In the Stirrups - October 2015

IN THE STIRRUPS October 2015

WIN A BENTLEY ORIGINALS DELUXE GROOMING KIT READ OUR TRIED AND TESTED REVIEW

BURGHLEY 2015: All the news, interviews and results

Confident Horsemanship Anne Gage

5 minutes with: Carl Hester Charlotte Dujardin Jonelle Price Lainey Ashker and more!

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For the In the Stirrups Polo see Page 39

INSIDE THIS MONTHS ISSUE:

WELCOME‌ Thanks for joining us for another issue of In the

Feature

Page Number

Stirrups. Since our last issue a lot has happened behind the scenes, with our Facebook page reaching over 2.2 million people a month which is

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2015

7

5 minutes with: Jonelle Price

8

wonderful news! This month we’ve caught up with some of equestrians brightest stars and are delighted to share our interviews with you. We have new designs for our polo tops on the way as

Tried and Tested: Bentley Originals Deluxe Brush Set

20

Fashion and Shopping

22

well as other items to expand the range. The competition season is slowing down but we still have so much to look forward to this winter with HOYS, Your Horse Live and Olympia still to come! Stay safe

5 minutes with: Carl Hester

29

The Dressage Tipster

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in the evenings with the nights rolling in earlier and we hope

The Patten Standard

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you enjoy the latest issue!

5 minutes with: Charlotte Dujardin 33 Natasha

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS

Tim Lips

Daisy Jackson

Dutch Olympic Eventer Tim Lips is in hot pursuit of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Tim also won Team Bronze at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Normandy.

Daisy is a 17 year old British Dressage rider. Full of ambition, Daisy is certainly on to watch for the future.

See Page 18

See Page 36

Patricia Pitt

Patricia is The Dressage Tipster and founder of Crystal System. Patricia provides us with usable reliable tips to improve all aspects of your dressage work.

See Page 30

COVER PHOTO CREDIT: Marc Moggridge - burghleyimages.photoshelter.com

Marc Moggridge

Marc is our event photographer and renowned for his excellent photography. When not photographing horses, he is often found in the MMA cage photographing action images. Look out for Marcs photography!

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS

Anne Gage

Magic

Hannah Patten

Tyne Sigley

Anne Gage is a Clinician, Riding Coach, Horse Trainer and Certified Professional Coach based in Canada. Anne focuses on the mental and physical aspects of both you and your horse so you can develop trust and respect while building confidence in each other.

Magic is one of the Gentle Carousel Therapy Horses based in the USA. She is a specialised therapy horse who brings comfort and happiness to people who are suffering illness or trauma and is adept at recognising those who need her skills most.

Hannah is a 17 yr old show jumper based in the USA. Rising quickly with her team of talented horses she is also the creator of the Patten Standard. A new outlook and way of thinking for people everywhere and will definitely be one to watch for

Tyne Sigley is our permanent review panellist has been riding for years as well as being a qualified equine veterinary nurse. Between riding, grooming and expanding her knowledge on horses, she enjoys reading, walking and spending time with her dog Chopper.

See Page 5

Back next month!

See Page 34

See Page 20

Don’t miss all of the action from Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2015

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CONFIDENT HORSEMANSHIP WITH ANNE GAGE

HELP! MY HORSE FINDS ANY EXCUSE TO SPOOK! “My horse is playing games with me!

When my coach or friends ride him, he is so well behaved. Never puts a foot wrong. But, when I ride him he finds any excuse to spook. I’m beginning to doubt my riding ability and now I spend every ride anticipating what the next ‘scary monster’ will be. What am I doing wrong?”

1. Change your breathing. Breathing affects how you feel and how you feel affects your breathing. When you’re feeling stress, nervousness or fear your body and mind have gone into the fight/flight response which is an automatic and unconscious response triggered by your brain.

One symptom of fight/flight is rapid, short breathing or even holding your breath.

You and your horse are in a vicious cycle of anticipating that something bad is going to happen. And, every time it does happen it reinforces that you both were ‘right’. Your tension (from anticipation of what 'meant' happen) creates tension in your horse. When he is tense, he is more reactive. That is why he behaves well for other riders but, is less reliable for you.

You are the one that has to change the cycle.

Because your horse can't relax until you do.

Here are 3 things you can change to get you both feeling more relaxed and confident with each other.

Practice taking slow, deep breaths using your diaphragm (tummy expands as you inhale and deflates as you exhale) before you get on your horse and while you are riding. It’s the fastest way to calm your mind and relax your body. It slows your heart rate and the release of stress hormones. By changing how you are breathing, you can over ride and stop that fight/flight response, gain control of your body and mind and feel calmer.

2. Change your thoughts. When you are worried about your horse spooking, your thoughts are focused on something that might happen in the

CONFIDENT HORSEMANSHIP WITH ANNE GAGE future. That ‘worry’ is your imagination working against you. Since your brain can’t tell the difference between a real and an imagined event it triggers your ‘fight/flight’ system. Stress hormones are released, your muscles and joints stiffen, your heart rate increases and even your vision and hearing are affected. Your horse picks up all of these responses, mirrors them and becomes more reactive.

shoulders, neck, lower back, jaw? You may not even be aware of the tension you carry in your body because you have become so acclimatized to it that it feels ‘normal’.

Sit tall and feel your seat bones connected into your saddle. Drop your legs out of your pelvis releasing any gripping in your thighs, knees or calves. Lift and open your chest allowing your shoulder blades to drop down your back. Keep your belly button aligned with your horse’s neck so it always aims through his ears. Lift your chin so that it’s parallel with the ground and look forward. Use your calm, focused breathing to release any tension from your body. You will be more balanced, supple and connected with your horse. He will mirror this change and also feel more balanced and relaxed.

Keep your mind focused in the moment by consciously bringing your attention to what’s really happening right now. The simplest way to do that is to ask yourself questions like ‘is it true??

Is it really true? How do I know it’s true? What if it isn’t true? It’s also helpful to look for a solution rather than focusing on the problem (real or imagined). For example you might ask ‘Is my horse really bothered by that noise? What can I By making these 3 changes, you and your horse do to keep both of us calm?’ will feel more relaxed and balanced together.

3. Change your posture. Your posture re- Your connection and communication will imflects your emotional state. Tension in your prove so that you feel and respond to each other mind becomes stiffness, tension and imbalance better. You will have more positive experiences in your body. We all have patterns of stiffness together where you will build trust and confiand where we hold tension in our bodies. Where dence in each other. do you hold your tension? Is it in your hips,

LAND ROVER BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS 2015

Photos by Marc Moggridge burghleyimages.photoshelter.com

BURGHLEY 2015

We caught up with World number 4 in eventing, Jonelle Price who also finished 4th at this year’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. Wife to fellow eventer Tim Price, they have become consistent and successful faces on the eventing circuit and New Zealand team. Our editor Natasha spoke with Jonelle right after Burghley to find out her thoughts on this year’s event.

5 MINUTES WITH: JONELLE PRICE Jonelle, firstly congratulations on your 4th place at Burghley – it must have been so frustrating to have one rail down in the showjumping but what are your thoughts on this year’s event as a whole?

Thank you! We had a great Burghley, it was a bit chilly but we were lucky with the ground. It was a privilege to be there and apart from that unlucky fence down, I’m thrilled.

Classic Moet seems such a genuine mare, did you always know she had the potential to compete at such high levels?

She really is, she came to us with no expectations at 10 years old. She had done some 2* events, passed through a few owners and I thought we had missed the boat with her. She then went from 2* to 4* in 8 months and she really has come so far. She’s a great mare and I’m really pleased with her.

How was it watching Tim jump? We saw you clinging to the rail in the collecting ring watching his round, it must be nerve wracking, is it something you get used to as a fellow competitor?

Yes, it’s always a nerve wracking moment! The thing is, Ringwood Sky Boy is not a great jumper. He usually has 3 rails down in the showjumping so we were prepared to have some poles down. As we were getting ready before the jumping Tim and I were discussing it, Tim said he expected rails down and I said to him “Hey, miracles happen at Burghley!” and they did!

So, with two of the world’s top eventers under one roof, do things get competitive at home?

YES! Definitely! Don’t get me wrong, of course I’m delighted for Tim… but I would have rather beat him haha!!

Photos by Marc Moggridge burghleyimages.photoshelter.com

With Burghley out of the way, what’s next for you both?

Well in a minute we are off to Bali for a wedding, we’ll only be gone 4 nights, then home to prepare for Blenheim and other 3* Autumn events before, hopefully, going to Pau with our top string horses!

BURGHLEY 2015 As anticipated, the reigning Olympic and European champion Michael Jung made quite an impression on his first visit to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, sixth and final leg of the FEI Classics™ 2014/2015.

The Ground Jury, President Nick Burton, Andrew Bennie and Christina Klingspor, unanimously placed him out in front on his first ride, FischerRocana FST, with a mark of 34.2 for a classy test that was beautifully light, harmonious and happy.

“She was very relaxed, easy to ride and gave me a good feeling,” said Jung of the 11-year-old mare on which he won Kentucky, second leg of the FEI Classics™ 2014/2015, in which Jung was second in the rankings behind his compatriot Ingrid Klimke.

Andrew Hoy, who first won Burghley in 1979 before Jung was even born, also broke the 40-penalty barrier and is in second place with Rutherglen on a score of 37.8 after a reliably smooth and attractive test.

Hoy, 56, is due a change of luck: he fell in the water on both his rides at Badminton, although

he had a good run when finishing seventh on his Burghley ride Rutherglen, a powerful Hannoverian gelding, at the recent Aachen (GER) CIC3*.

Another rider who will not remember Hoy’s first Burghley was third-placed Niklas Bschorer, who scored 39.2 in a well-ridden test on Tom Tom Go 3. At 20, he is the youngest in the field of 74 runners but his riding style is mature.

Photos by Marc Moggridge - burghleyimages.photoshelter.com

www.inthestirrups.com

BURGHLEY 2015 THE XC COURSE Cross Country course designer Mark Phillips (GBR) set riders an intriguing test as he reversed the direction of his track. This means that the Lion Bridge water complexes, where crowds of spectators lean over the bridge to get a bird’s eye view of the action, come up early at fences 4, 5 and 6.

There were loud cheers for the diminutive Rosalind Canter and the giant 173cms Allstar B. The British pair have made an impressive start at their first CCI4* and are best of the home side in fourth place on 40.2 after a calm and accomplished performance. Canter took over the ride on the 10-year-old Allstar B, a Dutch warmblood by Ephebe For Ever, in 2012.

“The Cross Country is really big!” she said. “I’m slightly terrified but really excited. I’m over the moon to have done a mistake-free Dressage test here,” she added. “The more noise and people the better for him. I’d hoped to score in the 40s, so to be nearly in the 30s is great.

Capability’s Cutting, at fences 9 and 10, had possibly the most difficult obstacle on the course, an acutely angled corner, and at 18 there is the traditional enormous white oxer at The Maltings. The famous Trout Hatchery (20-21) has five efforts, but riders were not be able to relax after As day two approached Michael that as the notorious Discovery Valley Jung shared his thoughts on the (26, 27) course at Burghley; “The course here (24 and 28) and Leaf Pit drop were still to come. is very different to the other fourstars, it looks tough with lots of ups and downs,” whose past CCI4* winner at Burghley, raise the successes include a win at Luhmühlen stakes with a brilliant (GER), second place at Badminton performance on CCI4* first(GBR) and third at Pau (FRA). “I will timer Fernhill Pimms which start out steadily and, hopefully, if my horses are giving me a good feeling, I equalled the Olympic champion will be able to go for the time. I’m very Michael Jung’s score of 34.2 on happy to be here, it’s a fantastic FisherRocana FST from the previous day. Their only competition.”

Day two of Dressage brought William mistake in an attractive test Fox-Pitt, a record six-time was a fluffed first flying change

“I’ve been coming to Burghley for years to watch as it’s my local event and I’ve got lots of friends here today supporting me. I had wanted to do my first four-star before I was 30 – I’m 29 and threequarters - so I’ve just got there!”

Photos by Marc Moggridge - burghleyimages.photoshelter.com

BURGHLEY 2015 which scored fours. “I’m delighted with Pimms; that’s the first time he’s done that test in an arena – there’s four flying changes and that’s a big step up,” said the world number two. “He’s a lovely horse to ride on the flat; he loves showing off.” Fox-Pitt took on the ride on Fernhill Pimms, an 11-year-old by Ard VDL Douglas, in 2013. The horse was produced in Ireland by Portuguese rider Duarte Seabra for Carol Gee, who owns him with Catherine Witt. Fox-Pitt won the prestigious young horse CIC3* at Blenheim in 2013 on the bay gelding and finished fifth at Bramham CCI3* this year.

Riders viewed Capt Mark Phillips’s Cross Country course, which run in a reverse direction to usual, with plenty of respect and a bit of trepidation.

“It’s tough out there,” commented Sam Griffiths.

“You need a power jumper with some blood. This is a course that will find out any weaknesses.”

Fox-Pitt, who planned to take all the straight routes, added: “Mark has been very brave.

Everyone will have their work cut out because we’re all starting from a blank sheet with the different direction. The first three fences are the only nice ones! I think Pimms is ready for it. I

just want him to rise to the challenge and go well.”

Olly Townend was first out on the course on Cross Country day at 11am with Micael Jung providing a surprise fall at fence 4 on his joint Dressage leader, FischerRocana FST, where, to gasps from the crowd, the mare tripped and fell in the water.

But he was masterful aboard his Olympic, world and European champion Sam, finishing just two seconds over time to rise seven places to first.

“My first Cross Country ride at Burghley was pretty quick – about 40 seconds,” joked the world number one. “I got back to the stables and my brother said: ‘Never mind, you’ve already gone up a place on Sam!’ “I know the horse very well now, we’ve had many experiences together, and he was really fighting for me and jumping well. This event is such a great tradition, so it’s wonderful to be here.” Said Jung.

More surprises were in store when William Fox-Pitt, the joint Dressage leader on Fernhill Pimms, suffered a rare lapse of concentration. He had the misfortune to be held on course before fence

All Burghley 2015 images by Marc Moggridge - burghleyimages.photoshelter.com

BURGLEY 2015

23, a big spread on a downhill slope, while it was being repaired. Then, when taking the long route at the next obstacle, the Discovery Valley complex, he galloped past the second element and had to retrace his steps. “It’s been good and bad,” said Fox-Pitt, who is now 13th with 20.4 time penalties. “The horse was fantastic, but I’m sad to have let him down and had a mental blank.”

New Zealander Tim Price had by far his best Burghley in five attempts and moved into second place on Ringwood Sky Boy, just 1.5 penalties behind Jung. However, his day was not without drama either, as a wasp got inside his vest halfway round the course and stung him.

“I had this strange scratchy feeling, which I was trying to adjust,” said Price, laughing. “When I

got back to the finish, I lifted my shirt up and out flew a wasp. He was pretty angry, too!”

Price had one of the fastest rounds of the day for 2.8 penalties but there was an unnerving scramble over a fence in the water at the Trout Hatchery. “Sky Boy is not the most conventional jumper and he’s got a long stride for the technical elements. This was one of those courses where you have to change your plan and make decisions on the spot,” explained the rider.

It was a good day for family Price as Tim’s wife, Jonelle, who went into the jumping phase in third place, only 3.4 penalties behind him. Jonelle had a brilliant round on Classic Moet and was one of only two riders to finish inside the optimum time

Photos by Marc Moggridge - burghleyimages.photoshelter.com

www.inthestirrups.com

BURGHLEY 2015 In the Stirrups editor Natasha spoke with UK based Australian rider Warren Lamperd about his feelings on his first time at Burghley, and his wife winning the Vicky Laing STX Equine Fitness Horse Care award in recognition of the great care and grooming of Silvia, Warrens ride for Burghley

5 MINUTES WITH: WARREN LAMPERD So Warren, what a fabulous first Burghley for you and Silvia! What was your aim, coming to Burghley this year?

Exactly what we did! Our first time at Burghley was just what we wanted and after a rough winter we had a slow start to the season due to family illness amongst other things. I just didn’t know if she could or couldn’t do it. She had targeted cross country schooling, some 1.30 and 1.40 days out showjumping and we trained with Dane Rawlins for dressage.

How pleased are you with Silvia and her performance at a level she hasn’t competed at before?

She’s a great horse, she is always up for anything although she can be difficult in the mouth. I rode her in a Mullen Happy Mouth Plastic Bit and it was nice to be able to talk to her more than usual with it. In Cross country I just steered more than having to tell her and in Showjumping she stayed to the bridle.

It was new territory and she did so well.

Now we just have to wait and see, she’s on about 51 points I think so she’s point away from being Advanced. Our aim is Badminton next year but with so many entries they put it ot ballet so it’s a case of keeping our fingers crossed and hope we make it. If not we’ll probably aim for another 3*, or maybe Saumur or Luhmuhlen. She’s not the fastest horse uphill so she’s suited better to flat courses. Of course we’d love to do the Nations Cup too! I think Burghley and coaching has made me a more exposed rider for sponsorship, I have a nice youngster 7, coming on 8, and would eventually like a string of 3 top level horses to compete with so will be looking for the right company to promote and represent.

Photos by Marc Moggridge burghleyimages.photoshelter.com

Your wife, Suzanna, won the best groom award at Burghley, how did that feel?

Well I saw a woman walked around the stables and I thought she was just making sure no one was doing anything they shouldn’t have been. Turns out she was the judge! One of the things she mentioned that caught her eye was on the way to the Start box of the Cross Country, Suzy was walking behind me brushing out Silvia’s tail to make sure it was all pulled out before the start. I’m so proud of her being recognised for her dedication and hard work.

BURGHLEY 2015 With just the jumping phase left to come, it promised to be a thriller!

Jung was under huge pressure coming into the arena as Tim Price had conjured a beautiful clear round from the improving Ringwood Sky Boy to finish runner-up behind the German for the second time this year, following Kentucky (USA) in April.

of 11 minutes 12 seconds. “My mare was pretty faultless from start to finish,” she said.

Oliver Townend was also last on course with the experienced Armada, and had the competition at his mercy, but an uncharacteristic mistake, a run-out in the Trout Hatchery, left the rider slapping his head in frustration and dropped him from fifth after Dressage to 18th.

Riders had been instructed at the competitor briefing to bear in mind the climb uphill to the huge Cottesmore Leap (fence 13) which came earlier than usual due to Course Designer Mark Phillips reversing the direction of his track.

“Sky Boy has been improving and I hoped that would show itself on the flat,” explained Tim. “He has always been a good Cross Country horse but to be still here today, in second place, is wonderful. He is not a natural showjumper but he is learning to try hard at the right moment.”

The talented Christopher Burton (AUS), who has never previously completed Burghley, had a perfect day with two clear rounds to finish third and fourth on TS Jamaimo and Haruzac.

Overall, however, it was a highly successful day, with 42 clears from the 68 Cross Country starters and 55 completions. “This is a good ratio for a course of this size,” commented Mark Phillips. “I’m a relieved and happy man tonight!”

Photos by Marc Moggridge - burghleyimages.photoshelter.com

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BURGHLEY 2015 “I haven’t had a very good run here before - I came here as a young rider from Australia in 2004 and fell off at the third fence, so just to see the finish flags was a pretty good feeling,” he said.

Jonelle Price slipped from third to fifth when Classic Moet hit the first part of the treble, but clear rounds elevated Sir Mark Todd to sixth on Leonidas ll, Cedric Lyard to seventh on Cadeau du Roi, Kristina Cook on Star Witness to eighth and best British rider, and Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh to ninth.

William Fox-Pitt had a fence down on Fernhill Pimms but still rose three places to 10th. However, for the first time since the inception of the FEI Classics™ in 2008 he missed out on a cash prize.

The Badminton winner finished on the same score, 24 points, as Tim Price, but the New Zealander took precedent in fourth place on the final

leaderboard as, according to the rules, he had gained his points at fewer competitions.

Final Results 1 Michael Jung/La Biosthetique Sam (GER) 39.2 + 0.8 + 0 = 40.0 2 Tim Price/Ringwood Sky Boy (NZL) 38.7 + 2.8 + 0 = 41.5 3 Christopher Burton/TS Jamaimo (AUS) 45.0 + 0 + 0 = 45.0 4 Christopher Burton/Haruzac (AUS) 41.2 + 6.4 + 0 = 47.6 5 Jonelle Price/Classic Moet (NZL) 44.9 + 0 + 4 = 48.9 6 Sir Mark Todd/Leonidas ll (NZL) 41.7 + 8.8 + 0 = 50.5 7 Cedric Lyard/Cadeau du Roi (FRA) 39.6 + 11.2 + 0 = 50.8 8 Kristina Cook/Star Witness (GBR) 47.4 + 5.2 + 0 = 52.6 9 Sam Griffiths/Paulank Brockagh (AUS) 42.5 + 15.2 + 0 = 57.7 10 William Fox-Pitt/Fernhill Pimms (GBR) 34.2 + 20.4 + 4 = 58.6

www.inthestirrups.com Photos by Marc Moggridge - burghleyimages.photoshelter.com

BURGHLEY 2015 Lainey Ashker has a huge following in and out of the saddle thanks to her social media presence and bubbly personality. Having travelled all the way from Virginia, we caught up with her after she arrived back on US soil to find out her thoughts on the bustle that is Burghley

5 MINUTES WITH: LAINE ASHKER I did some extra gallop work. We trained with my long term coach Buck Davidson too. Al is 16 now so I don’t run him as much as I used to, but he knows what he’s capable of!

How did you find competing in the UK, was it a big difference between the venues you’re used to in the UK? Well it did and didn’t match up to what I’m used to.

The Kentucky Rolex crowds are not as big as the ones at Burghley but the Rolex crowds are louder, especially when you come into the lane home at Kentucky! I don’t think it’s that the fans here aren’t as supportive, I just think in the UK they are a more respectful crowd but also they see this level of the sport more often. The UK was so lovely, really welcoming and it felt like everyone broke their backs to help. It was great because at Burghley all the riders and stabled together whereas at Kentucky the foreign riders are separate to the US ones. We were next to Jock Paget, Tim and Jonelle Price and a whole bunch of other great riders and it was like the experience was even more intense because it was so casual around the stables which I loved!

I probably don’t need to ask, but would you come again?

Oh yes, next year I’d love to compete here again. I was prepared for the event but not prepared for the level of riders here. I learned a tonne watching riders like Pippa Funnell and William Fox-Pitt, it felt like I was having lessons in Dressage, Cross Country and Showjumping just by watching them! I’m so lucky to have such great sponsors supporting me too, between FITS, OTTB, Heritage, Bucas and so many more, I What were your preparations for Burghley, was have the very best equipment for myself and Al. I’d never have got to this point without my parents there anything different?

It was the standard prep really, Al is a thoroughbred Valeria and Michael Ashker, their unbridled support and it’s pretty flat in Virginia (where I come from) so Hi Laine, how was your flight over?

Uneventful! My horse, Al, flew with his groom to Amsterdam and I flew from JFK to Heathrow. I was so buzzed for Burghley, even more so when I realised Damien Lewis from the TV show Homeland and his wife were just 5 rows from us in coach on our Virgin Airlines flight. I was impressed because I expected a star like that to be up in first class!

Photos by Marc Moggridge - burghleyimages.photoshelter.com

FIVE MINUTES WITH: LAINE ASHKER has supported my riding dreams and I’d also be lost without my groom Lauren!

Al is coming on 17 years old now so I want to do as many 4* events as possible. I just want to enjoy him more! To go to Kentucky again would be fab, you always come away feeling so appreciated in our sport.

I’d jump at the chance to go to Badminton, even with Al’s age they tell you when they don’t want to play anymore. He’s a great teacher and the safest horse I could ever sit on, I’ve learned so much from him and can’t wait for the next adventure.

So what’s next for Team LAE? Right now I’m at a 2* event, riding my groom, Lauren Sherril’s mare who is an 8yr old Thoroughbred, then prep for Fairhill. I’d love to do Badminton next year,

Follow Lainey on Social Media and online by clicking below:

Photo by Marc Moggridge - burghleyimages.photoshelter.com

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TICKET TO RIO WITH TIM LIPS

So‌ we came 4th in the team event at the European Championships, the Dutch team did pretty good at Blair Castle. Sure it was tough to end up just off the podium but under the circumstances we did well. We were without Andrew Heffernan and Elaine Pen at full

strength and yes we have stood our ground. Especially in the cross country where we kept our line constant and showed our consistency. It’s really encouraging for the upcoming year and shows the team level performance retention.

www.timlips.nl TicketToRio on Facebook!

TICKET TO RIO The European Championship is over, but in terms of goals, it is full steam ahead towards the Olympic Games next year.

That means behind the scenes we have to work hard and rest little but I am sure it will be worth it! On journey from Blair Castle we bypassed the issues at Calais and made the crossing from Hook of Holland. Fortunately, it went smoothly and we had no problems with stowaways.

Through the night we went home and I trained a few horses on the day we got home. I was very tired but needed to prepare for the next event in Varsseveld the following weekend. My fatigue was not for nothing as I finished first, third and fourth, my first place with Concrex Bayro who I will stick with for the Rio Olympic Games as he has better scores in Dressage, not to mention he is safer in jumping than Keyflow!

www.inthestirrups.com

Now I'm preparing for Boekelo a little over two weeks. The Big Boekelo! I am very excited, since the National Championships will be held, it is a fantastic competition to take part in. There is a special atmosphere and the absolute world travels to our little country to participate.

Yes, usually it is a cold and wet little country, but now it seems that it might finally remain dry for once. In any case, it is fine weather for the time being, so the surface of the cross country is not yet smooth.

My horses Concrex Vakarlos and Vakarlos Brent will go. For them this is the first ‘big’ game for them and I look forward to it with full confidence! Wish us luck!

TIM

TRIED AND TESTED BENTLEY ORIGINALS ELUXE GROOMING SET

This month we put the Bentley Originals Brush set to the test. This grooming set is ideal for both professional and every day riders who want to add a touch of class to their stables. The set includes a range of premium body brushes and grooming tools. This durable range has all the products needed to keep a horse well-groomed, while also creating an impressive, professional appearance. Designed following extensive research, these traditional brushes benefit from natural bristles and FSC wood, making them a timeless and unique range. The set includes everything you’ll need to keep your horse looking immaculate and would make an ideal gift.

●Includes:

●Sweat scraper

●Body brush

●Hoof & Oil Brush

●Dandy brush

●Cactus mitt

●Flick brush

●Curry comb

●Face brush

●Deluxe carry bag with handle

●Mane & tail brush

WWW.BUYDIRECT4U.CO.UK

TRIED AND TESTED BENTLEY ORIGINALS ELUXE GROOMING SET We found the brushes very comfortable to use, as well as the overall look they performed with precision as expected with a wooden brush. The waterproof lining in the carry bag was a welcome feature, also the numerous pockets on the bag meant it had more than adequete storage for all of our odds and ends like plating bands and wipes. The set really does have all of the stable essentials you need for any groom at any level and its definitely one we would recommend as a gift or just a treat to make your own life easier! It comes presented in a neat box so is ready to wrap if needed!

RRP is ÂŁ49.99 for the complete http://www.buydirect4u.co.uk/

set

and

can

be

purchased

from

You can also bei in with a chance of winning a set of your own witH Bentley Brushware and In the Stirrups by signing up to our newsletter over at www.inthestirrups.com before October 31st!

Please note: Mailing list details will be shared with In the Stirrups and Bentley Brushware. We will never give your details to any third parties or use the details without consent.

FASHION

The Shadowmatt helmet, as with the whole Samshield range, is inspired by premium motorcycle helmet technology and made from high performance materials to offer the best protection and comfort to the horse rider.

The Shadowmatt is customizable, with three shell colours to choose from - Black, Navy Blue and an optional choice of Crystal Fabric SwarovskiŽ or shimmer leather for the helmet top. With 28 options available for trim colour and customisable extras such as flags, rhinestones or sponsor’s logo, the Samshield Shadowmatt helmet For stockists contact 01704 823539 Or visit www.fearnsfarmpartnership.co.uk

FASHION HI-HO FULL HORSESHOE NECKLACE This

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measuring Necklace has a RRP of

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ARIAT WOMEN’S BERWICK GTX INSULATED BOOT Take style and performance to the next level. Made from premium waterproof, full-grain leather with a waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX and elegant plaid lining, these boots are designed to tackle the most temperamental of weather.

and foot support, the Berwick GTX Insulated Boots are ideal for walking and working in the great outdoors this festive season.

Available in sizes 3 – 8.5, in ebony.

RRP £349.99

A 200g Thinsulate Insulation keeps For more information visit toes toasty and a shock absorbing www.ariat.com or telephone 01367 EVA midsole helps prevent foot 242818. fatigue.

Utilising ATS Pro technology for excellent stability

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FASHION CARROTS CALF SOCKS The brand new Carrots Country Calf Socks are the perfect way to bring a touch of autumn colour to your wardrobe this season. Featuring iconic countryside animals, the fox and the pheasant, the Calf Socks feature rustic colours, making them perfect for every day wear whether you're heading to town or exploring the country!

will keep jodhpur cuffs and leggings tucked in!

The patterned fox and pheasant Country Calf Socks would make a perfect present for any countryside enthusiast. Available in gift boxes containing four pairs, Carrots’ Boxed Country Socks will be the gift that you won't want to give away!

The Carrots Country Calf Socks are practical yet pretty. A stretchy fit means they will fit snugly in ankle boots, wellies, and riding boots, and

The Carrots Country Calf Socks are priced at £5.50 per pair, and boxed sets of four pairs are priced at £14.

Available in adult size 4-7. www.carrotsuk.com

ARIAT MADDEN PARKA In traditional army green, this waterproof from Ariat is ideal to take you from street to stable!

Features include an inner storm cuff, removable hood, adjustable waist to tailor the fit and a twoway zipper. The Honeycomb inner quilting and polyfill insulation enhances comfort and warmth making the Madden Parka perfect for whatever winter has to throw at us!

RRP £199.99

www.inthestirrups.com

FASHION

MATRIMONY AND TWEED: A MARRIAGE MADE IN HEAVEN? TIMOTHY FOXX LAUNCHES WEDDING COLLECTION Tweed fashion designers Timothy Foxx are launching their first ever ‘Wedding Collection’ this autumn. The new collection is introduced with two beautiful designs the ‘Sophia’ and ‘Robyn’ and embodies the brand’s passion for tweed with their signature twist on heritage design.

Featuring a sweet heart neckline and full skirt, the ‘Sophia’ features a Cream antique inspired lace waistband and is styled in a beautiful Fern herringbone British tweed featuring a gorgeous Oatmeal and Mustard plaid throughout.

The dress takes on ‘50’s wedding glamour with its structured paneling and full skirt, which cascades to the floor courtesy of multiple petticoats and clever seam placement.

Rosalie Eustace, MD and Creative director for the brand explains the creative thinking about the range:

The Sophie (pictured) starts at £3500 for a bespoke design service from scratch. Customisation options are available which include tweed colours, length, different back detailing, lace jacket, head piece etc and price will depend on the complexity.

www.timothyfoxx.co.uk

“We’ve supplied mother-in-laws outfits, groom and best man outfits, hats and wedding favours and for so long our customers have been asking us when we were would diversify into wedding dresses. Now, we are proud to offer brides-to-be our quintessentially British designed dresses with a touch of tweed, offering something different and totally original” Their new bridal service also enables brides a very personal experience with Rosalie helping to create their dream bespoke dress, as well as stylistically tying in their entire day from wedding favours through to their husband to be’s suit.

FASHION BUILD YOUR OWN BRIDLE BY MORGAN EQUINE Soft padded dressage bridle with a

Patent flash noseband is

unique cutaway padded head to

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a noseband, head & cheeks or a

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a bridle with parts in different

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is

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AVALON CLIPPERS Suitable for all clipping needs this winter, including hogging the mane, the Avalon Clipper from Wahl is compact, well balanced, quiet and lightweight, providing 2.5 hours of low vibration clipping powered by a battery pack that takes just 3 hours to recharge. The low sound and vibration level is perfect for clipping even an edgy equine, and will make smartening up a cinch for both the clipper and their client!

Special promotional Avalon Clipper Gift Kits for 2015 include a free Competition Blade, Detangler and Grooming Brush. If you’re on a quest to delight the equestrian in your life this Christmas, this comprehensive grooming gift kit will surely delight on the day - and for many months ahead.

The Avalon Clipper Gift Kit retails at £239.99. For more information visit

www.inthestirrups.com

FASHION GOLLY GALOSHES HELP WINTER FIRST AID EFFORTS! When it comes to keeping dressings clean and dry, Golly Galoshes are ingenious waterproof, breathable and versatile leg gaiters which dispel the need for additional protective bandaging and also help prevent the horse interfering with the dressing and help eliminate direct contact with bedding or droppings. Golly Galoshes are also machine washable, again making them a hygienic and practical first aid essential and feature secure hook and loop fastenings, full length zip with protective fleece lapel for

security and comfort.Originally designed for ridden exercise, Golly Galoshes have also rapidly found a home in many yard’s first aid kits, due to their clever design.

Prices start from £25.99 per pair Miniature Pony through to £34.99 for horse sizing.

www.gollygaloshes.com

NATURE MEETS NEW-AGE If you are looking for a sheepskin half pad, which combines a natural approach to materials and a technical attitude to design the Fleeceworks FXK Dressage Sheepskin Half Pad exclusively from Shadow Horse could fit the bill! Styled in the finest Australian merino sheepskin, which is not only super dense and soft, but also far more robust than lambskin and superior in its breathability and overall performance. The chemically untreated sheepskin is ideal for horses with sensitive skin and is also cut shorter than most on the market, giving the shorter dense hair incredible cushioning qualities, which also stops the sheepskin matting over time. The thinner hind, which has been carefully tanned to lengthen and enhance the life of the product further adds to this half pad’s appeal, allowing for improved flexibility and breathability. FXK Dressage Sheepskin Half Pad with plain edge (shown): RRP: £115.00. www.shadowhorse.co.uk

www.inthestirrups.com

FASHION MAKING WAVES WITH SEAWEED You may have heard a lot about 40 minerals and trace elements. seaweed supplements recently, It can be used to support and well now Blooming Pet Products, maintain

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THE YORKSHIRE COLLECTION The ‘Yorkshire Collection’ from Pink Whiskers embraces a gorgeous Oatmeal Yorkshire tweed.

The Pink Whiskers Game & Country Bed with it’s Chestnut distressed leather interior and Oatmeal tweed around the outside and matching box cushion offering luxury bedding with a bespoke finish (RRP: starting at £295) The Pink Whiskers Luxury Squeaky Tweed Bone (RRP: £12.00) and The Pink Whiskers Luxury Tweedy Pillow (RRP: £10.00) featuring a Chestnut leather bone are the perfect additions to your home and your pampered pooches’ toy basket! www.pinkwhiskers.co.uk

www.inthestirrups.com

LeMieux National Dressage Championships 2015

Carl Hester was at this years Dressage National Championships at Stoneleigh Park and took a moment between book signings and a medal winners victory parade to chat with In the Stirrups about how his weekend was going and what’s next for Team Hester.

5 MINUTES WITH: CARL HESTER Hi Carl, great to see you, are you enjoying the Nationals this year?

Well it’s been great. I mean for me it’s actually really nice change, I’m not riding this year. So I’m enjoying being here watching everybody else.

And signing your new book, Valegro?

Yes signing my new book. So that’s been fun to be able to do that. It’s just a really lovely atmosphere here and it’s great to be here. So many of the people here I love watching, seeing who Carl Hester, Natasha and Composer Tom Hunt. is up and coming, helping a lot of people that I teach, that’s been great to see how well they have been doing.

It must be extremely satisfying seeing your connections succeed?

It is, and Charlotte has done well taking the medium class win with Mount St John Freestyle and the grand prix win with Barolo, great for our yard again. So it’s an exciting time for us.

So what’s next for you over the winter? Do you have anything planned?

Charlotte, Carl and Fiona before the winners parade.

I’m going to Saumur next week which is why I am not riding here because my second grand prix horse Wanado, needs an international score so that’s why he’s not here. So I’m looking forward to doing that next week. And then October is usually full of demos and has lots of people coming to the yard and seeing what’s going on. So it doesn’t stop even though the competitions stop, but we are still very busy and getting ready for Olympia in December.

THE DRESSAGE TIPSTER Patricia Pitt is In the Stirrups dressage training advisor. Known as The Dressage Tipster and joint owner of www.likecrystal.com with her partner Mark, Patricia provides direct and usable advice to improve your ridiing each month…

Observing a riders’ application and proportion of

unfairly chastised your horse. I am certainly not

punishment to reward can be endlessly fascinating,

without sin in this regard.

a great way to learn and very telling of a riders

lessons I have learnt is this:

One of the seminal

training methods and riding mindset.

However, before I launch into a

“I am not a good enough rider

tirade of why you should and

to be chastising my horse that

shouldn’t do this and that, I am

way!”

reminded of the biblical phrase “let he who is without sin cast the first

I have come to learn that

stone”. I have no doubt that we are

whatever my horse is doing,

all aware that some riders are quick

it is because she is receiving

to chastise their horse. They may

my signals and responding to

feel angry at their horse, frustrated

them, or because she does

because he is not responding

not understand yet what I

correctly to their aids, resulting in a

want.

It is never wilful

jab in the mouth, they may shout or even boot the

defiance and in the past when I got frustrated it was

horse in the ribs; they may add ever increasing

because I did not understand this. The thinking

training aids, harsher bits, more taps with the whip,

rider will notice that a horse does try to please us

thus creating a spiral of frustration and defeat. You

in our requests.

may not be this type of rider, but could you cast the first stone? Put your hand up if you have never

THE DRESSAGE TIPSTER:

Now that I understand this, I feel a little ashamed

it right, she gets it

that I ‘punished’ my horse for my own failings. I

right and I get the

had a very long way to go as a rider before

result I want.

discovering that there is no place for anger in

want more she gives

dressage riding (or any riding for that matter) but

it me, but only if I ask

particularly dressage because you are asking your

correctly.

horse to work in harmony with you, to do difficult

out of 10 if I don’t get

moves that are demanding and complex.

what I am asking for,

If I

9 times

it’s because I haven’t Are you sure that your side of the deal is being

asked correctly.

upheld?

listening to my horse’s feedback has made us a

Are you sure that you are absolutely

perfect in your execution of your aids? If you are,

Stripping back my ego and

much improved partnership

that’s great, give your horse that extra tap of the whip when he isn’t giving as much as you. For me

As for reward, your horse can be rewarded with as

and for 99.9% of grassroots riders the answer to

little as a touch, a give with the rein, a kind word in

these questions would be no, because when I get

a low voice, a walk on a long rein, a gentle pat on the neck. Not a lot to ask for is it?

Then there are those horses that are labelled “difficult” or “lazy”. This is always the result of a breakdown

in

communication

between

rider/handler and horse. The horse will sometimes resort to becoming awkward by shutting down to all the outside stimuli that are causing his confusion. I have witnessed this many times when starting young horses; they get a little overloaded with information, they ‘shut down’, giving off signals

THE DRESSAGE TIPSTER:

Sadly, too many horses are punished, not for disobedience, but for not understanding or not being able to do what was asked of them. The most unjust

punishment

for

a

horse

is

to

be

reprimanded for doing what the rider, unsuspecting, through uncoordinated aids or lack of knowledge, asked for and for not doing what they think they of ‘too much info’ so you have to back off and try

asked. How often do you think that a horse actually

again. Our Lusitano actually got down on the floor

needs to be punished? A truly disobedient horse

during one of her first lunging sessions, essentially

has usually been soured by a human and needs

saying

don’t

more a different approach or more tactful handling.

As for “lazy” horses, in my experience they are few

On the rare occasion when “punishment” is

and far between and often far from “lazy”; they tend

justified, for some merely growling at them has the

to be sensitive horses whose only way to deal with

desired effect, for others strongly applied aids are

the confusion is to ignore everything. How much

usually enough.

“Sorry,

nao

compreendem,

I

understand your language!”

positivity is the so called “lazy” horse getting?

Psychology studies tell us that a constant stream

If you have enjoyed this article, why not subscribe to my

of: "Don't do that - Stop it! - No - Quit that - Behave

blog at www.likecrystal.com or follow me on facebook

yourself" has a detrimental effect on the human self

https://www.facebook.com/TheDressageTipster?ref=hl

esteem. For me the logical path says that horses experience similar effects. By all means use these terms, but when you get the right response, forget it the negative, give a positive and move on.

Patricia – The Dressage Tipster help@likecrystal.com

LeMieux National Dressage Championships 2015

World Number 1 and Dressage superstar Charlotte Dujardin was at Stoneleigh with some of her up and coming rides. After winning the medium and the grand prix classes we spoke with her asking her thoughts on the competition and the freestyle yet to come!

5 MINUTES WITH: CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN Hi Charlotte, you don’t seem to have stopped all day! How are you finding the nationals this year?

It’s brilliant! It’s great, for me to come here with all my young horses, 4 and 5 year olds. I’ve had a horse in the medium, the grand prix. It’s great to come to a show and get all my other horses out. It’s always been so much about competing with Valegro. And it’s nice to have my other ones here and I love that. I love my young horses and competing them, seeing where they are going to go. It’s always very exciting.

Fantastic and how are you feeling about the freestyle tomorrow, considering that your horse has never done it before?

I’ll let you know about that tomorrow!! I mean its Barolo’s third grand prix he’s ever ridden in his life. And now he’s got to go and do a grand prix freestyle tomorrow. He’s never done a test to music in his entire life; I don’t know how he’s going to react. I’m just going to do my best to give him confidence and hopefully he can enjoy it!

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THE PATTEN STANDARD: HANNAH PATTEN

In your final year of Junior competitions? Read Hannahs open letter on what to expect and why you should never ever give up! wind of emotion. You are going to feel pete in this crazy sport you love. Walk scared and nervous, but most impor- in that ring with all the confidence in I am guessing you are reading this tantly you will feel excited. Personally, the world and think to yourself, "I can because you are in your last junior I believe the most important thing to do this," because positive thoughts will year (or you are getting close to it) remember is to have fun and enjoy the create a positive life. and the transition from being a junior moments you have left as a junior. On December 1st you will no longer be to an amateur can be quite scary. This Enjoy each no stirrup lesson as if it's a Junior rider. Woah what is amateur is your last chance at competing at your last. Don't stress your self out for life going to be like? Being an amateur, Regionals and Indoors as a Junior the 2:00 AM lessons, enjoy them, I does that mean you get to eat all the competitor, no need to fret you can go know they are what every junior Oreos you want, because if that's the back as a professional! Going into your dreads but try and enjoy it. Relax and case I am sold. It is scary as hell, soon last indoor ever is going to be a whirl breathe and remember why you com- you will be competing with men and

Find the latest news, competitions, past issues and all about our regualr columnists over at

www.inthestirrups.com

Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Barcelona

THE PATTEN STANDARD women much older than yourself. It is a bit like school when you are Freshman it can be scary because of the big bad Seniors. No need to be worried, I doubt

The Belgian team clinched the the more experienced equestrians won't bite, I know the seniors in my school Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 title in the finest of style tonight never bit so I think you'll be fine! with a fantastic performance in the final As for my self, this is my last junior year and I ponder day after day what Amateur round at Real Club de Polo in Barcelona. They threw down the life is going to be like. Will I be able to keep my stirrups pleasurably throughout gauntlet when all lessons? I think when I am officially an amateur I am topping Thursday’s going to super glue my stirrups to my saddle so they can't opener in which they pinned Germany be taken off. If it rains or if its too windy is it now acceptable and Sweden into joint-second place. to scratch? These are all things I am looking forward to But it was the British finding out in my Amateur life. Look past the scary part of who emerged to fill runner-up spot this Indoors and remember you can always go back as a profesevening, pinning the sional and some indoors you can return as a amateur! Have rampant Dutch back to third when the fun and enjoy every damn second of it, I know I will clock decided the regardless of how tired I am. final placings. USA, Ireland and Germany were next in line, also separated only by time when they also finished on an equal scoreline, XoXoXoXo - HP while Sweden lined up seventh ahead of Switzerland in eighth.

The city of Barcelona certainly #TheStandard www.thepattendstarndard.com welcomed the world with open arms once again, and before tonight’s competition began FEI President, Ingmar de Vos, made a special presentation to Mr Carles Villarubi, Vice-President of FC Barcelona who provided access to the world-famous Melchior Judy Ann, (BEL) © Dirk Caremans Camp Nou stadium for a special photo-shoot ahead of the Final.

The competition more than lived up to expectations, with fortunes fluctuating wildly and the result once again decided by the very last rider into the arena. The crowd was spell-bound with spectacular jumping from many of the world’s greatest athletes and horses, but the Belgians were the shiniest stars of all, with Judy-Ann Melchior and Gregory Wathelet producing © Dirk Caremans two of just six clear rounds on the night to clinch it. www.inthestirrups.com

DAISY JACKSON DRESSAGE It has been a really busy month or experience worth it. Blackberry was mainly put off by the clapping which two! seemed to tie in each time with the At the end of August we took Fürst walk work! This made our walk tours Larkshill aka Tango and Premier Into tense which is where we mainly lost The Black aka Blackberry/Pigley to the marks. the Under 25’s National Championships. It was both horses Sheepgate was also a great biggest show yet and there was lots opportunity to catch up with my to see and hear. We had ups and sponsor Lara Dennis from Wolds downs with both horses achieving Exclusive Bling who had a stand at some great marks but overall the show for the duration. She exuberance and high spirits led to supported me at the prize givings, frequent costly mistakes which offered helpful tips and advice after brought our overall scores down. The classes were big, as you would expect, with 30-40 in each one. We were placed in 3 classes, highest place 3rd, had to retire several times (yes they really were that wild) and got some decent scores in the other classes!

Tango got some absolutely super marks, probably the best yet – all on the same sheet! However, the atmosphere led to frequent broncing and leaping – to the amusement of the spectators who I could hear ‘oooohing’ and ‘aaaahing’ and a couple of ‘well sat’s’ from the sidelines hehe. I think our rounds of applause were more for entertainment value than achievement but the marks and comments definitely made the

each class and presented us with a beautiful double bridle after one of our classes.

Lara presenting us with a bridle from Wolds Exclusive Bling I also caught up with Kate Radford from my sponsor TopSpec who had a stand at the show. It was nice to

www.djdressage.co.uk

show her some photos of Tänzer who she hadn’t seen for a couple of years.

She was pleased to see how he had blossomed from a scrawny baby into a strapping 17.2hh stunner!

I have definitely come away with lots to work on - mainly with getting both horses out in bigger atmospheres and to different venues.

At our first competition since Sheepgate, it was as if both horses had been discussing how to make amends and decided to be on their very best behaviour (but only in the tests!)

We arrived at Kingston Maurward with both horses and as Tango kept calling to Blackberry while she was in the warm up she was absolutely wired! Luckily it was quiet! Every time we passed the steward we got a few words of encouragement and a sympathetic look as Blackberry pogoed around happily without a care in the world. I have to say I was grinning (in between clinging on) as she does make me laugh and I absolutely love her to bits. However, in the actual tests both horses were super. Berry a little tense in the first but won with 69%, excellent in the second and another win and new personal best

DAISY JACKSON DRESSAGE of 75%. Then Tango went on to give me a huge grin by winning both the Medium and Advanced Medium qualifiers on 69% and 68%. So a first with four out of four wins and a very happy Daisy!

Final news for this month is that Blackberry’s owner Tracey Bywater has given me the absolute honour of becoming Blackberry’s co owner. This really is a dream come true as I feel Blackberry and I have a really strong connection and I absolutely adore her. To find out that she will be with me for her entire career makes me the happiest girl in the world.

Daisy

Isabel Werth wins in Central Park, New York

Image Credits: ©ROLEX/KIT HOUGHTON

Isabell Werth produced an electrifying dres-

I feel the spectators are awake and coming

sage performance on El Santo to the delight of

with me. I was really happy with 'Ernie' - it

the passionate New York fans who packed the

was a completely good test", said Werth.

stands to watch the world's best riders com-

Decorated dressage rider Tinne Vilhelmson

pete in the U.S. Open Dressage Freestyle,

Silfvén of Sweden came second on Paridon

Presented by Axel Johnson Group at the 2015

Magi competing at the Rolex Central Park

Rolex Central Park Horse Show.

Horse Show. "I'm incredibly excited to be

Competing under the lights in one of the

here. As a kid I always loved New York City

world's most iconic locations, dressage took

and enjoyed coming here, but I never imag-

the spotlight in Central Park, as returning

ined that one day I would have the opportu-

champion Isabell Werth defended her title,

nity to ride here," said Tinne. "That was a lot

while first-time competitor and six-time Olym-

of fun [tonight] and I am going to remember

pian Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfvén rode in New

it for a long time. I am extremely proud of my

York City for the first time. With a score of

horse."

80.33 Rolex Testimonee Isabell Werth topped

Summing up the night, third placed Catherine

the scoreboard following her stunning per-

Haddad Staller said, "Everybody has already

formance aboard El Santo.

put it all into a lot of great words but I think

"I am really, really happy that we could do it

"magic" is the best word to describe it riding

twice and come back here at this beautiful

here; it's a magical feeling to ride in this

arena under this outstanding skyline. Always

atmosphere; it's a magical arena and the

when I start with the music and the pressure,

crowd response is fantastic".

LeMieux National Dressage Championships 2015

Freelance Dressage Rider Sam Rahmatalla was at the LeMieux Dressage Championships with Seagry Rohan and Seagry Rohan. Sam works producing all of the Seagry Studs young horses and we caught up with her between classes with her sidekick Dachshund Widget.

5 MINUTES WITH: SAM RAHMATALLA Sam, how has your time been here so far?

So far pretty good! I had Seagry Sanay in the medium open at lunch time and she’s a very tricky mare and doesn’t cope very well with atmospheres and today was the first time she actually stayed with me in the test and did everything without throwing her toys out of the pram. She got 65, but more importantly she’s just started to mature now so I’m over the moon with her, and thankfully, she usually wins everything before here and then she gets to the Championships and then is usually last because she loses the plot!

Tomorrow I have Seagry Rohan in the advanced medium and she’s great fun to ride. She’s a great mover and lots of fun. She’s pretty reliable mentally, although I don’t want to jinx it! But I’m looking forward to riding her in the advanced medium tomorrow morning.

I’m having a lovely show, I got here yesterday and thankfully it wasn’t raining! It’s lovely to see lots of people, I think the atmosphere feels better, it’s not so tense. Without the big generator (next to the warm up ring) being there makes quite a lot of difference warming up because the horses don’t feel that electricity.

What are your plans for the rest of the year?

Well we have to finish the qualifying, Rohan is doing pre St George all year it’s her first season and she’s been doing very well, winning and having good placings. We train mainly and don’t compete so much during the winter but we have to qualify for the regionals which I think we have pretty much done everything for. Really looking forward to winter training!

Widget looks like he is having fun?

Widget loves it! He’s very happy and is a very good competition dog, no fuss. He watches everybody; he’s eyes on the ground you see!

Chief of security as well? Taking it all very seriously!

He sees off big dogs, little dogs are fine but big dogs… as long as he’s on the lead and you’re with him he will see off big dogs but not if he’s on his own!!

www.seagrystud.co.uk

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