British para dressage rider Sophie Christiansen has received a prestigious Woman of the Future award.
The triple Paralympic gold medallist came out on top in the sport category of the 2015 awards (27 October).
Hundreds came to celebrate the awards that recognise women under 35 who are influential in their sector. Winners included construction specialists, poverty campaigners and composers, as well as athletes.
“I am absolutely honoured to have won the award as there were some very worthy nominations in the category,” said Sophie. “I feel that it is important for me to use my platform as gold medalist to promote disabled rights and the judging panel recognised my accomplishments and work outside the arena too.”
27-year-old Sophie has cerebral palsy and was inspired to start riding after a school trip to her local RDA centre, aged six.
Her first major international success came at the 2004 Athens Games where she won an individual bronze medal. Sophie has since gone on to win three gold medals and one silver medal at the 2008 and 2012 Paralympics.
“2015 is the first year that the Women of the Future awards has included a sports category, and I couldn’t think of a more deserving inaugural winner than Sophie,” added Pinky Lilani, founder of Women of the Future.
“The judges picked out Sophie for her ‘ferocious determination to succeed’ as shown by her successes so far and those that we know she will continue to realise. We know that she’ll be a phenomenal ambassador for Women of the Future and I am so proud to list her name among our winners this year.”
Women of the Future 2015 winners
Arts and Culture: Hannah Kendall, composer
Business: Lisa Neale, General Manager, voice and multimedia service operations, BT Group
Community Spirits: Jackie Scully, group account director, Think
Entrepreneurship: Gemma Richards, director, SA Flyers
MBA Star: Priyanka Agarwal, founder, Vritti Learning and Research
Media: Jack Monroe, writer and campaigner, Jack Monroe
Professional: Victoria Price, partner, EY
Real Estate, Infrastructure and Construction: Hannah Feddon, associate director, Faithful and Gould
Science: Tessa Baker, postdoctoral fellow at All Souls, University of Oxford
Sport: Sophie Christiansen, paralympic athlete, Team GB
Technology and Digital: Dr Laura Toogood, managing director of Private Clients, Digitalis Reputation
Young Star: Phoebe Gormley, managing director, Gormley and Gamble
A debate on the hearsay began on the H&H forum yesterday (28 October).
Many users said how sorry they would be to see it shut.
The equestrian centre first opened around 20 years ago and is now leased by Tim and Liz Price.
It is one of the largest equestrian centres in the UK with two indoor arenas and multiple outdoor arenas.
Addington was also one of the training venues for Team GBR in the run up to the London 2012 Olympics.
It hosts numerous affiliated and unaffiliated showjumping, dressage and arena cross-country events each year as well as high profile shows and championships.
The online calendar on its website shows events already scheduled until the middle of 2016 and it is reportedly already taking bookings for 2017.
The equestrian world has lost several competition venues this year.
Well that’s it. Another eventing season done and dusted. We are sure it was only March and the first weekend of events yesterday. It’s all gone far too quickly for our liking and now we find ourselves suffering from a serious case of the post-eventing blues. Although there are some things we will find hard to spend the next five months without, there are a few things we are also pretty happy to see the back of too….
1. No more stud holes
And it is a Godsend. You can forget that moment of sheer panic you get as your dressage time fast approaches and you’ve got to that one hole that has been perfectly filled by a stone. And it just will. Not. Shift. Causing you to consider whether your horse would mind you using a pneumatic drill to get rid of the blighter. This “stud hole holiday” may mean that your back might even return to its natural, non-cooked state as a result (we can dream).
2. Wave goodbye to the gutting feeling you get when you’re balloted
It’s your favourite, local event that you have been working for years to be good enough to even consider entering. And despite what you thought was a cunning use of your super ballot sticker, upon closer inspection of the entries list you find that you are on the dreaded “didn’t make the cut” list. You consider locking yourself in a dark room with a bottle of something alcoholic while you watch International Velvet on repeat wondering if you’ll ever get the chance to fulfill your dream. Woe betide anyone who tries to comfort you with the phrase “there’s always next year…”
3. The dark 5am cross-country course walk/run
You believe you could be in the grips of a monsoon. Only it’s beyond freezing and unfortunately you’re not in a tropical country. You are in fact in a field somewhere on the Fens where trees and hills are rarer than hen’s teeth, trying to find where fence one of the cross-country course is in the dark thanks to your 8am dressage time. Repeat after me: “I love eventing, I love eventing.”
4. Worrying about jumping on super hard/soft ground
You no longer need to think about trying to jump big, technical fences out of a bog or even think about breaking your precious beast on ground harder than the road.
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5. Awaiting a tractor to tow you on/off the lorry park
Got that sinking feeling? That’s your lorry/trailer failing to show off its inner tank upon arrival/exit at the event. The knight in shining armour with his tractor and a tow hook may be easy on the eye, but we’re glad we don’t have to do any off-road driving for a few months.
6. Where will your next crêpe come from?
Whether you’re a cheese and mushroom fan or more of a Cointreau and melted chocolate kind of guy, it really is a huge worry where you will find these things of culinary beauty without having to venture to the Alps now that the season is over.
7. How will you gossip with your eventing friends now that you don’t see them every weekend?
You really miss discussing in depth how amazing/average/terrible your day/week/life has been with your eventing pals. There is simply no other type of person you can have such a frank, to the point, down right hilarious conversation with outside of the horse trials world. The only answer is a pub trip reunion.
8. You watch in horror as your once beautifully trimmed, gleaming eventer turns into a woolly mammoth-esque bog pony
We promise he once resembled something straight out of a Munnings, ready to take on the world, not this hairy, muddy, feral thing you now look out of the window and see.
9. You have a five month wait until you get that post-cross-country buzz again
Amputation of parts of the lower legs of Middle Eastern endurance horses, videos of which have emerged online, has provoked concern from the FEI and the charity World Horse Welfare.
Roly Owers of the charity queried the justification for putting horses through this ordeal.
The FEI told H&H that the videos were “very disturbing”. It will raise the issue, and the general treatment of sport horses in retirement, at a forum in FEI Group VII (Middle East) this winter.
An increasing number of videos of dead and injured sport horses in Group VII countries are being openly posted on social media.
In one video, a bay mare with a missing foot is seen being loaded into a trailer, with a caption that the surgery followed injury in the CEI* 100 in Riyadh in January. She is still bearing her ride number, 45. It was posted on Iconosquare by a professional equestrian photographer.
In the Middle East, cultural issues militate against euthanasia of animals. Comments accompanying the Kuwaiti post state that amputation solves this problem in cases of traumatic leg injury.
“This development is very troubling and will do nothing to improve the reputation of equine welfare within some areas of endurance,” said Mr Owers, who has seen the videos.
“Amputations in horses are not unheard of, but are still very uncommon and there are huge potential welfare implications. One has to ask what is the equine welfare justification for putting them through this ordeal, compared to humane euthanasia?
“And above all, nothing should detract from what must remain the primary focus here, namely the reduction in the incidents of fractures in endurance across the board.”
Give Me Remus and Bily Twomey at Hickstead in 2001
Rem during his retirement
An elite showjumping stallion, who made several Nations Cup appearances and came second in the Hickstead Derby, has been put down aged 23.
Give Me Remus, by Grannus and out of Edisa, won more than £55,000 during his showjumping career.
Irish Olympic rider Billy Twomey, and top British team showjumpers Michael Whitaker and Ben Maher all enjoyed international successes riding the 16.2hh dark bay.
Nick Wyatt has owned the stallion, known as Rem at home, since his retirement to stud in 2007. Rem spent his final years with Nick at Woodfalls Stud in Rudgwick, West Sussex.
He was put down last week (23 October) after having had liver failure.
“He was a very special horse,” Nick told H&H. “He has left a big hole and will be missed.
“He was ridden by myself and my daughter after his retirement from competition. We could have jumped him in 1.10 and 1.20s but we decided to retire him on a high — he was in a different league.
“We have a couple of youngsters of his that we’ve kept. He has a nice three-year-old filly who has now been turned away and she should be exciting.
“We also have a five-year-old gelding of his who will start to do some work in the spring.”
Rem’s career highlights include helping the British team secure second place in the Rotterdam Nations Cup under Michael Whitaker in 2001. That year he was also placed second in the Hickstead Derby with Billy Twomey.
Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher began riding Rem in 2005 and the pair won and were placed at several international events. The combination were selected to represent Britain in the Super League at La Baule and Lucerne in 2006.
There were so many highlights in the show ring during 2015, and we have gathered pictures of some of the best.
1 Spectacular cobs
Simon Charlesworth and Fait Acobbli
Few will forget the moment Oliver Hood rode Sue Rawdling’s Chaplin to the top of the Derby bank during his individual show for the supreme title at the Royal International.
And then there was Vicky Smith’s Fait Acobbli at the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) national championships. He stood rooted to the spot with his ears pricked as Simon Charlesworth stood up in the saddle to conclude their supreme ride-off.
Neither lightweight cob took the overall titles, but they were brilliant moments all the same.
Oliver Hood and Chaplin
2 Exciting ride-offs
Time 2 Reflect and Jayne Ross
Tension was rife when Time 2 Reflect and Fleetwater Xecutive both scored 27 in the supreme at the Royal International (RIHS), requiring Jayne Ross and Jordan Cook to ride off.
Jordan’s hack looked the epitome of elegance, while Jayne’s full lap of the huge international arena at full gallop made everyone want to borrow Dianne Stennett’s hunter for a day following hounds. It was hairs-on-the-back-of-your-neck stuff.
Jordan Cook and Fleetwater Xecutive
3 Battle of the greats
Starry Night
The two most successful cobs ever to grace the show ring — Heather Clay’s Hallmark and Camilla Neame’s Starry Night — went head to head in maxi-cob classes, and what a battle it was. With two wins apiece as they entered the show ring at Horse of the Year Show, tension was rife while waiting for the judges’ decision to be announced, and Starry Night retired as the ultimate champion.
What these two brilliant maxi-cobs have done for the showing world — drumming up excitement among spectators and attracting media interest — can only be a good thing.
If you live and breathe showing — and are off to HOYS this week (7-11 October), either to compete or More…
4 Santa’s reindeer sparkles
Beat The Boss
Beat The Boss became the second-ever working hunter pony to be crowned supreme pony at RIHS, ridden by 13-year-old Susie Eddis.
Boss used to pull Santa’s sleigh through the streets of Killarney and then competed successfully in showjumping — he’s a talented chap!
5 A native nails HOYS
Sarum Rembrandt
Sarum Rembrandt looked spectacular under the spotlight in Birmingham’s NEC arena, where the Joyners’ Welsh section A was crowned supreme pony. It was a memorable moment for the stallion’s rider Sarah Parker, who celebrated her first HOYS supreme title on her third time of trying.
6 Racehorses rule
Barbers Shop
Retrained racehorses got their moment of fame at the inaugural Retraining of Racehorses national championships, held at Aintree in August. The Queen’s Barbers Shop stood overall supreme with Katie Jerram and there were some brilliant thoroughbreds on show.
7 Dolly’s domination
Hello Dolly IV
Dianne Stennett’s Hello Dolly had only worn a side-saddle once when she entered the show ring at Royal Windsor, but she duly won the ladies class. Dolly remains unbeaten in these classes after success at the BSHA hunter championships and then HOYS, with Jayne Ross in the saddle each time.
To quote Mr Jack Nicholson: “I’m baaaccckkkk”! Apart from the fact I am neither a crazed psychopath nor am I sticking my head through a hole in a door while saying it, obviously…
Admittedly I have done the whole “stick your head through a hole in the door” thing but it was just one time and the hole wasn’t entirely my fault, but the psychopath thing? Not so much…
Anyway abandoning this literary cul-de-sac which I appear to have navigated myself down, I come with news! That’s right, folks the Destroyer rode forth once more last week; flying over cross-country fences like a force of nature, leaping off steps in a single bound, hurtling through water like an equine torpedo…well, you get the idea.
Saturday morning dawned much like any other day; the boss lady gave me my breakfast then tuned me out. I settled down to chew some of the green stuff and shoot the breeze with Dolly, but my mid morning’s musings were paused when mother sauntered down the drive, followed closely a few moments later by a four-wheel drive and a horse trailer. Intrigued I sauntered down the field and was greeted a moment later by mother and Aunty Becky. Without so much as a pause for breath I was stripped of my rug, given a flash over with a brush and loaded onto the trailer with Aunty Becky’s small black dude who seemed rather cool until he tried to snog me. I appreciate I am a fine specimen of feathered fella but I’m not sure that justified him sticking his tongue in my ear…
We got to the venue, off-loaded and Mum gave Aunty Becky a leg up. Another nice lady (i.e. she thinks I’m great) was riding the black pipsqueak and off we went.
There are no words for how good it felt to be back on a cross-country course after over a year off. It’s where I’m meant to be and boy, do I love it!
I swiftly showed that I’ve not lost any of my magic although mother did spend a LOT of time yelling at Aunty Becky to “make him do it again and not be so cocky”.
We hurtled over logs, palisades, coffins, up and down steps and generally had a ball. I had to give the black squirt a lead a few times over the coffin as he seemed to think there was something lurking in the bottom of it. Judging by the determination on his pint sized rider’s face I wasn’t entirely sure it wasn’t going to be his corpse if he reared one more time…
We did the sunken road, the bigger steps and the tyres, hurtling over them with total ease and reminding Aunty Becky once again that all she needs to do is tell me what to jump and leave the rest to me.
I will admit to attempting to duck out at the water jump, but not because I’m scared of water as mother suggested while calling me a girl at such a volume they could probably have heard her in Scotland. It’s October people — it was COLD.
After realising that if I didn’t launch forth into the murky depths like the QE2 out of a dry dock mother was probably not going to feed me for a week or, worse still, actually get on board herself, I jumped in, splashed across and jumped out.
I’d like to apologise to the owner of the venue for a) the amount of water that jumped out (water displacement is a swine) and b) the damage caused to the far end of the complex by the resulting tidal wave. It’s physics people, it’s not my fault.
Anyway exhausted, muddy and happy we warmed down, re-loaded and went home where upon I regaled Dolly with tales of my brilliance.
The next day a white-faced, worried looking mother came to get me out and led me down the drive. I did briefly consider pretending to be lame just to see the size of the melt down that would have occurred but even I cant be that mean. She asked me for a trot, I tucked my head onto my chest and carted her down the drive, chucking a little buck for joy in along the way. She called me rude names but it was very half-hearted so I knew mum was over the moon really.
So on Sunday I get to go out and play again, showing the masses what big boys can really do. Never mind that the fences are so low Aunty Becky could jump them without my help – that’s beside the point – it’s cross-country baby!
Grassroots riders can take part in a new competition series with British Dressage (BD) next year, following the success of Team Quest.
Team Quest was launched two years ago and is currently open to teams of three or four riders who tackle tests from intro to novice level. There are regional and national finals.
My Quest will feature the same format as Team Quest, but is for individual competitors rather than teams.
Quest competitions offer relaxed rules on dress, sections for open and British Young Riders Dressage Scheme (BYRDS) riders, and competition against combinations of a similar ability.
“Team Quest has been the ideal vehicle to encourage more people than ever to take part, often trying a dressage test for the first time, so My Quest will be the perfect extension of this,” said BD’s Jason Brautigam.
BD has added elementary to the levels for 2016, so riders in Quest competitions can take part in intro, prelim, novice and elementary classes.
Bolton-based rider Erin Rowan competed in Team Quest championships this year with her Connemara mare Landslow Mystical.
“I was going to aim for an Area Festival qualification at prelim next year, but now My Quest has been introduced I may channel more of my efforts there instead,” she told H&H.
“It will be good to have something to focus on without the pressure of trying to compete for the normal BD championships.”
To take part in the Quest competitions, riders need to register for Quest Club membership. This costs £25 for a year and also covers riders for bronze and gold prelim levels under the new BD competition structure (news, 9 July).
Horses taking part need to be associate registered, which is free of charge.
BYRDS Club membership also covers Quest competitions, and BD members are welcome to take part as long as they are eligible for the bronze section at intro to elementary.
Forget trick-or-treating — dressing your horse up as a ghost/ joker/ skeleton/ Grim Reaper is the way to celebrate Halloween in style this year.
Whether you’re the type of person that slaves over a costume for months to make sure you wow on show day, or one that takes the cheat’s route of bagging a supermarket bargain, we’ve all indulged in dressing our horses and ponies up once or twice. And this time of year is the perfect opportunity to go to town. Surely your horse won’t mind a green mane, unicorn horn or fake wound?
As the trick-or-treaters start flooding in over the weekend, make sure you have your treats at the ready for humans and horses alike. We wouldn’t say no to this motley bunch…
The alien
Tina Davies on Lou Lou
A pair of devils
Three-year-old Deacon with her four-year-old pony Southwaite Calendar Girl
A sleepy-looking wizard
Sophie Claydon’s 18-year-old rescue pony Piper, a Welsh section A.
I know that we’re all human and therefore we all make mistakes from time to time, but there are some More…
The dragon
Stephanie Eaton and Narvarre Full Moon (Chelsea)
The witch
Molly Beadle
… another witch
Seven-year-old Isla Anderson with Roger in Colorado, USA
The Grim Reaper
Lauran Jones with her ex-racehorse Woody
The unicorn
Casanova, sent in by Kuchina Johnson
A halloween medley
North West Driving Club members Marina and Ted Chapman with Shetland pony Morag along with friend Sue Noreci and her three children, Leah, Elsa and Jamie.
… and another witch
Edie Codd riding Dolly
The clown
Elaine Dainty with Darco
…another Grim Reaper
Christine Talbot with her KWPN mare Nahajola (Lola).
The skeleton riding another skeleton
Mia Kirby and Saffron
…another witch
Elaine Hobkirk and Saffy at Lane Farm Equestrian’s halloween showjumping night
The skeleton riding a spider
Four-year-old son Oliver Gillman and his pony Tuffty at a Halloween show last year
If going around Badminton or tackling the Hickstead Derby aren’t next on your agenda, there is another way to make your mark in H&H — the H&H reader issue.
This is your chance to tell us your stories from 2015, with the best ones being printed in the 17 December issue of the magazine, and and free digital subscriptions to H&H up for grabs for our favourite entries.
Have you achieved a personal first this year? Beaten illness, injury or other adverse circumstances? Brought on a new horse? Achieved something you never dreamt you could this time last year? Whatever it might be, we want to hear about it.
Full details of all the categories and how to submit your story are below. We are also seeking your fantastic photos.
And as last year, we will be asking you to choose our cover star. Click here to vote for your horse of the year — who will be on the cover of the issue — as well as your rider of 2015 and more. Voting closes at midnight on Sunday 1 November, 2015.
Categories
Personal firsts: have you achieved something for the first time in 2015? Breeding a foal, competing affiliated, winning a class, becoming a judge? Or did your Riding Club, Pony Club branch or other group hold its first charity event?
Beating the odds: have you as a rider, or your horse, returned from illness or injury in 2015? How did you do it? What did you learn from the experience?
Your best picture of the year: it could be funny, beautiful, a “through the ears” shot or just tell a wonderful story. Make sure you tell us why it’s special.
AP’s first broadcast will be on Saturday 14 November, at The Open at Cheltenham.
“I’ve been very lucky and privileged to have enjoyed a fantastic career as a jump jockey,” said AP.
“I’m looking forward to working with Channel 4 over the next year and delighted to be back at some of the main festivals with a top presenting team.”
The former jockey will also be working on several other major days throughout the season including the Hennessy Gold Cup, the King George, Cheltenham’s January Trials meeting, two days from the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National.
It will not only be jump racing, as AP will also be working on the Derby, the Ebor and British Champions Day.
AP joins a line-up of presenters that includes Clare Balding, Nick Luck, Mick Fitzgerald, Emma Spencer, Alice Plunkett, Rishi Persad, Jim McGrath, Graham Cunningham, Simon Holt and Tanya Stevenson.
Clare said: “I love the sport, the horses and the people in racing; and I feel particularly privileged to get the chance to work with AP McCoy. To hear his unique insight and opinion will be fascinating for all of us.”
After dominating the sport for two decades, AP McCoy rode his last race at Sandown Park on Saturday 25 April.
He retired on a career total of 4,357 winners and bowed out having been crowned champion jockey for the 20th year in succession.
AP won nearly every major race including two Cheltenham Gold Cups, three Champion Hurdles and the Grand National.
In 2010 he was crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Ed Havard, Channel 4’s Head of TV Events, said: “AP is the most celebrated jockey in the world and is one of the greatest sportsmen of all time. His unrivalled knowledge of the sport will be an absolutely massive asset to our coverage and viewers will benefit from the insights of the most famous name in the sport.
“Together with our existing team AP will help take Channel 4’s racing coverage to new levels. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome him to Channel 4.”
In her book 'Breathe Life Into Your Riding', Jenny Rolfe explains her 'breath energy' techniques and how they could help your riding. Watch her in action with Eva, a warmblood mare who has recently been introduced to this approach
Several years ago if someone had told me that they could gain response from a horse by becoming aware of breathing and levels of energy, I may have been extremely sceptical.
Without much thought, I was placing my human limitations on the mind and sensitivity of the horse. I have discovered that when the rider enhances a natural pattern of deeper core breathing together with more grounded energy, it will instigate an immediate and profound response from the horse. If the rider is disciplined and consistent with this practice, it will not only enhance general health and well being but open the doors for further exploration.
When you sit on the horse you connect through your seat, but have you ever thought of connecting with your horse through your breathing? When you sit on the back of a horse, you connect with his spine and his central nervous system. The wave of a breath creates a powerful connection with the highly sensitive nature of the horse.
We understand that herd language is an awareness of body language but it goes much deeper as horses initially respond to any subtle changes in energy and breathing.
The power of breathing has a direct affect on how the human and equine body can function.
Shallow, tense breathing results in tightness of muscles and limbs which restricts both mobility and co-ordination. The rider has so much to focus on, that if his body is restricted by shallow breathing, he cannot fulfil his aspirations of relaxed harmonious riding.
Once we begin to master our own state of mind, tension and balance, we will be in a place where we can more easily be taught, by both a trainer and the horse. We will be able to respond more effectively with fluidity within our body and greater focus of our mind.
If we inhale and exhale, using lateral breathing, thus using correct abdominal muscles, then a core of stability will be created. This will help us to locate our correct centre of balance and gravity.
Do you suffer from competition riding nerves? Find out how to take control and use nerves to improve your performance
Harmony for the rider
If riders want to ride in harmony in their horses what do they need to do?
Preparation is the key to build on self awareness. With this in mind I have developed a TOP TO TOE for the rider:
Begin with a basic position which will enhance stability, balance and poise. These techniques are similar to the ancient wisdoms of the east, such as Chi Gong and Tai Chi.
Stand quietly and cultivate the feeling of breathing, into the space around you. Now take a slow deep outward sigh and begin your focus on steady breathing, beginning within your core.
Expand your abdomen with your inhalation , breathe into your body — as if filling up a glass with water – from the core upwards.
Exhale deeply down through your upper body and spine, releasing through your core.
Your feet should be parallel, about shoulder width apart — have a feeling of connecting through your legs and feet, into the core of the earth — ‘feeling truly grounded’.
Relax down through your legs, into released knees and ankles as if you are skiing down a bumpy slope .
Grow taller and expand your posture allowing your head to come slightly forward and upwards. Do not tighten the back of the neck but allow it to lengthen, keep your jaw relaxed.
Cultivate the feeling that your head is balanced in lightness, floating above the shoulders, as a balloon above your body. Lengthening of the neck helps to release the shoulders and arms.
Soften the muscles around your eyes.
Relax the facial muscles and release the jaw. Allow the back of your neck to lengthen gently. Relax your jaw and soften your lips.
Keep a relaxed feel in your sternum whilst breathing. Expand the chest, not by tightening the sternum and hollowing your back, but widen through the shoulder blades and ribcage , breathing wide and full, into your spine.
Take a deep outward sigh and allow the breath to ripple through your torso down into your core and through your legs and feet.
You should start to feel more relaxed and grounded. Focus on your body awareness from your head down through to your toes.
Work under saddle
Once in the saddle, it is worth taking a few moments to check our posture from ‘Top to toe’ then take a very deep outward sigh, rippling down your upper torso into your core to release any tension. This will just relax your body releasing tension through your muscles and joints. Allow the next inward breath, just to happen, in a natural way. Remember when you give a deep sigh it is just a gentle release of energy through your body. This is a different feel to the outward breath which directs the stronger energy, from the core towards the horse, which will instigate his movement.
Breathe into walk
When you feel calm and focused top to toe, take up an allowing contact with the reins, then inhale followed by a more vigorous outward breathe. The exhalation will ripple down your spine releasing your core which encourages the horse to move forwards. This movement for the rider is similar to sitting on a swing and pushing it forwards and upwards, but it is much more subtle. If your horse does not respond, use your legs once and if needed back up with a tap of the whip on your own leg. Very quickly the horse will tune into this sequence of aids and respond from your breath alone. When the horse is walking forwards, continue breathing naturally and rhythmically with every stride. Imagine you are jogging and supporting your running with steady inhalation and exhalation.
Breathe into the halt
When asking the horse to halt, your deeper inhalation will lengthen and strengthen your spine, creating stability and acting as a half halt. As the horse responds, increase the inward breath, close your fingers on the reins and ask him to halt. Once the horse is standing still, release the pressure of your fingers on the reins, so he can stand immobile in a good self-carriage. Gain his focus with your steady core-breathing. He should be calm and still, yet ready to move on your next deeper, energizing exhalation. If the horse is allowed to stand, with only a light contact with the reins, his forward movement will be in lightness and not bearing down.
Transitions — from walk to trot
Prepare by walking forwards with a good energetic rhythm. Before you trot forwards ensure the horse is relaxed into a steady contact created from the propulsion of the hind limbs, enhanced by his attentive calm mind.
Try to breathe steadily and naturally with awareness of expanding your core on the inward breath and releasing gently through your core, on exhalation. Take a deeper inward breath to prepare to trot. This will re-balance and further engage the movement and gain his attention for a change in gait. Allow a deeper breath outwards and feel the energy ripple down through your spine, this will release the core and mobilise the seat.
If the horse does not respond then use your legs, just once and re-enforce with a tap of the whip, if needed. Focus on regular natural breathing and use the deeper outward breath to instigate more energy.
Tap once with your legs if the horse is not attentive to your energising breath. The horse will soon tune into your breathing alone which will enable your legs just to hang in a relaxed way down either side of the horse’s rib cage. In this way your natural balance will not be continually disrupted.
If your horse tries to pull and get too strong in your hand, re-balance with a focus on a deep inhalation and if necessary close your fingers on the reins. Your more intense inward breath will expand and strengthen your seat and core.
This will give stability to the horse who will feel this momentary resistance to his forward movement. He will then re-balance and with a more allowing contact from your hand and fingers, you can encourage him to move forward with lightness. When you take the deeper inward breath, it not only lengthens and strengthens your spine but you will feel the tightness through your upper leg and thigh.
The horse is extremely sensitive to any change of balance or restriction from the rider. The feeling of restraint which is a momentary check from the rider, will probably be sufficient to steady the horse.
The horse will quickly listen to core breathing as the first aid when asking for any change, whether in pace or direction.
Techniques of breathing will energise a lazy horse or equally calm an anxious horse. Breathing awareness will enhance communication between horse and rider. This will open up a path towards harmony and lightness.
Chilli Morning conformation and William Fox Pitt Portraits portrait
Top British event rider William Fox-Pitt is now out of intensive care, following a serious cross-country fall nearly a fortnight ago.
“William’s condition has improved enough for him to be moved out of the intensive care unit. He remains in hospital in France,” read a statement from British Eventing today (Friday, 30 October).
“His family remain hugely grateful to the fantastic team looking after him and to everyone for all the messages and support.”
The Olympic eventer has been in hospital in France since Saturday 17 October, when he fell at Le Lion d’Angers.
His wife, Channel 4 Racing presenter Alice Plunkett, flew to France to be with him.
William fell at fence 20, an owl hole, on the cross-country while riding Reinstated.
The pair were competing in the seven-year-old CCI2* class at the FEI/WBFSH world championships for young eventing horses.
William had already completed the course successfully on his first ride, The Soapdodger.
Reinstated, whom William first competed in May 2014 at Chatsworth, was not injured in the fall.
The course was held for more than an hour while William received medical assistance before being transferred to Angers hospital.
William regained consciousness on Monday after being kept sedated under close observation for more than a week. A statement issued at the time said he was “breathing on his own and communicating with his family and doctors, [but was] still very ill.”
The 46-year-old is currently at number three in the world eventing rankings.
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
Fans of My Little Pony can now take their appreciation of the popular cartoon to the next level.
The My Little Pony Café recently opened in Japan, and news of the pony paradise is spreading.
Visitors are transported into Equestria — the magical land of the ponies — from the moment they arrive. A life-sized model of Twilight Sparkle stands at the entrance, and dozens of model ponies decorate the interior of the café.
Pony-themed dishes are served decorated with the characters and a brightly coloured mural features My Little Pony favourites Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy.
However, those keen to eat in this sparkling pony palace need to act quickly, as the café is open only until 29 November.
Wear a peice 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 29 October-8 November and all profits will go to the JustWorld International charity, for which the 22-year-old Sussex-based showjumper is an ambassador.
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.
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.
Draw reins have been banned by the Swiss Federation in warm-up and competition in an attempt to improve the profile of horse sport.
Welfare issues in training have come under the spotlight in recent months, with images of horses and various training aids receiving criticism online.
“Equestrianism is often the focus of public attention, but unfortunately not always in a positive way,” read a statement from the federation.
It adds that images of horses in draw reins arouse suspicion of “stress and submission”.
Currently under Swiss rules they are allowed in the warm up until the first jump and during prize-givings.
The statement continues: “The Swiss Federation wants to engage continuously and proactively in the welfare of the horses and the reputation of equestrian sports.”
It is therefore banning the reins outright at competitions from 1 January 2016. Under the new rules the reins are “prohibited in all events and the warm-up”.
The federation states that some images might be misconstrued by non-equestrian viewers or “irritate” them as the reins are seen as a “constraint”.
“An image suggesting coercion and violence sends the wrong message and undermines the reputation of equestrian sports,” the federation continues. “If we do not fight this by all means, a complete ban on equestrian sports could result sooner or later.”
Draw reins are already banned under British Eventing and British Dressage rules, but are allowed in the warm-up for seniors in British Showjumping.
The British Equestrian Federation declined to comment on the new discipline-wide rule, while the FEI also told H&H they “were aware of it”, but would not comment further.
A beneficial training aid?
So do draw reins ever have a place in training? They are used at home by some top riders, but trainers asked by H&H did not advocate them as an effective or long-term solution.
“I’m not absolutely against them but I would try everything else first before resorting to them,” eventing trainer Christopher Bartle told H&H.
“I have recommended them in the past and they have helped in a safety sense with young or difficult horses, but I’d try and avoid them as much as possible. They help if the horse is particularly spooky. But it doesn’t teach them about contact as it controls it.”
Christopher added that he doesn’t believe they are used as much as in the past.
Olympic dressage rider Richard Davison agreed that their prevalence is less than it used to be.
“I think the ban is a good idea, it will probably make the few riders who rely on them look at more effective training techniques at home that they can replicate in the warm-up,” he added.
“If you can’t use certain techniques in the public arena then you have to look at more sustainable training. You need to question why they need to ride in that opposite shape to warm up than the horse is naturally in for competition.”
Showjumper Caroline Breen also believes the Swiss have the right idea in banning them.
“The majority of the general public will see top riders using them and think ‘that’s how they all do it and I’m going to try that tomorrow at home’,” she told H&H.
“There is a lack of understanding of why and how the draw rein should be used. I think people forget they are an aid, not a quick fix.”
H&H columnist Graham Fletcher agreed.
“They are of benefit if used correctly by a rider with plenty of experience. You have to be sensible and safe, and seek advice from a professional trainer,” he said.
However, he added: “I’m never one for banning anything, it becomes a nanny state. As long as people use them correctly they can help a lot of horses.”
Enjoy some of our favourite tweets from the past seven days. From an over-keen dressage mother to the possible secret behind a top eventer’s success, 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
Olympic champion, European champion and apparently a real wizz on a Segway too
Michael Jung at Pau, proving that there is no limit to what he can train a horse to do?! (Photo by Jenny Lupton) pic.twitter.com/lHboCheeRv
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
Recent news about the re-emergence of pinworm as a parasitic problem has prompted a flurry of stories from owners who’ve spotted these unwelcome visitors around their horses’ hindquarters.
“They seem to be this year’s must-have accessory for the discerning equine,” says Leila Mitcham, who first suspected infestation when she noticed some uncharacteristic tail swishing by her thoroughbred gelding, Beau. “I’ve been involved with horses for more than 30 years, but have never come across a case of pinworm.”
Leila’s three horses mainly live out on 4.5 acres of grazing that is poo-picked daily. Each is wormed for encysted redworm and tapeworm and has a regular faecal egg count, so it surprised Leila to discover that pinworms were in effect living “under the radar”.
The pinworms flourished unnoticed because their eggs are laid around the anus area and not expelled in dung, and are therefore not detected in faecal egg counts.
Upon closer inspection, Leila noticed telltale yellow dots under Beau’s tail — pinworm eggs. She then spotted an adult female worm emerging from his anus.
“Beau was the only one to show any signs,” she says.
This lack of visible evidence is another reason why pinworms tend to be overlooked. Perianal pruritis (itching of the tail) can be a giveaway, but clinical signs may appear in only a small percentage of horses.
And while young horses have been considered most at risk, this is no longer so.
“There are numerous reports of clinical signs in mature adult and geriatric horses,” says Edd Knowles MRCVS, adding that a much broader age range is now thought to be vulnerable.
Pinworm presence in Leila’s horses — two thoroughbreds aged 22 and a five-year-old cob — would seem to confirm this.
A persistent problem
How worried should we be about these low-profile parasites?
Aside from the discomfort caused by itching, possible tail-wrecking and consequential behavioural changes, a sizeable burden can apparently cause more serious problems.
“Pinworm have also been blamed for causing some types of colic by causing inflammation of the colon and caecum,” warns Edd.
Leila’s horses are now undergoing a treatment programme aimed at eradicating the internal worm burden. But Edd says that pinworm are showing resistance to some wormers.
“The continued presence or rapid reappearance of eggs despite repeated treatment was found in mature horses in Germany,” he says. “Egg shedding ceased only after subsequent mebendazole treatment. In the US and New Zealand, adult pinworms that had survived treatment with ivermectin/abamectin were killed only by pyrantel or oxfendazole.
“If you do suspect pinworm, consult your vet to put together a thorough treatment plan,” Edd advises. “If signs persist following treatment, a different class of wormer may be necessary.”
Moving house and divorce might be deemed the most stressful lifetime events, but surely the hunt for the perfect pony is a close runner-up... Kate Flynn takes us on the next stage of her turbulent journey to find the ideal 13.2-14.2hh confidence-giver for her daughter
As we had now seen 10 ponies so far, Daughter and I were getting used to disappointment. Arriving to find the pony was not what we had been told was no longer a surprise to us, but never before had we arrived to find…no pony! This was a first.
The advert had sounded promising: snaffle mouthed, live in or out, competed in combined training, unaffiliated showjumping up to 90cm, Pony Club activities, happy over ditches and through water, a wonderful hunting pony… yada yada yada!
A phone call to the owners revealed that in fact they weren’t the pony’s owners. “So you’re a dealer then?” I queried. “No, no love,” said the lilting Somerset accent on the other end.
‘We’re not dealers’
“We sometimes sell for others, but we’re not dealers.” I was somewhat baffled. If that’s not a dealer, I don’t know what is. Anyway… I decided not to debate the semantics and spent the next half an hour listening to the inspiring story of angelic Max, the “suit anyone” pony with a heart of gold and an ability to match. We were sent more photos. We watched half a dozen videos. We took the bait.
“I have a really good feeling about this one,” I said to Daughter as we veered off the M5 into deepest West Country. “You’ve said that before — about 10 times actually,” chided Daughter, who was becoming as cynical as me over the whole pony-buying escapade.
We drew up to what can only be described as an idyllic but dilapidated farmhouse. The Darling Buds of May immediately sprung to mind as chickens pottered around a blooming vegetable patch and tiles clung precariously to a low-slung roof.
I was half expecting a buxom wench in a chintzy dress to appear from the porch with a basket of freshly baked bread beneath her arm, when my bubble of bliss was burst by a large black dog hurtling towards the car in full territorial mode, swiftly followed by an elderly woman in a ripped puffa, a pinny and tan coloured pop sox wrinkled down below three-quarter length beige slacks.
Do you miss the water fights and musical rides? Read on to discover what legacy Pony Club camp has left More…
‘Sold and taken this morning’
Calling off the dog, she approached our car window. “Can I help you?” drawled Pop Sox. I explained we were here to see Max. Pop Sox looked a bit confused. She checked her watch, and peered into the car again. “Max? Pony Max?” I nodded.
“Well he’s gone, love. Sold and taken this morning.” My heart sank. There followed a lengthy explanation which boiled down to how Pop Sox’s daughter must have forgotten to pass on my message and how the first person to see the pony had snapped their hand off (always a good one to make you feel you have missed out on the perfect pony). Of course, they had another pony round the back that might fit the bill just as well. We were like flies heading straight into the spider’s web.
I turned to Daughter and looked doubtfully across at her. We should just reverse out now and write it down to experience. On the other hand, having travelled an hour and a half to get there, wouldn’t it be churlish not to take a look at the suggested Max-replacement pony?
Against my better judgment, but with curiosity piqued, we left the safety of our car and followed Pop Sox to a tumbledown stable where a giant cob swung his bearded chin over the door. “Ooh, Bruce is lovely. Done everything you need.
“He can be strong when jumping mind, but ‘e jumped some good fences last year.
“He had some unlucky poles, but….all the same, ‘e’s a little cracker,” crooned Pop Sox. In response, Bruce opened his ample mouth and took hold of the top of the stable door and emitted a deep gastric belch.
“Ah yes, he’s reminding me to tell you that he does windsuck, but that’s reflected in his price,” added Pop Sox, with a toothy grin.
It may not surprise you to learn that I never found out what they were asking for Bruce… Next!
A recent study has found that improving rider core stability can increase a horse’s stride length considerably.
The research examined the effects of an eight-week unmounted rider core fitness programme on ridden symmetry and the horse’s movement.
It found that core strength can promote symmetry in the saddle and reduce peak pressures on a horse’s back, as well as lengthening the horse’s stride.
“The programme can provide an important method for improving equine welfare,” said Alexandra Hampson from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh, who conducted the study.
Ten healthy horse and rider combinations working at medium level dressage were used. Riders participated in an eight-week rider sport-specific core fitness programme.
Exercises included a circuit of core exercises such as planks, “bird dogs”, bridge marches and stretches.
Two ridden tests were carried out at sitting trot before and after the exercise programme was completed.
Each horse was fitted with an electronic saddle pad prior to the tests to record rider pressure.
Three variables were evaluated: left-right mean saddle pressure difference; maximum total force of the saddle on the horse’s back; and equine stride length.
The study found that the riders were able to improve their symmetry significantly by following the core fitness programme.
“The findings were encouraging,” said Ms Hampson. “With just a small, consistent time investment, horses were freer in their backs with an 8.4% increase in stride length. Riders appeared to be more stable and effective, as reported by themselves and their coaches, and were better able to sit a bigger trot.
“Once riders realise these exercises can make both them and their horses more comfortable, it may seem less of a chore to fit them into their routine.”
Dr Sue Dyson, specialist in equine orthopedics at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, frequently comes across back problems and lameness in horses that is caused or worsened by rider position.
“For optimal comfort for the horse, the rider should sit straight and in harmony with the horse’s rhythm,” she said. “Any effect of rider crookedness will be compounded by lack of core stability of the rider. “
Improving performance
Lindsay Wilcox-Reid teaches equipilates, a specialised form of Pilates incorporating biomechanics.
“The findings of the study concur with the evidence we have collated, which shows that our programmes, including core conditioning work, improve technique,” she told H&H.
Ms Hampson plans to continue exploring rider core strength with further projects.
Her paper will be published in the December edition of the International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport.
Well, that was tougher than I thought it would be. Thank you to all my friends and family for your support messages. They truly mean so much to me.
There are moments when I feel as if I’m on the other side of the world, so far away from my friends and family… Oh wait I am! But I’m doing well and more importantly Hilly (Fernhill Present) is even better.
Hilly is used to hacking for hours around the Surrey Hills at home, being turned out in his favourite field and pretty much what I think he wants he gets. He’s had none of this in quarantine.
My mother has always told me you can cope with anything for a month. With quarantine I can say I did cope, but I wouldn’t have like to have done it any longer; and I really mean that.
My reasons are not so much for me, but more for Hilly.
Jenny with the ‘trotting poles’
Keeping him happy and preventing boredom was my main priority. One day I went out and bought broom sticks in Sydney to act as trotting poles. I lunged him in different lunge pens which was a slight change of scenery for him. I turned him out as much as possible but some days the heat and flies were an issue. His favourite treat would be the fresh grass I cut for him daily along the quarantine fence line.
Everyone in Sydney quarantine was lovely and I can now sort of relate to what Big Brother contestants may have to cope with in the Big Brother house.
Damien Ford is the head IRT groom along with Darren McKay; they are true professionals and both experienced horsemen. Their laid back attitude helped me try to relax. Darren would often tell me that Hilly would pick up on my vibes and therefore I should really try to chill out. Easier said than done, but the comment touched a nerve. I have to remain positive for Hilly.
The grass I cut for Hilly
Darren and Damien checked Hilly at night for me and I’m very thankful for this and how they welcomed Jenny (my groom) and I.
Another of my comrades in quarantine was Howard Russell, who runs RBI transport. Howard (or Howie) is a true gentleman and it was always reassuring to see him walking around quarantine or sat in his chair watching TV. Howie would always make me a cup of tea and let me eat his last Tim Tam — a small gesture like this can mean so much if you’re feeling a bit blue.
Another person I met in quarantine was Monika Du. We all thought she was German for the first two days. I was practicing my German to her and Jenny asking her about German event riders. We all thought it was a bit odd she didn’t even try and speak back to us in German when we were trying so hard until one day Monika said: “I can’t wait to get back to Poland.”
“Poland? You’re from Poland?!” I said, at which point we all fell about laughing at our huge mistake. Poor Monika had no idea we thought she was German. It turned out that the horses she was looking after were from Germany and that’s about it.
So far I have met so many amazing people and I hope to remain in touch with all of them. Facebook really is a marvellous thing to help in such situations.
Hilly just before we left quarantine
As happy as I was to leave quarantine, another part of me was sad to say goodbye to the new friends I’d made. Everyone has gone out of their way to be friendly and helpful and it just goes to show there are caring people in the world.
Last night we made the long journey from Sydney to Adelaide. By car this is around 14 hours straight. We stopped roughly every five hours and got Hilly out to drop his head and stretch his legs. He now has to remain in isolation from other horses so we don’t have to quarantine on the way home. Luckily Hilly doesn’t mind being by himself, but again it’s not an ideal situation.
Hilly and I both have one very special trait in common — the remarkable skill to fall asleep on long journeys. I would never have brought him on this epic journey if I didn’t already know this. Ever since he was young he has always fallen asleep on the truck while travelling. He does like to rest his chin on something, but then he will close his eyes and nod off. He has taught my other horses to do this too.
Hilly grazing at the Adelaide Horse Trials site
Hilly is also very good at drinking on the truck and he will always stale. I always travel a horse with shavings or straw on the floor to encourage them to do so. A lot of horses don’t like splash back (I don’t know how else to describe this and this helps you to get the point!).
We arrived at the Magic Millions Complex (where the horse trials will be held) in the early hours of Sunday morning. Although it was dark Hilly knew we had arrived at the event. He marched off the lorry and proceeded to check out what will be his new home for the next two weeks. I walked and grazed him for 20 minutes before I put him to bed. I looked at my watch and it was 1.40am.
Lance, who is looking after us at Magic Millions, drove me to the hotel — it was shut. There was only one thing for it. Amy Kelly (my travelling vet), Jenny and I slept in a stable next to Hilly. I knew there was a good reason for bringing all of those rugs!
To be honest at that point we were all so tired, we could have slept anywhere.
I sat with Hilly as dawn broke and then we ate breakfast together before I turned him out in the little field I made out of electric fencing and plastic posts.
Me with Hilly
I was staring at my phone when a message came through from Gillian Rolton, who is the event director of Adelaide Horse Trials. Gillian is one of the main reasons I’m here. She is a bit of legend and a two-time Olympic gold medalist for Australia in eventing (1992 and 1996). At both games she rode her horse, Peppermint Grove, named after its name sake area in Western Australia.
I first met Gillian in Kentucky where she was on the ground jury while Hilly and I were competing. It was then I told her about my goal to complete at Adelaide and she has pulled out all the stops to make sure Hilly and I feel at home here. The whole year building up to this she has been at the end of an email or phone call to make sure the whole process runs as smoothly as possible. Without her help I’m sure I would not be here now.
Gillian’s message said she was on her way to drop off a car for us and that she would show me around Magic Millions and take us to the hotel (which was now open) to get settled, plus she had coffee!
I walked into the stables and woke Amy and Jenny up. It was time to check out Adelaide!
Until next time I will be riding Hilly after two weeks off and assessing our fitness, as well as welcoming my family as they start to arrive!
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.
Legendary racehorse 
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?
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