n a i r t s e u Eq frican A t s a E e h T
1513 SeJUptL--SEOcP t2020
ing
ping ● Show age ● Showjum
cing ● Dress
Polo ● Horsera
In This Issue:
The Mburu siblings make a mark in equestrian sports with scintillating perfomances
hs.
Price: 200 KS
PG
10
The Moi's polo world
PG
6-7
Former President Moi's grandchildren - Kimoi and Kigen - speak about their lives in polo and why the younger Moi wants to quit this equestrian sport HI
GRIFFUNWIGGS WIN 2015 SAMSUNG GALAXY MUGS MUG 1
PG 14-15
As seen on DStv/SuperSport
»»»»«CONTENTS
Editor’sNote
Cover Story
The Moi family's amazing story of their exploits in Polo and Kigen's future in the sport...
Lessons to learn from rampant doping cases
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ith reports coming from around the world of doping abuse in horse racing circles, it is vitalthat our authorities treat this subject with the utmost dexterity. Only recently, a horse owned by no less a person than the Queen of England fell victim of this scourge when it was inadvertently given food supplements that turned out to contain banned performance enhancing substances. Such an embarrassing episode for the Monarch. Another case emerged from UAE, where the International Equestrian federation (FEI) was forced to meet out sanctions on authorities there following massive drug abuse. As we talk, FEI reported three more Swiss Jumpers, tested positive to prohibited substances. Samples taken at the CSIO5* at La Baule (FRA) on 17 May from the horse Nino des Buissonnets (FEI ID FRA45550), ridden by Steve Guerdat (SUI) to win the Grand Prix on the day of testing, have returned positive for the banned substances Codeine and Oripavine, plus an even greater inhibitor, Morphine. Under the FEI’s Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs), a mandatory provisional suspension is imposed on any athlete in the event of a banned substance, prior to the opportunity for a full hearing. Similarly, under the EADCMRs, a horse is also provisionally suspended for two months. As a result, Steve Guerdat and Alessandra Bichsel, are both sidelined from competition, pending further investigation. The FEI offers a suspected athlete, referred to in the rules as the Person Responsible (PR), and the horse owner, an opportunity for a preliminary hearing before the FEI Tribunal to request lifting of such punishments. David Davies, Chief Executive Officer of the Jockey Club of Kenya, has assured that they take matters of doping extremely seriously. Stewards conduct random tests at every meeting, including Classics, Samples are even sent abroad to qualified Laboratories for extra surveillance. It is an essential route to adopt in order to maintain their quintessential global status. It will certainly avoid embarrassing reports such that have engulfed our hitherto world-class athletics performances. It has been creeping into football and boxing, in its wake.
PG 6-7 Show jumping News
Gilgil horse show and event was a huge success despite security challenges...
PG 9 Polo report
Bayer Prosaro win Nanyuki Challenge Cup at North Kenya Polo Club...
PG 12-13 Global News
Three Swiss horses test positive to prohibited perfomance enhancing substances...
PG 19 Down Memory Lane
Rose Caldwell traces the happy memories of the Gilgil and ASTU events...
PG 28
10 Racing Profile 20-21 Global Briefs 24-25 Celebrity feature 26-27 Regional News
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32 The Coronation cup 33 International Polo 2015 36-39 From our lenses
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Equestrian Round-Up
Bo Derek puts perfect Le Sercombe keen “10” equestrian heroes on vet medicine in the limelight
Lausanne (SUI), 28 July 2015 Hollywood actress Bo Derek, star of the romantic comedy "10" and recently cast in the cult Sharknado series on US cable network SyFy, has been announced as Chair of the Jury of the prestigious FEI Awards 2015, the annual awards launched by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the world governing body of equestrian sport. A lifelong horse lover and riding enthusiast, Derek is the International Ambassador of the Lusitano Horse, a spokesperson for the Animal Welfare Institute and serves on the California Racing Board. The FEI Awards 2015, in association with the FEI’s Top Partner Longines and with international fashion designer Reem Acra, celebrate the world’s exceptional equestrians, saluting excellence, courage, commitment and dedication. “The FEI Awards honour the deep contributions that our horses, riders and everyone in the equestrian community make to our society,” Bo Derek said. - FEI.com
Champion jockey, Lesley Sercombe, is re-organising her thoughts, after suffering a debilitating viral infection to the muscles. Lesley did not ride at Ngong for a couple of months, giving the mind time to re-group. There is a strong possibility she will return to University this September, for a fresh course in Veterinary Medicine. Nothing is finalised as yet, but we hope our Lesley makes a full recovery, in order to keep entertaining us with tight finishes. She can be learned as well, on the side! EÆ.
Horses are running faster, research by University of Exeter dons reveals A new study contends that racehorses are gradually getting faster, despite views to the contrary held by pundits. It also shows the greatest improvements in speeds have been over shorter distances. Researchers from the University of Exeter went to great lengths to prove their point, looking at more than 616,000 race times run by almost 70,400 horses. Founded by Doctor Emmeline Hill in partnership with Irish trainer and breeder Jim Bolger in 2009, Equinome is headquartered at NovaUCDBred for speed: Irish equine firm unveils US expansion plan Dr Barbara Anne Murphy designed the Equilume Light MaskInnovation Awards profile: Equilume: Light mask to aid horse breeding. Dr Patrick Sharman and Dr Alastair Wilson examined data sets going back to the 1850s and also took into account the year of particular events, speed, and distance, how they were timed, how of-
ficial going was described, and, gender, among other variables. They looked at elite-level animals and also the racehorse population as a whole. Results proved overall speeds are increasing in sprints. The slower rate of improvement in speeds over middle to long distances, could mean horses are approaching a performance limit. The authors point out this could also reflect a breeder preference for speed over endurance, they write in the Royal Society journal, Biology Letters. There is a longstanding view that horse speeds have been plateauing, but this was not the case, based on intense scrutiny. These sustained improvements could also boil down to enhanced training regimes, jockey tactics, or other environmental factors. Genetics also play a part. Speeds improved rapidly in the early 1900s, and, between 1975-1999, illustrating non-continuity. EÆ.
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O.B.T.S. Yearling sales go on smoothly despite Bernard Martens' death By EA Equestrian Reporter The annual O.B.T.S. Yearling Sales were remarkably well supported on June 13, at Ngong racecourse Paddock. Average prices plateaued around half-a-million Shillings, while four went under Honorable Tom Tom Fraser’s Gavel, at more than 600,000 Billy Elliot, Tenby, Eagle Bay, and, Ramesh. Only a few ‘toto’s’ did not reach their reserve price from David Armstrong’s, Chapachula Farm. Fourteen from Bruce Nightingale’s Kenana, were bought respectively by Patsy Sercombe, Mim Haynes, Mark Mburu, John Lee, Captain Subow, Karen Blixen, Joe Karari, R. Karanja and Joe Muya. It is important to note that Mark Mburu is an apprentice jockey, who also owns horses trained by Onesmus Mutua. This is an unusual situation for someone so young to be on both ends of the ladder. He shares them with his polo playing brother Justin Mburu. During auctioneering, bidding went smoothly, with buyers being seriously tempted by what they saw. It sure was a social event, running right into the evening. Sadly, there was an air of morbidity, tangibly created by news from Karen that Bernard Martens had been shot dead when entering his Marula Lane home at 6.30 pm. All the thugs escaped with was a lap-top. They also shot the maid in her arm. Luckily, Bernard’s wife, Marguerite, was out at the time. Bernard had been a frequenter of horse racing for several decades, always smiling, happy, witty, and, enthusiastic. It is a terrible loss. He stocked supermarkets with state-of-the-art fridges. Our sympathies are extended to all his family and friends. EÆ.
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Cover story Gideon Moi (left) hits the ball as Kigen charges during last year's tournament in Jamhuri Park, Nairobi. INSET: Gideon, Kimoi (left) and Kigen
IN THE FAMILY BLOOD
Kigen Moi is keen to make a comeback to motocross, the sport where his illustrious sporting career started more than a decade ago, but even as the polo fraternity prepares to endure such a loss of hugely-talented player, he also has a word on how to make the sport of kings more popular By EA Equestrian Writer
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igen Moi may soon be giving polo a wide berth. The polo fraternity, long used to his easy mien, friendly interactions and infectious grin, could sooner be poorer by one star attraction. Kigen is deeply in love with another sport – motocross, a sport he used to participate in during his early teenage years. He could be returning to motocross pretty soon, he told The E.A. Equestrian in an exclusive interview. He appreciates polo and the opportunities that the sport of kings present. He actually admits that being a polo player has accorded him more recognition around the world than the family pedigree that runs in his blood. He is the son of Baringo Senator, Gideon Moi, also an accomplished polo player, and grandson of Kenya’s second president, Daniel Moi. The former president is also an avid sports fan, who never missed an opportunity to attend international football matches and National Athletics Championships at Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, now renamed Safaricom Kasarani Stadium, during his reign as Kenya's head
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of state, even when political demands came knocking on his doors. With that kind of blood running in his veins, it was not an accident that he and his elder brother, Kimoi, took to the elite sports with aplomb. Kigen started off with motocross and was a regular competitor at the Jamhuri Park tracks, reving and taking the bikes to the skies with histrionic daredevilry. The siblings have now come of age, having completed university studies abroad and armed with degrees ready to build the nation. While Kimoi is somewhat guarded in his responses to questions, and prefers simple and brief answers to direct questions, Kigen delves much deeper into issues, even offering to tackle more complex issues. Typical of a young man who has come of age, he is not shy to venture into matters that, only recently, would appear to be out of his ambit. For instance, Kigen is putting up a strong case for the spreading of polo to other counties. The 21-year-old Kigen is able to conceptualise and visualize the potential of a sport he has played for quite a few years, here and abroad. “Why has counties like Machakos or Nyeri, or even from the Coast, not have polo teams? They have huge potential, good landscape and
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sportspeople who appreciate equestrian sports,” asks Kigen. Father and sons are avid sportsmen, who grace almost every polo competition in the country, from Manyatta in Gilgil to Nairobi and Timau on the slopes of Mount Kenya. “Something is worrying me,” he says just as we are about to conclude the interview. “Just as a parting shot, why should all indigenous polo players be coming from Rift Valley? This Rift Valley-centric dominance of polo should be checked or else it will make this great sport boring,” he tells me matter-of-factly. Kigen, known as Nicholas Kigen Omar Moi, is alluding to the heavy presence of Rift Valley, in fact, Baringo-bred players like Chris Foot, Robert Koitaba, Tim Chesire, The Kulei’s and, of course, their team, among others, in polo. “Other counties should also come up, Central, Eastern and Coast Provinces. That would create a competitive atmosphere in the sport,” he charges. Kigen has just graduated with a degree in law, specializing in corporate governance and human rights from Bristol University in the United Kingdom. Handicap 1 Kimoi, or James David Munir Kimoi, is a graduate of Exeter University, also
Cover story
Kimoi Moi (left) and his father Gideon celebrate after winning a match for Cruise Control. in the UK, where he studied Civil Engineering. Both attended Harrow School in London and were exposed to the sport of kings at a much early age. To them, polo came naturally, because their father had developed an interest in the sport. “Polo is a passport to the world, said Sir Winston Churchill, also a former ‘Harrower’,” quotes Kigen with excitement across his face. “Where ever you go, you find the polo community and you say you are a player, you are immediately welcome with wide open arms,” he says. “Now that I am in the country for longer spells of time, I will get more playing time, although I am more keen on motocross for the moment and going into the future” he confides. “I am returning to the bike. I don’t consider myself a total horseman, like Kimoi or my dad. I guess this is why I did not try dressage or jumping,” he says. But Kimoi intervenes, saying: "but he is the most successful among us." From the humble riding school years at Gigiri, the duo have grown to become among the best players in the country and have travelled far and wide. Both have played at the prestigious Guards Polo Club, which hosts the Queen’s Cup in the United Kingdom. They also played against the Earl of Sunderland. “I played the best polo in Argentina. Their club chukkas are twice better than our International. I played with some of their best players. They have a rich polo culture in Argentina. I have also played in South Africa and
Tanzania,” says Kigen. Kimoi then takes over the conversation. “Kigen is arguably the best among us. We play with and against one another and he has better results thus far. We all started playing from the influence of our dad and when we went to school in UK, our polo just grew. It just grew naturally.” Dad and sons play for Cruise Control, a team sponsored by a family-owned franchise, during Mugs Mug and they have won three times. Last year was particularly successful for Kigen, who won twice in Timau and the Mug’s Mug in Manyatta. During the Samsung Galaxy Tournament in Timau last August, for instance, Kigen got one over dad when his team, Samsung Tab 4, beat his father’s Samsung NotePro 5 5-2. The Samsung Gear 2 team of Casimir Gross, Raphael Nzomo, Vishal Somaia and Pete Grifiths, claimed top honours lifting the Connaught Cup as Kigen won the Tatham-Warter Tankard trophy for the best playing pony intermediate class. Kimoi accepts that he is not as consistent with victories as Kigen. No explanation here. “May be it is got to do with luck. I don’t really know although I love the sport,” he says, stifling laughter. Polo and motocross have a common denominator in that you give up control to a ‘foreign’ object – a bike and a horse, says Kimoi. In polo, you must be in total sync with the horse, like I am with Fillies Lily, which many players find difficult. In motocross, you must get the machine in good working condition,” he says. EÆ.
Kimoi Moi (left) and Kigen Moi during a tournament at Jamhuri Park, Nairobi.
Kigen Moi in his trademark smile duirng a tournament in Nairobi.
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Equestrian News
Apology to the Limb family The Limb family has contributed more to horse racing and polo, than almost any other in this country. The E.A. Equestrian Magazine has been continually monitoring any positive feedbacks in their upward slant of competitive prowess. However, in the previous issue, we highlighted what Valerie Limb had been doing since leaving her training establishment at Ololua Ridge, Karen, known as Kingscliffe Stud. This was not quite taken in the intended vein of assistance, where we thought we were merely offering moral support. There was completely no malice aforethought and our intention was to conscienciously whip up public support, in line with our CSR policy, to a family that have made huge contribution to equestrian sport. Please accept our sincere unreserved apologies for any discomfort the article may have visited on the family and Nanyuki Cottage Hospital for any embarassment caused to the facility. Editor EÆ.
Jockey, 25, succumbs to injuries after a fall at a French trotting race A 25-year-old female jockey has died from injuries sustained in a fall during a trotting race in France. Christelle Zimmer landed heavily on her neck and back, at the Chartres track. Zimmer received first aid instantly, with medical staff giving her CPR after she suffered a heart attack. Christine was flown by helicopter to Rouen hospital, but also suffered a cerebral haemorrhage and did not recover. We are reporting this story because it is a freak accident, and extremely rare in trotting circles.
Quest for global equestrian heroes begins
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he Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), world governing body of equestrian sport, on July 1 launched the FEI Awards 2015 to celebrate the world’s exceptional equestrians. The annual salute to excellence, courage, commitment and dedication starts today with nominations open at www.feiawards.org. “Our sport is unique and extraordinary”, FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “Our athletes and everyone working in the equestrian community have amazing track records of success,
incredible personalities and fascinating back stories. Time and time again as spectators and on television we see sensational victories, but there is so much more to our sport than meets the eye. “These awards honour everyone who makes our sport happen, highlighting the true value of horse sport and its contribution to our global society. HRH Princess Haya created these important awards and I am proud to continue this tradition, which is now part of our community.” -Insidethegames.biz
Michael Jung returns to Eventing world number one spot Lausanne (SUI), 3 July 2015 Michael Jung (GER) (pictured left) is back as world Eventing number one after his brilliant third-place finish with La Biosthetique Sam FBW at last month’s Luhmühlen CCI4* (GER) presented by DHL, fifth leg of the FEI Classics™. Jung (32) jumped to the top of the FEI World Eventing Rankings in May for the first time in his career, breaking the one-year reign of William Fox-Pitt (GBR). Fox-Pitt then toppled Jung in June to take back his lead. Now Jung, the first Eventing athlete to hold the European, world and Olympic titles simulta-
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neously in 2012 after scoring individual and team gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games, and Fox-Pitt, the multiple Olympic, World and European medallist, have switched places yet again! Jung now has a 17-point lead over Fox-Pitt (591 points), with New Zealand’s Jonelle Price up into third (520 points). Germany’s Ingrid Klimke – winner at Luhmühlen and current leader of the FEI Classics™ series - has also moved up and is now in fourth (504 points). Australia’s Stuart Tinney has leapt into the top 10 and is now in ninth from 17th in the FEI World Eventing Rankings. -Insidethegames.biz
Show jumping News
Another huge success in Gilgil in spite of national security demands
Venita Phillips By Rose Caldwell The Gilgil Horse Show & Event has always been one of my favourite events and I have never missed it in the last 50 or so years. This year's event, held on May 14-16 had some teething problems due to the current political situation. Most of the anti-stock theft men were on security duties, leaving a small contingent back in Gilgil. However, the Committee rallied round taking on extra work to ensure the event took place. Chairman, Jo Mills, and his wife Janet, had a mammoth task organizing practically everything including a very interesting tap system in the showers. Gilly Fraser had been camping on site for two weeks building the course with two garden boys since her usual course builder was unavailable. There is a lovely campsite which is always full. Many hilarious evenings took place with the usual “camp crawl’ from camp group to camp group. Most people brought their dogs which, as usual, got on well together and loved the wonderful walks around the cross country course. The show ended with a cheerful supper party with excellent food provided by “The Rusty Nail”. ASTU is an outstanding venue with a full size polo pitch which accommodated two jumping rings and three dressage arenas on perfect going. David Grey built very good Show Jumping courses for the more experienced horses and riders and Yours Truly built the show jumping course in Ring 2, getting more inexperienced horses and riders going. The ASTU has 800 acres of unspoiled bush with river and dams and any amount of natural obstacles. Gilly Fraser, who had just returned from a Course Builders Seminar in Zimbabwe, made great use of these to build an exciting and different cross country course. She introduced some new ideas including making the first part of the course tight and twisty so that it needed accurate riding. The idea is to encourage horses and riders to concentrate on riding between fences rather than going flat out. It certainly made a big difference to the results. RESULTS
Clare Hewitt-Stubbs The hardest course was the Open which was predictably stiff but Rachel Robley, on Muffin, made it look easy on their way to winning the class. Natalie McComb from Uganda was second on Scorpio and Anita Mills Stanly’s Mugeni was starting to show her age a bit, coming third. The Intermediate was a disappointing class; a small fence on top of a mound above the pond taking the most prisoners. The winner was Chyulu Francombe riding Debbie Boyd Moss’s Cossack Dancer with great determination. She was followed by Robin Stanley on Windemere and Susie Nann on Battlesong; both attacked the course and showed how it should be ridden. The Novice competition was run in two sections and faults were spread throughout both. Rachel Robley on Fantasia led from start to finish in Section 1 while Field Marshall rose right up the ranks to gain second place after the Best Cross Country Round. Cindy Voorspuy was third on Tamoshanta. Section 2 was won by Chyulu Francombe, once again, riding for Debbie Boyd Moss, this time aboard Pocahontas. Elizabeth Warner was second on Saga and Marchin In was third. The Pre-Novice Class was very disappointing with too many eliminations because horses were not ready for cross country and riders did not ride positively enough so horses, sensing the indecision, stopped. Those who rode properly had few problems. The results were: Section 1 1st White Linen C. Bjorn 2nd Sierra Silver J. Leteipa 3rd King Salsa L. Vittone Section 2 1st Bullet Train 2nd Almassi 3rd Sporran
F. Coulson J. Ekldor L. Voorspuy
For the many people who criticized the courses, saying they were too twisty for young horses, not fair, too difficult etc. I would like to offer 3 pieces of advice:Do your homework and school your horses up to standard and make sure they will happily go on their own
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Ride as if you mean to get round instead of listening to others and fiddling around because you hear it is wet and you think you might slip. If you are not happy with the course just try spending a few weeks building a cross country course with a few garden boys. The Show Jumping Classes were good although two top Classes, Proud Command and D & C Accumulator had to be cancelled because of a lack of entries. The C Grade Top Score was won by Whoosh ridden by Venetia Philips with Natalie McComb and Scorpio second and Susie Nann and Battlesong in third. The C Grade Championship Qualifier took place in the pouring rain and was won by Scorpio, second Whoosh and third Balmain. The results of other Classes are 1.00m ‘D’ Championship Qualifier 1st Burgandy 2nd Pocahontas 3rd Fantasia 1.00 m ‘D’ Top Score with Joker 1st Fantasia 2nd Jungle Beat 3rd Crimson Moonlight Open Combined Training 1st Muffin 2nd Whoosh 3rd Windermere Intermediate Combined Training (Sec 1) 1st Charlatan 2nd Duncan 3rd SC Damascus Intermediate Combined Training (Sec 2) 1st Freebee 2nd Balmain 3rd Arabuka Novice Combined Training (Sec 1) 1st Andaman Island 2nd Jongomero 3rd Sporran Novice Combined Training (Sec 2) 1st Wolf’s Claw 2nd Hot Pursuit 3rd Marakesh Simple Elementary Test No 1 1st Muffin 2nd Mugeni 3rd Duncan Jo and Jan Mills are resigning this year after many years of sterling work and we are all very grateful to them for their hard work and dedication. Somehow, Jo always had a smile and a joke no matter how stressed he might be. We welcome Philip Coulson as Chairman of a new committee and thank them for taking on what is one of the most popular shows and hope that we can continue at the present venue. EÆ.
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Racing Profile
Making a mark, the Mburus’ way
From family weekend pastime, Mark and Justin are scaling the heights of equestrian sport
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By Ea Equestrian Writer
t started as a family weekend pastime. A sports-loving father taking his two sons out to watch horses, jockeys and horsemen. It has blossomed into a major investment, and is now regarded as hot, hot, hot, on current standards. The M&J syndicate can modestly boast for creating one of the biggest stables in Kenya. Justin has emerged as an enthusiastic owner, extending the family’s long-held interest in the steedy sport. His elder brother, Mark Mburu, is an up and coming apprentice jockey, whose frequent jaw-dropping performances at Ngong, are becoming an animated topic of discussion. While 29-year-old Justin is involved with polo (playing for Nairobi Polo Club), Mark has held a firm grip on, and is scaling the heights of, horse racing, while punters keenly watch his progressive ascending steps. Both brothers were initiated into this forum after father Francis Mungai, who has an interest in mining, frequently took them out on Sundays. Show jumping was the preliminary cocktail, to strengthen their resolve for more aggressive competition. “Dad thought racing would be ideal for us, having witnessed our sincere attachment to horses, during several meetings, plus additional trips to Naivasha’s, Safariland Hotel,” said Mark. Safariland became a regular destination for the Mburu brothers, who pounced on any opportunity to horn valuable equestrian skills. Still they were not convinced that respective speciality presence, in their chosen fields, could be acquired. Like many accomplished riders, the Mburu brothers attended Mrs Goods Riding School in Lang’ata, where they continued
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with their formal riding lessons. From there, they proceeded to Harifa Riding School in Karen, now known as Karen Riding School. Fully armed with basic equine knowledge, education came calling. Mark attended Imani Secondary school, which, luckily, also provided horses lessons. After graduating with Ordinary Level Certificate at Imani School, Mark proceeded for a pre-University bridging course at Ausi University, and later joined the university for a Bachelors degree course in Entrepreneurship. But in the intervening period, they also perfected their riding skills at Hardy Studs, which is owned by Tony and Cathy Muthama. Even before graduating, Mark joined the Oliver Gray stable for a year and a half. His first show jumping horse, Whispering Winds, who died due to liver failure in in 2011, emanated from Gray’s yard. Justin used to ride Sagamanta. Graduation came with its demands, foremost was to glue to family mining concerns. But riding also dictated its own space. The latter appeared to have an overbearing priority. In July 2013, M&J purchased seven horses that started the racing yard from owner Tinu Mahajan. With huge support from owner James Muremi and trainer Patsy Sercombe, Mark’s racing career started on an upward trajectory in 2013/14. From Patsy, he and Muremi bought Capevale and Oyokoba, “which were our first winners.” “Then came support from Inga Kiilu and Rebecca Karanja who bought more horses for us from Patsy’s yard,” he recalls. Winning was still elusive in this first year of serious racing, but they scraped through with
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12, plus a few placings. Ari G and Golden Cloud came on board from the National Yearling Sales in 2013/14 season. David Armstrong sold them Spur of the Moment, previously trained by Oliver Gray, and benefacted Chanele. Performance improved considerably in their second season, with 13 wins. Their first Classic race of 2014/15 was St Leger, where Ari G placed fourth. The Mburus cast their net wider, heading to Zimbabwe. Barbados, Serene Geisha and Go Public, were more additions to the stable. Serene Geisha struck three races inside a year. Smitten by this success, they returned to Zimbabwe, where everything else seems to go haywire, except racing, which still enjoys apedestal treatment among the continent’s elite. So last December, they imported Jubilee Claim, Their First Song, Try to Catch Me, Hebrews, Belo Horizonte and Irish Flier. Milly Million and Ooh My Gosh also came from the Land of famed Mugabe. In time, armed with fresh vintage blood, who were boiling up treats, a few strugglers were humanely dispensed with. “I have an excellent team, who ensure the horses are in good condition. Without trainer Onesmus Mutua Kiilu, assistant trainers David Mwikia and Michael Musila, I as an apprentice wouldn’t be anywhere, because your trainer must believe in your ability to get your horse to the line first. For that I am truly grateful to all three,” says Mark. Let us wait for September’s new season, to envision what the Mburu’s might have in store for its ever growing public response. EÆ.
Racing Profile
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1. Mark Mburu aboard Mark the Knife during the Silverdale Challenge and horse show at the Jamhuri Park Nairobi (July 12-15 2013) 2. Mark Mburu steers Sagamanta at the GR1X gauntlet during the F.E.I horse jumping at Jamhuri Park (July 6-7 2013) 3. Mark Mburu aboard Danger Zone in a horse jumping competition 4. Mark Mburu with Serene (ZIM) at his Karen home 5. Mark Mburu poses with Sagamanta during the Silverdale Challenge and horse show at Jamhuri Park (July 12-15 2013)
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The E.A. Equestrian
â– JUL-SEP-2015
Polo Report from Timau
Nzomo leads Bayer Presaro to win Nanyuki Polo Challenge Cup
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By Mosese Ayew
ayer Presaro won the Nanyuki Polo Challenge Cup after beating Samsung Galaxy Tab 5.5–3 in an entertaining match at the North Kenya Polo Club ground in Timau over the weekend. The game was played under clear blue skies with the picturesque Mount Kenya peak in the backdrop in the three-day tournament co–sponsored by electronic giant Samsung and Bayer Crop Science. Presaro, comprising of Raphael Nzomo 2, Archie Voorspuy 1.5, Antony Gross 1 and Aisha Gross 0, won against and equally starstudded Samsung Galaxy Tab team of Vishal Somaia 2, Phillip Arunga 2, Kigen Moi 1, and Geoff Morley 0.5, in an adrenaline-filled pole match that saw the action swing from one end of the pitch to the other. Kigen Moi, riding Maxwell bought from South Africa, was on point a minute into the first chukka for the Tabs who started on a fraction advantage, after sneaking in a nice volley pass from Vishal Somaia, riding Bhengazi. Even before the cheers from the fans could settle, Antony Gross (the polo maestro) evaded his marker Phillip Arunga and sneaked in a goal to level the scores just before the end of the first chukka. The third and fourth chukkas saw a lot of pushing and shoving amongst the players with Presaro mounting a watertight defense that denied Galaxy Tabs any clear scoring chance. Vishal Somaia penalty shot from the 50 yard mark went wide as Presaro made a counter attack with Aisha on target from the 35 yards to seal the victory for her side. Players had to change their ponies which were having a bit of the weather after being brought from Nairobi to Timau which is a
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high altitude area following recommendations by the match committee. Raph Nzomo (Pictured), riding Moonwalker, was on target for Presaro from the 10-yard mark as fans were kept on the edges of their seats after cruising, fast and adrenaline filled match, that saw Presaro lead 3.5 -2 by the end of the second chukka. Bayer Hussar comprising of Keila Millar -0, Megan Griffiths -0, Oliver Robley -0.5, and Ben Stonewigg -0.5 walloped Samsung Galaxy S6 OF Sammy Kiarie 0.5, Hiromi Nzomo 0, Imogen Voorspuy 0, and Nick Millar -0.5 on a 3.5 – 3 to lift the Nanyuki Sports Club Kinsmen Cup in the intermediary category. Five-goaler Casimir Gross led Samsung S5 of Anna Boden -2, Josh Seagon -1.5 and Hamish Hobbs -2 to win the Autumn Polo Cup to triumph over Samsung Galaxy of (John Mugambi 1, Omwake Arunga -1, Charley Morley -1.5 and Elizabeth Locker -1.5 on an aggregate score of 3.5-3. EÆ.
... As Bayer North Kenya clinches Timau Stores Cup
ayer North Kenya won the prestigious Timau Stores Cup last weekend at the North Kenya Polo Club in Timau in a three day event. The new winners comprised the quartet of Casimir Gross 5, Topper Murray 1, Joss Craig 1 and Llewellyn Dyer 1. They beat Samsung Gear Manyatta 13-13 in the scary system.The team comprised Gordy Millar 2.5, Mbu Ngugi 2, Raph Nzomo 2 and Archie Voorspuy. Samsung Tab team of Stutti Millar 1.5, Sacha Craig O, Hiromi Nzomo O and Nick Millar 0.5 won the Abadan cup after beating
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Monsanto team of John Mugambi 1, Sammy Kiarie O., Aisha Gross O and Imogen Voorspuy O in a round Robin match where Bayer Prosaro team of Geoff Morley 0.5, Dom Grammaticas 0.5, Nicky Ngugi 0.5 and Cheza Millar emerged in the third place. Bayer Topik team comprised the quartet of Martin Waiganjo 2.5, Ben Mwenda -0.5, Clinton Lucy-1 and Elizabeth Loker-1.5 won the Murray cup after beating Samsung note team of Casimir Gross 5, Nina Morley -1.5, Nicolai Barnwell -1.5 and Morten Jensen -2 The Samsung galaxy Kenya polo is in its
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second chapter for this season and was partly sponsored by Bayer crops Science where Mr. John Kanyingi the head of marketing invited the new managing director from france Mr. Eric Buro to present the trophies. Polo veteran player Mr. Anthony Gross has been elected the New North Kenya Polo club chairman by the Kenya Polo Association council replacing Mr. Gordon Murray. The six day tournament was sponsored by Bayer crop Science, Monsanto, Nativo, Thunder and Wuxal by Aglukon. EÆ.
Polo report from Gilgil
Samsung Galaxy Tab clinch the Annesley Cup at Manyatta Club
Results of The Annesley Cup/ Junior Polo Tournament at Manyatta Polo Club on May 29-31 Junior Tournament Keringet 7 Peroni 1, Tack Rack 2 Sanyati 1, Keringet 3 Peroni 2.5, Tack Rack 4 Sanyati 2, Keringet 8 Peroni 7.5. Annesley Cup. Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Samsung Galaxy Tab 5.5, Samsung Galaxy 5.5 Samsung Galaxy S-Six 3, Samsung Galaxy Tab 5.5 Samsung Galaxy S-Six 3, Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Samsung Galaxy 8.5, Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 (Annesley Cup winners) Samsung Galaxy 2.5, Samsung Galaxy S-Six 3 Samsung Galaxy Note 8(Playoff winners). EÆ.
Martin Waiganjo of Samsung S6 and Rowena Stichbury of Samsung Galaxy in Manyatta. By E.A Reporter Samsung Galaxy Tab won the Annesley Cup in the first Chapter of the Kenyan Polo Championships season that started at the Manyatta Polo Club in Gilgil on May 30-31. Samsung Galaxy Tab defeated Samsung Galaxy 4-2.5 goals in the four-team-tournament played on a round robin where the winners earned three points, a draw two points and losers went home empty handed to romp home with the first title of the new season. Samsung Galaxy Tab won the cup with a total of six points after beating Samsung S-Six 5.5-3 goals in their opening match. On the final day, Samsung Galaxy Tab earned their goals through Mbu Ngugi, who scored thrice in the first three chukkas, with Stutti Millar adding the fourth in the third chukka to run away with the title. Jamie Murray saved the day for Galaxy with two goals scored in the first and fourth chukkas after earning a fraction of a goal from their weaker handicap that totaled to 5.5 compared to their opponent’s six. Samsung Galaxy Note emerged third at the expense of Samsung Galaxy Six 8-3 goals. Samsung Galaxy Note and Samsung Galaxy S-Six had earlier lost their opening matches and their last one against each other was just to decide the play-off winners. Samsung Galaxy Note were first beaten 8.5-7 by Samsung Galaxy, while Samsung Galaxy S-Six fell 5.5-3 against Samsung Galaxy for the latter to scoop six points like Samsung Galaxy Tab before facing off in the finals. Samsung Galaxy Note finished the tournament
with three points from two matches. Note led 7-3 in the first three chukkas with Henry Limb scoring thrice, Gordy Millar twice and John Mugambi once, while Raphael Nzomo scored the three goals for Samsung Galaxy S-Six. In the Junior tournament, Keringet defeated Peroni 8-7.5 goals. Georgina Millar and Megan Griffiths scored for the winners in the four chukkas and Ben Stonewigg (twice), William Millar and Cheza Millar replied for the losers. Earlier, Tack Rack beat Sanyati 4-2 for the second time having defeated them (Sanyati) 2-1 in the Junior opening match the previous day. Keringet beat Peroni 3-2.5 goals. The previous day (May 30), Samsung Galaxy beat Samsung S-Six 5.5-3 goals at the same venue. Samsung Galaxy, who started the match on an advantage of 0.5 goal from their weaker total handicap 5 of four players Jamie Murray(4.5), Devan Shreta(0.5), Rowena Stichbury(0.0) and Dani Murray(0.0) compared to their opponent’s handicap 6, dominated the match throughout the four chukkas. Jammie Murray shot the winners into the lead in the first chukka before Raphael Nzomo(2.0) and Martin Waiganjo (2.5) replied with three goals for Samsung S-6 to lead 3-1 at the end of the first chukka. Samsung Galaxy were more rejuvenated in the second chukka and outplayed their opponents to its end. Dani Murray and Jammie(Murray) scored two goals in the second chukka, but restricted Samsung S-6 to the three goals to lead 3-5-3 goals. EÆ.
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The Fawcus Cup (Main Cup). Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Samsung Galaxy Tab 4, Samsung Galaxy Gear 5 Samsung Galaxy S-Six 4.5, Samsung Galaxy Note 6 Samsung Galaxy Gear 4.5, Samsung Galaxy S-Six 7.5 Samsung Galaxy Tab 5, Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Samsung Galaxy S-Six 7.5, Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Samsung Galaxy Gear 5, Gear are winners from a superior goal difference against Samsung S-Six after tying on four points each. The Rift Valley Cup. Keringet 6 Peroni 5, Keringet 11 Peroni 10, Keringet 17 Peroni 16. Keringet are winners. The Junior Tournament. Devki 3 Cement 2, Devki 6 Cement 6. Devki are winners. EÆ.
The E.A. Equestrian
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Polo Results
Griffunwiggs Mugs Mug kings
2015 Mugs Mug Polo Tournament winners Griffunwiggs (from left: Ben Stone-Wigg, Megan Griffiths, Tom Tom Stone-Wigg and Richard Stone-Wigg) with their trophies at Jamhuri Grounds on July 25, 2015.
Tournament's roaring success at Jamhuri Park despite excitement of state visit by POTUS By EA Equestrian Reporter
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he 2015 Samsung Galaxy Mugs Mug was another roaring success, despite the excitement and razzmatazz that took Kenya’s social life by storm during the state visit of Potus (US President) Barack Obama. Coming on at the same weekend that Potus was making his historic visit to the country of his father, naysayers predicted logistical nightmare for the country’s second most prestigious polo tournament, that was staged at Nairobi Polo Club (NPC) between July 23-26, 2015. But as it came to pass, the annual tournament, which attracted 12 teams fighting for honours in categories ranging from the main cup Mugs Mug to Plate, Shield, Stonewigg Bowl and Wooden Spoon, went on without a hitch. Teams included Cruise Control, Flick Some Hoof, Cammastichie, Flat Stick, Talent Search, Safi Gold, Griffunwiggs, Bench Warmers, Warrior Insight, Gipsy, Samurai and Murban Stallions. Bench Warmers, led by handicap 2.5 Martin Kesier, opened the pitch against 3.0-handicap Hansi Bruins-led Warrior Insight at noon on July 23.
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The match was staged at the Agricultural Showground of Kenya pitch. Warrior Insight had other notable players like Tony Sugden (1.0), Chris Foot (1.0) and Tara Simpson (-2.0). Players who steered Kesier in the quest for success for Bench Warmers were Phyllipa Marrian (0.5), Tim Chesire (-1.0) and Robert Koitaba (-1.5). The Gipsy, led by Martin Waiganjo, took to the pitch next against Griffunwiggs that were captained by handicap 3.0 Richard Stonewigg. Waiganjo had expressed confidence ahead of the tournament hoping that his side would carry the day, based mainly on the level of training they had had prior to the tournament. Other players that were in Waiganjo’s team were Sammy Kiarie (1.0), Alan Deloirie (0.0), Karim Abbany (-1.0). Decorated (Richard) Stonewigg was backed by Ben Stonewigg (0.0), Megan Griffiths (0.0) and Tom Stonewigg (-1.0). There were other two late evening matches on day one pitting Cruise Control against Talent Search and Flat Stick against Flick Some Foot. Cruise Control was captained by handicap 1.0 and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi. Also in Gideon’s team were Kimoi Moi and Kigen Moi, both handicap 1.0 and handicap 0 Harry
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Griffiths. Talent Search were captained by past MVP Phillip Arungah (2-0), with others players being Jack Oletoto (1.5), Chloe Spoerry (0.5) and Omwakwe Arungah (-1.0). Handicap 1.5 Stutti Millar captained Flat Stick with Quentin Savage (1.5), Georgina Millar (-0.5) and William Millar (-1.0) also in the team. Flick Some Hoot was captained by attacker Craig Millar (3.0). Others in the team were Aisha Gross (0.5), Kaila Millar (0.0) and Cheza Millar (-0.5). Former NPC captain Raphael Nzomo (2.0) led Samurai with other impressive players like John Mugambi (1.0), Hiromi Nzomo (0.0) and Anthony Wahome (-1.0). Nzomo led the side to lift the prestigious 14goals Stanbic Bank Kenya Polo Tournament at the venue in 2013. NPC captain Vishal Somaia, who led Murban Stallions urged teams and players to observe punctuality as traffic was expected to be heavy that weekend following the Potus visit. Day One Warrior Insight from Tanzania were the star attraction on the first day of the tournament. Their captain Bruins led them to demolish
Polo Results Warrior Insight's Chris Foot (right)and Tom Stone-Wigg of Griffunwiggs in action during the Main Cup semifinal match of the 2015 Mugs Mug Polo Tournament at the Jamhuri Park Grounds on July 25, 2015.
MUGS MUG RESULTS
Bench Warmers in a one-sided encounter. Bruins slotted nine goals on the day. Despite travelling from Arusha the same day, Warrior Insight left nothing to chance as they took control of the match to end with victory. There was an upset when Gideon lifted Cruise Control from behind to overcome Talent Search to take his side to the quarters. Day Two Warrior Insight were still in top class on this day when they were paired against another Tanzanian outfit, Safi Gold. Again Bruins were still the star attraction, scoring five goals to take his side to the semis. The day also had the closest contest ever seen between Samurai and Cruise Control. Samurai came from behind in all the four chukkas to register a narrow win. Day Three This day almost had a similar script in the main cup semis as marksmen for both Warrior Insight (Bruins) and Samurai (Nzomo) were tightly marked by the opponents. All Griffunwiggs charges marked Bruins as
they left their able captain Richard Stonewigg to score to edge out Warrior Insight from making it to the finals. Flick Some Hoof also took up the cue to pin Nzomo down and deny Samurai a berth in the final. Day Four This was a day reserved for the finals. It was also a family day out which saw many polo enthusiasts bring their families to while the time away and have some fun as they watched top-notch game of polo. Griffunwiggs were declared the tournament’s main cup champions after edging out Flick Some Hoof in a grueling final. Shield title went to Warrior Insight, who edged out Samurai in a battle of titans. Plate final was won by Talent Search who edged Cammastichie. Safi Gold won the Bowl category against Murban Stallions. Bruins was the tournament top scorer with 20 goals, Bench Warmers won the Spoon title while Richard Stonewigg emerged the tournament MVP.
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July 23, 2015 Main Cup 1. Warrior Insight 11 4.5 2. Griffunwiggs 6.5 3. Cruise Control 7 4. Flick Some Hoof 5 July 24, 2015 Plate 1. Talent Search 4 2. Gipsy 10 6.5 Main Cup 1. Warrior Insight 8 2. Griffunwiggs 6 2.5 3. Samurai 6.5 4. Flick Some Hoof 5 July 25, 2015 Bowl semis 1. Murban Stallions 2.5 0 2. Safi Gold 8 Plate Semis 1. Cammastichie 9 2. Talent Search 6 Main Cup Semis 1. Samurai 1.5 8 2. Griffunwiggs 3.5 July 26, 2015 Main Cup finals Griffunwiggs 4.5 Shield Finals Warrior Insight 6 Plate Finals Talent Search 4 Bowl Finals Safi Gold 8 4
The E.A. Equestrian
Bench Warmers Gipsy 4 Talents Search 5 Flat Stick 2 Flat Stick 2 Bench warmers Safi Gold 4 Murban Stallion Cruise Control 5 Cammastichie 4 Bench Warmers Flat Stick 4 Gipsy 4 Cruise control 5 Flick Some Hoof Warrior Insight 2 Flick Some Hoof 3 Samurai 3.5 Cammastichie 3.5 Murban Stallions
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Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 - Round 12
British make a hat-trick in Rotterdam
Team Great Britain secured their third win in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 Europe Division 1 League at Rotterdam, The Netherlands today. Pictured (L to R) Show President Belle de Bruin, team members Joe Clee, Ben Maher, Chef d’Equipe Di Lampard (in front), Jessica Mendoza and Michael Whitaker, Judith Mennen Longines Brand Manager The Netherlands and Khaled Alselmi, Deputy Chef de Mission Saudi Arabia. (FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst)
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By Louise Parkes Rotterdam (NED), 19 June 2015
n a competition that was very definitely a game of two halves, the team of Ben Maher, Joe Clee, Jessica Mendoza and Michael Whitaker sensationally secured the third British win of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 Europe Division 1 League at Rotterdam in The Netherlands. Team Germany looked set to cruise home effortlessly after confidently taking the lead with four foot-perfect performances in the first round, but as can often happen in this most testing of competitions it all fell apart for them second time out. At the end of the day they had to settle for fourth place behind Sweden in third, while it was last year’s winners from France who filled runner-up spot. The Dutch, who despite being the reigning Furusiyya and World champions have never won the Nations Cup on home ground at Rotterdam, lined up fifth ahead of Switzerland in sixth, while Belgium and Brazil shared seventh place at the end of their relatively high-scoring day. And today’s result underpinned the strength of Di Lampard’s constantly developing British side, as Joe Clee and his super-consistent stallion Utamaro D’Ecaussines produced one of four double-clear rounds, while 19-year-old Jessica Mendoza announced her very definite arrival at the top end of the sport by following a single first-round error with a brilliant clear from her aptly-named mare, Spirit T. German walk-in-the-park It seemed as if it might turn into a German walk-in-the-park at the halfway stage when
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Christian Ahlmann (Codex One), Patrick Stuehlmeyer (Lacan), Ludger Beerbaum (Chiara) and Daniel Deusser (Cornet D’Amour) all breezed around on their first tour of the track set by Louis Konickx. However the French were stalking them with only a single time-fault as round two began, with the Dutch next in line carrying four faults ahead of the British with five and Sweden with six faults. The pathfinding Brazilian team began the second round with 11 faults, but dropped to joint-last place when, despite eye-catching second efforts from Felipe Amaral’s Premiere Carthoes and the Pedro Veniss’ graceful stallion Quabri de L’Isle, elimination for Yuri Mansur Guerios for a fall when Cornetto K ducked out at the open water meant they had to count 17 collected by Karina Johannpeter (Casper). The Belgians joined them at the bottom of the pile when Gilles Dunon was eliminated when his mare, Wasselina, threw in the towel at the oxer at fence three, so they had to add nine more faults to 18 collected first time out. And it wasn’t an entirely uneventful day for the Swiss either. Pius Schwizer was called up at the last moment when Claudia Gisler was whisked off to hospital after a fall in an earlier class. But she was given the all-clear later in the afternoon, and Schwizer meanwhile produced an impressive six-fault result from his inexperienced stand-in, the nine-year-old stallion Giovanni van Het Scheefkasteel. Suddenly and dramatically At the sharp end however, things changed suddenly and dramatically when Germany’s Ahlmann and Stuehlmeyer each left two fences on the floor. The door was now wide open for
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the French, and when Patrice Delaveau led the way with a second clear from Lacrimoso and Aymeric de Ponnat’s Armitages Boy followed his first-round four faults with a clean sheet it seemed they now had victory in their sights. But although the Dutch, lying third, slipped out of contention with nine to add despite a double-clear from Gerco Schroder and Glock’s Cognac Champblanc, the British also bubbled to the surface with fault-free runs from Maher, Clee and Mendoza. Michael Whitaker was under no pressure when last to go for his country because his result would make no difference - they would remain on their first-round fivefault tally no matter what happened. So the British watched closely as reigning European champion Roger Yves Bost entered the ring for France as third-line rider. If he could hold it together then he would ensure victory for his side, but his enigmatic stallion, Pegase du Murier who threw a similar tantrum in St Gallen two weeks ago, decided to go into reverse in front of the triple combination. And although he was eventually persuaded to continue, the pair collected 19 faults by the time they crossed the finish-line. So it all came down to the last Frenchman, Jerome Hurel, and his big-jumping stallion Quartz Rouge. They could afford a few time-penalties, but a fence down would force a jump-off with the British and any more would hand victory to them. And that was how it turned out when they hit the vertical following the open water and also collected two time faults to leave France on seven faults ahead of third-placed Sweden with 10, while Germany completed with 12 on the board. - insidethegames.biz
Global Reports
FEI, IMG sign five-year production partnership
Germany jumps into contention with first win in Britain Lausanne (SUI), 31 May 2015
Lausanne (SUI), 22 May 2015
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he FEI has appointed IMG, the world’s largest independent producer and distributor of sports programming, as its production partner. The new five-year partnership, which started on 1 July 2015 and runs until 30 June 2020, covers post production services for the FEI’s entire portfolio of broadcast products across the FEI-named series and championships. The partnership also includes a wide range of programming for the FEI’s global broadcast partners as well as for the FEI’s digital platforms such as FEI TV, FEI TV On The Go and the FEI YouTube channel. As part of its new role, IMG will also be in charge of the overall coordination and liaison with the FEI’s host broadcasters on the production of live broadcast signals as well as providing the FEI with strategic consultancy in the broadcast production area. IMG will also partner with the FEI on its magazine programming, including FEI Equestrian World, the FEI’s flagship monthly magazine show which captures the spirit of equestrian sport and lifestyle for mainstream audiences, as well as the annual FEI Awards, event trailers and previews, and associated content including video news releases. The move follows the decision last December to renew long-standing broadcast distribution partnerships with IMG and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to the end of 2022 in agreements that will gen-
erate markedly increased coverage of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events. Graham Fry, Global Head of Production for IMG, said: “IMG is delighted to be appointed as the FEI’s production partner and we look forward to establishing a long-term relationship across the sport. We believe our creativity and production expertise will enhance the viewing experience for broadcasters and viewers around the world. The FEI run events across the globe and its diverse equestrian disciplines provide a challenging and exciting opportunity for the IMG production teams.” “IMG has the wide expertise we need to grow uptake of our equestrian content globally, and the recent renewal of our distribution partnership with IMG now provides a deep synergy that will deliver enhanced services to the FEI’s broadcast clients,” said Christian Osterode, FEI Head of Broadcasting and Media Rights. “It is vital that the FEI demonstrates the strengths of equestrian sport against the Olympic backdrop and as our sport grows globally. Working closely with IMG, the FEI will be delivering compelling, cutting-edge content for broadcast, from traditional television to the new digital platforms in online and mobile.” As part of an extensive tender process, the FEI received bids from 12 industry leading companies, including MBP-TV, which has been the FEI’s production partner for almost 20 years. - insidethegames.biz
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The German team made their first appearance in FEI Nations Cup™ Eventing 2015 a winning one when they arrived on British soil and captured the third leg in the beautiful and historic surroundings of Houghton Hall (GBR). The home side, Great Britain, finished second out of the six teams and now heads the FEI Nations Cup™ Eventing leaderboard by just one point from France, who came third at Houghton Hall. Both nations have competed in all legs this season so far. The Netherlands took fourth place, ahead of Spain, fifth, and a three-man Australian team placed sixth. Although Germany has enjoyed great success in the FEI Nations Cup™ Eventing, winning two out of three series, this is the first time they have managed to triumph at the British leg. “We are very happy to win here in England,” said team manager Hans Melzer. “The three boys were all clear inside the time, which meant that Sandra [Auffarth, the team anchor], on a younger horse, could afford not to rush and let the horse find a rhythm.” He added: “The facilities here are super and the Cross Country was really fun and encouraged forward riding. The ground was perfect after the rain.” - insidethegames.biz
The E.A. Equestrian
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International News
FEI Classics™: Michael Jung conquers Kentucky
Michael Jung (GER) and FisherRocana FST finish on their Dressage score to win the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA), third leg of the FEI Classics™ 2014/2015. (Anthony Trollope/FEI) Lausanne (SUI), 27 April, 2015 By Kate Green The phenomenal Michael Jung (GER) can now add victory at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA), third leg of the FEI Classics™ 2014/2015, to his ever growing list of major accolades. Riding the courageous little mare FisherRocana FST, he was the only rider to finish on his Dressage score. The competition went right to the wire in front of a packed crowd enjoying some welcome sunshine in the Kentucky Horse Park. Although Jung hit two fences on La Biosthetique Sam FBW, his Cross Country runner-up, his earlier clear round on Rocana, third at that stage, left overnight leader Tim Price (NZL) on Wesko no leeway for error. Wesko, a horse Price found in a Jumping yard, looked superb, but the Dutch-bred gelding just caught the upright at fence 10 and so Price had to settle for second place behind Jung and Rocana in a reversal of their placings at Luhmühlen (GER) last year. Jung also finished third on Sam, ahead of last year’s winners William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and Bay My Hero, fourth, who jumped clear to rousing applause. Phillip Dutton (USA) had to withdraw Mighty Nice, seventh after Cross Country, but a clear on Fernhill Cubalawn elevated him four places to fifth. Dutton was also ninth on Fernhill Fugitive. His former pupil Boyd Martin (USA) was seventh on Master Frisky, having dropped a place with eight faults, and Britain’s Nicola Wilson on the Irish-bred mare Annie Clover moved up three places to eighth with a penaltyfree round. The sole Australian in the field, Bill Levett, slipped five places to 10th on Improvise with an unfortunate 12 faults. There were nine clear rounds from the 40 finishers. Jung received a great reception from the
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American audience who clearly realised they had seen a great horseman at work. “I have nice memories of Kentucky from 2010 [when he won the world title]. The people are very friendly and I’m happy that there are so many spectators. Thank you for everything!” About the winner Michael Jung (GER), 32, was the first rider in history to hold Olympic, World and European titles simultaneously and the first to win four championship titles consecutively. He first came to prominence in 2009, when he won the Luhmühlen CCI4*, the FEI World Cup™ Eventing final in Strzegom (POL) and an individual European bronze medal in Fontainebleau (FRA), all on La Biosthetique Sam FBW. The pair went on to win the world title in Kentucky (USA) in 2010, double European gold in Luhmühlen in 2011 and double Olympic gold in London (GBR) in 2012 and, in 2013, they were second at Badminton CCI4*. Jung won a second European title, at Malmö (SWE) in 2013 on Halunke, and last year finished second at Luhmühlen and won world team gold and individual silver medals on FisherRocana FST, a 10-year-old mare by Ituango XX owned by Jung’s parents, Joachim and Bridgitte. He lives at Horb, Germany, where his family owns a riding establishment. Final results 1 Michael Jung/FisherRocana FST (GER) 39.3 + 0 + 0 = 39.3 2 Tim Price/Wesko (NZL) 36.3 + 0 + 4 = 40.3 3 Michael Jung/La Biosthetique Sam FBW (GER) 36.3 + 0.4 + 8 = 44.7 4 William Fox-Pitt/Bay My Hero (GBR) 38.5 + 8.4 + 0 = 46.9 5 Phillip Dutton/Fernhill Cubalawn (USA) 50.9 + 3.2 + 4 = 54.1 6 Will Coleman/Obos O’Reilly (USA) 52.6 + 0 + 4 = 56.6 7 Boyd Martin/Master Frisky (USA) 47.0 + 1.6 + 8 = 56.6
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8 Nicola Wilson/Annie Clover (GBR) 45.6 + 11.2 + 0 = 56.8 9 Phillip Dutton/Fernhill Fugitive (USA) 47.3 + 12 + 0 = 59.3 10 Bill Levett/Improvise (AUS) 48.6 + 0 + 12 = 60.6 Full results on www.rk3de.org Download the FEI Classics™ press kit here: www.feipresskits.org/press_kits/subevent/feiclassics Use hashtags #FEIClassics and #Eventing FEI Classics™ 2014/2015 Leaderboard (after 3 out of 6 events) 1 Michael Jung (GER) 15 points 2 Ingrid Klimke (GER) 15 3 Jessica Manson (AUS) 15 4 Tim Price (NZL) 12 5 Andreas Dibowski (GER) 12 6 Megan Jones (AUS) 12 7 Arnaud Boiteau (FRA) 10 8 William Fox-Pitt (GBR) 8 9 Jonelle Price (NZL) 8 10 Katja Weinmann (AUS) 8 Full standings here. Notes to Editors: FEI Classics™ 2014/2015 calendar 1 Les Etoiles de Pau CCI 4* (FRA) - 23-26 October 2014 2 Adelaide International 3 Day Event (AUS) - 13-16 November 2014 3 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA) 23-26 April 2015 4 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR) - 7-10 May 2015 5 Luhmühlen CCI 4* presented by DHL (GER) - 18-21 June 2015 6 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR) 3-6 September 2015
Global News
Three Swiss Jumping horses test positive to prohibited substances
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he FEI has announced that three Swiss Jumping horses have tested positive for prohibited substances.
Samples taken at the CSIO5* at La Baule (FRA) on 17 May from the horse Nino des Buissonnets (FEI ID FRA45550), ridden by Steve Guerdat (SUI) to win the Grand Prix on the day of testing, have returned positive for the Banned Substances Codeine and Oripavine, and the Controlled Medication substance Morphine. Samples taken at the CSIO5* at La Baule on 16 May from the horse Nasa (FEI ID FRA45675), ridden by Steve Guerdat (SUI) to finish third in the La Baule Derby on the day of testing, have returned positive for the Banned Substance Codeine and the Controlled Medication substance Morphine. The horse’s sample also showed traces of Oripavine, but not at a sufficiently high level for the testing laboratory to declare a positive for the substance. Samples taken at the CSIOY (Young Riders) in Deauville (FRA) on 8 May from the horse Charivari KG (FEI ID 102ZB26), ridden by Alessandra Bichsel, have returned positive for the Banned Substances Codeine and Oripavine, and the Controlled Medication substance Morphine. Under the FEI’s Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs), a mandatory provisional
suspension is imposed on the athlete in the event of a Banned Substance positive prior to the opportunity for a full hearing. Similarly, under the EADCMRs, a horse testing positive to a Banned Substance is provisionally suspended for two months. As a result, Steve Guerdat and Alessandra Bichsel have both been provisionally suspended from the day of notification (20 July 2015), and the three horses have been provisionally suspended for two months. The FEI offers the athlete, referred to in the rules as the Person Responsible (PR), and the horse owner the opportunity for a preliminary hearing before the FEI Tribunal to request the lifting of the provisional suspensions. “The presence in all these samples of Oripavine, which is not found in any veterinary products, suggests that this could be contamination, but obviously we still have to follow standard procedure”, FEI Secretary General Sabrina Zeender said. “The combination of Oripavine, Morphine and Codeine have frequently been seen in contamination cases from other equestrian sport regulators, and the FEI already has three outstanding cases from 2014 involving Oripavine and Morphine in which we proactively sought the lifting of the provisional suspensions. As the regulator of international equestrian sport, we have to balance fairness to the athletes with
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our dual role of protecting horse welfare and maintaining a level playing field.” Potential contamination The FEI has three ongoing 2014 cases which also involve Oripavine and Morphine*. Requests for the lifting of the provisional suspension in each case were originally denied by the Tribunal, but sufficient evidence was subsequently gathered to show that all three cases were highly likely to involve contamination and the FEI promptly sought the lifting of the provisional suspensions. All three provisional suspensions were simultaneously lifted by the FEI Tribunal on 19 December 2014. Oripavine is an opioid analgesic that is not used clinically due to its very narrow therapeutic margin and extremely high toxicity levels. Oripavine positives are frequently the result of poppy seed ingestion. Codeine and Morphine, both of which are found in poppy seeds, are also analgesics. Due to increasing evidence of poppy seed contamination resulting in positives, the FEI downgraded Morphine from a Banned Substance to Controlled Medication in 2013. Among a number of proposed changes to the Equine Prohibited Substances List due to come into effect on 1 January 2016, Codeine is listed for a similar downgrading to Controlled Medication. See related story next page
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Global Briefs
FEI appoints experienced Swede as veterinary director
where he was chief veterinary officer for five years. As well as being a member of the Swedish Trotting Association management team, Akerström was also an advisor to the Regulatory Committee and collaborated closely with the Swedish Equestrian Federation and the Swedish Jockey Club. Furthermore, he has been head of the equine welfare department for the past two years. Akerström was previously veterinary inspector for the Swedish Board of Agriculture and the Swedish Animal Welfare Agency, specialising in equine sports, welfare, disease control and horse transportation. He holds a master’s degree in veterinary science from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, where he later lectured, and was a member of the management team of the department of environment and animal health for five years. “Equestrian sport has been a major part of my life for 30 years,” said Akerström. “As with many people in the horse world, my passion for horses goes back to my childhood, and since then I have worked with horses directly, with organisations specialising in welfare and the growth of horse sport. “I am now looking forward to helping the FEI move forward with its progressive work in horse movement, equine welfare and anti-doping.” Akerström has also specialised in equine neonatal medicine as a private practitioner, competed in jumping and eventing, and worked as a course designer and show manager. Additionally, during a 10-year career with the Swedish Army he was platoon leader and instructor for the Regiment of Halsingland.
By Daniel Etchells The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has appointed Sweden’s Göran Akerström as its veterinary director. Akerström, who is due to up his post at the FEI’s Lausanne headquarters on September 1, comes from the Swedish Trotting Association,
FEI Bureau agrees next steps on UAE Endurance proposals Lausanne (SUI)
Federation (EEF). The proposals were contained in a 10-page document, which was sent to the FEI Secretary General Sabrina Zeender on Friday 5 June. The EEF proposals include: Creation of an EEF Endurance Committee of Enquiry to oversee full application of the rules; Involvement of the National Olympic Committee and National Anti-Doping Committee; Training and education of athletes, trainers, owners and officials; The possibility to ban organisers for non-compliance with the rules; Ensuring EEF national rules are fully in compliance with the FEI rules and regulations; Working more closely with the FEI, including welcoming FEI observers at EEF national events; Full cooperation with the Equestrian Community Integrity Unit inquiry into the duplication of results at a number of events in the country.
The FEI Bureau on June 9, 2015 welcomed a series of proposals for reform of the Endurance discipline in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but agreed unanimously that further information needs to be provided by the UAE National Federation before lifting of the provisional suspension can be considered. The FEI Bureau provisionally suspended the UAE National Federation in March of this year following an investigation by the FEI into major horse welfare issues and non-compliance with FEI Rules and Regulations in Endurance. The Bureau gave a clear mandate to FEI Secretary General Sabrina Zeender to work with the relevant departments in FEI Headquarters and seek additional feedback from the FEI Bureau members, before requesting more concrete details on the proposals from the Emirates Equestrian
Trio arrested after Canadian tourist shot dead at the Kentucky Derby By Innocent Immaculate
A Canadian tourist in town for the Kentucky Derby at Louisville, was shot dead while fighting off three people who robbed him amid festivities of the famed horse race. Three people police suspected were responsible for this and a string of armed robberies, were arrested. The victim, 49-year-old Scott Hunter of Toronto, and a friend, were walking back to their hotel, hours after the Derby, when three suspects pounced on them. The area has several hotels not far from Churchill Downs racetrack. The thuggery was purely wrong place, wrong time as Hunter was shot during an ensuing struggle.
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Tribunal lifts suspensions on Guerdat and Bichsel
Hunter led an active life — running in the Boston Marathon, playing softball, participating in cycling and curling groups, and, following race horses. He had always wanted to experience the Derby atmosphere.
The FEI Tribunal has lifted the provisional suspensions on Swiss Jumping riders Steve Guerdat and Alessandra Bichsel, following preliminary hearings for the two riders at the end of last week. The lifting of the provisional suspensions will come into force on 27 July at midnight (Swiss time). See related story on page 19
Hunter was about to be married to Amy Jenkinson, who said no one could be more admired than him. A violent lady formed the trio of suspects, known as Fatima Abu Diab. She drove a getaway car, which obviously didn't get very far. They have all been charged with murder, drug possession, and a dozen counts of armed violence.
The FEI Tribunal’s decision is mainly based on the scientific evidence presented by the persons responsible (the athletes) which suggests the likelihood of food contamination.
Churchill Downs officials reported that 170,513 people crammed into the historic Kentucky Track, making it a haven for pickpockets.
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Both riders had been provisionally suspended after horses on which they were competing tested positive for prohibited substances, including banned substances. Samples taken at the CSIO5* at La Baule (FRA) on 17 May from the horse Nino des Buissonnets (FEI ID FRA45550), ridden by Steve Guerdat, returned positive for the banned substances Codeine and Oripavine, and the controlled medication substance Morphine.
Global Briefs FEI suspends SportAccord membership
Germany pips France in two-way showdown
Patrick Stuhlmeyer and Lacan produced one of four double-clears in today’s competition to help Germany to victory in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 Europe Division 2 leg at Sopot in Poland. (FEI/Herve Bonnaud)
Sopot (POL), 5 June 2015 Not for the first time in the history of the popular CSIO in Sopot, Poland, Team Germany came out on top at the fourth leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 Europe Division 2 League today. However they had to work hard for their success, forced into a jump-off by the French who eventually had to settle for runner-up spot. Belgium finished third, but it was the host team and Russia that scooped the maximum qualifying points towards the Furusiyya 2015 Final when sharing fourth spot ahead of Great Britain in sixth and Denmark in seventh, while last year’s Sopot winners from Turkey had to settle for eighth place this time around. With the maximum number of 13 nations lining out at this leg, the teams from Norway, Sweden, Ukraine, Austria and The Netherlands failed to make the cut into the second round when only eight teams returned. And it came to a thrilling climax, with Andre Thieme clinching it for Germany when clear with Conthendrix in the two-way jump-off. Shared the lead France and Belgium shared the lead at the halfway stage carrying four faults each, but the German, Brit-
Lausanne (SUI), 21 May
ish and Polish sides were close behind with just five faults apiece. And the other three teams to make the cut into the second round were Russia and Turkey carrying nine faults each, and Sweden whose faster first round gave them the nod over Norway when both put 10 faults on the first-round scoreboard. The Belgians lost their grip when Wouter Devos, who was eliminated first time out, collected eight faults at his second attempt with Tonik Hero, and Catherine van Roosbroeck (Gautcho da Quina) also double-faulted. This meant that, despite superb double-clears from both pathfinder Jos Lansink (Ensor de Litrange LXll) and anchorman Jerome Guery (Papillon Z) they had to add eight to their scoreline which proved way too expensive. The Polish side added 12, and the British added 13 to also slip out of contention, but the Germans put huge pressure on the French with clears from Thieme, Janne-Friederike Meyer (Goja) who had picked up just a single time fault first time out, and anchorman Patrick Stuhlmeyer who produced one of the four double-clears on the day with Lacan. Holger Wulschner’s single second-round error with BSC Cavity could therefore be discarded, leaving them on their first-round total of five. - Louise Parkes
GOLDEN HORN BRINGS FRANKIE BACK TO THE SPOTLIGHT
In the last edition of Equestrian, we brought Frankie Dettori’s profile to the readers. Look at the amazing comeback he instilled, winning on Golden Horn for John Gosden and William Oppenheimer. Not any old race, but the investec Epsom Derby, June 6! Frankie hailed Golden Horn “as good as I’ve ridden” in the wake of his cool as cucumber approach. Frankie said it was the most thrilling moment ever, even better than his magnificent seven at Ascot. Owner, Anthony Oppenheimer, took a £75,000 gamble in supplementing his unbeaten Dante son. Trainer John Gosden also produced second placed, Jack Hobbs (William Buick). Kenyans, who backed Kilimanjaro, for sentimental reasons, did not have much of a run. He finished sixth of twelve. In July, Golden Horn and Frankie Dettori are re-uniting again for Sandown’s, Coral Eclipse. They may go for the Irish Derby as well. - Innocent Immaculate
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The FEI Executive Board has suspended the Federation’s membership with SportAccord, the union of Olympic, non-Olympic international sports federations and organisers of international sporting events, with immediate effect. “SportAccord’s President Marius Vizer has been informed of the FEI Executive Board’s decision,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “The FEI, alongside many other International Sports Federations and the Association of Summer Olympic International Sports Federations will seek full clarity regarding SportAccord’s role and mission, including a review of SportAccord’s governance and management,” he concluded. The FEI’s membership with SportAccord was to be discussed by the FEI Bureau at its in-person meeting on 9 June.
Australian legend Ron Clarke dies
Ron Clarke, MBE, one of the most accomplished long distance runners on the last century, died on June 17, 2015, aged 78. He served as mayor of Gold Coast from 2004 to 2012. He was one of the best-known middle and long distance runners in the 1960s, notable for setting 17 world records. Kipchoge Keino, Kenya's athletics legend, who was his biggest rival, eulogised him as " a great athlete, a friend and a true compatriot of Australia."
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Celebrity Feature
Fascinating story of Beryl Markham
Mansfield Makham
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By Innocent Immaculate
he was born as Beryl Clutterbuck in the village of Ashwell, county Rutland, England, daughter of Charles and Agnes. Charles was an accomplished horse trainer, which led Beryl to excel on one of her many chosen paths. She had an older brother, Richard Alexanderplatz 'Dickie', who passed away at only 27. When Beryl was four, Charles moved the family to Kenya, then colonial British East Africa. He
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purchased a farm in Njoro in the Rift Valley, where he worked for Hugh Cholmondeley. Although Agnes disliked the isolation, promptly returning to England, Beryl remained in Kenya with her father, where she spent an adventurous childhood learning, playing and hunting with various native tribes. Beryl’s encounters with wild animals are nothing short of ignorant bravery. Developing a thirsty love and knowledge of horses caused Beryl to earn her license as the first lady trainer. Impetuous, single-minded and beautiful,
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Beryl was described as a noted non-conformist, even in a province known for its colourful eccentrics. She married three times, taking the name 'Markham' from her second husband, Mansfield. They had a son, but he is completely illusive to this day. She then transgressed to Hubert Broad, the man partially influential in Beryl’s enterprising flying career. Beryl befriended the Danish writer Karen Blixen, notoriously and specifically played by actress, Meryl Streep, in a beautiful 1985 movie - Out of Africa. Here Beryl is represented as an
Celebrity Feature out-spoken horse-riding Tomboy, named Felicity. Baroness Blixen managed her family’s coffee farm in the Ngong’ hills outside Nairobi, which is now a meeting place of high esteem. When Blixen’s romantic connection with the hunter and pilot, Denys Finch Hatton, wound down, Beryl was instantly attracted to him. He invited her to tour game lands on what turned out to be his fatal flight. Beryl supposedly declined because of a premonition of her instructor, British pilot, Tom Campbell Black. Largely inspired by Campbell Black, Beryl embarked on flying professionally. She worked for some time as a bush pilot, spotting game animals from the air, then signalling their locations to ground safaris. She also mingled with the infamous Happy Valley set. Beryl was the first woman to successfully fly across the Atlantic from east to west. Several other women died trying. Jim Mollison is recorded as the first man to accomplish this feat. On 4 September, 1936, after a 20-hour flight, Beryl’s Vega Gull, The Messenger, suffered fuel starvation due to icing of the tank vents, causing her to crash land on Cape Breton Island. Still, she was celebrated as an aviation pioneer. Beryl chronicled countless exciting episodes in her memoirs, West with the Night, published around 1942. Despite strong media reviews, the book sold modestly, lingering obscurely for four decades. Then, a California restauranteur, George Gutekunst, heard about West With The Night, and persuaded North Point Press to re-issue this remarkable thesis in 1983. Lavishly praised this time round, Beryl finally received the recognition she deserved, albeit too late, as old age had accumulated. EXTRAORDINARY HORSEWOMAN Between flying and writing, Beryl hallmarked herself as Kenya’s most prolific horse trainer and rider. She engaged Ryan Farnham ‘Buster’ Parnell, as a super-class jockey, and together, they made Hawaiian waves around the country. Lone Eagle, Heron, Cutlass, Rio-Grande, Sea Lord, Mountie, Spike, Fair Realm and Water Boy, were just a few familiar thoroughbred names that Beryl brought distinctly through every Classic door! Beryl would canter her steeds up the slopes of Mount Kenya, ensuring impeccable fitness on any given occasion. Eventually, after various different habitat locations, Beryl landed at Ngong’. Sadly, after a few brilliant years at the top of her game, thugs severely attacked Beryl at home near the racetrack, leaving facial bruising, almost beyond recognition. Luckily the re-launch of West With The Night provided enough income for Beryl to live in relative comfort. It was spurred by the broadcast of a public television documentary, about Beryl’s life, called World Without Walls. Barry Shlachter, a correspondent from CNN Africa, was instrumental in conducting interviews for the award-winning PBS programme. Beryl died shortly after being attacked. Her stories were posthumously collected in The Splendid Outcast, with an introduction by authoress, Mary Lovell. A tale from West With The Night was excerpted and illustrated by Don Brown as a children’s book, The Good Lion. In
1988, CBS aired the biographical mini-series, Beryl Markham: A Shadow In The Sun, with Stefanie Powers as Beryl. Still it was not over. Mary Lovell wrote another stunning biography on Beryl’s fascinating ‘journale de vivre’ - Straight on Till Morning. Beryl undoubtedly has to be Kenya’s most chronicled lady, in every sense of the
teriorate without razors and clean shirts. They are like potted plants that go to weed, unless pruned or tended daily.” “Where does inspiration begin, and impulse leave off? Never be guilty of yielding to the latter.” “Success breeds confidence.” “Read me carefully, follow me closely, doubt
word. Her best friend happened to be another wonderful lady trainer, Paddy Migdoll, who knows more about Beryl than any person under our universe. Beryl visited Paddy during the attempted Coup d’etat of 1982, and said: “My car has just been shot at. How about a stiff drink to settle the old nerves?” She was incredibly calm, where most people would have collapsed. Paddy’s husband, Micky, was a pall bearer at Beryl’s funeral. Beryl obviously thought that to be really funny. Why? Because, while walking along the Aisle, Micky tripped with Beryl’s coffin. What was supposed to be a sombre occasion, drew laughter from the congregation, which continued until all ceremonies were finalised. Paddy has volunteered some of Beryls quotes, which are subtely amusing: “I had never realised how quickly men de-
me not.” “I have learned that if you must leave a place that you have loved, leave it the fastest way possible. Never turn back. The future lies in a cloud.” “If a man has any greatness in him, it comes to light, not in one flamboyant hour, but in the ledger of his daily work.” “To see ten thousand animals untamed and not branded with the symbols of human commerce, is like scaling an unconquered mountain, or finding a forest without footpaths. Earth once did expertly well without adding blemishes, machines, newsprint, tyranny of clocks, and, brick-walled streets.” “Our continent is a mystic, wild, photographer’s paradise, hunter’s Valhalla, an escapist’s Utopia. It withstands any interpretations.” EÆ.
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Regional News The winning team for the 'Treasure Hunt' with their Team Captain Stephen.
Youths' clinic at Flametree Stables
Flametree Stables Easter Pony Club and Jumping Clinic with Hanna Baillie From Flametree Facebook Page
‘Flametree’ held a two-day Easter Pony Club in April. The kids had a ball, they hacked, jumped, did a treasure hunt, lots of mirror racing, handy pony, stable management, an easter egg hunt, and some also took part in a jumping clinic held by Natalie McComb from ‘Nile Horseback Safaris’. Once again the kids (and adults) jumped bigger and higher with the new skills they learnt. There were lots of smiling and very
happy kids who all got on together and looked after their ponies and each other. We were very proud of them all, a credit to their parents. Fun days like this, spent together, make all of us realise how much we love what we are doing. EÆ.
A group picture of the participants of the Camp.
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Regional News
The Pony Clubs of Kenya Easter Show Flametree took some horses and ponies across to Kenya for the The Pony Clubs of Kenya – Easter Show (April 11-12). Here are some pictures of Flametree riders and other competitors at the show. Thank you to all of those who helped make the show happen. It was a great fun-filled weekend.
Well done to our own combination of Flying Fox with Robin Martin for winning the ‘Children’s FEI World Jumping Challenge’ (woo woo)! Also well done Katie Bowser and Meg Griffiths for winning the Ugandan sponsored ‘Equator Cup’! - Flametree Stables Facebook
Miranda Bowser awarding the 'Equator Cup' to the winning pair -- Katie Bowser of Uganda and Kenya's Megan Grifiths
Uganda rider Katie Bowser jumping 'Jamiesons Run'
Emma carter of Kenya on 'Hot Pursuit'
Katie Bowser on Balmain
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Down Memory Lane Rose Caldwell’s Memoirs
Happy Memories of Gilgil and ASTU events David Begg on his Manyatta Farm started the original event in the late 50s
I
By Rose Caldwell
have chosen some memories of the events at Gilgil for my trip down memory lane. David Begg on his Manyatta Farm started the original event in the late 50s. David built the first courses, which could have been described as «different.» David was a polo player who did not know a lot about course building but he built a variety of obstacles around his farm that he thought horses should be able to jump, so we jumped them. Very few of these would have passed today's TT's. Linda Pearson later took over the course building and her courses were definitely not for the faint hearted but everyone had a go. I certainly remember her «water jump» which was a wooden jetty jutting out over a wider stretch of the river. The horses trotted over the jetty and launched themselves into the river landing with a huge splash. This obstacle was fine until one year when there was a monumental storm and the river rose 3 feet over night. My horse bravely launched himself into the fast flowing river, tripped up and was completely submerged in the water. I was trapped underneath him and eventually managed to get hold of his tail and
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pulled myself up between his hind legs gasping for breath. Meanwhile, the jump judges were waiting for me to appear hoping they wouldn’t have to jump in to rescue me and get wet! The rest of the course was ridden with everything soaking and slippery and was not so easy, but I don’t think it was counted as a fall because we hadn’t actually hit the ground. The Gilgil area is well known for its huge cloudbursts and fierce winds. One year there was a monumental storm and a 3 foot wall of water came rushing down from the polo ground and straight through our tents. Anne Abercromby Dick and I were sharing a tent and ended up sitting on our heels complete with all our belongings plus our dogs and their beds while the muddy water swirled around us. Everyone was wet and cold and there was only one course of action left, consume large quantities of alcohol and to have a mud fight. This was a mud fight to end all mud fights, with the whole camp joining in. I will never forget Anne looking like a Maasai warrior totally coated in mud with her long plait looking like a beaver›s tail. I presume we must have all got cleaned up but the camping ground resembled a war site. Another year, one afternoon there was another storm with horrendous winds. In those
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days the secretaries were a pretty formidable lot and their tent was known as «the dragons tent» and was to be avoided unless really necessary. On that day, the whole tent took off in the high wind and the male competitors rushed to get hold of the dragon tent and hold it down to prevent the dragons getting wet and even more cross. How we laughed at the sight of all the by now soaking men struggling to keep the dragons dry and happy. In 1981 the event left David Begg›s Manyatta farm and the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) offered their premises as a new venue. The mounted section was started by Don Paxton, who designed and built the magnificent stable yard. Don made sure all the men learned to ride properly and that the horses knew their job. He produced eventers, show jumpers and a very competitive polo team. He also started the trick ride, which was a highly popular area event and has only recently stopped. In his day horses and riders were always impeccably turned out and well known for their sportsmanship and courageous riding. Don was very proud of them, and was greatly missed when he retired. The ASTU produced some great riders and characters throughout the years, many of who were personal friends of mine. The best known inspector Ronald Kiptanui who riding
Down Memory lane
Tracing the origin of Gilgil and ASTU events
Sergoit vs Naivasha during the Sergoit Polo tournament in October 1935 his great little horse, Champion became an A grade champion jumper of Kenya several times and we all knew they were very hard to beat. Ronald and Champion had a great bond and no one else was allowed to jump him. William Kinyaga was a great character and had traveled a lot and was completely fearless. I remember him having a crashing fall at Kisima and dislocating his elbow and getting back on and finishing the round. I gave him a large tot of Brandy to ease the pain during his trip to the hospital, but sadly it meant he had to have the elbow put back without any anesthetic because of the strong Brandy fumes. He was highly amusing and would have us all in stitches. Sadly he was killed in a motorbike accident
shortly after he had taken the Mount Kenya mounted anti-poaching patrol. Patrick Ndando was another character I will never forget, especially his first competitive showjumping class. He roared into the ring flat out, demolished the first nine jumps and then fell off, remounted demolished the remaining jumps and was eliminated for missing the finish. He came out smiling all over his face saying, «Pole slip up kidogo.» Patrick went on to be a very accomplished showjumper and polo player. Isaaiha Muchemi would be remembered for his constant cheerfulness, laughter and yes, please and thank you. Appropriately he rode a horse called Happy Bay and he was a very good polo player. We also had
Dealing with Petechiae Fever Ondriitis – Petechiae Fever Symptoms Lips, eyelid and vulva look as if sprinkled with pepper. High temperature, becomes ill very quickly. Treatment Move cattle to another area. Not contagious but transmitted by a biting fly common in areas where duikers are found. Old remedy – Make a mixture of equal quantities of refined mineral terpentine and liquid paraffin and inject iv really slowly over 15-20 mins. A large cow needs 20 ml and half quantity in a weaker animal. This must be used as soon as possible as they die very quickly. PM Haemorrhage everywhere, blood in gut disease worst in wet weather. Staggers Symptoms High temperature, animal lies on its side, bellows and froths at the mouth. Treatment Dissolve 1 and half oz Epsom Salts in one pint water and inject it all under the skin. Or give magnesium salts
John Irungu a more or less self-taught course builder. He didn’t know anything about related distances or any technical points, but his courses were big and bold and jumped well. It is a sadness today that although there is still a herd of horses at ASTU there are no competing riders or horses left and they leave a large gap, as their cheerfulness and presence added a great deal to the horsey scene. They never complained about anything, just accepted the ups and downs of equestrian sports. We all hope that we will be able to continue to use that lovely venue in the future. EÆ.
Mama Punda's Notes
i/v, see bottle for dosage or pump bag up. If very wild give a tranquilizer. Haemorrhagic Septicaemia Symptoms Like ECF cow often stands with head stretched out and back arched. They run a temperature, can have diarrhoea and can take the following forms: 1. swelling form. Hot painful swelling on throat, can spread over head, neck and forelegs and can cough and have difficulty breathing and swallowing; 2. tongue swells and lips become purple and yellow mucous runs from nose. Death occurs in one and half to two days; 3. intestinal form. Occurs most commonly in animals which have survived the initial stages of the other forms. Colic diarrhoea and dysentery; 4. chest form. Lungs mainly affected, rapid breathing and coughing. Young animals usually die rapidly. Treatment 300 cc Sulphamezathine i/v 1st day 150 cc Sulphamezathine i/v 2nd day 150 cc Sulphamezathine i/v 3rd day. There is bound to be a more up-to-date treatment these days.
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PM Very similar to ECF. Inflammation of fourth stomach, changes in lungs and haemorrhages under inner lining of heart as well as other parts. There is often a clear yellowish fluid in swollen areas under the sheath. Bovine viral diarrhoea – usually occurs in young animals. Symptoms In early stages shows a high temp which drops to subnormal before the animal starts scouring. Watery, smelly, diarrhoea which may contain blood. Oral lesions found in 75 per cent of cases mottling of mucous membranes. Disease can last 2-3 days up to 2-3 weeks but once they have started scouring they usually die. It is infectious either by direct transmission or in food. Suggested treatment Inject 250 cc Sulphamezathine straight in to rumen. 250 cc for adult. 100 cc for weaner. Inject on the right side between last rib and back bone. Look for more modern treatment. Coughs in cattle Treatment Treat with antibiotic course of injections.
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Safari
Express Cargo Ltd. Nairobi, Kenya: P.O Box 41840-00100 Tel: +254 722 706 016, +254 722 552 698, Email: safari@africaonline.co.ke
Johannesburg, South Africa: Warehouse #1 Foreign Airlines Terminal O.R Tambo International Airport Tel: +27113903132 Fax: + 27 1186616287 Email: jeremy@aero-link.co.za The E.A. Equestrian
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International News
Danes make it a back-to-back double at Hickstead
Team Denmark won the sixth and last leg of the FEI Nations Cup™ Dressage 2015 pilot series staged at Hickstead, Great Britain. (L to R) Sune Hansen, Sidsel Johansen and Anders Dahl. (FEI/Jon Stroud) Hickstead (GBR), 19 July 2015 By Louise Parkes Team Denmark came out on top by a narrow margin at the sixth and last leg of the FEI Nations Cup™ Dressage 2015 pilot series staged at Hickstead, Great Britain today. It was their second successive victory at the British venue,
Olympic Equestrian Test Event marks one-year countdown to Rio 2016
and once again they pinned the host nation into runner-up spot, while Sweden filled third place ahead of South Africa in fourth. The competition included results from Friday’s Grand Prix, Saturday’s Grand Prix Special and today’s Grand Prix Freestyle. And there was plenty of pressure on the eventual winners as, similarly to last year, the Danes
fielded a team of just three horse-and-rider combinations. With all six legs of the FEI Nations Cup™ Dressage 2015 pilot series now concluded, the provisional results show Germany as the new champions followed by both Sweden and The Netherlands in joint-runner-up spot. Plenty of interest The presence of British Dressage superstar, Carl Hester, in Friday’s Grand Prix ensured plenty of extra home interest. And the 48-yearold rider didn’t disappoint when topping the line-up with a score of 73.160 with Wanadoo on the horse’s Grand Prix debut. However they were not part of the British team, so when Anders Dahl and Wie-Atlantico de Ymas slotted into second with 70.700, ahead of fellow-Dane Sidsel Johansen and Alibi D in third with 69.540, then Danish chances were looking very good indeed. Best of the British team was Alice Ruth Oppenheimer who filled fourth with Headmore Delegate while team-mates Henriette Andersen (Warlocks Charm) and Hayley Watson-Greaves (Rubins Nite) slotted into sixth and eighth, and although Denmark’s Sune Hansen finished down the order in 12th-place with Charmeur, it was clear after the first day that it would be another tough battle between these two strong sides.
PAN-AMERICAN GAMES 2015 - EVENTING
Lausanne (SUI), 13 July 2015 The Olympic Equestrian Test Event - the Aquece Rio (“Warm Up Rio”) International Horse Trials gets underway on 6 August, a day after celebrations in Brazil to mark the one-year countdown to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Representatives from 16 National Federations, including athletes and officials, will travel to the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro to take part in the Observers Programme which runs concurrently with the Test Event. Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, Sweden and the United States of America will all be sending delegations to Rio next month. All five Technical Delegates will be present at the Test Event: Tim Randle (Veterinary), Jacques Van Daele (Dressage), Alec Lochore (Eventing), Santiago Varela (Jumping) and Amanda Bond (Para-Equestrian Dressage), along with John McEwen, Chair of the FEI Veterinary Committee, and the FEI Sports Directors of the three Olympic disciplines: John Roche (Jumping), Trond Asmyr (Dressage) and Catrin Norinder (Eventing).
USA’s Marilyn Little, Boyd Martin, Phillip Dutton and Lauren Kieffer celebrate team Jumping gold at the Pan-American Games in Caledon Park, Toronto, Canada today. Little also claimed the individual title. (FEI/StockImageServices.com)
Lausanne (SUI), 19 July 2015 By Louise Parkes America scooped both the team and individual titles as Eventing came to a close today at the Pan-American Games 2015 in Caledon Park, Toronto, Canada. Always with their eyes on the target of that single qualifying spot on offer for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Philip Dutton, Lauren Kieffer, Marilyn Little and Boyd Martin forged a marginal lead over the host country in Dressage on Friday. And, once out in front, they held on tight to triumph ahead of Brazil this afternoon, while Canada had to settle for bronze in the final analysis. And Little took the individual title in fine style. Lying second, and less than a fence behind Brazil’s Ruy Fonseca who led from the outset with Tom Bombadill Too, the 33-year-old former Jumping rider kept a cool head to stay clear with her relatively inexperienced mare RF Scandalous today, while 2011 Pan-American Eventing individual champions Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti from Canada claimed silver this time around when Fonseca’s single error dropped him to bronze medal spot. A total of 11 nations lined out in the team competition, and Ecuador, Chile and Mexico were lying fourth, fifth and sixth after the Dressage phase. The USA had only a slender 0.7 point lead over Canada going into cross-country day, and Brazil was chasing hard when only three marks further adrift at this stage. Cross-Country track Canadian chances took a sharp knock however when Kathryn Robinson was eliminated for a fall with Let It Bee at the Hayracks, the second fence on yesterday’s cross-country track. Her team-mates Waylon Roberts (Bill Owen), Colleen Loach (Qorry Blue D’Argouges) and Jessica Phoenix (Pavarotti) all completed the course without incident. But Canada dropped behind Brazil when Fonseca, Carlos Parro (Caulcourt Landline), Henrique Plombon (Land Quenotte) and Jorge Marcio Carvalho (Lissy Mac Wayer) all likewise kept a clean sheet, Robinson’s brilliant 39.80 in Dressage, which placed her individually second on the opening day, no longer being taken into account. All four American team-members cruised home, maintaining their advantage with nothing to add. insidethegames.biz
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The Coronation Cup
South America team to face England
England will face some tough opposition in the Royal Salute Coronation Cup on 25 July
T
he South American team has been announced that will challenge the 28 goal England team for the 2015 Royal Salute Coronation Cup on Saturday 25 July at Guards Polo Club. The visiting team will feature two Brazilians, an Argentine and a Chilean, so creating a talented opposition with plenty of international experience. The South Americans are headed up by experienced international test match players Jaime García Huidobro (8) of Chile and Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade (9), Brazil’s highest rated player. Coronation Cup newcomers, the Argentine Manuel Fernández Llorente (6) and Brazilian José Klabin (4), President of the Confederação Brasileira de Polo, make up this impressive squad. In a recent Pololine interview, Jaime Garcia Huidobro, who has represented Chile three times on this day and is his country’s highest rated player, explained the importance of the Royal Salute Coronation Cup: “It’s one of the best games you can play in the year and it will be nice to play in a team representing Chile, Argentina and Brazil and continue the tradition of this prestigious cup. It’s great that there is an event like this and it would be wonderful if other countries copied the Hurlingham Polo Association, both on and off the pitch. Polo needs more international days - we need to encourage these international tests because they help polo grow.” England is equally confident as the HPA is fielding one of its strongest teams on this day. Playing in the No 1 shirt and leading the team will be England 7 goal player James Beim. Although this is James’s first year as England captain, he is no stranger to the big occasion, having represented his country on 8 previous occasions on this day. He has also added his name to the UK’s leading high-goal tournaments, the Prince of Wales Trophy, Queen’s Cup and Gold Cup (the British Open). Mark Tomlinson, who has been playing well in the Gold Cup, will once again wear the No 2 shirt. Married to London Olympics dressage medallist, Laura Bechtolsheimer, Mark has achieved great success on the polo field, including victories in the Queen’s and Gold Cups. Even though he is only 33, this will be his 11th appearance for England in the
The E.A. Equestrian
■ JUL-SEP-2015
Coronation Cup. At No 3, and making his first appearance in the England Coronation Cup team, will be Max Charlton on 7 goals. Although the youngest player in the team, Max is one England’s highest handicapped players and was recently named the Most Outstanding British Professional at the annual Polo Awards. He is equally skilled on snow, having won the highgoal Snow Polo World Cup in St Moritz for the past 3 years. On being selected, Max said “I was thrilled to be selected to play for England at Palermo in April and learnt a lot about playing at this level. I am obviously delighted to be chosen to play for England on Coronation Cup Day for the first time. My main aim is to get myself really well mounted for the match because the horses will be crucial; Sotogrande makes that difficult for many of us.” At Back will be the experienced Luke Tomlinson on 7 goals, who first wore an England shirt in 2002. Luke has not only won every major UK polo tournament, but has an impressive overseas CV too, including playing in the world-class Argentine Open 4 times. However Luke secured his place in polo history by being most successful England team captain ever, heading up the England Polo Team from 2007 – 2014. With a strong short list of players which included James Harper, The Earl of Tyrone and Jack Richardson, various options were considered. As always, horses, form and the opposition were the key factors. The Royal Salute Coronation Cup, which will be played open, will take place at Guards Polo Club, Windsor Great Park on Saturday 25th July 2015. Tickets are on sale now. For more information and to book your tickets to one of the most prestigious and spectacular days in the English sporting calendar go to http://www.guardspoloclub.com/tournaments/the-royal-salute-coronation-cup. Published on: 8th Jul 2015
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International Polo
Hackett British Army: Major Robert Skeggs RHA; Lt Jess Wood RA; Capt Nick Walton RHA; Capt George Walker KRH. Mongolian Army: Sgt Baasansuren Otgonbayar; 2Lt Sarankhuu Khongor; Sgt Lkhagvadorj Ganbayar; Cpl Tsendsuren Munkhchuluun. Image copyright Sam Churchill Photography
Mongolian team make impressive debut against British Army An illustrious crowd, including a Prime Minister and ambassadors, watch the British Army versus the Mongolian Army Guards Polo Club welcomed the Mongolian Prime Minister His Excellency Chimed Saikhanbileg to the Royal Box in the first week of July to watch the Mongolian Army polo team in action. He was joined by several key Mongolians, including the Mongolian Ambassador to the UK His Excellency Tulga Narkhuu and the UK’s Ambassador to Mongolia, Her Excellency Ms Catherine Arnold. This event was a highlight of the IM Power Mongolian Polo Tour, which had also included a coaching session at Sandhurst Military Academy with four-goaler Gaston Devrient, the British Army’s official coach. Despite only taking up the game earlier this year, the Mongolian players, led by Lt Sarankhuu Khongor, commander of the Mongolian Army’s
mounted regiment, put up a strong performance against the Hackett British Army team on the Club’s number one ground The Queen’s Ground. Although the match was played open, the Mongolian team impressed everyone going down by just two goals to their more experienced opponents. After the game Col Simon Ledger, who had arranged this tour and been a member of the British Amy polo squad that had visited Mongolia earlier in the year, said: “I was most pleased to see the Mongolian Army play so well. The programme by Gaston Devrient to produce such a performance after only six days’ coaching was clearly very effective and I was impressed how the team coped with the very much larger ponies.” Published on: 6th Jul 2015
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The E.A. Equestrian
■ JUL-SEP-2015
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The encyclopedia
Horse care and management
B
efore deciding to buy a horse or pony, it is very important to realize that owning one involves time, work and money. The initial cost of buying a horse is invariably cheap compared to the cost of keeping one. If you are thinking about keeping a horse at home, you must ensure that you have the correct facilities. Alternatively, you can keep your horse at a livery yard, which can be expensive, but may suit some people better. Choosing and buying a horse When you buy a horse, it is likely that you will have it for several years,Mao make sure you are buying a horse that is suitable for you, your circumstances, your knowledgeable, and your ability. For the novice or first-time owner, it is a good idea to take along an experienced friend when viewing a horse; often they will spot something you may overlook. It is also helpful to make a list of points that you want in a horse before you even start looking. You can then focus on the type of horse you need and ignore ones you don’t need. Buying a horse can be a lengthy process and you may spend months looking at different kinds before
finding the one that suits you best. However, it is well worth taking the time to do this rather than rushing in to buy something for the sake of it. When looking at horses, it is often what the seller does jot tell you that is important, so try to ask as many relevant questions as possible in order to find out as much about the horse and its history as you can. Points to consider before looking Temperament: This is one of the most important criteria. It is vital to look for a horse that you will feel safe rising and that will give you confidence. You need to find a horse that is calm and quiet and easy to be around. Age: It is a good idea to buy an experienced horse that has seen and done all the things you are likely to want to do. This is likely to be a horse from around eight or nine years old, or older. By buying an experienced horse, you are likely to have more confidence when, for example, jumping cross-country for the first time. Sex: Never consider buying a stallion. Mares can become temperamental during the spring and summer months when they will come into season at regular intervals. Some mares, however, seem totally unaffected by this and show
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no change in attitude. In general, a gelding is less likely to be temperamental than a mare. However, in the end, buying a horse is based on common sense. Once you find a horse that is ideal for you, it really should make no difference whether it is a mare or a gelding. Height: You need to look for a horse that you are not going to outgrow in a few months, but also one that is not too big for you. Ability: As mentioned, it is a good idea to buy a horse that has done more than you have and that you can learn from. However, once again, it is a matter of common sense to judge whether a horse has too much ability and scope for an inexperienced or novice rider. Price: Always have a fixed price limit in mind. Every week there are thousands  of horses advertised for sale, and invariably it will be the one just outside your price range that sounds perfect. You should not even consider going to look for a horse if it is outside your price bracket, but it is always worth asking the seller if they are open to offer. - the encyclopedia of horses and ponies (Tamsil Pickeral)
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Our snappers were at the Nanyuki Polo Challenge Cup, July 5, 2015 at North Kenya Polo Grounds in Timau Laikipia County and captured some memorable moments. 1. From left: Gordon Murray, former chairman of North Kenya Polo club, Gideon Moi, and John Mugambi of Kisima Farm. 2. Bayer Presaro's Archie Voorspuy hits a back swing during their match against Samsung Galaxy Tab during the final match for the Nanyuki Polo Challenge Cup, July 5, 2015 at North Kenya Polo Grounds in Timau Laikipia County. 3 The maiden winner of the Jammiest Goal Cup, Kaila Millar. 4. Bayer Presaro's Archie Voorspuy with the Most Valuable Player trophy after the final match of the Nanyuki Polo Challenge Cup. 5. Kisima Farm General Manager Charlie Dyer makes a speech while introducing the Jammiest Goal Cup, July 5, 2015 at North Kenya Polo Grounds in Timau Laikipia County. 6. Bayer Presaro's Archie Voorspuy (left) tussle for the ball with Samsung Galaxy Tab's Vishal Somaia 2, (center) as Kigen Moi 1 (right watches during the final match for the Nanyuki Polo Challenge Cup, July 5, 2015 at North Kenya Polo Grounds in Timau. 7. Kisima Farm Sara Dyer follows the presentation ceremony at North Kenya Polo Grounds in Timau Laikipia County. 8. Nanyuki Polo Challenge Cup winning team Bayer Presaro of; Aisha Gross 0, Raphael Nzomo 2, Archie Voorspuy 1.5, and Antony Gross 1 display the trophy at the North Kenya Polo Club grounds in Timau, July 5, 2015. 9. Samsung Galaxy Gear's Chloe Spoerry takes a forward drive during the runners up match for the Nanyuki Polo Challenge Cup against Bayer Nativo at the North Kenya Polo Club in Timau. 10. A section of the fans who turned up to watch the Nanyuki Polo Challenge Cup finals at the North Kenya Polo Club in Timau.
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The E.A. Equestrian
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Equestrian fans watched rivetting action during the Pony Clubs of Kenya Easter show at the Jamhuri Park, Nairobi which was attended by riders from Kenya and Uganda in April 2015; 1. Kenya's Emma Carter aboard Matching In; 2. Uganda's Katie Bowser jumping 'Balmain'; 3. Robin Martin from Uganda aboard Flying Fox; 4. Liz Thoenes, Chair of the Horse Association of Kenya awards Robin Martin of Uganda after winning the FEI Junior Jumping Challenge on Flying Fox.
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Our snappers were at Gilgil during the Fawcus Cup and at the Jamhuri Park for the Mugs Mug. 1. Gideon Moi with the ball of Samsung S6 takes past Jamie Murray (in red ) of Samsung Tab on 06-06-2015 at Manyatta Polo club in Gilgil during the The Fawcus Cup. 2. Gideon Moi having a rest after a match. 3. Patrick Oyoo (left), Hiromi Nzomo and Kigen Moi during the Mugs Mug. 4. Yvonne Mbula of Peroni and Simon Kariithi, Business leader Samsung Electronics East Africa presenting trophies at the Mugs Mug tournament.
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