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FEEDING TO

PLUS

The 2020 bloodstock special

MY FUN yte Melville

EVERY WEEK 23 JANUARY 2020

ROBERT OLIVER

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

HUNTING

How to manage your hunter in the wet

VET

When odd hindleg action could mean shivers

‘The best horse in the world’ xpl sion W: Maher’s Tokyo prospect

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23 January 2020 Volume CXXXVI Issue 4

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

NEWS

Buoyant Brits

4 Horses’ death sparks contract warning 5 Complacent owners reminded of biosecurity importance 8 Why a wider saddle fit does more harm than good to your horse

Pictures by Lucy Merrell and Bill Selwyn

IT was refreshing to get the news towards the end of last year that an incredible horse, one capable of achieving a medal at Tokyo 2020, was to change ownership into British hands to enable his British rider to have that chance — as opposed to events happening the other way round and causing such heartache.

Thanks then to Explosion W’s owners, Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright, who with Ben Maher have ensured the ride stays with Ben for Tokyo. Their doing so allows us all the joy of following a British combination in the build-up to the greatest competition on Earth.

In this week’s “Horse hero” (p26) we find out more about this charismatic gelding, establishing that he has the good sense to devour his companion’s haynet before moving on to his own, and won’t walk unless he has a treat first — all that character before he even gets on to the serious business of jumping, and in what style.

We wish them all the best and look forward to seeing their journey unfold.

All the best, too, to Australia’s Shane Rose, whom Pippa Roome interviews this week (p20), with his sights also firmly set on Tokyo. Shane is rare in his decision to remain in Australia while campaigning for championships, rather than heading to Europe like many of his peers.

It is a relief Shane’s premises were spared the fires ravishing so much of New South Wales, and a credit again to those incredible, brave firefighters who protected them when so much of the surrounding country was destroyed.

BLOODSTOCK SPECIAL 28 Chapel Stud The small Worcester set-up making waves in the sales ring 30 New to the breeding shed Stallions and mares taking up fresh duties in 2020

FEATURES 34 Access all areas We visit Hyde Park Stables and discover more about riding around London

Page 26: H&H’s Jennifer Donald at Ben Maher’s yard

Page 34: pony Popcorn meets children at Hyde Park Stables

38 Feeding to win Fuelling your horse well, plus our pick of feeds

REGULARS 16 All in a day’s work The trip organiser 18 Vet clinic How could hindlimb problems affect a horse’s future prospects?

20 H&H interview Australian eventer Shane Rose talks Tokyo, living down under and getting on with life despite multiple injuries 24 Life lessons Champion show rider Robert Oliver on riding a future Grand National star 25 Training diary H&H diarist Chloe Winchester 26 Horse hero Ben Maher’s star ride Explosion W 82 Goodnight Tessa Waugh’s hunting diary

PLUS

The 2020 bloodstock special

EVERY WEEK

ROBERT OLIVER

Producing horses to look like lions but behave like lambs’

HUNTING

How to manage your hunter in the wet

AGE KIT SPECIAL

EVERY WEEK

Ben Hobday reat craic’ with the Midd leton

VET

When odd hindleg action could mean shivers

‘The best horse in ’ the world e t o pect Maher’s Tokyyo pros s n W: xpl sion

ge rises impact rs and grooms

HUNTING 44 Looking after hunters How preparation is vital 48 Staghunting The role of the harbourer explained 51 Legends of the chase Anthony Chapman 52 Hunter of a lifetime “Hunting superstar” Fergus 53 From the field Surviving the storms and hunt ball fun

REPORTS 54 Dressage Highlights 58 Showjumping Aintree Pony Premier, international and highlights 64 Racing Ascot and Haydock Park 68 Point-to-point Bangoron-Dee, Buckfastleigh and Revesby Park

70 Horses for sale 72 Horseboxes for sale

Page 28: Roisin Close with one of her stallions, Pearl Secret

Get more of what you love on

p67 NEWS

14 Letters of the week 46 Hunting Richard Gurney 56 Dressage Laura Tomlinson 59 Showjumping James Fisher 69 Point-to-point Darren Edwards

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OPINION

COVER Ben Maher’s top ride Explosion W (Horse hero, p26).

Credit: Lucy Merrell.

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23 January 2020 Horse & Hound

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NEWSInsider

Edited by Eleanor Jones

Share your news story Call 01252 555021 Email eleanor.jones@ti-media.com @ eleanor_jones_

Legal case over horse death sparks contract warning An owner took action against her vet when her colicking horse was put down in her absence

By BECKY MURRAY

Contracts protect all parties in emergencies. Library image

Law Firm told H&H the case was significant as it could have been brought against the yard owner for not passing on the information. She recommends yard and horse owners have an agreement on what decisions should be taken in horse owners’ absence in an emergency.

“A contract is important; for yard owners’ protection and horse owners’ peace of mind. People have different expectations based on sentimental attachment, value of the horse and financial affairs,” she said. “Everyone has to be clear because disputes can happen when people make decisions they’re not authorised to make.”

Ms Bradley said yards should have terms setting out emergency situations. She added that agreements can be made in an exchange of written communication such as email, whereby both parties agree.

“Society is becoming more and more litigious; people want to protect themselves and that is the correct thing to do — particularly from a yard owner’s perspective,” she said.

“For horse owners, it gives certainty because they don’t want a situation where they’re incurring vet bills they wouldn’t have authorised, or where a horse is euthanised when they wouldn’t

WHAT TO CONSIDER

HANNAH BRADLEY of the Equine Law Firm recommends owners consider the following points: ● What efforts should be made to contact you if an

issue arises in relation to the welfare of your horse? ● If you cannot be contacted, can a vet be called without your authority? ● Do you wish to put a cap on how much can be

incurred on vet’s bills in your absence? Make this decision considering the level of your insurance cover and any exclusions on the policy. If necessary, agree a separate cap for fees that are potentially not covered by your insurance policy.

4

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

● Do you wish to define how certain important or urgent veterinary decisions should be made if you can’t be reached? It will be difficult to define your wishes for every possible scenario. You could, for example, agree the yard owner may authorise veterinary treatment to relieve the horse from pain or to prevent the deterioration of any condition. ● Do you wish to agree in what circumstances the yard owner may sanction the euthanasia of the horse? As you will unlikely be able to define all the possible scenarios where euthanasia may be a possibility, it may be sensible to agree that euthanasia may be sanctioned if it is advised by the attending veterinary surgeon.

have chosen this.”

British Horse Society (BHS) head of approvals Oonagh Meyer told H&H that in an owner’s absence, deciding whether a horse should be referred to a veterinary hospital or for surgery is “almost impossible” if guidelines are not in place.

“Contracts should outline a plan to be followed in emergencies — for example, written details of a go-to contact the horse owner authorises to make decisions should they not be contactable,” she said.

“Communication should include clarity on permission to discuss and attend to the horse with the veterinary practice with which the horse or yard is registered. Many vets request clients notify them in advance of any such permissions.”

A spokesman for the Equestrian Employers Association told H&H written policies are “vital” for businesses with equines in their care.

“This should cover dayto-day care, responsibilities when contacting the vet and owners’ wishes in the event of emergency. It is better to have the conversation before an emergency than during a time-sensitive and stressful situation when emotions are running high.”

Pictures by Chris Rose/Property Stock/Alamy, Lucy Merrell, Stefano Grasso/LGCT, Bill Selwyn and Laurence Squire

A LEGAL battle over a horse who was put down when his owner was absent highlights the need for written agreements detailing yards’ authority in such situations.

The 2019 case was brought after the horse was put down, rather than undergoing colic surgery, when its owner was not present. While the vet told the yard owner surgery was an option, she did not advise on the horse’s chance of returning to competition. The yard owner did not pass on the fact surgery was an option to the horse’s owner, who said she would have opted for surgery had she been given more information on the prognosis.

The owner took legal action against the vet practice, claiming negligence for failing to advise the horse had a 50/50 prospect of returning to competition after surgery. The judge found as the yard owner did not pass on any information about surgery to the horse owner, she would not have passed on the prognosis, even if this had been given by the vet.

Therefore, the case was dismissed.

Hannah Bradley of the Equine

Dangers of complacency in preventing disease spread Experts have warned owners must take precautions even when outbreaks are not prevalent OWNERS who have become too complacent about biosecurity must up their game to combat the real risk of infectious disease.

Following the equine herpes virus outbreak in Hampshire (news, 16 January) and more than 219 equine flu outbreaks in 2019, experts agree more can be done to reduce the risk of disease spread — and call for people not to forget about biosecurity when outbreaks are not prevalent.

David Rendle, specialist in equine internal medicine and member of the British Equine Veterinary Association’s health and medicines committee, told H&H biosecurity leaves “a lot to be desired” at many yards.

“We all are too complacent about the risk of infectious disease,” he said. “People think outbreaks will happen to someone else and that’s why they don’t take the precautions they should.

“The biggest risk is horses moving, not being quarantined, vaccinated or tested for disease.

As a minimum we would like people to be more proactive in vaccinating. Faced with an outbreak everyone is inclined vaccinate and take things seriously, but it’s soon forgotten.”

Mr Rendle said owners must travel horses responsibly.

By BECKY MURRAY “If they have concerns about their horse, or others on their yard, having an infection they should consider the greater good and not travel their horse to a competition or premises,” he said.

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers told H&H the more steps people take, such as avoiding sharing buckets and tack, stopping horses coming into direct contact with others at shows, taking temperatures and isolating new arrivals, the more the risk of disease is reduced.

“The risk is very real and too many are not doing enough to protect the health — and therefore welfare — of horses,” he said.

“We cannot remove the threat of infectious disease so we have to be better at incorporating simple biosecurity measures into our daily routine. And never forget to work with vets regularly to

challenge the measures we take to protect horses — the threat of disease is ever-changing, so we need to change too.”

British Equestrian Federation interim CEO Iain Graham agreed riders “could do better”.

“People are not vigilant enough and if there isn’t disease obviously there, guard drops and the extra effort isn’t put in,” he told H&H. “Riders assume when they turn up at a competition that everyone’s horses are healthy — but they don’t know that.”

Mr Graham said steps taken by governing bodies, such as sixmonth vaccination requirements, are to reduce the risk of disease spread and protect venues.

“For venues it’s a real concern if business relies on horses attending; if doors have to shut they have no income. They have restrictions or requirements so we can continue to compete and move horses as safely as possible,” he said.

HORSES IN THE NEWS

ARGENTO The British-bred 18-year-old stallion, who was partnered to glory around the world for 11 years by showjumping legend John Whitaker, has been retired to stud. He won more than 16 grands prix and numerous CSI5* classes.

Some owners do not take biosecurity seriously enough

ROARING LION The first foals from the late stallion’s only crop have started to arrive. These include Brightwalton Stud’s colt out of Counterweight and the Qatar Racing-owned Common Knowledge giving birth to a filly at Tweenhills.

Drug tests could mean Tokyo changes THE Tokyo 2020 team showjumping line-up could be set to change following two positive drug tests at an Olympic qualifier.

Qatari riders Sheikh Ali Al Thani and Bassem Mohammed tested positive for a metabolite of cannabis, carboxy-THC, at the Olympic showjumping qualifier for Group F in Rabat in October.

The case is due to go before the FEI Tribunal and should the positive tests lead to disqualification, Qatar will lose its

spot at the Games and it would be reallocated to Morocco.

The Qatar news follows two recent changes to the list of nations qualified for Tokyo 2020.

Ukraine, which qualified with a winning team score of 41 faults at the group C event in June, did not confirm its Olympic place with a minimum of three riders qualified to take part by 31 December. This means its team spot has been reallocated to the Czech Republic and the Ukraine

will instead be allowed to send one individual.

Argentina picked up a team ticket in December, after Canada lost its team place owing to rider Nicole Walker testing positive for a metabolite of cocaine at the Pan American Games in August (news, 17 December 2019).

She said the positive test was based on the consumption of coca leaf tea on 7 August and is appealing the decision with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. LE

GOD’S OWN The three-time Grade One winner has joined Retraining of Racehorses’ base at Palace House, Newmarket.

He will spend his summer with trainer Tom George, then live with regular work rider Sherrie-Anne Derrick.

23 January 2020 Horse & Hound

5

NEWSInsider WARNING REMOVED ON OMEPRAZOLE THE British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is no longer advising against using injectable omeprazole.

Last August, the BHA warned against the use of the drug, used to treat ulcers, as some samples had tested positive for testosterone.

Manufacturer Bova UK has since investigated, found the source and removed it from the manufacturing process, confirming to the BHA it is no longer present.

There is no published detection time for injectable omeprazole, and trainers are advised to seek advice from their vets on treatment.

HOST OF MEDALS FOR TEAM GBR BRITAIN came home with a host of silver medals from the AIEC Student Rider Nations Cup World Finals in Switzerland (29-31 December).

The British team of Libby Seed, Emily Latham-Taylor and Alicia Wilkinson won team silver in dressage, showjumping and combined.

Libby also bagged individual silver medals in showjumping and combined.

The team’s Sophie Hall told H&H: “I am delighted with how the British team have performed this year, so to finish with silver medals and reserve champions at the World Finals is a brilliant end to the year.

“I’d like to say a personal thank you to our riders for training hard — they truly deserve this result — and to our sponsors for their support.”

EVENT CELEBRATES SIDE-SADDLE THE Side Saddle Association is hosting a celebration weekend at Aintree Equestrian Centre in Liverpool (2-3 May).

The event is dedicated to celebrating all things sidesaddle, including showing, jumping and equitation classes, with displays and a chance for visitors to have a go on a mechanical horse.

Visitors and competitors are expected from across the world, and admission is free for spectators.

6

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

Mental health support needed as funds secured A new working group comprising a number of bodies is to be formed MORE mental health support for retired jockeys is needed, a study by the University of Oxford and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has highlighted.

The research found former jockeys are more than 2.5 times as likely to have anxiety or depression, and six times as likely to have bone and joint problems than the general population.

The news comes as £2.3m funding for jockey development and support was approved. The five-year Racing Foundation grant was secured by the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), Jockeys Education and Training Scheme and the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF).

A new cross-industry mental health working group comprising the PJA, IJF and the BHA will also be formed this year.

“Understanding the impact

By LUCY ELDER a career in racing has later in life is key to developing interventions and support for jockeys,” said principal investigator Julia Newton. “We now understand bone health in jockeys is negatively affected throughout their careers and in retirement. “[Proof of ] increased frequency of joint arthritis in retirement will further inform how the industry can reduce and manage injury during careers.

“The findings on mental health add to increasing evidence in this area, already being addressed by work supported by the Racing Foundation and the industry.”

Work is ongoing on nutritional and mental health support for jockeys, but this can now be increased, with more coaching.

Former jockeys are more likely to suffer mental ill-health

Regular check-ups for noninjured riders, an extension of jockey coaching and PR training in how riders can best promote themselves are among initiatives.

The PJA’s helpline, run with Cognacity, was set up in 2015.

“More than 100 jockeys have accessed our mental health support services,” said PJA CEO Paul Struthers. “While we are pleased more are coming forward to use the services, it has placed significant pressure on budgets.

“We are delighted this grant will enable us to continue to meet demands, offer more proactive, preventative services and expand provision to retired jockeys.”

There has been no major research focusing on mental health in other specific equestrian disciplines, but wider studies have highlighted a need for greater research and support.

A 2014 Mind study found elite sportspeople fear admitting to mental health problems will affect their careers (news, 7 May 2015).

In a 2017 British Grooms’ Association survey, 98% of 1,300 respondents said the industry is not doing enough to support their mental health and wellbeing. This led to the launch of the Grooms’ Minds support platform.

A study on mental health in equestrian sport, published in peer-reviewed Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology in 2018, stated: “Further studies with a focus on specific disciplines, expertise levels and/or groups would provide insight into the subtle inter-discipline differences in perspectives, so expanding development of targeted education and intervention.”

Geldings more likely to injure tendons A STUDY of racehorse injuries found geldings are three times more likely to suffer superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) damage than mares.

The research demonstrated other risk factors for SDFT injury, with “sloppy” (heavy) tracks, horses finishing 10th or lower in a race and a gap of more than 90 days between runs among the most significant.

The report, published in the Japanese Journal of Equine

Science, looked at SDFT injuries as they are common in racehorses.

One risk factor was bodyweight, with those sustaining SDFT injuries significantly heavier than control horses.

Those above 470kg were most at risk, and geldings were at a “significantly higher risk”.

The report highlighted the problem of accumulated damage caused by short, fast races and recommended that to prevent tendon injuries, heavy tracks

should be avoided, with the safest races being those over a longer distance, at a slower overall speed.

The study involved 292 racehorses diagnosed with SDFT injuries.

Two control horses were matched to each case horse by randomly selecting from horses who were not included as case horses, had the same trainer, had started a race within six months of injury in case horses and were of the same age as the case horses.

Picture by Bill Selwyn

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NEWSInsider

Wider saddle fit hinders rather than helps horses

A study found wider and narrower saddles caused high pressure and decreased horses’ range of movement FITTING saddles wider than ideal to allow horses more freedom of movement is having an opposite, detrimental effect.

Researchers found using a tree width fitting narrower or wider than that set out in Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) guidelines had a negative impact on equine locomotion and musculature.

Russell MacKechnie-Guire of Centaur Biomechanics is one of the researchers who conducted the study, published in peer-reviewed journal Animals.

“It’s been shown a horse’s back dimensions increase with exercise, when ridden in a correctly fitted saddle, which in part has led to some people believing fitting a saddle wider will allow the shoulders more movement, not restrict the horse and allow its back muscles to come up and work more effectively,” he told H&H. “We wanted to check that.”

The study involved 14 horses, to each of whom a saddle was fitted and checked by five SMSqualified fitters. Each was adjusted to one fit wider and narrower and in all variations, pressure and movement were measured.

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

8

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

By ELEANOR JONES “For the layperson, it could make sense to fit wider, to allow the horse more movement, but we found the absolute opposite,” said Dr MacKechnie-Guire.

He said when a saddle is wider than ideal, it becomes unstable.

During movement, the front of the saddle is pulled downwards, creating significantly high pressure at the base of the withers.

The researchers also found depressions in the horses’ musculature around the T13 vertebra — where the rider sits — believed to be caused by the high pressure from the saddle.

In the narrower fit, there was also higher pressure, but further back than in the wide saddle, and depressions in the musculature around the T18 vertebra.

Sensors on the spine found the vertebrae’s range of movement decreased in the narrow and the wide fit, compared to the ideal.

“The most important thing this highlights is the need for regular saddle fitting by a qualified fitter,” Dr MacKechnie-Guire said.

Eventer Lauren Blades and husband Tom welcomed baby daughter Sloane on 6 January.

Lauren, who was shortlisted for the 2012 Olympics, wants to “crack on with their newest team member”.

“We showed changes to muscle dimensions and locomotion after 20 minutes’ work; imagine what that would be like after six weeks.

“Horses adjust their movement to compensate for discomfort caused by a saddle that’s too narrow or wide, or not fitted correctly; those alterations in gait could lead to asymmetry, which is what we’re trying to reduce.

“If we fit correctly, the horse can function without hindrance; its back can be stable and transfer propulsive force of the hind limbs to the front and aid locomotion.

If it’s too wide or narrow, it forces the horse to adjust.”

NO SURPRISES PAPER co-author Mark Fisher, one of the five fitters involved in the study, told H&H the results did not come as a surprise.

“We see a lot of saddles fitted wider, and you’re not going to get the same stability, especially in downwards transitions, lateral work and jumping — but you have to be able to back up what you’re saying with science,” he said.

“Having these state-of-the-art pressure-mapping and motion Jockey Tom ChatfeildRoberts returned to pointing with a win at Sherriff Hutton after recovering from breaking his back last April. Equine vet Tom said it was good to get back in the saddle.

analysis systems means we can back up opinions with facts, and riders of all levels can benefit.”

Mr Fisher agreed the results emphasise the importance of regular saddle-fitting, adding: “It’s not just about people deliberately fitting too wide or narrow; saddles can become so in normal use, as horses change shape.

“I’ll often be fitting where there’s a lesson going on and you hear the coach telling the rider to sit up or get their lower leg under them, but they can’t because the saddle’s out of balance.

“I hope we can educate, and benefit horses and riders.”

SMS president Ted Boggis said: “The society contributed to funding this study as it addressed a commonly held but mistaken belief that wide-fitting saddles are kinder to the horse than saddles that conform to the shape of the horse's back.

“The society, believing that the welfare of the horse is paramount, wanted undeniable evidence to ensure its saddle fitter training and advice to horse owners was correct. The results, including those for saddles that are too narrow, underline the importance of using an SMS-registered qualified saddle fitter to fit or check the saddle on your horse.”

Para showjumper Evie Toombes has been accepted on the Women’s Sport Trust Game Changers academy, Unlocked, which aims to shape the future of women’s sport.

Pictures by Centaur Biomechanics, Nico Morgan, Alan Crowhurst, Julian Herbert and Peter Nixon

From left, the saddles were fitted correctly, too narrow and too wide

Stars of all disciplines honoured in new lives

SPECIALIST HORSEBOX AND TRAILER BREAKDOWN COVER

The Retraining of Racehorse awards recognised stellar post-track careers A TALENTED star aiming for the top in dressage was crowned Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) horse of the year.

Quadrille, owned and bred by The Queen, excelled on the track when trained by Richard Hannon.

His racing career was curtailed by injury and the 13-year-old has spent the past seven years in dressage with Louise Robson. The pair are competing at inter I and aiming for grand prix.

“He’s been a bit of a challenge but we love him,” said Louise on receiving the award in Newmarket on 18 January.

“If his example encourages others to get a former racehorse, that would be wonderful.”

Quadrille was one of eight RoR elite award-winners in contention for the horse of the year accolade.

The eventing title went to Dream Big, competing at threestar level with Tom McEwen and owned by Magdalena Gut. “Dream Big is a perfect name for her,” said Tom. Desert Joe, who took the Tattersalls showing series at Hickstead, came to Rebecca Court after she sustained a head injury in a loading accident.

By LUCY ELDER

01488 657650

While in hospital, Rebecca went through records to find every horse with the same breeding as her RoR superstar Beware Chalk Pit. She came across Desert Joe, owned by Liz Prowting.

Mumford and Collette McGoldrick were declared supreme champions at the RoR championships in August.

Versatile 18-year-old Kikos, who enjoys a varied life with rider Amy Morgan, claimed the hunting prize; Abseil and Tracy Sieminski took the endurance award.

Early Shirley, ridden

by Claudia Jones, took the showjumping title, and Maidana the polo award.

The first RoR horse personality of the year award went to 11-year-old Ned Causer, who has transformed the life of owner Sarah Peacock, helping her overcome anxiety and depression.

“I have periods when I get quite low but coming down to Ned every morning I know I have a responsibility and that he’s always there waiting for me. He always makes me laugh.”

www.horsebox-rescue.co.uk

Quadrille, owned and bred by the Queen, took the overall title British Horseracing Authority chief executive Nick Rust will stand down at the end of 2020. The selection process for appointing a replacement is due to begin in a few weeks.

Eventer Olivia Wilmot and husband John have welcomed baby son Harris.

Olivia, who won team European young rider gold in 2005 young rider team, said his brothers “love him already”.

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NEWSInsider

DARK PLEASURE The 12-year-old KWPN licensed stallion has died of laminitis caused by a “nongenetic, non-transmittable infection”. He was sold to Anne Howard in 2018 and his progeny include licensed stallion It’s A Pleasure.

FUDGE The long-serving Riding for the Disabled (RDA) horse has been put down aged 27. Drum RDA in Edinburgh bought him in 2000 using funds raised by a school, and he is remembered for giving people 19 years of fun.

ESCAMILLO The leading young stallion will not stand in 2020 and is moving from Isabell Werth to Helen Langehanenberg. The five-year-old was awarded premium stallion status in 2017, and previously stood with Hengststation Schult.

10

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

Sir Roger Scruton (left) was truly happy on the hunting field

SIR ROGER SCRUTON

found the field trapped by some iron railings. Not for Sir Roger.

THE tributes that followed the As dusk fell, he kicked on death of Sir Roger aged 75 this over the railings, landing in month focused on his great mind, the middle of the village high his composing and his brave work street to continue, leaving all the defending freedom of thought across the world, but it was on the field behind.

For Sir Roger, hunting was hunting field he was truly happy. about a love of and respect for Sir Roger was one of the great animals. Far from being limited defenders and influencers of the to an upper-class, old-monied debate on hunting. In 1996, at aristocracy, it was one promoting a debate in Chippenham, after an egalitarian meritocracy and quietly explaining the pros of a genuine care for the welfare of hunting, he offered the hand of friendship to Jim Barrington, then horse, hound, fox, deer and hare.

The hunting world has lost a executive director of the League passionate supporter — few have Against Cruel Sports, and said, done more to refute the attacks “Can we talk?” than him.

For Mr Barrington, this was the start of a long friendship WILLIAM (BILL) BRUCE and the journey to understanding what hunting was about. At A STALWART of the Scottish the first televised debate of equestrian community, Mr Bruce the Oxford Union, Sir Roger died in November aged 86. calmly destroyed his opponents’ He was a huge supporter of argument by his words and all equestrian activities, including presence in minutes. hosting Pony Club and riding club It was at the age of 45 that he events at the home he shared discovered a new passion. While with his wife, Margaret, in Ellon, out hacking one day, he came Aberdeenshire. across the VWH hounds. He joined The couple owned Ladymire them and was hooked.

Equestrian Centre for many years, These first moments are where education was an absolute described so eloquently in his priority and they would bring book On Hunting — it is a story of leading instructors up from the his love and terror in the saddle, with descriptions such as the “stone teeth” of the dry-stone walls coming towards him “at the speed of the turning earth”.

It was after a fall on the hunting field that he met his wife Sophie, now joint-master of the VWH. Falls were quite a regular feature; rarely in control but courageous, he had all the great attributes of a true foxhunter.

Lord Mancroft remembers a New Year’s Day hunt with the VWH; late in the afternoon, finding in Conyegar Wood, a fast and Bill Bruce was a huge supporter furious spin to Meysey Hampton of all equestrian activities

south for training weekends.

Mr Bruce’s real passion was eventing and he was involved in helping develop the sport in Scotland from the late 1970s until his retirement in the early 90s.

He ran the horse trials at Ladymire and served as chief steward at many Scottish events, being known for his fair and sensible decisions.

A joiner by trade, he enjoyed building cross-country fences alongside his career as a businessman.

Mr Bruce was deputy chairman of developers Barratt Homes, securing valuable sponsorship from them for Scottish events. It was even known for him to borrow the Barratt helicopter to fly a competitor home after a bad fall.

He is survived by his wife, children Valerie, Gillian and Martin, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

COLIN HAWKINS THE former leading northern jump jockey died on Christmas Day, aged 64.

He rode 378 winners during his 21-year career in the saddle, after which he worked as a postman in Middleham and as a starter for the British Horseracing Authority.

Mr Hawkins was known for his successful partnership with trainer Neville Crump. His best season in terms of wins was 1980/81, when he finished 12th in the jockeys’ championship riding 42 winners.

Among his major career victories were the 1979 Scottish Grand National (Fighting Fit) and Cheltenham’s Massey Ferguson Gold Cup in 1977 aboard Even Melody, who he partnered to 21 other wins.

He also scored multiple wins in Wetherby’s Boxing Day feature race, the Rowland Meyrick Chase.

Pictures by Daniel Hague, Penhaligon Stud and Drum RDA

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NEWSInsider

▲ TAILS A rider who flexed her muscles on cleaning her house rather than her stables was feeling virtuous for doing the polishing, only to find she’d used wasp killer rather than Mr Sheen. Could that be because the latter had decamped to the yard for spraying on tails…? ▲ RACING A couple apparently in mid-proposal — man on one knee, on a hilltop — were caught on camera, sparking a search for the (hopefully) happy pair. Or are they?

As trainer Fergal O’Brien pointed out, maybe he was asking to go to all four days of the Festival… a fair point.

GOOD WEEK BAD WEEK BUSES A pony wandering loose on a Cardiff road was loaded up and taken to safety — on a bus. It walked up the disabled ramp and was reunited with its happy owners. Less happy was the bus, which needed a clean…

PUNS What is it about horses that makes some go mad with puns? When the above pony was loose, police said it was on a “mane road” and would “stirrup trouble”, while another force said loose horses were “playing the foal”. We’d never sink to such levels. Or not furlong.

THE BBC When former Spectator editor Charles Moore guestedited Today, he asked H&H columnist Andrew Sallis to sound a hunting horn. All good, except for those who were tacking up, causing havoc as Gone Away was blown. Mr Moore helpfully directed all complaints to the BBC director general…

12

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

Calls for driver education after equine road deaths The message still needs to be conveyed to motorists about how to pass horses on the roads, but riders must also act CALLS have been made for more driver education following a spate of collisions involving horses — as riders are reminded of their responsibilities on the road.

Two horses were put down in road accidents in West Yorkshire and Suffolk on 15 December and 4 January, while a rider was hurt and a horse seriously injured in East Yorkshire on 31 December.

Another horse, who threw her rider on the gallops, was put down in Epsom, Surrey, following a collision with a car on 6 January.

A British Horse Society (BHS) spokesman said the society was saddened by the incidents.

“While the one in Epsom appears to have been a tragic accident, the others demonstrate the importance and need for education and awareness on how to safely pass horses,” he said.

“As the BHS continues to educate drivers on our Dead Slow messages, there are many precautions riders can take to increase their safety. During winter, visibility is often reduced and it is vitally important riders wear suitable high-vis, ideally both rider and horse.”

The spokesman said the BHS will continue its “crucial” work in 2020 through road awareness evenings, and plans more Henry the Horse lessons, which aim to educate primary children on how to walk and cycle past horses safely (news, 31 October).

“We will continue to attend equestrian and non-equestrian events to help deliver our

The BHS is trying to educate drivers on how to pass horses safely

By BECKY MURRAY messages,” he said.

PC Hollie Iribar of Surrey Police worked with the BHS on a close-pass operation in which mounted plainclothes officers educated drivers who passed inappropriately.

“I don’t think every driver speeds but it’s important drivers remember even if they are going 30mph they can still cause an accident; they’re driving machines that can cause damage, injury and death,” she told H&H. “We know what horses can be like, but for non-equestrians, it’s not second nature.”

PC Iribar added that rider education is also important.

“We all need to be aware of the Highway Code and use the road together,” she said. “I’ve seen riders riding in a way that causes danger to themselves such as

wearing no high-vis, on phones paying no attention and using poor hand signals. I’ve seen horses who may not yet be suitable for the road; I know and understand this is a difficult situation but it is important to assess if your horse is safe for the road.”

Pass Wide and Slow group founder Debbie Smith told H&H the group is hosting awareness rides on 10 May across the UK. She also plans to start a petition to make section 215 of the Highway Code, which advises drivers to pass horses wide and slow, become law.

“The problem is there is no comeuppance for drivers and they have nothing to be scared of.

If a pedestrian is hit, something happens, but not if a horse is hit — it’s so sad,” she said.

“We need to show MPs that horses are being hit and ask why nothing is happening. Riders want to be protected by the law.”

And finally... True Blue AS an Olympic eventer, Andrew Heffernan is used to riding horses of a certain type.

But on 26 January he is to don a top hat and tails to ride heavyweight cob Blue in an intro test as part of a Horses for Hope GB dressage fundraiser for equestrians in Australia.

Somerford Park is hosting the show, with a raffle, music, food and stalls, as organisers hope to raise £15,000.

Mairead Martin persuaded Andrew to ride her “miracle” cob Blue, who survived 31 days in intensive care last year with peritonitis, by setting up a page that has raised nearly £2,000.

“He’s a handsome chap,” said Andrew. “He’s hogged, so if I lose my balance, I’ll have nothing to hang on to — and I’m not used to one so wide!” EJ •Visit: facebook.com/ horsesforhopeGB

Pictures by Mairead Martin and SJ Images/Alamy

▲ SPOOKING A rider was amused to find, on a flooded road, a floating inflatable shark. The horses, had they been able to speak, would no doubt have been calmly righteous.

They always said there were sharks in there…

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LETTERS

Showing legend Davina Whiteman will be greatly missed by all

Picture by David Miller

DAVINA, NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN MORE than 300 people assembled at the East of England showground on 8 January to celebrate the life of showing judge, trainer, producer and Ponies (UK) founder Davina Whiteman, who left a wide-ranging legacy to the horse world as a whole.

It was a fitting tribute in itself that so many had travelled great distances in order to be there to swap “Davina stories”, and although there was plenty of humour — which Davina would have loved — there was also genuine sadness that the occasion marked the end of a truly remarkable era.

She was not only known and revered as a fount of equestrian knowledge, but also for her acerbic wit. But she also possessed a huge capacity for kindness and inspired unstinting loyalty, affection and respect from many whose paths she crossed.

Patricia Johnson Sleaford, Lincs

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

particularly to me, as I bred the horse she rode at the 2015 grassroots championships, Bendigo IV. Ben Liles produced him in Dorset for me and Jude bought him as a young readymade horse competing at BE100.

I breed two or three foals a year and this provides an important part of my income. I am in the jewellery business and I name all my horses after precious metals and gems. Bendigo (Benji) was named after the gold-mining town in Australia — Bendigo. He is by a now-gelded stallion Hollyhedge Judder Boy, out of a half-shire mare, who was a brilliant hunter.

So he is a quarter shire.

It is disappointing when the foals I breed go showing or hacking and it is fantastic when they actively compete at eventing — which is what they are bred for — as Bendigo has with Jude. It is great to see riders buy a young, but educated horse, from its breeders and producers, thereby supporting the British equestrian industry.

Harriet Glen Dorchester, Dorset

THANK YOU H&H

STILL GOING STRONG

YOUR advert calendar saved me a lot of tears at Christmas.

I completely forgot to buy one in time for my seven-year-old daughter, then suddenly I remembered there was one on your front cover. Therefore, I bought a tub of sweets and every morning we opened up one of the Thelwell doors, ate our chocolate and giggled at the pony and what it was getting up to.

Even when my husband found a very expensive advent calendar in a very expensive shop in the second week, we continued to find out what every pony was doing right up until Christmas. So thank you to you and Thelwell for coming to the rescue, and we look forward to next Christmas.

Samantha Cook Cirencester, Glos

I WAS riveted by your interview and amazing photographs of Anneli Drummond-Hay (2 January). How can she still ride five horses a day and be competing at the age of 82?

Fifty years ago, I was lucky enough to be asked to write a biography of her as part of a series of sporting stars. The publishers were intrigued to find a female sports star who competed against men on equal terms. I therefore spent a large portion of 1969 following her — to her small yard in Buckinghamshire, to local shows, the Royal International, Dublin Horse Show, Horse of the Year Show and many more.

It was the experience of a lifetime and I learnt more in that year from Anneli and her devoted, long-standing groom — my school friend, Merlin Meakin — than in the rest of my equestrian life put together. Long may she continue.

Patricia Smyly Alltycloriau, Carms

BEST-OF-BRITISH SUPPORT YOUR interview with new British Eventing CEO Jude Matthews (9 January) was interesting,

NEXT WEEK COB SPECIAL: HOW TO SPOT A FUTURE STAR IN THE RAW Plus, interview with up-andcoming dressage star Dannie Morgan. Don’t miss it!

WE HAVE SO MUCH TO LEARN I WANTED to write to tell you about a veteran rider, Pat, who I think is totally inspiring.

Pat can’t remember a time in her life when she didn’t have a pony or a horse. She bred Edith, who’s 26, from her thoroughbred mare, then backed and trained her to be an accomplished allrounder, excelling in showing, showjumping, cross-country and endurance.

Recently when I visited Pat to ride Edith for her, she announced that she was coming with me aboard her daughter’s horse Finn, who is not the easiest ride. Pat had not ridden him before, but at the age of 80 she thought nothing of climbing aboard, brimming with enthusiasm and as relaxed as she always was — and of course this rubbed off on Finn, who clearly appreciated Pat’s experience and confidence.

It all goes to show that there is so much we can learn from horses and riders in their twilight years.

Lucy Naish Oakamoor, Staffs

HATS OFF TO OUR HUNTING PONIES FURTHER to your article on children introducing their parents to hunting (“That bond is a brilliant thing”, 2 January), I enclose a photo of my pony (right) who featured in your article. We told him he’d “made it in life” by appearing in H&H. He is part of the team at a hunter hireling yard and we think

@ horseandhound

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Established 1884

LETTER OF THE WEEK YOUR careers feature (“A practical path”, 9 January) included a quote from me about how the British Horse Society (BHS) education system had provided me with a path when academia did not suit. I started on that path at 16 as a riding school assistant and, in the past 18 years, have worked my way up the levels, achieving the stage five qualification (BHSI) in 2016.

Since qualifying, I can now attend the Fellows and Instructors Association annual course, this year’s being held at Addington. It was a fantastic gathering, with lessons from

Adam Kemp, Corinne Bracken, Pammy Hutton and Nick Gauntlett. And whether we were former or prospective Olympians or ex-riding school assistants, we were welcomed, involved and educated.

To anyone wondering if the BHS system is for them, I think that the opportunities can be well worthwhile.

Ruth Baxter Rotherham, S Yorks

The writer of letter of the week wins a bottle of Champagne Taittinger it’s paramount to celebrate him and ponies like him who have introduced so many to hunting, and to pay tribute to all these ponies for their hard work and dedication to their jockeys.

We look at him with immense pride, knowing that the love he

has for hunting has transferred to his riders. It also gives us great pleasure knowing the number of children who have had some of their earliest hunting memories on him.

Rachael Watson Postbridge, Devon

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A hunter hireling who knows his job is worth his weight in gold

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK

The trip organiser British Dressage Supporters Club (BDSC) trip organiser Lorrie Sisson on being reduced to tears of panic and joy It was my daughter Adele who got me hooked on dressage, and through her I ended up on various committees from the local Pony Club branch to British Dressage (BD) marketing, and I was the first eastern region rep for what is now BD Youth, a position I held for eight years.

These days, I organise trips to international championships for BDSC and help look after sponsors at the BD national championships and convention.

The BDSC was founded in 1983 to raise funds for and awareness of dressage, which at the time was considered the poor relation of the equestrian world. It was launched at the national dressage championships when they were held at Goodwood House in West Sussex. The Duke and Duchess of Richmond arranged for the club to have a free tent to use — and the first of many glasses of wine was handed out to anyone who ventured into the marquee.

I joined BDSC in the early 1980s, and took on the voluntary job of organising trips in 1997.

Originally the trips were arranged for judges to see the standard of the sport abroad. As there was a lot of interest, it was opened up to all members, who came on their

16

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

own or with friends — or the odd brave husband.

There are normally around 30 people on these trips, which include flights, coach travel, hotels on a B&B basis, and transfers and tickets to the events.

of Rome for the eventing, but on the wrong side for the dressage.

Crossing the city in rush hour was horrendous and I remember feeling 42 pairs of eyes glaring at my back on the bus to the dressage to get there for the 8.30am start.

We have a meal together on the first evening and another at the end to celebrate or commiserate, depending on the results. We make time for shopping and sightseeing, such as visiting the riding school at Jerez and exploring Rome.

A large bar is an essential: it is where everyone congregates to mull over the day’s competition.

Many hotels have been rejected because the bar is not up to the required standard.

The Moscow Europeans in 2005 were particularly memorable — a nervous

The first trip I arranged was to the 1998 World Games. In those days, as the eventing and dressage ran concurrently, we also arranged everything for the eventing supporters. The hotel I had chosen was on the right side

early years were hard because we knew we had talented riders, but lacked the horse power. Watching the progress of British dressage has been a long journey, but so rewarding; I feel privileged to have been a part of it.

The icing on the cake is always when we meet the British team for drinks, which BDSC chairman Penny Smith has been amazing at organising.

A loyal band of supporters has been with me on every trip I have organised. It is always interesting to meet new people, and many have become good friends. Someone always writes a newsletter at the end. One wrote what I feel is a good job description. I quote: “She has the

‘A good description of the job is to have the patience of a saint and the persistence of a Rottweiler’ breakdown moment — as it was cancelled two weeks beforehand.

More than 30 people had paid £99 each for a Russian visa. Our travel agent rearranged everything for us to go to the new venue, Hagen in Germany, although the coach driver got lost and there was feuding among the family who owned the hotel, which was in the process of being sold. Everyone was so understanding, but I did have sleepless nights.

Moscow made me cry, as did the 2011 Rotterdam Europeans, but this time they were tears of joy — we won team gold. The

patience of a saint, the persistence of a Rottweiler and the planning skills of Hannibal the Great.”

I try not to dwell on mistakes, but to learn from them — to keep calm when things don’t go as planned. I do my best to ensure everyone feels included and comfortable. So far, I have always come back with the same number of people that I started out with, so that is good. H&H ● As told to Leslie Bliss NEXT WEEK

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VET CLINIC

Shake a leg

Odd hindlimb action may point to shivers or stringhalt, but how might these complex conditions affect a horse’s future prospects? Andrea Oakes investigates

W

ITH some smart bloodlines in his breeding, Rebecca Friend’s young warmblood/Irish Sport Horse gelding has the potential for a successful competition career. Yet Rebecca’s hopes were put on hold last year when six-year-old Sam experienced difficulty when asked to move backwards.

“I first noticed the problem on the yard, when I pushed him back and saw him hold out a hindleg and shake it,” she says. “It quite surprised me. I bought Sam as a four-year-old and backed him myself — nothing untoward has happened to him and I’d never seen him do this before.”

When she realised that Sam might be a shiverer, alarm bells started ringing in Rebecca’s head.

“I had hoped that he would one day replace my current competition horse,” she says, adding that her farrier had mentioned that Sam seemed “tight” behind when being shod.

18

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

“However, if he couldn’t perform rein-back, then he would surely have little future in dressage or high-level eventing.

“The shivers action was quite extreme and would upset him,” says Rebecca, describing how Sam would slide a hindleg out and hold it as if it was “locked”. “I wondered if he had any future at all.”

In most cases, shiverers will move forwards with a normal gait in walk, trot, canter and gallop

SHIVERS SIGNS WHILE shivers has been recognised for many years, Alex Draper MRCVS, from The Queen’s Veterinary Hospital for Animals, University of Cambridge, explains that there is still confusion as to exactly what clinical signs are associated with the disease and, importantly,

what causes it. The definition was standardised in 2015.

“Primarily, one or both hindlimbs are — often to differing degrees — picked up and held out to one side (termed hyperflexion and abduction), or are excessively rigid (termed hyperextension),” says Alex, adding that there is frequently tail elevation, twitching of facial muscles and ears, and hindlimb muscle trembling.

“Normal horses walk backwards with a two-beat gait: right front leg with left hind, then left front leg with right hind, but this pattern is lost in horses affected with shivers,” she says.

“In the majority of cases, the horse will move forwards with a normal gait in walk, trot, canter and gallop. Picking up his hind feet at standstill can be difficult, however, with either hyperflexion or hyperextension occurring. This often is the first sign the owner notices.

“A mildly affected horse may be reluctant to walk backwards and is typically unable to back up in a straight line, perhaps showing muscle tenseness or trembling over the hindlimbs and infrequent, sudden and excessive flexion or extension,” adds Alex.

Pictures by Lucy Merrell

A horse with shivers or stringhalt may hold a hindleg out to one side in a ‘locked’ position; while mobility may be compromised, many cases can continue in regular work

“A severely affected horse may be impossible to back up. He may struggle to lift his hind feet and may even have difficulty standing up after lying down.

“In rare and extreme cases, horses have shown hyperflexion and abduction of the hindlimbs when first walking forwards.”

The diagnosis of shivers is based entirely upon recognition of classical clinical signs; there is no blood test or imaging available.

“In addition, the exact cause has not been fully elucidated,” says Alex. “Degeneration of the cerebellum (the area of the brain that controls coordination and balance) and abnormal hindlimb muscle group recruitment have both been identified in affected horses, strongly suggesting this is a neurological disorder rather than a primary muscle disease.

But further work is necessary.”

Alex explains that most cases are reported to occur with an insidious onset, with no apparent cause, in horses of five years old or more. Three-quarters of cases progress in severity.

“Polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) was once claimed to cause shivers signs, but this has been refuted,” she adds.

“Rarely, acute, severe signs are reported to occur in previously normal horses after extreme trauma, such as falling on ice, which abate with appropriate veterinary care and time.

“Male horses, particularly of 16.3hh or more, appear to be more commonly affected, although smaller horses and mares do develop the disease,” says Alex. “With height appearing to be a risk factor, breeds such as draught horses, warmbloods and thoroughbreds are most frequently represented. Due to this breed predilection, shivers has been thought to have a genetic predisposition, but no genetic test has yet been developed.”

STRINGHALT EXPLAINED MANY horses hyperflex a hindlimb, often with excessive muscle twitching and typically during shoeing, so Alex stresses the importance of ruling out disorders that can produce the same clinical signs as shivers.

“Horses with hock pain or suspensory ligament inflammation have shown similar signs,” she says. “Remember, if a horse can walk backwards, it is highly unlikely he has shivers.”

Another neuromuscular condition commonly confused with shivers is stringhalt.

“Stringhalt can be idiopathic, occurring seemingly without any cause, or secondary to toxin ingestion,” explains Alex. “The latter is known as Australian or toxic stringhalt and tends to affect

CASE STUDY

‘He is coping a lot better’ WITH help from chiropractor Olivia (Lil) Jones, Rebecca is now more optimistic about Sam’s prospects.

“Lil has encouraged me to manage the problem by keeping him moving and working in the correct way,” she explains. “He is quite highly strung and can be a bit stressed in the stable, so he now lives in a roomy cowshed and has plenty of turnout. He is also on a high-fibre, low-starch diet, which is thought to help.

“After lots of practice at moving backwards in-hand, Sam is far less anxious,” says Rebecca. “His ridden work is better, too, and we’re starting some gridwork.”

Lil explains: “Horses with shivers can become anxious about picking up their hindlegs and moving sideways or backwards, which can worsen the problem and lead to tension and stabilisation issues through the rest of the body. The aim is to help coordinate movement in the horse’s brain, teaching him to lift his legs calmly in-hand and using flatwork exercises such as trotting poles (pictured, right) to encourage this movement.

“I also use hands-on techniques to restore and help

many horses grazing the same contaminated pasture or hay.

“The disease is characterised by excessive, rapid flexion of one or both hindlimbs, while the horse walks forwards and backwards, which is different to most shivers cases,” she adds. “The hindlimb flexion can be mild, and asymmetrical, or violent where the fetlock contacts the horse’s underside and causes a ‘bunny hopping’ gait. But facial twitching and tail head elevation are absent.

“Unlike shivers, signs of stringhalt are observable at

maintain normal movement through Sam’s spine. It’s important that he uses core muscles for support and lifts correctly through his withers, without over- or under-working

trot — and stringhalt sufferers may also have other signs of neurological dysfunction, such as laryngeal paralysis (which is known as roaring).

“Other conditions that cause jerky, excessive flexion of the hindlimbs include upward fixation of the patella (often termed locking of the stifle or knee), fibrotic myopathy or a rare disease called stiff-horse syndrome,” Alex explains.

“Additionally, equine motor neurone disease, caused by a lack of vitamin E, has been

any areas. He has regular sessions and is coping a lot better; not being too restrained is beneficial for his body and brain, and he seems happier and less stressed.”

reported to resemble some of the shivers signs but without the characteristic gait changes.”

WHAT’S THE PROGNOSIS? TO date, there is no effective treatment for shivers.

“Severe clinical signs may improve, especially with increased turnout and mild exercise, but may recur during painful or stressful situations such as the development of laminitis,” says Alex. “If farriery becomes a problem, ask your vet about sedation with an alpha-2 agonist medication which can temporarily alleviate symptoms. Should blood tests reveal low vitamin E levels, supplementation is advisable as this antioxidant supports muscle health.

“The prognosis appears to be case dependent,” she adds.

“In some horses the condition progresses quickly, but the contrary is also true. Many equine athletes who have shivers can perform at a high level.” H&H

NEXT WEEK

How infectious diseases spread

Whether shivers or stringhalt, watch for trembling over the hindlimbs 23 January 2020 Horse & Hound

19

THE INTERVIEW

‘If it weren’t 40 hours and a £26,500 return airfare for a horse, I’d go to Europe every other week.

But Australia is where I want to be’

Shane Rose

The Australian event rider talks to Pippa Roome about returning from multiple injuries, being based down under and the build-up to Tokyo

Pictures by Nick Cubbin, Boris Karpinski/Alamy Stock Photo, Libby Law Photography and Peter Nixon

H

ERE are some facts you may know about Australian event rider Shane Rose. He has collected Olympic team silver and bronze medals. He has won Adelaide five-star twice. He was third at Pau last autumn with Virgil, with whom he hopes to be selected for the Tokyo Olympics.

Here are some facts you may not know about Shane. He breaks in 250 to 300 racehorses every year. He is event director of one of the biggest horse trials in the southern hemisphere, Equestriad. In 2005, he had eight metal plates inserted into his face while in an induced coma after a horse kicked him.

“I can win most competitions over how many bones people have broken,” he says. “I’ve broken most of my ribs, both my legs, both my arms. It’s not all through horses though — boys being boys, they break things growing up.”

The 46-year-old has had two serious injuries in competition — a smashed shoulder and six broken ribs in 2018 and a broken leg in 2003 caused when a horse tried to run out — as well as a host of accidents working with horses at home. But Shane isn’t one to turn these incidents into a drama.

“By working with horses and a lot of them, I put myself in harm’s way more than people who aren’t around them as often,” he says in his laid-back way. “The more I do, the less I have to pay someone to do.

“Horses are great animals. More than 90% of them want to help you and work with you.

Occasionally you get one who’s not so pleasant to work with. I try to avoid those ones, but it’s not always possible in my job, but it’s just what we do. I love my job and there isn’t much I’d prefer to do, so I’m pretty lucky.”

All event riders have to be mentally tough, but Shane must be one of the most resilient.

“I’m a pretty positive person,” he says, shrugging off any admiration. “Once something bad has happened, you need to forget about it, learn from it if you can and move on. If you dwell on it, it’s not going to get better.

“Most people have more downs than ups in this sport and the stronger you are, the better chance you have of being successful going forward. In the next competition, I have

Shane and CP Qualified take top spot at Adelaide CCI5* in 2015, an event he has won twice

a chance of doing better if I didn’t do well in the last one. If I get beaten, I try to figure out a way to beat the people who are beating me.

If something has gone wrong, I certainly learn from it, but then I come up with a new plan and try to execute that.”

Shane has also bounced back from a split liver, a punctured lung, a dose of golden staph infection and thyroid cancer when he was 28.

“It’s not ideal if you get cancer, but fortunately we found it early enough and got rid of that. The doctors did a good job and, touch wood, since then it’s all been good. I don’t really think about that or the accidents much — it’s something that’s happened, but so be it, it’s happened, move on.”

I

Shane trots up Virgil in Pau last autumn where the pair finished third, despite his 2020 Olympic hopeful tying up days before

Virgil has travelled ‘more than most people’, having made four return trips to Europe so far

F Shane makes it to Tokyo, it will be his third Olympics — not bad for a man who describes eventing as his “sideline”.

Shane’s real business is racehorses. At his busiest time of the year and backed up by “great staff ”, he has around 80 thoroughbreds in work at his New South Wales yard for breaking and pre-training. His base has 75 stables and he can house another 35 horses or so in yards with shelters.

Shane’s operation is on a huge scale and he is also a father of four: Olivia, seven, Harry, five, and three-year-old twins Lachlan and Zara.

“I get into trouble if I don’t stay busy, so it’s best I stay busy,” he laughs. “We have really good structures in place — I look after the external running of the business and my wife Niki looks after the financial side, paying bills and chasing money.

“And she’s amazing with the kids. I help out where I can, but I’m out of the house at 6.30am and not inside until 7pm or later.”

On the eventing side, Shane breeds “a few” and buys and sells, “trying to find a great horse”. His current top mount, the 15-yearold Virgil, by Vivant, was bred by Michelle Hasibar, who still co-owns him.

Shane explains: “Michelle sent him to me as a four-year-old to see what I thought of him as he was a bit too much horse for her — he wasn’t naughty, but he’d go wherever he wanted and jump a bit big. The first day I rode him, I jumped two fences, rang Michelle and said I wanted to buy into him.”

Virgil has travelled “more than most 23 January 2020 Horse & Hound

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THE INTERVIEW

people”, having made four return trips to Europe in his career, most recently for Pau last autumn. Against a background of Australian selectors juggling a desire to give those based down under a fair crack at championships, but also needing to see those horses perform against the best in the world, Shane made a tactical decision in taking the horse to France.

“I’ve experienced all the advantages and disadvantages of travelling, and our high-performance programme officials were keen for me to do something abroad,” explains Shane.

“My plan was to do enough last year hopefully to get selected, so I don’t have to do too much this year. Of course I’ll have to do things in the build-up to Tokyo — probably three short-format events and some dressage and showjumping shows — but I can prepare Virgil the way I want to, from home, while also using video link to access the great dressage coaches in Europe.

“We have an advantage in Australia, for the first time since the 2000 Olympics. The travel from Sydney to Tokyo will be about 10 hours, whereas to go to Europe and back would be

Shane’s four children — Lachlan, Zara, Olivia and Harry — express their thanks to the fire crews after the recent serious fires. Shane’s wife Niki explains they had ‘two very nervous days and nights’ as the Green Wattle Creek fire raged near their boundary. Thick smoke blanketed their property, and many homes in the district were lost in the blaze

‘My plan was to do enough last year hopefully to get selected,’ says Shane of his run at Pau. ‘I’ll have to do things in the build-up to Tokyo, but I can prepare Virgil [pictured] from home’ 22

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

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HANE is one of the few Australian eventers who has consistently been chosen for championships while based in their native country.

“I love Australia — I love everything about it, the climate, the people, the events here,” says Shane. “The thing that’s great about Europe is their big shows are really good, and there are amazing athletes and horses.

“If it was a short trip rather than 40 hours, and a AUS$50,000 [about £26,500] return airfare for a horse, I’d be bouncing back and forwards every other week. But I have a business, a family and a property here and it’s where I want to be.

“I’m not rich and I can’t afford to base myself in Europe long term. You have to live there from a young age and build your profile and owners. By the time I got to the point where it was a possibility to go, I’d have had to let a lot go and my desire wasn’t strong enough.

That boat had sailed.”

Shane spent the whole 2017 eventing season in Britain, during which his successes included winning both the CCI2* (now CCI3*-L) and the Event Rider Masters at Blair, the latter on Virgil.

“My wife and I have worked hard enough that we can do the odd trip now,” he says. “I had two or three of my best horses there to prepare for the 2018 World Equestrian Games and it was a good age for our kids as they hadn’t started school yet.

“We certainly enjoyed it and I think in the future we’ll probably do more where we pop over for four or six weeks, do a couple of events, maybe sell one horse and bring the others home.

“It’s a big exercise of logistics working out where to base yourself, too, and I’ve been fortunate to have some really good Australian team-mates who’ve helped me out. But it’s a big ask on them to crash their party.

“I’d love to do it more but financially, there’s only so much I can do. If we could just shrink the world, that would be awesome.”

Shane’s ability to come back from setbacks is almost a superpower — but we don’t think even he can shrink the world just yet. H&H NEXT WEEK

Dressage and event rider Dannie Morgan

Pictures by trevor-meeks-photography.co.uk and Libby Law Photography

From left: Shane celebrates a 2008 Olympic team silver with Australian team-mates Sonia Johnson, Megan Jones and Lucinda and Clayton Fredericks

50 hours, so I felt not having to do that in 2020 would give me my best chance of being among the medals.”

The first part of Shane’s plan came off with his podium finish at Pau — but it was nearly a different story. Having travelled well, Virgil tied up after galloping at Le Lion d’Angers five days before Pau. “It’s a long way to travel to have a setback a few days out, but fortunately it wasn’t bad and I was able to get him fit and healthy for Pau,” says Shane. “I couldn’t work him on the flat for five days, so his test was lacking a bit of his normal expression.”

The pair still scored a competitive 33 and added just 1.6 time-faults across country.

“The plan was to set out reasonably comfortably and, if he felt well, press on towards the middle of the course and gallop home if I could,” remembers Shane. “He did all the lines and distances we’d planned and pulled up great with no ill effects. It was really pleasing to know that I can edge him through some setbacks.”

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LIFE LESSONS

Robert Oliver

The champion show rider recalls riding a future Grand National star, arriving at a show with no entry and one very special show horse

ROBERT OLIVER is a show rider and producer. He has won numerous titles during a career spanning more than 50 years, including five supremes at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), where he also landed the hunter championship nine times and stood cob champion 12 times.

‘The best management advice I was given was never to leave horses short of hay, and to take care of feet’

‘He never got ring crafty, cut corners or hotted up in his gallop. He was the kindest horse I’ve ever had,’ says Robert Oliver of hunter champion Kings Warrior

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Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

check now on arrival is to ensure the animal is correctly entered in its class. I also personally check that the correct tack is on board.

The last thing I try to remember before I go into the arena is that the tail bandage is removed and that I’m wearing the correct number, both of which have caused me unnecessary embarrassment in the past.

The late Bill Bryan was my riding icon. He was a great showman for whom I rode many horses in my teens. Bill could break in a four-year-old, ride it in the show ring and it would

go on and win a point-to-point the following season. I showed a horse called Bassnet for him at the Royal Show who then went on to race and was favourite for the Grand National.

OH, TO HAVE KNOWN...

I WISH I’d known when I was 16 that I should have taken to a life of National Hunt racing. This is a discipline I’m passionate about and something I follow.

My parents taught me to be polite. “Manners maketh man” was my school motto and I have always tried to continue good

manners in the show ring.

The training tip I live by is never to school or lunge horses on hard ground — once jarred up, they’re never the same again.

I’m a firm believer of hacking and hunting our show horses on a regular basis, as this keeps them in a good frame of mind. Feeding show animals is also an art; to have them looking like a lion but behaving like a lamb can be a tricky task. H&H NEXT WEEK

Dressage rider Alice Oppenheimer

Words by Rebecca Haywood. Pictures by trevor-meeks-photography.co.uk and Bob Langrish

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E had the hunter Kings Warrior as a four-year-old and he was a gentleman from day one — a total legend who was so sound and never missed a show. Not one judge ever had a bad ride on him throughout his showing career. In 1994, he won his first of three hunter championships, two supreme titles and the middleweight hunter of the year at HOYS, a title he won five years running.

He never got ring crafty, cut corners or hotted up in his gallop.

He was the kindest horse I’ve ever had and the one we all wish we had now. He never put his ears back and was always pleased to greet anyone. Of all my horses, he was the nicest to hack out and loved going to see my farming neighbours who were always astonished to see him jumping out of the farmyard over a gate or set of rails. They couldn’t believe he was a champion show horse.

The best piece of horse management advice I was given was never to leave horses short of hay, and to take care of feet and shoeing. The old adage “no foot, no horse” is as important now as ever.

Over the years, I’ve found that simple mistakes are easy to make.

I’ll always remember arriving at Royal Windsor one year, only to find that my horse wasn’t entered.

Therefore, the one thing I always

H&H diarist Chloe Winchester talks fitness and impulse foal purchases, and gets set for her first big road trip at the wheel of an HGV as she heads to Spain on tour

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HIS week I’m preparing for the Animo Cup at Sentower Park, which is a league of national shows run at the centre in Opglabbeek, Belgium. It’s a winter series, consisting of four shows from October to February. Each has an initial 1.40m qualifying round, with the top 55 going through to the grand prix. My parents are coming over this weekend to watch at the show and they’ll also pick up a foal that Joe Clayton, Georgie Stirling and I bought at an auction at Lier CSI3* back in September.

Foal auctions are very popular and attract a lot of support. The organisers put on a great evening and it’s very easy to be caught up in the atmosphere. Going to the show, I was aware of there being an auction and was half thinking of having a look, the idea being to buy a foal to go with our home-bred foal of Twiggy (my former top ride, Avoca Valkyrie).

I mentioned this to Georgie and Joe and they said they were interested and would like to be involved.

After marking a couple we liked in the catalogue, we went with a view to maybe making a bid. Around 45 minutes later we were co-owners of a foal and our wallets a little lighter — but you do get a bottle of champagne and some flowers! Our foal is by Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve — the same sire as Beezie Madden’s Darry Lou, who won a $1m (£590,000) grand prix in Spruce Meadows the following weekend — out of a 1.45m jumping mare. The breeder, Dries Sebrechts of Stal Optimus, has a big breeding operation just outside of Zandhoven, Belgium, and last year bred 60 foals.

Chloe Winchester

A busy few weeks: planning is underway for a trip to Spain with 22 horses from the yard

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.

WEEKLY DIARY

M

Y average week includes going to the gym three or four times.

I see a couple of personal trainers at the gym I attend in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands. One works on general conditioning and toning, and the other specifically on riding muscles, focusing on balance and core stability.

It was during my sessions with the Young Riders Academy (YRA), which I have been part of since 2018, that I became more aware of the importance of my fitness and what I

‘I ride 10 horses a day, so going to the gym requires motivation — but mentally it’s great’ can do to improve it. The YRA is a fantastic organisation supporting the development of riders on and off the horse. I am fortunate to use the same trainer as Marlon and Angelica Augustsson-Zanotelli and the Philippaerts brothers. A lot of riders are now focusing on this area and it’s becoming more popular.

I have long days and ride roughly 10 horses, so going to the gym in the evening sometimes requires a little motivation but mentally its great to do something different.

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EXT week it’s on to Peelbergen CSI2* with some of the horses who will go to Spain for a tour.

Two weeks after that Peelbergen is holding a CSI3*, which I would like to jump with some of the horses who don’t go to Spain, as we leave the week after that. Planning is still underway for the trip and although we don’t know which horses we’re taking yet, there will be 22 horses going from our stables, which takes a lot of organisation.

I will be doing my first drive to Spain, having passed my HGV class two (rigid) and class one (articulated) tests back in November last year. Although I haven’t done any long trips, I normally find myself driving the truck three or four times a week.

We leave on 15 February at around 10pm, so it will be night driving, which I am not looking forward to very much. We should then arrive at the stables in Lyon the following morning and rest there until leaving again in the evening for Valencia. I’m not sure if it’s a good thing or not that I won’t be able to see the mountains when driving into Spain, not being a fan of heights. The next few weeks are looking busy... H&H

The enviable yard in Belgium, where Chloe is now based with Karel Cox 23 January 2020 Horse & Hound

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HORSE HERO

Explosion W Ben Maher’s current star is proving one of the greatest horses in a generation, with Hollywood good looks and a desire to win AS his rider Ben Maher says, Explosion W is “a natural born winner”. The majestic 11-year-old gelding only really blasted on to the five-star showjumping scene as recently as 2018, but what a mighty impression he’s made.

He’s one of a kind — abnormal even — and the closest you’ll find to a jumping machine. With an enviably high cruising speed and a breathtaking athleticism that enables his body to bend in ways that don’t seem possible to produce that extra clearance, it’s no surprise he can maintain an astonishing clear round ratio over 1.60m tracks.

The fairytale began in the Netherlands, where small-time breeder Willy Wijnen produced him until the age of seven, when he was spotted by a friend of Ben’s and bought by Poden Farms. His early education came through Ben’s then stable riders, including Emily Mason and Carly Anthony, before Ben took the reins himself in 2018.

Their five-star launchpad came in Shanghai that spring, where they finished runner-up in the grand prix and the appreciative ringside murmurings began. In Madrid just weeks later came Explosion W’s coming-of-age grand prix victory, where the horse Ben always knew was special proved to be a world-beater.

Their boots and hooves have

By JENNIFER DONALD barely touched the ground since, with Explosion W earning the accolade of the best horse in the world according to the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses rankings, while stockpiling an enviable display of silverware.

As an Olympic year dawns, Explosion W is under new ownership, secured by Ben, and the world waits to see what more this amazing partnership can accomplish. The towering chestnut with Hollywood good looks and the swagger of a movie star is clearly the type of horse who only comes along once in a lifetime (if you’re extremely fortunate) and all of us can feel privileged to be witnessing this remarkable journey.

In the same way people used to turn out just to watch Big Star jump, these days they flock ringside to catch a glimpse of this flying chestnut wonder horse in action.

So what makes this global superstar tick? We asked those who know Explosion W best to reveal all about this equine phenomenon (see boxes, right). H&H NEXT WEEK

Maxi cob of the year Lord Alexander

KWPN 11-year-old chestnut 17hh gelding

Stable names: BFG, Carrot, Ginge, Cookie Monster

ChaccoBlue

Chambertin

Picture by Lucy Merrell

Contara (Contender)

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Untouchable

Baloubet Du Rouet Barina (Sultan)

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright and Ben Maher Prize money: over €2.3m (£1.95m) Best results: won the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) super grand prix in Prague (2019); the LGCT grands prix of New York, London and Rome (2019), Doha, Rome and Madrid (2018); helped Ben win the overall LGCT title two years in a row (2018-2019); third in the Aachen grand prix (2019); individual silver and team bronze at the European Championships; part of the winning British Nations Cup team in Florida in 2018 under Emily Mason.

‘THE HAYNET THIEF, WHO LIKES THINGS PUNCTUAL’ EXPLOSION W’S GROOM, CORMAC KENNY, SAYS… “HE’S always known he’s special with that ‘look at me, I’m big and ginger’ attitude. He’s barely 17hh but appears bigger because he holds his head very high.

He’s a dude and he knows it.

“He’s very inquisitive — he’s a bit like a four-year-old in his brain — and wants to stick his nose in everywhere it shouldn’t be.

“When he wants to go out for a walk and I haven’t

got to his stable in time, he’ll take his headcollar and leadrope from the hook on his door and chuck it on the floor to let me know I’m late.

“But he’s very easy to do, super-friendly and travels well — although he tends to steal his neighbour’s haynet, then eats his own afterwards.

He’s greedy when it comes to food — he loves carrots.

“He’s really playful when you’re on the ground but, as soon as you sit on him it’s like a button is pressed and he goes into action mode — it’s a very cool feeling.”

‘WE KNEW HE WAS A ROUGH DIAMOND — BUT BEN MADE THE TEAM COMPLETE’

HIS BREEDER, WILLY WIJNEN, SAYS… “EXPLOSION was an embryo transfer out of a mare I bred, Untouchable [who competed at top level with Dutchman Leon Thijssen] — she was even more spooky than Explosion. We don’t have any full-brothers or sisters at home, but we do have half-sisters by Heartbreaker,

Kannan and Colander.

“Explosion was four when he first jumped at home with his first rider Tristan Tucker, and I knew we had a very rough diamond. His jump wasn’t normal and he’d jump about 1.80m over the lower fences. It was unbelievable, and with so much energy.

“It’s wonderful what he has achieved and last year was incredible. I always knew we had a good horse, but Ben made the team complete.”

‘HE’S AN OVER-ACHIEVER WHO GIVES YOU THE CONFIDENCE TO GO OUT AND DO THE JOB’

HIS RIDER, BEN MAHER, SAYS… “WHEN we bought him as a seven-yearold, he’d been with a very good rider [Marielle de Veer] and already had an excellent clear-round record, but I quickly realised how careful he was — he has such a good way of moving his body.

“He’s the first horse I’ve ridden who grunts when he jumps — just like a tennis player — because he always puts in maximum effort; he’s so powerful off the floor, even over a cross-pole. I think that’s what separates him from other horses.

“He’s such an intelligent animal, loves attention and has plenty of character. He doesn’t want to walk unless he’s had a treat first — he’s definitely spoilt! We have a bit of a system going or he won’t even let me get on him. But then he’s amazing to work with — he’ll have a play and a buck, but only because he has so much enthusiasm, then he settles and gives you all the confidence to go out and do the job.

“Because he’s so good, there’s been increasing expectation and pressure recently for us to produce a result, which is very uncommon in our sport. But last year he only had two jumps down when it mattered — in the Aachen grand prix and at the Europeans. So mistakes will come from time to time, but with him they are limited. And he doesn’t touch a fence because he’s careless, it’s because he’s trying too hard. He’s an over-achiever.

“I’ve had so many amazing times with him already but, winning the super grand prix in Prague was the moment that made it for me.”

CHAPEL STUD

Making waves Roisin Close’s Chapel Stud is a growing operation packing a big punch in a short space of time. Hannah Lemieux visits

2020

BLOODSTOCK SPECIAL

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ESTLED within the scenic Malvern Hills is a small stud making steady waves in the bloodstock world.

Owner/manager Roisin Close has been growing her breeding operation for over 15 years, and with new, larger premises at Chapel Stud for 2020 and a recent success story in the sales ring, this looks to be an exciting year for the flourishing set-up.

The stud’s flagbearer is Coach House, a son of Oasis Dream formerly trained by Aidan O’Brien. His now three-year-old progeny, Summer Sands, sold for a record 625,000gns at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale in October.

It was a huge moment for Roisin, who saw the interest in Coach House rocket, and his bookings for this season have already doubled — Roisin expects his popularity to continue to grow throughout the season.

“Achieving a price like that in the sales ring really is the dream and what every breeder sets out to do,” says Roisin. “Coach House has the most phenomenal pedigree. Coolmore bought his dam, Lesson In Humility, in-foal with him, and Joseph O’Brien rode Coach House when he was trained by his father. Joseph always 28

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

liked Coach House and put his money where his mouth is by purchasing his son, Summer Sands, who is now in training with him.”

Coach House has covered some “really good books of mares” and has so far totalled 61 winners, amassing nearly £700,000 in prize money from just two crops.

Summer Sands is certainly shining the light for the nine-year-old stallion, whose coat gleams during a dull January day while the H&H photographer snaps away.

“Summer Sands is a Listed winner and Group One third-placed horse. He was a £2,000 purchase as a yearling, then in April

‘There is plenty of space here and I have some big plans,’ explains Roisin of Chapel Stud

“His best book of mares came after Mrs Danvers’ success; they were quality mares and that crop of twoyear-olds will be running in 2020,” explains Roisin. “Many commercial studs probably would have written Hellvelyn off a while ago but he’s such a nice horse — he won’t go anywhere because he is part of the fabric of my set-up.”

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Roisin Close with Coach House, a stallion who has put her stud on the map after his offspring sold for 625,000gns

2019 he sold for £85,000 at the Ascot breezeup sales before selling for a record price at Tattersalls,” adds Roisin.

“It just goes to show that with a relatively cheap stallion and mare you can produce something with massive potential.”

Off the back of his offspring’s success to date, Roisin has increased Coach House’s fee, but only minimally from £3,000 to £4,000.

“He has a nice crop of two-year-olds for this year, plus his three- and four-year-olds already running. You won’t find a stallion like him for that stud fee,” says Roisin.

Pictures by Bill Selwyn

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ITH 12 years’ experience at Tweenhills Stud, under the tutelage of the stud’s owner/manager and bloodstock agent David Redvers, Roisin has the expertise under her belt to inject into her own breeding set-up. She admits she fell into breeding “by accident”.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do aged 18 but I knew it would be with horses,” reflects Roisin. “I started a stud course at Hartpury College and during my sandwich year I gained an internship out in Lexington, Kentucky, at Taylor Made Farm.

“Initially I didn’t want to go, but it was

Top: Roisin with her first stallion, 16-year-old Hellvelyn — ‘a great horse with a fantastic temperament’ — led by Craig McClellan Above: the youngstock live in a large loose barn; last year the stud foaled 80. Roisin describes it as ‘the best part of my job’

the best thing I ever did and I worked with some of the very best in the industry. When I came home after 18 months I didn’t return to college.”

Roisin went on to land a dream role at Tweenhills, where she worked with the stallions and was a stud groom.

“At the time Tweenhills was a small to medium operation, and I was very lucky that I grew with the farm,” says Roisin.

“David is phenomenal at what he does; he has a great eye for a horse and is a brilliant bloodstock agent.”

Roisin “bit the bullet” and set up on her own after her parents helped fund the purchase of Bucklands Farm in Gloucestershire. She then jumped at the chance to take on her first stallion.

“Paul Thorman from Trickledown Stud and David offered me Hellvelyn to stand at stud. He was my first stallion, in 2011. He’s a really underrated stallion — a great horse with a fantastic temperament,” says Roisin of the 16-year-old grey.

After a few steady books of mares, Hellvelyn enjoyed resurgence on the back of the success of his offspring Mrs Danvers in 2016 — the sixyear-old mare won five races on the bounce.

HEN Roisin outgrew the 14-stable Bucklands Farm, while juggling a rented overflow yard, it made sense to combine the stallion and mare operation and buy a larger farm.

In 2018, Chapel Stud, a former dairy farm expanding to 70 acres and in need of some updating, was purchased, and the horses moved into their new home in March 2019.

“We have invested heavily in the place, but now all the big stuff, like the stabling, is completed, it’s about making the place look pretty,” muses Roisin. “There is plenty of space here and I have some big plans — next I would like to build a separate foaling unit.

Luckily, the barn structures for the stables were already in place, which was a big plus.”

Set in a rural location near Worcester, the stud is extremely peaceful; the perfect environment for horses.

There are now a total of 47 stables — including for the 25 mares Roisin has in — plus a large loose barn where the youngstock live. Last year, the stud foaled 80 and Roisin describes it as the “best part of the job”.

“I enjoy getting tricky mares in-foal and happy, healthy foals out,” she adds.

There is also an indoor arena for covering and lungeing, plus a horse walker.

With Roisin’s third stallion, former Qatar Racing-owned Pearl Secret, also having his first runners in 2020, it is set to be a flagship year for Chapel Stud.

“Pearl Secret’s longevity on the racecourse is impressive; he raced until he was six,” says Roisin. “He was a tough, consistent racehorse, who was unlucky not to win a Group One — he was a Group Two winner and Group One-placed.”

However, it hasn’t been a smooth road for the striking 11-year-old chestnut, having initially failed the vet because of klebsiella, a bacteria that can cause infection.

Roisin worked tirelessly to cure the issue, and she confirms he has now been clear for four seasons.

Roisin and her team at Chapel Stud are proof that a stud doesn’t need to be large-scale and commercial to have success in the sales ring.

Investment is needed, of course, but hard work and perseverance are required in abundance; something Roisin and her team know all too well. This year is set to be an exciting one for Chapel Stud, with the small British stud emerging from the shadows. H&H 23 January 2020 Horse & Hound

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FUTURE STARS

New to the 4yo by Showcasing out of Furbelow (Pivotal) Ran 10, won five (including three Group Ones) National Stud, Newmarket, Suffolk FEE: £25,000 NATIONAL STUD director Tim Lane described the arrival of the triple Group One-winning sprinter Advertise as “hugely exciting and a privilege to offer breeders Showcasing’s highest-rated son”.

Trained by Martyn Meade, Advertise was the first British raider in over 20 years to win the Curragh’s Phoenix Stakes; at three, he won the Commonwealth Cup in a faster time than either Caravaggio or Muhaarar, and was a game winner of the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville.

Bred by Cheveley Park Stud, his dam, Furbelow, is by their champion broodmare sire, Pivotal, and a full-sister to Red Diadem.

Blue Point 6yo by Shamardal out of Scarlett Rose (Royal Applause) Ran 20, won 11 (including four Group Ones) Kildangan Stud, Ireland FEE: €45,000 ACHIEVED a remarkable top-level sprint double with bookending wins in the King’s Stand and Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot last year. Retired sound to Dalham Hall straight afterwards, with trainer Charlie Appleby saying he had nothing left to prove.

His sire Shamardal, whose excellent 2019 also included the Group One winners Pinatubo and Castle Lady, has stood privately at Kildangan in recent years, so the addition of his fastest son to their public roster will be welcomed by Irish and British breeders alike.

Capri 6yo by Galileo out of Dialafara (Anabaa) Ran 23, won six (including two Group Ones) Grange Stud, Ireland FEE: €5,000

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Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

2020

BLOODSTOCK SPECIAL

The ‘hugely exciting’ four-year-old Advertise proves he’s a class act, having already won three Group Ones

Crystal Ocean 6yo by Sea The Stars out of Crystal Star (Mark Of Esteem) Ran 17, won eight (including one Group One) Beeches Stud, Ireland FEE: €8,000 EXPERTLY managed by Sir Michael Stoute, Crystal Ocean was never out of the frame in all his starts at three, four and five years.

Rated the joint-top European racehorse, alongside Enable and Waldgeist, his purchase by Coolmore for their National Hunt division may be surprising. However, according to the Beeches Stud manager Bobby McCarthy, “He’s a great outcross option for the many good mares from the Sadler’s Wells line.”

THE champion three-year-old stayer in Europe in 2017, who took some notable scalps in the Irish Derby (Cracksman, Wings Of Eagles, Waldgeist) and in the St Leger Stakes (Crystal Ocean, Stradivarius, Rekindling), and was precocious enough to win a Group Two as a juvenile.

Retires to Coolmore’s National Hunt

With Sea The Stars’ son Sea The Moon producing 18 black-type performers on the level from just two crops, Crystal Ocean will have equal appeal to Flat breeders looking for value in a middle-distance stallion.

division at Grange Stud in Ireland, alongside fellow St Leger winners Leading Light and Milan.

One of five winners by Galileo out of Dialafara, whose Group Three-winning dam Diamilina is by Linamix, sire of French National Hunt stallions Martaline and Al Namix.

Pictures by PA Archive/PA Images and Bill Selwyn

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Magna Grecia

Study Of Man

4yo by Invincible Spirit out of Cabaret (Galileo) Ran 6, won three (including two Group Ones) Coolmore Stud, Ireland FEE: €22,500 AT 340,000gns, Magna Grecia went through the ring as the highest-priced Invincible Spirit colt foal, and soon confirmed he had ability, too. On his retiring to stud, Coolmore’s director of sales David O’Loughlin said: “Magna Grecia is a top-class prospect by the sire of Kingman. He’s got the pedigree and the good looks and he beat so many good horses in both the Vertem Futurity and the 2000 Guineas.”

Magna Grecia is out of a Group Threewinning juvenile and hopes will be high that he can continue Invincible Spirit’s legacy as a sire of sires, adding to the success of Kingman, Cable Bay and I Am Invincible.

5yo by Deep Impact out of Second Happiness (Storm Cat) Ran 11, won three (including one Group One) Lanwades Stud, Newmarket, Suffolk FEE: £15,000 FOLLOWING Niniski and Hernando, the successful partnership between the Niarchos family and Lanwades Stud continues with French Derby winner Study Of Man. He is by the recently deceased Japanese champion sire Deep Impact and a grandson of Miesque.

Lanwades owner and general manager Kirsten Rausing commented: “I very much look forward to our new joint venture with Study Of Man, a really goodlooking horse with exceptional presence, great racing performance and possessing a truly world-class pedigree.”

Masar

Too Darn Hot

5yo by New Approach out of Khawiah (Cape Cross) Ran 11, won four (including one Group One) Dalham Hall Stud, Newmarket, Suffolk FEE: £15,000 GIVING Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin operation their much longed for first Derby success, trainer Charlie Appleby paid tribute on Masar’s retirement in July saying: “He gave us all an amazing day when winning the Investec Derby, when he was the first to win it in the blue colours and gave me my first domestic Classic win as a trainer. Before that, he had run out a high-class winner of both the Solario and the Craven Stakes.”

His dam won the UAE Derby and Oaks, and with Urban Sea as her third dam, Masar is the third Derby winner after Galileo and Sea The Stars from that line.

4yo by Dubawi out of Dar Re Mi (Singspiel) Ran nine, won six (including three Group Ones) Dalham Hall Stud, Newmarket, Suffolk FEE: £50,000 AN unbeaten juvenile, rated on a par with Frankel and Dream Ahead, he crowned his exceptional first season as European two-year-old of 2018. At three, early season plans were derailed — just as they got back on track in the Sussex Stakes, his career was ended by a fracture to his right cannon.

He is brother to the Group-winning fillies Lah Ti Dar and So Mi Dar, and his dam won three Group Ones and is from the same family as Darshaan. He joins his sire Dubawi at Dalham Hall and will be well supported by his breeders, with Watership Down Stud going to €1.3m (£1.1m) at the Arqana December Sale to secure Listed winner Frankel Light as a mate.

32

Mabs Cross

Laurens

6yo by Dutch Art out of Miss Meggy (Pivotal) Ran 20, won seven (including one Group One) Tweenhills Stud, Gloucestershire; visits Zoustar CARTIER Sprinter of the Year in 2018, Mabs Cross’ seven wins included the Group One Prix de l’Abbaye and back-to-back wins in the Group Three Palace House Stakes when trained

by Michael Dods. Bought back by her owner/breeders David and Emma Armstrong for 1.1m guineas at the Tattersalls December Sales, she was acquired privately by Sheikh Fahad’s Qatar Racing, to be covered

by Zoustar.

“It’s really thrilling to acquire a mare of Mabs Cross’ quality, and her purchase is another example of the complete faith we have in the Australian phenomenon that is Zoustar,” said Qatar Racing’s racing manager and Tweenhills’ owner David Redvers.

5yo by Siyouni out of Recambe (Cape Cross) Ran 17, won eight (including six Group Ones) Salcey Forest Stud, Warwickshire; visits Invincible Spirit AS a yearling, Laurens (pictured below, in front) was sold already named, a rarity in racing and a fact that persuaded John Dance to exceed his usual budget, as she shared that title with his daughter, Lauren. Using her long stride to devastating effect, she won at the highest level in every season to race when in the care of Karl Burke.

She headed to Ireland this month for a date with Invincible Spirit, chosen to inject further speed into her already classy pedigree. Her young sire Siyouni has made a huge impact and is by the sensational broodmare sire Pivotal, while her dam, Recambe, is from a strong black-type producing family. H&H

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

Pictures by Bill Selwyn and Getty Images

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RIDING IN LONDON

Hyde Park Stables Access All Areas

Saved from closing for good, these London stables are back in business with two international showjumpers at the helm, discovers Martha Terry

I

T’S the most unlikely location for a hack. To my left the street is blocked as a group of protesters denounce Donald Trump’s visit to London.

Sirens shrill above the thrum of the capital’s traffic. Behind me is the Ferris wheel of Winter Wonderland, and all the 34

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

while buggies, joggers and cyclists zip by. This is Rotten Row, a broad, sandy track in the south of Hyde Park — an avenue originally established in the 17th century. Over 300 years on, aboard a trusty piebald cob, Ivan, I trot down this same 1,384 metres of sand, and marvel at the thought of all the horses through history who have trodden this path — and the utter bombproofness of Ivan.

Rotten Row remains a bridleway through central London, and is in daily use; by the Household Cavalry and the only two riding stables in zone one — Hyde Park Stables and Ross Nye — both situated in Bathurst Mews, the only working mews left in London.

In October 2018, Hyde Park Stables looked to be consigned to history when its owner of 30 years, Dick Briggs, sold the property and horses. However, showjumping mother and owner Mandy Hall intervened.

“I felt that if we didn’t try to make a go of it, no one would, and it would just become housing,” says Mandy, who ran a large riding

Horses’ hooves have been clip-clopping down the cobbles of Bathurst Mews for centuries

An unusual hacking location: most clients are one-off visitors, wanting to experience riding through central London

to drive through Hyde Park and see the horses, and Mum would say, ‘I’d hate to do that!’”

Eight months on, however, Jodie is in charge of the social media side of the operation, and as a top international junior is the ideal flagbearer for the riding school.

Mandy adds: “It’s a good challenge and we wanted to keep going with the tradition — I love being able to open up horses to more of the public. It’s an investment — it’s a house in a London mews, it will keep its value.

“It’s rewarding and I enjoy seeing riders of every level get pleasure. My girls and I grew up in a riding school environment. It keeps the sport going — it’s not all about the elite.”

The cost of a lesson seems steep, starting at £115 per hour, but it is the going rate in the city centre (see box, p36), where every activity costs more than out of town. Mandy has simply stuck to the Briggs’ pricing system.

Jodie and Ellie stand with Ronnie, one of the school’s ponies, outside the mews’ entrance

M

Pictures by Lucy Merrell

Sisters and international showjumpers Jodie (left) and Ellie Hall-McAteer — whose mother Mandy has taken over Hyde Park Stables — aboard top rides Fantom and Crisanta on Rotten Row. ‘I’d happily move my horses here,’ says Ellie

school, Strangeways in Borehamwood, 12 miles north, until six years ago. “I wanted to have a riding school again, and I was interested by the idea of keeping horses in central London. I gave up the old one because I was concentrating on my girls’ careers and it got too big, but that’s one problem we can’t have here.”

They bought the property in April last year, managed to secure insurance — no easy task given the risks of teaching novice riders in central London — and the council’s licence in August, and opened the stables’ doors again for business in the autumn. Mandy flits between her farm in Borehamwood and Hyde Park, with the day-to-day practicalities of the yard run by manager Maja Neel Kay and assistant manager Krissie Freed, with a total team of around 12 grooms and instructors.

Mandy’s daughter Jodie Hall-McAteer, 19, who has just won the under-25 championship at Olympia, laughs: “I thought my parents were nuts when they decided to buy it. We used

ANY of the logistics and costs involved in keeping inner-city horses are alleviated by the fact that the family still run a 100-horse livery yard in Borehamwood. They have CCTV linking to their home to keep an eye on the horses, and they buy in bulk and load up the lorry to bring as much down to Hyde Park as they can store there in a garage below the stables. It sounds like an organisational nightmare, but the horses are bright and happy, the grooms smiley and relaxed, the atmosphere upbeat.

As you turn into Bathurst Mews, just five minutes’ walk from Paddington Station, there’s no indication that nine horses are hidden inside one of the pretty painted houses. There’s no “eau de manure”, no wisps of straw, no whinnying or banging doors. Then suddenly, where you’d expect to see another front door, there’s a horse’s head, with a rabbit-warren of stables behind, and a throng of jolly stable girls chattering as they muck out, just like any other yard — except in an extremely tiny space.

In fact, the new owners have enlarged the stables to give the horses more room — “there used to be three in what’s now the office,” laughs Mandy — but it’s an impressively efficient and tidy use of space. The horses are exercised at least twice a day, whether or not there are clients, and take regular holidays up at Borehamwood as, rather obviously, there’s no turnout on the streets of Paddington.

W

E head out for our hack midmorning. Krissie has lent me her horse, Ivan. She is riding another piebald, George, while Mandy’s daughter Ellie, 17, is on a brown cob, Charlie. Ellie may be

The stables are located in Bathurst Mews — the only working mews left in London today

The bombproof horses of Hyde Park Stables are well used to the city’s hustle and bustle 23 January 2020 Horse & Hound

35

RIDING IN LONDON

used to international showjumpers, but she seems just as happy with a riding school pony.

“I’m a city girl,” she says. “I just love it here.”

We set off through the quiet backstreets before queuing at a traffic light on the edge of the park. A Jaguar gets a bit close to Ivan’s tail and Krissie politely mimes at them to back off.

“We have to be assertive to ensure drivers give the horses respect,” she says. “The horses have to be bombproof because the park isn’t just a park — it’s bikes, sirens and helicopters.

“For most of our clients, riding in the park is a one-off. It’s not so much about learning, but the experience of going for a ride in central London. So as instructors, we’ve learnt to be tour guides as well.”

Krissie recognises the value of advertising the stables every time she steps into the park.

Their saddlecloths and jackets are emblazoned with “Hyde Park Stables”, which means they need to be impeccably turned out and behaved.

“Our employee style and safety has to be beyond reproach,” she says. “The first time clients go out, there’s no cantering. We head to the park on a lead-rein, whatever their ability, and check they can trot properly in balance.

You’d be amazed how many people overrate their riding experience. And we’ll always do the first canter in an arena.”

We head towards an arena, hidden by hedging, and do some light schooling, before trotting down Rotten Row and up over the Serpentine bridge. Ivan is a lovely, level ride,

‘We get plenty of celebs, such as Hugh Grant’s kids’ ASSISTANT MANAGER KRISSIE FREED

soft in the hand and forward-going. Although Krissie jokes that Mandy’s trying to source some non-coloureds simply for appearances’ sake, the ones they have are far from the riding school stereotype. Talking of equine class, as we amble towards a second arena, we spot that Jodie has brought her Olympia-bound Fantom down from Borehamwood for a change of scene. Ellie’s horse Crisanta is also there and she swaps horses, handing Charlie over to Krissie to lead him home.

I’m surprised that the girls have brought

Ambassadors for the sport: Jodie and Ellie could be just what’s needed to encourage riding in the heart of London and to open up horses to a new audience

their top rides to such a buzzy environment the week before a big show, but both horses seem unfazed by the hubbub and enjoy a short pipe-opener along Rotten Row. “I’d happily move my horses here,” says Ellie. “We’d love to be able to find a block where we can have proper indoor stabling, and I have plans for the garage area. Perhaps we could have a treadmill, maybe a horse walker, perhaps we could dig down and create more space! I’m a dreamer…”

B

ACK at the mews, Popcorn, a fluffy 11.2hh grey is being readied for threeyear-old Isla to ride. Isla had fallen off her own pony the previous week and needs a confidence boost. She heads nervously out to the park flanked by instructors on each side, and comes home beaming. Winter may be the quiet season, but there’s a steady trickle of clients even on this frosty day.

“Most of our clients are one-off, although you can book a course, and we get plenty of celebs, such as Hugh Grant’s kids, and Beyoncé’s choreographer recently,” says Krissie, who used to work at the yard during Mr Briggs’ tenure. “In the summer we’ll have a two- to three-week waiting list. With the new owners, we’ll be able to keep some horses up at Borehamwood and bring them down just for the day so we can fulfil the demand for clients.”

For Krissie, 23, the experience of working alongside riders and trainers with the

Siân Wakley (left) and Krissie prepare the 11.2hh Popcorn for a ride with a young client 36

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

international expertise of Jodie, Ellie and Mandy makes this traditional stables a cuttingedge career move.

“I’ve worked at places with better facilities, but the sense of progression you have here and the team I work with make this a brilliant job,” she says. “If I want to teach a horse how to do flying changes, I can. We are a young team and it’s exciting to visualise the future.”

A year ago, Hyde Park Stables didn’t look to have a future. Now it seems to be flourishing, with hooves clattering down the mews just as they have done for hundreds of years.

As I leave, I pass the office door, adorned with photos of Jodie and Ellie’s international successes, the likes of Salt’N Peppa, Fantom and the wonder-pony Tixylix, who has embryo transfer foals due by Je T’Aime Flamenco and Big Star. The stables’ main market may be one-off clients for now, but this calibre of rider could be just the inspiration that’s needed for riders in the heart of London. H&H ESSENTIAL INFO

OPEN seven days a week (rides 9am-3pm).

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Private ride or arena lesson: £145 per hour (course of 10: £1,300).

Children’s half-day camps: £260. hydeparkstables.com; 020 7723 2813

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PLUS

COMPETITION FEED

The right fuel

A

S competitive riders, we rely on our horse’s feed to help ensure he is in good condition, wellmuscled, has enough stamina and can cope with the workload. But with myriad options out there, it can be hard to know if we are providing our horse with exactly what he needs.

“Feeding is as simple or as complex as you make it,” says British Horse Feeds consultant nutritionist Dr Tom Shurlock. “Diets must be based on forage — grazing, haylage or hay.

This will supply a significant proportion of all the nutrients required. In the case of trace elements, forage will supply nearly all that are needed, with the possible exception of copper, zinc and selenium. There may be a shortfall of energy, for which a super-fibre [highly 38

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

digestible fibre], or grain-based supplement may help; or protein, for which a balancer or high-protein feed will also help.”

By starting with forage, adding a superfibre and “topping up” with a balancer, the basic needs of an active horse will be met.

A

MORE precise breakdown of nutritional components is usually best left to the feed companies.

“It is possible to analyse your horse’s nutritional intake, but the ability to buy those individual vitamins and minerals in the small quantity that they would be needed is virtually nil,” says Nicola Tyler of TopSpec. “In terms of the micronutrients [vitamins and minerals], it’s better to ask a specialist feed company, via their free advice line, for an appropriate

product. We ask at least 30 questions before we even think about providing an answer. Talk to a few so you can make an informed decision on what will work for your horse.”

Kate Hore, registered nutritionist at NAF, agrees: “It’s not easy for the average owner to work out a balanced diet by analysing, and you run the risk of doing more harm than good. We advise choosing a company you trust to provide true diet-balancing products.”

Kate advises avoiding products that claim to provide 100% of a recommended daily intake, as these products haven’t considered the contribution from the largest part of the diet — fibre and forage.

“A true diet balancer will look at what grazing provides, what is deficient in preserved forage, and balance around that. Look for

At peak fitness: balancing the nutritional demands of a competition horse can be complex and require professional help

a company with a registered nutritionist [denoted by the title RNutr], and experienced vets, who can provide unique diet-balancing products that go beyond the simple box-ticking exercise of matching nutrient tables.”

It is not only a horse’s hard feed that can be analysed, but also their forage, says Stephanie George of Saracen Horse Feeds.

“We advise having forage tested in relation to issues that can be affected by nutrient levels, such as high sugar levels for horses who tie up, or who have problems with weight management or energy levels.”

Dengie’s Katie Williams explains what you would hope for in the forage analysis results.

“For the performance horse, a protein level of 10% is ideal. Generally a more digestible forage is better for performance horses. You are also looking for a good calcium to phosphorous ratio of around 2:1, and ideally a potassium level of 2%. Selenium and copper are the two minerals that are always low in UK forages; it is a bonus if there is more than 5mg/kg copper.”

supplementing with vitamin E.” Protein is something else to consider.

“Generally speaking, if you are feeding sufficient energy then you’re feeding sufficient protein,” says Kate. “Grazing or hay alone will meet the protein requirements of most competition horses. However, a product with key amino acids, such as methionine and lysine, will ensure quality growth and repair of muscle. Competition horses also require electrolytes to replace essential body salts.”

Dengie’s Katie Williams points out that the horse will usually indicate if something is lacking: “The most obvious signs are poor performance, weight loss, crumbly hooves and dull coat, but also more serious problems, such as equine rhabdomyolysis syndrome, gastric ulcers or colic,” she says. “If you are concerned, speak to your vet and nutritionist to formulate a more suitable diet.”

Care must be taken not to feed too much of certain vitamins or minerals.

“Horses are very adept at regulating their vitamin and mineral levels, and toxicity occurs

‘It’s not easy for the average owner to work out a balanced diet by analysing’ NAF’S REGISTERED NUTRITIONIST KATE HORE

Pictures by sarahfarnsworth.co.uk and IBC Photography

Nutrition plays an enormous part in a competition horse’s performance, but how do you know if you are getting it right?

Stephanie Bateman investigates

It’s also advisable to get your soil analysed.

“Soil analysis is particularly helpful when trying to improve your grazing as it will inform an agronomist as to what fertilisers may be beneficial,” adds Katie. “It can also give an indication as to what minerals may be lacking in the forages grown on it.”

Soil deficiencies depend on where you live.

“Different areas have different types of soil,” says Alex Gingell, managing director of Hack Up Bespoke. “In the same way farmers across the country grow some crops better than others because of the soil, it can determine the quality of grazing, too. A soil map of the UK developed by Cranfield University is easily accessible online. Grass does best on alkaline soil that is predominantly chalk/limestone and has good drainage.”

T

YPICALLY, a competition horse’s nutritional requirements differ to those of a horse in light work; the question is how to provide for the extra demands.

“Competition horses may require more energy than they get from forage alone,” says Kate Hore. “The most easily bio-available form of energy is oil. Use a vegetable oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and introduce it gradually,

at much higher levels than you are likely to provide through feed and supplements,” says Stephanie. “There are exceptions — selenium has a much higher toxicity level and care must be taken not to overfortify. It’s also worth mentioning iron — horses do not suffer from iron deficiencies in the same way as humans. If your horse has low iron levels, this indicates he is suffering from an issue that won’t be solved with iron supplements.”

Some diet-related conditions need to be managed.

“There is a whole range of dietary-induced disorders,” says Dr Tom Shurlock. “In many cases, they can be linked to the overfeeding of starch or sugar and protein. Excess of the former can lead to insulin resistance, azoturia, equine polysaccharide storage myopathy [PSSM, a genetic disease that causes azoturia], inflammatory processes, ulcers and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Protein excess can cause metabolic problems, as well as contributing towards absorbable hindgut endotoxins.”

As the saying goes, “You are what you eat.” If you’re aiming to produce a tip-top competition horse this season, it pays to work out what brings out the best in him and feed the appropriate diet. H&H

‘Our soil was deficient in selenium’ WHEN Hayley Marsh’s 12-year-old thoroughbred polocrosse mare Kuala (pictured, ridden by Matt Hale) tied up for the first time, previous experience of similar problems led Hayley to wonder if there was a selenium deficiency in the soil.

“We’d moved our horses to new pasture and I’d seen similar symptoms in other horses before,” Hayley says. “After she tied up a second time, my vet blood tested and confirmed azoturia, and I had my soil tested, which showed a selenium deficiency.

I instantly put Kuala on a selenium and

vitamin E supplement, and she hasn’t tied up since. She’s playing the winter polocrosse season and is fully back to herself.”

H&H consultant vet Karen Coumbe advises caution and that you should seek veterinary advice before administering supplements, as selenium, in particular, can be toxic in excess.

“The muscle diseases that are part of the tying-up process are complicated and multifactorial,” Karen says. “Vitamin E deficiency can potentially be a problem if a horse does not get sufficient grass.”

23 January 2020 Horse & Hound

39

PRODUCTS

At the top of your game A selection of feeds formulated with performance in mind to set your horse up strongly for your 2020 competition schedule

BRITISH HORSE FEEDS FIBRE-BEET A source of highly digestible fibre and slowrelease energy, and can aid hydration as fed wet. £14 for 20kg britishhorsefeeds.com

TOPSPEC PERFORMANCE LITE BALANCER

HIGHCLERE CASTLE OATS Provides slow and fast energy release — oats have the highest fibre content of all the grains. £8.59 for 20kg highclerecastle horsefeeds.co.uk

MOLLICHAFF ALFALFA OIL

Provides a range of supplements in a lowcalorie feed for good-doers in medium to hard work. £27.75 for 15kg topspec.com

Naturally high in fibre and provides slow release energy — ideal for horses who require increased condition or energy. £11.30 for 15kg horsehageforage.co.uk

BLUE CHIP PRO FEED BALANCER

ALLEN & PAGE SOOTHE & GAIN

Contains vitamins, minerals and nutrients for optimum condition and correct metabolic and immune function. £34.95 for 15kg bluechipfeed.com

A high-calorie, low-starch and low-sugar soaked feed — ideal for horses competing, in harder work or needing condition. £11.99 for 15kg allenandpage.com

40

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

EQUERRY PERFORMANCE CUBES Contains highly digestible cereals to meet energy demands and offer a source of quality protein. £12.95 for 20kg equerryhorsefeeds.com

SPILLERS RESPONSE SLOW RELEASE ENERGY CUBES

CASTLE HORSE FEEDS SMART ZERO MIX

A blend of cereal starch, fibre and oil to deliver manageable power. £11.90 for 20kg spillers-feeds.com

Low-sugar and low-starch competition mix with a fully balanced vitamin and mineral profile. £14.29 for 15kg castlehorsefeeds.com

SARACEN COMPETITION FIT MIX

DENGIE PERFORMANCE FIBRE

EQUIFEAST WINNING EDGE CORE STARTER

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Winning at winter With the horse obesity crisis in full swing, owners must act now to manage their horse’s condition — and reap the rewards in their performance

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HE equine obesity crisis should be on every owner’s radar, whether they own a hairy native pony or a sleek, competitive warmblood.

In fact, leading practitioners and equine charities state that obesity is the biggest welfare issue currently facing horses in the UK. Horses are especially prone to weight gain during the summer season, and the winter months provide ample opportunity to combat this, with poorer grazing and colder weather meaning horses burn more calories to keep warm. But, once the cold, dark days set in, it can be difficult for owners to take full advantage of the season.

“The obesity situation is getting worse,” says Lizzie Drury, senior nutritionist at Saracen Horse Feeds. “There is more awareness of the risks associated with equine obesity, but it is concerning that we don’t seem to be making enough of an impression with people when it comes to getting the epidemic under control.

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Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

“The reality is that for most owners, their horses are doing less work and have less turnout in winter, and so require fewer calories from hard feed.

“However, there is an emotional side when it comes to feeding in cold, wet weather,” she adds, warning that it is all too easy for owners to overfeed in an effort to keep their horses comfortable in adverse conditions.

“First and foremost, make sure you’re feeding optimum levels of forage and fibre, before you even think about hard feed,” advises Lizzie. “If you have a horse who easily loses

‘Most horses are doing less work in winter, so require fewer calories’ NUTRITIONIST LIZZIE DRURY

condition you can feed this on an ad lib basis, but for horses who are good-doers, aim to feed about 1.5% of their bodyweight in forage per day, to encourage weight loss.

“When it comes to hard feed, the best thing you can do in most cases is to feed a good quality balancer, such as Saracen’s Essential Balancer, and to mix it with a low-calorie chaff,” Lizzie explains.

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EEDING your horse fewer calories during the winter months is not the only way to take responsibility for his weight.

“Helping your horse to shed the kilos shouldn’t be an intimidating prospect, although it can sometimes seem so,” says Lizzie. “My advice is to think about the methods that will work best for you and your horse. Increasing exercise, clipping or using fewer rugs than usual are all options to help keep the weight off. But for many owners it’s not practical to adopt some or all of these options; in which case they should focus on diet as a priority.”

One of the most important ways in which an owner can help their horse maintain a healthy weight all year round is to adopt a body condition scoring rota.

Know your horse — condition score him on a regular basis, or ask someone to do it for you, so you know what is normal for him and in what condition he performs at his best

Rib scoring

LEARNING to assess the rib area correctly when body condition scoring can be helped by the following tips.

TOO THIN IF the rib cage feels similar to running your fingers over your knuckle, your horse is too thin. Contact a qualified nutritionist for advice to suit your horse’s needs.

All horses are individuals — Valegro ‘performs at his best’ with his body condition just above optimum, explains Lizzie Drury

him that this is where he performs and recovers the best. That said, we never wanted him to go above a 6.5.”

Pictures by Jon Stroud Media

L “First off, create a rota whereby you nominate a person to condition score your horse for you on a regular basis — or you may opt to do it yourself,” says Lizzie. “If you are unsure of the knowledge or understanding required, ask for help from your vet or feed support representative. Ensure you are getting your advice from a professional, and not from social media or an online forum.

“Familiarise yourself with condition charts to get an idea of what you are looking for, and then practise. You’re not expected to condition score your horse and get it right first time. But with practice you will get accustomed to how your horse feels and what is normal for him.”

Lizzie emphasises that the ideal condition score will vary slightly between horses, and that just because your horse routinely scores the same, this doesn’t necessarily mean that he is at a healthy weight.

“Individual horses all have their own ‘fighting weight’, at which they work, perform and recover at their best,” she explains. “Not all horses are a perfect five, and I often refer to Valegro as a classic example of this — when he was at the peak of his dressage career he would body condition score at a 5.5 or six. He sits just above optimum but we knew by monitoring

IZZIE points out that although certain types of equines, such as smaller ponies and native breeds, are typically at greater risk of carrying excess weight, every horse owner should be taking action, and ensuring they are not in denial about their horse’s true condition.

“What is worrying is that there is much more obesity to be found within the sport horse/warmblood sector nowadays,” she says.

“It’s not just ponies or horses who are out of work who are at risk of becoming overweight; this is also something affecting professionals’ horses. There are disciplines in which we typically see more obesity, such as showing and dressage, but nowadays I see many more showjumpers who are more than well-covered and could do with losing weight.”

Lizzie adds that body condition scoring should be used in conjunction with careful observation of your horse, so look out for other tell-tale signs that he could be carrying too much weight, such as excess sweating and reduced exercise tolerance.

“The only way you can find your horse’s ‘fighting weight’ is by monitoring his performance alongside his weight and body condition score,” she continues. “Monitor your horse all year round, and keep notes on his performance and how he feels to ride to help you keep track. Fat on a horse acts as an insulator, and if they can’t cool down effectively they will blow more and sweat more.

“Taking photos for comparison is a good way to track your horse year-round. Take a photo from the side, from behind and, where practical, as close to an aerial shot as you can manage. You can then send these to a nutritionist for advice — after all, we are there to help and support.” H&H

OVERWEIGHT IF the rib area feels more like the thumb area of the inside of your palm, your horse’s weight may need assessing.

When gently pressing this area of your palm you will feel a fleshy area without any obvious connection with a bony area.

This would be similar to the rib cage of an overweight horse.

JUST RIGHT RUNNING your finger across your closed hand will give a more correct reflection of how the rib area of the horse should feel. The ribs should have a slight covering with the ability to feel the ribs without pushing.

23 January 2020 Horse & Hound

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HUNTING

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

Hunter healthcare A season plagued by rain of biblical proportions can take its toll on your hunters. Preparation is the key to survival, ďŹ nds Madeleine Silver

Mud, not-so glorious mud: thorough horse maintenance before and after hunting is key to stop any niggling problems setting in due to the particularly wet weather this season

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Pictures by sarahfarnsworth.co.uk, Ian Tolputt and Peter Nixon

TRUGGLING to lift his hunt coat, soaked with rain, at the end of the day has been a familiar predicament for the Heythrop’s joint-master Simon Lawrance this season. For the first time, the coach and former top-level eventer, who runs a hunter livery yard in Oxfordshire, has resorted to putting on his Ri-Dry mac at second horses on the foulest days.

But there is a saving grace.

“People always say to me, ‘Oh, was it an awful day?’, but for some brilliant reason I don’t really seem to think about the weather,” he says. “I’ve been doing this for such a long time and if you waited for nice weather you’d never get on.”

Instead, says Simon, preparation is the secret to enduring relentless rain and keeping his hunters happy.

“I decant pig oil and sulphur into a garden spray bottle, and put that on their legs and under their tummy — it means the mud doesn’t stick as well and it acts as some kind of lubricant,” he says.

“I also tend to put the horses’ tails up when it’s really wet. But I check that they’re OK with it at home first because I have known some to react quite badly. You don’t want to get bucked off at the meet so it’s worth doing it before when you’re exercising.”

Feeding R-Oil, a cold-pressed rapeseed oil, is another must for Simon.

“I think it’s really good for their skin,” he says. “And because we’re on our hunters a lot longer than in other disciplines, I’m always really aware — and especially when it’s wet and there’s a lot of mud — that the tack must be clean and supple.

I use neatsfoot oil and glycerine on the tack and make sure numnahs are clean, good quality

FIVE SECRETS TO SURVIVING A WET SEASON

1. DRY, DRY, DRY “Don’t leave numnahs and brushing boots damp between hunting and then reuse them,” says veterinary surgeon Charlie Pinkham, who runs Pinkham Equine in Wiltshire.

“Make sure they are cleaned and dried, to avoid them harbouring bacteria and causing dermatitis.”

2. DON’T PICK

Warwickshire stud groom Emma Goffe cleaning tack thoroughly

and don’t slip. The tack also needs to be well fitting. And I choose not to put boots on — I think they’re an absolute poisoned chalice at this time of year — but you have to know your horse and do what works for you.”

‘PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE’ THE Warwickshire’s stud groom Emma Goffe works by a similar mantra in wet weather.

“Prevention is better than cure, so I prep the horses before anything could possibly happen,” she says. Along with pig-oiling the 13 horses in her charge the day before they go hunting, they get done again before their tack is put on, and udder cream is then applied to their heels.

“It’s an antiseptic, it’s cheap and cheerful, and it soaks into the skin, so you’re not bringing your horse out covered in white.

“The weather has been horrendous and so it has probably

been one of the toughest seasons to keep them all on board,” admits Emma. “It’s not just when they go hunting that they’re getting wet.

It’s at home, on the roads or every time you move them to the walker.

And then it becomes mild and that’s perfect for bacteria to grow, so you feel like you’re fighting it all the time.”

But Emma and her team’s carefully constructed system keeps the wheels churning.

“Any little scratch doesn’t go unnoticed — even if it looks clean, we put cream on it. And I try not to pick and fuss,” she says. “When they come back from hunting, I will put a little bit of Hibiscrub in their wash-off water. I’m a bucket and sponge person, because I like to put my hands over them — it means you can feel for thorns and any lumps and bumps. Using a pressure washer doesn’t suit me at all.

“After they’ve been rinsed off with warm water, I’ll throw a

“It’s good to get rid of mud fever-related scabs because they harbour the bacteria underneath, but in doing so, try hard not to irritate the skin,” says Charlie, who suggests softening the scabs first.

Heythrop joint-master Simon Lawrance applies cream before putting clingfilm over the scabs and bandaging the legs overnight to soften any scabs and bring them off.

3. FOCUS ON THE DETAIL “I really encourage all the girls to put hoof oil on every day because as much as anything, it makes them feel around for scabs or any problems,” says Simon.

“With modern-day rugging and everybody washing, you sometimes don’t even see the horse properly in detail. And so, I like to see the girls with a brush in their hand.”

4. DON’T HANG AROUND “After hunting we try not to hang around having tea but instead get straight home and get the horses properly clean,” says the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale’s joint-master Ryan Bliss.

“We want to get their sweat rugs on and get them dry, and then we change their rugs later at night.”

5. AND FINALLY… PUT YOUR FEET UP

‘If you waited for nice weather you’d never get on,’ says Heythrop joint-master Simon Lawrance, who uses pig oil and sulphur on his hunters’ legs to stop mud sticking

Restore your own posthunting sanity with a hot bath filled with a generous dose of Epsom salts, says Simon.

For the Warwickshire’s stud groom Emma Goffe, a cup of tea, the fire and a box of chocolates is the ultimate post-rain remedy.

“I think if I had a stiff drink after every hard day, I’d be an alcoholic!” she laughs.

23 January 2020 Horse & Hound

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HUNTING bucket of cold water and iodine over their legs and so it closes all their pores up, and means that any little scratch that you might have missed — because you can’t get everything — is hit with some kind of antiseptic.”

Heels are then dried off and cream applied if needed, before their legs are bandaged. The following day the bandages are removed and the horses trotted up.

“Then I go over their body and legs again and we treat any little sore bits,” says Emma. “It’s just about keeping an eye on them and not missing anything.”

Post-hunting, Simon tends to only wash areas coated in mud, to preserve natural oils.

“They normally have baths before hunting, so they don’t need another great wash afterwards.

And I like my horses to go out the day after hunting if possible, so they’re only going to get dirty again,” he says. “Ours are clipped regularly which makes a difference when you’re trying

to keep them clean, and their heels are trimmed out. We’re also fortunate that I have a big arena to exercise them in — some people can only go out in the mud, which makes it really hard.”

DISCIPLINE PAYS OFF SIMON heeds the principle that old-school discipline pays off, particularly in bleak weather.

“I worked for lots of scary people [at the start of my career] but that discipline has put me in good stead, and my team here are brilliant and have those high standards. It was a different era then — you never washed the horses, and you used thatching [a traditional method of drying off a horse using straw],” he remembers.

“There were people I worked for where I had to polish the brass taps weekly. There was one who liked the tack to be cleaned when it was still warm and for the horse to be brushed while still warm, too. Quite how you were supposed to manage that I don’t know…”

Clean off mud at the end of the day, looking for any little scratches

ONLY IN HORSE & HOUND

‘Make our sport sustainable’ BY now, our community should have toasted the result of the general election. It was proof — and proof was needed — that this country suffers from a vocal minority but, when the chips are down, benefits from a silent majority. Because someone shouts the loudest and is the most aggressive or vitriolic does not mean their strongly held views will resonate with others.

It appears we still live in a country where reasoned debate with a friendly tone is what the majority of us want to see.

The hunting community will be working hard to ensure we have a positive end to a season that could have, at times, seen Noah in search of more gopher wood with which to build Ark II. Our landowners and farmers must be thanked and then thanked again, as it has not stopped raining for any period of time since October. It makes it harder to open country for a day, it means more mess when Richard Gurney is joint-master of the Old Surrey Burstow and West Kent.

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Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

OPINION

parking cars and lorries, and it is depressing getting so wet all the time. Let us hope for a good scenting end to the wettest winter I can remember.

CONSISTENCY IS KEY WHEN we reach the end of this season, I believe it is time for us to come together as a community and be as one in our approach and strategy for developing our sport and making it relevant and sustainable for the next generation. We will achieve this through dialogue, not hunt politics, and it will require a huge amount of work.

But we enter this decade knowing we must engage with this mammoth task en masse.

We must sing with one voice to deliver a consistent and positive message to the outside world and to our political masters, who have had to endure our opponents delivering theirs — usually consisting of dodgy statistics and half truths, but regularly and efficiently — for many years.

Never have they, however, delivered any evidence supporting a ban on hunting improving the lot of the fox, or even how it has fared since the ban.

‘WE’RE FAR FROM A LOST CAUSE’ BE in no doubt our opponents want to see hunting within the law banned — this is the very real danger we now face. But we are far from a lost cause. For example, I regularly have to take hounds near or across a main road. Four out of five cars that have had to slow up for

us immediately take pictures, smile and say “have a good day” or “lovely to see you”, and only one will call in to question my parentage.

The time has come to level the playing field with our opponents and for a fight-back so emphatic and positive that our sport can be proud. It has survived without much help since the ban and now is the time to work on our image and rebuild our strategy. Any initiative will only be a success if we join together and work together, and if we do that we will benefit together.

It will fall largely to the Hunting Office and the Countryside Alliance to lead us, but every pack of registered hounds in this country has to get on the front foot, promote our many positive attributes and participate in this. And if I’m correct, the public will support us and our place in the 21st century will be deserved and assured. H&H

NEXT WEEK

Percy huntsman Robert McCarthy

Pictures by Catherine Austen

Rebuilding our strategy and image will pay dividends, says Richard Gurney

While old-school horsemanship may well be ingrained in Simon, he never stops learning.

“There’s so much more at our disposal now and I try not to be one of those people who says: ‘Oh in our day we never did that…’ Last year I invested in new rugs with detachable neck covers and they’ve been brilliant.

And modern rugs with liners and different weights, as well as Thermatex rugs, make life easier,” he says.

“I try to choose the best of the products without completely forgetting horsemanship, which is about looking at and feeling your horse, and being aware that they’re all individuals.

“What works for one doesn’t work for another. So much of it is about setting up your horse at the beginning of the season and being able to have them checked over and given a MOT,” he adds.

It was nearly a decade spent on and off with National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls that instilled similarly meticulous standards into the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale joint-master Ryan Bliss.

“With any horse management issue, I always refer back to what Clifford Baker [head lad at Paul’s Ditcheat yard] taught me,” he says. “He’d always be very quick to pick up any tweak in their legs, and I like to think I’d be pretty good at picking up an injury before it becomes an issue as well,” Ryan says.

“Every night and morning we run our hands down the horses’ legs, and so if there’s something that isn’t right you can get it treated. I’m certainly not one to keep bashing on when there’s a question mark over the horse.

“You have to treat it if they’re going to last, then they might be out for a week rather than the season. And if I’m in any doubt I get it scanned,” adds Ryan, who is conscious of factoring in conditions on days that he’s field mastering — for the sake of farmers and followers.

“We’re all in the entertainment business and if the punters are soaking wet and they’re looking at you as if to say, ‘Are we done?’, I don’t think you should plough on selfishly. And, crucially, you have to respect your farmers as well.” H&H

In particularly muddy country, consider putting the horse’s tail up

HUNTING

Fit for a king

Selecting a stag to hunt carries a large amount of responsibility, says Rebecca Jordan, who explains the role of the harbourer in staghunting

Martyn Lock, a harbourer for the Devon and Somerset Staghounds on Exmoor. It is his responsibility to identify which deer are in need of culling to keep the overall population healthy

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HE glimpse of a stag in the autumn at rutting or an unexpected encounter of a herd of hinds on Exmoor is a spectacle relished by locals and visitors alike. Their majesty is undeniable. However, what is taken for granted is the herd’s robust health, and this does not happen by chance. For centuries, the sole reason red deer have survived and flourished here is the acknowledged consequence of the unique symbiosis between the farming and hunting communities.

From Saxon times, when much of Exmoor was a royal forest, strict laws protected deer to maintain a supply of venison and a hunting ground for the king.

The antiquity of staghunting on Exmoor is well-documented, with the first records of hounds being kept at Simonsbath in 1598 or thereabouts. Between then and about 1775 the warden of the forest was responsible for maintaining forest law and the supply of venison to the royal courts, and also acted as master of the staghounds.

Latterly and as the forest boundaries contracted, the role became the responsibility of the master of the North Devon Staghounds, the precursor to the Devon and Somerset Staghounds which continue to exercise the management of the deer today.

The deer belong to whosoever’s ground they travel across or feed on. The fact that landowners stomach significant damage to crops and field boundaries is testament to the reverence with which the deer are held on Exmoor.

Its population has remained constant at 3,400 head for the past eight years. According to the Exmoor and District Deer Management Society, which organises the annual February count, this figure is healthy for 692sq km (267sq miles) of moor;

MANAGING THE HERD ON each day of research and observation, the decision as to which deer is singled out to be hunted is ultimately down to one of four individuals, the harbourers.

Martyn Lock, a builder, is responsible for researching the health and population level of the deer from Dulverton along to

Martyn informs the masters at the meet as to the whereabouts of the selected deer

Winsford Hill, Simonsbath, Yard Down and North Molton, and then back along the old railway line to Dulverton.

Martyn, 56, has fulfilled this role for 22 years. As a child, he spent hours in the woods with his father watching deer, fascinated by their habits and in awe of their intelligence. He was soon recruited by Charles Parker, then harbouring the whole of the Devon and Somerset Staghounds country.

“Harbouring is my way of helping look after the herd while giving back something for the pleasure they have given me all these years. It gives me a little bit of say in how the herd is managed, how healthy it is,” explains Martyn, who shares this role with Kevin Atkins, Andrew Gill and Rob Govier.

“They are exceptionally intelligent animals. I never tire of observing how they use water, wind — even other animals — to

‘The deer are exceptionally intelligent animals,’ says Martyn

cover their tracks. You can almost see their brains working as they go about it in their own way. On a bad scenting day, I have seen hounds run right around a deer lying tight and wind no scent off it.

“And deer have a tremendous sense of smell. I witnessed a herd travel two miles overnight

between Lyshwell and West Molland and back to feed on the best grub. Despite being creatures of great habit, that herd had never been that way before yet it knew the best feed was there — without anything in the sky to guide them.”

Deer are grazers. They instinctively keep moving to avoid danger and feed at night. With

Pictures by Cat Down Photography

stock are fit, in good condition and breeding regularly.

This balance cannot be achieved without a degree of culling. They have no natural predator. What is important is that the right deer are selected to maintain herd quality. These are old stags breeding with their daughters, those with inferior heads (antlers), and any males and females ill or injured.

A stag does not reach maturity and reign over a herd of hinds until he is at least six years old. It is, however, possible from three or four years old to discern which animals will carry the perfect head. Their antler’s formation will already aspire to brow, bay, tray and points on top.

At kennels, there is a display of antlers of stags dispatched each autumn and spring. This levels at about 20 in the autumn; no more than 15 in spring. They tell the story more clearly than anyone else. What you see hanging there aren’t the beautifully proportioned trophies mounted over the fireplace and in the hallway of hotels and grand houses — these are mostly misshapen and disfigured. Those stags with the most impressive antlers are still out on Exmoor breeding.

23 January 2020 Horse & Hound

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HUNTING Stags chosen for culling include those with inferior heads (antlers) — such as this stag pictured, which only has one brow point

some herds numbering up to 80 hinds, they can inflict the most terrible damage in their wake.

They will decimate a field of roots as they take just one bite out of every swede and move on. They would rather lie in corn than eat it — although they have a weakness for oats.

“Farmers know and recognise deer that live on their land; there is tremendous rivalry as to who has the best stag. But the unspoken principle is that this information is kept within the community to avoid poachers increasingly coming in and shooting for venison,” explains Martyn.

He is on the lookout for old and weak stags, those that have proven themselves as poor breeders or others which have bred for three seasons and are now starting to cover their own daughters. The rut lasts for about a month in October. Each season, the stag’s opening roar is akin to the excitement experienced with the first call heralding the arrival of the cuckoo in spring.

“Some years it seems to take them a while to get going, but it always finishes at the same time,” says Martyn.

pick their brains and find out what they have seen on their patch.

“It is a privilege to watch the deer come back into the woods and sheltered valleys. They can wind you 400 yards [366 metres] away. I was given a telescope by John Ackland’s family after he passed away, which allows me to often watch undetected from the other side of the valley,” says Martyn, who is entitled to, but does not claim, £25 for every stag harboured.

“Although they are creatures of habit, all the time I am secondguessing where exactly they will lie up for the day depending on the wind and rain. Bracken or leaves camouflage them so if you don’t get to the right place early enough to see the deer come back in, you are unlikely to see them again that day. That can be very stressful. In the spring it is much

easier, as the young stags are as bold as brass and often lie out in the sun.”

Once Martyn is confident he knows where that day’s deer have settled, someone else will stay nearby to keep an eye on them.

Colin Dayment and Hilary Needs are a great help throughout.

“I couldn’t manage without them,” says Martyn, who then goes off to put the local farmers, landowners and keepers in the picture.

“Around Molland, that can mean contacting up to 15 farmers that morning. Time gets a bit tight before I have to get to the meet at 11am,” says Martyn.

There is almost a reverential hush as the harbourer walks into the meet. This is the first time any information about the location of the day’s deer is passed on.

Masters are informed first, then

‘IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO WATCH THEM’ DURING the season, Martyn leaves home in the dark three mornings a fortnight so as to be in position before the deer return from feeding to where they lie up for the day. During the previous two days, he will have visited keepers and farmers in the area to 50

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

Martyn uses a telescope to spot deer, so he can remain undetected

Peter Heard, the huntsman. The selected stag’s identity will be described by its distinguishing antlers.

Only once the selected deer is split off from the herd can Martyn start to relax. From then on, it is down to just two hounds and the scent of the deer as to what unfolds during the day. Without a pack, it is much harder to put pressure on the deer to leave its lear (its patch of “home turf ”) cleanly and quickly.

Martyn says: “These are wild animals moving within their own environment, using highly developed instincts. By no means are all accounted for and good luck to them. A few years back there was a stag that never shed its horns — they were about 18 inches long and 1½ inches thick.

He looked like a strong stag and rutted, but he needed removing with an inferior head like that.

“He outwitted us for six seasons and when we did eventually account for him, he had no testicles. I should think he had ripped his scrotal sac on a wire fence at some point.”

BLAME IT ON THE WEATHER BLOOD is taken from every deer accounted for.

“Just looking at them, you know these deer are well, but analysing that blood gives a better insight into whether they are short of any nutrients and how that status could be affected by changes in management on Exmoor,” explains Martyn who, along with masters and huntsmen, records all his observations.

“Although the population has not altered much in the past decade, there is a definite shift in where the deer can be found,” says Martyn. “They are no longer equally spread over Exmoor because there are fewer havens of peace and quiet nowadays.

“This increased concentration of numbers is leading to health problems. In overpopulated areas such as Baronsdown [the “wildlife sanctuary” owned by the League Against Cruel Sports], there is a real problem with tuberculosis.

We are also aware of the creeping incidence of Johne’s disease, liver fluke, worms and ticks.”

Martyn also recognises the unsettled seasons are affecting the deer. In November, he came across a week-old calf hidden in the bracken. Its peers are usually born in June.

“Its mother will have to stay back in the valley this winter if that calf is to survive so she will not be able to feed as well. I have never come across that before,” he says. H&H

LEGENDS OF THE CHASE

‘By his retirement in 1976, he was an institution respected throughout Cumbria’

Anthony Chapman THIS successful huntsman from a Fell dynasty carried the Coniston horn for more than 30 years.

From a family synonymous with the Fells, this long-serving huntsman was respected throughout Cumbria, thanks to his impressive tally

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HE Fell packs were lucky to have some huge characters at the helm during the 20th century, bringing stability along with great sport. They include the Porters of Eskdale and Ennerdale fame, Johnny Richardson from the Blencathra and Pritch Bland of the Melbreak, to name but a few.

During this period, the Coniston hunt was blessed with the continuity of the Chapman family, particularly Anthony Chapman, who was huntsman from 1944 until 1976. The Chapman name was synonymous with the Windermere Harriers, a pack that amalgamated with the Coniston in 1908. Thomas Chapman was the first huntsman of the Windermere Harriers, or Bowness Harriers, when they were formed in 1860. He

had previously hunted both the Patterdale Foxhounds and the Coniston Foxhounds.

Called by some “the best huntsman in England”, Thomas would walk the 24 miles to Kendall after hunting to visit his first wife and then return for 5am the next day.

Thomas handed over the horn to his nephew Anthony in 1881, who retired in 1905 and was succeeded by his son Tom. When they amalgamated with the Coniston, Tom’s brother George was put on as huntsman and he hunted the hounds for 23 seasons. George’s son Anthony was 18 years old when he took the position as whipper-in to the Coniston in 1932, the season after his father retired as huntsman.

Ernest Parker was the huntsman and Anthony whipped-

in until 1940 when, in his words, “my age group had to register for national service. The hunt had to be cut down to size with only one man and fewer hounds. I was told I had to go shepherding.”

Ernest Parker was eventually unable to continue as huntsman on account of ill health, so Anthony came back to work for the Coniston in 1944 as huntsman. Foxes were far more prevalent in post-war Cumbria and the Fell packs played a vital part as the sheep farmer’s primary method of fox control.

The hunt was an integral part of the community, with huge local interest in the hounds, the huntsman and of course both the sport they were producing and the number of foxes they killed.

Weekly updates appeared in the local press, with comments such

as, “Seven kills in four meets gave the Coniston foxhounds a remarkable record last week.”

In those days, the death of a fox was something upon which to be congratulated. It was written in April 1955 that, “it is probably the Coniston’s record season, with 20 more kills than the other packs, which accounts for the fact that there has been less worrying of lambs in their country than the other districts”.

Anthony told a story of hunting in February 1952. He had lost touch with the hounds when he passed a lonely farmstead with a man standing in the yard. He shouted to him, “Heard owt?” The answer came back, “Aye, King’s dead.” Chapman said, “That was not the answer I wanted.” When he got home, he found out that King George VI had died.

By his retirement in 1976, “Chappie”, as he was then known, was an institution respected in Cumbria. His grandson, Michael Nicholson, hunts the Coniston hounds today. H&H 23 January 2020 Horse & Hound

Words by Frank Houghton Brown

Anthony Chapman

51

HUNTER OF A LIFETIME

Fergus An unwanted and ‘boring’ four-yearold who became a hunting ‘superstar’

T

HE story of the ugly duckling foreshadowed that of Fergus.

“He was a pretty boring four-year-old,” admits Cathy Scott, trustee and field master of the Cambridge University Draghounds. “I’m a vet and I wanted to practise artificial insemination, so I used warmblood semen in a rescue thoroughbred mare and produced this thing.”

Cathy had pointers and “the last thing I wanted was a partbred”, so she tried to sell Fergus, to no avail.

“He was challenging at five and six. We nearly sold him once, then he stood up on his hindlegs in the yard.”

Without a buyer, Cathy said: “Sod it, he can be a hunter!”

Fergus had found his métier.

“He didn’t care what was in

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Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

front of him, he wanted to jump.

In the early years, he did have warmblood ‘no, not doing it!’ moments, but never at a fence.”

Cathy’s children Hugh and Emma hunted him, and Cathy whipped-in on him before field mastering. He preferred to be at the front.

“I couldn’t take him visiting because he was so badly behaved in the field. Whipping-in was his favourite job as he didn’t have to stand still. He never stopped, never fell and got me out of so many difficult places. He had an extra leg at each corner.”

Fergus lived for hunting and, although “he got more opinionated with age, as we all do”, he “never felt any different”.

He was still going at 23 — even a week before he injured himself in the field and had to be put down last year.

A “superstar” who “didn’t approve of queuing”, Fergus went team-chasing, leading intermediate teams up to his last autumn. He did the Melton Hunt Club Ride, too: “He was brilliant, but ran out of speed after three miles — he didn’t have the stamina of a full thoroughbred.”

Aged 18, he started eventing with Emma, winning at the Pony Club Championships aged 21, and then with Cathy: “I started aged 50 and we got to intermediate.”

Fergus could be spooky, “a different colour leaf and he’d try to get you off ”, and if in a trailer with a partition, “within a mile he’d have smashed it, turned round and stuck his head out the back”.

Yet he was a gentleman who adored cuddles and went to Pony Club camp.

“He was a sweetie; you could put a novice on him for a hack and he’d look after them, if not hunting fit.” Fergus was Cathy’s “best friend for years” and is much missed. H&H NEXT WEEK

Former Four Burrow hunt chairman Jim Pascoe

Words by Octavia Pollock. Picture by Lisa Blackman

‘He got more opinionated with age, as we all do’

FROM THE FIELD

Mud — and hunt ball havoc

F

OOLISHLY, in November, I declared: “Let it rain”. I would like to rescind that instruction.

This week the constant, neverending downpours have been accompanied by gales. It’s grim.

Having spent New Year reporting at Liverpool International — the utter joy of tarmac, concrete, carpet and no mud — I finally got myself into gear this week for my first day’s hunting of 2020. It’s surprising how quickly you can begin to fall out of love with hunting if you don’t go; when told that our hounds had had two really good days in a row, I was moderately pleased for everyone, whereas when I am in the thick of it, I feel quite cross and jealous if I miss a cracker of a day.

The weather was hideous, and as the day drew on it became harder to hear as the wind howled round us. Molly has never been a fan of really wet ground and, despite jumping the first fence perfectly well, she ran out at the second. But there really was no excuse — it was an ordinary hunt jump that we have jumped a dozen times before — and it was naughty of her. To my surprise and hers, I gave her a slap on the shoulder, which woke us both up.

Do not worry, concerned reader — I have the arm strength of a dying house fly and she will have barely felt the feeble tap. She did, however, jump it beautifully next time and was on the ball and keen to her fences for the rest of the morning. She is a wise old bird and if she thinks she can get away with something, she will. I need to remember she’s not made of porcelain and does not live on a pedestal. Years ago our senior master — who evented at CCI5* level — said in exasperation after giving us a lesson, “If that horse is as clever as you think she is, she’d be writing for Horse & Hound and you’d be in a stable.” Quite.

Neither horse nor rider likes sodden ground, but our going is 10 times better than most people’s — we’ve just been spoilt in recent seasons. We will tip away quietly for the last few weeks of the season, but I have resolved actually to try to ride her, rather than just sitting there as a passenger.

H

UNT balls are my idea of hell. This winter I even managed to duck out of our own hunt ball, despite the lady

master’s heavy arm-twisting, by lying about the time of a flight the following day. How on earth, therefore, did I agree to go to the hunt ball of a pack where I know nobody, two-anda-half hours away from home? I guess you’ll say yes to anything in the pub several months in advance.

This week, as D-Day rapidly approached, even the lady master tried to think of ways to wriggle out of it. We were horrified with ourselves — why had we ever thought it would be a good idea? But our master and huntsman’s wife was determined we were going — it would be good for us to have an outing beyond the confines of the county.

We had a brilliant night. The “provincial” hunt ball we thought we were attending turned out to be considerably smarter than our own — in the auction, a day’s hunting for two with our pack made twice what it would ever make down here — in a gorgeous, historic house with friendly, fun people. We drank a lot, laughed a lot, danced a bit, behaved mildly badly (well, for our advancing years, anyway) and stayed up until 4am — I can’t remember the last time I did that.

Being “visitors” does take the pressure off a bit. None of the three MFHs on our table were collared by someone who wanted to harangue them about something they — or the field — had done, or not done. They weren’t “working”, we all really enjoyed each other’s company and reminded ourselves we are lucky that hunting brought us together and continues to bind us together. H&H 23 January 2020 Horse & Hound

Illustrations by Emma Earnshaw

H&H’s hunting editor Catherine Austen finds her mojo takes a battering from the storms, but discovers the joys of being a hunt ball ‘visitor’

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DRESSAGE

HIGHLIGHTS 6-12 January

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

Five-star Hilton

By ANDREA OAKES

Step Aside, W Sussex

AFTER a catastrophic accident as a young horse, Hilton TC is notching up consistently high scores at advanced medium — winning both classes at Step Aside with Anne-Marie Rawlins.

“Two years ago, he broke his hock in a stable accident,” said Anne-Marie of Hilton, now eight, who is owned by her uncle Craig Rawlins. “He was found standing on three legs and underwent highrisk surgery and lengthy rehab. He still has two pins in the joint.”

Since taking him on a year ago, Anne-Marie has campaigned him lightly over the winter.

“The more he works, the better he gets,” she said. “He has such an extravagant trot, which tended to take over; we would often have six different trots in the test. Now he is stronger, it’s more consistent.

“Hilton is not always an easy horse, but he’s definitely a fighter and he keeps on trying. I’m in awe of him,” added Anne-Marie, who rides for Ireland and also competed the less experienced six-year-old Junior CL. After heading the advanced medium 98 silver section with Electro SK, achieving the last score she needed to attend a junior selection day, Beau

‘He has taught me so much about riding’ BEAU WILLIAMS

‘The more work he gets, the better,’ says Anne-Marie Rawlins of Hilton TC, as he makes a successful return from breaking his hock to top two advanced mediums

Williams posted the Facebook message: “Someone pinch me!”

Beau, who still works for Daniel Timson after starting a Haddon Training apprenticeship with him in 2018, credits her Johnson-sired Dutch warmblood “Johnny” with her meteoric rise through the levels.

“Before I bought Johnny, last March, I’d never ridden a flying change or a half-pass,” she said of the 11-year-old gelding. “He’s been amazing. He is quite quirky, but has taught me so much about riding, physically and mentally.

“None of my family is horsey, but Daniel is giving me so many opportunities,” added Beau.

RESULTS STEP ASIDE DRESSAGE 9 Jan: prelim 15 brnz (C Stothard).— 1, Fortridge DJ Willie (A Clarke) 66.8. prelim 19 brnz.— 1, Fortridge DJ Willie 64.58. nov 22 silv.— 1, Venezia II (S Crosdil) 71.21; 2, Waryck (E Bishop) 71.03; 3, Piltdown Colours (G Durkan) 70.52. brnz.— 1, Blaen Cleddau Buldu (K Meekins) 65.52. nov 38 gold.— 1, Junior CL (A Rawlins) 66.13. silv.— 1, Jasper L (G Durkan) 78.71; 2, Piltdown Colours 76.45; 3, Venezia II 73.39. brnz.— 1, Rubrix (N Mendelssohn) 60.48. elem 40 gold (P Sherwood).— 1, Ricostar (G Stuart) 68.23; 2, Junior CL 63.23. silv.— 1, Kingcarra Carrick Cruise (M Austin) 67.9; 2, Nibeley Euphoria (E Robinson) 64.35. brnz.— 1, Fernhill Optimism (S Ribbans) 57.74; 2, Rubrix 56.77. elem 59 gold.— 1, Ricostar 67.34; 2, Horatio R (K Greenhalgh) 63.28. silv.— 1, Dulcimer (P Elliott) 66.56; 2eq, Nibeley

Euphoria & Maesmynach Independence (S Richards) 64.84. med 61 silv (M Drewe).— 1, Five Carat (B Hardy) 65.52. silv.— 1, Copperfield Iris (C Exley) 68.28; 2, Dulcimer 67.24; 3, Maesmynach Independence 65.17. med 73 silv.— 1, Five Carat 67.5. silv.— 1, Copperfield Iris 66.47. PYO adv med gold.— 1, Hilton TC (A Rawlins) 75. silv.— 1, Bluewood Taffeta (P Broadhurst) 62.57. brnz.— 1, Egano Star (D Johnston) 65.59; 2, Keystone (R Gilbert) 63.78. adv med 98 gold.— 1, Hilton TC 71.32; 2, Senator I (F Bradley) 69.21. silv.— 1, Electro SK (B Williams) 68.29; 2, Bluewood Taffeta 59.34. brnz.— 1, Dubai (K Monks) 63.03; 2, Keystone 60.39. PYO adv gold.— 1, Columbus III (A Wyatt) 62.08.

PYO FEI gold.— 1, Canhoto Laranjeira (H Lewis) 64; 2, Imperial Dos Cedros (P Santos) 62.63. silv.— 1, Gwenne Van’t Oeleind (A Dalrymple) 64.47; 2, Gwenne Van’t Oeleind 63.38; 3, Zelador (C Butler) 63.16.

A MAIDEN voyage in her new horsebox proved eventful for para rider Rachel Collins, whose journey was delayed by a broken telegraph pole blocking a country lane.

“I couldn’t lift the ramp alone on my previous lorry, so we’d pushed the boat out to buy a brand-new 4.5-tonne,” explained Rachel, who had persuaded her reluctant loader Fine-Time (Muddy) on board. “I’d allowed extra time, but there were electric cables all over the road and it was too narrow for me to turn around.”

After 45 minutes, Rachel was given a police escort through the debris and could continue towards Saddlesdane EC in Kent.

“We won the novice 37A silver section — not with an amazing score, after just 10 minutes’ warm-up,” said Rachel, whose 11-year-old Rhinelander gelding previously belonged to her trainer, David Rumsey. “It was Muddy’s first AGAINST outing since Keysoe CPEDI3* in October and he was THE ODDS feeling rather jolly, but it was thanks to Kent Police that we got there at all.”

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Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

Pictures by kevinsparrow.co.uk

‘WE NEEDED A POLICE ESCORT’

Physio proves the answer Morris EC, N Ayrshire

WITH her exuberance for flying changes under control, Mount St John Doornroos II was nudging 70% to win both prix st georges (PSG) classes.

“These were only her third and fourth PSGs, but we’ve seen a massive improvement in the scores from her first attempts,” said Eilidh Grant of the Gribaldi daughter. “She has struggled with her balance in the changes and found them quite stressful, so the challenge has been to keep her relaxed. ” Eilidh puts a calmer approach from “Ella” down to a pre-show session with physio Tara Forrest.

“She’s a very expressive mare and holds herself, so it really seemed to help,” said Eilidh.

The Aberdeen rider and RESULTS MORRIS EC 11-12 Jan: prelim 7 silv (D Andrews).— 1, Hanleen Chunky Monkey (S Young) 71.36. brnz.— 1, Carlung Marksman (F Walker) 70; 2, Rio Estrela (K Climson) 69.32; 3, Craigyderyn Warrior (J Leslie) 65.91. prelim 15 silv (F Stryjewski).— 1, Shall We Dance II (H Cowie) 71.4; 2, Penhaligon Femme Fatale (N Baxter) 68.2; 3, Chocolate Magnum (C Wright) 67.4. brnz.— 1, The DoRons Farewell (J Currie) 65.4; 2, Rio Estrela 64.4; 3, Craigyderyn Warrior 59. nov 27 gold (C Paterson).— 1, Jazzman MFS (J Johnston-Harman) 79.46. silv.— 1, Danash Shangri-La (S Oakden) 65.89. brnz.— 1, Bally Dunkeld (L Rigby) 64.29. nov 38 gold (E Love).— 1, Jazzman MFS 76.13. silv.— 1,

trainer also took both inter Is with Eranda Retto.

“This will hopefully be her first year at grand prix,” said Eilidh, of the 11-year-old Dutch warmblood mare. “She got a nine for a canter pirouette — they’re turning out to be a real highlight.”

Claire Moore, Eilidh’s sister, was an elementary winner with Lindsay Moffat’s black tobiano mare, EV Amore Mia. “I haven’t been competing so much for a few years since starting a family,” explained Claire. “But I love the training, and ‘Maria’ is becoming stronger and more confident at the level.”

The show also proved a successful hunting ground for riders from Ayr Equestrian.

“We took six wins, from prelim through to medium,” said trainer Carol Simon, who claimed two

mediums with her Quarterback mare Quartergirl. “My client Susannah Young was an overall winner in the prelim seven on her new ride, the working hunter Hanleen Chunky Monkey.

Another client, Louise Morgan, was a novice silver runner-up with

Totil Amor (C Galbraith) 71.45; 2, Achilles (K Manson) 65.81; 3, Danash Shangri-La 62.9. brnz.— 1, Shall We Dance II (H Cowie) 74.03; 2, Chocolate Magnum 66.94. elem 44 silv (C Paterson).— 1, Icarus I (E Boyle) 70.8; 2, Isabel (H Tan) 70.2; 3, EV Amore Mia (C Moore) 69. brnz.— 1, Bally Dunkeld 61.8. elem 53 gold (E Love).— 1, Jazzman MFS 72.35. silv.— 1, EV Amore Mia 74.85; 2, Cordici K (R Foley) 72.65; 3, Icarus I 70.29. med 63 gold (C Paterson).— 1, Hidalgo II (J Barry) 75. silv.— 1, Royal Conversano Gaeta (D Scott) 66.72; 2eq, Solaris Amoureux (A MacKenzie) & Duncky Bunch Bo (K Dewar) 66.38. med 75 gold (G Lewis).— 1, Hidalgo II 70.95. silv.— 1, Cordici K 67.84; 2, Quartergirl (C Simon) 67.3; 3, Hey Good Looking GK (C Milne) 66.89. brnz.— 1, Emale Khan (C Galbraith) 66.35. adv med 98 brnz.— 1, Devon B (F Stryjewski) 66.05; 2, Ashton Solitair (K

Turnbull) 60.39. adv med 92 silv.— 1, Hey Good Looking GK 64.32. brnz.— 1, Devon B 66.62. adv 101 gold.— 1, San Salvador II (V Gizzi) 64.86. PSG gold.— 1, Mount St John Doornroos II (E Grant) 69.34; 2, Duque L (H Payne) 66.45. silv.— 1, Verdi (V Gizzi) 65.66; 2, San Salvador II 63.03. inter I gold.— 1, Eranda Retto (E Grant) 68.95. brnz.— 1, Donatus Easter Surprise (E Galloway) 58.82. PSG gold.— 1, Mount St John Doornroos II 69.87; 2, Fearless (N Crolla) 64.74. silv.— 1, San Salvador II 62.89. inter I gold.— 1, Eranda Retto 73.68. adv med 91 brnz.— 1, Devon B 67.31. adv med 85 silv.— 1, Chesterhill Florence (R Darling) 62.35. brnz.— 1, Devon B 66.62; 2, Alletta V (C Paterson) 64.12. med 73 gold.— 1, Daimler II (S McLennan) 66.32. silv.— 1, Quartergirl 68.38; 2, Rockhill Rock & Roll (R Robb) 64.71; 3, Copper Phoenix (L Thomson) 63.09. brnz.— 1, Miss Hit II

Grand prix-bound Eranda Retto wins two inter Is for Eilidh Grant

her Connemara, Frevaghs Bill.”

Carol’s sister-in-law Caitlan Galbraith also enjoyed novice and elementary success with Totilas son Totil Amor, as well as scoring a medium 75 bronze section win aboard Emale Khan, on the gelding’s first attempt at the level.

(S Jamieson) 65.88. med 63 gold.— 1, Daimler II 65.86. silv.— 1, Quartergirl 68.92. elem 53 gold.— 1, Hollywood Star III (N Crolla) 66.91. silv.— 1, Cordici K 69.56; 2, Rockhill Rock & Roll 68.09; 3, Copper Phoenix 67.65. elem 42 silv.— 1, Cordici K 69.06; 2, EV Amore Mia 67.5; 3, Carin II (A Newton) 62.97. brnz.— 1, Totil Amor 66.56. nov 37A silv (F Stryjewski).— 1, Dominica DL (A Aspinall) 66.67; 2, Frevaghs Bill (L Morgan) 63.15; 3, Biba (L MillerTodd) 60.37. brnz.— 1, Shall We Dance II 70; 2, Hawtins Florizel (A McLain) 65.74; 3, Bella Vista (E Grimwood) 63.15. nov 24 silv (E Love).— 1, Harlequin Vision II (S Adam) 67.17; 2, Biba 64.78. brnz.— 1, Shall We Dance II 72.83. prelim 19 silv (F Stryjewski).— 1, Penhaligon Femme Fatale (N Baxter) 71.67; 2, Bella Vista 69.17; 3, Hawtins Florizel 68.75. brnz.— 1, Merlin X (J Hanna) 66.46.

‘I didn’t always like her’ IT’S been a slow burn, but Samantha Turpitt is at last in love with Bali Dancer — the nine-yearold chestnut mare she scored two medium wins with at Ladyleys EC, Aberdeenshire.

“I’ve had her since she was two and she has been tricky and horrible at times,” explained Samantha. “She was a bit nappy when young and I didn’t always like her, but I didn’t pay much for her and I had to see it through. If I had a pound for every time someone told me

she’d grow out of it, I’d be rich.”

With help from local trainer Jean Stephen and visiting coaches Nicola Buchanan and Hannah Moody, Samantha has brought Bali to the brink of PSG. “I’ve been desperate to ride in a tailcoat and I feel like I’m nearly there,” said IT project manager Samantha, who was a guinea pig with Bali at the British Dressage national convention last autumn.

“She still has her moments, but the ‘ginger gene’ has subsided. I now think she’s great.”

Samantha Turpitt lands two mediums with once-tricky Bali Dancer 23 January 2020 Horse & Hound

55

DRESSAGE

HIGHLIGHTS 6-12 January

‘Better with age’ A DAY away from her studies proved productive for Alexandra Hellings, whose 74.87% PSG score with Uvender V at Onley Grounds EC, Warwickshire, was a personal best.

“It wasn’t perfect, as we made a mistake in the threes, but the trot work felt really smart,” said Alexandra, who is in the final year of a maths degree at the University of Sheffield. “Our line of fours was probably the best I’ve ever ridden in a test.”

After a successful season of

international competition with the Krack C gelding, Alexandra has spent the winter working with her trainer Sonia Bates.

“We’ve been building strength over Uvi’s back and developing his self-carriage,” she said. “He is 19 this year, but still excited about life. He definitely gets better with age.”

Alexandra Hellings scores a personal best of 74.87% at PSG aboard the 19-year-old Krack C gelding Uvender V

‘I ACTUALLY SMILED AT THE END!’ ONES TO WATCH

IN a successful pre-regionals run-through at Swallowfield Equestrian, Warwickshire, Lauren Cook and her 17hh Ramexico mare Harriet II won the elementary 59 qualifier with 72.81% — the highest score of the day.

“At the end of the test, I actually smiled,” laughed

Lauren. “We scored well for our rein-back, which is usually a weak point, and the trot work was good.”

It’s another step forward for the partnership, which has had its ups and downs.

“We won at the Area Festivals at medium bronze in 2018, but a suspensory niggle wrote off a lot of last year,” said Lauren. “I’m pleased Harriet has come back stronger. Everything is piecing together now.”

ONLY IN HORSE & HOUND

‘Don’t sacrifice correctness for spectacle’ Laura Tomlinson on karma, catching up on news and setting an example THE start of the year has been pretty rough for me — having mocked my husband for having “man flu”, karma then arrived to bite me. My kids have all had temperatures and snotty noses, too, and the start of term could not have been more welcome as the not-so-glamorous juggling act that is my life continues.

I’ve been unable to work out while I’ve been ill, and sadly I also missed the first opportunity for any squad riders to go into the heat chamber at the sports centre in Bisham Abbey. This is where riders are being tested while getting a taste for what the heat and humidity of Tokyo might feel like at the Olympics.

Before writing my H&H columns, I usually check what’s been going on recently, just to make sure that I haven’t missed something huge that’s been Laura Tomlinson (née Bechtolsheimer) is a world, European and Olympic medallist, who won team gold at London 2012.

She lives in Gloucestershire with her husband, polo player Mark, and their children, Annalisa, four, Wilfred, two, and baby Hanni.

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Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

OPINION

happening while I’ve been busy scurrying on my hamster wheel of parenting, training, teaching when I can fit it in — and then parenting again.

One piece of news I have learnt is that Laura Graves has retired her top international grand prix horse, Verdades.

This will be a great loss, as Laura and Verdades have been stalwarts of the US team for many years now.

Retiring a horse is always a hard decision to make, but credit to them for doing it before Verdades started to lose form. I think it’s always great for a horse to finish their career at peak performance rather than waiting for their age to show. This seems obvious, but often the pressure of bringing a horse out for one more run for the team is hard not to succumb to.

At the end of the day, a horse who has produced as many great team and individual performances as Verdades doesn’t owe anyone anything, and although Laura will miss

competing him like crazy, full credit to her for retiring him in style.

‘SET THE RIGHT EXAMPLE’ I AGREE with Pammy Hutton (9 January) that keeping issues concerning the welfare of the horse on the agenda through coaching and education is important. However, I would also like to add that it’s important to look to the pinnacle of our sport to set the right example.

If horses that move extravagantly, but are consistently tense over the back and held very tightly by fixed hands, are rewarded with higher marks than horses with correct neck length and relaxed backs and frames, it’s hard to see how the welfare of the horse can win through.

We need to look to the judges at top level to stay true to the actual guidelines of how horses should move and perform the exercises in the tests. Too often correctness is lost for the sake of spectacle and it sends mixed messages to other riders about what they should be aiming to achieve with their horses.

While we may debate the intricacies of our sport, we should all take a moment to think of the people and wildlife affected by the catastrophic fires in Australia. Anyone who has not done so already, I urge you to lend your support in any way you can. H&H

NEXT WEEK

Guest comment

Veteran nets double win AFTER achieving the dream of scoring a point at medium, in December, Hannah Emerson and her 27-year-old gelding Limerick II headed two elementary bronze sections at Half Moon Stud, Dorset.

“We’ll stick at elementary and try to qualify for the Area

Festivals again,” said Hannah, who was given the evergreen Irish thoroughbred on permanent loan from a riding school seven years ago. “Limerick does a respectable shoulder-in, but he finds the lateral work quite hard. Learning the medium movements does keep him supple, though.” H&H Hannah Emerson takes an elementary double on her veteran Limerick II

IN BRIEF

UNA DEFEATS THE ODDS

JOE BRIGHT loved the “raw potential” of a five-year-old mare he viewed in Germany through Christian Heinrich.

Now aged seven, the mare has exceeded his expectations to build an exemplary record of results.

“When I first rode her, I thought she was amazingly intuitive,” he said of Fame III, a double medium winner at Saddlesdane EC, Kent.

“She’s a workaholic. She’d like to be doing the tempi changes now, but I’m waiting for her strength to build up.

It’s nice to take the time, as she will make a super small tour horse.”

Joe also enjoyed a confidence-boosting advanced medium with his new ride Eve, an 11-year-old Florencio II mare owned by the Ormonde Hall Stud in West Sussex.

REBECCA BELL took a break from the Oxford University library to ride her British young rider team partner Nibeley Union Hit to a PSG win at Cherwell, Oxfordshire, scoring a personal best of 72.89% at the level.

“When ‘Una’ had a year out through injury, our vet said that he would eat his hat if she ever reached PSG,” said a delighted Rebecca, a final-year English student.

“When she did her first PSG, at the start of 2018, it was a really great occasion.

My mum made a cake in the shape of a helmet, which we happily ate.”

Aiming for a place on the young rider team at the European Championships at Hartpury this summer, Rebecca added: “I’d love to finish my young rider career with Una there. It would be the perfect swansong.”

FAME PROVES EXEMPLARY

SHOWJUMPING

AINTREE INTERNATIONAL EC 148CM PONY PREMIER 18-19 January

‘I believed in her’ Tatiane Mauree proves quick off the mark to qualify, one pair turn a corner with their training to triumph and Celine Griffith seals the deal with a surprising win Tatiane Mauree and Horseabout Zibu head the opening winter JA classic qualifier of 2020

heels and taking the next two tickets to the final were Thomas Francis-Jones riding Kiltormer Hero and Rachel Proudley on Beech Comber.

The second JA classic qualifier also went right to the wire, Madison Heath making full use of her last draw riding Flavia.

Training with Geoff Billington seemed to have paid dividends, as Madison shaved the wings and steered inside lines all the way.

“Flavia used to be a little difficult to turn, but we have recently concentrated more on our flatwork and it has paid off.

I took a pull on one turn and needed to make up some time, so I really dared her over the last line,” said Madison.

Tabitha Kyle had set a sharp standard with Gangnam Style II, but had to surrender the lead to Madison. Tabitha is just a couple of months into her partnership with the prolific winner and former ride of Nicole Lockhead-Anderson.

“He’s a great pony and a powerful ride and this is the biggest course I have done with him,” said Tabitha.

Taking the final ticket to the spring championship was third-placed Henry Squibb riding Kilcurry Dawn.

58

Aintree International EC 148cm Pony Premier, Merseyside

By MARGARET SHAW

AFTER ending 2019 on a high note by winning the TheraPlate UK Liverpool International 148cm championship, Tatiane Mauree and Horseabout Zibu (Boo) maintained their winning form into the new year.

Producing the first of three triple clears in the opening Charles Britton Construction winter JA classic qualifier of the new winter series, the pair opened their 2020 account with a notable win when their time of 32.19sec was not beaten.

“Boo has a great attitude and she is a real trier. I wasn’t worried

about the time as she is naturally quick. I thought we were a bit off the second-last fence when I turned into it, but I put my leg on and believed in her,” said Tatiane.

On the lead up to Liverpool, the pair had finished fourth in the pony Foxhunter and second in

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

the leading pony showjumper final at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), sixth at Olympia and they recorded good results at Opglabbeek in September.

“We had a busy time last year, so this was the perfect result, as we hoped to qualify early for this final so that Boo could have a break,” added the Newbury rider.

Finishing hard on Tatiane’s

‘Flavia used to be a little difficult to turn, but we have concentrated on our flatwork and it has paid off ’ MADISON HEATH

ANOTHER strong field of 57 starters contested the second JC qualifier.

Triple clears were slow in coming in the 10-strong final jump-off before Celine Griffith and Ganty Wills Girl (Lily) combined speed and accuracy to finish clear and set a stiff target in a time of 31.84sec.

Celine has carefully produced Lily since affiliating the nine-yearold three years ago and the pair have since been regular Blue Chip and Scope finalists.

“She was very nervous and backward when we first bought her, so we spent a lot of time on our flatwork and building her up before we started over fences,” said Celine. “Lily has only just moved up to 1.15m level and we came with no great expectations,” she added.

Ian Clark set a tempting final course. Celine, after producing two good early turns followed by a time-saving cut inside to the double, rounded off with the best turn of all into the final two fences.

Producing the only other triple clear round to take the second and final ticket to Hickstead was last-drawn Charlie Atkinson riding Cocomen. As Charlie and the nine-year-old chestnut

Pictures by Majestic Photography and Peter Nixon

‘WE HAD NOTHING TO LOSE’

Edited by Jennifer Donald jennifer.donald@ti-media.com @ donaldjdonald

gelding were only a few months into their partnership and facing their biggest test, a third clear was the main aim and that was duly recorded.

“He’s a very brave and careful pony and he’s been a real star today,” said a delighted Charlie, who has been training with John and Louise Whitaker.

Elsi Jacques and Trevoulter Ladies Man (John) pulled out all the stops to win the Blue Chip Pro sparkle JC/JA. The pair were bang on form after finishing second in RESULTS 18 Jan: Blue Chip pony newcomers.— 1, Euro Timex (N O’Keefe); 2, TJ Butterfly (M Heath); 3, Orchids Aniko (O Banks).

Blue Chip sparkle JC/JA.— 1, Trevoulter Ladies Man (E Jacques); 2, Just Blue III (E McNeil); 3, Mountmary Enda (R Proudley). Charles Britton Equestrian Construction winter JA classic.— 1, Horseabout Zibu (T Mauree); 2, Kiltormer Hero (T Francis-Jones); 3, Beech Comber (R Proudley). winter JC.— 1, Merllyns Mermaid (I Carpenter); 2, Kengarth Sally Anne (D Ross); 3, Toureen Boreen (E East). Foxhunter/1.10m.— 1 & 3, Dark Silk & Atomic Du Bary (T Kyle); 2, Maumeen Miley (O Hobby). BS National 1.15m members cup.— 1 & 2, Dark

the 148cm grand prix at Liverpool, and Elsi was one of the few riders to cut inside to the penultimate oxer before rolling on to the final upright.

“He’s a good pony to see a stride on but he likes to be in charge. I don’t fiddle so I didn’t take a pull to the last,” said Elsi, who finished two seconds ahead of Ellie McNeil riding Just Blue III. Having her customary good show was Tabitha Kyle who scored a winning hat-trick riding Dark Silk. H&H Silk & Gangnam Style II (T Kyle); 3, Gortahork Maeve (O Davison). 19 Jan: Blue Chip newcomers.— 1, Bermudez BDA (D Williams); 2, Beechfields Saphire (D Foss); 3, Solo Silver (C Griffiths).

1.10m.— 1, Maumeen Miley; 2, Portmore Stroller (R Proudley); 3, Ilston Brave Dancer (D Foss). JA/JC.— 1, Westward Sunshine (E Jacques); 2, Cocomen (C Atkinson); 3, Beech Comber. winter JC.— 1, Ganty Wills Girl (C Griffith); 2, Cocomen; 3, Miami Sandyman (A Black).

Charles Britton Construction winter JA classic.— 1, Flavia (M Heath); 2, Gangnam Style II; 3, Kilcurry Dawn (H Squibb).

148cm restricted open.— 1, Sir Fancy Pants (O Davison); 2, Crème De La Crème (G Sinclair); 3, Westward Sunshine.

Voltaire Design winter coral/1.10m.— 1 & 3, Dark Silk & Atomic Du Bary; 2, Toureen Boreen.

COMPANION PONY STEPS UP MERLLYNS MERMAID and Iwan Carpenter (pictured), newcomers finalists at HOYS last October, claimed the first ticket to Hickstead’s winter JC final after they produced the only triple clear round to win the opening qualifier. Drawn at the half-way stage of the final round, Iwan and eight-year-old Mermaid, who was bought unbroken as a companion for a foal, never looked like faulting.

“This pony is sometimes too careful for her own good, but I thought that if I kept her balanced and on an even rhythm, we had a good chance of leaving everything up,” said Iwan.

This win proved a pleasant surprise for the Carpenter family.

“She was never bought to jump and was only broken in when she was six, but she just keeps on improving,” said Iwan’s mother Amanda.

ONE TO Taking the remaining tickets were Drew Ross and WATCH Elizabeth East, riding Kengarth Sally Anne and Toureen Boreen respectively.

ONLY IN HORSE & HOUND

‘We can’t compete with the Continent’ James Fisher muses on great partnerships and running a tour in the UK SHOWJUMPING has definitely gone global, centralising in Europe where most tours are based and supported by bread-and-butter two-stars in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

As an island, we just can’t compete with what the Continent has to offer — the appeal of Europe isn’t just the prize money, it’s also a marketplace for the horses.

Tours are expensive but I have found a compromise at our local show centre in Wellington, Hampshire, which runs shows outdoors over the winter. We can warm up indoors if needs be and it provides a good competition experience for novices up to 1.40m.

It’s something I would be happy to see more of because showjumping is a great outdoor sport — even if it’s not the best of weather, a two-minute round in an outdoor arena James Fisher is an international rider and producer, as well as a commentator on the Global Champions Tour.

to drop the standard, we could build the oxers a bit more sensibly, even if the verticals were taller.

OPINION

is fine. We do, after all, play rugby, hockey and football outside throughout the year.

I like riding in a bigger arena where you can have more open, flowing courses rather than tight, awkward spaces. If a venue had more than one ring, even with the shorter winter days you could get enough done.

We could run a spring or autumn tour out of one of these venues. Having a workmanlike tour is a way forward for our winter circuit, and it works successfully in Sweden and other nations with comparable climates.

A couple of outdoor arenas and a bar is a good basic formula, and it’s more of an affordable option for centres than building a state-of-the-art indoor arena that won’t be used after April.

‘ALL ABOUT ENCOURAGEMENT’ MY daughter Emily is jumping in 128cm classes and I was

A LEGEND IN THE MAKING

surprised by how tough some of the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers were. We tend to build square oxers in Britain and I noticed at Dublin last year that theirs were more rampy and inviting.

Square oxers can cause problems for the smaller ponies, especially if they get in deep at a combination and can’t jump out. It’s all about encouragement when the children are nine or 10 years old and while you don’t want

BEN MAHER’S Explosion W was a clear favourite to win the super grand prix in Prague at the end of last year, where I had the pleasure to be commentating.

There had been a lot of speculation about the partnership and whether the ride would stay with Ben, so the news the horse had been sold but that he will be keeping the ride for the British team was a relief for everyone.

The horse is already up there with the greats — the partnership is well on its way to going down in history alongside Nick Skelton and Big Star or John Whitaker and Milton. Fingers firmly crossed now for Tokyo. H&H NEXT WEEK

Guest comment from Bury Farm

23 January 2020 Horse & Hound

59

SHOWJUMPING

INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 14-19 January

Chopin finds the key Denis Lynch’s purple patch continues in Leipzig CSI5*-W Leipzig, Germany

DENIS LYNCH has successfully booked his ticket to this year’s Las Vegas World Cup Final after a brilliant win in Germany with GC Chopin’s Bushi.

The Irishman is enjoying a rich vein of form and, against 15 jump-off contenders, he and the 14-year-old Contendro II gelding successfully executed a high-risk turn to the double — a time-saver he spotted while walking Frank Rothenberger’s course — to smash

‘We needed to learn to trust each other more’ DENIS LYNCH ON HIS WINNER

Denis Lynch and GC Chopin’s Bushi prove to be a strong pair to take the World Cup qualifier

trust each other more — we did that today!

“He likes to go like a big pony and I realise now that if I leave him in his rhythm he can jump anything.”

Another German, Marcus Ehning (Comme Il Faut 5), pushed into third, while Italy’s

IN BRIEF FUNNELL FOLLOWS ON AT the CSI3* Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Great Britain was well represented on the podium for the Al Shira’aa grand prix on Saturday night.

The €12,775 (£10,900) top prize went to Latvian rider Kristaps Neretnieks (Moon Ray) after a six-way jump-off, with William Funnell filling the runner-up spot on the 10-year-old Billy Diamo, while Jack Whitaker took third on Elucar VE. Jack finished in the ribbons earlier in the week riding Carl Hanley’s Scenletha, with his father Michael picking up some of the decent prize money on offer with Flinstering.

60

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

Emilio Bicocchi and Evita SG Z took fourth ahead of Olympic eventing gold medallist Michael Jung riding Fischerchelsea.

Britain’s sole contender Robert Whitaker produced the fastest round of the afternoon on Catwalk IV — over a second faster than the winning Irishman — but

TOP DOLLAR MAKES A MINT WEEK one of the MET Tour in Oliva Nova, Spain, kicked off with a win for Laura Renwick and Top Dollar VI in Thursday’s 33-strong 1.45m grand prix qualifier against the clock.

The Essex rider also took the runner-up spot to Pedro Veniss (For Felicila) when riding the 12-year-old Dublin V in Friday’s ranking class.

With bad weather forecast for Sunday, the feature classes were moved forward a day; the silver tour grand prix was won by Ireland’s Sophie Dalm (Fastday VDL), and Laura and Dublin V finished second in the 1.45m grand prix to Frenchman Julien Epaillard (Jalanta P).

WARD WINS ACROSS THE POND IN the second week of the Winter Equestrian

with four faults to add when the penultimate fence fell, he finished in ninth.

Denis, who was lying 10th in the World Cup season standings in Europe, moved up to fourth behind leader Steve Guerdat. The top 18 qualify for the final in April with three legs remaining. H&H

Festival (WEF) in Florida, Great Britain’s Emily Ward triumphed in the $25,000 (£19,240) Hermès under-25 grand prix riding her great partner Millioninmind. Emily is now based with Tiffany Foster’s Little Creek Equestrian and is experiencing the North American jumping circuit for the first time.

“He’s super-careful, so these types of classes are perfect for him,” said Emily of the 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding

by ARD VDL Douglas. “He loves to go fast, and he’s always looking for the next jump.

I jumped the first line [in the jump-off] on the five strides, and then I had a really good shot back to B and C of what was the triple combination. Millioninmind knows exactly what he’s doing, and that’s where I knew I won it.”

Picture by Thomas Reiner

the leading time set by home star Christian Ahlmann and Dominator 2000 Z and secure victory.

Denis bought GC Chopin’s Bushi untried last summer on the recommendation of his countryman Bertram Allen.

“We’ve had our ups and downs and he’s thrown the toys out of the pram a few times,” said Denis.

“We changed a few things and he was very good at La Coruña last month and in Basel last weekend. We needed to improve our relationship and to learn to

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SHOWJUMPING

HIGHLIGHTS 6-12 January

Irion finds time to win

By PENNY RICHARDSON Brook Farm Training Centre, Essex

THERE can be few busier competitors than Vanessa Irion.

As well as working as a groom and rider at Teza Englefield’s sales yard in Essex, Vanessa drives John and Laura Renwick’s lorry to international shows, acts at show secretary at Brook Farm Training Centre and is a level two British Showjumping judge.

Vanessa managed to escape Brook Farm’s office for long enough to take the top three placings in three classes. She began her good day by partnering Evita VI to victory in the 1.10m open. She and Evita then captured a ticket to the FMBs star final at the Blue Chip Championships after finishing third in the qualifier with the fastest four faults in the 12-horse jump-off.

Eleven-year-old Evita is a fairly new member of Teza’s Reflex Equestrian team and had been ridden since she arrived by Teza’s niece Leah Wolstenholme.

“Leah wasn’t well, so this was the first time I’d ever ridden Evita,” said Vanessa, who finished her day with second place in the 1.15m open on another new ride, eight-year-old Apollo Zoetendaelle Z. “I’m hoping to get him to a couple more shows before he’s sold,” said Vanessa, who has been a vital part of Teza’s business for 17 years.

“I started by mucking out for her aged 13, got my first horse two years later and learned to ride, and I’m still here today,” she laughed.

“I’m used to having very short partnerships with horses because that goes with the territory, but

Vanessa Irion aboard confidence-giver Granby, whom she has been riding since October last year

I’ve been lucky recently and had the chance to ride some good ones who are hopefully staying.”

Among these is Laura Mantel’s usual ride Calista II, whom Vanessa has been competing in 1.20m classes.

“I’m only doing the smaller things and Laura’s her ‘proper’ rider,” said Vanessa, who has also had the ride on the grade A Granby since October.

“John Renwick suggested I might ride him,” she said. “I rode

A promising career Bury Farm, Bucks

A HORSE bought as a potential show and working hunter may have to change disciplines after his first two affiliated showjumping outings. The sixyear-old Ballypatrick Liberty, by Elvis Ter Putte out of a Cruising mare, was bred by Irish Olympian 62

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

Greg Broderick and bought by Essex-based showing producer Justine Armstrong-Small and friend Laura Smith from David Tatlow in November.

“I hacked him out and took him to one dressage show, but I was having building work done and didn’t have much time,” explained Justine. “I have lessons

with Annette Lewis and asked her who would give him a nice start over fences. She suggested Harry Bateman, so I watched him at a show, liked the way he rode and asked him to do the job.”

Harry has brought Liberty on slowly, and after jumping double clear in a discovery class at Bury Farm on 3 January, the

Granby in my first 1.35m class at Onley Grounds a fortnight ago and he’s given me so much confidence. We may not leave all the fences up, but Granby’s such a trier that I know we’ll come out safely at the other end.”

17.2hh gelding returned there for the recent four-day show. He jumped in three classes, never had a fence down and stepped up to newcomers level, finishing sixth in the Blue Chip power qualifier.

“He’s a big horse with loads of quality. The plan was to ride him in the novice heavyweight hunter class at Royal Windsor and then do workers, but having watched him at Bury Farm, I’m beginning to think I may have bought a top showjumper by mistake!” added Justine.

Left: Tori Lillington pilots her six-year-old Jannan S into top spot in the discovery qualifier

Jannan S was the first horse Tori had bought for herself, and it was only when she took him home to West Lothian in Scotland that she realised that he had impeccable bloodlines: by Kannan out of a Numero Uno mare.

Now six, he has also proved to have a lovely temperament, so has been left entire. His second crop of foals is due soon and he

‘As soon as I saw him I knew I had to have him’ TORI LILLINGTON ON JANNAN S

Chance purchase pays off Pictures by Hoof Prints Photos, Majestic Photography and sinclairphotography.co.uk

SNEC, West Lothian

WHEN Tori Lillington fell in love with a two-year-old colt while she was training in Nottinghamshire

with the Saywell family, she took a chance and bought him.

“He was in a batch of 30 bought from the Netherlands, was the only one no one could get

a headcollar on and was hiding at the back, but as soon as I saw him I knew there was something about him and I fell in love. I had to have him,” said Tori.

is starting to show great talent in the ring.

At his last show at SNEC, he won the Joshua Jones discovery qualifier by more than a second, and Tori is now considering making the long trip to Hartpury for the Blue Chip Championships.

“I’ve been to the show once before and had a really good time,” she explained.

Tori has lessons with Roger McCrea, who makes regular trips to Scotland from his base at the Billy Stud, and currently has seven horses to ride for her family’s Hollrock Sport Horses business.

“We’ve started fairly small, but we’ve just built new barns and are getting much more into breeding,” said Tori, who is hoping to travel more over the coming year.

“We haven’t finished our plan yet, but Bolesworth and Hickstead are both on the agenda. They have classes and courses specifically for young horses, which means we can produce them properly,” she added. H&H

CHASING AMBITIONS DENTAL nurse Rebecca Hart and the tiny mare Annie X showed their rivals a clean pair of heels in the FMBs star qualifier at Aintee.

Annie is owned by Stuart and Linda Andrews, and Cheshire-based Rebecca has produced her to grade A. Annie, who stands less than 15hh, is 14 now and has proved a horse of a lifetime for Rebecca, who rode her to win the 1.15m members’ cup final at the 2017 national championships.

The pair are already qualified for the same final this year, but Rebecca has one more ambition to chase.

“I’d love to do the silver league qualifiers in the summer, as HOYS [Horse of the Year Show] is the one final I’ve never managed to get to,” she said.

As Rebecca works full time, she keeps Annie at livery at Dean Valley Equestrian Centre. She started dental nursing by chance.

“I tried doing horses when I left school, but I struggled.

WORKING A lady I knew who owned a horse also had her own RIDER dental practice offered me a job and I’m still there,” she explained. “Showjumping is now my lovely hobby.”

23 January 2020 Horse & Hound

63

RACING

ASCOT 18 January

Edited by Hannah Lemieux hannah.lemieux@ti-media.com @hannah_lemieux1

Defi Du Seuil dazzles

Ascot Racecourse, Berks

IF it was motor racing, Defi Du Seuil would be starting from pole position at the front of the grid for Cheltenham’s Queen Mother Champion Chase after he put up the two-mile performance of the season so far in the Matchbook Clarence House Chase at Ascot on Saturday, 18 January.

Obviously, there may be some improvement to come from big 64

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

By MARCUS ARMYTAGE Irish hope Chacun Pour Soi after his reappearance at Leopardstown on 27 December, and the Henry de Bromhead-trained A Plus Tard would be a threat if he lines up, while Nicky Henderson will be hoping he can get Altior back to defend his title.

However, Defi Du Seuil — the Philip Hobbs-trained 2019 JLT Novices’ Chase winner — appears to be the horse improving most rapidly. He was electric at Ascot, even though the ground was not conducive to the sort of acceleration he showed.

He went to Ascot having beaten the Willie Mullins-trained Un De Sceaux by a head in the Tingle Creek and, on Saturday, we looked set for a similarly close battle as the pair squared up into the straight and went to the second last upsides. However, Defi Du Seuil jumped past the 12-yearold Irish challenger, landed running and within strides was five lengths clear.

That he only won by twoand-three-quarter lengths was

because he was heavily eased down by jockey Barry Geraghty.

If Hobbs was in two minds about whether to go for the Champion Chase or the Ryanair, this must surely have swayed things in favour of the former.

“It certainly makes the Champion Chase a bit more likely,” said the trainer.

“I couldn’t imagine he’d win that easily. It wasn’t the plan to hit the front that far out, it was to hit the front after the last, but Barry

didn’t have much option.”

Geraghty, who already has five Champion Chases under his belt, agreed it was not quite the plan.

“He flew the second-last and landed running,” he said. “I don’t think he has a problem hitting the front — it’s not an issue — it’s just that he was caught by Lostintranslation once last season.

Philip felt he had improved since Sandown and he put it to bed very quickly. I thought he’d learn from Sandown and he probably has.

Jamie Moore pilots Goshen to top spot in the juvenile hurdle for trainer Gary Moore

Pictures by Alan Crowhurst/Getty and PA Wire/PA Images

The sevenyear-old puts in an electric performance ahead of the Champion Chase, while Magic Of Light takes the Mares’ Hurdle for the second year

TI LIM M I E TE O D N LY I DIDN T EXPECT THAT WIN JAMES NEILD, a 24-year-old from Liverpool, didn’t sit on a horse until four years ago, but is now attached to Harry Whittington’s yard. He rode his first winner aboard the Nigel Twiston-Daviestrained 20/1 shot, Townshend (pictured), in the Matchbook Amateur Riders’ Chase at Ascot on Saturday, 18 January.

The nine-year-old gelding carries the colours of James’ father, John — silks that have become well known courtesy of Splash Of Ginge.

“James has come a long way in a short space of time,” said John.

“This is a special day. When we retired Splash Of Ginge I thought it was the end of an era. We had some good days with him but this is better. This year, we thought it was FIRST time to buy a horse for James to ride and get him WIN going; Townshend looked perfect but I didn’t expect that win.”

E D ALE CONS JA

‘He’s not the biggest in the world but he has so much scope,’ says jockey Barry Geraghty of his winning ride, the Philip Hobbs-trained Defi Du Seuil

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RACING

ASCOT | HAYDOCK PARK 18 January

The Jessica Harringtontrained Magic Of Light lands the bet365 Mares’ Hurdle, winning by nearly five lengths with Robbie Power at the helm

THE Trevor Hemmings-owned grey Vintage Clouds (pictured) gave trainer Sue Smith her fifth Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock Park on Saturday, 18 January, when the 10-year-old, under Danny Cook, came home a comfortable seven lengths clear of Definitly Red. Fancied for last year’s Grand National, he fell at the first in the big race and was then pulled up early in the Becher Chase in December after making a mistake at the Chair.

“He didn’t take to it at all [over the National fences],” said Cook. “But they’ve done a good job ONE TO with him at home. I schooled him on Wednesday and WATCH he grabbed hold of the snaffle — I was a passenger sitting there going over the fences.”

“It was dazzling and breathtaking — I love riding Defi Du Seuil. He’s not the biggest in the world but he has so much scope. He’s up for it and that’s what you love about good twomile chasers. Moscow Flyer wasn’t the biggest or flashiest but he was up for it, and so is this lad.”

A PLEASING RUN TRAINER Gary Moore won the Champion Chase with Sire De Grugy in 2014, but he has the Triumph Hurdle firmly in his sights this season after Goshen

made it three wins from three starts over hurdles with an easy 11-length win in the Ascot IJF Ambassador Programme Juvenile Hurdle, under Jamie Moore.

The son of Authorized, whose son Tiger Roll also won a Triumph Hurdle, was much more settled this time, which pleased his handler.

“We haven’t learned a great deal,” said Gary. “I left a bit to work on and Jamie said he took a bit of a blow turning in, but what pleased me the most was that he wasn’t sweating when

we let him go beforehand.

“He’s won on good-to-soft at Brighton which is ‘good’ anywhere else so he doesn’t need to have soft ground. He’s not having hard races so we’re not killing him.

If I think he needs another run it would be in either the Victor Ludorum or the Adonis.”

There are few more versatile horses in racing than the Jessica Harrington-trained Magic Of Light — the runner-up to Tiger Roll in last year’s Grand National.

Fences or hurdles, she doesn’t seem to mind, and she won the

bet365 Mares’ Hurdle for the second year running on her way to Aintree. She was in a different league to the competition, beating Sensulano a comfortable fourand-three-quarter lengths.

“We schooled her over hurdles just to get her eye in, and she was flicking away over them straight away,” said her jockey Robbie Power. “I’d imagine she’ll go to the mares’ hurdle at Cheltenham on the way to the National, but I’ll leave that decision to Jessica.”

Jockey-turned-trainer Sean Curran won the bet365 Handicap

‘What pleased me most was that he wasn’t sweating when we let him go beforehand’ GARY MOORE ON GOSHEN

Domaine De L’Isle (right) en route to victory in the bet365 Handicap Chase for trainer Sean Curran 66

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

Chase with Domaine De L’Isle, under David Bass. Curran took a four-year sabbatical from training and went to work as a builder, before buying himself a horsebox and weaning himself back into racing. He started up again from a yard in the middle of a golf course near Highworth, Wilts, in November 2018.

Having won the Scottish National with Iris De Balme in 2008 first-time round as a trainer, he is taking off again and has the Welsh National in his sights for Domaine De L’Isle. H&H

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POINT-TO-POINT Third time lucky for Topley BANGORON-DEE

BUCKFASTLEIGH 19 January

19 January

A novice jockey lands her first win, while a homebred continues to please

By STEPHANIE BATEMAN Sir WW Wynn’s, Bangor-on-Dee, Wrexham

Perfect Pirate claims the PPORA club members’ veteran and novice rider conditions to give jockey Paige Topley her first win

mid-division and gradually crept through the field on the second circuit, eventually leading from four out.

“He isn’t the bravest jumper because he’s very careful, but he jumped well today,” added Paige.

“I keep him at home and my dad and I train him around our fields.”

Jo Priest’s home-bred gelding, Alfstar, was having his first run of the season when winning the mixed open under Alice Stevens.

Hawker’s high Five A winning horse proves his weight in Gold for jockey Robert Hawker

can make him bleed, so as soon as he starts bleeding, his season is over,” explained Jo. “He doesn’t know how to run a bad race; he’s so genuine.”

Goldenbrave headed the open maiden for six-year-olds and over for the Crazy Dealers Partnership on his first start, under Alex Edwards for trainer Phil Rowley.

The six-year-old by Golden Lariat is a new horse for Phil to train this season.

Network from Ireland.

“We dropped him back in trip to 2½ miles as a starting point and it has worked,” said Tom. The second division was won by the Francesca Nimmo-trained Freezing Point, under James King.

Caid Du Berlais gave Will a double on the day when coming home the odds-on winner of the mixed open, continuing the excellent form of trainer

Rose Loxton.

Trainer/jockey Sam Jukes also doubled up, first with Gottagottagetaway in the open maiden for seven-year-olds and over.

“He is owned by my farrier, Daniel Garlick, who usually rides him” said Sam. “The plan is to keep him in novice rider races for Daniel to contest.”

Sam went on to ride Shometheway in the following intermediate, winning for proud owner/breeder Clive Bennett.

“It’s my 102nd winner as an owner and I still have 10 in training,” said Clive.

The veteran conditions race was won by the former Philip Hobbs-trained 12-year-old Three Faces West, under Nathan Vergne, who credited the winning trainer, Bethen Childs.

“When I first came to England from France, Beth and her partner, Nick Lawton, suggested I take out my jockey licence. It’s been a dream come true and they will remain lifetime friends of mine.”

Modbury Harriers, Buckfastleigh, Devon

opener, division one of the open maiden, aboard the Tom Maloneowned and trained Song Of The Hunter. The bloodstock agent sourced the six-year-old son of

TRAINER/JOCKEY Robert Hawker claimed the restricted on Five Gold Bars, having recovered from a life-threatening injury last year.

“I spent three weeks in hospital with a perforated bowel and liver damage after a stable accident; I had to undergo five operations,” said the 24-year-old.

The seven-year-old gelding was winning for owners Wayne Rowels and Dick Grant.

“He only cost £5,000. We will aim him at Cheltenham if possible, via the Dunraven Bowl first,” said Wayne.

Will Biddick scored in the

Five Gold Bars lands the restricted under his trainer Robert Hawker

By DONNA HARRIS

68

Now 12 years old, the gelding

by Alflora hadn’t run yet this season due to cancelled meetings, but proved to Jo that he was certainly fit enough by jumping and galloping brilliantly.

“He likes it at Bangor, but I didn’t expect him to do so well today,” said Jo. “I never give Alice any instructions, I just tell her to go out and enjoy it, and he was brilliant — he’s my pride and joy.

“He has a pollen allergy, which

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

Pictures by Sweet Photography, Tim Holt and Lisa Dales Photography

AFTER two unlucky starts, novice rider Paige Topley and eight-yearold former chaser Perfect Pirate pulled their first win out of the bag when landing the PPORA club members’ veteran and novice rider conditions at the first meeting in the north-west this season.

Sophie Pauling gave the gelding to Paige, who rides out for Ben Pauling every morning, in August to ride in point-to-points after the horse had lost interest for racing under Rules.

“He won a hurdle and a chase for Ben, but lost the love,” said Paige. “Sophie didn’t want to get rid of him and said I could have him for pointing. He’s an absolute dude and it was amazing to get my first win under my belt.”

The gelding jumped off

REVESBY PARK 19 January

Edited by Hannah Lemieux hannah.lemieux@ti-media.com @hannah_lemieux1

Peters joins the ‘100 club’ Dale Peters posts a double victory along with two other jockeys South Wold, Revesby Park, Lincs

NEWSWORTHY became trainer/ jockey Dale Peters’ 100th winner in the saddle when claiming the veteran conditions contest.

“I have to thank all the people who have been kind enough to let me ride nice horses,” said Dale.

The 10-year-old son of Presenting ran on gamely to deny Multimedia (Rupert Stearn) after a good jump at the last.

THIS WEEK’S WINNERS ROYAL ARTILLERY, LARKHILL Saturday, 18 January Hunt members.— 1, S Rawlins & H Waight’s Fleur Du Pommier (A Edwards) H Waight. open maiden 5yo&up.— 1, F Hutsby’s Byzantium Lad (Z Baker) F Hutsby. novice rider conditions.— 1, J Harbison’s Storm Lantern (J Harbison) J Johnston. conditions 5yo&up.— 1, H Ridley-Gaines & H Wood’s Chase Me (Z Baker) J Ridley. mixed open.— 1, D Maxwell’s Monsieur Gibraltar (A Cheleda) R Loxton. restricted.— 1, T Underwood’s Miss Massey (P York) T Underwood. Flat race 4&5yo.— 1, H MacPhail’s Grand Knight (P Bryan) G Costelloe.

By MIKE HAMMOND “Newsworthy has his own ideas but plenty of ability — it’s just whether or not he wants to use it,” quipped Dale.

The milestone was the second part of a double for Dale and his team. The rider partnered Bask In The Glory to a bold, front-running performance to win the restricted.

There were only two runners in SIR WW WYNN’S, BANGOR-ON-DEE Sunday, 19 January Intermediate.— 1, B Bostock & S Evason’s Alright Chief (E Glassonbury) V Howell. open maiden 6yo&up.— 1, The Crazy Dealers Partnership’s Goldenbrave (A Edwards) P Rowley. mixed open.— 1, P Rees’ Alfstar (A Stevens) J Priest. confined— 1, R Hewitt’s Crest (A Edwards) R Owen. Goffs UK open maiden 4&5yo.— 1, G Thelwall Jones’ Lucky Hit (H Edwards) H Brookshaw. PPORA club members veteran & novice rider conditions.— 1, S Pauling’s Perfect Pirate (P Topley) P Topley. restricted.— 1, D Constable’s Mr Snuffles (H Edwards) J O’Shea.

Dale Peters celebrates his 100th win in the saddle with Newsworthy

the men’s open. James Ridley just got Big Georgie up in the dying strides to beat Thyne For Gold (Fred Timmis).

Another jockey also not far off the “100 club” is Tommie O’Brien, whose double at Revesby Park earned him a 99th winner.

Tommie survived an indolent round of jumping from the Jake Slatter-trained Waterloo Warrior in the opening conditions race.

“We got our best jump of the race at the last,” said the winning jockey. It was much needed, as Some Kinda Lama was bearing down on the eventual winners, who held on by a short head.

MODBURY HARRIERS, BUCKFASTLEIGH Sunday, 19 January Open maiden (div 1).— 1, T Malone’s Song Of The Hunter (W Biddick) T Malone. div2.— 1, Mr&Mrs C Poste’s Freezing Point (J King) F Nimmo. restricted.— 1, W Rowles & R Grant’s Five Gold Bars (R Hawker) R Hawker. mixed open.— 1, C Donlon, A Doyle, L McDonald & C Barber’s Caid Du Berlais (W Biddick) R Loxton. Jockey Club & RoR veteran conditions 9yo&up.— 1, The Notre Cheval Partnership’s Three Faces West (N Vergne) B Childs. open maiden 7yo&up.— 1, D Garlick’s Gottagottagetaway (S Jukes) S Jukes.

Exeter Racecourse intermediate.— 1, C Bennett’s Shometheway (S Jukes) S Jukes.

The closing Flat race was more straightforward for Tommie, who partnered Ragamuffin to victory.

The pair “pinched the race in the first furlong” when adopting a ten-length lead and making all — quickening nicely at the end.

The Gina Andrews/Tom Ellis team continued in double style, too, with Benefaktor making nearly all in the open maiden — far from the original plan of holding him up.

“He was something possessed today,” Gina said after dismounting. The second part of their double was Latenightpass’ walkover in the ladies’ race. H&H SOUTH WOLD, REVESBY PARK Sunday, 19 January PPORA club members conditions 5yo&up.— 1, A Slatter’s Waterloo Warrior (T O’Brien) J Slatter. open maiden.— 1, K Loads, S Andrews, B Crawford & S Spence’s Benefaktor (G Andrews) T Ellis. ladies’ open.— 1, P Ellis’ Latenightpass (G Andrews) T Ellis. men’s open.— 1, M Middleton’s Big Georgie (J Ridley) J Ridley. restricted.— 1, The Hunter Family’s Bask In The Glory (D Peters) D Peters.

Jockey Club & RoR veteran conditions 9yo&up.— 1, J Henderson’s Newsworthy (D Peters) D Peters. Flat race 4&5yo.— 1, M Pimlott’s Ragamuffin (T O’Brien) O Pimlott.

ONLY IN HORSE & HOUND

‘We must stand in solidarity’ Darren Edwards rues a lack of understanding of racing and its athletes YOU may disagree with me, but I think we live in an increasingly precarious society. From the recent riotous environmental protests coordinated by Extinction Rebellion to the current worrying anti-meat campaign known as “Veganuary”, some people’s views are becoming more left-wing and extreme.

A recent trip to Leicester races did nothing to diminish my view when we were greeted by a small but vocal group of protestors objecting to horse racing. Waving placards with Darren Edwards has ridden over 250 winners and works full-time as a partner at property consultants Fisher German. Darren is a Point to Point Owners & Riders Association (PPORA) committee member.

hunting, farming and other country pursuits need to pull together and show solidarity to overcome the objectionable

OPINION

slogans such as “you bet, horses die”, they were an unsavoury start to what was otherwise an enjoyable day’s sport.

Campaigns against racing — like in hunting — are nothing new, and organisations are proactively fundraising to object. It was not long ago that Animal Aid ran advertisements on London buses, in an attempt to get the whip banned in racing. My growing concern is the lengths that people are now prepared to go in order to express their opinions — often with blatant disregard of the law.

‘FUEL TO THE FLAMES’ THE communication

‘They are finely tuned athletes’ platform that is social media is the proverbial fuel to the flames. So often a tool used to share positive messages and experiences, it can be equally — or more so — negative. It is also now the preferred method by which protests are coordinated and extremism is publicised.

One thing is for sure, racing,

challenges that stand before us.

Those who care to take time to understand racing will know that the horse really is the focal point of what we do. Invariably loved by the owner, trainer, groom and jockey in equal measure, they are finely tuned athletes. Without being given the utmost care, they simply would not be able to do what we ask of them. H&H

23 January 2020 Horse & Hound

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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.

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Serious Thruster

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No vices.

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Height: 15.3hh Age: 15 years Price: N/A Location: Manchester Description: Black TB Mare, good to box, shoe, catch and clip. Goes well with Mares & Geldings. would make a nice brood mare. She is FREE to GOOD HOME ONLY - due to back injury and home will be vetted! Full vaccs, call for more details.

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Hunt/SJ/event

Gorgeous 15’3” ISH Sports Horse for loan

Height: 17hh Age: 11 years Price: £10,000 Location: Ashbourne, Derbyshire Description: Lottie has hunted for the last 3 seasons but has the scope and is careful and bold enough to s.j and / or event.

She is nicely schooled on the flat, has 3 lovely paces, would produce a pleasing dressage test. Jumps fillers water trays etc.

Currently fit and hunting. Xc machine. Lovely stamp of a mare, willing easy attitude, hacks alone / company. Genuine, vice free and open to vet. Only for sale as owner retired from hunting.

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Stunning ISH Geldinge Height: 17.2hh Age: 7 years 6 months Price: £6000 Location: Nottingham Description: Talented over a fence and on the flat. Has been hunting, show jumping, dressage and BE90. He is super honest and tries his best at everything. With a confident and experienced rider he’ll succeed in any discipline.

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Height: 15.3hh Age: 15 years 7 months Price: £300 Location: UK Description: Sensitive and loving mare, looking for pleasure rides, hack and light schooling only. Great to do, barefoot and likes to go places. Not a novice ride, competent riders only please. Available asap.

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Top Competition horse/RC horse

Fantastic Ladies Hunter

Height: 16.1hh Age: 7 years Price: £8000 Description: Derry, this super chap is super to hack, has lovely flashy paces, established flying changes and lovely lateral work. 07950591720 hag234@outlook.com

Height: 16hh Age: 13 years Price: £4500 Location: Morpeth Description: Extremely experienced ladies hunter, has been hunted by amatuer whip but looking for slightly quieter life in the field. 07890022346 philie@hotmail.com

Hunter Height: 17hh Age: 12 years Price: £4500 Location: Bridgend Description: Gelding Hanoverian sire Elroon.

Hunted and inter hunt relays.

12 yr old. Also done PC/RC perfect gentleman in all ways.

07974170173 Maggs173@btinternet.com

Fun Horse Height: 15.1 hh Age: 7 years Price: £4,500 Location: Maidstone, Kent Description: Fun lightweight cob type that has competed XC and SJ. He is bold and easy with all fences , rides nicely on the flat and is also great to hack out alone or in company. Great temperament.

07808965626

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Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

Stunning Connemara Height: 14.2hh Age: 5 years Price: £4000 Location: Mansfield Description: Apollo loves people and has a very willing attitude.

Up to date with everything. Great to do in all ways, fantastic competition pony.

07745119912 Louise.chacon@live.co.uk

Beautiful Reg TBxWelshCob mare

A quality KC registered blue brindle puppy bitch

Height: 14.2hh Age: 4 years Price: £2950 Location: Derby, Derbyshire Description: Registered Welsh Partbred liver chestnut mare. Full sister to Sabrehill Solo (Notts County 2019 Side-Saddle Reserve Champion, dressage winner & ex Novice Eventer). 07887638401 margaret.derbyaeroclub@btconnect.com

Price: POA Description: Inoculated, chipped, insured and house trained.

01530272675 (anytime)

Want to Sell Your Horse?

Italian Mountain Dog cross Coon Hound Puppies Ready Now

Tel: 07498 038259

Price: £500 Location: East Sussex Description: The Puppies will grow to be the size of an Alsatian, some with long coats. They are mega friendly and very unusual. Both Mum and Dad have perfect personalities. Dad is a working Coakham hound! Mum lives with us in the house along with several other dogs. 07973 407767 miles@angelhealthcare.co.uk

Small, friendly, experienced yard looking for all types of horses to buy now. Immediate decision made, cash on collection.

Sales livery available.

DON’T GET SCAMMED WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW RECOGNISE AND AVOID SCAMMERS ✓ Scammers call claiming to be from H&H saying payment has not gone through — hang up ✓ Scammers encourage you to pay for things you haven’t seen — don’t ✓ Scammers send emails offering products in broken English — delete these emails

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HORSEBOXES & VEHICLES

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Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

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OLD CARS CASH PAID ANYWHERE IN THE EU Any make or model Condition unimportant Telephone John: 07960 870446 or email sales@villiersclassics.com

Insurance

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Photography with thanks to Team Ramsay Horton for their kind assistance Terms and conditions apply. South Essex Insurance Brokers House, North Road, South Ockendon Essex RM15 5BE. South Essex Insurance Brokers Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. (local call charges apply)

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Entertainment & Leisure Insurance Services Limited is an appointed representative of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited. The Insurance Emporium is a trading name of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited (registered in England and Wales no. 294940) which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority no. 202748. *Terms & conditions apply. Offer ends 31/12/2020 and is only redeemable on lunar and calendar monthly policies and not where premiums are paid annually.

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STABLES & OUTBUILDINGS

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To find out more email sales@loddon.co.uk call 01508 520744 or visit www.loddon.co.uk 74

Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II SUPPLY & MAINTENANCE OF EQUESTRIAN EQUIPMENT LODDON EQUESTRIAN LTD

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STABLES & OUTBUILDINGS

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JonWilliamStables.co.uk Quality equestrian buildings built by British craftsmen

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Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

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ARENAS & FENCING

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ARENAS & FENCING

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Roade Fibres Ltd. Tel: (01604) 831749 Mobile: 07801 087950/07801 018954 Email: briancurtis@btconnect.com www.roadefibres.com Carpita fibre is a unique formula of fibres made especially for arena’s and gallops.

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If you require to improve your existing sand based surface with Carpita fibre, one of our technical team is available for advice.

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To advertise your riding holiday to over 171,000* equestrian readers Please call 0800 316 5450 or email hasan.mubarak@ti-media.com NRS Jul ’15 to Jun ’16

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Finance

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HE SCOTTISH BORDERS is Scotland's Horse Country. Here there are more horses per head of population than anywhere else in the UK and we consider ourselves the premier destination for horse riding in the UK. The Borderers have an association with the horse that stretches back over two thousand years, from the Romans, the notorious Border Reivers & Mosstroopers right up to the tradition of Common ridings that is still alive today. All this has left a rich heritage of horse access, culture & heritage.

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Clipping & Grooming Service

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GOODS & SERVICES

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Horse & Hound 23 January 2020

when replying to advertisements

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The why before you buy

JOBS / PROPERTY

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Shipping & Transport

Ken Gamble International Horse Transport Ltd Oxon/ Glos based.

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Julie Magnus Horse Transport Caring for your horse during transit.

Full international licensing

EQUINE YARD TECHNICIAN National Minimum/Living Wage Shared Farmhouse accommodation + food allowance + reduced livery + BHS training. 40 hours per week, working 5 days over 7 days, 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays You will support the Equine Department in providing an outstanding and safe experience for students, commercial users and ensure a high standard of horse welfare. The role supports the Equine Team in the day to day running of the Equine Unit, assisting with the supervision of students whilst undertaking practical tasks and supervising student liveries.

The post holder will also be part of our team hosting and assisting with the running of International Equine Events and commercial bookings throughout the year.

07711 192967 www.jmrt.co.uk

We require a team player who has the enthusiasm and drive to motivate students and maintain our professional standards. The successful applicant will be provided with the opportunity to work towards improving and developing their riding ability within two staff development lessons per week. The accommodation comprises of a single occupancy double bedroom within a shared recently refurbished farmhouse situated on-site. Facilities include a large communal living room, kitchen and garden with parking. A pre-paid meal card is provided for use at food outlets around the campus.

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Jobs

Visit our website www.hartpury.ac.uk to see full details and to apply online or telephone (01452) 702135 to request documents by post.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 22nd January 2020.

JCP DEVELOPMENT LEAD Newmarket, Cork

Jockey Coaching Programme Development Lead.

For more information on this new role please visit https://brs.org.uk/vacancies/ Email: Carol@brs.org.uk 01638 665103

PENSHAW EQUESTRIAN CENTRE (CO DURHAM) TEAM LEADER We are looking to employ a Team Leader, the successful candidate will work alongside our team in running of our busy riding school livery and be an enthuastic person who will be a positive role model for staff.

Full or Part time position between 3 & 5 days per week must include one Weekend day.

Jobs to include:• Teaching clients • Teaching and Training staff • Oversee welfare of all horses • Health & Safety requirements • Promoting the business to a wider audience • Liasing with relevant governing bodies eg BHS, Local Authority etc. • Promoting good practice within the work place • Being included in courses eg Fire Training • Operating Farm Machinery eg Tractor • Customer service training Competitive renumeration package depending on experience, minimum BHS AI or equivalent.

Email: joanne.roseberry@roseberryleisure.co.uk

Grove & Rufford Hunt

MASTER

Hunt Staff Advertising

Looking for new Hunt Staff for 2020?

Advertise your vacancies through Horse & Hound print and online.

‘I FREELY ADMIT THAT THE BEST OF MY FUN I OWE IT TO HORSE AND HOUND’ Whyte Melville 1F

British special Inside the Belvoir kennels What it’s really like to ride for your country True grit at the King’s Troop

W EVERY E EK

Requires one or more Joint Masters for the 2020/21 season.

Please apply to the Chairman chairmanGRH@gmail.com

NEW EWS

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TRAI RA NING NG Polewo lewor rk to impro imp ve the th canter ca t

John Hol iday Belvoir

For information, help and advice, please contact Jade Davidson T: 07572 109786 E: jade.davidson@ti-media.com

huntsman

Nags ‘N’ Nannies Est 1988

VET V

How o to build b perfec pe f t hooves ho ve

Jobs Wanted

swedecare

provide Staff from Sweden looking for work and board as Grooms, Riders, Nannies, Au Pairs, Carers for the elderly & Mother’s Help, in UK, Eire & Europe. All staff speak English & have previous experience. Candidates are carefully selected to fit their ideal employer & comprehensive background reference checks. Short & long Term staff available.

020 7435 1262 or Mob 07958 606084 swedecareuk52@gmail.com www.swedecare.info

Delivering a tailored personal service for Employers and Staff.

Grooms, Nannies, Housekeepers.

Contact us to discuss requirements.

Telephone: 01248 602814 or info@nagsandnannies.co.uk. staff register free online www.nagsandnannies.co.uk

Property COUNTRY HOUSE WITH EQUESTRIAN FACILITY IN 16 ACRES £620,000 Provanston enjoys a sheltered rural position with stunning views of the surrounding hills. It is about 1 mile from the village of Fintry, 15 miles from Stirling and 22 miles from Glasgow.

The Main house has 3 reception rooms, kitchen /dining , sunroom and bathroom on the ground floor. Also on the ground floor with seperate access if needed is a utility room/tack room with seperate kitchen and shower room. On the first floor there are four double bedrooms an office and two bathrooms. Adjoining annex has two flats. A two bedroom on the ground and a one bedroom on the first floor. Fully serviced and suitable for letting or staff accomodation. There is a range of outbuildings. A new prtal frame with 27 stables, hay/straw storage and workshop space. A portal frame 50X25M approx indoor school. Further outbuildings used for storage and workshop with development potential.

There is a five bay horse walker. There are 3 paddocks newly fenced and drained totalling about 12 acres.

Further details at: www.purplebricks.co.uk/brochure/843298 Price Offers over £620,000. Email: bthomsondollar@gmail.com

Horse and Hound incorporating Horse Exchange, ISSN 0018-5140. Vol. CXVII No. 5035 (Est. 1884), 23 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.

23 January 2020 Horse & Hound

81

GOODNIGHT

A rumour mill in overdrive HE gossip mill around here is insane. I think it’s because there aren’t many people. When something untoward happens, we fall on the story like ravening hounds and it gets repeated ad infinitum until something else happens.

This week, for example, we were hunting on Tuesday when disaster struck. One of the two Davids, as they are generally known, suffered a nasty fall and jiggered his arm. The children and I were heading home when it happened, so we knew nothing about it until the following morning when I went out to the stables to see Eildon, who helps with the horses. Eildon had bumped into Kevin, who follows on a bike, and he told her all about it.

Apparently, David’s horse had spooked, he’d fallen off and done something seriously gory to his arm, dislocating the hand and causing the arm bone to stick through the skin Halloween-style. I made sympathetic noises

‘When something untoward happens, we fall on the story like ravening hounds’ and went about my day until lunchtime when one of Adam’s joint-masters, James, rang and the David arm subject came up again.

“Rachel [unofficial hunt paramedic] showed me a photo she took of David’s arm,” said James, queasily. “I wish I could unsee it, because the image keeps popping up in my head.”

I

DIDN’T think of David and his arm again until I was settling Mary into her new dorm at school that afternoon. There were several of us mums putting duvet covers on beds and sticking photographs to pinboards when Georgie came in.

“You’ll never believe what happened outside my house yesterday,” she said, and went on to regale us with the tale of — you guessed it — David’s arm.

Georgie was of a similar view to James and having seen the damage, wished desperately that she hadn’t.

“It was horrific,” she gasped.

Next stop in the day, Berwick swimming pool to collect Jack. A place you’d expect to be mercifully free of hunting chat. But no, Maggie was there, and she was also out on Tuesday.

“Did you hear about poor David?” she quizzed.

“Yes,” I said — failing to add that I’d heard about nothing else all day.

Later I rang Rachel (not about the arm) but conversation inevitably moved in that direction. She told me how she made a rudimentary splint with a whip and a tie until the real paramedics arrived, adding that this was a well-trusted manoeuvre she had performed several times before.

I was now fully in the picture and possibly knew more about David’s accident than he knew himself. I turned on the telly half expecting the story to appear on the local news. All we need now is for something new to happen, but it could be a long wait. H&H

Picture by sarahfarnsworth.co.uk

T

A gory hunting story does the rounds until everyone in the vicinity — from the swimming pool to the school dormitory — knows more about it than the victim himself, says Tessa Waugh

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