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DRESSAGE ‘She keeps getting better’: Dujardin wows on Freestyle

‘I FREELY ADMIT THAT THE BEST OF MY FUN I OWE IT TO HORSE AND HOUND’ - Whyte Melville

EVERY WEEK 30 JANUARY 2020

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What makes cobs a joy Why cobs are in favour and how to find one

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30 January 2020 Volume CXXXVI Issue 5

‘I FREELY ADMIT THAT THE BEST OF MY FUN I OWE IT TO HORSE AND HOUND’ - Whyte Melville

Pictures by FEI/Leanjo de Koster, Peter Nixon and Will Buckley

Spoilt for choice

NEWS

I DO try not to harp on about what it was like when I was dressage editor at Horse & Hound, but in those days selectors were delighted to find more than two British combinations capable of scoring 70% at international grand prix level with whom to field a team for championships. Now there are so many who fit the bill, there is a battle on as to who might make the cut.

Gareth Hughes shows honest insight into his Olympic campaign and how all are affected by an early selection date for Tokyo (comment, p54).

We are seeing Charlotte Dujardin and Lottie Fry impress over the winter World Cup series, both pulling off strong performances in a tough line-up in Amsterdam — Charlotte and Mount St John Freestyle scoring a combined personal best and giving Isabell Werth a run for her money. With so much talent, the selectors have their work cut out in a different way, which spells great excitement for followers.

To the ongoing debate on the perception of horse sport to the wider public, as Barry Johnson says (news, p8), it isn’t enough that we tell people they are wrong, we look after sport horses brilliantly and non-equestrians wouldn’t understand. Anyone talking to anyone about horses has an influential role in explaining what we do. Last summer I met a group on a bridleway concerned for horses that had been “blindfolded”. When I quickly explained the masks kept flies off their eyes, preventing the spread of infection and making them comfortable, their opinions of the owners reverted in seconds. Small steps.

4 Calls for Tokyo qualifying results to be voided 5 Changes after Olympic horse ownership deadline 6 New laws could mean more off-road access for riders 8 Why public perception is so important

COB SPECIAL 26 Horse hero “Bentley of a ride” Lord Alexander 28 The cob’s rebrand And the type’s rise in popularity 32 Raw potential Experts on their own cob stars and what to look for when buying

FEATURES 35 Training diary H&H’s diarist Chloe Winchester

Page 40: a day’s Irish hunting with the North Kilkenny

36 Safety in horse sport The latest statistics and innovations

62 Showjumping Stuart Reeve-Young 68 Racing Kim Bailey

REGULARS

HUNTING

16 All in a day’s work Balmoral’s head keeper 18 Vet clinic Why yard hygiene is important for keeping infections at bay 20 H&H interview Rising star in British dressage Dannie Morgan talks about competing against the best 24 Life lessons Dressage rider Alice Oppenheimer on pre-test rituals and more 82 Goodnight Tessa Waugh’s hunting diary

40 A day’s hunting with the North Kilkenny 44 Andrew Proe The kennel-huntsman on stepping down after 34 years 47 Hunt stalwart David Rotherey 48 Hunting life The Beaufort raises a total of £55k for charity 50 Hunter of a lifetime “Real gentleman” Oliver 51 From the field Pointing’s traditional link with hunting

OPINION Page 20: we talk to rising dressage star Dannie Morgan

14 Letters of the week 49 Hunting Robert McCarthy 54 Dressage Gareth Hughes

EVERY WEEK

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What makes cobs a joy Why cobs are in favour

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COVER HOYS-winning cob Lord Alexander (Horse hero, p26).

Credit: Sarah Farnsworth.

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Producing horses to ‘look like lions but behave like lambs’

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52 Dressage Addington EC, Amsterdam and highlights 60 Showjumping Bury Farm, international and highlights 66 Racing Cheltenham 69 Point-to-point Cocklebarrow, Thorpe Lodge and Friars Haugh

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NEWSInsider Pressure to void Tokyo places after qualification questions Edited by Eleanor Jones

The FEI says it is investigating after some achieved results at shows to which few riders were invited

Mathilda Karlsson has risen a number of places on the rankings list

THE FEI is under pressure to void Olympic jumping places secured at last-minute tours that had invited a handful of riders.

Some classes last month at Villeneuve-Loubet in France and Damascus, Syria, involved just five riders, one of whom won rankings points with a 28-fault round.

Mathilda Karlsson (Sri Lanka), Ahmad Hamcho (Syria) and Ibrahim Bisharat (Jordan) shot up their respective Olympic qualifying group leaderboards last month, displacing Hong Kong and UAE, which had looked set for Tokyo following consistent performances up to five-star level.

Olympic rankings points run alongside Longines world ranking points. The two top nations per geographical group can send individuals to the Games.

The International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) has had complaints that these shows were unfair. The FEI is investigating but declined to give details.

‘SKULDUGGERY’ THE Olympic qualifying deadline has passed (December 31) but IJRC director Eleonora Ottaviani feels the ranking formula could be exposed to “skulduggery”, and requested an urgent meeting with the FEI; from 4 February, a new system automatically generates invitations in world ranking order.

Two Villeneuve-Loubet riders rose over 400 places at its December shows. Villeneuve had shows throughout January, so far mostly contested by the same handful of riders.

Villenueve-Loubet and Damascus were late additions to the calendar but have not breached scheduling rules. But the only other venue ever to limit participation significantly at Olympic qualifiers was 4

Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

Baku in 2011. The FEI voided some results, alleging they were “manipulated” to qualify Azerbaijan for London 2012.

In European two-star CSIs, 100 starters and invitations to all 137 national federations are the

something wrong, and it’s sad I get targeted by people who doubt I deserve my spot,” she said.

At Damascus, Ahmad achieved seven and Ibrahim 13 counting results in qualifying group F. Damascus invited 80 Syrian

‘I have not knowingly done something wrong’ MATHILDA KARLSSON, SHOWJUMPER

norm. For its December CSI2*s, Villeneuve-Loubet invited a maximum of 20 riders, excluding Germany, the Netherlands, Great Britain and Ireland. Mathilda achieved nine of her 15 counting results there, before which she had been seventh in Group G. Mathilda said she had planned to jump her top horse Chopin VA at three- and five-star CSIs in December but opted for Villenueve-Loubet after he had a few weeks off with illness.

“I have not knowingly done

riders, some 50 more than Syria has, and 20 from countries as far as Argentina or those that were likely to avoid Syria on foreign office advice.

No FEI scheduling rules were broken, and VilleneuveLoubet secretary Cristelle Caiulo told H&H it could invite who it wished, and did not want past entrants who caused issues with late entries. Asked to explain its limit on invitations or why extra ranking classes were added after entries closed, she replied: “Are

you joking?”

The IJRC owns the FEI Longines ranking list formula, on which the Olympic rankings are based, but Ms Ottaviani said responsibility for fairness lay with the FEI, organisers and officials.

“It is not only a question of the rules, but of being certain there are no anomalies or that it’s possible something not quite right has falsified the system.

“The important thing is that an athlete or organisation acts not only by the rules but also according to the principle of fair play. Reality has demonstrated that things haven’t worked out this way. It will be the responsibility of the ranking working group to find solutions so regulations leave no space for skulduggery or manipulation.”

She urged anyone with suspicions to contact the integrity unit on 020 7935 5822 or report@equestrianintegrity.com.

The position of group G leader, Chinese Taipei’s Jasmine Chen, is not affected by this dispute.

Pictures by Lucy Merrell, Peter Nixon and Kerry Bowness

By PIPPA CUCKSON

Tullyoran Cruise is among the high-profile horses sold to Japan

Horses change owners for the Tokyo Games As the transfer deadline passed, a number of top rides have been sold NEW combinations are looking to make their mark with Olympic selectors as top international horses have moved to new riders.

One reason for recent activity is the horse nationality transfer deadline. This means horses entered for the Tokyo Games must have been registered with the FEI as property of owners of the same nationality as the athlete by 15 January. The percentage of ownership is not important, and even horses who have competed on teams at other championships still have to be registered in the relevant nationality.

Japan and Ireland are among the nations with highprofile movers, while British championship rides look secured.

Eventer Tullyoran Cruise JRA, who has top-10 finishes at four-star level with Britain’s Izzy Taylor and Australia’s Samantha Birch, was registered in Japanese ownership, for Yoshi Oiwa’s string, on Christmas Eve. “While I will be sad not to campaign her towards Tokyo I couldn’t be happier to watch her progress with such a talented rider and I wish Yoshi the best of luck,” said Samantha.

By LUCY ELDER Quarrycrest Echo, who was on the British gold medal-winning side at the 2018 World Equestrian Games and 2019 Europeans with Piggy French, was sold to Riding Club Crane for Toshiyuki Tanaka in December.

Showjumper Evita SG Z has numerous wins and top placings on the five-star circuit with Italian rider Emilio Bicocchi, and is

riders or other owners.

“We are pleased we have good horses for the Olympics. We’re looking forward to good results in Tokyo,” he added.

Ben Maher’s European Championship team bronze and individual silver medal-winning ride Explosion W was sold in November to Pamela Wright and Charlotte Rossetter and Ben, who keeps the ride as the horse moved from US to British-registered ownership. Amanda Derbyshire’s 2018 World and 2019 Europeans ride Luibanta BH is also now in British ownership. The 12-yearold mare is owned by Gochman Sport Horse LLC and, as of 16 December, Amanda also appears on the list as an owner.

Team GBR performance director Dickie Waygood told H&H they are “eternally grateful” to owners.

“We are exceptionally fortunate to have a number of horses and riders set to reach their peak in time for Tokyo,” he said.

“We are confident of sending a contingent of world-class combinations who are more than capable of podium performances.”

Among those joining the Irish is Cas De Liberte BH, who brings senior championship and team experience. She joins Richard Howley, who said Ireland is “very strong” in riders and horsepower.

“She is a fantastic horse and has a world of experience,” he told H&H. “It is very nice to have a horse like her, especially in 2020.”

Denis Lynch scored a major win on Cristello, in the CSI5* Golden Drum of Basel on 12 January. The 13-year-old had been campaigned by Dutch rider Kevin Jochems, joining Denis and Irish ownership in November.

Cian O’Connor has an exciting new ride with Lazzaro Delle Schiave joining his string from Italy’s Massimo Grossato.

“This year is a big year for me and team Ireland,” said Cian. “It’s only the build-up of the season

HORSES IN THE NEWS

STAMBROOK PAVAROTTI Sarah Lears’ working hunter star, who won at Horse of the Year Show and the Royal International, has been put down aged 28. The 14hh gelding, bred by Sarah Rook, was leased to four riders and retired in 2010.

KANNAN The stallion, sire to Nino De Buissonnets, Molly Malone V and Diva II, has died aged 28. His showjumping career highlights with Michel Hecart included representing France at the Europeans and taking the national title in 2005.

‘We are confident of sending a world-class contingent’ DICKIE WAYGOOD

among the horses on Japan’s list of provisional entries for Tokyo. The mare was registered in Japanese ownership on the deadline, as was Jet Run, who jumped for Spain with Sergio Álvarez Moya at the 2019 European Championships.

A Japanese federation spokesman told H&H it has ownership (part or full) of nine showjumpers and nine eventers, with most of the rest owned by

toward the rest of the year, and obviously Tokyo will be in the back of my mind as the goal all year.”

A Horse Sport Ireland spokesman told H&H: “We are very lucky to have fantastic owners from all over the globe.

“It is testament to the talent of our athletes and their business expertise, that they continue to strengthen their string of horses to compete on the world stage.”

GALLEY LIGHT The racehorse turned top eventer has been enjoying hunting in his retirement with long-term rider and owner Ben Way. The 17-yearold, co-owned by Elisabeth Collins, competed at Badminton and Burghley.

30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

5

NEWSInsider IN BRIEF New laws could mean extra off-road access NO IMMEDIATE BREXIT CHANGES

NOT GUILTY ON HUNTING CHARGES THE Blackmore and Sparkford Vale huntsman has been found not guilty of Hunting Act offences.

Mark Doggrell faced charges of illegal hunting relating to activity on 23 February 2019 in Somerset.

He was cleared at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on 22 January 2020.

A Countryside Alliance spokesman said: “Sadly this is another example of a prosecution based on vindictive allegations made by prejudiced activists. There is a long history of such cases resulting in not guilty verdicts when the evidence fails to meet claims made by people who are only interested in attacking hunting.”

The Agriculture Bill has been welcomed, although there is more work still to be done to ensure riders will benefit NEW legislation granting payments to farmers for public access to their land is a “positive step”, but there is still work to be done for this to benefit riders.

The Agriculture Bill, which will have its second reading at the House of Commons on 3 February, sets out provisions to provide money for “public goods”, including financial assistance to landowners to support access to and enjoyment of the countryside.

British Horse Society (BHS) director of access Mark Weston said the society welcomes the bill.

“In 2018 the BHS lobbied with other groups for the bill to recognise the provision of access as a public good. As part of this we asked members to contact their MPs to support the call for landowners to be paid to

By BECKY MURRAY widen the rights of way network available to riders, and to help maintain the network as part of any future subsidy scheme under the bill,” he told H&H. “In England and Wales, riders have access to only 22% of the public rights of way network, and carriage drivers 5%. We welcome any incentive designed to enhance and extend the network and are committed to safeguarding these public assets to ensure riders, cyclists and walkers can use safe off-road routes in future.”

Rural chartered surveyor Paul Madeley told H&H the bill is a positive step, but added it is “vague” and needs more detail.

“It’s broad, and in terms of

The law could mean farmers are paid to open access to their land

CHARITY STATUS FOR COB CARE A GROUP formed to promote, preserve and protect cobs hopes its new charitable status will allow it to act as a link between breeders and welfare charities.

Cob Care, the charitable arm of the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association (TGCA), is to encourage responsible breeding and horse care.

TGCA founder Andrea Betteridge, executive director of Cob Care, said: “We are particularly grateful to receive charitable status as it’s important not to forget the possible implications of [travel abroad after] Brexit for the traditional gypsy cob.”

6

Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

access doesn’t mention bridleways or horses, but we’ll watch this space,” he said.

“There is scope that could help equestrianism in terms of farming businesses looking at other income streams and diversification such as livery.

“The government said it wants public money for public goods; this means it will have to be considered if access to a bridleway is a public good — I would say it is. What I’m picking out is improvements to access, not new access. People have read that it will include improvements to access structures like gates and stiles; I think these could be worked in, but it’s for organisations to lobby as the scheme is drafted.”

Countryside Alliance head of policy Sarah Lee told H&H the alliance supports the proposals.

“If we want people to love and understand the countryside we believe it is important to open it as a public good, which includes paying land managers to provide off-road riding,” she said.

“We will examine the bill in detail and look forward to continuing to work closely with MPs as the bill progresses.”

A spokesman for Defra told H&H access had been identified as a key public good in the environmental land management system and the specifics of the policy are being worked through — but options to improve access are being considered.

Numbers boost for dressage champs CHANGES to the British Dressage (BD) national championships will give numbers a “significant boost” with the addition of new classes from this year — and more opportunities for grassroots riders.

Following the announcement that the championships were to move from Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, to Somerford Park, Cheshire, a BD spokesman said the additional facilities at the venue, including a third competition arena, meant it allowed a review of the numbers

of tests that could run each day.

“We’re able to boost the programme capacity by around 15% across the established classes from novice to advanced medium.

This means we will be able to ensure numbers in the silver and gold sections are more balanced to provide better representation across the sport,” he said.

Other changes include silver sections for small tour riders in prix st georges and inter I, a freestyle element to the prix st georges gold championship, and the prelim championship has been

expanded to include silver and gold sections for the first time.

BD chief executive Jason Brautigam said Somerford’s facilities had enabled an “ambitious” timetable to accommodate around 610 tests over four days.

“These changes offer the chance for BD to welcome around 200 additional riders, underlining our commitment to growing the championships and introducing other innovations in this new era of the national championships,” he said. BM

Picture by Steve Morgan/Alamy

THERE will be no immediate procedural changes in movement of horses to the EU after Britain leaves the union tomorrow (31 January).

With a Brexit deal agreed, horses will be able to travel from Britain to Europe exactly as they do now, until the end of the implementation period or final details of the agreement are decided upon.

H&H has reported on measures such as extra documents that would be needed in the event of a no-deal exit, but as a deal has been agreed, the situation will remain as it is, most likely for the rest of this year.

NEWSInsider Dealing with the challenges of changing public perception A forum on risk in eventing looked at the issues our sport must overcome to thrive EQUESTRIAN sport has to stay ahead of the game to thrive, leading figures agree.

Calls came during the FEI eventing risk management forum, at Aintree on 24-26 January.

Explaining why we do our sport, and its benefits to horses, is vital for racing and other disciplines to engage the public and secure the sports’ future, the conference heard.

“There’s no doubt we take part in a sport with inherent risk, but it’s so important we take time to consider how we can mitigate unnecessary risk while maintaining integrity of the sport we love,” said British Eventing chief executive Jude Matthews.

“Public perception of horses in sport is changing and we would be naive to think this would not present us with challenges.”

FEI eventing risk management group chair David O’Connor spoke on public interest.

“I’d love to go to the shopping centre next door and ask do they find eventing interesting? Those are the people who will buy tickets or watch it on television,” he said.

“We have to make sure we are interesting to other people. On an everyday basis, do we have something the public enjoys?”

Journalist Steve Wilson, who has decades of experience covering sport, gave an outsider’s view of barriers to coverage.

“It still carries the stigma of being a bit niche and the stereotype that it is for the privileged, the elite — and the rules may be hard to

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

8

Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

The public must be interested in our sport for it to gain coverage

By LUCY ELDER understand,” he said. “But myself and others respect and admire the sport, the courage and tradition it involves.”

The costs involved with horses, fewer riding schools and other activities competing for young people’s attention were also raised as serious challenges.

Badminton winner and Eventing Riders’ Association vice-president Paul Tapner urged the industry to “support every level”, adding that those at the top are those who will inspire young people into the sport.

SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS MR O’CONNOR spoke about the enormous amount of recent research and improvements in safety, and of the next challenge.

“One thing we are still wrapping our heads around is coaching and education,” he said.

“In track and field sports, the coaching system is very sophisticated and those coaches Supplement company NAF’s founder Richard Cleeve won the BETA lifetime achievement award, having dedicated his life to promoting equine health and welfare. He credited it to his team.

have to be educated and licensed.

We have none of that mandatory within equestrian sport.”

He said fences, frangible devices and course design are evolving, and have improved safety, vastly reducing horse falls, but safety is never-ending.

Mr O’Connor also raised attitudes to horse falls, and how fast information and images can travel, influencing opinions across the world.

“Public perception of horse falls has changed dramatically and racing is having the same conversation,” he said.

Barry Johnson, independent chairman of the British Horseracing Authority’s equine welfare board, explained why building trust within and outside the industry is key for horse sport.

He said while a lot of positive changes are happening, such as in safety and traceability, as well as research funded by racing that benefits the whole industry, many more can be made.

“We are going to try to change public attitudes. There is no point Jump jockey Richard Johnson is recovering from surgery for a broken arm, sustained after he was unseated by Westend Story at Exeter. Richard hopes to return to the saddle before Cheltenham.

saying, ‘We look after our horses brilliantly and they look fantastic,’ if we haven’t explained to the public what we are doing and why it is good for the horse.

“All too often the industry tends to react negatively to criticism, by saying, ‘We know what we’re doing, you just don’t understand,’ and that won’t wash.

“We need the public to trust what the industry is doing is correct for the benefit of the horse.

“I would like to think in 10 years, the public will be led on welfare by the industry, that we will be on the front foot, explaining why we do things, why we compete and the benefits for the horse.

“That will lead to more people supporting racing, rather than people trying to call it down.”

He also stressed the need for sports to prove they can selfregulate: “Self-regulation for any sport or industry is vital.

“Independents are useful, but no sport must lose its selfregulating ability and it will if it doesn’t regulate itself responsibly.”

United States Equestrian president Murray Kessler announced he will not run for a second term owing to a change in his professional circumstances.

Murray’s term will end next year.

Showring Shine, Everyday.

Equestrian innovation celebrated by industry

Pictures by Albert Kerbi GmbH, Bill Selwyn, Peter Nixon and trevor-meeks-photography.co.uk

CLOTHES made from recycled materials and a headcollar with a magnetic rope fastener were among the new products recognised in the 2020 British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) innovation awards.

The winners were announced on 19 January, at this year’s BETA International trade fair.

Horseware took the sustainability title for its use of Repreve fibre, made from recycled materials, in its autumn-winter clothing range.

The company’s founder and executive chairman Tom MacGuinness said sustainability is “core” to the business.

“We aim to reduce, recycle and reuse where we can,” he told H&H. “The fibrefill of our Rambo range is made from 80% recycled material. We’re delighted to work with a brand like Repreve.”

The GoLeyGo headcollar and lead-rope set, created with Kerbl and Covalliero, won the technology award. Its magnetic fastener system can be released

Dressage superstar Charlotte Dujardin and Mount St John Freestyle achieved a partnership personal best of 89.5%, and second place, at the Amsterdam World Cup leg.

By ELEANOR JONES “simply and safely under tension”.

The judges said: “The product is simple but clever, allowing handlers to release the rope.”

The design award went to the Wide Boot Company for its Atia boot, which has a slimmer, more fitted ankle than some wide boots.

Company founder Bex Hayward told H&H she had struggled to find boots for herself.

“I got so fed up, I thought I’d try to design something and see if I could help others like me,” she said. “I found a lot of bigger boots were big and clumpy on the ankle and my research found people said they dropped too much, wrinkling and digging into the ankle, so I changed the style. I’m thrilled to win this award.”

Westgate Labs took the judges’ choice award for its faecal sand test, which monitors levels in horses’ guts as it can cause colic.

Judges said: “We like this move away from drugs. As well as being innovative, it is sustainable and supports equine welfare.”

BETA International organiser Claire Thomas said: “We are delighted with the industry’s extremely positive reaction to the awards and very excited about all the fantastic entries.”

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NEWSInsider

LITTON ENTERPRISE The Price family’s 148cm show pony has been retired.

“Edward” was twice supreme pony at Hickstead and once at HOYS, also winning at county shows, ridden by Katie Baybutt and recently Phoebe Price.

KESKONRISK The five-year-old Frenchbred Irish bumper winner set a new Goffs UK January Sale record when sold to Henrietta Knight, on behalf of an anonymous owner, for £370,000. He was consigned

by Camas Park Stud.

ED The five-year-old Shire, bought at auction for £500 as a yearling by Dyfed Shire Horses, has joined the Household Cavalry as a drum horse. Former owner Huw Murphy said: “Ed hasn’t put a hoof wrong yet.”

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Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

Mrs Marczak was the founder of Suzanne’s Riding School

SUZANNE MARCZAK

facilities at the school. However, rejected planning applications meant the money was instead given to the RDA, who put it towards building a new indoor arena at Penniwells Riding Centre in Elstree.

“Formidable on occasions, glamorous, someone who impacted on others’ lives, a setter of high standards and immensely kind” are just some of the ways in which Mrs Marczak, a fellow of the ABRS, has been described.

“Students attended Suzanne’s from around the globe and the messages which the Marczak family have received since her passing highlight the extent to which a special lady touched the lives of so many,” said a tribute from her family.

Royal. Two years later, she was elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which she held for the remainder of her 12-year tenure at the head of the FEI. At the end of her term in office in 2006, she was made honorary president of the FEI and an IOC honorary member.

“Doña Pilar was one of the warmest people I have ever met and was a wonderful president,” said current FEI president Ingmar De Vos. “She was a true visionary, introducing a strategic plan to modernise the federation and initiating a solid governance structure that was taken forward by her successor Princess Haya.

“She had a no-nonsense attitude that meant she was straight to the point, but always done with great humour. She will live on in the collective memory of the equestrian world forever.”

She always maintained her contact with the FEI, attending the inauguration of the organisation’s headquarters in Lausanne in 2011, and she was also present at the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final 2016 in Barcelona.

Infanta Pilar also served as an executive board member of the Spanish national Olympic committee and honorary president of the Spanish equestrian federation.

Prior to her roles in equestrian sport governance, Infanta Pilar qualified as a nurse in Portugal and practised for three years.

In 1967, she married Luis Gómez-Acebo and the couple had five children, Simoneta, Juan, Bruno, Beltrán and Fernando.

She was also well known for her charitable work, was fluent in six languages, and between 2007 and 2009 served as president of Europa Nostra, established to safeguard Europe’s cultural and natural heritage.

FOUNDER and owner of one of the largest and longest-running riding schools in the UK, Mrs Marczak died on 18 January aged 98.

She had a passion for horses from childhood. As a teenager, she was given two horses and two ponies by her mother, who later confessed she had no idea this was the beginning of her daughter’s lifelong career.

With no capital of her own and relying on a helpful bank manager, she established and built a major riding centre in Harrow Weald, Middlesex, known as Suzanne’s Riding School (SRS).

In its heyday the school, which ran from 1939 to 2004, had 100 horses and ponies and continues to be regarded as being one of the premier riding schools ever INFANTA DOÑA PILAR established in the UK. DE BORBÓN In the early years Mrs Marczak combined running her riding THE long-serving president of the school with showing at major FEI and elder sister of the former shows including Wembley, King of Spain Juan Carlos I, Infanta Richmond and Watford and also Pilar died from cancer on offered side-saddle training.

8 January aged 83.

“It was a remarkable Born in Cannes, France while achievement on my mother’s part,” the family were in exile during the said Julian, Mrs Marczak’s son who Spanish civil war, she lived in Rome is president of the Association of in Italy, Lausanne in Switzerland British Riding Schools (ABRS). and Estoril in Portugal.

“Her standards were extremely She rode at national level high and in many ways she was before taking over the helm at a pioneer in the riding school the FEI in 1994 from the Princess world including the specialist teaching of young children, the introduction of ‘own a horse weeks’ and a residential working pupil scheme, involving a high level of training towards professional qualifications.”

The school was approved by the ABRS and the British Horse Society and was an examination centre for both. It gave Mrs Marczak great pride that many of today’s qualified riding teachers started their careers at her school.

It was also among the first to host its local Riding for the Disabled (RDA) group, and in the 1970s Mrs Marczak raised a substantial fund to build new Infanta Pilar was a ‘true visionary’ in her role as FEI president

Pictures by NurPhoto via Getty Images, Peter Nixon and sarahfarnsworth.co.uk

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NEWSInsider Growing support for wider ‘sky litter’ ban ▲ LINGERIE A rider on the bus was so incensed by a saddle in a shop window display, she got off and marched back to set them straight. Her issue was that the stirrup had been attached to the keeper not the bar; the fact the display was models in lingerie and riding hats was too much to think about…

▲ BIKERS Top Person of the Week is motorcyclist Gary Baker who, touched by a rider thanking bikers who slowed for her, has vowed to spread the word about passing horses safely. May his revs never falter and his traffic lights be forever green.

GOOD WEEK BAD WEEK MEMORY Overheard at a show, a rider bemoaning the fact she’d forgotten not only her smart hat but also the red ribbon for her horse’s tail.

“At least I remembered the course though,” she said, brightening. Hmm. One out of three ain’t bad?

SCISSORS Also overheard, an eventer and a showjumper discussing dealing with recalcitrant manes. “I just use a rake and scissors,” the jumper chirped, at which the eventer visibly shuddered.

“Never. Never mention scissors again,” she pleaded.

Oh. Righto.

HUSBANDS A rider was chortling over her husband’s absence for the day, as it allowed her to wash all her rugs on the QT. “Or a better idea, get rid of the husband; it worked for me,” chimed in a pal. Hmm. We get you, but possibly a little OTT just for a spot of rug-washing?

12

Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

With no national legislation to control the release of sky lanterns and balloons, local councils are taking the lead A BAN on releasing sky lanterns and balloons by two councils has been called “encouraging” — as it is hoped more will follow suit.

Lincolnshire district councils West Lindsey and South Kesteven voted to ban the release of sky lanterns and balloons on sites they own or operate, at meetings held on 20 and 21 January respectively.

A spokesman for the RSPCA told H&H the charity “warmly welcomes” the decision.

“For some time the RSPCA has been calling for an end to the release of this ‘sky litter’. It’s encouraging to see a growing number of councils, currently around 80 in England, banning their use and we would like to see others follow suit,” she said.

“Deflated or fragments of balloons can be mistaken for food and can cause a slow death by blocking digestive or respiratory tracts, and the attached strings can strangle. Even balloons classified as degradable are unsafe, as they can take weeks to break down so still pose a risk.”

The spokesman added that sky lanterns are especially dangerous when they land.

“Animals can become entangled and die, or can ingest them resulting in sharp parts tearing and puncturing an animal’s throat or stomach causing internal bleeding.

“Sky lanterns also cause fires, which destroy habitats and set animal housing, feed and bedding alight,” she said.

West Lindsey District Council

Around 80 councils in England have banned the release of lanterns

By BECKY MURRAY lead councillor Giles McNeill told H&H he was contacted by residents about the issue of sky lanterns, as West Lindsey is a rural district.

“I suggested we ban the release of sky lanterns and balloons and include information about the dangers as part our public awareness campaign,” he said.

“I recognised there is lots of potential for harm to animals and land, and felt as a council we should do our bit to safeguard the environment and animal welfare.

I was pleased to be able to put forward this motion.”

Councillor Peter Moseley, cabinet member for commercial and operations at South Kesteven District Council, told H&H sky lanterns have a detrimental

impact on the environment, livestock and wildlife.

“These lanterns are released, go where the wind takes them, and then come down. It is impossible to control where they land.” he said. “As a predominantly rural district there may be greater risks in this region than in more urban areas.”

Countryside Alliance head of policy Sarah Lee told H&H as there is no national legislation in place to control the release of sky lanterns and balloons, it is up to local authorities to “take the lead”.

“We welcome the move,” she said. “Sky lanterns, though not intentionally menacing, can cause serious problems.

“They are a threat to animal welfare, farmers and a major fire risk. We believe the case against releasing them outweighs any benefit they could bring.”

And finally... Former MP’s hair-loss tale AS a cabinet member, Michael Portillo no doubt had to deal with some hairy situations, but this may not have prepared him for the hairiest one of all — clipping.

The former MP wielded blades for the first time, on a one-eyed pony called Rudolph, at World Horse Welfare’s Hall Farm in Norfolk.

Mr Portillo visited the centre as part of an episode

of Great British Railway Journeys, which aired on BBC2 on 24 January.

Groom Adele Edwards said: “He got on really well and although he was a little nervous, he was very keen to learn how to do it properly.”

Mr Portillo added: “Clipping a one-eyed horse called Rudolph. There’s no limit to where my rail journeys take me!” EJ

Pictures by David Tadevosian/Alamy Stock Photo and Basil Hayes/World Horse Welfare

▲ SHOPPING A trainer who made a New Year’s resolution to refrain from buying any more horses slipped up when a rather nice jumping stallion came his way. “What could I do; he just fell in my trolley,” he protested. Easily done.

LETTERS

Email to hhletters@ti-media.com Name and address must be included. Letters may be edited.

Adam Henson’s horses are the ideal ‘conservation tool’, as their grazing opens up the vegetation so wildlife can thrive

AMAZING NATIVES IT’S always a joy to see Adam Henson’s herd of Exmoor ponies and two Suffolks looking so fit and well on Countryfile, outwintering on his farm and doing their bit for conservation.

Possessing teeth ideal for biting tough grasses and digesting their food mainly in the hindgut, equines are able to survive on low-quality grazing, as there is no limit to their intake other than availability. However, ruminants such as sheep or cattle must tear

Pictures by Peter Nixon and courtesy of the BBC

NEXT WEEK DRESSAGE SPECIAL: CLASSICAL VERSUS COMPETITIVE, STRAIGHTNESS AND HOW TO CREATE A FREESTYLE Plus interview with top Australian showjumper Edwina Tops-Alexander.

Don’t miss it!

grasses as they only have bottom incisors, and must stop eating once the rumen is full in order to digest its contents. If the feed quality is poor, this can take many hours and they can struggle to consume sufficient calories to sustain themselves.

This makes equines the ideal conservation tool, as Adam has demonstrated. They eat the dead grasses and open up the ground in the winter, in order to create an ideal habitat for wild flowers, insects, birds

and mammals in the spring.

I am only an occasional viewer of Countryfile, but have noticed very few items featuring horses.

They are, however, a huge part of our rural economy, from racing, hunting and competition yards to the ordinary leisure rider.

Pat Shaw MRCVS Looe, Cornwall

WELL DONE H&H Congratulations — I am delighted to receive my weekly “bible” without a plastic wrapping!

Shirley Shea Pulborough, W Sussex H&H Editor-in-Chief Sarah Jenkins replies: “I’m so glad to hear that subscribers are happy to be receiving their weekly copies of H&H in carbon-neutral paper wrapping now, as we have stopped sending the magazines out in plastic wrapping.

“Like so many in the horse industry, we are keen to do anything we can to reduce our carbon footprint. We are all for making any changes we can, small or big, to help maintain our beautiful countryside for future generations to enjoy as much as we do today.”

WHAT AN INSPIRATION I WAS filled with admiration and fully inspired when I read about rider Adele Edwards competing

against the odds (“When riding is a lifeline”, 27 December).

I saw Adele at Field House, Marchington, just before Christmas. She was riding a dressage test to music and she was beaming and grinning from ear to ear. Everyone was watching her and smiling, due to her infectious happiness and sheer delight in riding her test — she was simply radiating positivity.

At this time, I did not know she had cancer. I was diagnosed with breast and lymph cancer in 2017 and treated. In fact, I’m still having treatment but, like Adele, have kept riding — even wearing a bandana under my hat when I had no hair. I asked British Dressage if this would be acceptable and thankfully it was.

Adele is truly inspirational to all those who are and have been dealt a bad hand. I also agree with Adele when she says, “You’ve got two choices: give up, or give it all you’ve got, and that’s what I’m doing.”

We only have one life, so we have to give it 110%.

Louise Lea Market Drayton, Shrops

PLAITED VS PULLED I AM increasingly frustrated and annoyed to see so many of our National Hunt horses entering the paddock with plaits secured with white elastic bands — why not black? Or even a well-pulled loose mane would be preferable.

S Edmunds Cheltenham, Glos

MY FAVOURITE FEATURE I FEEL compelled to write to thank you for the wonderful weekly feature, “Hunter of a lifetime”. This has become my favourite item in the magazine and I find myself saving this until last — then I can’t wait for the next issue.

Reading stories of these faithful friends, who frequently seem to have rocky starts and minds of their own, always brings a smile to my face. Equally, though, I am often in tears by the end of the article, because it’s sad that the beautiful relationships we have with these amazing animals

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Established 1884

LETTER OF THE WEEK I SHOULD like to congratulate my local town council, Easingwold in North Yorkshire, for an initiative designed to offer local horses and riders an alternative to riding on very busy public roads.

They have fenced an area at the perimeter of a public open space, Millfield, on the edge of a quiet estate, for a distance of about 300 metres so hackers can complete a loop on quiet roads and bridleways in relative safety.

This is the sort of positive thinking we need from local authorities, alongside better access to bridleways and better monitoring of their maintenance.

What is really heartening is that this does not appear to be a response to

pressure from the local equestrian community.

Rather, it evidences consideration for horses and riders by the council, giving their needs attention alongside other users.

I hope this kind of thinking outside the box is happening elsewhere. A small fraction of this park has been designated for equestrian use, with no detriment to others and at minimal cost, with potentially life-saving results.

Thank you Easingwold.

Marion Lowe Easingwold, N Yorks

The writer of letter of the week wins a bottle of Champagne Taittinger

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Easingwold town council caters for its riders with a safe route

sadly don’t span the same amount of years as our lifetimes on the hunting field.

But how lovely, and how lucky, for any of us ever to have experienced such a bond.

Sally Price Colchester, Essex

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ALL IN A DAY’S WORK

Balmoral’s head keeper Gary Coutts on growing up at Balmoral, runaway Highlands and working with The Queen I moved to Balmoral in 1969 at the age of just three, when my father was employed as the estate carpenter. It was the same day Neil Armstrong landed on the moon. I don’t think it really ever fazed me that I was living on The Queen’s estate, it was just something I grew up with.

My mother always said that I wanted to be a gamekeeper from when I was knee-high. My grandfather was a keeper on an estate near Balmoral. Doing things like fishing for trout and skinning rabbits always captivated my imagination.

We have 12 working ponies at Balmoral during the height of the season. They work in pairs on the six different stalking beats to carry the carcasses off the hill.

During the hind season, we tie two ponies together, often pairing a more experienced pony with a young one. They tend to settle better with a bit of company.

On a typical day, the ponies will be walked out from the castle, or sometimes they will already have been transported out to a paddock near to the beat. Visually it looks so much nicer for guests to see the quarry taken off the hill on the back of a pony rather than a machine.

The ponies are also more adept at getting in and out of the more inaccessible areas, and they don’t churn up the ground in the same way as a vehicle.

that were initially used by the Duke of Edinburgh for driving.

They’re a little bit slighter in the hoof, but are particularly good in the soft ground.

In 1969, two Haflinger ponies were sent to Balmoral from President Jonas of Austria, and that breed has been kept on the estate to this day. They’re similar to the Highlands in their conformation, just a bit feistier.

You want a good, thick-set pony who is steady on his feet and can feel his way in the ground.

Temperament is key, but a lot of it is about building up the training from a young age. If they can dispel any of the fears of blood and skins early on, it stands them in good stead to carry the deer themselves.

During the stag season we’re fortunate enough to have the Royal Guard, made up of soldiers from one of the Scottish regiments, covering the pony work as well as their ceremonial duties.

A lot of these guys don’t know the back end from the front end of a horse when they arrive. It’s a steep learning curve getting them ready to go out on the hill with the stalkers.

We mainly use Highlands, but we also have a few Fell ponies

Years ago, one of the soldiers was leading a pony and lost

control of it altogether. It was heading for home and I remember watching on with the head keeper at the time. All we could see was a cloud of dust. In front was a pony and behind was a soldier trying to run his fastest to catch up with this pony down the track. He didn’t have a hope in hell.

The Queen has always taken a passionate interest in the ponies and the young foals. When she arrives at Balmoral, the stud is one of the first places she’ll visit.

And if we’re near a track coming off the hill when we’re stalking, occasionally she’ll meet us and see them being worked in-hand.

When I was 15 years old, I got a summer job with the head keeper here, doing all the mucky jobs like cleaning kennels. I got my real break the following year when I left school and was taken on as a trainee. I was always hellbent on being a gamekeeper, but I never imagined I’d be head keeper at Balmoral. Not in my wildest dreams. H&H  As told to Madeleine Silver

‘It looks much nicer to see quarry taken off the hill on a pony rather than a machine’

NEXT WEEK 16

Brewery horseman Callum Whittle

Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

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VET CLINIC

In the firing line

Good biosecurity measures when horses visit your yard for lessons are important to help prevent the spread of disease

If you teach visiting clients and their horses on your premises, are you opening the door to infectious disease?

Andrea Oakes investigates

G

OOD yard hygiene practices are vital to help keep infectious disease at bay. Yet no matter how thorough your biosecurity plan, is it sufficiently robust to protect your horses from others that visit your property for lessons?

Ideally, your clients will be scrupulous about their own yard biosecurity, maintaining flu vaccinations and keeping horses at home if there is any suspicion they are unwell. A seemingly healthy animal may be incubating disease, however, bringing infection through the gates in Trojan Horse style.

The recent equine herpes virus (EHV-1) outbreak in Hampshire served as a stark reminder of the devastating potential of this disease, when four horses were put down after contracting the neurological strain.

18

Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

While experts agree that yard lockdown (ceasing all movement in and out) is extreme if there is no known horse contact with affected premises, it makes sense to have ongoing precautions in place — not just against EHV, but to lessen the risk of other contagious diseases such as equine flu and strangles.

Particles can travel on the air if an infected horse sneezes or coughs

WHAT THE PROFESSIONALS DO

“WE sometimes have clients’ horses on site, but never for an overnight stay,” says event rider William Fox-Pitt. “I never touch a horse if I’m teaching and I don’t allow visitors to the yard to touch mine. If horses are coming, perhaps from overseas, we don’t work ours with them in the arena or on the gallops.

“If you know something’s brewing, you have to keep the outside world out,” adds William, who closed his yard during the last major equine flu outbreak. “Routinely, during the season, we take every horse’s temperature daily — which has many times been a godsend — and have a strict policy of

isolating all new arrivals in a separate four-box unit.”

Rebecca Hughes, who, with husband Gareth, teaches visiting riders at Hughes Dressage, also puts strict biosecurity measures into place.

“Our clients’ horses have no direct contact with ours,” she explains. “They access the indoor school through a separate door, without coming through the yard, and we have separate stables 50 metres away for those staying overnight.

“We also monitor our own horses’ temperatures daily, as part of our yard management strategy, to pick up early signs of infection.”

WHAT’S NEW in the veterinary world?

Plants are the focus in two cases, reports Peter Green MRCVS VACCINE BREAKTHROUGH

The influenza virus can travel long distances as aerosolised droplets

Pictures by Juniors Bildarchiv GmbH/Alamy, Paula da Silva, ImageBroker/Alamy and MirianMeera/Alamy

BEATING BACTERIA A FAMILIAR client arrives and unloads their horse for their lesson. Where’s the danger?

“Infectious disease can be spread by direct horse-to-horse contact and also indirectly, where bacteria are transferred via people’s hands or clothing, or tack or yard equipment,” says Richard Hepburn FRCVS, of B&W Equine Vets. “EHV virus particles can live for seven days in an environment, although flu particles may only survive for three.

“The good news is that both are easily killed by disinfectant,” he adds, explaining that simple habits such as a squirt of antibacterial hand gel will help.

“Make sure people bring their own things and don’t borrow yours. Communal hosepipes can harbour viral particles and are a known source of infection spread at shows, so clients should bring buckets and ideally their own water supply.

Otherwise, disinfect the hosepipe end regularly.

“Disinfecting the trailer or lorry after each journey is another sensible measure, although rarely done,” adds Richard. “While shared environments such as arenas are thought to be low risk, a quick once-over with a handheld spray disinfectant is wise where a horse has slobbered on the fencing.”

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE VISITING horses that stay overnight, or longer, must be stabled a sufficient distance from your own horses to reduce the chance of disease transmission.

“EHV is a reasonable starting point when considering an isolation protocol, as its

FURTHER READING

AHS VACCINE: BMC Veterinary Research 15, 432 AMINOREX AND WEEDS: Irish Veterinary Journal 72, 15

consequences are typically the greatest,” says Richard, referring to the possible permanent neurological implications of the disease.

“While the herpes virus does not travel far by air, a good sneeze from an infected horse could send particles a considerable distance.

The ideal physical separation would be around 30 metres — in a straight line — between them and your main stable block.

“The bacteria that cause strangles are larger in size and are more often spread by direct horse-to-horse contact,” he explains. “Equine flu virus particles, however, are dispersed by coughing as aerosolised droplets. In the 2007 Australian outbreak, they travelled up to two kilometres by air.”

A practical compromise, says Richard, is an isolation stable separated from the main block by as far as possible and facing a different direction — with separate kit for mucking out, grooming, feeding and watering, along with overalls, hand wash and a foot bath for the handler to use before touching other horses.

“We’ve perhaps become complacent about isolation, but it’s not difficult to be prepared with some common-sense measures,” he adds. H&H NEXT WEEK

The key to a healthy coat

IT’S no surprise that plants and animals can suffer diseases caused by the same kinds of germs, since both are composed of cells which share many of the same internal structures. This similarity can be used to great advantage when it comes to tackling some important animal diseases.

African horse sickness (AHS) is a frequently fatal virus disease of horses in the southern hemisphere, which may well spread to Europe with climate change. The current live vaccine against AHS is not risk-free: it can revert to its dangerous state, it can cause deformities in foals if pregnant mares are vaccinated and there is no way to distinguish between vaccinated and infected horses.

Scientists in South Africa working on this problem have just reported some encouraging results. They took proteins from several strains of the AHS virus and introduced them into a well-known plant virus, before infecting tobacco plants with this virus.

They then extracted the AHS proteins from the harvested tobacco leaves, bundling these into virus-like particles which were purified, made into a vaccine and tested on horses.

The vaccine generated a detectable immunity to AHS in the horses and there were no side-effects. These virus-like particles are just dead proteins and cannot cause disease.

Although the research is in the early stages, using plants to produce a safe animal vaccine is an exciting prospect.

WEEDING OUT THE PROBLEM AMINOREX is an amphetamine-like stimulant drug banned in racing and other equestrian competitions because horses given clinical doses would be hyperactive and may perform better.

Doping agencies in the USA and Europe have been finding aminorex in the urine of racehorses and sport horses since the early 2000s. Trainers

and owners have been heavily fined and banned, despite pleading their innocence.

A number of cases were eventually traced to the cattle dewormer levamisole, sometimes used as an immune stimulant for horses with chronic lethargy or infections.

Occasional cases of aminorex in post-competition urine samples have continued to crop up, however, even though affected trainers and owners have been adamant they have avoided the substance.

Equine vets in Kentucky, USA, scrutinised some of the affected urine samples. With thorough analysis, they found unidentified compounds in the urine that suggested a plant origin. After consulting the botanical library, they discovered that plants in the Brassica family are known to contain a chemical called barbarin — which is similar to aminorex.

Barbarin is named after plant from which it was originally isolated, the weed Barbarea vulgaris (pictured), called yellow rocket in the US and known in the UK as common wintercress.

The vets fed dried yellow rocket plants to horses at the University of Kentucky. Within eight hours of the horses eating them, aminorex was detected in their urine: the active compound barbarin is metabolised by the horse into aminorex, the amphetamine.

It seems likely that other Brassica plants may contain barbarin, and because this is the cabbage family they could be palatable — even attractive — to horses. The question now is whether the very low levels of aminorex in these horses actually enhances their performance.

30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

19

THE INTERVIEW

‘I knew that one thing I could do was to give a horse confidence, so dressage felt very natural to me’

‘I’ve had a couple of amazing years,’ says man of many talents Dannie Morgan — pictured with Southern Cross Braemar — who has made a name for himself in dressage after starting out in eventing

Dannie Morgan D

ANNIE MORGAN is something of an antithesis to the classic dressage rider stereotype. A relaxed, humble guy from a non-horsey background, he only seriously took up dressage in 2016, but in the years since has racked up a set of results that could put the most seasoned dressage rider to shame — and all while continuing an eventing career on the side.

“I’ve had a couple of amazing years,” concedes Dannie, with his trademark grin, as 20

Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

we sit in the kitchen at the yard of Lisa and David Knoxx, owners of one of Dannie’s most exciting current rides, the 10-year-old Jazz son Knoxx’s Figaro.

This is something of an understatement — in 2019 alone, he landed three national titles, bringing his total tally to seven, and made his grand prix debut on a horse he has trained himself from novice, the 10-year-old Southern Cross Braemar, known at home as Barry.

But I quickly realise that Dannie is not one to blow his own trumpet — he prefers to

let his riding do the talking. Perhaps it’s to do with his modest beginnings in the sport, growing up attending a riding school in Southampton before working in an event yard for five years, doing whatever it took to earn opportunities to ride.

“I’ve always loved horses, and decided quite early on that I wanted to make them my career.

I visited Badminton when I was 14 — the year Andrew Hoy won on Moonfleet,” Dannie, 28, recalls with a smile. “I just remember being there thinking, ‘I want to do this, too.’”

Pictures by Peter Nixon

The rising star of British dressage talks to Polly Bryan about competing against the best and having to choose between trampolining and horses

Dannie went on to event at intermediate level, but his sporting career could easily have taken a very different path.

“I started trampolining at the age of six and did quite a few competitions, then more while I was at college,” he reveals, explaining that he took it up along with his identical twin brother, Lewis, who went on to become a professional dancer. “I think I might have been quite good at trampolining actually, but it takes a lot of commitment and training, and although I was doing both sports seriously for a while, in the end I had to choose horses.”

And it was during his eventing years that the opportunity arose to buy a rising five-yearold by Breitling W, who was showing talent for the dressage phase. That horse was Barry, and it was he who turned out to be the driving force behind Dannie’s veer into dressage.

“I had always enjoyed the dressage training and knew that one thing I could do was to give a horse confidence, so dressage felt very natural to me in that respect. I’d had some bad luck at the time with event horses getting injured and wasn’t enjoying it as much because I was so worried about injuries — I felt I’d lost a bit of love for eventing,” Dannie says.

“More dressage opportunities came up, and I’ll always remember winning at my first regional championship with Barry in 2016 — it was the feeling that I could actually do this. We were placed at the nationals that year, and the following year I won two winter national titles on Headmore Davina, and came second on Barry behind Charlotte Dujardin. That opened my eyes to dressage as a career.

“I just loved the atmosphere of riding in the big ring at Hartpury — it gave me the same sort of buzz as eventing. Some people are surprised to hear that, but usually it’s because they don’t understand the development of dressage and the training that goes into it — it produces a different kind of adrenalin.”

Dannie has high hopes for the six-year-old Escolar mare High Hoes Estelle, who is already notching up impressive scores at novice

I

T’S a wet, blustery January afternoon when I meet Dannie, but it soon transpires that he is not the sort of person to be fazed by much, happily putting the scopey six-yearold High Hoes Estelle, by Escolar, through her paces in the outdoor arena, and coaxing his whippet, Tucker — who goes everywhere with him — outside to have his own photo taken.

He rates Estelle, whom he part owns with Nicky Callam, very highly, and the lofty mare is already scoring up to 80% at novice. She is ‘I decided early on that I wanted to make horses my career,’ says Dannie, following an inspirational visit to Badminton when he was 14

Devoted dog: Dannie’s beloved whippet, Tucker, enjoys going with him to every show

one of three six-year-olds Dannie is excited to campaign in 2020 — the other two being Breit Fantastic and Waverley So Cliquot — alongside Figaro and Barry at small tour and grand prix respectively. I can understand why so many owners seem keen for Dannie to ride their horses; aside from his obvious talent, he exudes a reassuringly calm attitude that filters through to even the hottest of horses.

Lisa tells me how she got to know Dannie when he was competing Barry in young horse classes, and why she was immediately impressed by his down-to-earth nature.

“When I came to look for a new rider for Figaro, Dannie was the natural choice — I love his quiet and confident manner,” she tells me, as we watch him ease Estelle through her extended paces.

Prior to taking the reins on Figaro, it was a relationship with the Oppenheimers that led to Dannie landing his first taste of the big time.

“I was at a show, helping Barry’s old owner, and the Oppenheimers saw how I gave the horse confidence,” explains Dannie. “Alice was struggling a little with Davina at that stage, so they asked me to ride her. Since then I’ve gradually built up a bigger string of horses. I also have a foal, who was born last year, out of Barry’s sister and by Franklin.

“Of course, in the long term I’d love to ride at the Olympics one day, but right now I’m plugging away at my shorter-term goals, like establishing Barry at grand prix this year and riding at international shows with Figaro. So many things can go wrong with horses; I’ve become quite a realist over time. But it means I really appreciate the good days.”

P

LANNING a season around one discipline can be tricky enough, let alone two, but for the first two years of Dannie’s dressage career, he maintained a busy eventing schedule alongside, frequently following up a dressage championship with an event the next day. He has since scaled back the eventing, and this season will campaign just the one horse, Equites Mail, who won her first novice at West Wilts in September. But he has no plans to give it up completely.

“I hope always to produce a few eventers, but to keep it as a hobby,” he explains. “It’s 30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

21

THE INTERVIEW

Pictures by Peter Nixon and kevinsparrow.co.uk

Dannie rides the Jazz son Knoxx’s Figaro, whom he will be campaigning at small tour this year

22

the training I love more than the competing anyway, plus it’s so difficult to juggle the calendars for two sports.”

On the day I meet Dannie, he is preparing for the first major competition of the dressage season — the High Profile show at Addington, where he went on to win the prix st georges with a personal best score on Figaro, as well as bank another good grand prix score with Barry in a class featuring Charlotte Dujardin and Emile Faurie, among other top names.

“Four years ago, it would never have crossed my mind I’d be riding at grand prix in that sort of company,” says Dannie, shaking his head slightly as though he still can’t believe it now.

“At the moment, I try to have the attitude that I’m only competing against myself — I just want to improve on the last time out. All my trainers tell me that I don’t need to try as hard as I do, that I don’t need to be so hard on myself, and I feel I’m doing a better job nowadays because I’m not putting as much pressure on myself as I once did. But I do enjoy the feeling of having to rise to an occasion — I love the big shows.”

He admits to being something of a perfectionist, partly influenced by his training with Erik Theilgaard: “He has such attention to detail and so much discipline as a rider, especially when it comes to influencing the horse with your balance.”

Dannie also works with Paul Fielder and Nicky Barrett, “who are both really generous with their knowledge”, and adds that Anna Ross has been a great support to him.

“I’ll always remember being at competitions when I first started out in dressage, and Anna going out of her way to say, ‘well done’ or ‘good luck’, and that meant a lot to me,” he says.

“I’ve found people to be generally supportive in both sports, but I’ve learnt that it never hurts you to say ‘well done’ to a fellow competitor, and now I always try to do the same.”

It’s so refreshing to hear this, and it’s no wonder that Dannie is such a popular rider within the dressage world. How lucky the sport is to have him. H&H NEXT WEEK

Southern Cross Braemar is the horse who steered Dannie’s career towards dressage

Dannie is known for his quiet and confident manner on even the hottest of horses

International showjumper Edwina Tops-Alexander High Hoes Estelle enjoys the facilities at Lisa and David Knoxx’s five-star Hampshire yard

Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

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LIFE LESSONS

Alice Oppenheimer The international dressage rider talks pre-test rituals, diesel engines, and what she’s learned that’s helped her climb back to the very top of her game A strong performance is rooted in a purposeful warm-up suited to your horse — just one of Alice Oppenheimer’s pearls of wisdom

ALICE was a member of the 2009 young rider European dressage team and competes home-bred and clients’ horses from her family’s Headmore stud. She has 15 national titles, has won at international big tour and has also ridden on several Nations Cup teams.

than others... On a competition day, I can’t concentrate or go into the ring until I’ve had a wee. It drives my mum, Sarah, mad but I have to do it every single time before I get on at a competition.

I wish I’d known exactly how hard it is to make a career out of horses when I was starting out.

‘If you’re not in the right frame of mind, you shouldn’t ride’ ALICE OPPENHEIMER

It took us a while to work out how to shoe them but once we grasped this there was no going back; it’s just what they seem to like.

We are lucky to have two top-class farriers on the team and each horse gets their own careful shoeing plan.

I have certain routines for myself, too, some more common 24

Horse & Hound 30 January 2019

Everyone says that it must be lovely to be able to ride for a living and while it is, the job is all day every day and to get to the top you have to make lots of sacrifices.

I wish I’d known that it’s not all plain sailing. When you’re young you have an idealistic view, but with horses you don’t know what’s around the corner.

I remember having such a good year when I was at the Europeans, but then a few years after that I didn’t win anything; it was hard to keep the faith. It means that these days if we win, we have a bottle of champagne to celebrate as a crap time might be on its way.

I really look up to Isabell Werth as a rider. She produces horse after horse not just to international standard but to achieve plus-80% consistently at grand prix. She seems to get the best out of every horse, improving them as she goes. I’d love to know her secret — all of her horses seem to be able to perform the most unbelievable half-passes.

My mum always told me that horses learn through repetition. This means ensuring you follow through with simple things, like never finishing a session on a bad transition. It’s quite an obvious principle but it’s so important.

I’ve learned from experience that sometimes it’s just better not to get on your horse. It took me a long time to be mature enough to realise that if I’m feeling down or not in the right frame of mind that it’s better not to ride. Horses don’t learn bad habits by not being ridden, but they do if you get on in a bad mood, as they consequently go badly.

I wish I had my second grand prix horse Headmore Delagate (pictured) now. Even though he was a really successful horse for me, I feel that if I started fresh with him now I would be able to get more out of him and we would have an easier ride through it.

He did teach me so much, but if we could start again together I’m sure things would be even better. H&H NEXT WEEK

Show horse producer Vicky Smith

Words by Alex Robinson. Picture by trevor-meeks-photography.co.uk

T

HE warm-up is the most important part of a training session. My trainer, Erik Theilgaard, taught me this. People think you can just slop around on a loose rein but the warm-up prepares the horse for the main session.

I work hard on stretching and getting the horse on the leg and responding to my aids. The type of warm-up depends on the horse; some need a quick walk, trot and canter while some take a little more to get going — we call these the “diesel engines”.

I adhere to the odd equestrian world cliché, too, like “no foot, no horse”. It’s funny, all the offspring of our late broodmare Rubinsteena — the 2019 H&H outstanding mare of the year — like to wear pads on their fronts.

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HORSE HERO

Lord Alexander

The Bentley of a ride whose nerves are soothed when he takes centre stage WHO could forget the magnificent grey maxi cob, Waterford, whose ability to lower and gallop brought crowds to their feet?

“He was like a Range Rover,” recalls his rider Stephen Norris.

“But Lord Alexander is a Bentley.”

Wait, what?

Lord Alexander (Alex) is Stephen’s new star, having claimed the Leeman family maxi cob of the year at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last October. Pure Irish Draught, the now 11-year-old was a rather nervy prospect when he arrived at Stephen’s Dursley yard in 2016.

“He was very, very green,” remembers Stephen of that time. “He had done only one unaffiliated show and he didn’t really trust anybody. I restart all my horses anyway and whatever suits them suits me.

“If there was a bit of barney between me and him schooling, then I’d stop whatever we had been doing and go for a hack instead.”

All Stephen’s show horses hunt, and Alex has been out four times this season, with his scope and natural elevation making him a dream ride.

“He gets a little bit worried with all the clanking of the horses’

By NICOLA JANE SWINNEY hooves banging down the road behind, but once you get him into a field he’s fine,” says Stephen.

“He’s not naughty, he’s just worried.”

You might think, then, that the razzmatazz of HOYS would worry this sensitive cob, too. But not a bit of it.

“The HOYS atmosphere doesn’t affect him whatsoever, not one bit,” says Stephen. “He gets to a show and he has a completely different head on him. He will walk out under the lights and he’ll stand there all by himself and won’t move. He won’t run back, he won’t spin, he’ll just stand there.”

And the horse’s show prep is simplicity itself.

“People laugh, but I just walk him,” reveals Stephen. “All you need to do is walk him and get him to flex and open his shoulders and back, free the front end, and walk and walk and walk.”

And when Alex does walk into that ring, be it at a county show or HOYS, he’s ready to show himself off.

“He knows how good he is,” says Stephen. “He is just awesome.” H&H

HEAD AND NECK “He has the prettiest head,” enthuses Lesley. “Small ears, small muzzle but bright, shining eyes. If I had to criticise, I’d say he’s a little bit short through his throat, but he makes up for that where the neck goes into the wither; he has four extra inches on that wither. A blind man could chuck a saddle at him from 100 yards away and it would sit in the right spot.”

‘A blind man could chuck a saddle at him and it would sit in the right spot’ JUDGE LESLEY WHITEHALL

Picture by sarahfarnsworth.co.uk

11YO CHESTNUT 158CM GELDING

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Gortlea Ruler

Rusheen Lad Castleview (by Gortlee)

The Star Of Athenry

Welcome Flagmount Reaska Molly (by Powerswood Purple)

Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

Stable name: Alex Breeder: John Burke Owner: Elizabeth Bury Rider: Stephen Norris Major championship results: 2016, 2nd HOYS maxi cob; 2017, 5th HOYS maxi cob; 2018 7th HOYS maxi cob; 2019, HOYS maxi cob of the year

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COB SPECIAL 2020

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

THE ÔENGINEÕ

“He couldn’t be anything but a cob,” says judge Lesley Whitehall, who has ridden Lord Alexander on several occasions. “He’s very correct and a worthy champion. How he never measured [to the show cob height of 155cm] I’ll never know, because he seems tiny. That said, when he’s in the ring, he has a natural presence.”

“Alex is short-coupled; he’s four legs in a box, which is what they should be,” Lesley emphasises. “He’s very even through his body and quality just oozes out of him. He’s so well put-together and he has a great engine on him in his back end, which is where it’s all supposed to come from anyway. He rides naturally uphill, he couldn’t ride downhill — with that front on him it would be impossible.”

LIMBS “He has an exceptionally good foreleg for an Irish Draught, which can be a tad back at the knee,” says Lesley. “But he has a lovely strong forearm, short cannon bones, short pastern. And I love his second thigh. Those legs will last forever. He’s clean through his hocks. Nice and short, everything is cold and clean; his limbs are never going to wear out.”

RISING POPULARITY

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COB SPECIAL 2020

The cob rebrand As cobs continue to shine in the spotlight, the horse world’s ‘steady Eddie’ is finally getting recognition, finds Madeleine Silver

W

HEN showing producer Robert Walker retired So Smart from the ring, his owner Camilla Neame sent Robert a photo of the cob with the inscription “I don’t do coloureds”

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Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

written underneath. It was a nod to Robert’s response to when Camilla had first rung him and said, “Oh Robert, I have a really nice coloured cob for you.”

“People were so snobby about him, but he was exceptional,” remembers Robert of the

striking “Smarty” about whom he’d been apprehensive himself, but ended up standing supreme at Horse of the Year Show in 2006.

“Now you see umpteen coloured horses in

Five USPs

1

LOYALTY

“Cobs get very dedicated to their rider or family,” says Flore Ryan, who breeds cobs at her Cairnview Stud in Co. Meath. “They like to please and do their best to figure out what you want.”

2

VERSATILITY

“They’ll do a really nice dressage test, a great showjumping round, they’ll gallop round a cross-country course, they’ll do a full day’s hunting, they’ll stand and they’re sturdy,” says five-star eventer Francis Whittington.

3

EASE

“They are generally good-doers.

You haven’t got to throw food at them to keep them in good condition,” says producer Robert Walker, warning that they can be wilful with “chips on their shoulder” as well.

“Everyone says they want a cob because they want a confidence giver, but it isn’t always the case. They often come across from Ireland pretty feral and it takes time. But the good thing with that is that you have a lot of innocence.”

4

PERSONALITY

“They have this brain that absorbs what you’ve asked them, they think about it and then they do it,” says ‘cob convert’ Hayley Mossop. “And every day you come on the yard they’re happy to see you. It’s like having a dog really.”

5

PRESENCE

Illustrations by David Stoten

“If you have a cob that’s well put together, it has presence,” says grand prix dressage rider Sam Turner who competes cobs. “And when you see a big ‘tractor unit’ moving elegantly and lightly, I think that’s quite appealing.”

classes and it’s not frowned upon if they do well, because as long as the horse has rhythm, looks and correctness it can do well,” he says.

Over the course of a 27-year career showing cobs — of all colours — Robert has witnessed their ascendance in the showing world.

“If you look at even your local gymkhana or agricultural show, they all have a ridden cob class now, and they wouldn’t have had that 10 years ago,” he says. “I grew up doing the Yorkshire circuit of agricultural shows and there were hunter classes and that was about it. Their popularity was especially noticeable last season, where certain qualifiers, maybe in the hacks or the riding horses, were a little bit down numbers-wise, whereas the cob classes were huge.

“I think it’s because when you have a cob,

it becomes your friend. Every cob I’ve had I can remember straight off the top of my head, whereas with every good hack or riding horse I have to dig into my memory for them. Cobs all have real personalities — for better or worse,” he adds.

I

T is not just in the show ring where cobs are garnering star status. In the dressage arena they are part of a growing swathe of horses that don’t fit the traditional warmblood mould.

“I think people are just braver about introducing different types of horses and are seeing that there are people taking non-standard horses

up to higher levels,” says British Dressage (BD) list one judge Kim Ratcliffe, crediting the effect of the BD Associated Championships, introduced in 2015, with title opportunities for all breeds, sizes and types.

“Most cobs don’t — and can’t — move in exactly the same way as your archetypal Olympic horse, but what I as a judge am usually impressed by is the energy with which they work, and the way they step well under the body.

“Because of the way they’re put together it’s the trot work that often gets all the big marks, and the canter work doesn’t get so many.

But very often they have the right attitude. And while the old saying with real estate is ‘location, location, location’, particularly for the amateur rider it’s ‘temperament, temperament, temperament’.

“So, if you have a cob that has a can-do attitude, then it will have a crack at these things and will learn the movements.”

Such a democratic approach hasn’t 30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

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RISING POPULARITY

always been the case; Kim recounts a story from 20 years ago when a cob at a regional championship provoked a wild array of responses from the judges.

“One judge said, ‘Oh, it’s a cob,’ and marked it down, one said, ‘Isn’t it going well for a cob,’ and put the mark right up, and there was another right in the middle,” she remembers.

“At that time there weren’t the same number of traditional cobs appearing at regionals for example. I don’t think you would have that reaction from the judges now; in general, they would expect to see them doing what they do.”

And what judges expect from cobs across the disciplines is seemingly at an all-time high.

“The standard of production in a cob class now is so high compared to what it used to be,” says Robert. “Producers get more out of them in general turnout and the way they present them to the judge.

‘When you see a big ‘tractor unit’ moving elegantly and lightly, that’s quite appealing’ GRAND PRIX DRESSAGE RIDER SAM TURNER

There were probably a lot of good cobs around years ago but maybe they wouldn’t have been presented as they are now.”

But for five-star eventer Francis Whittington, who runs a series of training clinics and has noticed the growing appreciation of cobs at the grassroots level of his sport, a soft spot for “Mr Reliable” is nothing new.

“All we’re doing is going back to where we were many years ago when more people had the trusty, faithful cob,” he says. “About 15 years ago everybody thought they wanted to have a thoroughbred, and the reality is that most people can’t ride or manage a thoroughbred. People are coming back round to the idea that cobs are manageable and they

can actually do what everybody wants.

“I hope that we go back in that direction, where people find horses that are not just suitable for the way that they ride, but suitable for the level they want to compete at and their facilities at home. Invariably if someone has ended up with a cob they think: ‘This is the best decision I’ve ever made.’”

And as dressage judge Kim Ratcliffe says, any assumed negative connotations of a horse being “cobby” in stature are misplaced.

“Some of these flashy horses that come out aren’t suitable for more nervous amateurs, whereas ‘Bob the cob’ can just be a joy.” H&H

F

OR Flore Ryan, who sells Irish cobs from Cairnview Stud in Co. Meath, demand for cobs has been on the up over the past five years, with growing prices to match.

“They’ve been entering shows and winning, and so people have started paying attention — and that’s what has made the difference,” she says.

Andrea Betteridge at the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association, founded in 2005 as a means of promoting their versatility and breeding, agrees there has been an awakening to their talent.

“We’ve noticed that in the dressage they’re holding their own. But everyone who owns one has gone out and promoted the traditional gypsy cob,” she says.

Sussex-based showjumper Hayley Mossop admits that she’d never imagined she’d own a cob — “to me they were something you rode if you were a bit scared or something you had in a riding school” — but when her warmblood stallion started refusing to load, she was persuaded to get one to keep it company.

Fast-forward three years, and Hayley now has three traditional cobs on the yard, which she shows.

“I’ve said to three or four of my showjumping friends: ‘Until you’ve ridden them, don’t knock them,’” she says. “They expect cobs to have no power from behind, but they’re naturally uphill because they’ve pulled the cart previously, so a lot of the work is done for you before you start. I’m a massive cob convert.”

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Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

The social media effect SOCIAL media has played its part in raising cobs’ status and changing perceptions over the past 10 years, says showing producer Robert Walker.

“The star of any class now gets a lot of attention, whereas perhaps they didn’t in the past,” he says, pointing to the example of the public’s connection to Allister Hood’s cob Our Cashel Blue, who came back from cancer to take the supreme ridden horse title at the 2019 Royal International Horse Show.

“He’s an appealing little chap, and I think people get a bond with a horse like that, and that’s good for any sport.”

For dressage rider Sam Turner, who has some 8,400 followers on Facebook and Instagram watching her success in the arena with her traditional gypsy cob Cuffstown Rumble, it was social media that gave her the confidence to take him up the levels to grand prix.

“I always felt like I was the odd one out and someone was going to laugh at me. But the amount of emails and messages I get on a weekly or daily basis is huge, and what people probably don’t realise is that that gave me the confidence to do it, probably as much as I have given them the confidence to have a go.”

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RAW POTENTIAL

Spotting sparkle ★

COB SPECIAL 2020

‘He had a certain look about him’ — Wayne Thorneycroft spotted Makers Jar Of Hearts tied to a tree at Ballinasloe Fair. The pair went on to claim the coloured title at RIHS in 2016

They say you can’t breed a cob, so how do you find a top one?

Alex Robinson discovers the provenance of some stars and what the experts look for

C

OBS, of all horses, seem to be hardest to spot in the raw. Being a type rather than a breed, their pedigree rarely assures the buyer how a young cob will shape up.

And the fact that many of the world’s star cobs have been the result of an accidental mating, spotted in a field or tethered by a verge, makes the quest all the more exciting. In any competition, horse star quality is imperative.

But finding hidden sparkle in a young, hairy or scrawny horse demands uncanny instinct.

Showman Wayne Thorneycroft has a knack for turning rough diamonds into champions.

His big-winning coloured cob, Makers Jar Of Hearts (Lance), was found at Ballinasloe fair.

“I spotted him tied by a tow rope to a tree,” says Wayne. “He had a certain look about him that made me think he could be a show horse.

We managed to separate him from the other horses and saw him move; when he took his first trot stride I was sold. He just floated. He took a few seasons to mature into the cob I had a vision of that day.”

The crowning moment of Lance’s career came when he stood coloured champion at the Royal International (RIHS) in 2016, proving that a good hogged horse can stand up against plaited counterparts.

Wayne’s most recent golden find was the coloured cob Cobert De Niro (Bing) who had a scorching novice term in 2019 with Martin Skelton, qualifying for both Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the RIHS, and standing supreme at the British Skewbald and Piebald Association summer championships.

“I first set my sights on an untouched Bing at Goresbridge horse sales,” says Wayne. “He was dragging two men through a gate. My eyes lit up. We bought him and he was sold within a few days. He eventually landed with Martin, who had been with me when I spotted him.

“When looking for a show cob, you have to see past the immature frame and the hair and mud. Conformation faults I avoid are bad forelegs and curbs. You also have to consider the movement and height, and what category you would put it in in the ring. My eye and ability for spotting something have grown with time. There is no better feeling than watching a horse achieve what you have envisioned for it.”

‘I knew he was going to be fabulous’ “I TEND to assess the neck and front, and it either all fits together or it doesn’t,” explains Claire Charlesworth, previous owner of the popular traditional coloured horse, The Magpie, double RIHS winner and 2018 HOYS champion with Adam Forster.

Claire, who works as a dog groomer and shows for fun, saw a then three-year-old “Pie” on a Facebook advert in 2013.

“Reid Finlay was selling him,” says Claire.

“Reid had bought him off Irish farmers and had basically found him tethered next to the Irish Sea.” Claire was initially deterred from investing in the gelding by his unknown breeding, but eventually took a gamble.

“He didn’t have much of a frame and looked very ponyish,” she says. “So many people told me not to buy him. Friends told me I was crazy to buy an unbroken, wild ‘gypsy’ pony from Ireland. I’d just been through a divorce and wanted a project, plus I knew he was going to be fabulous.

“He has a bit of native in him, so he moves a bit differently — quite Welsh — as opposed to a standard traditional or cob.

“After so many had poo-pooed him, I decided to get him professionally produced.

A friend put me in touch with Adam and it went from there.”

The Magpie continues to be successful in a new show home with Dominique Fitch.

“HE’S a cob of a lifetime, but it didn’t happen overnight,” recalls Kirstine Douglas about her prolific lightweight Barneebus (Barnee).

His original owners Gill and the late Geoff Gale spotted the small yet super-typey gelding in Ireland.

“He was standing at the bottom of the line at Dublin Horse Show,” continues Kirstine, who produced Barnee throughout his competitive career. “Gill had gone back to their hotel and Geoff appeared a few hours later and announced he’d bought Barnee. Gill thought he was mad as he was so small, but Geoff insisted he’d be a star.”

Kirstine was first acquainted with a six-year-old Barnee who was fresh from wintering in the Lake District Fells.

“The Gales had about 90 acres and all the cobs would run out together. Barnee went back every winter and would return in his winter woollies; it would take me some time to realise there was actually

a show cob underneath it all.”

Standing bang on 15hh, Barnee was an old-fashioned, traditional yet quality cob.

And the judges agreed. In his first term as a show animal, he qualified and stood second at HOYS. His moment at the NEC came in 2012 when he took the lightweights and got the nod to take the cob of the year championship, when owned by the Walker family. The following season he was crowned RIHS champion.

“I’m a great believer in buying them in the raw,” says Kirstine. “When you have the eye, you can see them straight away. I don’t mind going into a field full of horses and picking out the stars. Whether they’re rough or not, the conformation has to be there.

“It’s important to find something a bit special, but horses also need time to mature.

We love finding young horses and taking our time with them, and it’s always paid off.”

30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

Pictures by Peter Nixon

‘He was bottom of the line at Dublin’

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RAW POTENTIAL

‘His grandsire was second in the Derby’ WHILE many passports of cobs are stamped with unknown breeding, one ultra-consistent maxi contender possesses a unique parentage his owner defines as “one of those flukes”.

Robin Bartolomy’s RIHS-winning gelding Clantara Shadow Play (Sage), now aged 17, was found in Fife, Scotland, as an unbroken three-year-old.

“It was just through word of mouth,” said Robin, who was passing through the area on business so popped in to view Sage at breeder Gillian Henderson’s base. “No one would go and look at him as he was so far away.”

Sage is out of a Percheron mare and is by the thoroughbred Bollin Terry, whose sire Terimon was second in the Epsom Derby in 1989.

“Bollin Terry is quite a small stallion and while Sage is without a doubt a heavy horse, his sire gave him his lovely movement. On viewing him, we shooed him around the field and he jumped a five-bar gate to get back to his mother.”

Sage was campaigned as a heavyweight for three seasons from 2007 to 2009, qualifying for HOYS each year and placing fifth as a fouryear-old. In 2010 and 2012, he won the maxi cobs at the RIHS and he was a HOYS open and Olympia senior finalist last year.

“I looked for things you can’t change,” continues Robin. “His movement, his head, his frame and, of course, his bone. Because of his breeding, he was pretty much a fully developed horse at three. He looked like a cob but his racing breeding meant he can shift; he can really go when he has to.

“I also look at the length of the leg; too many maxis have long legs. A good guide is to look from the ground to the bottom of the body. This length shouldn’t be any more than the depth of the body. That’s when you know you’ve got a cob.”

SALLIE RYLE’S “super-cob” Mulry’s Error stole the hearts of the equestrian world when he embarked on an eventing career with British event rider Ben Hobday. The 16.1hh part-Clydesdale was bought by Sallie for the modest sum of £5,000 in 2006 and ended up jumping double clears at both Burghley and Badminton.

The bay cob’s life started in Roscommon in 2002. Sheep farmer Mark Mulry took an unregistered Clydesdale mare as payment for a shearing deal, and he proceeded to put her in foal to thoroughbred stallion Eves Error, producing Mulry as a result.

“He was then sold as a three-year-old at Ballinasloe fair,” says Sallie, who subsequently purchased Mulry as a four-year-old all-rounder for her and her daughter, Vanessa. “He came over to England and I bought him from my friend and dealer Richard Howard who had seen him and knew I had a liking for chunky horses. He told me he was very quiet but had a super jump in him. Mulry’s first-ever outing was at an equitation class at Ilkley Riding Club, and I think he must be the only Burghley and Badminton contender to have gone to Pony Club camp.”

Mulry’s journey with Ben began when Sallie — who evented the gelding up to novice level — started going for lessons at his yard and asked him if he fancied taking Mulry round the one-star at Tattersalls. The rest is history. In May 2016, just under a year after Ben was diagnosed with cancer, Mulry took him round Badminton achieving a double clear and 32nd place. He retired from the top level in May 2018 and now enjoys life on the hunting field.

“Right from the start he’s been very athletic, brave and careful; you always feel safe on him,” adds Sallie. “Richard gets hundreds of phone calls asking for him to find another Mulry, to which he responds, ‘If I could find a few more Mulrys, I’d be a very rich man.’” H&H 34

Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

Pictures by Lucy Merrell and Peter Nixon

‘A Badminton contender who’s done Pony Club camp’

H&H diarist Chloe Winchester on learning from the best, going back to her Pony Club roots and last-minute touches ahead of the upcoming Spanish tour

I

’M writing this from the warmth of the restaurant at Peelbergen CSI2* in the Netherlands; it’s feeling very much like January and it is freezing cold. So far it has been a good show; I finished fifth in a competitive ranking class with Stenhaga Tulip Tattoo on Saturday night. I’m hoping he’s a horse I can keep a little longer as he is proving to be consistent, competitive and is ready to jump some bigger classes.

Tonight (Sunday, 27 January), I jump the medium tour grand prix on an inexperienced nine-year-old, Don Corleone 111 Z, so it will be good experience for him and we will see how he fares.

It was a busy week before we came to the show. Tuesday involved jumping five horses at home in the morning before heading to Sentower, Belgium, with one horse to jump round and another to try with a view to purchase. Upon arriving home, there were still four horses left to jump, who all behaved really well, thank goodness.

Being in this environment at Karel Cox’s, I get to ride so many different types of horses and try three or four new horses a week. I count myself very lucky to be riding for a top, top jumping stable. Even at a local national show I can see elite riders such as Harrie Smolders, Pieter Devos, Marcus Ehning and so on. You can learn so much by simply watching — from their rounds in the ring to how they warm up different horses.

Michael Jung is also competing — and

Chloe and the consistent Stenhaga Tulip Tattoo enjoy a productive show at Peelbergen

Chloe Winchester

WEEKLY

10m

DIARY

what an inspiration he is. To compete at the highest level in both showjumping and eventing is incredible, and watching him work the horses is really interesting.

T

HE flatwork is so important for riding courses. It’s never simply jumping big fences, it’s big fences down complicated lines going from short to long distances. For this, your flatwork and control of the horse is paramount. At home, it is very rare I train over big fences; I’m mostly training over poles, cavalettis and small courses, checking the control and rideability.

I find myself using exercises now that I learnt in Pony Club, such as the “castle exercise”, in which you trot or canter a small circle in the corner of the arena, then exit the circle up the three-quarter line and enter into another circle at the other end, and so it goes on. From a bird’s-eye view it would look like castle turrets (see diagram). The importance of this is the horse’s straightness; as you approach the end of the arena, you feel them wanting to anticipate the turn.

This is when keeping the horse straight is imperative; it makes him sit and wait, and listen to what you are is asking.

At the stables, we have a dressage trainer come in once or twice a week, and he will either ride a couple of horses or help from the floor. Another pair of eyes is always useful, and going back to basics often helps the most.

Chloe Winchester, 25, is a British showjumper based at Karel Cox’s yard in Belgium. The former national young rider and under-23 champion is in the European Equestrian Federation’s Young Riders Academy and is currently competing up to CSI3* level.

‘I find myself using exercises now I learnt in Pony Club’

W

ITH our trip to Spain getting closer every week, the horses’ fitness becomes more important than ever. Asking the horses to jump two or three times a week requires a high level of fitness. Some of my horses naturally keep themselves plenty fit enough (and you wouldn’t want them any fitter) but the slightly heavier and slower horses need to be feeling good or else they will be fatigued after the first week, especially if it’s going to be as warm as I’m hoping.

All of the horses go on the walker for an hour once a day, some go twice and some will now be lunged every other day to increase the work they are doing, especially the ones who carry a little more weight than they should.

Now I’m off to get ready for the last class of the day… H&H

30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

35

SAFETY IN HORSE SPORT

Playing safe Equestrianism will always be a high-risk sport, but horse and rider injury rates are decreasing. Lucy Elder assesses the latest safety statistics and innovations

Picture by Real Time Imaging

L

OOKING back at how far safety has come in the past 10 years, it’s easy to pick out the big things.

We see pictures of cross-country fences dismantling thanks to frangible technology, the “then and now” of Becher’s Brook. But what else has happened and is equestrian sport really getting any safer?

While riding will always come with dangers, breakthroughs in technology, data analysis and science have made significant leaps in reducing that.

“We have to accept the fact that as soon as you get on a horse, there is a risk. As soon as that horse jumps a fence, the risk is even higher. It is a matter of managing that risk,” says British Eventing’s (BE) national safety officer Jonathan Clissold.

He adds that serious injuries have “without a doubt” dropped, and BE is always looking at

ways to continue to reduce those.

Medical cover requirements have increased in the high-risk disciplines, with BE announcing more stringent requirements for this season with a view to enhancing these further in 2021. Equestrian-specific trauma training has proved popular, and this has been mooted as a requirement to come in potentially from 2021.

The evolution of personal protection equipment, including hats and body protectors, has proved a major part in making equestrianism safer.

“We have seen many developments over the past decade, some in the area of equipment, but more importantly, we have seen a real change in attitude towards safety,” says Claire Williams, executive director of the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA).

“Developments in equipment safety

include body protectors becoming more flexible and sleeker in design. This is thanks as much to design and construction developments and the materials now available to manufacturers, as to the standards themselves, which although updated have not changed the degree of protection offered to any great extent.

“On the air jacket front we have started on the writing of a standard to give a benchmark for performance and assurance to riders.”

She adds in terms of hats, the last decade has seen the withdrawal of the EN1384 standard and the introduction of the VG1, which resulted in the introduction of a mechanical strength test, already integrated into the PAS015 standard.

“This innovation has made hats safer, especially in the case of crushing type falls. We have also seen the first hats incorporating

‘Riders’ attitudes towards the topic of safety have seen a real shift — it is no longer addressed with reluctance’ CLAIRE WILLIAMS, BETA’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MIPS (multi-directional impact protection system), designed to reduce rotational forces that can result from certain falls,” Claire says.

“More changes are on the horizon, with new testing methods being developed to replicate different types of falls and hopefully a new, improved European standard. The very topic of safety has seen a real shift in attitude, moving from being something rather tedious that riders often addressed with reluctance, to something they now take ownership of and responsibility for.

“Thanks to the work of BETA and its ongoing cooperation with disciplines in helping them write up-to-date and accurate rules, riders are now much more aware of the importance of regularly checking hats and body protectors, not only for the standard they meet but for their suitability in terms of fit.”

Claire adds BETA has also heavily invested in educating riders of the importance of replacing hats after falls, and helping with this through a helmet bounty scheme.

R

IDER training, assessment and using data to self-analyse have been key to improving safety, with education for jockeys a major focus.

“The industry as a whole is unrecognisable now as to how jockeys are treated and are treating themselves as elite athletes, and a big part of that approach is that fitter and stronger jockeys are less likely to get injured,” a British

Horseracing Authority (BHA) spokesman says.

“There has been a massive amount of work done on physical and mental health and nutrition. A joint-funded PhD led to catering guidelines for racecourses, there has been increased provision of warm-up equipment for riders and, more recently, increased provision of physios on racecourses. There is a massive amount of research ongoing on this point, too.”

Increasing rider awareness and helping them to raise their own standards is a major breakthrough in eventing.

Minimum eligibility requirements are now required across the levels, and BE is using data collected through EquiRatings to help target rider training and enable them to use self-reflection as a tool. In 2019, BE brought in the reverse qualification system, which means competitors who repeatedly have cross-country eliminations must drop down a level or, in the case of the rule being triggered at BE80, have some training before stepping back up to the level at which they were previously competing.

“I think this really highlights to the rider what the horse’s form is, as they sometimes don’t realise unless it is pointed out to them,” explains Jonathan.

“It’s fairly easy to make an excuse — ‘I had a stupid run-out there’ — but actually when you look at it, it could be that perhaps you and your horse are not quite ready for that level.”

Gone are the days in point-to-pointing

MAJOR REVIEWS AN extensive review of the Grand National was carried out following the race in 2011, which led to 30 safety recommendations being adopted.

These included altering the fences’ cores to a more forgiving, rubber design and levelling off the landing sides of fences, so horses take off and land at the same level. Significant investment in the racing surface, introduction of misting fans to cool horses and moving the start away from the grandstands for a calmer atmosphere were among further changes.

The BHA also undertook a review following the 2018 Cheltenham Festival, which led to 17 recommendations ahead of the 2019 meeting. These featured pre-race veterinary examinations, reduction in maximum field sizes in certain races and changes to conditions of others, and further work set out to continue to understand and reduce risks.

where riders could deem themselves capable.

From last season, new riders were required to meet with a level three BHA jockey coach at least a month from their first race and assessed at walk, trot, canter and over fences. The move has been widely welcomed, including by their weighing room colleagues.

30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

37

SAFETY IN HORSE SPORT

“While it is difficult to judge, anecdotal evidence indicated that first-timers — and their mothers — were looking much more confident going down to the start,” says Point-to-Point Authority (PPA) chief executive Peter Wright.

“We are now building on that, offering training days with the assessment as well as continuation training.”

Peter adds when looking at the whole picture of changes made to improve safety in the sport, the outlook is good.

“All of this has come at a cost to both fixtures and individuals, which causes some grumbling, but I have to say the results are looking impressive,” he explains.

While specific figures are not available, Peter says: “The drop-off of serious accidents is looking very positive, as in up to 50%, particularly compared with 10 years ago or more. Racing is inherently dangerous but the risks are increasingly mitigated.”

F

SAFETY IN NUMBERS

5.4%

of jump racing falls resulted in jockey injury 2015-2017, down from 17.7% in 1992-2000

0.39%

the equine fatality rate in jump racing (2014-2018) — lowest period on record

32%

THE AMOUNT THE LONG-TERM INJURY RATE IN NATIONAL HUNT HORSES HAS DROPPED FROM 2004-2018

30%

the reduction in faller rate in National Hunt horses from 2014-2018

1 in 746 the chance of having a rotational fall at an international event in 2018, which is down from 1 in 228 in 2007

38

Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

Becher’s Brook (pictured in 1969 and 2019) has undergone major modifications over the years, including two revisions since 2009

protectors and hats, but prevention is always better than cure.”

He adds that work into understanding and improving surfaces is ongoing, but believes this is an area where more education is also needed for riders.

Surfaces, layout, hurdles and fences continue to be a focus for racing.

“Obviously there are strict criteria that all courses have to conform to in order to be licensed and to hold fixtures under Rules,” says the BHA spokesman. “Our team of courseinspectors check every course’s surface and obstacles at the beginning of the relevant season as well as regularly throughout the season, too, and courses are also subject to veterinary inspections.

“There are extensive guidelines that ensure every aspect of the racecourse environment is as safe as it can be — from surface management [the going stick became mandatory in 2009 to ensure more consistent and, therefore, safer surfaces] to the qualification of groundstaff, right down to record-keeping.”

Questions surrounding why padded hurdles are not used at all courses arose in November 2019 following Buveur D’Air’s splinter injury while jumping a wooden obstacle. Padded hurdles were first introduced in 2013, and 13 courses in the UK and one in Ireland use them.

“The roll-out has been phased in order to ensure there are no unintended consequences,”

explains the BHA spokesman.

“They are proven to reduce faller and injury rates but they haven’t removed injuries entirely and it is still possible that a horse can pick up a splinter going over a padded hurdle, though it is significantly less likely.”

There is an ongoing project to develop a new design of collapsible hurdle, which is also drawing on the equine vision research.

Peter adds pointing continues to provide better surfaces and courses.

‘Safety is about every aspect, but prevention is always better than cure’ JONATHAN CLISSOLD

“Course-building, including the fences and surfaces, continues to improve, with much more awareness of what the risks are and how they can be mitigated,” he says.

While equestrian sport can never be riskfree, the cumulative effect of many changes are clearly having an effect, and if science and technology continues to progress at an ever-increasing rate, it will be interesting to see what the next decade will bring. H&H

Pictures by Fox Photos and PA Archive/PA Images

ENCE design and equine vision have been increasingly in the spotlight.

Frangible devices are now compulsory on certain types of fences for all four- and fivestar and championship eventing tracks.

Strides have also been made in understanding more about equine vision, with research by Exeter University helping to inform fence design in racing and eventing.

“In eventing we have three types of fall — horse fall, rider fall and rotational horse fall.

We know from the data that the rotational fall is the most dangerous of those,” says Jonathan.

“Since the fatalities in 1999/2000 [six within a year in Britain], we’ve spent a lot of time collecting data on all the fences we jump. All the falls that happen at those fences is analysed to make sure we can identify any fence, or types of fence, that are causing big problems.

“Safety is about every aspect; training, data collection is obviously important, protective equipment has got better, such as body

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HUNTING

NORTH KILKENNY 5 January

y Catherine Austen e.austen@ti-media.com usten

Jack Brennan tackles a drain successfully

‘Isn’t it grand to be out?’

A day of tackling ‘dirty jumps an steep hills with this modest pack is enough to straighten anyone out, as the hounds hunt handsomely through the country North Kilkenny, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny

“BEGOD, you can,” joint-master Sean Doheny said when I asked if I could cover a day with the North Kilkenny for Horse & Hound, and that was as much as anyone felt the need to say about it. The Norths don’t stand on ceremony.

This is a hunt with its feet on the ground and mud on its boots.

The northern portion of Co. Kilkenny was hunted by the county pack until the late 1920s, by which time the Kilkenny hunt was finding it increasingly difficult to cover such a large tract of country adequately.

In 1931, John Alexander of Co. Carlow was granted permission to hunt the northern part of the country, and though he resigned after two seasons, Mr Alexander’s hounds were purchased by a 40

Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

By LIAM CLANCY hastily formed committee for the sum of £195, and the hunt renamed the North Kilkenny.

At no time in its history has this been a wealthy hunt. By the close of the 1940/41 season, funds were exhausted and it was decided that the hunt had no option but to close down. Father John Kearns, the curate in the village of Ballyragget, persuaded the farmers in the area to rally round and save the pack.

Sean Doheny, who farms a dairy herd locally, began his hunting in the 1960s as one of the local youngsters recruited into the hunt by Fr Kearns, whose Right: Tania Heffernan crosses a stream towards the end of the day

The North Kilkenny hounds work hard for joint-master and huntsman Noel Rafter as they follow a scent across a waterlogged field

Pictures by Will Buckley

Michael Walsh watches the North Kilkenny hounds work

catchphrase on the days when the magic didn’t quite happen was, “Sure, isn’t it grand to be out?”

Sean’s long-time fellow masters are Billy Healy and Liam Murphy, whose late father Jack possibly holds the record of being the longest serving MFH worldwide, having taken on the mastership in 1940 and died in office in 2009.

Billy, a gentleman in every sense of the word, was not riding as he had a busy day planned seeing farmers for his home meet the following Wednesday. He dropped in to the meet to see us off however, and his son Robert, an engineer with global nutrition group Glanbia, was out on a smart chestnut gelding.

The trio were joined in the mastership this season by huntsman Noel Rafter, who has hunted hounds here as a professional since 2010.

Noel, an affable, down-toearth individual, was reared in the North Kilkenny country, where his father Michael remains treasurer.

He whipped-in to three different huntsmen here before taking the horn himself. His philosophy on showing sport is as modest and sensible as everything else about the hunt.

“Patience is the biggest factor.

A hunting day is long. The first fox might show you no sport, but the day changes, the temperature changes, and different foxes give off better scent. You need that little bit of luck, too,” he said.

IN KENNELS Joint-masters: Billy Healy, Sean Doheny, Liam Murphy, Noel Rafter Huntsman: Noel Rafter Whippers-in: Thomas O’Neill, Michael O’Neill Hon secretary: Michael Maher, 00353 87 6333709 Hounds: 30 couple of old English hounds Hunting days: Wednesday and Sunday Hirelings: Pat Loughlin, 00353 87 299 0187 Joint-master and huntsman Noel Rafter moves off from the meet 30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

41

HUNTING

NORTH KILKENNY 5 January

Retired nurse Ann Callanan jumps up out of a stream

NOT A FLAT FIELD IN SIGHT WE met at midday in Castlecomer, an old coal mining village perched picturesquely on the side of a hill. The landscape of what is known as the Castlecomer Plateau consists of a large area of upland lying between the river valleys of the Barrow and Nore. It is a region of heavy soils, extensive forestry plantations, deep wooded valleys and steep hills — we scarcely crossed a flat field all day.

A mounted field of about 40 went clattering through the back streets of Castlecomer, exchanging greetings with townspeople who emerged from their houses to see us. The support for hunting among the local population is obvious.

Ger Clifford, who was following by car for the day, recalled a recent episode when a Garda (Irish police) patrol car had driven into a farm where hounds were hunting. When he went to see if there was a problem, the Guards explained that they had just been passing and had stopped to watch the hounds.

We rode uphill through Seamus Kenny’s farm towards the first draw. Almost immediately, we were dealing with what is known colloquially as “dirty” jumping, which translates as not over-big but still likely to cause casualties.

Mal Tynan had a difference 42

Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

From left: Aoibhinn Ruane, joint-master Sean Doheny, Mal Tynan and Seamus Walsh watch over proceedings at the meet

of opinion with a low bush as he jumped a bank, and emerged looking like he’d been mauled by a grizzly bear. Retired nurse Ann Callanan produced a handkerchief and tenderly dabbed the blood from his face, ignoring some good-humoured raillery from the spectators.

Young Jack Brennan was swept from his horse at another bank, and dragged a short distance before he managed to free his foot from the stirrup.

“Sure, t’will straighten you out a bit,” James O’Neill remarked, sympathetically.

The O’Neills are the very stuff of which the North Kilkenny is

made; plain-spoken, fearless horsemen, grounded in the local community. Tommy O’Neill is the patriarch of the family, and it is an unforgettable sight as he thumps across the Kilkenny landscape on his white-faced mare. His sons Thomas and Michael whip-in, and brother James lends a hand wherever needed.

LAUNCHING INTO SPACE THE first draw proved blank, and we proceeded on to Leo Brennan’s farm via a gaping, sheer-sided drain, which every horse dealt with in his own fashion, some sliding into the bottom and clambering out again, others

launching themselves exuberantly into space from the top.

Every wild hedgerow and clump of gorse we drew brought us further up into the hills, with glorious vistas of Kilkenny countryside opening up behind us. We drew on through Alan Holmes’ beautiful farm, and into an expanse of commercial forestry known as Grants’ Wood, which again, disappointingly, was blank.

A scramble in and out of a bramble-choked drain brought us on to James Murphy’s farm, the word coming back casually, “Watch the low wire here, lads.”

There was indeed a nearly invisible strand of barbed wire at approximately throat height stretched across the top of the drain. Our only casualty was local girl Nicole Parkinson, who brushed off her near-decapitation and quickly remounted. I was amused to see that she had supplemented the red ribbon on her horse’s tail with another tied around her own leg.

“She kicks and bites,” her friend explained.

James Murphy’s farm was full of inviting covert, thick with gorse and bramble, but there was a regrettable absence of foxes.

By the time we moved on to Eamonn Coogan’s, we were all beginning to accept that it was just going to be one of those days, but we had enough to think about

Joint-master Sean Doheny with Nicky Coady

in any case as we eased our horses carefully along the slippery flank of a precipitous hill.

The big handsome show horse belonging to Tania Heffernan, Noel Rafter’s partner, appeared at my side, unfortunately without his rider, having slipped out from under her. Tania, who is always as flawlessly turned out as her mounts, was unhurt and was back in the plate by the time the first whimpers of hound music floated up to us out of the densely wooded valley below.

SHARP EYES AND FULL CRY “WHISHT!” Tommy O’Neill snapped at us, holding up a big red hand to silence the field, as the cry of hounds swelled and filled the covert. Sharp-eyed Daragh Callanan viewed a fox slipping out of covert and running righthanded along the brow of a hill in front of us. Hounds came crashing out into the open a minute later, in glorious full cry, and the frustrations of earlier in the day were forgotten as we put heels to our horses.

Noel, one of the best practitioners on the hunting horn I have ever heard, was blowing a lovely silvery “gone away” as he galloped on the flank of the running pack. I noticed that Sean Doheny, who had been riding inconspicuously at the rear of the field all day, had magically manoeuvred his fuzzy little part-bred Connemara to the front of the action.

Hounds hunted their fox in thrilling, text-book style until he took cover in a pile of rubble and sheets of galvanised roofing by a derelict farmhouse. Noel pulled his hounds back to give our pilot a chance, and whipper-in Michael O’Neill saw him slip into the old farmhouse and out a rear window.

Though hounds quickly hit off the line again at the back of the house, the fox eluded them by dropping down into an overgrown drain and presumably made his way back to refuge. One could only admire his resourcefulness and wish him well.

We drew on down the valley, criss-crossing a stony-bottomed stream, ducking under low boughs and plunging in and out of boggy

Joint-master Billy Healy conducts a minute’s silence at the meet

corners until we regained higher ground at Murphys’ farm, where Flat trainer Pat Murphy is based.

Noel’s rough, tough old English hounds were still working their way through the dense covert in the valley below, with their huntsman on his feet, encouraging and helping them with a patience that showed he practises what he preaches.

We had taken up position on a gorse-clad hillside in Murphys’ when hounds found again, and we were treated to a wonderful chorus of echoing music as they rattled their fox up and down the covert under us. Once again,

our luck wasn’t quite in — the fox eventually broke for open country on the opposite side of an impassible tangle of woodland, and though hounds hunted him handsomely and eventually marked him to ground, only the hunt staff were there to see it.

The rest of us jogged home to Castlecomer in the fading light, and I shrugged off that well-worn phrase the hunting correspondent hears so often — “You should have been with us last Sunday.”

I might have replied in the words of the legendary Fr John Kearns: “Sure, isn’t it grand to be out?” H&H

Members of the field view a fox away

30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

43

HUNTING

‘A consummate professional’

Capt Ian Farquhar meets Andrew Proe, who is stepping down at the end of the season as kennel-huntsman of the College Valley North Northumberland after 34 years with the pack

I

T came as a surprise, I confess, when I was asked to interview the College Valley North Northumberland’s kennel-huntsman Andrew Proe, who is retiring at the end of this season after a staggering 40 years in hunt service. These include an almost unparalleled 34 years with the College Valley.

I have judged the hounds on occasion and had long heard that Andrew has always been top of his game, but he was in the north and I in the south. Of course I said yes; senior master Martin Letts and Ian McKie, who followed Martin as master and huntsman of the pack, are both

44

Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

old friends and if they say a man has been exemplary, he must have been. And 40 years in one of the most demanding and testing jobs in the business must not go unrecognised.

Andrew and I chatted for a couple of hours, and it was not long before I realised I was talking to a dedicated, charming and intelligent man with an impressive recall of hounds, horses, people and hunting, plus a wicked underlying sense of humour and overriding loyalty to those he has worked for.

Andrew was born in Shropshire in 1962 and went to a local boarding school. As an

Andrew with the College Valley hounds in the snow in 2013

AD FR VE EE RT S taken under the wing of a renowned South Shropshire hunting man, Roland Young, as groom, whereupon Michael Rowson offered him a job at the kennels; no better grounding for a young man considering a future in hunt service. From 1980 to 1982, he spent two seasons whipping-in to Sir Ralph Carr-Ellison at the West Percy.

Andrew says with a smile: “They were a lovely family and it was a beautiful country with a pack of hounds that were a mixture of College Valley, Percy, Border and Blencathra. We had 18 horses for Sir Ralph and Lady Carr-Ellison, hunted three days a week and they went like hell.”

He was 19 years old, doing horses and hounds; there was never much time off, but he loved it. When Willie Poole arrived in 1982 to hunt the hounds, Andrew went on to the Croome to whip-in to John Day under the mastership of Lady Maria Coventry, the daughter of war hero the 10th Earl of Coventry who, before the war, was a great exponent of the Welsh hound. This was a passion that Lady Maria inherited.

E D REE CO4SF H

College Valley North Northumberland kennelhuntsman Andrew Proe is stepping back after 40 years in hunt service. ‘I will miss the hounds of course, and my two horses,’ he admits

RUSTED TO buy & sell R HORSE

‘They were bloody crackers, we had caught 70½ brace by the opening meet’ ANDREW PROE ON THE CROOME HOUNDS

11-year-old, he used to go to the South Shropshire kennels, then run by Michael Rowson, to help whipper-in George Adams and go out on bike exercise.

“Michael was a lovely man, a real professional, and he got me started,” Andrew recalls.

When not out on foot with hounds, the young Andrew spent hours fishing on the Severn and told me that alongside hounds and horses, fishing is another passion of his.

Leaving school at 16, he did four months’ training to be a farrier before going to the Albrighton for a season to look after the horses. Next he was

Andrew says: “Lady Maria loved the Bicester Fairy blood as well as the Bicester/New Forest Medyg stuff. Christ, they were bloody crackers, we had caught 70½ brace by the opening meet.

It was brilliant.”

If that was not enough, it was also where Andrew met his future wife Sally, who was hunting with Capt Brian Fanshawe at the North Cotswold. A year later in 1985, Andrew and Sally moved to the College Valley where, Andrew summarises, “We had two daughters and three grandsons and made a lot of friends.”

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‘I’D RATHER GIVE MY WIFE AWAY’ TO return to the hunting, Andrew is not a heavy man, but he’s not a whippet either, and anybody who knows the College Valley country will be very aware it takes some riding — extremely steep and in places very boggy. Andrew, however, is a capable and natural horseman and, as Ian McKie

HORSES for SALE www.horseandhound.co.uk/horsesforsale *Limited time offer until 8 February 2020, this promotion entitles you to a free standard advert, premium upgrade available for discounted price of 15

HUNTING ‘I would like to spend more time fishing. I’m not retiring, I’m leaving hunt service’ ANDREW PROE

down again to ground not far from us,” he says.

“We looked up and there, some miles away on the top of the mountain, we could see a lone horseman. Twenty minutes later, the lone horseman arrived, horse covered in lather.”

Martin said to Ian: “We have a pack of hounds to hunt the fox, you don’t have to follow them everywhere!”

However, Ian soon learnt and Andrew continued: “We had 13 very happy seasons together; he was very good to me, as was Mrs McKie.”

LOOKING AHEAD

Andrew judging the fellhounds at Builth Wells

bitch called Syrup whom we bred from; she was very low-scenting and she could waffle on when others couldn’t,” recalls Andrew.

The McKies arrived at the College Valley in 2003 and,

Andrew remembered with a smile, one of the first mornings in September.

“Mr Letts and I watched the fox go right over the tops before turning round and coming back

So what of the future?

Andrew says: “I have been lucky and have a very good HSBS [Hunt Staff Benefit Society] pension; we have a house and I would like to spend more time fishing. I’m not retiring, I’m leaving hunt service.”

And what will he miss most?

“The hounds of course, and my two horses,” Andrew confirms.

There speaks a man who has given 40 years of his life to hunting and has been the consummate professional. H&H

‘We had 13 very happy seasons together,’ says Andrew of former master and huntsman Ian McKie (left)

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Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

Pictures by Grossick Photography, sarahfarnsworth.co.uk and trevor-meeks-photography.co.uk

himself — no slouch on a horse — says, “You could often see Andrew slipping gently over the top of the bog while lesser mortals would be floundering about, or creeping quietly down a precipice to cross the burn at the bottom, and others would end up in it.”

This was born out by Martin, who recalls Andrew coming on trial and, not knowing the country, was the first there when hounds caught their fox after a long hunt high into the hills.

“I remember saying, ‘You’ll do, you can start on 1 May,’” he says.

The pair stayed together for 18 years until Martin Letts retired in 2003. And Andrew continually emphasised his respect for Martin to me.

“He was 110% a hound man,” said Andrew, who remembers Martin advising him to “sit still and watch”.

Andrew did admit that Martin wasn’t so keen on a pure bitch pack, recounting, “They were a bit lively; he loved his doghounds and he could be a bit grumpy.”

Then with a twinkle, he went on to bring to mind Martin’s response to a young huntsman requesting whether there was any chance of a good doghound: “You are not having my best doghound; I’d rather give my wife away!”

Together, though, they made great friends with the cream of the northern huntsmen, including Johnny Richardson and then Barry Todhunter at the Blencathra.

“You could trust them,” says Andrew.

Ben Hardaway from the Midland hunt in America also came in for praise.

“He gave us a ‘July’ foxhound

HUNT STALWART

David Rothery The dedicated Grafton trail-layer and professor of planetary geosciences

Words by Frank Houghton Brown

W

HEN David Rothery arrives at a Grafton meet, it would be easy to imagine he is a farmer who has just finished milking and has rushed to go hunting without having time to change.

His horse is sweating and his boots mud splattered. He quickly stuffs the yellow tabard he has been wearing all morning over his hunting clothes into his coat pocket.

David, 63, is in fact the official Grafton trail-layer and, according to senior joint-master Charles Smyth-Osbourne, has made “a massive contribution to our ability to continue to operate as successfully as we have since the Hunting Act. He is definitely one of our unsung heroes.”

When his children were toddlers, David spotted a sign for “free introductory riding lessons”. He joined them in

having lessons and when the first private members’ bill against hunting was ongoing, he thought he’d go hunting to see what he made of it.

When he started, he didn’t have a horsebox so would hack to all the meets. Eventually he bought a lorry and, after subscribing for two seasons, was asked to do the trail-laying. And he now has two hunters that he keeps on DIY in a farmer’s field.

“I prefer it when the horses live

master the day before hunting and they tell me where they are going and which farms to stay away from — and they send me a map,” he explains.

David then parks his horsebox somewhere nearby and spends all morning riding around, laying different trails.

“I take about 30 photographs during the morning and some video footage. When I get home, I record it all on an app called Mapometer,” he says.

‘It’s a great privilege to be able to ride across the Grafton country’ out because they seem to thrive that way,” he says.

He picks them up at 6.30am on a hunting day and is mounted by 8.30am.

“I speak to the huntsman and

David arrives at the meet on Saturdays in time to go hunting, but on weekdays he goes to work after trail-laying. He has a PhD in geological mapping and, as a professor of planetary

geosciences, runs the Open University planetary science course from Milton Keynes. He is also on the European Space Agency team that’s managing a mission to Mercury called BepiColombo.

David doesn’t do any of his riding to jump fences. In fact, he would probably prefer not to jump, but in his words he “enjoys riding with a specific purpose”.

And when he has spent at least two hours trail-laying, he likes to save his horse so he can stay out hunting longer.

“It’s a huge commitment but also a great privilege to be able to ride across the Grafton country,” he points out. “If it’s very wet and a farmer comes out when I am trail-laying and says that he doesn’t want the mounted field, I tell him that I am the fox, so only the hounds will follow where I have been, not the horses.” H&H 30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

47

HUNTING Life The Beaufort and its supporters add £2,400 to their fundraising total, while a Ludlow member makes an extraordinary recovery to enjoy her last season

The Beaufort raises more than £55,000

MORE than £2,400 was raised by the Duke of Beaufort’s for a local men’s mental health charity, the Even Keel Foundation, at the hunt’s charity meet at Luckington on 18 January.

The foundation was set up in memory of Michael Keel, a keen follower of hounds, and focuses on men working in farming and racing.

Samantha Hillier from the Even Keel Foundation said: “A huge thank you to the Beaufort

Beaufort joint-master and huntsman Matt Ramsden presents Sam and Izzy Hillier of local charity the Even Keel Foundation with more than £2,400

‘It gives us great pleasure to help some of the very worthy causes’ MATT RAMSDEN

IN BRIEF ON YOUR BIKE FOR CHARITY NORTH CORNWALL joint-master and huntsman Ralph Mankee has raised more than £1,000 for the South West Cornwall Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Group by undertaking a 100-mile bike ride.

“I have a cousin who has been blind from birth and has got a great deal of pleasure from riding with the RDA, so I wanted to do something to raise money for the organisation,” said Ralph.

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Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

Turville School and Luckington School, the Avon Vale Riding Centre for the Disabled, the Poppy Appeal and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.

Much of this fundraising is “I hit a bit of a flat spot when I got to the 70-mile bit, but once I was through that I knew I could do it. It was a beautiful day and the scenery was wonderful.”

HUNT RIDES TO AIM FOR THIS YEAR ALTHOUGH the Melton Hunt Club Ride will not take place this winter due to the wet ground conditions, there are plenty more hunt rides to aim for.

7 March — Wynnstay, Cheshire 8 March — Gloucestershire Steeplechases, Heythrop country 14 March — Courtfield Cup,

done by the hunt supporters’ club, whose chairman Mike Hibbard recently retired after 16 years at the helm.

Beaufort joint-master and huntsman Matt Ramsden Herefordshire 15 March — East Sussex and Romney Marsh Hunt Scurry, East Sussex 21 March — Harborough Hunt Club Ride, Leicestershire 13 April — Silver Spur, Bicester country

MORE MEDIA SEMINARS PLANNED BUILDING on the success of the Countryside Alliance’s two PR and media seminars held in 2019, the alliance — in conjunction with the Hunting Office — has organised four more seminars, with a further

said: “Hunts have always been an integral part of the local community, and it gives us great pleasure to be able to help some of the very worthy and hard-working charities in our area.” meeting planned in Scotland.

Registered hunts are being encouraged to embrace the use of social media platforms — the courses aim to assist those taking on the role and to maximise positive publicity for legal hunting activities.

The courses will take place on the following dates: 2 April — West Midlands area 16 April — Yorkshire 21 April — East Midlands area 28 April — Devon and Somerset area For further details, please contact hunting@countrysidealliance.org

Picture by Ben Hastie Photography

and its supporters for showing such generosity. The support they have shown the foundation has been amazing.”

The Duke of Beaufort’s annual charity meet was started more than 25 years ago by former master and huntsman Capt Ian Farquhar and has raised £55,000 for a wide range of local charities.

In 2019 alone, the Beaufort hunt and its supporters’ club donated more than £15,000 to local charities, including Tetbury Hospital, the Wiltshire and Great Western Air Ambulances, Acton

‘Henry’s my horse of a lifetime’ IN 2015, former Ludlow jointmaster Naomi Dobson suffered a bad fall at home that left her in a coma for three weeks with a diffuse axonal brain injury. She spent a total of two months in hospital and all her horses “had to go”, except for her son’s pony and a horse called Henry.

The latter, a 16.2hh threequarter-bred Appaloosa, quarterShire, had evented up to novice level with Naomi, team-chased, raced in two charity races and hunted regularly with the Ludlow.

Five years before Naomi’s fall, Henry tore his deep digital flexor tendon, resulting in an operation, six months’ box rest and a year off. After coming back into work, he tore it again, resulting in yet another year off.

“We didn’t give up but I did semi-retire him,” says Naomi.

Fast-forward to February 2016,

five months after the accident.

“With helpers each side I was back on Henry. I might not be able to run, and walking was quite tricky, but I could sit on a horse!” she said.

Eighteen months after the accident, Henry and Naomi returned to the hunting field.

“I would not have considered hunting again if it hadn’t been for Henry,” says Naomi. “I still suffer from debilitating fatigue, reduced sensation on my right side and rubbish balance. None of these are conducive to being safe and effective on the hunting field! So, sadly this is to be my last season.

“But without my gorgeous spotted ‘carthorse’, my recovery, both physically and mentally, would have been very reduced.

He’s now 22 and I’ve had him since he was four. I owe him so much.” H&H

Naomi Dobson credits Henry, her horse of 18 years, with her recovery

ONLY IN HORSE & HOUND

‘Here’s to making new memories’ Robert McCarthy looks back on some of his treasured hunting moments AS I sat at the meet at Alnwick Castle on New Year’s Day watching my almost two-yearold daughter at her first meet on her pony, it really made me think. I treasure the many memories I have, the things I’ve done and the people I’ve met over the past 35 seasons.

A lot of my first hunting memories were with the Suffolk, where I grew up and started out. I was particularly lucky that the then-huntsman Tom Batterbee was one of the very best in the business. He also worked with one of the best whipper-ins I’ve seen in Sarah Turner. The sport was always of high class, regularly seeing more than 100 horses out each Saturday.

I would spend my school holidays at the kennels helping Tom with jobs of all kinds.

He would happily explain any part of the job from hound and horse management to hunting. He also taught me a little bit about training Robert McCarthy has been the professional huntsman of the Percy since 2005. This is his 28th season in hunt service.

OPINION

greyhounds and gambling, and all of his advice has served me very well ever since.

In my early days, I never rode and instead used to run everywhere with the hounds.

Inevitably while doing this on one particular day, the hounds were out and gone and I found myself a very long way behind.

As I was doing my best to keep up, the hunt secretary Humphrey Cragg came along behind me on his lovely, big, grey mare. Mr Cragg was a real hunting gentleman and always made time for hunt staff.

It seemed like a great idea at the time when he kindly offered me a lift on the back of the mare, so I jumped on.

Unfortunately, however, as soon as I landed behind the saddle, she broncked repeatedly until we both hit the deck and she galloped off into the distance, leaving both of us to walk a bit further.

STAND-OUT MEMORIES A GOOD few years later when I worked as kennelman for Tom, a

subscriber my sister worked for very kindly lent me a horse for the day. We had a cracking day, including a very good hunt into the neighbouring country of the Thurlow.

At one point, Tom had to get on his feet to put the hounds right. We had some lovely old boys from Norfolk hunting with us at the time and as I came riding along the covert, one of them said to me, “Jump off your horse, boy, and give it to Tom.”

However, one of the other old boys turned round and said, “Don’t be so silly, it’s the only decent horse the boy’s ever been put on!”

At the Thurlow puppy show the following summer, the master and huntsman, Mr Edmund Vestey, gave the Suffolk a mention in his speech as having had a very good season in Thurlow country.

The one memory that stands out the most for me was Tom’s last day. It was a massive meet with 20 hunt staff mounted and more than 150 horses out, with a lot of former masters present, too. We enjoyed a good day and I can still see Tom and his hounds flying away from Averly wood together.

I vividly remember Tom blowing for home for the final time that day. He seemed to blow for an eternity, finishing off what was a fantastic career.

It’s been 22 years since Tom retired and I left Suffolk, but we still speak every week.

Here’s to looking forward to making lots more memories with new generations, some fantastic people, hounds and horses. H&H

30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

49

HUNTER OF A LIFETIME

Oliver

A ‘real gentleman’ who ‘just gets on with it’ and ‘eats hedges for breakfast’

O

N a buying trip to Willie Martin’s yard in Ireland, former Four Burrow chairman Jim Pascoe “went for a nose around” and saw a “scruffylooking bay with a bit of quality about him”. He wasn’t ready for sale, with no shoes on, but a lad got up.

“Willie shut the five-bar gate and he leapt over. I thought, ‘That’ll do me,’” says Jim. Bred by Pat Hanlon in Co. Wicklow, by Warcraft out of Knockamoore Lass, Oliver arrived in Cornwall aged four.

He swiftly took to the steep

50

Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

Cornish banks: “I didn’t have to teach him much. He just got on with it. He sometimes gets a bit underneath, but always has enough power to get over.”

That power stood Oliver in good stead on a visit to the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale.

“Rupert Nuttall, nutty by nature, was field mastering. We looked down at this ridiculously wide hedge, then he kicked on! Some people ended up in the middle, but Oliver sussed it out. He ate those hedges for breakfast — a joy,” recalls Jim. “The great thing about him is that he’s good in any country,”

he adds. “I’ve never known him stop and I had never fallen off him — until today when he spooked at a pheasant while I was leading another horse. The rope caught my boot and tipped me off!”

Indeed, Oliver can be spooky, especially in the failing light.

“He suddenly decides everything’s terrifying. He’s a bit of a baby then, but never out hunting.”

He loves it so much that he used to colic from sheer excitement “the minute you started plaiting. We learnt that, by the time we got to the meet, he’d be fine, and he grew out of it”.

He had Hobday surgery aged eight, so “runs out of puff on a really long run”, but has never been sick or sorry.

Usually “as good as gold and a real gentleman”, he can be an “irritating bugger when being caught. If it’s wet, he’ll be at the

gate, but if it’s nice, he’ll keep wandering off ”.

Jim’s daughter Amie did hunter trials on him — “he’d make a nice shape if you worked at it, but it wasn’t his forte” — but Oliver is happiest out hunting and looks as good as ever aged 20.

“He’ll go first or last, leave the field, anything,” he says.

A handsome 16.2hh with a long stride, Oliver has the softest of mouths, having never been jabbed in the mouth.

Jim rides with a neckstrap to protect his back: “Once you’ve pointed him where you want to go, you don’t have to steer.” His smooth stride is invaluable.

“I’ve always had a bad back and on anything else I would be struggling halfway through, but on Oliver I can do all day,” Jim says. H&H NEXT WEEK

Beaufort hunt chairman Bobby Faber

Words by Octavia Pollock. Picture by Lisa Wood Photography

‘The great thing about him is that he’s good in any country’

FROM THE FIELD

‘Part of the magic’ H&H hunting editor Catherine Austen is back in love with the chase after a fantastic day, but ponders the future of point-to-pointing and its traditional, if complicated, connection with hunting

R

ECENTLY, I was told a story of a young huntsman in a hill country who had a day’s hunting entirely on his own. His whipper-in couldn’t go, for whatever reason, and no one else turned up.

Apparently it all went perfectly well and, you might think secretly, isn’t that the dream?

Just you and your hounds. But a much older huntsman with many seasons hunting hounds under his belt pointed out that much of the joy of hunting is that it is a team sport. What’s the point of having a good day if there isn’t anyone to share it with?

We all know that high a great day produces, but you need people with whom to relive it afterwards. That’s all part of the magic.

I

T’S our point-to-point this weekend, and

by Sunday night we will all be exhausted and probably a little bit tipsy, port being the principal method of keeping warm.

Someone once described it as “Royal Ascot in a muddy field” and, due to our location in the country and the connections of a couple of the people who head it up, that’s about right.

It has sponsorship that many of Britain’s smaller “proper” racecourses would die for, a huge crowd for January and a real party feel to it, with lots going on off the track to entertain the punters.

The racing is central to it, though, and must remain so. I worry that point-to-pointing and hunting are growing ever further apart; pointing has become highly professional and that’s no bad thing of course — standards in all areas have kept rising. But not many people within a hunt have much real connection to the sport now, I think, and one area this separation may affect is the volunteer army needed to put on a meeting. Will they continue to spend hours standing out in the cold if they don’t know anyone who has a runner?

The relationship between hunting and point-to-pointing is a complicated and highly varied one according to individual situations.

We are lucky that our clerk of the course is both an MFH and a very successful point-topoint rider, and that the landowner is both a former master and a former amateur jockey who has put an extraordinary amount of time, effort and money into developing the track and the whole site.

Not all hunts have such strong ties with pointing, however, and I wonder what changes we will see in the medium-term. H&H 30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

Illustrations by Emma Earnshaw

I

T’S a fact that I’m a cheap date. Two glasses of red wine and I’m well away. It’s true in hunting terms, too.

One really good day was all it took to make me fall in love with the whole thing again.

The meet was at a beautiful house, and we hadn’t been there for more than 25 years, but it was in an unfashionable part of our large country. Lots of people had been to what was, on paper, a far more exciting meet two days previously, and so there were just 20 of us out — one of the smallest fields I can ever remember here.

However, it was just brilliant. A couple of people at the meet said they thought it would be a good scenting day, and so it proved. Our hounds were absolutely on fire and barely paused until we eventually changed horses at about 2.30pm.

Having said that, it wasn’t an easy one for our senior master to field master; there is a big block of forestry into which hounds and hunt staff are allowed but the field aren’t, so we did a lot of galloping around its various sides. But he made some inspired decisions and kept us well in touch, and it was so lovely to see and hear hounds hunting so confidently and accurately.

There was barely time for a hipflask to be unscrewed, let alone an Instagram photo to be taken, which is possibly the marker of a good day’s hunting in the modern era.

Like the pony-patter I am, I was thrilled with how my horse went and felt. Old, experienced hunters really do seem to know when it matters; when hounds are flying, they want to be with them and find an extra gear.

I haven’t enjoyed a day so much for a while — thank you so much to all the people who work so hard to put on a day’s hunting for us.

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DRESSAGE

ADDINGTON WINTER REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 23-26 January

Turney is on top form ‘Spot on’: Jayne Turney heads the PSG and inter I with the ‘level-headed’ 10-year-old Penhaligon’s Jupiter

Addington Winter Regional Championship, Bucks

JAYNE TURNEY and Penhaligon’s Jupiter won the prix st georges (PSG) by almost 3%, and followed it with a win in the inter I on more than 73%. “‘PJ’ is level-headed and listened to me all the way round in the PSG,” said Jayne of the 10-year-old Starnberg gelding. “I 52

Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

By HELEN TRIGGS feel responsible because I have to make sure my preparation is spot on and then he just does it. In the inter I he was fresh, but he went in and said, ‘I’ve got this.’”

Jayne and PJ have been on an exciting learning curve and had a successful international debut in Le Mans last year.

‘HE’S SOMETHING ELSE TO SIT ON’ BRITISH-BRED Fred Astaire WD has the pizazz and presence which catches the eye. Fortunately, he is proving to have a trainable brain, too, which will allow him to progress up the levels. The rising sixyear-old Fiderbach OLD gelding is owned by his breeder, Lindsey Roberts of Windmill Dressage, and won the elementary gold freestyle with a top score of 76.21%, ridden by Jayne Turney.

Fred has now won nine out of his 15 starts with Jayne and she is enthusiastic about his potential.

“He finds everything easy naturally, he’s well-balanced, light in the way he moves and nice in the contact,” she said. “He’s something else to sit on. He can get nervous in a big atmosphere — he can hold his breath and go inwards — so I was thrilled how he coped. There’s so much more in there.”

ONE TO “It took me about six months to get to know him WATCH and for him to let me in. He absolutely worships Lindsey,” said Jane.

Pictures by kevinsparrow.co.uk

Jayne Turney dominates to pick up four tickets, and some impressive youngsters make their mark at the first winter regionals of the year

dited by Polly Bryan olly.bryan@ti-media.com @pollybryan

RESULTS

Sadie Smith and the promising Imhotep are double medium winners

“We’ve learned a lot from competing abroad and it’s made me want to do more,” she said.

PJ and Nathalie Kayal’s DHI Cleverboy — second in the inter I by a fraction — were a joy to watch.

Both medium gold classes were won by Sadie Smith riding Carl Hester and Coral Ingham’s Imhotep (Everdale x Vivaldi), a striking, powerful rising sevenyear-old who had only done four medium tests prior to Addington.

Sadie has been riding “Petey” for two years and has established a good partnership with the sometimes tricky gelding.

“He can be like an atomic bomb, but now he’s going up the levels he’s getting less tense,” she explained. “I try to find the balance between doing a clean test and getting the power he’s capable of. He’s quite immature for his age but will be amazing one day.”

Sadie beat Beth Bainbridge with Anna Ross and Marcelo Tosi’s pretty grey mare Habouche (Ampere x Sydney) by 0.28% in the medium gold freestyle. The eight-year-old ‘Holly’ showed off her potential for fluent expressive work with a soundtrack by Bond and Yanni. The following day, the mare was a little less exuberant and nailed her advanced medium freestyle to take the win on 74.44% and add a second qualifying ticket.

Juliette, aged 18, is spending a year as a working pupil with the Thurman-Bakers and has been inspired by working with them.

She has owned “Prince”, a 12-year-

23 Jan: Equi-Trek elem 59 gold (L Waller, L Whetstone, J Head).— 1, SP Bento (J Harvey) 73.22; 2, Fred Astaire WD (J Turney) 71.66; 3, Dalyhill Rocker (G Catling) 69.53. silv (A Bostock, J Peberdy, Ann Nicell).— 1, Hermitage De Jeu (C Tolhurst) 73.38; 2, Nemo VII (K Roberts) 72.81; 3, Remi II (L Robson) 70.46. Suregrow elem FSM gold (L Waller, L Whetstone, J Robinson).— 1, Fred Astaire WD 76.21; 2, Jack Johnson (A Corrie-Deane) 72.24; 3, Faberge Egg (E Johnson) 71.85. silv (D Collins, J Robinson, J Head).— 1, Ireldo L (L Green) 72.82; 2, Royal William (A Westgarth) 72.69; 3, New Princess (A Shirtcliffe) 71.02. 24 Jan: Theraplate med gold (K Barker, A Keen, C Tupling).— 1, Imhotep (S Smith) 72.2; 2, SP Bento 71.03; 3, Hercules (J Palmer) 70.13. silv (C Porterfield, L Whetstone, N Herbert).— 1, Gravgaards Sir Dundee (M Richardson) 69.91; 2, Donaulied (K Lawrence) 68.69; 3, Hermitage De Jeu 68.28. Spillers med FSM gold (K Barker, A Keen, C Tupling).— 1, Imhotep 75.61; 2, Habouche (B Bainbridge) 75.33; 3, WFS Top Red (E Nelson) 70.61. silv (C Porterfield, L Whetstone, N Herbert).— 1, SL Lucci (C Peters) 72.66; 2, Gravgaards Sir Dundee 72.05; Mount Pleasant San Lorenzo (T Fall) 71.83. Magic PSG gold (C Ballantyne, K Ratcliffe, J Robinson).— 1, Penhaligon’s Jupiter (J Turney) 72.54; 2, Hemisphere II (D Hicks) 69.91; 3, Freya

old by Prins Alfred, for four years and has trained him from novice.

“He was hot today; normally he’s lazy at home,” said Juliette.

“Apollo is different. I’ve had

FST (E Harris) 69.38. 25 Jan: Charles Owen adv med 98 (J Head, C Ballantyne, L Olsen).— 1, Highcliffe Apollo (J Lindsey) 70; 2, Habouche 69.91; 3, Barcelona (T Whitaker) 68.37. silv (L Waller, P Bushell, Karen Barker).— 1, Prince May The First (J Lindsay) 69.07; 2, Edendawn William Wombat (D Hardwick) 68.42; 3, Profile (J Coltman) 68.33. Nupafeed adv med FSM gold (J Robinson, S McMahon, L Olsen).— 1, Habouche 74.44; 2, EKKO Christianslund Gevalia (K Bates) 73.16; 3, Whispers (L Woodcock) 72.16. silv (J Robinson, C Ballantyne, K Barker).— 1, Prince May The First 70.88; 2, Profile 70.77; 3, Del Piero (N Naylor) 70.16.

Superflex inter I gold (D Wardle, S McMahon, R Baldwin).— 1, Penhaligon’s Jupiter 73.37; 2, DHI Cleverboy (N Kayal) 73.2; 3, Hemisphere II 72.23. 26 Jan: KBIS prelim 17A silv (J Robinson, P Bushell, D Wardle).— 1, Bali SD (O Davies) 75; 2, Belle Isle Tonto (A Faulkner) 69.59; 3, Castro (A Hiatt) 69.25. Prestige Italia nov 37 gold (A Nicell, L Wall, S Smith).— 1, SJL Generous (A Brown) 73.95; 2, GF Demellia (M Forrest) 73.21; 3, Woodcroft Django Mon Ami (D Hicks) 72.84. silv (S Staines, P Bushell, C Tupling).— 1, Sandros Fire (L Gallavan) 70.49; 2, Val Mae (L Robson) 70.06; 3, Rockwell Farrah H.F.D, (S Graves) 69.38. Bailey’s Horse Feeds nov FSM gold (D Collins, S Smith, C Trendell).— 1, Breit Fantastic (D Morgan) 73.61; 2, Cynheidrefawr Isaac (V Pengilly) 72.4; 3, Ireldo L 72.4. silv (N Goodman, L Wall, S Staines).— 1, Elegido CXI VII (T Wakely) 73.42; 2, Jara H I (G Lynch) 72.59; 3, Bali SD 70.37.

to learn to ride him as Diane, Samantha and Joanna ThurmanBaker all ride the same way, so we’ve had to adapt to each other.”

Melissa Richardson’s elegant

INSPIRED WINS JULIETTE LINDSAY won three advanced medium classes: the silver sections on her own Prince May The First and the straight gold class on the ThurmanBakers’ Highcliffe Apollo.

Juliette Lindsay takes two advanced medium silver titles riding her own 12-year-old Prince May The First 30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

53

DRESSAGE chestnut, Gravgaards Sir Dundee (Sir Donnerhall x Blue Hors Future Cup), has given the former show producer some difficult times in the past. However, the medium silver winner has also seen his owner through difficult times, so has been forgiven for his misspent youth. In the past three years, he has progressed from prelim to training at PSG at home.

“I didn’t have the preparation for this show I was hoping for as he managed to put his leg through a fence while rolling earlier in the week,” Melissa said. “Fortunately, the injury was only superficial.”

Melissa and “Mick” were narrowly beaten into second in the medium silver freestyle by the evergreen pony European gold medallist, SL Lucci. His original rider, Pheobe Peters, is now training her sister Camille, British Dressage’s sponsorship and marketing officer, on the Lukas gelding. Camille was thrilled with her win, riding to music from the Disney film, Ratatouille.

“Lucci has completely

ADDINGTON WINTER REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 23-26 January

transformed my riding, motivation and confidence,” said Camille.

Her programme included a complex canter/counter-canter pattern with well-executed simple changes. Lucci looked in great condition for his 18 years and threw in a few cheeky moves out of sheer high spirits.

Team Harvey had a good show with Judy Harvey winning the elementary gold and qualifying at medium gold with Jos Rosenberg’s Benicio seven-year-old, SP Bento, and Chelsea Tolhurst winning the elementary silver on her own Hermitage De Jeu (Chagall x Prince Thatch TT).

Chelsea bought “Nemo” four years ago. Last year, she had a nasty accident when Nemo trod on his own leg and ended up on top of her, resulting in concussion and torn knee cartilage.

“I never know what I’m going to get with him, so I was pleased he was on side today,” said Chelsea, who has worked for Judy for three years. H&H

Despite putting his leg in a fence just days before, Gravgaards Sir Dundee claims the medium silver title for Melissa Richardson

ONLY IN HORSE & HOUND

‘There are a lot of balls in the air’ Gareth Hughes reflects on why an Olympic year is like no other

EVERY year we have a championship, but the Olympics is different — for any sportsperson, it’s the pinnacle of competition. The timing of the Tokyo Olympics adds a different dimension to championship preparations and can work both for and against riders.

The biggest difference regarding campaigning and selection is that usually a team is chosen based on combinations’ results during the outdoor show season in the runup to that year’s championship.

Results from the previous year aren’t directly taken into account, although they do give an indication of how established a partnership is or what they are capable of scoring.

But this year, with the Olympics in July, selection is much earlier. A long-list will be created in mid-May, so the selectors will look back to the Europeans and also to indoor show results over the winter.

Gareth Hughes is a world and European team medallist, and was the highest-placed British rider at the 2019 European Championships with Classic Briolinca.

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Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

OPINION

This changes some people’s plans. For example, I am aiming to take Briolinca to the indoor CDI4* in Lier, Belgium, at the end of February, even though we wouldn’t normally start competing so early in the year.

The team will be picked in June and, as a consequence, some of the internationals usually used for selection are too late in the season, such as Hartpury and Hickstead.

The other major change for 2020 is that the grand prix will no longer decide the team placings. Instead, it is being used as a qualifier for the teams for the grand prix special, which will be the test used to determine the team medals.

The special suits some horses better than others. Riders will have to focus on going out and getting some results in this test as well as the grand prix. To help with this, Keysoe, Windsor and Bolesworth CDIs will each hold a special this year. This is fantastic as it allows us to get in the results needed without having to venture across the

Channel too many times, so thank you.

THE HEAT IS ON THE start of the year is always exciting. Everyone has an idea of who might make the team, but with new combinations and ever-improving seasoned pairs, we need to wait for everyone to get out and lay down some scores. We only have a few shows to prove ourselves and we all want our scores to improve each time.

It’s also about proving our horses can cope with a championship environment, and stay sound and fit. With the

long journey and the climate in Tokyo at that time of year being very hot and humid, these are all things we must be aware of and prepare for. There are a lot of balls in the air. Like other riders, I have a plan A, plan B and plan C for the season.

Having just three in a team in Tokyo, rather than four, also adds to the pressure. This year, teams are able to swap in their travelling reserve after the grand prix and before the special, but only for veterinary reasons. Being the travelling reserve is a tough position, though. They must prepare their horse and travel all the way to Tokyo without knowing if they will compete.

My plan is to take the year week by week and show by show, and do what’s best for my horse. We’re all only competing against ourselves, hoping we can post our best scores at the right time and be one of the three top-scoring combinations come selection. H&H

NEXT WEEK

Olympic gold medallist Carl Hester

AMSTERDAM CDI-W 24-25 January

Freestyle hits new heights line. The pirouettes were neat and expressive, the piaffe-passage work much improved compared to a few months ago, and the final massive extended trot elicited thrilled gasps from around the arena. Their scoresheet featured nine 10s and not a single mark below 7.5.

With another 20 points in the bag — as defending champion, Isabell receives an automatic place in the final — Charlotte is now a sizeable step closer to confirming her place in this year’s World Cup Final, held in April in Las Vegas, USA. She and Freestyle will next head to the qualifier at ’s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands, in March.

‘The best she has ever been’: Charlotte Dujardin and Fidermark mare Mount St John Freestyle score a kür personal best of 89.5%

TOP COMPETITION

Isabell Werth and Weihegold OLD may have defended their Amsterdam crown, but Charlotte Dujardin and Mount St John Freestyle are hot on their heels

Picture by DigiShots

Amsterdam CDI-W, Netherlands

“THAT was the best she has ever been,” declared Charlotte Dujardin after scoring a second personal best in as many days with the 11-year-old Mount St John Freestyle.

The pair gave the World Cup defending champions, Germany’s Isabell Werth and Weihegold OLD, a real run for their money, finishing just behind them in both the grand prix and the freestyle.

But with 81.9% on day one and a huge 89.5% in the freestyle, Charlotte could have no regrets at the end of the weekend.

She and Emma Blundell’s Fidermark mare — the youngest horse in the line-up — pulled off a cracking grand prix test, with just a late change in the one-tempis denting their scoresheet.

“I was going for a 10 in the

By POLLY BRYAN ones and I was thinking that they were feeling amazing, then I just lost a bit of straightness on the 13th change and we had a late one behind,” explained Charlotte. “I was so cross with myself, and then I didn’t ride the left pirouette very well as a result.”

But come freestyle day, any mistakes were well behind them.

Isabell set the bar as high as they come, busting out a 90.28% test with the Blue Hors Don Schufro daughter with whom she has won here every year since 2016. The delicate 15-year-old mare produced her trademark flawless piaffe-passage, Isabell maximising it to full effect in her complicated programme.

Following a plus-90% performance — and the

subsequent roars of appreciation from the hugely enthusiastic crowd — can’t fail to be intimidating, but if anyone can cope with it, it’s Charlotte.

“We didn’t have the easiest start, as Isabell’s score went up on the boards just as we went in, and I could hardly hear my music at the beginning,” Charlotte said.

“But then Freestyle gave me the best feeling ever in that arena.

I’m so, so proud of her; she’s just getting better and better. The future is looking so bright.”

This was just the fourth time Charlotte and Freestyle have performed their Frozen-inspired routine in competition, and it was clear to see this was their best yet. There were no blips in her changes this time, with Charlotte riding a particularly gutsy line of delightfully forward, rhythmic one-times straight up the centre

THE Amsterdam leg of the World Cup circuit is widely regarded as routinely boasting as stellar a line-up as the final itself, and this year did not disappoint, with the top eight riders in the freestyle all scoring more than 80%.

It was here that Isabell’s journey with Weihegold really got underway — they achieved their first international win together here in the freestyle in 2016 — so it was fitting that they should continue their domination of this show.

And the home crowd were not disappointed, with the Netherlands’ Edward Gal slotting into third place with the imposing 12-year-old stallion Glock’s Zonik.

The Blue Hors Zack son was awarded 85.39% — a personal best score.

Britain’s Lottie Fry also banked some more valuable points in her quest to reach the Vegas final, riding her Olympia star Everdale to a ninth-place finish with plus-78%. The Lord Leatherdale stallion — the only other 11-year-old in the class besides Freestyle — produced some stunning work, but dropped a few points after an error in the changes and a miscommunication during the pair’s tricky pirouettehalf-pass sequence. H&H RESULTS 24 Jan: GP (M Sanders-van Gansewinkel, S Baarup, S Hoevenaars, A Hamoen, E Ebert).— 1, Weihegold OLD (I Werth) GER 83.57; 2, Mount St John Freestyle (C Dujardin) GBR 81.96%; 3, Desperado NOP (E Scholtens) NED 77.87; 7, Everdale (C Fry) GBR 75.7. GP kür.— 1, Weihegold OLD 90.28; 2, Mount St John Freestyle 89.5; 3, Glock’s Zonik (E Gal) NED 85.36; 9, Everdale 78.25.

30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

55

DRESSAGE

HIGHLIGHTS 13-19 January

‘The trick with Rosie is to be tactful,’ says Rachel Skeffington of the Fidertanz mare Fider Rose — a game plan that paid off with an advanced medium win

RESULTS

A tactful victory Brook Farm EC, Essex

“LARGER than life” character Fider Rose topped Saturday’s advanced medium with 70%, under Rachel Skeffington.

“Rosie belongs to Erik and Caroline Theilgaard, who bred her, but at only 16.1hh she was too small for Erik’s long legs,” explained Rachel, who backs and trains horses at her Essex yard.

“I backed her and she never went home. Luckily, I’ve managed to hang on to her!

“She’s a great mare,” added Rachel of the nine-year-old Fidertanz daughter. “We still train with Erik and we’re working at prix st georges [PSG] level at home, with the aim of getting her ready for small tour. She loves her

By ANDREA OAKES trot extensions and she’s starting to do a few half steps — the trick with Rosie is to be tactful, without letting her walk all over you.”

Claire Knowles won both medium classes outright with her 13-year-old Trakehner stallion Singing Skyjacker.

“Jack has been produced with great success by a student of mine, Charlotte Hussey, who is now at university,” said Claire. “He’s stepping up and he tries hard.”

A plus-70% score in the novice 37A earned Claire another outright win, this time with Jackpots Vitalia. The six-year-old pure-bred Knabstrupper mare is

by Claire’s stallion Pendragon Of

MIXED FORTUNES A WINTER of hard work paid off for Serah Goldsworthy, whose Friesian/cob mare River II returned more than 73% to win a novice 37A at Brook Farm. The 15.1hh piebald was pulling a cart when Serah first spotted her some years ago. After an astonishing 87% AGAINST affiliated prelim debut in 2016, the THE ODDS pair’s fortunes have been mixed.

“River damaged an annular

56

Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

Independence and out of Jackie Johnson’s mare Valencia.

“I backed her late as I hoped she’d have a growth spurt, but she’s still only 15.1hh,” said Claire. “But she’s a fun ride and demonstrates the trainable temperament of the breed.”

Corinne Roberts, who trains with Claire, enjoyed three prelim wins over two days with her nine-year-old home-bred eventer Fourstar Struck.

“He always wants to please and do the right thing, but he wasn’t quite as sparkly as usual,” said Corinne of her Wish Upon A Star gelding. “I’d just sold another home-bred and the two of them grew up together, so maybe he misses having her around.”

ligament and had time off following surgery, then I had a cancer scare,” explained Serah, who trains with Ben Martin and Helen Willingale.

“But we’ve had some good scores over the last year and we’ve qualified for three classes at the regionals, at novice, novice freestyle and elementary.

“It’s so exciting to start 2020 as we mean to go on,” she added. “People who see River probably think she’s just another hairy cob, but she really lights up in the arena.”

17-18 Jan: prelim 17A silv (K Warren).— 1, Fourstar Struck (C Roberts) 68.1. brnz.— 1, Myspires Heart Of Gold (E Alexander) 62.76. prelim 19 gold (L Burling).— 1, World Horse Welfare Tunassi Boy (A Westgarth) 68.75. silv.— 1, Fourstar Struck 71.46. brnz.— 1, Myspires Heart Of Gold 66.04. nov 22 silv (K Warren).— 1, Westoak Malbec (J Williams) 67.24; 2, Master Grey (C Pegrum) 65.69; 3, World Horse Welfare Tunassi Boy 65.34. brnz.— 1, Rummy (C Clark) 64.14; 2, Lunar (H Martin) 58.45. nov 37A silv (L Burling).— 1, River II (S Goldsworthy) 73.33; 2, Hybris (B Allen) 66.11; 3, Master Grey 65.93. brnz.— 1, Rummy 65; 2, Llandyfai Sion (M Hall) 63.89; 3, Lunar 63.52. elem 43 gold (K Warren).— 1, Contador Z (B Blaik) 68.28. silv.— 1, Angelito II (S Harrison) 69.31; 2, Easy Asset (S Saward) 64.83.brnz.— 1, Llandyfai Sion 64.66; 2, Sienna III (D Bond) 60.17. elem 59 silv (L Burling).— 1, ‘A’ (A Padfield) 69.38; 2, River II 67.19; 3, Easy Asset 62.5. brnz.— 1, Sienna III 59.53. med 75 gold (K Warren).— 1, Soliman (E Bird) 65.54. silv.— 1, King Of The Street (K Hall) 68.65; 2, ‘A’ 64.32; 3, Figaro III (S Gibbs) 63.92. adv med 98 gold (L Burling).— 1, Sonnen Prinz 3 (B Spence) 71.18. silv.— 1, Soliman 66.71; 2, Crescendo Duoventure (R Scott) 64.47. brnz.— 1, Figaro III 63.82. prelim 17A silv (P Cornish).— 1, Get Wiggy With It (E Farmer) 70.52; 2, Whitefield Prince Vulcan (M Whittingham) 61.9. brnz.— 1, Saskia Marie (A Sterling) 66.55; 2, Freddie XV (E Cox) 63.62; 3, Hollypark Gort (N Quinn) 63.45. prelim 19 silv (M Phillips).— 1, Fourstar Struck 74.58; 2, Bilsdale Red Alert (C Lee) 66.67; 3, Get Wiggy With It 65.63. silv.— 1, Tullamore Dew III (H Justice) 63.75; 2, Saskia Marie 63.54; 3, Freddie XV 61.04. nov 22 gold (P Cornish).— 1, Jackpots Vitalia (C Knowles) 69.66. silv.— 1, Woodcroft Leopart (S Summers) 71.9; 2, Shutter PZ (S Parkinson) 70.34; 3, Master Grey 69.48. brnz.— 1, Whisper (Dunno) (H Rix) 63.79; 2, Bilsdale Red Alert 61.38. nov 37A gold (P Green).— 1, Jackpots Vitalia 70.56. silv.— 1, Passions Opposition 67.41; 2, Master Grey 67.22; 3, Woodcroft Leopart 65.19. brnz.— 1, Whisper (Dunno) 65.74; 2, Tullamore Dew III 61.85. elem 45 silv (P Cornish).— 1, Showtime Montague (J Mason) 65.52; 2, Here Be Dragons (S Parkinson) 63.28; 3, Angelito II 62.76. brnz.— 1, Regeneration (K Smith) 61.9. elem 59 silv (P Green).— 1, Here Be Dragons 68.75; 2, Showtime Montague 67.19; 3, Quick Stars Diamond Girl (V Weymouth) 67.03. med 61 silv (M Drewe).— 1, Singing Skyjacker (C Knowles) 68.45; 2, Romanno Woodhouse (J Warwick-Munday) 62.41. brnz.— 1, Fernando XI (C Fielding) 68.28; 2, Ritter Sport (C Tuff) 67.07; 3, Rock Step (M Wilson) 63.79. med 75 silv (P Green).— 1, Singing Skyjacker 68.24; 2, Felix 55 (J Chopping) 65.68; 3, Maximus III (H Goode) 65.27. brnz.— 1, Fernando XI 62.03; 2, Ritter Sport 61.08. adv med 85 gold (M Drewe).— 1, Fider Rose (R Skeffington) 70; 2, Midnight Cassini (J Frost) 67.35. silv.— 1, Reubens (T Downham) 69.26; 2, Crescendo Duoventure 68.82; 3, Fairway (E Wallace) 64.85. brnz.— 1, Maximus III 69.71. adv med 98 gold.— 1, Midnight Cassini 68.42. silv.— 1, Keystone Washington (J Beckwith) 72.37; 2, Reubens 69.87; 3, Crescendo Duoventure 69.08.

Pictures by kevinsparrow.co.uk, Jasmine Punter Photography and Simon Rees Photography

BROOK FARM EC

HAVE YOU WON A BD CLASS? DO YOU OR YOUR HORSE HAVE A GREAT STORY? Email dressagehighlights@yahoo.com within 24 hours of your win for a chance to feature on these pages

Tremadoc shows his class Sam Whyley pilots the ‘super-easy’ nine-year-old Tremadoc, by Miner’s Lamp, to claim medium spoils on the eventing-bred gelding’s debut at the level

Sunnybank Farm, Caerphilly

“HE felt like a pro,” said Sam Whyley of Tremadoc, whose first attempt at medium was a winning one. “He sailed through, taking it all in his stride.”

Joanne Alice’s nine-year-old Miner’s Lamp gelding, nicknamed Morris, was bred to event but has impressed with a mature and cooperative approach to dressage.

“He’s super-easy and never felt like a youngster, even as a

‘He has his own fan club’ SAM WHYLEY ON TREMADOC RESULTS SUNNYBANK FARM 19 Jan: prelim 7 silv (E Jones).— 1, Sunnybanks Miss Independent (T PesciGriffiths) 70. brnz.— 1, Canningstown Star (B Hender) 68.64; 2, Foxcourt French Lady (R James) 67.73; 3, Fluffy (H Thomas) 67.73. prelim 2 gold (C Shuall).— 1, Renfrew (A Peate) 61.21. silv.— 1, Sunnybanks Miss Independent 73.97; 2, Cuffestown Blossom (J Cook) 64.14; 3, Brynmelys Onyx Czar (R Stones) 59.14. brnz.— 1, Canningstown Star 74.66; 2, Buck Rogers II (H Thomas) 73.97; 3, Toffee IV (C Forster) 68.28. nov 28 gold (S Clinch).— 1, Nibeley

youngster,” said Cowbridgebased Sam, whose 69.19% score followed a 70%-plus elementary 49 win. “At home he is already showing promise at piaffe and passage, and he has his own little fan club from the Pony Club demos I’ve done. I’ve told the girls on the yard that they need to find a man like Morris!”

Sunnybanks Miss Independent maintained an impeccable run of results with both silver section and outright wins at prelim. Show organiser Terinna Pesci-Griffiths didn’t back the home-bred thoroughbred/warmblood mare, now eight, until last year, but has found her to be straightforward and versatile.

“She’s consistent, rhythmical Black Pearl (M Burnett) 69.38. silv.— 1, Renfrew 61.46. brnz.— 1, Toffee IV 65.83; 2, Hope Kabira (G Goldsack-Simmonds) 64.38; 3, Buck Rogers II 64.17. nov 30 gold.— 1, Nibeley Black Pearl 69.04. brnz.— 1, Pastures Green (J Cook) 69.62; 2, It’s Wicked (S Roberts) 64.62; 3, Hope Kabira 63.85. elem 44 brnz.— 1, Chakravarti (T Lyons) 69; 2, Doylan Standing Ovation (E Webster) 65; 3, Pastures Green 63.2. elem 49 gold.— 1, Grisbimone (C Smithwhite) 69.17. silv.— 1, Tremadoc (S Whyley) 70.83. brnz.— 1, Chakravarti 69.67; 2, Emily Nevita (T Verkade) 67.33; 3, Doylan Standing Ovation 67. med 71 gold.— 1, Grisbimone 62.74. silv.— 1, Tremadoc 69.19.

and intelligent, with a powerful hindleg and a fabulous attitude,” said Terri, who also events the Winchester D daughter. “I actually went wrong in a test; we’re delighted with the scores, but not so pleased with the jockey.”

Mat Burnett and his rider and head girl Lottie Smithwhite were on winning form at this, their

third show in three days — after successful trips to Allens Hill, Worcs, and Burrows Court Farm, Glos.

Mat took the novice 28 outright with the Nibeley Stud’s rising six-year-old mare Nibeley Black Pearl, while Lottie headed the elementary 49 gold section with Grisbimone (see box, below).

A DREAM CHRISTMAS PRESENT WHO doesn’t dream of finding a pony under the Christmas tree? Lottie Smithwhite had the surprise of a lifetime when she received Grisbimone as a gift from her boss Mat Burnett and Jane Bell.

“We’d just finished mucking out on Christmas Day when I saw that Moné had tinsel round her neck — and Mat said she was mine,” explained Lottie, who has been competing the rising nine Johnson mare for two years.

“I’ve adored her since I first sat on her four years ago,” she added. “We’ve turned a corner with the balance at trot, but her walk is still very hot. We’re getting eights TALKING for our leg yields and medium trot but sometimes two POINT for our walk, so we’re doing lateral work and raised poles at walk to encourage her to relax.”

30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

57

DRESSAGE Wakely’s back in action HIGHLIGHTS 13-19 January

The ‘talented’ PRE gelding Elegido CXL VII nets novice and elementary freestyles with new mother Tasha Wakely at the helm

“IT was quite a challenge to get back into my jodhs, but a good focus,” said Tasha Wakely, who is in action again 10 weeks after the arrival of a new baby daughter.

Tasha took both novice and elementary freestyles at Keysoe, Beds, with Pura Raza Española (PRE) gelding Elegido CXL

VII, ahead of the forthcoming regionals — where they claimed the novice freestyle (report, p52).

“Gido came to the yard from a client in Guernsey to be sold, but he was so perfect for my mum that we kept him,” she explained. “It’s a bonus that he’s so good in the dressage arena. He’s an easy horse

Sweet double win for Limoncello A FIRST crack at novice proved a triumph for Hawtins Limoncello, who headed both classes at Burrows Court Farm, Glos.

“He got the scores, not me,” laughed Hawtins Stud rider Gijs van Vooren, who guided Cello to an 83.06% score in the six-year-old gelding’s first proper BD outing. “What’s so special about this horse is his trainability.

He’s not hot or sharp, just brave, honest and genuine.

“His canter work is really easy to sit to and he is so well balanced, with a very engaged hindleg,” added Gijs of the Londonderry son. “While he needs to get a bit stronger, he’ll be ready for the step up to elementary soon. He’s for sale, so he’ll hopefully go to a lovely home.”

Picture by SBM Photographic

Six from six

58

AT Duchy College, Cornwall, event rider Cameron Beer enjoyed another winning double at novice with Hillgrounds Flashinda.

After starting her career at novice in November, the Flashpoint mare, now six, has won all six of her classes.

“I hope that one day she might event, but I’m becoming a convert to dressage,” said Cameron, who bought “Sox” as Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

an unbacked four-year-old from Honiton sport horse breeder Clare Skinner.

“We’re playing with the jumping but she’s loving her flatwork.

“Sox is quirky and sensitive but she finds things so easy — you really can sit there and look pretty,” he added. “All the credit goes to Ali Wilkes, who did a brilliant job of backing her.” H&H

with a sensible head, but talented.”

With her mother on holiday, Tasha was grateful for help from her parents-in-law on show day.

“They’re not horsey people, so we had a written plan for who would do the baby, the bottles and Gido’s bandages,” she said. “It was quite a giggle.”

‘SHE NEVER PUTS A FOOT WRONG’ A MARE who came off the Welsh hills made short work of her affiliated debut, scoring above 72% in both prelims for a double win at Tushingham EC, Cheshire.

“She was in quite a mess when I bought her as a three-year-old,” said Megan Jenks of Tynycwm Candy. “I saw her unbroken and liked the way she moved, so I planned to do her up and sell her on. She was quite weak, though, and it took a while to bring her up to weight.”

Now 12, the 15.3hh mare is a versatile all-rounder — and has already scored 14 of the 20 points she needs to qualify for the regionals.

“She never puts a foot wrong,” added Megan. “My trainer, Samantha Morrison, kept telling me to affiliate her. I was surprised we did so well, especially ONE TO when I saw the WATCH other horses in the class.”

QUANDO’S YEAR TO SHINE “HE’S such a goofy boy — he’ll do anything for a banana,” said Alison Calvert of Quando, the slow-maturing Quarterback gelding who started his dressage career in style with a novice double at Cockshot, Cheshire. “But he put his big boy pants on and really tried.”

After being imported as a yearling by Gamblethorpe Hanoverians, Quando was at Martingale Farm in Pontefract when Alison bought him as an unbacked three-year-old.

“He’ll be six in May, but I’ve given him time as he hasn’t felt ready,” she added. “He was put on the back burner for a while when I broke my shoulder on another horse, then my dad passed away last year and I didn’t have the heart to compete.

“Quando is such a pleasant guy and he hates being ONE TO in trouble, so we’ve been keeping sessions short and WATCH sweet,” said Alison. “It looks as if 2020 will be really promising for us.”

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SHOWJUMPING

BURY FARM WINTER CLASSIC 23-26 January

‘He knows his job,’ says Phillip Miller of Zidane gelding Darona, as together they pull out all the stops to land grand prix glory

‘He’s a little star’

An experienced partnership lands a grand prix win, an event horse surprises his jockey to take qualifier glory and young guns make the most of their chances Bury Farm Winter Classic, Bucks

Consistent Ben Walker and Fygo Von D’Ouwe Grint top the 1.40m 60

Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

THIS year has certainly started well for Pennie Cornish and her Greenacres Equestrian riders.

After Ben Walker won the winter grand prix at Onley Grounds, his fellow team member Phillip Miller repeated the feat here.

David Cole designed a lovely, flowing winter grand prix track that encouraged several riders to give their horses their first try in the class.

“It’s not the height that’s the problem for inexperienced horses.

They need nice distances to keep their confidence,” said Allan Birch, who was delighted when both his rides finished on four faults.

By PENNY RICHARDSON At one stage it looked as though the four-faulters might be jumping off, but in came Becky Ravilious on Marina Z, who bounced round happily for the first clear. Becky then had a nailbiting wait until the end of the draw, when Phillip Miller jumped an equally good round on Darona.

In the jump-off, things went perfectly for Becky until Marina left a toe at the final fence, a big set of planks. It appeared that they had handed victory to Phillip, but the pressure was on after Darona rolled an early pole. Phillip then put his foot

Edited by Jennifer Donald jennifer.donald@ti-media.com @ donaldjdonald

down and they cleared the rest of the course to win by more than four seconds.

“He’s a little star,” said Phillip fondly of the Dutch-bred Zidane gelding, whom he has partnered since his British novice days.

Although now 12, Darona has not been overjumped and he had a 14-month break while he recovered from a leg injury. He came back at the start of 2019 and he and Phillip had a good season on the county circuit, which is the aim for this year.

“He’s very consistent, but he knows his job and doesn’t need to keep going out,” said Phillip, who complimented the Bury Farm team on the going. “I’ve never known it better here. My horses bounced off it,” he said.

Becky Ravilious was delighted with her best-ever grand prix result. A self-confessed amateur rider, the mother of one has produced 11-year-old Marina from a five-year-old.

“Marina’s an absolute sweetie who loves people. She may look feisty in the ring, but she’s actually easy to ride,” said Becky.

Although the Onley Grounds grand prix winner, Fygo Von D’Ouwe Grint, was given a day off and missed the major class, he and Ben Walker had their moment in the spotlight after the previous day’s 1.40m competition.

In a reversal of the top placings from Thursday’s winter 1.35m, Ben and Fygo finished ahead of Sam Ward on Romany.

“Fygo and I spent last season getting to know each other. He’s such a trier that I now go into the ring almost expecting him to jump clear,” said Ben. “Rider and horse are both

Pictures by SBM Photography

RESULTS 23 Jan: British nov.— 1, Highcross David (R Hassanzadeh); 2, Calcourt Rhodesia (S Slater); 3, Jellabie (H Hawkins). 90cm.— 1, Hebe Havana (S Pottie); 2, Roundthorn Firebrand (J Gill); 3, Cassina III (G Sims).

Nupafeed discovery.— 1, MP Laser Light (M Pitt); 2, Harthill Flying Lady (E Peake); 3, Ilme Z (J Francey). 1m.— 1, Zipwire (P Jefferies); 2, Cassina III; 3, Victory VI (J Francey). Lord & Lady Equestrian newcomers.— 1, Hallsmill Talent (C Whinnett); 2, Billy Da Vinci (R Ravilious); 3, Hotblue II (H Bateman). 1.10m.— 1, Scarthill Cruise (C Whinnett); 2, Gin Tonic (J Clifford); 3, Billy Savoy (P Jefferies).

Equitop GLME Foxhunter.— 1, Alabalou (H Bateman); 2 & 3, Little BC & Boniface Z (C Whinnett). 1.20m.— 1, Balanko (H Bateman); 2, Freak I (C Whinnett); 3, CVS Jagermeister (C Wilson Stanbridge). winter 1.35m.— 1, Romany (S Ward); 2, Fygo Von D’Ouwe Grint (B Walker); 3, Tallulah V (J Crippen). 24 Jan: Lord & Lady Equestrian newcomers.— 1, Hallsmill Talent; 2, Selena (H Bateman); 3, AJS Party Time (A Birch). winter 6yo.— 1, Kimba Castello (E-J Slater); 2, Juluis (J Crippen); 3, Solomon IV (A Power). 1.15m A4.— 1, Balanko; 2, Billy Tortilla (C Young); 3, Ferrari III (C Purcell).

Equitop GLME Foxhunter.— 1, But Mighty (E-J Slater); 2, Independence TN (A Ellery); 3, Don Tropics (J Butler-Smith).

Nici as an unbroken three-yearold and has also evented at threestar level. He will again combine both disciplines this season.

“He’s incredibly bold across country but is the slowest showjumper I’ve ever ridden,” laughed Nici. “He’s just not built for speed.”

The other ticket went to

‘He’s such a trier, I almost expect him to jump clear’ Rose Moss and African Affair take their ticket with 1.25m triumph

quirky and ultra-competitive, so they suit each other perfectly!” added Pennie Cornish.

Sam Ward was also pleased with the rounds from 11-year-old Romany, a gelding bred by British Showjumping chairman Michael Bates out of the international performer Gypsy De Bacon.

“He so reliable and I’m looking forward to jumping him abroad this season,” said Sam. An early flyer from Rose Moss and African Affair was good enough for victory in the winter 1.25m qualifier. Rose is currently a freelance rider, driving more than 700 miles a week to school horses for her clients.

“I’d love to have a string of top horses and do the big classes again, but I have to earn a living,” she said.

that the class she had just won was a Royal International (RIHS) qualifier.

“I didn’t read the schedule properly and thought it was for the spring championships,” said Nici, who jumped the sole double clear in a tense six-horse jump-off on Horace Slughorn.

Eight-year-old Horace came to

BEN WALKER

Michael Fursedonn and Nirvana Van’t Vossenhof Z. “That’s mission accomplished.

She’s a very inexperienced nineyear-old because she missed almost two years when I was injured. I can now try her in bigger classes,” said Michael, who also got his Nonstop mare as an unbroken three-year-old.

SHOCK QUALIFICATION A SURPRISED Nici Wilson found out at the end of the winter B&C 1.20m.— 1, Freule TN (E-J Slater); 2, Billy Um Bongo (R Ravilious); 3, Freak I. Blue Chip dynamic B&C.— 1, Alabalou; 2, Damgaards Creation (C Dunphy); 3, Ielisa (B Walker). 1.40m.— 1, Fygo Von D’Ouwe Grint; 2, Romany; 3, Fairway (A Ellery). 25 Jan: Lord & Lady Equestrian newcomers.— 1, MHS Passionate (H Bateman); 2, Botox (A Birch); 3, Olivia Van De Barlebuis (C Young). 1.15m A4.— 1, Billy Tortilla; 2, Scarthill Cruise; 3, Coolboy Joey (A Measor). winter 7yo.— 1 & 2, Tamino HCT & My King B Z (J Crippen); 3, Katie Bell (N Wilson). Equitop GLME Foxhunter/grade C.— 1, Oldlands Livaldi (A Birch); 2, Katie Bell. DDS Demolition winter 1.25m.— 1, African Affair (R Moss); 2, Ninola (S Cook); 3, Billy Um Bongo. RIHS winter B&C.— 1, Horace Slughorn (N Wilson); 2, Nirvana Van’t Vossenhof Z (M Fursedonn); 3, History (L Struthers). winter GP.— 1, Darona (P Miller); 2, Marina Z (R Ravilious); 3, Fairway (A Ellery). 26 Jan: 1.10m A4.— 1 & 2, Billy Savoy & Zipwire; 3, Gladjas (R Moss). SEIB UK RIHS winter nov.— 1, Jamaar (Z Smith); 2, Ballypatrick Liberty (H Bateman); 3, French Sensation (R O’Sullivan). 1.15m A4.— 1, Freule TN; 2, Garcia Lente (Z Smith); 3, Jagerbomb (R Gunn). Blue Chip Karma performance.— 1, Kimba Castello; 2 & 3, Ici Van De Rikse & My King B Z (J Crippen). 1.25m A4.— 1, Freule TN; 2, Freak I; 3, Joe Diamond (A Winterburn). winter grade C.— 1, History; 2, Cisco VH Rubenshof (A Birch).

A sole double clear in the winter B&C earns Nici Wilson and eventer Horace Slughorn surprise RIHS qualification

30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

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SHOWJUMPING Lucy Struthers and her smart stallion History just missed out on RIHS qualification in this class, but they managed to gain some compensation through victory in the final class of the show, the winter grade C qualifier.

In a 15-horse jump-off for the SEIB winter novice, only the two RIHS qualifiers could go clear again. After a frustrating

BURY FARM WINTER CLASSIC 23-26 January

RIHS qualifier Zoe Smith heads a 15-horse jumpoff aboard Jamaar to scoop the winter novice

‘He’s super consistent and I think he will be a top horse’ ZOE SMITH

four-fault show, it all came right for Zoe Smith, who will make her first appearance in this final on her six-year-old Jamaar.

Zoe bought this scopey son of Arezzo VDL as a threeyear-old from Kent Horse Producers and his career started in earnest last season, when he was placed in every five-year-old class he attempted.

“He is super consistent and

I think he will be a top horse,” she said.

Second place went to a shocked Harry Bateman on Justine Armstrong-Small and Laura Smith’s potential show horse Ballypatrick Liberty. This gelding made another leap forward at only his third affiliated show.

“I am totally amazed. He’s still learning, but he is proving to be immensely talented,” said a delighted Harry, who added this to his earlier Blue Chip B&C triumph on Debbie Wanstall’s Alabalou.

“She’s an absolute freak. I always say that she tries so hard

because her engine’s too big for her body,” said Harry.

‘I HAD TO DO SOMETHING SPECIAL’ YOUNG horses had two opportunities to qualify for Addington’s spring championships and the winter six-year-old

ONLY IN HORSE & HOUND

‘No show centre can be perfect’ Stuart Reeve-Young discusses ways to keep everyone happy ONE thing I’ve learnt from my involvement with different centres is that you can’t please everyone all the time. From ground conditions to stabling and prize money, not every show suits every rider.

When I first started showjumping, there were few indoor centres and everyone wanted to compete there because they were new. Outdoor surfaces were unheard of. But now the sport has moved on and riders want big all-weather arenas. Surfaces also go in and out of fashion, with wax popular one year and out the next.

However, it’s not just riders in Britain who have differing expectations. I worked in Italy where the main arena was Stuart Reeve-Young is show director at Bury Farm, a showjumper, course-designer and coach.

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Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

OPINION

grass on volcanic sand. Half the world’s top riders said it was the best they had ridden on and the other half hated it.

‘TRY TO BE THE BEST’ NO show centre can be perfect but we try to be the best we can. You could compare us with supermarkets — budget stores sell cheaper brands that are liked by many, while other people stick to more exclusive shops.

These are tough times for British show centres. On one side are commercial venues paying industrial rates that have to be run as businesses. On the other are centres that are part of colleges, charities, racing and polo. These usually don’t pay rates and are eligible for grants.

You also cannot compare a

British centre with a foreign model. European centres don’t have crippling rates and are funded mainly by the region.

They are classed as agricultural and can claim back 50% of the cost of buildings and arenas.

CAN WE COMPETE? I WAS interested to read James Fisher’s suggestion of

spring outdoor tours in last week’s Horse & Hound, but I fear that this may be shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted.

People love tours in Spain and Portugal for the sunny weather and glamour, as well as for the huge range of classes for amateurs to top riders.

However, I’m not sure whether Britain could compete.

It might be possible to try this on a national level, but centres would have to liaise and British Showjumping (BS) work in partnership with them. But then maybe it’s time for BS and organisers to form a working party to help raise standards and look for funding opportunities to make it happen? H&H NEXT WEEK

Exclusive insight from Graham Fletcher

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Emma-Jo Slater and Kimba Castello score a double qualifying win in the winter six-year-olds and performance

provided a winner in Emma-Jo Slater’s ride, Kimba Castello.

John Crippen was leading with his mount of only two days, the Mylord Carthago gelding Juluis, but with the minimum of fuss Emma and Castello beat him by more than three seconds.

An age class is a new departure for Castello’s owner-breeder Kim Barzilay.

“We don’t believe in dragging young horses round the country chasing qualifiers, but we think Castello is ready for six-year-old classes. This was the first one we’ve tried,” said Kim, who has already bred top horses.

“I’m not saying Castello’s the best, but if he ends up as good John Crippen steers Tamino HCT to a stunning win in the winter seven-year-olds

ur full range of award winning microcurrent & magnetic products for people, dogs & horses as the others I’ll be very happy,” added Kim, who was back on day four to watch Emma and Castello triumph in the Blue Chip Karma performance qualifier.

John Crippen went one place better with a stunning winning round in the winter seven-yearold on Karen Knight Centauro’s Tamino HCT. This included a near-impossible inside turn to a big stile.

“I didn’t realise that turn was so tight, but I blame my wife Bryony. She’s at home recovering from broken ribs and was watching on the livestream,” he said. “She phoned me just before my round to tell me I had to do something special!” H&H

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63

SHOWJUMPING

INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 21-26 January

Pender makes it a Derby double Mikey Pender and HHS Fortune claim the Al Shira’aa Derby with three seconds in hand

IN BRIEF DOUBLE DUTCH

THE 12th leg of the Longines FEI World Cup series in Western Europe, held in Amsterdam, went to home rider Marc Houtzager (Sterrehof’s Dante).

“I have never ridden such a fast jump-off at this level in my life!” said Marc, team silver medallist at the London 2012 Olympics, who finished a second faster than his team-mate Harrie Smolders (Monaco). Robert Whitaker was best of the Brits, finishing ninth on Catwalk IV, just adding four faults in the jump-off.

Holly Smith enjoyed a profitable show, finishing third to Frenchman Julien Epaillard (Toupie De La Roque) in the grand prix riding Denver.

‘I’ve never gone so fast’ MARC HOUTZAGER

LEADING LADY

Ireland’s Mikey Pender claims a unique double while Amanda Derbyshire is awarded in Florida

Picture by Helen Cruden

CSI4* Al Shira’aa International, Abu Dhabi, UAE

64

MORE than 4,000 miles away from the scene of his historic victory in the Hickstead Derby last year, Ireland’s Mikey Pender claimed a unique double by winning the equivalent class, the Al Shira’aa Derby in Abu Dhabi, riding Marion Hughes’ nine-yearold mare HHS Fortune.

“It was a very competitive class, but my mare is really fast and I was drawn late, so I could watch a few and it all worked out,” said 20-year-old Mikey, who became the youngest ever winner of the Hickstead Derby in June.

The course included a mix of rustic obstacles, as well as the famous red Hickstead planks, but the combination on the way home proved particularly troublesome Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

By JENNIFER DONALD among the 33 starters.

“The poles were very light indeed, but she HHS Fortune jumped it very well — it was her first Derby and she may be one for the speed Derby,” said Mikey, who really upped the pace on the Catoki x Douglas Irish Sport Horse, finishing well over three seconds ahead of the field, in which only four jumped clear.

In more firsts for the Irish rider, he rode in to the prizegiving ceremony on a camel and drove off in the car he had won.

William Funnell, four-time winner of the Hickstead Derby, finished third on Billy McCain for the second year in a row, behind Saudi Olympic bronze medallist Ramzy Al Duhami

(High Quality J).

“There are a lot of spooky, different fences, and that’s the great thing about a Derby that makes it a spectacle — the crowd understands the difficulties because they can see them,” said William.

Mikey Pender went on to finish third in Saturday’s Al Shira’aa Longines grand prix riding another nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse, HHS Calais,

by Cavalier Royale. The €23,725 (nearly £20,000) top prize went to Germany’s Christian Ahlmann on Solid Gold Z. Another Irishman hitting winning form at the show was Jack Ryan, who landed the under-25 grand prix with KBS Major Player, who was the fastest of only two double clears. H&H

AMANDA DERBYSHIRE was crowned the Martha Jolicoeur leading lady rider for week three of the 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida. Her double clear in Saturday’s grand prix riding Cornwall BH, who is back from a break, was good enough for fourth.

“He really stepped up to the plate,” said Amanda.

“I have to thank my whole team because nights like this are hard to come by.”

MET UPDATE LESS than a second separated the top five riders in the concluding 1.45m grand prix at this week’s Spring Mediterranean Equestrian Tour (MET) in Oliva, Spain. Victory went to Belgium’s Constant van Paesschen (Isidoor Van De Helle) with Matt Sampson best British rider, finishing third with Geneve R. Earlier in the week, Tim Gredley made a return to the winner’s enclosure, taking top spot in Thursday’s grand prix qualifier on the Dutchbred son of Plot Blue, Unex Garcon De Lui.

HIGHLIGHTS 10-20 January

HAVE YOU WON A BS CLASS? DO YOU OR YOUR HORSE HAVE A GREAT STORY? Email jennifer.donald@ti-media.com within 24 hours of your win for a chance to feature on these pages

Harmonizer hits key note

By PENNY RICHARDSON

Alex Moorhouse puts her foot down to guide speed merchant Harmonizer to victory in the qualifier

Richmond EC, N Yorks

ALEX MOORHOUSE and Harmonizer (Harry) sped to victory by more than two seconds in the FMBs star qualifier.

Stockton-on-Tees-based Alex has owned the nine-year-old Irish-bred Womanizer gelding since he was four.

‘Harry’s a great speed horse and fun to ride in a jump-off ’ ALEX MOORHOUSE

“Harry’s a great speed horse, but he needs to be doing bigger classes soon. He had a quiet 2019 because I was off for some time after smashing my knee in a fall from a young horse,” said Alex.

“He’s such a fun horse to ride in a jump-off because he finds it easy to do turns and take out strides.”

Alex, who also won the 1.20m open at this show on her other

horse, 16-year-old Hamilton H, will now try to qualify for more finals to make the long trip to the championships at Hartpury worthwhile. However, she has even bigger plans for the summer.

“I’d love to qualify Harry for the talent seekers final at Horse of the Year Show [HOYS],” she said. “I also have some youngsters to bring on but this winter, as well as doing the horses, I’ve been

helping Dad with our Moorhouse Horseboxes company, which has been very busy. I’m now starting to realise it’s an awful lot warmer working in the workshop than riding outside!”

Badgworth Arena, Somerset

Katie Govier and Dolderwydd Comet land their first ticket

A 13-YEAR-OLD rider at her first senior show went home with two wins and a precious ticket to this year’s Blue Chip Championships.

Katie Govier and Dolderwydd Comet (Merlyn) were both having their first affiliated outing — and their first indoor show. Katie has grown up with Merlyn, as the Welsh section D, who stands only 152cm, was bought seven years ago for her mother Vicky to ride.

“My old competition horse had retired, I’d had my family and I wanted to start again, so I got Merlyn,” said Vicky. “His previous owners warned me he has anxiety issues, which he still suffers from, but because he’s known Katie since she was very young, he trusts her and they have a special bond.”

Katie has lessons with Gemma Hallett, and after unaffiliated outings and a few school

competitions, Gemma suggested she and Merlyn were ready to go affiliated just days after Katie’s 13th birthday.

“We had no idea what a Blue Chip qualifier was, but we were surprised by the number of competitors when we arrived at Badgworth,” said Vicky. “Katie and Merlyn did the Dodson & Horrell 85cm amateur and, to our amazement, they won it. As there was something called the Voltaire winter novice, I put them in that too; we were in shock when they finished first in that as well!”

Future plans for the Goviers include trips to Hartpury so Merlyn can get used to the venue before the finals.

“Katie is delighted because she’s going to do A levels then hopefully get on to Hartpury’s Equine Academy,” said Vicky. “And she’s already saving her pocket money for her next horse.” H&H 30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

Picture by Equiscot Photography

Merlyn casts a winning spell

65

RACING

CHELTENHAM 25 January

Edited by Hannah Lemieux hannah.lemieux@ti-media.com @hannah_lemieux1

Paisley Park piles on the

Aidan Coleman pilots the Emma Lavelle-trained Paisley Park (right) to victory in the galliardhomes.com Cleeve Hurdle

The unbeaten victor continues his winning streak, while ‘workmanlike” Santini redeems himself to win Festival Trials Day, Cheltenham Racecourse, Glos

PAISLEY PARK, who is becoming the most charismatic Britishtrained horse over jumps, extended his unbeaten run to seven races when he took the galliardhomes.com Cleeve Hurdle for the second time during Cheltenham’s Festival Trials Day. 66

Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

By MARCUS ARMYTAGE Apart from his undoubted style, the fact that the eight-yearold is owned by Andrew Gemmell, who has been blind since birth, and trained by Emma Lavelle — neither of whom are in the Grade One winner’s enclosure regularly — just adds to his story.

What is more, it is going to take a good horse to get to the bottom of him because he doesn’t do much when he gets to the front and, teasingly for the opposition, his winning margins (1¼ lengths over Summerville Boy on Saturday) always give his rivals hope that they might be able to beat him another time. But at the moment, that looks a false hope.

In this year’s Cleeve Hurdle, he met a few new rivals with pretentions to his staying hurdle

crown, including If The Cap Fits — the winner of Aintree’s equivalent last year — and L’Ami Serge, although the latter might have bounced a bit after his good second in the Marsh (Long Walk) Hurdle, following a long lay-off. However, it was the 2018 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner,

Santini claims the Paddy Power Cotswold Chase for trainer Nicky Henderson

Summerville Boy — trying three miles for the first time — who gave Paisley Park the most to think about this time.

Last season, Summerville Boy didn’t fire in what might have been his Champion Hurdle year, so trainer Tom George sent him chasing. While on the face of it,

pressure a win and a fall looks a mixed bag, it has had one useful effect in sharpening up his hurdling, which used to be ragged.

Summerville Boy’s jockey, Jonathan Burke, has really found his feet in England now and is riding out of his skin. As this was a trial for the Stayers’ Hurdle, there was no point riding Summerville Boy to get the trip. They jumped off in front, making almost all of the running and had complete control of the race.

Paisley Park sat in third on the inside, under Aidan Coleman, most of the way. Off the final bend there was a brief moment — not shared by Lavelle or her husband, Barry Fenton, who know the horse so well — when he looked in a bit of trouble.

“I knew when Aidan put his stick down he was merely winding up,” said Fenton. “It’s what he does on the gallops at home.”

Sure enough, five strides before the last hurdle he hit top speed, jumping past Summerville Boy in the air and going two lengths up. He then dossed his way to the finish line — ears pricked and scanning the grandstands.

Paisley Park is never going to give himself a hard race and he will not have one until he is pushed to do so by another horse.

Can the Willie Mullins-trained winner of Gowran Park’s Galmoy Hurdle this year, Benie Des Dieux, do that?

“I don’t know what we can do to beat Paisley Park,” said Tom George. “He is hard to beat.”

The winning trainer added: “God, I love those ears. As soon

Pictures by PA Wire/PA Images

CHELTENHAM CONTENDERS?

THE Colin Tizzard-trained Harry Senior (pictured) put the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle to bed when beating King Roland by 2¼ lengths.

Harry Senior, a son of Oscar like Paisley Park, was withdrawn at the start of his previous race at Warwick because he had dumped Robbie Power on the way there and arrived with a small cut.

Although Power said he’d had “worse cuts shaving”, Tizzard was absolutely not blaming the vets for withdrawing him.

“You never know what’s under a cut,” said the trainer. “It gave him another fortnight which wouldn’t have done him any harm.”

Cheltenham’s left-handed course, plus a schooling session with eventer Laura Collett, worked wonders ONES TO for the Harry Whittington-trained Simply The Betts WATCH in the Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase. He should have a chance of giving Whittington a first Festival win.

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30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

67

RACING as I see them go forward, I know we’re going to be fine. He’s a stayer but he has pace. He doesn’t hit a flat spot like he used to and if something had come to him, I’m sure he’d have pushed on. We knew we had him in good shape and that it would have taken a good one to beat him.

‘Santini lives and thrives on work’

TRAINER NICKY HENDERSON

“It’s not just the pressure of the yard and his owner — you feel like you have the pressure of everyone rooting for him.”

Coleman is making the most of his relationship with the horse, adding: “There are a lot better riders than me who have never found a Paisley Park. Now I have him, I really have to enjoy him.”

‘IT’S A STEP FORWARD’ NOTHING went right at last year’s Cheltenham Festival for Santini, when he was second to Topofthegame in the RSA Chase.

He was affected by the timing of

CHELTENHAM 25 January

his mandatory flu jab and was “touch and go” with lameness.

His reappearance at Sandown Park in November was one of the most unconvincing wins you will see, but he put himself in the Gold Cup mix when beating Bristol De Mai 3½ lengths in the Paddy Power Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham.

“It’s open, there are a lot of protagonists but I think we’re one of them,” said trainer Nicky Henderson. “It’s a step forward and 200% better than Sandown.

Ours were a bit fat and sloppy then. Santini lives and thrives on work — the more you can get into him, the better he is.

“We had a dreadful run-up to the Festival with him last year, so we need to get lucky with a good prep this time. Bristol De Mai is a good yardstick [for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies]. Some will say Cheltenham’s not his favourite place but it looked a good race.

The better the ground, the better Santini will be.”

Referring to his past Gold Cup winners, Henderson added: “Santini is a bit of a Bobs Worth — he’s not as flamboyant as Long Run but he’s workmanlike and those horses win Gold Cups.

Santini can do that.” H&H

Simply The Betts nets the Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase, under Gavin Sheehan

Charlie Deutsch and Cepage head to the winners’ enclosure after landing a handicap chase for trainer Venetia Williams

ONLY IN HORSE & HOUND

‘We have to do right by our horses’ WHAT a great afternoon of racing we had during Cheltenham’s Festival Trials Day on Saturday, 25 January. It is a day that never disappoints and I am sure we saw some horses who will be winning again at Cheltenham in March.

Paisley Park was brilliant in the Cleeve Hurdle. He could turn out to be one of the greatest hurdlers of our era and he looks unbeatable in the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Festival.

He is not one for the fainthearted racing fans because he always hits a flat spot two hurdles out, but then the fire kicks in and he ends up winning with his ears pricked.

It is brilliant for his trainer Emma Lavelle and her team — The Cotswolds-based National Hunt handler has trained over 1,200 winners, including the Òbig threeÓ Ñ the Grand National (Mr Frisk), Cheltenham Gold Cup (Master Oats) and Champion Hurdle (Alderbrook).

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Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

OPINION

they are doing a fantastic job with Paisley Park.

Santini won the Cotswold Chase with a dour staying performance, and it will be interesting to see how he gets on in the Gold Cup in March; although I suspect he may be slightly outpaced on what is likely to be better ground.

On the home front, our yard’s Imperial Aura ran a cracker to finish runner-up in Cheltenham’s novices’ handicap chase. He will learn an awful lot from the experience. We hope to head back to Prestbury Park in March with a big chance.

It has been a very frustrating month for us and, although we had a Grade Two winner with Two For Gold at Warwick recently, we have struggled to get the horses right. Their blood tests haven’t been returning as we would like and

this has been reflected in their performances.

However, we hope that Saturday’s run by Imperial Aura has been a turning point because we have plenty of horses left to run.

AN ENTRIES GUESSING GAME IT is a very exciting time of year for racegoers because most of the Cheltenham Festival trials are over and all thoughts turn

to the big meeting in March.

The downside is that with many horses having multiple entries, it is a guessing game as to who is going to turn up where.

As a trainer, we like to leave decisions as late as possible, so we have a complete overview of conditions on the day. Having a winner at the Festival is such a massive achievement in racing, so we don’t want to be getting things wrong. It can be frustrating for punters when they don’t know until the last minute which race a horse is likely to run in, but we have to do right by our horses and their owners.

Away from Cheltenham, there is still plenty of good racing to come with meetings at Sandown Park, Newbury and Ascot over the next three weekends. Hopefully we can get a few more winners on the board before I write here again next month.

Fingers crossed. H&H

Pictures by Alan Crowhurst/Getty and Empics Sport

Kim Bailey reflects on Cheltenham and why horses have multiple entries

POINT-TO-POINT

THORPE LODGE 26 January

Full house for Andrews Jack Andrews has a trio of winners, while Sam Brown scores his first triumph Midlands Area Club, Thorpe Lodge, Notts

JACK ANDREWS proved a force to be reckoned with, winning on each of his three rides. The first came aboard the Stuart Morristrained Volnay De Thaix in the conditions, where he was the only finisher. The 11-year-old has been absent from a racecourse since running in the Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham in 2018.

“He has been off with a reoccurring problem he had while in training, but it’s nice to get him back — he felt as good as ever,” said Jack of the gelding owned by Judy Wilson. “The ground was hard work and he wouldn’t like those conditions, but he’s only gone round there in third gear. I think the plan will be to keep him pointing now, maybe with the odd small-field hunter chase.”

Stuart Morris bookended the card with his other runner, Minella Wizard, providing 21-year-old Jack with another

Jack Andrews takes a conditions win aboard Volnay De Thaix

By GEMMA REDRUP victory, this time in the open maiden. Jack saw off his only other rival from 10 starters — sister Gina Andrews — by three lengths on the five-year-old, also owned by Judy Wilson.

“Mrs Wilson bought him through David Minton at the Doncaster sales last October.

He had some nice Irish pointing form that has stood up nicely,”

explained Jack. “He jumped really well despite the fact he’s still a baby, but from the back of the last he really picked up and hit the line hard — I never had to pick up my whip. He would probably prefer better ground.”

Completing Jack’s treble was King Of The Clothe, trained by Tom Ellis and owned by the Oak Partnership, who was the only finisher in the mixed open.

“We knew we were up against it today with Caryto Des Brosses,

but we had the advantage of already having a run under our belts, so I thought I’d make the most of that,” said Jack. “I didn’t want to let them have any peace at the front end, but we were worried about the going today, as all of his wins have been on good ground.

Although he didn’t really enjoy it, we got away with it.”

Gina Andrews and Dubai Quest, trained by husband Tom Ellis and another owned by the Oak Partnership, were the clear winners in the restricted, coming home 10 lengths ahead.

Tom McClorey and Early Retirement clocked the fastest time of the day when winning the confined. Trained by Gerald Bailey and owned by the Hunting Partnership, this was a first run for the eight-year-old between the flags, having previously raced under Rules.

“He lost his way a little bit under Rules, so I’ve hunted him a lot with the Pytchley and we’ve let him feel like he’s getting his own way a bit to sweeten him up,” explained Tom. “We always knew he had plenty of ability and he’s now happier, thanks to the hunting. At home you’d think he was a 130-rated horse as he’s quite talented, but I think he suffered confidence issues and he didn’t quite believe in himself, so this is a nice result.”

‘I DIDN’T WANT TO DO IT ANY MORE’ SAM BROWN recorded his first pointing victory on his fifth attempt in the novice riders’ conditions aboard Don Bersy, who is owned and trained by his boss Ryan Potter. However, the 17-year-old almost gave up on his riding career.

“I broke my leg and ankle quite badly in October 2018 in a schooling fall — that set me back quite hard and I didn’t want to do it any more as I’d had a few setbacks. But then Ryan called me and offered me a job, thanks to the recommendation of Julie and David Mansell, and he has AGAINST helped me regain my confidence with some nice horses to ride.

THE ODDS “I’d like to think about going conditional at the end of this season, but I’ll try to keep riding winners in the meantime.”

THIS WEEK’S WINNERS

Pictures by Nico Morgan Media

MIDLANDS AREA CLUB, THORPE LODGE Sunday, 26 January Conditions.— 1, J Wilson’s Volnay De Thaix (J Andrews) S Morris. confined.— 1, The Hunting Partnership’s Early Retirement (T McClorey) G Bailey. novice riders’ conditions.— 1, R Potter’s Don Bersy (S Brown) R Potter. mixed open.— 1, The Oak Partnership’s King Of The Clothe (J Andrews) T Ellis. restricted.— 1, The Oak Partnership’s Dubai Quest (G Andrews) T Ellis. open maiden.— 1, J Wilson’s Minella Wizard (J Andrews) S Morris.

JEDFOREST, FRIARS HAUGH Sunday, 26 January Conditions.— 1, C Maclay’s Eco Warrior (N Orpwood) N Orpwood. intermediate.— 1,

The All Or Nothing Partnership’s My Liege (J Wright) E Nelson. ladies’ open.— 1, A Waugh’s Son Of Suzie (A Waugh) A Waugh. men’s open.— 1, J Clark’s Killer Crow (C Alexander) J Clark. Jockey Club & RoR veteran conditions 9yo&up.— 1, V McKie’s Takethepunishment (N Orpwood) V McKie. open maiden 2m4f.— 1, V McKie’s Dream Over (N Orpwood) V McKie. open maiden.— 1, F Walton’s Matthew Man (C Alexander) J Walton.

HEYTHROP, COCKLEBARROW Sunday, 26 January Hunt members’.— 1, C&F Marriott’s Pomme De Nuit (L Harrison) F Marriott. restricted.— 1, L Delahooke’s Risky Gold (L Harrison) L Delahooke. PPORA club members’ novice riders conditions.— 1, The Kilkenny Racing Partnership’s Azure Fly (P Topley) E Brown.

Skinner’s ladies’ open.— 1, M&S Burford’s Barney Dwan (H Lewis) S Randell. men’s

open.— 1, K Smith-Maxwell’s Sausalito Sunrise (J Smith-Maxwell) A Dunn. open maiden 4,5&6yo.— 1, R Freeman & D Gardner’s The Golden Rebel (S Lee) J Wadland. open maiden 7yo&up.— 1, W Twiston-Davies’ Panic And Run (F Lambert) W Twiston-Davies.

Jockey Club open maiden for mares and fillies.— 1, W Jarrett’s Minella Beag (W Biddick) E Walker. open maiden.— 1, The Boundary Partnership’s Le Tueur (M McIntyre) C Barber.

TIVERTON FOXHOUNDS, CHIPLEY PARK

Sunday, 26 January Open maiden.— 1, G Braithwaite’s Bold Gesture (R Collinson) A Pennock. PPORA club members’ novice riders conditions.— 1, N Pearce’s Workbench (M Dodd) N Pearce. restricted.— 1, The Three Farmers & A Gardener Partnership’s Normofthenorth (C Marshall) A Hill. men’s open.— 1, S Stearn’s Just Cause (R Stearn) J Owen.

Skinner’s ladies’ open.— 1, A Knight’s Knockedoutloaded (A Knight) A Knight. CA club members’ conditions.— 1, The Think Big Partnership’s Net D’Ecosse (R Stearn) J Owen.

Sunday, 26 January Hunt members’.— 1, P&C Pengelly’s Jack Snipe (R Hawker) R Hawker. restricted.— 1, L Vickery & D Churches’ Sylvies Dance (W Biddick) W Biddick. mixed open.— 1, J&S Heard, M Heard, J Trevarthen, P Care & D Hooper’s Navanman (D Andrews) J Heard.

Exeter Racecourse intermediate.— 1, M McGuinness’ Emperor Renard (M McGuinness) W Biddick. PPORA club members’ novice rider conditions.— 1, A Orttewell’s Silsol (G Orttewell) W Biddick.

NORTH NORFOLK HARRIERS, HIGHAM

30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

69

POINT-TO-POINT

COCKLEBARROW 26 January

FRIARS HAUGH 26 January

Marriott bows out on a high The Heythrop secretary finishes his 34-year tenure with a victory

Pomme De Nuit, under Liam Harrison, scores a win in the hunt members’ race for owner and retiring hunt secretary Chris Marriott

By STEPHANIE BATEMAN Heythrop, Cocklebarrow, Glos

Liam then went on to score a double when landing the restricted aboard Linda and Matthew Delahooke’s seven-yearold gelding Risky Gold.

“We didn’t think it was going to be soft enough for him today, but he ran beautifully. He’ll have this season pointing and then go back to hunter chasing.”

Just a week after scoring

her first win in points, Paige Topley continued her run of good form when claiming the novice riders’ on The Kilkenny Racing Partnership’s gelding Azure Fly. Formerly with Charlie Longsdon, the 12-year-old now belongs to Cocklebarrow clerk of the course Nick Phillips and is trained by Dibby Brown.

“We’re delighted, especially

Orpwood posts a triple Nick Orpwood continues his successful winning run The Borders Distillery Jedforest, Friars Haugh, Borders

JOCKEY Nick Orpwood’s great start to the year continued with his first treble in the saddle, making it five winners from his last five rides.

Eco Warrior set the ball rolling with a sixth course win in the conditions. The 10-year-old went from last to first approaching three out and had the prize sewn up by the next fence.

“He cruised through the race and I made sure it didn’t turn into a sprint in the closing stages,” said 70

Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

Nick Orpwood and Eco Warrior go on to triumph in the conditions

Nick, who also trains the winner for owner Carolyn Maclay.

Also under Nick, Takethepunishment initiated a training double for Victoria McKie in the veteran horse

conditions’ contest. Always prominent, they forged clear after three out to beat Abbeyview (Laura Fenwick) by eight lengths.

“He had a year off after rupturing tendons at Witton

as this was only the second time Paige has ridden him,” said Nick’s mother Scilla Phillips.

“Dibby has got him to where he is. He’d got a bit stale [racing under Rules], but has thrived in a smaller yard. Dibby is a real stickler when it comes to attention to detail, so she has given him every supplement and treatment you could think of.”

Castle in May 2017, so has very few miles on the clock,” said Victoria of her home-bred 10-year-old. “Unlike our other horses, he lives out in the field. I thought he might be short of work and hate the soft ground but he’s proved us wrong. A lot of credit must go to my husband, Ian, who rides him out at home.”

A red-letter day for Nick and Victoria was completed by Dream Over’s victory in the 2m4f open maiden, when the five-year-old Shirocco mare won by two lengths.

Killer Crow provided Kit Alexander with the first leg of a double in the men’s open. Then Kit paired up on Matthew Man in the open maiden, with the nineyear-old gelding outstaying his rivals from two out.

My Liege (Joe Wright) survived a slipped saddle on the run-in to give rookie handler Ed Nelson a winner with his first runner: “That just shows what a steep hill and some sheep to round up on my farm can do for a horse’s fitness,” said Ed. H&H

Pictures by Neale Blackburn Photography and Grossick Photography

AFTER 34 years of loyal service, Heythrop point-to-point secretary Chris Marriott ended his last day on the job with a victory as an owner in the hunt members’ race.

Trained by Chris’ wife Fran, their home-bred Pomme De Nuit scored a win with Liam Harrison.

“She was up against some good horses today. We said if she came third we’d be pleased, so for her to win was a real bonus,” said Chris.

“It’s lovely to see our home-bred horses doing well. They hunt and team chase as well as race, so they’re super all-rounders.”

The winning jockey, who works for Fergal O’Brien, added: “I just wanted Pomme De Nuit to enjoy the race today. I was riding to finish second because the winner looked quite nice, but he then came down and so we galloped to the line. Hopefully she’ll go on to win a restricted.”

16.3hh Hunter

Exceptional gelding

Height: 16.3hh Age: 12 years Price: £5,000 Location: UK Description: Hunted Heythrop & VWH. Jumps everything.

Goes first or last, in field or on point. Hacks alone or in company.

07831575140 cjdjivanovic@aol.com

Height: 15.3hh Age: 5 years Price: £6500 Location: York,Yorkshire (North) Description: 5 year old dark bay geld. He has the most exceptional temperament in every way. Goes well SJ and XC and loves his jumping. Has hunted. Good to box/ shoe/clip and in any traffic. Sort so hard to find. Videos available.

07718421838 judi.thurloe@btconnect.com

Full Irish Draft Height: 16.2 hh Age: 7 years Price: £4,500 Location: Maidstone, Kent Description: Gin is a full bred Irish Draft

by Crosstown Pride. She hacks well and is good in all traffic, she has Hunted in Ireland proving bold and careful. Kind nature and lovely stable manners, good to catch, shoe, load.

07808965626

Top allrounder Height: 16.1hh Age: 9 years Price: £8000 Description: Nemo,super lovely boy, always in a snaffle, lovely uphill floaty paces has competed dressage upto elimentary, has the look at me factor.

Fab to hack alone/company/traffic/open spaces. 07950591720 hag234@outlook.com

Flashy Allrounder Height: 16 hh Age: 6 years Price: £6,250 Location: Maidstone, Kent Description: A great looking mare that is a super allrounder.

Jumped at local shows, hunted, XC and good to hack.

Ideal for any RC or PC home.

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Outstanding rising 2 year old Height: 15.3hh Age: 1 year 6 months Price: POA Location: Wadebridge, Cornwall Description: Bay gelding by URKEL, rising 2 years. Superb confirmation and movement, well handled. Thought certain to make top eventer or showjumper. SHB auxiliary studbook.

Dam gr daughter of SKIPPY, county workinghunter winner and sjumper, brilliant hunter.

07831159553 nmap50@yahoo.co.uk

Stunning Young Dressage Horse Excellent Breeding Height: 16hh Age: 2 years 8 months Price: £17695 Location: Sheffield,Yorkshire (North) Description: Rising 3yr Chestnut Colt. 3 Fabulous Paces. Breeding - For Romance X Don Frederico X Lauries Crusador XX. Amazing Opportunity! 16hh Will Easy Make 16.2/3hh. Elite Foal With The British Hanoverian Society 2017.

07969972617 fernieeee@icloud.com

Unique oppertunity Height: 16.2hh Age: 8 years Price: POA Location: Suffolk Description: Chico is a 8 year old gelding by Cicero Z x Calvaro Z. Chico has competed internationally and placed in 7 year old GP 1.40m.

07741993264 volosporthorses@gmail.com

Weight carrying hunter Height: 16.2hh Age: 7 years Price: £6,500 Location: Devon Description: Id grey gelding by Killcotton cross. Strong Weight carrier. Hunted 20+ days this season with local pack and field mastered. 07723009207 rmeasterbrook@gmail.com

N.H broodmare

ISH Broodmare

Height: 16.2hh Age: 9 years Price: POA Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire Description: Grey 16.2, correct conformation, good bone, hardy character, Dam roseiler, un-raced due to circumstances. FREE to a 5* home only!

07703067845 Emmaakehurst@hotmail.co.uk

Height: 16.1hh Age: 8 years Price: POA Location: Oswestry, Shropshire Description: Chestnut Broodmare, last foaled 2018, lovely colt foal, can be seen.

Good temperment, Great Mother.

01691 791864 lynn@moorehousefarm.co.uk

Talented Showjumper / Working Hunter Height: 16.2hh Age: 15 years Price: POA Location: Wadebridge, Cornwall Description: Many double clears, Hickstead Speed Derby 2018, HOYS WH 2012 - 2015 res champion, lovely mannered horse, suit young rider, seen hounds, easy to handle and travel, box or trailer.

07831159553 nmap50@yahoo.co.uk

30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

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Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

Super hunting cob!

Hunting and Pony Club Pony

Height: 15.1hh Age: 12 years Price: £3750 Location: Leicestershire Description: Tommy is a 15.1, 12 year old, piebald, gelding.

Tommy loves to hunt!! He is mannerly and will cross any country, hedges, ditches, rails etc.

07861221725 S.martin@utilitybidder.co.uk

Height: 11hh Age: 5 years Price: £1850 Location: Monmouthshire Description: Hunted this season with a 5 year old.

On the leading rein. Proving to be extremely safe and sensible, even when everyone galloped off. Excellent in traffic leads from another horse, or hacks alongside.

He goes to all pony clubs rallies and jumps a small course with a seven year old off the lead range. We can help with transport.

01873890298 performanceponiesprl@icloud.com

Flashy Palomino Gelding

Greendown Stud

Height: 15.2 hh Age: 9 years Price: £7000 Location: Chelmsford, Essex Description: Smart, kind & fun. A true allrounder! Super to hack, jumps with enthusiasm & an angel to handle. He aims to please, is switched on & off the leg, not naughty, but would suit a more experienced rider that enjoys being active. Good to clip, show etc.

07572547906 camilla.sheeley@gmail.com

Height: 12hh Age: 4 years Price: POA Location: Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan Description: Ponies for sale due to ill health.

01446794399 / 07749761326 ronmorganhandh@gmail.com

Amateurs Dream

Beautiful Fresian

Easy Ride & Drive

Height: 15.1hh Age: 5 years Price: £5000 Location: Cornwall Description: Rising 5yo (born June 2015) 15.1 Black mare. Cob x ISH. 3 lovely paces.

Won unaf dressage at debut with over 70% - as a 4yo in November.

07860838699 abilucas92@hotmail.co.uk

Height: 15.2 hh Age: 10 years 7 months Price: £5,800 Location: Aberdeenshire Description: Registered mare. Ride and drive all rounder. Currently ridden by 16 year old. Good to shoe, box, clip and hack.

07775038261 stephy20stewart@hotmail.com

Height: 14.2hh Age: 7 years Price: £3000 Location: Caldicot Description: Honest allrounder.Used in an RDA centre. Quiet, easy, snaffle mouth, willing attitude. Well schooled, quiet hacking in traffic. No issues/vices.

07985170856 monmouthshireriding@hotmail.co.uk

Want to Sell Your Horse?

Small, friendly, experienced yard looking for all types of horses to buy now. Immediate decision made, cash on collection.

Sales livery available.

Tel: 07498 038259

18 month old colt Height: 14.22hh Age: 1 year 6 months Price: £750 Location: Shropshire Description: Crib-Y Garth Teresa May x Smart Edition Well developed to make approx 16h. Well handled, excellent breeding, superb confirmation & temperament. 07538019817 squidgeuk@gmail.com

Cartigan Misty Morning

Dog Nanny, Zurich

Height: 14hh Age: 3 years 10 months Price: £3000 Location: March, Cambridgeshire Description: 14hh 4yr old RP/Partbred bay mare by Stanley Grange Royal Appointment. Shown at county level won and placed in good company. Shown lightly in 2019 winning and reserve champion TEAHS qualified every year for NPS summer Champioships. Won and reserve Champion RPB Equifest, second Royal Norfolk. Clean limbed and straight mover. Now started work lunging and long reining. Good in stable, to catch, box, with farrier, very easy to get ready for shows. Walked out on busy country road. 07870793406 jean1.cartwright@yahoo.com

Location: Zurich Description: Dog nanny job in Zurich. Dog experience advantageous. Driving license essential.

To apply/more information email: jackson-j4@email.ulster.ac.uk.

41797669765 jackson-j4@email.ulster.ac.uk

30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

73

HORSEBOXES & VEHICLES

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Horse & Hound 30 January 2020

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Horse and Hound incorporating Horse Exchange, ISSN 0018-5140. Vol. CXVII No. 5036 (Est. 1884), 30 January 2020. Published weekly by TI Media Limited. 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP, United Kingdom.

Registered with the Post Office as a newspaper. Publisher’s annual subscription rates/information (52 issues) including postage: UK £159.05; Europe/Eire €264.40. USA: $342.30, Rest of the World £251.20 (priority mail). For enquiries and orders please e-mail: help@magazinesdirect.com, alternatively from the UK call: 0330 333 1113, overseas call: +44 330 333 1113 (Lines are open Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm UK Time). Cheques payable to: TI Media Limited. Airfreight and mailing in the USA by agent named Air Business Ltd, c/o Worldnet Shipping Inc., 156-15, 146th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Jamaica, NY 11434, USA. Periodicals postage paid at Jamaica NY 11431. US Postmaster: Send address changes to HORSE & HOUND, Air Business Ltd, c/o Worldnet Shipping Inc., 156-15, 146th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Jamaica, NY 11434, USA Subscription records are maintained at TI Media Limited, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Air Business Ltd is acting as our mailing agent. Printed by Walstead UK Limited. Distributed by Marketforce (UK) Ltd, a TI Media Limited. company, 2nd Floor, 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HU Tel: +44 (0)20 378 79001. Agencies for Australia and New Zealand: Gordon & Gotch Ltd. For South Africa: Central News Agency Ltd. Conditions of sale. This periodical shall not without the written consent of the publishers first given be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of Trade at more than the recommended selling price shown on the cover (selling price in Eire subject to VAT), and that it shall not be lent, resold, or hired out or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any unauthorised cover by way of Trade or annexed to or as part of any publication or advertising, literary or pictorial matter whatsoever. Whilst every care is taken, Horse and Hound does not accept liability for loss or damage to MSS, photos and artwork submitted for possible publication. Every care is taken to avoid mistakes but the Publisher cannot accept liability for inaccurate information published in Horse & Hound. You are strongly urged to check details of all dates and other information published in Horse & Hound.

30 January 2020 Horse & Hound

81

GOODNIGHT

Breaking an unwritten rule HEN you’re married to a huntsman, there are certain things you try to avoid. You can’t always manage it of course, but life is generally more harmonious if you do.

An obvious one might be attempting to talk to your husband while he’s hunting. That’s a basic. Another one, carved into a stone tablet somewhere, is the one that says, “Thou shalt never lend your horse to your husband to hunt hounds.” Sounds churlish, but there is a very good reason for this which all huntsmen’s wives understand. Quite simply, if you do it too often and the horse enjoys it, it’ll be wrecked for riding in the field — that is, for you.

For a horse, taking up the job with the hounds is like being promoted from chorus girl to leading lady; some of them simply hate going back to the rank and file. Not to mention the fact that Adam’s horses need to be fitter, harder and used to carrying more weight. But with both of Adam’s off, there was nothing for it but to offer him my horse Jim; he’d taken him on hound exercise in the summer and felt

‘For a horse, taking up the job with hounds is like being promoted from chorus girl to leading lady’ confident that he wouldn’t kick the hounds.

The day before, our friend Cookie rang, sensing the opportunity for a wind-up.

“I’ve told Adam to fill him full of bute beforehand, then you won’t know if he does any damage to himself,” he teased, knowing full well that Adam would do no such thing.

I tried to laugh at Cookie’s joke, but it sounded a bit hollow.

S

ATURDAY came and there was the unfamiliar sight of Adam atop Jim, surrounded by hounds. I fluttered

around them, inspecting Jim’s noseband, attempting to put a hand under the girth like I would with the children.

“Get off,” warned Adam fiercely. There was nothing for it but to step away from the horse.

As it was, the day was curtailed because of high winds, so horse and rider were back in the yard by two o’clock. I put the kettle on, hoping foolishly for a debrief, but blood and stone sprung to mind as Adam eventually bestowed the information that Jim was a fidget but went up the hills well. I tried to take credit for the latter but was shut down unceremoniously with the words, “It’s the thoroughbred in him.”

Anyway, he can’t have been that bad because Tuesday came, and Adam needed him again. I was totally fine with this until later in the afternoon when the lorry still wasn’t back in the yard, I spent the next hour or so nervously twitching the curtains until they rolled in sometime after five. Jim looked punch-drunk. With any luck we’ll be reunited on Saturday. H&H

Picture by sarahfarnsworth.co.uk

W

Tessa Waugh considers the folly of lending her horse to her husband to hunt hounds when her charge returns late and punch-drunk — and ponders if he will cope being relegated to the field again

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