horses to keep riding rather than finding a new sport.
But it works both ways.
“If riders do not continue to support riding schools once they reach a certain level, it won’t be financially viable for riding schools to continue to cater for them,” pointed out Andrew Stennett, owner of Grove House Stables near Doncaster and head of education for the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS).
“Buying and keeping advanced schoolmasters is expensive.”Mr Stennett also believes that the industry still struggles to shake off the riding school label.
“As a brand, the British riding school is respected worldwide, but it is still often associated with shaggy ponies. The truth is that many yards now have very modern facilities, are tech-savvy, and offer riders real value for money,” he added.
Some centres seem to have struck a successful balance between delivering high-level tuition and tapping into alternative sources of revenue. Talland has opened its doors to overseas students and has become the UK’s first non-college provider of education and training up to the BHS instructor qualification, while Quob Stables in Hampshire has invested in a state of the art dressage simulator.
Chessington EC in Surrey provides hirelings for the Surrey Union Hunt and horses for modern pentathlon.
“We have a good mixture of horses here and I’d say the split between novice and more experienced riders is roughly 80:20,” said the centre’s manager, Donna Candeland.
“We listen to what our clients want and have a good selection of horses that can jump reasonable-height fences.”
Everyone agrees that while there is no one solution to providing riding on tap, to whoever wants it, equestrianism can learn much from other sports.
“Where I do feel we are missing a trick is getting our star riders to become more involved with riding schools,” said Andrew Stennett. “If you look at cycling and rowing, there is a lot more interaction between the top level and the grassroots end and this is good for the industry as a whole.”
A £1m bonus is on offer for any National Hunt horse who emulates Kauto Starand wins the “Chase Triple Crown” this season.
The three races are the Betfair Chase at Haydock, the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton and the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The reward has been put up by Jockey Club Racecourses and is in memory of Kauto Star, who won the trio in the 2006-2007 season — landing a £1m bonus that was offered by Betfair at the time.
The owner will win 65% of the prize, the trainer will receive 15% and the jockey and stable staff 10% each.
“We want to encourage horses to attempt to win all three of our Chase Triple Crown races and forge a place in racing folklore reserved for only the very best,” said Paul Fisher of Jockey Club Racecourses.
“We’ve a huge amount of respect for our sport’s heritage and we’re keen to find new ways to encourage new historic feats like this because they create such fantastic excitement and bring British Racing to the attention of all.
“Hopefully the chance to win £1 million over-and-above our prize money for the three races makes the Chase Triple Crown opportunity even more compelling for owners and trainers, supports jockeys and stable staff too, and will provide a great story to follow if the treble is on. Kauto Star was a special racehorse and I’m delighted to announce this bonus in his honour.”
Past iconic chasers, such as Best Mate, Desert Orchid and Arkle, who each won the King George and the Cheltenham Gold Cup the same season, never had the chance to complete the modern-day treble as the Betfair Chase was inaugurated in 2005.
Paul Nicholls’ Silviniaco Conti came close to winning all three races last season, securing the first two legs, but was defeated by Coneygree in the Gold Cup.
Kauto Star was retired in 2012 after a glittering career that included wins in four Betfair Chases, a record-breaking five King Georges and two Cheltenham Gold Cups. He died earlier this year following a paddock injury.
The Jockey Club Chase Triple Crown:
Betfair Chase, Haydock Park (21 November)
King George VI Chase, Kempton (26 December)
Gold Cup, Cheltenham (18 March)
The Eilbergs’ Pink Green Farm is something of a dressage oasis, beautifully designed with excellent facilities. It’s hard to imagine that when Ferdi first arrived 30 years ago, there was nothing here.
“It was all just fields on a steep slope,” remembers Ferdi. “I had Maria with me in her carry cot, so I set her down in the shade and started planning my arena.”
Three decades on, the yard has produced two of Britain’s most successful dressage riders. We take a look around.
1. The godsend horse walker
The recently installed Claydon covered horse walker proves invaluable for the Eilbergs and their team of five core staff. “It’s a much better version than what we had before. It takes six horses and is very spacious with rubber rather than wood so they can have a kick and squeal safely,” says Michael.
2. Facilities galore
The main barn is enviably light, spacious and airy, featuring vaulted ceilings, beams and archways, and leading straight out onto the viewing area in the indoor arena. And there’s no shortage of facilities — the yard also boasts a wash bay, a clipping/tacking up area and a solarium.
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3. The canter track
In addition to a 30x60m outdoor arena and 20x60m indoor, the Eilbergs also have the luxury of a canter track, just in front of the family house. “It’s lovely to be able to work the horses out there in the summer and it’s fantastic for giving them an airing and a bit of a play,” says Michael. “I find it especially good for practising changes — you’ve got more length than on the diagonal in the school. It helps with straightness, channelling the horses between the sleepers and creating a 2m track.”
4. Far-reaching views
With its proximity to Redditch and Birmingham you might not expect the gorgeous rural views that Pink Green Farm boasts. The Eilbergs recently acquired more land to bring their total acreage up to around 11 acres, and they’re certainly in a beautiful spot.
5. Equine residents
Pink Green Farm has plenty of equine superstars in residence that we wouldn’t mind sneaking home, including Woodlander Farouche and her mother Woodlander Dornroeschen, Michael’s 2015 team ride Marakov and his other small tour horses Der Designer, Fuerst Sinclair and Half Moon Dynasty, plus Maria’s talented Royal Concert.
6. The future talent
Michael has high hopes for Farouche’s daughter, the now five-year-old Woodlander Walk On The Side (Wesuvio x Furst Heinrich). “She’s fantastic. She just needs some time to strengthen up — she’s long and leggy like her mum,” says Michael. She also has offspring of her own in the form of the eye-catching, cheeky Zorro, by Blue Hors Zack, pictured with Michael. We think he’ll be another to look out for in years to come.
7. Garlanded ancestry
With one of Britain’s top grand prix riders and trainers, not to mention European silver medallist Ferdi for a father, there’s no doubt that Michael and Maria come from exceptional dressage pedigree. Display cabinets showcasing the family’s rosettes and awards from over the years adorn the yard, and it’s enough to make any dressage enthusiast starry-eyed.
Funny, weird and wonderful goings on the horse world. As we come to the end of the week H&H provides a light-hearted read
Cheese made from sheep or goats’ milk is tried, tested and now a popular choice at delis and supermarkets.
However, it now has competition.
An Italian scientist has come up with a pioneering technique for turning horse and donkey milk into cheese.
Food technologist Dr Giuseppe Iannella has discovered that camel chymosin, the enzyme found in camel rennet, is able to clot equid milk if used in a suitable technological process.
His formula has been named as the “Nativity-Equid cheese-making method” and could open up the market for the commercial production of cheese using donkey or horse milk.
Cows — not horses — are the main source of milk in most parts of the world, but in his study Dr Iannella found sales of equid milk had been increasing recently.
In Britain it is unlikely we will start drinking koumiss — a fermented horse-milk beverage used in Russian and Mongolia for the management of digestive diseases — but with more research perhaps horse milk or cheese might one day be in production as a viable alternative for allergy sufferers.
High heels for horse lovers
Do you want to be noticed at the races? Are you fed up with boring court shoes filling your wardrobe? If so, we may have the perfect solution.
You can now sport a tiny paddock complete with two horses on your feet, thanks to a unique pair of shoes.
Milly J Shoes’ “Ladies’ Day” design features two bay horses standing on grass, adorned with tiny flowers.
A green and yellow rosette hangs proudly from the back of each high-heeled shoe, as well as a personalised gold disc.
“All my shoes are hand-created for the client, making them very exclusive,” Milly J told H&H.
“I can make this pair in another heel style, or use different leather and shapes. This is my only horse style, although others can be created.”
This pair of hand-made court shoes will cost you £300.
Now her flawless looks are matched by her vaulting style with the launch of the Barbie Saddle ‘N Ride Horse.
The Barbie doll rider is, as usual, looking pretty in pink. Her riding kit consists of pink jodhpurs, gloves and helmet, a flowery top, denim jacket and brown riding boots. There is also a purple version.
The saddle and bridle are also in Barbie’s distinctive pink colours, but the horse is a dun colour with bright blue eyes.
When Barbie puts her hand on part of the mane she automatically jumps on. One more push of the button on top of the horse’s head and she rides off. No leg aids are needed, just four AAA batteries.
The allure of a Barbie horse that moves is predicted to be popular this Christmas with Toys “R” Us rating the toy as one of the bestsellers on its “hot toy” list, along with Star Wars gadgets.
Pony-mad tweens will probably prefer the Barbie Saddle N’ Ride horse —
providing their parents are prepared to fork out £49.99.
Wear a piece of Olympic history
Fancy wearing a piece of Olympic history? A collection of five, limited-edition bracelets with the interwoven tail hairs of the four London 2012 team gold medal-winning horses has been created by young showjumper Yazmin Pinchen for charity.
The hairs from the famous horses, which include Hello Sanctos, who recently made Rolex Grand Slam history with Scott Brash; Nick Skelton’s Big Star; Tripple X, who was ridden by Ben Maher before being sold to Canada, and Peter Charles’ Vindicat W, have been interwoven with 9-carat gold thread. The unique bracelets, from jewellery designer The Burnished Horse, are finished with a small gold tag engraved with the year 2012.
The London 2012 bracelets will be sold during a charity online auction on eBay from 1-31 December and all profits will go to the JustWorld International charity, for which the 22-year-old Sussex-based showjumper is an ambassador.
A rose for Kauto Star Legendary racehorse Kauto Star could be immortalised in the form of a rose.
Apuldram Roses is “very keen” to launch a rose in memory of the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner at next year’s Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.
Kauto Star was put down on 29 June following an accident in the field.
“We were at the flower show this year when we heard the sad news,” said Liz Sawday from Apuldram, a family-run rose-growing business in West Sussex.
“We will be working with some rose breeders and selecting a rose to name after him in the next couple of weeks.
“However, the process takes some time so we’d officially launch it next year.”
Apuldram is currently looking at a white rose to bear the record-breaking racehorse’s name.
“Going on the theme of star, and the fact he had a big white blaze, it seemed most appropriate,” she added. “And we couldn’t create a purple, yellow and green one!”
Trainers to call race at Newmarket
Ever wondered if you have what it takes to call a race? A group of top racehorse trainers are about to find out just that, as they prepare to pick up the mic at Newmarket Open Weekend.
On 19 September, racegoers will be treated to on-course commentary by a handful of Newmarket trainers.
Sir Michael Stoute, one of The Queen’s trainers, has a head start having spent three years commentating in Barbados.
Joining Sir Michael will be this year’s Derby winner John Gosden, William Haggas, David Simcock, Charlie Fellowes, Hugo Palmer and Lucy Wadham.
“I’m sure we will see some healthy rivalry on the day,” said Hugo, resident trainer at Kremlin Cottage Stables.
The trainers will commentate on one race each to raise money for the National Horseracing Museum, Racing Welfare and Magpas: The Emergency Medical Charity.
Think manure can only be useful as flower fertiliser? Think again, as Finland’s government has proposed using horse poo to heat the country’s homes.
The government manifesto sets out to use dung as a renewable source of energy, as reported by the country’s national broadcaster Yle.
The Fortum Corporation is trialling a biofuel made from horse manure and a wood-based litter, which is burned to generate power.
The energy company says the annual waste created by three horses would be enough to heat a family home for a year.
There are around 77,000 horses in Finland, which means more than 20,000 homes could potentially be heated.
Better start bagging up your muck heap in time for winter…
Anyone for tennis?
The fizz of champagne, the aroma of strawberries, the thwack of a racket… and the pounding of hooves. It could only be Wimbledon, where this month a whole new take on the sport of tennis was enjoyed to mark Wimbledon fortnight.
Inspiration came from Clare Balding’s appeal to send in quirky tennis-themed photos and videos under the social media hashtag #anyonefortennis.
So a couple of horses and instructors from Wimbledon Village Stables — about half a mile from the All England Lawn Tennis Club — headed off to Wimbledon Common for a game of horseback tennis.
Jen Hesketh and Chester (pictured) took on Fernanda Zuniga and Rocky in a fun match, cheered on by spectators and filmed by people driving by. Who needs queues for a spot of sporting action?
The horses didn’t put a hoof wrong, and after the match finished they couldn’t resist jumping the net as a grand finale.
Carol Andrews, owner of Wimbledon Village Stables, was asked if it might catch on. “Why not?,” she said. “But the groundsman at Wimbledon may not be so keen!”
H&H wonders what a doubles match of horse tennis would be like…
Cuddle a clone of your horse
Can’t bear to leave your horse in their stable all night and prefer them to be able to sit next to you on the sofa?
Luckily, you now can — and they won’t have to be mucked out afterwards. The Cuddle Clones toy company will create an exact replica of your horse — or any pet — from a photograph. As well as soft, plush replicas, the Kentucky-based company also makes sandstone figurines in the image of your pet, and memorials made of granite.
Cuddle Clones gives a proportion of its proceeds to pet-related charities, and prices for larger animals, such as horses, dogs and cats start at $199 (£133). Smaller animals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, start at $129 (£86).
Do you miss your horse on the morning commute? And are you tired of your bicycle’s uninspiring appearance?
Cyclists can now embrace their love of equines by transforming their bikes into pedalling ponies, with a wooden horse-shaped cycle frame.
“I wanted to give a special look to bicycles so that people would care about cycling, not only as transportation but as a lovely pet,” said South Korean designer Eungi Kim.
“The manual is very simple, so anyone can easily arrange it according to their needs,” added Eungi.
The design, “Horsey”, has been shortlisted for the Seoul Cycle Design Competition. H&H can’t wait to get our hands on one of these two-wheeled steeds.
Dung good for health?
By Caroline Bankes
It’s good for the roses and it could also be good for you.
Horse manure has been found to have hidden medicinal properties, according to new research by European scientists.
Mushrooms grown on horse dung were found to contain the bacteria-killing compound copsin.
The discovery was made by a research team looking to develop a range of antibiotics.
“Horse dung is a very rich substrate that harbours a diversity of micro-organisms, including fungi and bacteria,” said researcher Andreas Essig.
He said copsin could be useful in the food industry as it kills pathogens such as listeria, bacteria that causes food poisoning.
The research team have registered copsin for patent approval, but it is not certain whether it could be used as an antibiotic.
No wonder there are so many worms wiggling about in the muck heap.
Thelwell your life up! By Caroline Bankes
Do Thelwell’s cartoons remind you of young, happy days being thrown off fat, hairy ponies?
The famous loveable beasts can now be seen galloping out of control across t-shirts, aprons and phone covers.
Fans of Thelwell can add a name or a joke alongside the cartoon in the new range of merchandise launched by Spreadshirt.
Philip Rooke, of the company, said he grew up on a farm riding a fat little black pony called Damar.
“To people around horses Thelwell is still relevant today; we have just used print-on-demand technology to offer Thelwell merchandise anywhere in the world, and with a personalisable option.”
The instantly recognisable drawings are available internationally through Thelwell online shops.
Fifty years on Thelwell is continuing to make people laugh — the humour hasn’t changed, just the merchandise, and this time it might star you.
Donkey milk frappé
By Sophia Heath
Cleopatra bathed in it, the Greeks used it as a healing remedy and Pope Francis drank it as a child. Is donkey milk about to make a resurgence in 2015?
Donkey milk is reportedly the latest beauty product to sweep Asia, and looks set to hit the US soon.
Alicia Yoon, co-founder of Korean beauty site Peach and Lily, told American press that donkey milk is one of the hottest new cosmetic trends.
“It is known to be gentle and soothing for those with sensitive skin and eczema, has four to five times more vitamin C than cow’s milk and is rich in proteins,” she said.
As well as its cosmetic values, the milk is being marketed as an alternative to human milk for babies that are allergic to cow’s milk.
A website has been set up that not only sells donkey milk products but also gives advice on locating, preparing and certifying the milk, as well as recipe ideas.
Fruit and donkey’s milk frappé, anyone?
Pint-size rare breeds
By Caroline Bankes
Britain’s rare equine breeds have received a welcome boost — thanks to toymakers Breyer.
Suffolks and Clydesdales (pictured) might be on the rare breeds watchlist (news, 29 January) but they can now take pride of place in your home as the heavy horses are being scaled down from 18hh to 3.5 inches.
The company is launching its new “Best of British” collection this week (22 February). There is also a model of the Highland pony at 3.5in, while the Welsh cob, Connemara and Shetland pony are being produced in 9in versions.
“We have been working towards these special collections as part of our international expansion,” said Breyer’s Stephanie Macejko.
“It was only natural to begin with the UK. It is a country filled with horse lovers and so many rare breeds.”
Get back in the game
By Sophia Heath
Has the long winter break from eventing taken its toll? Are you feeling a bit rusty and looking for a way to get your mind and body back in the game? Well, help is on hand because the first-ever eventing simulator has been developed.
The new model — from Racewood, which produces dressage, jumping, polo and racing replicas — uses flight simulation technology to replicate the movements of a horse in all three phases.
Four years ago the company developed a jumping simulator, which could test riders up to 1.20m, but it has now put all three disciplines together in one multi-tasking fake horse.
“This is the world’s most realistic and interactive riding experience in a safe and controlled environment,” a spokesman from the company said. “It challenges riders of beginner or professional status.”
If you fancy giving it a go you had better grab your passport — Racewood will be giving demonstrations at Equitana in Germany (14-22 March).
You’ve heard of Tinder, now horse owners glued to their mobiles could benefit from a new app — designed to help people connect with others who share similar interests.
InCommon, which launched in December, puts people in touch with those who have common interests and live locally.
Founder Jennifer Jones said: “Many people have an interest that that none of their close friends or family share. The idea is to have a buddy to share something that perhaps you’ve always had to do alone up until now.”
New users can sign up through Facebook or Google. Once they have created a profile, they can then view friendship matches.
They can also filter searches by distance, gender and age.
“This sounds like a great idea to connect with people for hacking or even sharing transport to fun rides or events,” said one rider.
Bagging up horse manure and selling it on the side of the road is one way of getting rid of a mounting muck heap.
Otherwise it’s a case of relying on the local farmer to spread it on his fields.
But now one company has turned to technology.
You can buy almost anything on the internet — and now horse poo is being sent around the world after an entrepreneur set up an online company called Shit Express.
The company’s website claims it made US$10,120 (£6,640) in its first 30 days, and charges people $US16.95 (£11) for the service, which includes free packaging, shipping and a personalised message.
“We had media attention from almost 500 websites. As of 4 December, we’ve already shipped poop to 36 different countries,” said the company.
Although, unless you’re a keen gardener, it’s likely most people will think the idea of receiving a parcel of poo in the post stinks.
Saddles in fashion
By Sophia Heath
Have you always been envious of Paul Tapner’s and Mary King’s colour-coordinated saddles? Do you feel you lack that extra something special when you stroll though the lorry park with just a normal black saddle?
Well, panic not! Help is now at hand as Sue Carson has developed a jump saddle which allows riders to choose a specific colour for their back cantle and piping.
Eventer Jake Fowles is the proud owner of a new Zeus saddle with electric blue additions.
“It looks fantastic and makes the already attractive Zeus a very sexy saddle,” he said.
Unfortunately, as with many fashion statements, this product does not come cheap. The saddle costs £3,300. However, with a blue Dior handbag setting you back in the region of £2,000 H&H thinks the saddle offers better value for money.
Showjumper Holly Gillott has decided to sell her long-term partner Dougie Douglas to help her invest in more horsepower for the future.
The Irish-bred 10-year-old will head to the Goresbridge sales and will feature in the Supreme Sale of Showjumpers on 10 November at Barnadown in County Wexford.
“Emotionally I don’t really feel anything yet, but when it happens and he is sold I know it will be hard and very emotional. It is exciting at the same time, as his sale could set me up for the future as a showjumper,” said 26-year-old Holly. “We bought him from the Goresbridge sales and they approached us while we were over in Ireland in September.”
The Leicestershire-based rider has enjoyed numerous wins and Nations Cup team appearances with the Ard VDL Douglas-sired chestnut gelding.
“If I am going to progress in showjumping, he has to be sold. He is still in his prime and worth more now than ever — it is the right time to sell him. He’s won while I’ve been in Vilamoura [24 September-18 October] and if he doesn’t meet his reserve, I’ll happily have him back and continue jumping him.”
The pair were members of the victorious British line-up at the Nations Cup in Rome in May and also featured in the teams in Lummen, St Gallen and at Hickstead in July during the Royal International Horse Show.
Holly has produced Dougie since he was a six-year-old and they triumphed in the Bunn Leisure Derby Trial at the Hickstead Derby Meeting in June.
Holly has previously said of the gelding: “He’s very responsive and reliable. It sounds like a cliché, but he is a horse of a lifetime — he’s taken me to places you can only dream of.”
Alongside Dougie Douglas, there will be a further 33 lots including some of the best showjumpers Ireland has to offer during the much-anticipated sale at Goresbridge.
Popular trainer and event rider Caroline Creighton has died aged 56.
Caroline died in hospital on Wednesday (14 October) after a long battle with cancer.
She had been based with Lucy Wiegersma and her family at Warren Farm in Beaworthy, Devon, for many years.
“We have all been humbled by her bravery in her fight against cancer over the past two and half years, but her illness at the end was aggressive and very sudden,” said Lucy.
“She is now out of pain and at peace. We all love you so much Caroline and you will leave a big hole in our lives.”
In addition to being instrumental in Lucy’s career, Caroline helped many young riders and juniors on their way to European championship successes.
Caroline also played a key role in increasing involvement with British Eventing (BE) in the South West over the years.
She taught all levels of rider and coached for the Pony Club and riding clubs.
“Caroline is a great example to us all,” said Lizzel Winter FBHS who advises BE on coaching development.
“She was an incredibly talented coach, rider and mentor; she was utterly professional at all times and is irreplaceable. She was a great friend and will be greatly missed by so many.”
Caroline was a much-valued member of the equestrian coaching workforce in her role as coach educator and UKCC Assessor.
She had also completed the coaching development programme and was one of the first to complete the eventing specific UKCC Level 3.
Horse & Hound showing, vet and point-to-point editor Aimi Clark was taught by Caroline.
“Some of my fondest Pony Club memories are of lessons with Caroline, and the two camps I went on with her teaching my group are the most fun I’ve ever had on a horse,” she said.
“I continued to train with her for many years after — as have all of my old Pony Club friends — because she had this brilliant way of getting amateur riders to challenge ourselves without ever feeling out of our comfort zones.
“If you ask anyone where to go for help in the West Country, Caroline’s name would be the first mentioned. She was one of those all-round brilliant people who will be sorely missed by the hundreds of riders that she helped in Devon and Cornwall alone.”
Enjoy some of our favourite tweets from the past seven days. From the unceremonious dumping of a National Hunt trainer’s daughter to the best kind of Monday morning we could imagine, it all happened on Twitter this week.
Don’t miss the exciting competition on this weekly page. Our favourite tweet each week will win either an Apatchy mini tablet case or an Apatchy cosmetic bag, personalised with your own initials.For more information about the competition and to find out who this week’s winner is, go to the bottom of this page.
Tweets of the week
Ouch — Nicky Henderson’s daughter takes an unscheduled dismount
After long day-wasn't the evening I had in mind-lying winded in the long grass waiting for Dad to come rescue!🙈Bucked off again!#naughtypony
If you like this, why not follow @horseandhound on twitter today?
Tweet of the week competition
The winner of the Horse & Hound tweet of the week competition can also be found by searching Twitter for #HHTweetOfTheWeek. The winner will receive an Apatchy mini tablet case (pictured left) or an Apatchy cosmetic bag (pictured below right), personalised with their initials.
Apatchy are designers and makers of bespoke lifestyle gifts. Their ranges include wash, cosmetic, travel and sports bags, which can be instantly personalised or customised without the need for sewing, gluing or ironing. To find out more about Apatchy’s unique personalised products and their wonderful gift wrapping service, visit www.apatchy.co.uk
Are you looking to introduce your child to the hunting field? Or perhaps they are already hunting mad and are looking for the perfect partner to cross any country with. If so, don’t miss this selection of hunting ponies for sale on the Horse & Hound website this week.
1. ‘Loves to jump’
Height: 14.2hh
Age: seven
Gender: mare
Selling points: “This homebred mare is a fantastic hunting/Pony Club pony. She has hunted since she was four-years-old and happily stands on her own or goes at the front. She would be perfect to do PC novice/intermediate eventing with next year. She never stops and evented at 90cm level last year. References available.”
Selling points: “This pony has enjoyed many wins at county level showing and is a super safe hunter. He is a steady, careful jumper with great conformation and a snaffle mouth. He hacks alone or in company, goes first or last and really looks after his rider. He has perfect manners and is easy to do in all respects.”
Selling points: “This pony is not at all mareish. She is a seasoned hunting pony who has also whipped-in. She knows her job inside out, is snaffle mouthed and has even paraded hounds at a county show. She has done PC activities and has three good paces. Good to do.”
Are you looking for the ultimate all-rounder to teach you the ropes? Take a look at our pick of schoolmasters More…
4. ‘Immaculate on the hunting field’
Height: 14.1hh
Age: 10
Gender: gelding
Selling points: “A real all-rounder who loves his hunting. He stands quietly while hunting and goes first or last. Excellent at gate opening, never strong or silly and is good with hounds. He could make a very good working hunter pony and he has also been a successful racing pony. He has done all PC activities including dressage and showjumping. 100% safe on the roads wth excellent stable manners.”
Selling points: “This pony will jump anything. He hunted two days per week last season and he has also hunted in Ireland. He has showjumped up to BS foxhunter, accumulating 222 BS points and has done PC teams. He has nice paces, would possibly event and is vice free.”
Selling points: “‘Huggy’ really is your ultimate fun boys’ pony. He has seen his current rider through the Pony Club, school team competitions and hunting. He works nicely on the flat but loves his jumping most of all. He is a brilliant hunter and loves to be at the front. He jumps anything and really looks after his jockey.”
Selling points: “‘Storm’ loves hunting and jumps sizeable hedges and timber. He has regularly attended Pony Club and local shows and is frequently in the ribbons. He is not a novice or nervous ride as he can be strong, however for the right jockey he is lots of fun. He has no vices, lives in or out and is never sick or sorry.”
NB: Horse & Hound has not checked the accuracy of the claims made in these adverts and cannot be held liable if the information included above is inaccurate in any way
I was interested to read that the FEI is talking to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about the Olympic showjumping qualification process.
This is particularly pertinent with regards to Belgium and Ireland, two strong countries in the Nations Cup this year, who have not qualified. Common sense says both nations should be at the Games, but everyone understands it’s too late to make changes for Rio next year.
In a similar vein I’ve been perturbed for some time by the eventing system, especially when Australia and/or New Zealand have a bad World Equestrian Games.
They then have to qualify for the Olympics against Japan, South Africa and others at a CCI3* — the Asia Pacific Championships — the following year.
Again, common sense tells us that both Australia and New Zealand should be at the Olympics. To ask them to qualify against the developing world is a real “own goal” as we seek greater global participation.
This year’s qualifier was at Boekelo, which is always a softer CCI3* because of Holland’s horse welfare concerns. So much for the FEI’s cries for high and consistent standards of qualifications.
Because New Zealand, arguably the world’s number two nation behind Germany, were seeking qualification at Boekelo, other countries did not even bother to go to the expense of attending.
If New Zealand or any other country have four riders high enough up the Olympic athlete rankings they can field an Olympic team anyway — almost a certainty for New Zealand had they not qualified at Boekelo — so why make them do this one-sided process and kill off the aspirations of the developing nations?
The same principle could be used at the Pan Ams, where too often the US and Canada snuff out South American hopes, although in 2016 Brazil will compete as host nation.
This conundrum needs to be on the Olympic 2020 Agenda.
Sadly, we are looking at apples and oranges. It is really difficult to make significant money out of running horse trials. Badminton and Burghley manage it, but do most people pay for the sport or the social side and shopping?
All events are in the entertainment business. Showjumping is cheaper to stage, easier to televise — attracting more sponsors — and spectators get a result every two hours or so.
In eventing we are slowly moving in a positive direction. Piggy French said my course at Kelsall flowed well, but was twisty. Yes, because the whole objective is to make it spectator friendly, so most jumps can be seen from one spot.
One of the most successful events I was involved in this year was the advanced-level showcase at Wellington in Florida, which offered compact viewing, was cheap to televise and gave a quick result.
We have to assess how we can make eventing easier to understand, cheaper to stage and more TV and spectator friendly — questions the IOC has put to us. We can only achieve this on smaller acreages — if we go this way, we may see more prize-money. But it will mean a different sport to the one we know in the traditional British parkland.
Overcoming any life challenge, whatever it may be is tough. You will ask yourself why me, and when will this all be over until you burst. However, this just simply doesn’t change anything. Deep down you’ll know this, but it doesn’t stop those recurring thoughts.
Turning your life back around, sometimes involves adapting to a different life to what it may have previously been or without someone you love.
To arrive at this stage feels like you’re treading water, with no light at the end of the tunnel. Surrounding yourself with the people you love helps to ease the pain and helps you to grow stronger.
Abira
Giving yourself time is essential, as however much support you’ve got around you, nobody will fully understand how you feel or be able to take away what’s happened.
It doesn’t necessarily get easier, you get stronger…
I am in general a great believer that ‘things happen for a reason’. Although, I’m not sure this is always the case. It just seems plain unfair at times. Battling through life’s hurdles makes us put life into perspective and cherish the little gems and how truly incredible your family and friends are.
During my rehab, goal setting was a huge factor in helping me to progress. Doing this helped me to focus my mind on something other than the daily challenges. Without even knowing it I was moving forward day by day. This can be applied to any life experiences. Achievement will help the body heal and grow stronger.
Another factor in my recovery was having inspiration from others, either from people who have been through similar experiences in their life or who have always had a very positive attitude and outlook.
I couldn’t have got to the stage that I am at now both physically and mentally without the support I’ve had. I still have a number of days when I get frustrated, and wish my life could be different, but life’s moved on and I’ve adapted and made a different path for myself, which is equally as exciting.
On Amo holding Abira
My adapted life is far from what it may have been or what I thought it may have be a few years ago when I had my accident.
When you have an accident or life changing incident, you might feel as if you’ve lost your identity, who you are and how people remember you. This is most definitely not the case, you are still yourself and the person you were previously. Don’t let it define you as a person.
I have always been a physically active person, any form of sport and I’m happy. This didn’t change, I just had to focus it into another direction and actually being me, has helped allow me to achieve my goals.
I’ve been amazed by the generosity of others in helping me achieve my aims. I remember my incredible physio in Cornwall and me discussing bringing my saddle in and having that as my next aim. I would sit in my wheelchair and have my saddle on my lap being wheeled into hospital for my appointments. I would just grin from ear to ear, an achievement that really gave me a boost. I was finally feeling like me again.
From this day on my world has turned around and has gone from strength to strength. This boost made me realise that no matter what, I wasn’t going to let the rest of my life be defined by what happened.
Talking of which… I’ve had an exciting couple of weeks!
The power of the horse is a mysterious and pretty magical thing. Don’t just think that because I am not letting what happened define me that every daily obstacle has just vanished, as they most certainly haven’t. However, my happy place is being back in the saddle and surrounded by the power of the horse. It’s a place where I can feel like I am on a level and forget about any challenges I have come across that day. I just smile, breathe, relax and focus my thoughts on how I am riding and the horse’s way of going. Maybe slightly crazy I know!
The last couple of weeks have been incredible in so many ways. Probably my most exciting snippet of news was being selected onto the BEF Excel Talent Programme.
I am really looking forward to what lies ahead. The help that we will get will be invaluable in enabling us to improve and succeed. I could most definitely do with some help from the nutritionist! Especially with my cooking track record — not my strong point.
I also performed my first demo for the Royal Agricultural University (pictured above and below riding Abira). It was fantastic to see my old lecturers, Peter, Jo, Meriel and thank you to Andrew for organising the afternoon. It was slightly surreal in some ways, as my memories of being there were very different to that of my situation now. I realised that my lecturers have been following my progress and this meant a lot to me. I thoroughly enjoyed talking and riding in front of the new students. They even asked quite a few questions once they got going! I remember being like that not so long ago!
On form
My latest competition was a para one at Solihull. I just took Abira and he was certainly on winning form. He felt fantastic from start to finish. I even managed to get a nine in my second test. I was over the moon, it gave me a huge buzz to have him feeling great.
My next big competition with Abira is at Bury Farm para international. I’m also very much looking forward to doing some more advanced medium music competitions with Amo and doing my first prix st George.
Food for thought
I guess what I am hoping you’ll take away from this is either some comfort in the fact that life does throw some tough challenges in everyone’s direction, however large or small along the way. You just never know what’s around the corner, so take a step back when you can and cherish some of those special days and look after each other. Just being there for someone helps more than you think…
‘I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become- It might take a year, it might take a day, but what’s meant to be will always find its way’
“Newcomers’ week grows year on year and it is heartening see more hunts organising events to introduce new faces to the hunting field, which is exactly the purpose of this week,” said Henrietta Rutgers of the CA.
Last year, the week introduced many hundreds of new people to trail hunting and hunting under the Act and the CA hopes to attract even more people in 2015.
Events range from jumping practice sessions to help mounted followers get their eye in after the summer break, to meets specifically tailored to those trying hunting for the first time, BBQs and tours of hunt kennels.
Axe Vale – Saturday 24 October. Details to be confirmed.
Banwen – Tuesday 27 October. Newcomers’ and children’s meet. £5 cap for all – anyone welcome. Banwen PC Field in Onllwyn 11am. For further details contact Nia Godsmark by calling 07815 150193 or email niagodsmark@hotmail.com
Blankney – Saturday 24 October. Newcomers’ meet. For further details contact Adrian Whitehead honorary secretary by calling 07771 507279.
Carmarthenshire – Saturday 24 October. For more information contact Annette Kemp by calling 0789617001.
Curre and Llangibby – Saturday 24 October at The Hall Inn, Gwehelog near Usk, 10am. For more information contact Charlotte Breese by calling 07703 269829 or 01594 530340.
Dartmoor – Thursday 22 October 7pm. Newcomers’/Pony Club hunting evening followed by an 11am meet on Saturday 24 October at Buckfastleigh. Contact Amelia Eyston by calling 01548 821393 for more details.
Dunston Harriers – Newcomers and children are welcome at meets on 17, 20 and 24 October. Also ditch jumping schooling morning for the novice or nervous. Contact Georgie Mann on 07968 827552 or Sue Pennell on 01953 788283 or email dunstonsocial@yahoo.co.uk for more information.
Eggesford – 24 October, newcomers’ day, 28 October, Pony Club meet. For further details and location contact Graeme Holmes on 07971 597786 or email graeme.holmes@acutest.co.uk
Fitzwilliam (Milton) Hunt – Saturday 17 October, 7.30am. For further details contact Karen Silcock by emailing karen@fitzwilliamhunt.com or call 01487 841722.
The Grove & Rufford – Saturday 17 October. Further details from Jane Bowen by calling 07788523917.
Jedforest – Newcomers’ meet with a talk/welcome from masters, followed by coffee, juice, bacon rolls and cake at the kennels. Further details from Jenny Pole 1jfalside@yahoo.co.uk or 07760 238596
New Forest – Saturday 10 October at Janesmoor Pond, Stoney Cross. 9am start. Contact Penny Rendle on nfhhonsec@hotmail.com or 07775 722795.
North Cotswold – Date to be confirmed and will be followed by breakfast in the barn. Also intending to do a pre-newcomers’ evening in a local pub. Contact Charlotte Russell on 01386 725423 or 07816 600605.
North Lonsdale Foxhounds – 17 and 24 October. Newcomers’/Young Farmers’ days. Further details from Sue Thompson 07973961041 or sueandderekt@aol.com
Oakley – 17, 20 and 24 October. All suitable for first-timers but Saturday 24 is specially for newcomers. Saturday 17 October – Lavendon Mill, Lavendon, MK46 4HJ at 8am; Tuesday 20 October, Astwood Grange, Astwood, MK16 9JT at 8am; Saturday 24 October, The Kennels, Melchbourne, MK441BN at 11am. Followed by a BBQ and tour around the kennels. For further details contact carolinegevans@hotmail.co.uk
Pembrokeshire – Saturday 17 October, Clarbeston Road followed by hunt breakfast. Further details Gill Wilson 01437 741793.
Royal Artillery Hunt – 2-4 October. Hunting clinic/newcomers weekend 2015. Lots going on for further details please contact Pippa Grob 07780 547696.
Vine and Craven – Saturday 24 October. Please contact Lucinda Green on 07702 596029 for further details.
Warwickshire – Saturday 24 October at Park Farm, North Newington, Banbury OX15 6AD at 8am. Details Charmian Green charmian.green@gmail.com
His mother, Lisa Hobday, has also been raising money for a place at Jack Berry House, the Injured Jockeys Fund’s new rehabilitation centre in Yorkshire.
Twenty-seven-year-old Ben said he will “see how it goes”, but is hoping to start working on building his fitness up once his blood levels are up.
His aim is to be back riding properly by January.
“I am going to try to improve my fitness and keep pushing myself to get back to riding for the beginning of next season,” he told H&H.
“I am looking forward to returning to my horses and normal life.
“I really miss it — I can’t wait to be back riding horse after horse after horse.”
Ben’s eventing accolades include winning the under-21 CCI2* at Weston Park in 2006.
He also has multiple placings at three-star level and has jumped clear around Badminton and Burghley.
Most recently, he came ninth on Ramilo in the CIC3* at Bramham (11 June).
He runs Shadow Sport Horses in Cheshire and his top horse is part-Clydesdale Mulrys Error, who he completed Badminton with in April.
Latest figures supplied by the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) shows that rural crime cost an estimated £37.8 million during 2014. Farms and outbuildings are particularly vulnerable as the clocks go back and the evenings get darker and longer, providing cover for thieves to work under — are you sure your tack is safe? What can and should you be doing to protect it?
The MLA advises rural businesses to consult an MLA-approved locksmith, who will be able to carry out a security assessment on property and recommend suitable locks and fittings, as well as providing input from a safety point of view. A local, professional locksmith may also be able to perform a complete security assessment of stable yard and tackroom free of charge.
2. Don’t be tempted to economise by buying cheap locks
It is worth investing in high quality locks, chains and padlocks, making sure that you use products that have been approved by an independent product testing house — such as Sold Secure — to provide peace of mind (visit www.soldsecure.com to check for their lists of approved products). The MLA advises using good quality padlocks with heavy duty hasp and staple on barn and outbuilding doors, fitted directly to the door, with two equally spaced locks from top to bottom.
3. Perform regular and thorough maintenance security checks
Look for rusted locks, chains, hasps and staples, cracked panes of glass and rotten frames and sills, says the MLA — these are all features that opportunistic thieves look out for, so get them replaced or fixed as soon as possible.
If your tack room looks more like a bomb site rather than a temple of tidiness, then take solace in More…
4. Put bars on your tackroom window
The HorseWatch Alliance recommends putting bars on tackroom windows, as these are a common point of entry.
5. Control access to your yard
Ensure gates and doors are kept securely locked and only approved personnel have keys. Use padlocks rather than chains, as chains can easily be cut with boltcutters.
6. Keep an eye out for strangers on your yard
The HorseWatch Alliance suggests politely asking people you don’t recognise on the yard if you can help them, or who they are looking for. If unhappy with their answer, take note of their description and vehicle type/colour/registration.
7. Keep an inventory
Keep a comprehensive, up-to-date inventory of all your tack, including colour and make and any security markings, with photographs.
8. Invest in a tack locker
Consider investing in a tack locker, such as TackGuard from Equine Security which holds up to four saddles and is bolted to the floor.
9. Get your tack marked
The Metropolitan Police advises that marked tack is a good deterrent for thieves. Their advice is to engrave/punch your postcode (or that of your yard) followed by the number of the premises onto your saddle (under the flap) and bridle. You can buy inexpensive kit to do this yourself from DIY stores, or you’ll often find a tack marking service offered at local shows. Your local HorseWatch scheme may also be able to mark it for you — visit www.ukhorsewatch.org.uk.
10. Consider CCTV
Install CCTV, sensory lighting and security systems, recommends the MLA. Although expensive, these act as effective deterrents.
11. Be vigilant at shows
If attending a show, be vigilant about your tack. Ensure it’s marked, and when you are not using it, lock it into your car or lorry.
12. Insure your tack
Some horse insurance policies also cover tack theft, as do some home insurance policies. It’s up to you to ensure you are covered.
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