Showing World Issue 166 March 2022 www.showingworldonline.co.uk
London International Horse Show
Issue 166 - March 2022
BSPS Heritage Championship
Behind the scenes with Vicky Smith
Training tips with Sara Parrott
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MADE IN OUR OWN
UK MILL
A Note From Our Editor For many, winter will mean long evenings in front of a fire, woollen knits, and blustery walks in short-lived sunshine with hands buried deep in downy pockets. Of course, if you’re horsey, none of the above will apply. Instead, winter will mean extra mucking out, cold toes in leaky Dunlops and gnarled fingers defrosting a dodgy tap. That’s without mentioning the mud. I can’t be alone in wishing it over as soon as mother nature will allow.
things, and ‘The Special Six’ was born. This issue’s six come from, Gemma Rees. It’s no secret that I’m a relative late-comer to our sport, and growing up, I would see Gemma at the local shows and her photos in the local paper. How I wished I had a pony like hers to ride! So, it gives me the greatest pleasure to celebrate those ponies with her in print. Incidentally, you can find out more about Suzy in this issue, too.
But just as I’m convinced that winter really has no end, snowdrops wink coquettishly at me when I’m hacking out. Spring, it seems is yawning awake and tilting its face to the sun. Last week, my family Whats App group dinged: ‘The first calf of the year is here.’ Meanwhile my social media feeds are pocked with pictures of you lot working hard to get horses and ponies set for a brand-new season. Some of you have even bagged RIHS tickets already! Well done! In fairness, this magazine has been something of a distraction from the drudgery of winter. It’s certainly kept me busy indoors when the weather has been foul, and I won’t lie, the thought of you finally reading this makes a knot appear in my stomach even as my lips curl into a tentative smile! One thing that always cheers me up on a wet and windy day is a trip down memory lane. I also so enjoy looking at photos of ponies from yester year, be that in books, magazines or on social media. Suzy Mckirgan’s Facebook group is nothing short of an obsession for me! But as much as I love old photos, I adore the stories behind the photos, the ponies and the smiles. I really wanted a feature that married both those
(Equinepix)
I thoroughly enjoyed being back at two of my favourite shows, the London International Horse Show and the Royal Welsh Winter Fair. I can’t congratulate the BSPS and London International Horse Show enough for pulling off such a brilliant finale for the native showing calendar in such a short space of time. I must also congratulate native producer, Sarah Field. Her Connemara stallion, Murvey George, had very special extra cargo on board as Sarah is pregnant with her second child. I remember sitting in line-up just a few ponies down from Sarah at Olympia in 2016 when she was riding Highland stallion, Ellister Islay Mariner, and was pregnant with her daughter, Evie. “It’s the Olympia curse,” Sarah joked! We wish Sarah, John, Evie and Baby Clayton the best. I wonder if we’ll see Evie or her brother riding at the London International Horse Show in years to come?
Showing is hard, even for professionals. It’s harder if you’re an amateur juggling your horses and other commitments but competing against talented professionals. It’s harder still if you’re just starting out or want to step up from grass roots competition. That’s why series such as the SEIB’s Search For A Star, TSR’s Talent Spotting and the BSHA’s Rising Stars are so invaluable and I’m delighted that we’ve more information on Search For a Star in this issue for you, as well as guidance from TSR’s chief, Sarah Chapman. At the recent BSPS judges conference, judges were faced with ‘dilemas’ to discuss with peers on their respective tables before feeding back to the room at large. Topics ranged from the allocation of marks to lameness and obesity. Whilst the judges discussed what they may or may not be able to tactfully say to a competitor, a thought struck me. If only competitors were as considerate to each other, especially online. Lately there have been numerous negative comments posted about a range of topics within our sport, including regarding children. My heart goes out to anyone who’s impacted and saddened by such comments. As we stand at the start of a new showing season, we’ve a chance to press the reset button. Let’s be kind, supportive and as brilliant as we can be. As much as we’re showmen and women, we’re also sportsmen and sportswomen, and isn’t that what sportsmanship is all about? Have a great season, I for one wish each and every one of you the very best of luck.
- Beth Sarah Field’s Murvey George (Real Time Imaging)
Contents 6
The BSPS Heritage Championships ......... ........ at the London International Horse Show
26
The Royal Welsh Winter Fair
32
Behind the Scenes with Vicky ........Smith
45 Behind the scenes with stud manager, Harry Thirlby
49
Breeding FAQ’s
51
All you need to know about AI
55
Embryo Transfer from a breeder’s perspective
32
68
Gemma Rees’ Special Six
82
SEIB’s Search For A Star
86
10 Minutes with Suzy Mckirgan
Plus tips from Sara Parrott and Justine Armstrong Small...
Front cover: Lynn Scott’s Lynuck The Showman, ridden by Rebecca Penny at the London International Horse Show (Real Time Imaging).
Editorial: Beth Simons
beth.simons@showingworldonline.co.uk
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45 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the editor or Showing World Ltd and while every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained is correct and current at the date of publication, Showing World Ltd will not be help responsible for the appearance of photographic material supplied without the necessary consent, copyright and/or photographer’s details. In addition, Showing World Ltd offers no guarantee of publication and reserves the right to edit any reader’s letters, press releases, reports and articles submitted. Showing World Ltd 2022. All rights reserved. No part of Showing World may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, transmitted or shared in any form or by any means, including but not limited to: electronic, mechanical, digital, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior written permission of Showing World Ltd.
4 | Showing World | March Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
Talking point Mountain and Moorland Ridden Classes: Crunching the Numbers The numbers in the BSPS Heritage final at the London International Horse Show concerned me. Firstly, there were no Highland ponies forward. One Highland, Tracey Milward’s 2021 Highland Pony of the Year, Lochlands Gypsy Barron had qualified, but due to a sudden illness in the days before the event, he was unable to compete. What a shame! Not only was this a disappointing outcome for the pony, Tracey, and their supporters, but also for the breed and for native enthusiasts spectating at the show. I appreciate that this was a highly unusual scenario, and this piece is not a criticism of the final’s organisation. However, now that it has happened, I wonder whether steps could be taken to prevent this situation occurring again. Could it be that at least two examples of each breed qualify instead of just one? It also bothered me that of the forty exhibits that qualified, there were just three mares. The class was dominated by the twenty-four stallions and thirteen geldings forwards respectively. It left me wondering, ‘where are our mares?’ In comparison, 37 of the 196 ponies in the open ridden mountain and moorland section at HOYS last year were mares. Similarly, in 2019 just 29 of the 184 ponies in the mountain and moorland ridden classes were mares. In both cases, only one class saw a mare stand top of the line: in 2019, Nantfforchog Blue Moondust won the Welsh section A class before going on to stand champion, and in 2021, Clanmill Leteika Miracle won the Welsh section B class.
This is by no means an extensive investigation. But the numbers do speak for themselves in these instances. The finals examined are undeniably male orientated. HOYS and the NPS acknowledge this to a certain extent with the presentation of a rosette for the highest placed mare in each of the classes. My sister, Maggie, rode Longhalves Lollapaloosa to be the highest placed mare in the section Bs in 2019. We wore the badge with a simultaneous sense of pride and discomfort because she was tenth, and the highest placed of only four forwards, and it troubles me that some ‘highest placed mares’ won’t have made the final line-up at all. The junior and mini mountain and moorland classes should present mares with an opportunity to shine. By preventing stallions - and adults - from entering the ring, it should not only level the playing field for children, but also for mares. But does it? In 2021, just eight of the 48 ponies in the mini section were mares. Nine of the 43 mares entered in the junior classes were mares. It seems that whilst girls and women are making strides towards equality in the human workplace, our equine equivalents are getting left behind! Why?
In my opinion, the obvious answer, that mares cannot breed and compete is too simple. Surely it would be in a breeder’s interest to further promote the bloodlines of offspring by allowing these mares to prove themselves as top class competition ponies prior to breeding? Perhaps our breeders don’t want to part with their best fillies and so this does leave the ridden exhibitor searching for a filly to show with slimmer pickings? Perhaps many exhibitors simply don’t want to deal with hormonal mares. Then again, a good friend of ours says that she’d take a moody mare over a testosterone fuelled stallion any day! What do you think? There’s no doubt that in recent years, stallions and geldings have claimed far more red or tricolour rosettes at prestigious finals than mares have. But is that a self-fulfilling prophecy? Is it the case that the more potential customers see stallions or geldings out winning, the more they dismiss mares when looking for a new pony to show? Or is there any real grounds in the claim that stallions have so much more ‘presence’ in the ring? I’m not sure. The likes of Nantfforchog Blue Moondust and 2017 HOYS champion, Skaergaardens Delicious Love – to name just two – prove that special mares are special ponies that can rise to the occasion to outshine the boys. So why aren’t there more of them? What do you think? I’d love to know your thoughts. Email me at beth.simons@showingworldonline.co.uk
2017 M&M Pony of the Year Skaergaardens Delicious Love ridden by Kelly Jones 1st Class Images
info@showingworldonline.co.uk | March Issue 2022 | Showing World | 5
The Showman Stole the Show
London International Horse Show, Excel Arena, 20.12.21 Photos by Real Time Imaging A seasoned campaigner takes supreme and heads a home-bred top three. Thirty-nine native ponies came forwards for the festive final of the BSPS Heritage Supreme Championship at the Excel Arena in London. Competitors and spectators alike were in high spirits for the duration, with many expressing gratitude to the BSPS, LeMieux and the London International Horse Show for organizing a fantastic season finale at the last minute. Lynn Scott’s home-bred Lynuck The Showman [Peanut] proved himself to be showman by name and showman by nature when he took the BSPS Heritage Championship and Best of Breed for the Welsh section Cs. Although produced at home by Lynn’s daughter,
Emma, he was partnered to the win by his usual show-rider, Rebecca Penny. This was the super-consistent eleven-year-old‘s fifth appearance at the festive finale. He has been placed on every appearance and had four Best of Breed titles, a second and third prior to his 2021 triumph. He has also had his share of the spoils at HOYS, standing second in 2016 and winning in 2019 ; has brought home three consecutive Royal Windsor wins, as well as a win at the Royal Welsh, the Great Yorkshire and in the British Isles Supreme at NPS. ‘I’m really so pleased; I did not expect that to happen,’ said a visibly shocked Rebecca, ‘I thought, “maybe Best of Breed,” but not that!’
She went on to say that as one of the older competitors in the line-up, the win was ‘even better as now Peanut has nothing left to prove. The second and third ponies were both lovely young ponies who will definitely have their day another time.’ Lyn also said that she was ‘shocked, but the win was all the better for it’. When asked about his future, Lyn said: ‘I’m going to show him again this season; I want him to do a few that he hasn’t won and maybe he can go to HOYS again, but I think this will be his last year. After that, we’ll use him to cover and stand at stud. I don’t have anything on the ground by him. We’ve tested his semen but it’s hard for stallions to do both jobs. We’ll show something new and have some exciting prospects’. One thing’s for sure, whatever the future holds for him, he’ll still be Lyn’s favourite: ‘he’s the best section C in my eye, whatever he does, win or lose’.
Lynn Scott’s Lynuck The Showman, ridden by Rebecca Penny
Felicity Thompson was ‘over the moon’ when her homebred stallion, Salcombe Starehole Bay finished second and Dartmoor Best of Breed under his producer, Katy Marriott Payne. The charming seven-year-old stallion once again proved himself thoroughly deserving of his affectionate nickname, Special Cecil. Felicity had used Cecil at stud before sending him to Katy to be broken-in during the first of 2020’s lockdown periods. Katy had previously qualified his sire, Shilstone Rocks Snowy Mountain, for HOYS twice, and won the 2019 RIHS and was second at HOYS on Cecil’s brother, Salcombe Frowder Cove. ‘Cecil was a bit slower to mature than his brother, so Fred got his chance first,’ explained Katy, ‘but I always knew that Cecil was special’. Once broken-in, Cecil and Katy hit the ground running when he took the pure novice championship on his debut at the 2020 NPS Autumn Festival, the novice championship at the NPS 2021 Spring Festival before going on to qualify for RIHS at NCPA Eastern Spectacular, HOYS at Midland Counties, and their ticket to the London International Horse Show at the Hickstead Derby meeting, making him the first of the Thompson’s home-breds to qualify. He then gave a foot-perfect account of himself to stand supreme mountain and moorland at the 2021 RIHS and was narrowly pipped to the post in his class at HOYS. ‘He’s an absolute pleasure and a sweetheart of a pony,’ said Katy, adding that Cecil ‘loves his job. He knows he’s cool!’ Felicity Thompson’s Salcombe Starehole Bay, ridden by Katy Marriott Payne
Taking the third rosette and Dales Best of Breed was Julie Pennell’s Nipna Midnight Rambler [Rambo], ridden by Sarah Parker. The six-yearold first announced himself as one to watch when he turned heads to stand supreme at the BSPS Winter Championships and take the ridden championship at Windsor where he qualified for the London final. He also stood second at HOYS. Rambo is by Caitlin and Kirsty Hamilton’s reigning RIHS junior mountain and moorland reserve, Nipna Invictus, who was also amongst the London finalists. He is also the Pennell family’s first foal out of Nipna Damask Rose [Rosie]. Julie’s daughter, Anna Pennell, rode Rosie to second place at HOYS, meaning that Rambo naturally occupies a special place in Anna’s affections. ‘We don’t keep colts, but we said we would keep him until we got a filly from Rosie,’ said Anna, adding, ‘We got the filly two years ago but it’s fair to say Rambo won’t be leaving anytime soon. We’ve got an unrelated homebred mare lined up for him this spring having collected from him as a three-year-old at Stallion AI, and we are really looking forward to seeing how his career develops both under saddle and as a sire’.
Julie Pennell’s Nipna Midnight Rambler, ridden by Sarah Parker
The fourth place was awarded to the Welsh section D Best of Breed, Menai Eurostar [GB]. Karen Johnson’s 10-year-old stallion was ridden by Adam Forster. Karen bought GB as a youngster from his breeder, Peter Jones. Since then, GB has been a consistent contender in ridden classes. He is a former twice Royal Welsh winner, HOYS and Olympia finalist under previous producer Clare Fitch, and moved north to current producers, Adam Forster and David Jinks, early in 2020. He’s enjoyed a phenomenal season, qualifying for HOYS at Midland Counties, RIHS in both the open and intermediate classes at North of England Spring show and standing supreme mountain and moorland at the BSPS championships before making Karen’s ‘dream come true’ by capturing the Mountain and Moorland Pony of the Year tricolour at HOYS. Karen Johnson’s Menai Euro Star, ridden by Adam Forster
Fifth place went to the smallest combination and the youngest rider. This was nine-year-old Lilly Ahern-Lee riding Shetland Best of Breed, Lotuspoint Cassius [Cass]. The pair also lifted the Heniarth Trophy for the Best Junior Rider. 14-year-old Cass is owned by Rachel Brightmore and has been leased to the Ahern family for Lilly as Rachel’s own daughter, Olivia, has outgrown him. Lilly and Cass have enjoyed a super season together. They gained placings at the 2021 RIHS in the Dartmoor, Shetland and Exmoor breed class, the mountain and moorland first ridden, the mountain and moorland juniors and the native coloured small pony classes. They also qualified for HOYS in three sections. At the London International Horse Show, they bellied their tiny stature and Lilly’s age to give a beautiful show with even a walk-tocanter many adult riders would aspire to emulate.
Rachel Brightmore’s Lotuspoint Cassius, ridden by Lilly Ahern Lee
In sixth place was Robbie and Barbara Fallon’s homebred Cashelbay Rocket ridden by Michael Hearty. Michael and 12-year-old Rocket also took the Connemara Best of Breed award. Athenry based Michael runs the stud for Robbie, and broke-in the Cashelbay Cruise son at four before bringing him on slowly. Despite having to combine showing with stud duties in his native County Galway, Rocket and Michael have enjoyed considerable success in the ring on this side of the Irish sea. The pair won HOYS 2018 and stood fifth at Olympia in 2019. This year, they secured their tickets to HOYS and the London International Horse Show within a week; the former at NCPA Staffordshire, and the latter at Bolesworth. Rocket has been based with Connemara tour-de-force, Sandra Burton for the season and Michael is quick to praise her: ‘Sandra keeps Rocket schooled and in tip-top shape, and Sandra and I have formed a great team,’ said Michael. He’s also thankful for Robbie and Barbara’s support: ‘Rocket has fulfilled their dreams as owners and breeders, and they have allowed me to achieve some of mine’.
Robbie and Barbara Fallon’s Cashelbay Rocket, ridden by Michael Harty
Seventh was awarded to Linda Atkinson’s former HOYS reserve champion mountain and moorland, Danwood Llewellyn. The ten-year-old homebred section C gelding was ridden by Linda’s daughter, Hannah Atkinson. This was the family’s first time competing at the London final. ‘I was very pleased with him,’ said Hannah, ‘I don’t think we could have done any more.’
Linda Atkinson’s Danwood Llewellyn, ridden by Hannah Atkinson
Next in line was another rider competing at the final for the first time. Jess Talbot rode Shetland stallion, Sharptor Tricolore [Troy] to eighth place. Jess has had the six-year-old stallion on lease from his breeder, Julian Walters. Native producer Jess didn’t have the smoothest of preparations for the final as a young pony fell on her in a freak accident, damaging ligaments in her foot with less than three weeks to go. Thankfully, Troy is level-headed, and Jess was able to continue working him from the ground before jumping back on board just days before they left for London, and Julian was at the ready to run Troy for the conformation section. Jess and Troy also qualified for HOYS at Cheshire County show, and for RIHS at BSPS Area 5.
Jessica Talbot and her own Sharptor Tricolore
Harrison Taylor rode Kerry Wainwright’s reining Connemara Pony of the Year, Skellorn Déjà Vu [Dan] to ninth place. Harrison and ten-year-old stallion, Dan, have had a super season, qualifying for RIHS at the BSPS Mid Shires Show, and for HOYS in the ridden Connemaras at the NPS Summer championships. He was also shown by Stuart Mason to qualify for the Price Family Supreme In-Hand final at the NPS Area 4 show. Dan is sired by Kerry’s uber successful HOYS ridden and in-hand and Olympia finalist, Skellorn Harrison, and he is out of Dominique Donna, a mare that was gifted to Kerry by Charlotte Brinkley.
Kerry Wainwright’s Skellorn Deja Vu, ridden by Harrison Taylor
Taking the final placing and tenth rosette and Welsh section A Best of Breed was Hayley Grota’s Hokehorst Example [Harry], ridden by Hayley’s daughter, Libby Grota. Harry arrived in the UK when his breeders, the Hoeke family sent Harry over to the UK to be shown in-hand by Ceri Powell for the 2019 show season, and Hayley subsequently bought him. Libby and Harry took the supreme championship at the BSPS Mid Wales show on their debut ridden appearance and have since gone from strength to strength. They qualified for RIHS and HOYS, won at Windsor, stood champion at Pembrokeshire county before winning at HOYS and winning the breed class at the BSPS Heritage Championships to qualify for the London International Horse Show. ‘He’s a right little performer; the bigger the atmosphere, the more he enjoys it,’ said Hayley, adding that Libby is ‘so proud of him, as she’s broken him in and schooled him herself, so it was a lovely way to end a super season for them both’.
Hayley Grota’s Hoekehorst Example, ridden by Libby Grota
Zoe Marsden’s Wellbrow Diplomat
Maureen Richardson’s Dunkery Wigeon
Penny Sutton and Peter Rowe’s Lovelyhill Folklore
A further four Best of Breed awards were presented. The first of these was awarded to Brian Williams and Zoe Marsden’s second placed Fell Pony of the Year, Wellbrow Diplomat. New Forest Best of Breed was awarded to Penny Sutton and Peter Rowe’s Lovelyhill Folklore ridden by his producer, Vikki Smith. Vikki has steered the ten-year-old to considerable success this year, qualifying for the mountain and moorland working hunter pony final at the RIHS. He also finished fourth in the 143cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony final and second in the New Forest ridden final at HOYS.
Maureen Richardson’s former RIHS winner and six-times HOYS finalist, Dunkery Wigeon was awarded the Exmoor Best of Breed title under Hayley Reynolds. This was his fourth appearance at the BSPS Heritage final and his fourth Best of Breed award. Finally, the Welsh section B Best of Breed title was awarded to Katy Marriot Payne’s reigning ridden Welsh section B Pony of the Year, Clanmill Leteika Miracle [Tickle], ridden by Kimberly Bates. Tickle was the only mare to be placed or receive a Best of Breed award.
Katy Marriott Payne’s Clanmill Leteika Miracle, ridden by Kimberly Bates
Champions of Yesteryear
1978
Scriffel Casper
Welsh B
1999
Dunedin Harris
Highland
1979
Senruf Grebe
Dartmoor
2000
Snowydene
Highland
1980
Rosenaharley Laurin
Connemara
2001
Starcrest Discovery
Welsh C
1981
Norwood Principle Boy
Welsh B
2002
Kilmannan Black Pearl
Dales
1982
Grayswood Village Peregrine
Connemara
2003
Stowbrook Jenny Wren
Exmoor
1983
Rosenaharley Rossleague
Connemara
2004
Castle Comet
Connemara
1984
Rosenaharley Rossleague
Connemara
2005
Bunowen Castle Ri
Connemara
1985
Phineas Phinn
Connemara
2006
Pittybeck Prince Charming
Welsh B
1986
Wiston Llwynog
Welsh D
2007
Bunowen Castle Ri
Connemara
1987
Dunrowan Dolphin
Highland
2008
Torrin of Croila
Highland
1988
Marston Monsoon
Welsh B
2009
Farriers Finger Print
New Forest
1989
Persie Ramroad
Welsh C
2010
Pumphill Buckthorn
Dartmoor Dartmoor
1990
Verwood Roger
Welsh D
2011
Rushfield Bailey
1991
Tiercel Mystical
Connemara
2012
Bronheulog Harvey
Welsh B
1992
Lunesdale Lucky Lady
Fell
2013
Fly the Last Flute
Connemara
1993
Langfield Canth
Dartmoor
2014
Moelview Prince Consort
Welsh B
1994
Kentchurch Cloud
Welsh D
2015
Townend Schubert
Fell
1995
Marwood Doon Caedmon
Connemara
2016
Uphill James Fox
Welsh A
1996
Kentchurch Request
Welsh D
2017
Cadlanvalley Sandpiper
Welsh B
1997
Rannock of Trailtrow
Highland
2018
Banks Timber
Connemara
1998
Harwel Wizard
Welsh B
2019
Dyffryngwy Sir Picasso
Welsh D
A Debut
Diary! Manchester based fashion Talent Acquisition Lead, Simone Harrison, has had a fantastic season with her eight-year-old Welsh section D, Wishaw Red Admiral [Red]. Red was the only Welsh breed placed in the UKPH M&M Amateur class at the RIHS, and the pair later won the SEIB ‘Search for a Star’ Mountain and Moorland final at Your Horse Live. They discovered that they had qualified for the LeMieux BSPS Heritage Final with just weeks to go after another competitor relinquished their place. We asked her to keep us up a diary of her preparations. Simone Harrison and her own Wishaw Red Admiral
18th November Qualifying was totally unexpected. I had a call from an unrecognised number whilst at work and assumed it was a salesperson, but it was a lady from the BSPS. When she offered the place at the final, I accepted it without hesitation, shaking with shock and excitement!
December 10: Ten days to go I’m re-reading my competitor’s pack as there’s a lot to think about. As it’s the first time the show has been held at the Excel, I haven’t been able to quiz other exhibitors for insider knowledge. But there are some tips that I have picked up from my friend, April Gilmartin, who has been before. I am nervous and hope we don’t show ourselves up. Luckily, the yard I’m on has a floodlit arena, so working him hasn’t been problematic, and we’ve been hacking lots to keep him engaged. Overall, I’m happy that he’s looking good; his coat is full of dapples and is so shiny. I’m also excited because regardless of the result, I’m just thrilled to be a part of it. I can’t tell you how long this show has been on my list of achievements and to finally go is amazing!
December 15: Five days to go It’s becoming very real now. I’ve read the write-ups of the ponies that have qualified and feel like a small fish in a pond with lots of big fish! I’ve been following the build progress at the Excel and even thinking about riding round that ring is mindblowing.
December 19 Trying to get packed and Red bathed was manic; I triple checked list after list! We picked up April and her pony, Gem’s Malt Whiskey, and travelled down with them, along with
my parents, fiancé and two more supporters. The journey was smoother than we anticipated so we were the first competitors to arrive. I’m lucky that Red settles wherever he goes as long as I am in eyesight for a while and he realises I’ve not sold him! The stabling area was warmer than I expected, but I had been warned about the temperature difference and had rugs for all climates from Antarctica to the Bahamas! April and I felt like Scrooges, though, as we didn’t realise everyone went to town on decorating their stables with tinsel and lights!
December 21: Looking back Yesterday, I was awake from 3am and ran on adrenaline all day. When I saw the arena, I got a bit of stage fright, but during working in, Red felt great and not at all overwhelmed. The nerves kicked back in when I watched the first section, and when I spotted the topiary as we walked into the ring, I thought, ‘Oh! This is going to be fun’. They weren’t there during working in and he has ‘a thing’ about objects that he believes don’t belong. He wasn’t fussed about the screens or the crowd, but trees were just too much to handle! I was happy with his go round, just a little disappointed that he was shying away from the trees in his show. Still, I am superproud of him, and considering that was the biggest show we have ever done, he handled it really well. It was brilliant to be a part of the presentation in the afternoon and to be stood next to such talented riders and ponies. I wasn’t sure how he would react to the crowd and the cheering, but he just stood and didn’t bat an eyelid, even when a couple of ponies around him were a bit unsettled. Overall, I absolutely enjoyed it, except for the 53,000 steps over the two days! Now that it’s all over, I’m looking forwards to Christmas and Red is going to have some well-deserved time off to recharge. The experience has made me more determined to achieve our goal of qualifying for HOYS and returning to the London International Horse Show. My bank balance won’t be impressed, but I’m aiming to qualify for RIHS, HOYS and the LIHS – not that I’m greedy! If I do qualify for HOYS, I guarantee that I will be an emotional wreck.
12 | Showing World | March Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
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info@showingworldonline.co.uk | March Issue 2022 | Showing World | 13
HOYS Announce their qualifiers for the year By Beth Simons
When Horse of the Year Show announced their qualifier list, the showing world stopped momentarily. How do I know this? Because when the announcement was made, the website crashed. Let’s stop and dwell on that a second; enough people from within our niche sport stopped to look at their phones, tablets, or laptop screens to cause the website to actually crash. For me, this was a clear signal that this was a highly anticipated announcement. It’s hardly any wonder: HOYS is a big deal. After a period of unprecedented anxiety and uncertainty, I rejoiced to see the announcement as it signalled a return to the halcyon pre-pandemic days of planning a season with a clear goal and a degree of certainty that we’ll have a fabulous season finale, something that the Grandstand team give us season after season. True. The announcement didn’t please everyone but show me an organisation that can. Much of the negativity that I have seen online has centred around the distribution of qualifiers. According to HOYS, they have attempted to ensure an ‘increased geographical spread of shows’ and have worked hard to avoid date clashes wherever possible, so that more of us can have a shot at goal. However, some of us have been left feeling disgruntled that there aren’t more within easy reach. Trust me, as someone who grew up in Pembrokeshire, I know first-hand the pain of getting up long before any cracks of dawn and traipsing half-way across the country for a qualifier only to end up nowhere – or even worse, second – before traipsing all the way home. Does that mean I believe that we should have more qualifiers in deepest darkest west Wales? No. Of course, I would like to have had several qualifiers on my doorstep, but the reality is, that wouldn’t be feasible for several reasons.
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Fundamentally, HOYS is a show, just like every other show in the country. It is also a business just like those other shows. The levies that we pay towards the show fund it, and the more of us in the ring, the greater our chances of having a HOYS to remember at the end of it. Let’s not forget that every minute in the arena costs the show a staggering £212. Forgive me, my maths is not up to computing the overall figure, but I’m sure you’ll agree that the total is eyewatering. Also, I wholeheartedly believe that the thought of attending a qualifier running three hours away is infinitely less painful than the prospect of a local qualifier with a judge I can’t go under because my pony stayed at her yard for a weekend as a yearling. Furthermore, let’s not forget that a qualifier in Truro may enthral the southwest, but will inevitably leave the Aberdeenshire competitor feeling well and truly miffed. In other words, you can’t please everyone.
Again, I appreciate how difficult it can be to travel for hours and hours to reach a venue, but I also appreciate how much sweeter it feels when you finally grasp that golden ticket. It can be done. Mountain and moorland classes have enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity over the last few years. As a die-hard native enthusiast, I was thrilled that HOYS also announced a separate final for Dartmoor ponies. In recent years, the Dartmoor pony has dominated line-ups at qualifying shows and at the final. This change reflects not only their popularity, but also allows the Shetland and Exmoor ponies to shine in their own rights. It was also exciting to see a new opportunity for our youngest mountain and moorland working hunter pony competitors. Children that have not attained their twelfth birthday will have the opportunity to compete in their own Junior Mountain and Moorland final. As there are no cradle or nursery stakes classes
at HOYS, this allows more youngsters with their hearts set on jumping rounds in the TopSpec arena the chance to do so against children of their own age. Of course, I’m writing this with a hard hat and body armour on. My younger sister – a very small adult – is disappointed that she won’t have as many opportunities to enjoy flying round working hunter pony classes on her own Welsh section A, especially as she often feels disadvantaged herself in comparison to the professionals. I’m sure that whilst she’s probably not alone, it’s difficult for even the toughest adult competitors to deny further opportunities for children. Again, I appreciate that the season will have its challenges for us all, be that distance to qualifiers or simply finding the time to get your home-produced horse fit and shiny. But we do not live in a perfect world and it’s difficult to reconcile everyone’s gripes. So, with that in mind, let’s not spread negativity. Let’s celebrate that after such a bumpy ride, we’ve a better year ahead.
All photos by 1st Class Images
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Obituary
A fond farewell to
CARNSDALE TOP GUN
The legendary intermediate working hunter ‘Carnsdale Top Gun’ [Blackman] was sadly put to sleep at his owner, Joanne Shaw’s home, Redhouse Stables, in mid-December 2021, following a bout of colic. He was 27 years young.
Blackman was one of the most consistent intermediates on the circuit, qualifying for HOYS and RIHS for over fifteen years. He was never out of the top eight, tackling the biggest and most technical courses with ease, and thriving on a big ring, big fences and even bigger occasions.
Still in regular work, Blackman briefly came out of competition retirement in 2015 for the BSPS International working hunter teams to represent New Zealand, ridden by Chloe Akers. To top off the comeback, Blackman was also chosen as ‘Horse Personality of the Year’ by the BSPS.
The Argyle family discovered a four-year-old Blackman at Cavan horse sales. He was purchased from Irish dealer, John Mc Guiness, for a small fortune at that time! Once home, everyone fell in love with his character and his talent over a fence. Boycott Tonic was also a four-year-old at the time and the Argyles ultimately chose to keep Tonic, but ultimately, Tonic and Blackman were among the most successful working hunter ponies on the circuit.
Blackman was a horse that truly enjoyed his job, so much so, that in 2016, Immy Kennedy had great success out show-jumping being placed second at the Scope Festival in the Panda Flooring 95cm class. There were approximately 180 competing in the class. He won another three times including winning at the BS Academy Championships in Children on Horses. He spent his final years enjoying hunts, beach rides, the fields at home and Saturday-morning-hacks.
Blackman was purchased by Pam Druggan for her daughter, Katy, in 1998 as a five-year-old. In his first season, he won several HOYS and RIHS qualifiers, and finished second to Peeping Tom in the 153cm working hunter pony final at HOYS; he was destined to be a superstar. After measuring out of the 153cm workers, he finally had his day in 2004 when he went on to win the intermediate working hunter final at HOYS, having also won the Desert Orchid for the second time and getting the blue-ribboned clear-round rosette will always be one of Katy’s proudest moments. In 2005, Joanne Shaw purchased Blackman. In a bid to curb his quirky nature, and with the help of the late Jane Beswick, they spent the next year forming a partnership. Over the next seventeen years, that bond brought the partnership many successes: winning Cheshire show, the Desert Orchid for two consecutive years, multiple Gold Cups at the BSPS Summer Championships, and representing England on the working hunter pony team three times. In 2013, Joanne’s sister, Jennifer Keepe, took over the ride. The pair also represented the England working hunter pony team, standing second overall and fourth in the Desert Orchid. At 19 years young, Blackman was retired from regular high-level competition following a respectable third place in the intermediate working hunter at HOYS.
Despite his many accolades, what made him truly special was his character; he was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Once he learned to give kisses, it became a lifetime habit and they would be given to anyone passing by his stable. He won the hearts of everyone he came into contact with, and left a mark on all those close to him. He was the true definition of a ‘horse of a lifetime’ for Joanne, who loved and cared for him until the end.
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Obituary A tribute to
ALLAN ROBERTSON 1954-2022 The showing community at large was saddened to hear of Allan Robertson’s death in December 2021.
of many different breeds and types, from mini mountain and moorlands to intermediate show riding types.
Allan was born in Edinburgh, on October 28th, 1954, and a few years later his sister, Ann was born. The family lived in a small mining village on the outskirts of Edinburgh and Allan made himself known to all the local stables, because from a young age, Allan’s greatest love was horses.
He met fellow section B breeder, Tweetie Nimmo, through the NPS Scottish Committee. Firm friends, Allan supported Tweetie for many years as vice chairman of the Scottish Horse Show.
Allan’s grandmother kitted him out and paid for riding lessons every week, and as soon as he was old enough, he started a paper round to earn some money to further fund this passion. However, the round soon fell to his mother and his sister at weekends, because he was always at some show or another. The bedroom he shared with Ann quickly filled with Allan’s rosettes and trophies. Whilst still in Scotland, Allan met many lifelong friends through his love of horses. A rented yard just outside Edinburgh was the ideal location for friends travelling to the Royal Highland Show. He later moved to London, and then to Gloucestershire. Allan bred Welsh section Bs under the Pencot prefix and was a Highland pony enthusiast. However, his interest in horses and ponies was far reaching and he had a wealth of knowledge
Allan was part of the fabric of the showing community and was an accomplished judge with over 40 years of experience. He was on many judging panels and had the honour of judging all over the world, from Europe to South Africa and Australia. He also judged at the Horse of The Year Show on three separate occasions. On two of these occasions, he announced himself as a proud Scotsman, judging in a kilt, a fact spectators relished. Indeed, Allan’s company was always entertaining. Those who spent time with Allan can, without fail, recall his humorous anecdotes and quick-witted humour. Allan’s sister, Ann, has lived in Australia for many years with her daughter Claire, and her grandchildren, Max and Lucy, whom Allan adored. He always loved catching up with them on his many visits to Australia. We know that they, along with his many, many friends, will be missing him dearly.
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Jockey Club Present Elite Show Series Award
Katie Dashwood and her own Minella Rebellion (1st Class Images)
The recent RoR awards held at the historic Jockey Club Rooms saw Katie Dashwood and Minella Rebellion [Reg] receive the RoR Elite Supreme Show Series Champion award. Reg was initially purchased for £90,000 at a Tattersalls Ireland sale in Cheltenham in 2016. “His trainer, Nicky Henderson, is now particularly chuffed that he personally picked him out and bought him, having loved his confirmation,” said Katie. Reg is by King’s Theatre and is a full brother to former star chaser, Balthazar King. He finished third on his debut in a hurdle race having started favourite and his four subsequent runs proved to be disappointing. Katie explained: “He pulled up in his last race at Hexham in 2017. His total winnings were a paltry £1,145”. It was a recommendation from Katie’s friend, former Gold Cup winning trainer Henrietta Knight, that led her to acquire him during lockdown. “I believe that when looking at a horse, you need vision to see how and whether they can adapt to a new job, but you should always trust your instincts. I loved Reg and everything about him from the moment I first laid eyes on him; I could see immediately there was so much about him. It really was love at first sight and I couldn’t stop thinking about him as I drove home,” said Katie.
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L-R Micolina Mackenzie, Katie Dashwood and Jo Hales (1st Class Images)
Despite 2021 being their first season together, Katie and ten-yearold Reg enjoyed a phenomenally successful season. They won the Jockey Club novice championship at the Jockey Club’s RoR National Championships – a title she also won in 2019 with Barlow. The pair went on to land the coveted Jockey Club supreme of show title against established rivals. “It was an unforgettable night! I remember hearing number 271 being called forward as the winner and sitting there before actually realising that it was our number! I’m embarrassed to confess that I asked the judge, Mr Ramsay, to pinch me as he placed the sash round Reg’s neck; I truly didn’t believe that it was happening,” said Katie. She added: “To win at such a special place - which is one of most prestigious National Hunt racecourses anywhere, made it even more poignant. We are so fortunate that RoR hold their championships there and are so well looked after – the staff are delightful and Carly Sage is a wonderful hostess.” He was later crowned SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse of the Year at HOYS last October, giving Katie her first HOYS win, something Katie describes as “beyond my wildest dreams.” She added: “I can remember going to Wembley as a small child and seeing all these beautiful show ponies; they left a lasting impression on me. It’s a well-known joke amongst my friends that my first ever ticket to HOYS in 2021 virtually – but not quite! – coincided with me receiving my bus pass. I’ve watched friends win that coveted Racehorse to Riding Horse Championship and been thrilled for them. Never, ever did I think I would ride there or hear my horse’s name being called forward as the winner.” He is produced on Katie’s behalf by Jo Bates, who also produced the 2019 R2R of the Year, Grandeur, and whose “brilliance” Katie credits in making Reg a “lovely ride”. Despite such an incredible year, Katie is characteristically unassuming and down-to-earth when it comes to plans for her 2022 season. “I never dare make plans with horses! But if we’re lucky then we are both looking forward to competing in some open RoR classes and perhaps also some riding horse classes”.
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Chief Executive of the Jockey Club, Nevin Truesdale presents the RoR Elite Supreme Show Series Award to Katie Dashwood
Royal Welsh Winter Fair Competitors returned in droves to the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in Builth Wells in unanimous consensus that it was great to be back. Despite the bitter cold, spirits were high as spectators enjoyed the festive atmosphere and watched the smallest champion scoop the biggest prize.
Owen Griffiths’ Ilar Dakota, shown by Samantha Morsely
Report by Beth Simons Photos by 1st Class Images Owen Griffiths’ homebred Ilar Dakota delighted connections when he was crowned overall supreme of show by judge, Dewi Roberts. He was shown by his producer, Samantha Morsely. The pair fought off stellar competition and bumper entries in the section As to win the yearling colt class en route to the section championship and the supreme. Throughout both days, the plucky colt appeared fresh. He is sired by Waxwing Fly Past, who is also owned by Owen. The dam, Waxwing Dainty Dinah is leased to Owen from David Blair and Tom Best of the Waxwing stud. “I saw his dam up for sale and asked Tom Best if she would be a good breeding mare for me. Tom told me to leave her and went off the phone. Half-an-hour later, Tom returned the call,” explained Owen. This time, Tom informed Owen that the mare was on her way down to him. “I also have his full brother, Ilar Denver, which I have kept under wraps for myself as a future ridden prospect,” said Owen.
Section A judge, Kitty Bodily, chose the winning yearling filly as her section’s reserve champion. This was Gower based Keith Hughes’ Brynodyn Symphony-Ann, shown by Richard Miller. The Brynodyn Safari daughter is produced by Richard and his partner, Meirion Davies. The pair have a long history of producing this line for Keith. “We showed her maternal grandmother, Brynodyn Scarlett, successfully. She qualified for HOYS in-hand twice, ending Reserve Pony of the Year, and was twice Breeders Champion at the Royal of England,” explained Richard. They later showed the filly’s mother, former section A ridden of the year, Brynodyn Savannah, to stand Royal Welsh reserve champion female section A in-hand in 2013. Keith’s late wife, Ann, decided that the next filly foal that Savannah produced should be named Symphony. Sadly, Ann passed away before the filly was born, but Keith, 86, decided to stick with her choice but with an additional tribute to her.
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Reserve supreme was also awarded to a yearling colt, Catryn Bigley’s homebred section B champion, and Welsh breeds supreme, Llanarth Consort. The quality colt is the last foal sired by Breeton Dai at the Llanarth stud. His dam is the prolific Llanarth Delilah, who also won at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair as a yearling on her debut showring appearance and went on to be champion section B, champion Welsh breeds and supreme of show. Delilah later stood overall champion section B and supreme of show at the Royal Welsh show in 2012 and was female section B champion in 2014. “We hope he follows in his parents’ footsteps as not only a top show animal, but also as a prepotent sire,” said Catryn, adding, “at a few hours old, Dad [the late Len Bigley] thought Consort was one we should never part with”. This was the second time Consort had been shown. He made his debut at the NPS Area 29 Halloween show where he was champion section B and supreme of show. Catryn’s brother, Simon
Bigley also enjoyed his own share of the spoils when he won the section D yearling colt class with his own Llanarth Billy Black Gold (Abercippyn Victor’s Last x Llanarth Bay Lady). Reserve section B champion was Kate Williams with her mother, Christine Williams’ Byley Eliza. The filly charmed judge Jan Harries to win the yearling filly class. She is sired by Eyarth Issac and out of Byley Reanna. Christine and Kate purchased Eliza after falling in love with photos of her sent to them by her breeder, Tracey Lowe. Not to be outdone, Kate’s partner, Richard Pittman secured a win with his own section C colt foal, Popsters Duke of Gloucester (Starlans Evol x Parvadean Saving Grace). “I saw him in the field at the Popsters stud as a foal,” said Richard. “He instantly caught my eye and I
was fortunate that Justin and Heidi [Davis and Bennett of the Popsters stud] were willing to part with him. I’m thrilled with how he’s maturing.” However, it was Richard Morgan’s winner of the yearling colt class, Ormond Brenin y Ser that clinched the section C championship. The Synod Apollo son was shown by his producer, Dorian Lloyd. In reserve was Nathan Sage with his own homebred winner of the filly foal class, Bryncarnau Glorys Gift (Rhoswen Gladiator x Bluehaven Glorious). “As a family we are so proud to have won at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair, and it’s even more special because she’s a homebred filly,” explained Nathan’s partner, Amber Pryce. Local CHAPS panel judge, Lisa Chambers presided over the coloured classes. She eventually found both her champion and
Catryn Bigley with her own and the Bigley family’s Llanarth Consort
reserve in the yearling class. Her winner of the class and champion was Michelle Pickford’s native type, Burghwallis Storm Chaser [Noah]. He was bred by Jane Turnbull and Helen Armstrong, and is by their homebred stallion, Burghwallis Moonlight, out of Grafters Lass. “I spotted him on Facebook and I knew I had to have him – I had always wanted a Burghwallis pony – so I purchased him at a week old as a birthday present to myself,” explained Michelle. Noah was lightly but successfully shown in 2021. At the CHAPS championships, he scored “a tally of wins which culminated in him obtaining a first premium in the youngstock evaluations, overall youngstock evaluation supreme, champion yearling and finally supreme youngstock in-hand champion,” said Michelle. “He had an amazing year; I just hope he grows big enough for me to
Keith Hughes’ Brynodyn Symphony Ann shown by Richard Miller
Supreme of show judge, Dewi Roberts shares his thoughts: “What an absolute pleasure and privilege it was to be invited to judge the Supreme Horse Championship. My sincerest gratitude goes to the Winter Fair committee for allowing me this honour. From the moment the exhibits entered the ring, my supreme champion, Ilar Dakota, commanded my attention, as did Llanarth Consort and Penstrumbly The Illusionist. But Ilar Dakota had something a bit special: a beautiful head, magnificent top line, lovely limbs, conformation and correctness backed up with free-flowing, correct action. These are all attributes that will hold him in good stead whatever the future has in store for him. The same attributes were also evident in Llanarth Consort. Even as I took off my bowler hat to signify that the decision was final, I was torn between the two. I paused for a moment but the natural presence of Ilar Dakota from start to finish won the day, and I was happy to award him the supreme championship and Llanarth Consort the reserve spot. My sincere thanks to all competitors and the section judges for presenting these animals to the Supreme Championship, and thanks to everyone that made it a truly magnificent occasion for my family and I.” - Dewi G Roberts, Trofarth Stud.
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ride!” It was Michelle and Noah’s debut at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair, but having enjoyed the festive atmosphere, she “hopes it will have been the first of many visits”. In reserve was the second placed yearling, Willoway Stud’s non-native Willoway Love Affair, shown by Karl Schuller. Pembrokeshire based Jessica Goldsworthy’s Penstrumbly The Illusionist took the Welsh part-bred yearling to exceed 148cm at maturity class and the Welsh part-bred tricolour. The Monohawk Real Magic son is out of Hollygate Superstitious and was purchased by Jessica in spring 2020 as a foal. The commanding yearling gelding was bred by Kath Hall and was produced for the show by Rebecca Lamb. Kath and Rebecca have a long history of
Jessica Goldsworthy’s Penstrumbly The Illusionist, shown by Rebecca Lamb
Michelle Pickford and her own Burghwallis Storm Chaser
producing winners for the show. “If I can remember properly, I’ve had nine wins, two reserves, three championships and a reserve supreme of show in the past ten years with Kath’s part-breds,” said Rebecca. He’ll now have a winter at home with Jessica before returning to Rebecca for further show production in future. The reserve spot also returned to Pembrokeshire. Valmai Thomas’ Mount Pleasant Silver Charm won the first class of the section: the Welsh part-bred foal not to exceed 148cm at maturity. The quality filly is by Mount Pleasant Royal Romance and out of Mount Pleasant China Doll. Christine Williams’ Byley Eliza, shown by Kate Williams
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The final section to be judged was the Welsh section Ds. Judge Derek Dykes crowned Eurig Eynon’s Hatterall Lady Beth his champion. She is out of Llanarth Beth and by Abercippyn Victor’s Last. Eurig bought Llanarth Beth from the Bigley family already in foal. As Eurig is awaiting an operation on both of his knees, the filly was produced and shown for Eurig and his partner, Rebecca Faulkner, by Justin Walters. Although Eurig and Rebecca have enjoyed wins at the Winter Fair in the coloured, partbred and sport-horse classes, this was their first tricolour. “We are absolutely thrilled,” said Rebecca. Eurig agreed: ‘It was very special and we’re grateful to Justin as he had her produced to perfection”. Richard Morgan’s Ormond Brenin Y Ser, shown by Dorian Lloyd
In reserve was Sara Williams’ second placed filly foal, Parciau Ana Mai, having made a fortuitous last-minute decision to show. “She hasn’t been weaned that long and we just thought we would see how she came before deciding whether to show her and we’re ever so please that we did now,” said Sara. Ana Mai is out of Parciau Miri Mai and is sired by Monohawk Masterpiece. “I had always admired Masterpiece, and when I judged the ridden classes at the Royal Welsh, he was our reserve champion. I said then that I would like to use him on my own mares one day.” Valmai Thomas and her own Mount Pleasant Silver Charm
Eurig Eynon’s Hatterall Lady Beth, shown by Justin Walters
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COLOURED
CONNECTIONS Bronwyn Ward
“I am excited to be sharing the first Coloured Connections column with you since the Showing World reins have been taken over by Beth Simons. I am so pleased to say that the beginning of this year looks completely different to last year, where we were all so uncertain as to what the year, and show season, ahead of us would look like due to the ongoing pandemic. I am sure you will all have your fingers crossed as tightly as I do, hoping this year we will see a lot more ‘normality’ resume. The new season will welcome lots of novice coloured horses and ponies into the ring for their first year under saddle, and I am excited to share some combinations who are preparing for a busy season. The combinations below show just how versatile coloureds really are - from show cobs, to working show horses and children’s working hunter ponies.”
Oakley’s Chase After returning from the Horse Of the Year Show last October with a fantastic placing on board her 122cm show hunter pony Annandale Phoenix, Maise Peters and her mother Melanie began searching for her next pony, much to the delight of their producer Russell Ingram. “Maisie has always loved jumping at home and on the hunting field, but has never jumped competitively,” shared Melanie, who says Russell was delighted when they agreed to search for a 133cm working hunter pony. “I’m a firm believer in fate. A few ponies that we were interested in were sold before we could even go and view them. A chance conversation with a friend led us to buy Oakley. This little Coloured cob type pony was far from what I imagined buying, but we fell in love with him instantly! He is far different to what we have ever had, but what a fantastic buy he has been! Not much is known about his history, as he was purchased via a dealer…but if the past few months are anything to go by, his future is very bright”. Described as ‘the bravest of ponies’, Oakley and Maisie hunt with The Surrey Union and they are often seen up the front of the field whipping in jumping rails and tiger traps. “Maisie’s confidence is growing each time she rides him, and her well known smile can be seen all day whilst she is out for hours hunting on Oakley.” 2022 will see them start off in the nursery stakes classes, and then hopefully progress up to the 133 WHP classes, “whatever happens, I know we will have the best time and make many memories with this super little pony” shared a very proud Melanie.
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Brookdale Ally Cat Like many show cobs, Brookdale Ally Cat ‘Kitty’ arrived from Ireland as a three-year-old with no recorded breeding in her passport. “I was at the yard where my girlfriend keeps her horse, and was told that Stuart Jones and his mum Wendy were getting a cob. When Kitty arrived, I straight away thought that she was amazing” shared Jack, who has ridden Kitty since the end of November, “I have spent the last two months getting to know her. We are now working well on the flat, and she also enjoys hacking out. I believe she also enjoys her jumping and would make an exceptional hunting horse!”
The striking mare is described as a true gentle giant at home, who is always willing to please “I can trust her with my 13-year-old brother who turns her out and leads her in from the field, she always whickers to us in the barn and has the kindest personality.” Jack plans to campaign Kitty this season in a few Royal International qualifiers after a promising start to her career with wins at two shows already this year. “No matter our results this season, I will forever be grateful to her owner Wendy Jones for such an amazing opportunity to ride and look after such an incredible horse”.
Burghwallis Dippity Doo Da Bred by the renowned Burghwallis Stud and stepping up into the open classes and qualifiers this season is Burghwallis Dippity Doo Da ‘Seren’. Purchased from Burghwallis as a four-year-old three years ago, Seren is by Jane Turnbull’s Perlino Section C stallion Burghwallis Moonlight, who has sired several champions including CHAPS supreme youngstock champion, Burghwallis Storm Chaser. “She is my dream pony” shared Alicia, “she is a
lovely pony to deal with, and she really loves her home comforts too”. With the pandemic cancelling lots of shows over the past two years, Seren is still very low mileage when it comes to the show ring “we’ve taken it steady, with plenty of hacking, beach rides and clinics. Seren was shown in hand last year, with successes including placings at the CHAPS championship show.
Charlie Despite always telling herself that she would never buy a horse, as she ‘might as well put her money on a fire’, Buckinghamshire based Lauren Roberts purchased her coloured ‘Charlie’ last October after being booked by his previous owner to clip him “there was something special about him. A lovely type and a good head on him”. Described as a cob who is ‘absolutely full of character’ and ‘does it all’, he has previously taken part in fun rides and local events.
“Charlie is a machine cross country. He’s such a trier and gives his all in everything he does. He can be a little spooky at jumping but will just go higher - I will be investing in some sticky jodhpurs!” joked Lauren. Having been a groom and the one on the ground at shows, Lauren is looking forward to the coming show season and riding in the ring herself, and aims to be competing in the working show horse class at Royal Windsor in May.
Rewrite The Stars Handpicked from a group of 11 foals by his owner Victoria Ward, rising three year old Rewrite The Stars ‘Zac’ was bred as part of the Darley Foster Foal programme. His sire Ahtoug has won a staggering £350,000 racing on the flat, and his dam is a coloured cob. “Vicky bought him from Darley in 2019, with the intention of running him alongside her home bred filly A Million Dreams,” shares Millie Bagnall, “they both came to me (EB Showing Ltd) in early 2021 to start their education. After being
turned away for the Summer, Zac came back to me in late 2021 to continue his education and to contest some iIn hand classes this season.” Vicky intends to keep either Zac, or her homebred filly to run under saddle in 2023. Zac is described as ‘a pleasure to work with’ and is maturing beautifully. He had his first outing to a clinic at the end of January where he was brilliant, he certainly has an exciting future ahead of him.
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BEHIND the SCENES
With Vicky Smith
I’ve got so many happy memories from happy times during my showing years
Vicky Smith and her own inimitable, Bart (1st Class Images)
Since her decision to start producing full-time four years ago, Vicky’s yard has gone from strength to strength. We caught up with her to find out more about the woman behind the rosettes. Even as a toddler, Vicky was horse-mad and was regularly found donning a Patey hat and carrying a photo of her mother, Angela, on a horse. “My mum competed in all disciplines and my grandfather had been in the mounted regiment in the army so I guess it was in my blood,” said Vicky. It was her grandfather who bought Vicky her first pony. As a child, Vicky “lived for the Ponies UK championship. It was such an achievement to get a place on the front line let alone win a class. I made lifelong friends during those weeks”. “As I got older, I was so desperate for a win at HOYS. I had many seconds including three consecutively on Liz Milner’s the lovely Connemara, Sydserff Golden Oak.” Vicky’s dream finally came true on the Sankey family’s 2016 coloured horse of the year, Life of Riley. Vicky also events alongside showing, and growing up, spent “hours watching video tapes”. Mary King was her hero. “When I was 16 I wrote to her and was invited to do some work experience. She was lovely and I was lucky to ride her superstars from the 90s including King William and Star Appeal”. She also considers herself “lucky to have grown up watching the success and showmanship of greats like David Tatlow, Robert Oliver, Jayne Webber and Allistair Hood”.
Vicky‘s HOYS dream comes true riding Life of Riley (The Event Photographer)
In particular, Allister Hood has been a source of inspiration for Vicky. “He is a true gentleman. In the early days with my cob, Bling Cobsby, I was stood down the line at Hickstead after he had ‘blown-up’ on the go round. Allistair, who was pulled in top, walked all the way down the line to talk to me and told me I must keep working hard as the cob would have his day. The following year he was lightweight cob of the year”. Vicky mixes producing her clients’ horses alongside her own and her partner, Alan Marnie’s horses, negotiating the demands of both with relative ease. “Our clients are like family, and we try to keep showing fun; it works really well”.
specialist products for
W H E N P R E S E N TAT I O N M AT T E R S
G ET SHOW SEA SON REA DY www.supremeproducts.co.uk Vicky and Bling Crosyby share a hug at Royal Windsor Horse Show (1st Class Images)
She also doesn’t have two of the same type in the same class to avoid conflict and “pressure to choose one over another,” she explains. “At the start of the season, we decide which horses we would like to take to certain shows. We have our own horses purely for enjoyment so we tend to save them for the shows we both like doing; for example I love the Great Yorkshire whereas Alan loves Royal Windsor and the Scottish Horse Show as it’s near his hometown so I take some of his horses there”. However, they’re not always in agreement. She laughs, “I’m always quite keen to sell if there is a good offer on the table but Alan is terrible; he gets really attached to the horses. I keep joking we’ll have a retirement home full one day”. Vicky did not go straight into producing horses. Rather, she initially juggled horses alongside a career as a secondary PE teacher. “I’m not sure how I did it! I’ve always had the most amazing support team, which is key to any successful operation. I spent a lot of time riding under floodlights and a lot of my days yawning!” Despite the long hours, Vicky acknowledges that there were benefits to juggling both jobs. “It was always nice to leave school and de-stress at home. Teaching was a high intensity job in a tough secondary school, so I longed to be home and riding most days. Likewise, if I had had a bad day at a show, it was soon forgotten when I was back at work on a Monday”. I’m curious to know whether she thinks her time teaching informed her work now. “When I was at school, I had to be super organised both at work and running the yard. I’m not sure my team would agree, but I like to be highly organised for shows and I make lots of lists and itineraries of timings! By the time I left teaching, I was head of year and responsible for the safeguarding of 1300 children. I managed a team of 12 tutors so I had to have good personal skills which I guess can be transferred into most business situations”.
She made the leap to producing full-time after a particularly busy and successful 2018 season. “The last year I was teaching, I took seven horses to HOYS and came home with two winners late on the Sunday night. By 8am I was back in my class-room planning that week’s lessons”. But it wasn’t just the sheer burden of the hours that initiated the change. “I think winning HOYS with both Bart and Bling Cobsby gave me the confidence to take on horses full-time to produce. Originally, I took a year out, but I never looked back”. Still, her nurturing instinct remains intact: “I do enjoy coaching clients and teaching at clinics – I love teaching grassroots showing competitors and helping them achieve their goals”. Would she go back to it? “I couldn’t think of anything worse than being back in the classroom now!” There’s no doubting the shift has been positive for Vicky, and she has an infectious enthusiasm she has for her job. “I just love riding – novices , opens, event horses – it doesn’t matter. I enjoy the variety we give the horses and seeing them improve throughout the year. In the winter I get really frustrated if the weather stops us. I love competing and I live for the shows. There’s nothing better than seeing a ride judge come back into line smiling or being called forward as champion – that’s when I feel like all the hard work has paid off”. Nevertheless, she acknowledges that the showing industry is changing and comes with its share of trials. “It’s getting harder to find good young horses, not only in showing, but across disciplines. The market prices boomed during COVID and it’s still really hard to find a reasonably priced horse. Sadly, long term I think this will affect type across classes in showing, therefore affecting the quality and standard. Looking back on the champions of yesteryear, there were so many classy horses. They just don’t seem to be around now”. That’s not the only frustration that COVID brought to bear on the
34 | Showing World | March Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk Vicky and Cathy Wood’s riding horse, Time Will Tell (1st Class Images)
Vicky and Steven Lemon celebrate the team’s first Price Family Supreme qualification with Ashleas Free Spirit (1st Class Images)
yard. “I found lockdown really stressful. I hated not having a goal or anything to work towards so I tried to stay positive and do lots of painting and cleaning that I wouldn’t normally have time for on the yard. Just as the eventing got going, which was before the shows I broke my leg so it couldn’t get any worse. At that point I turned all the horses out in the field and accepted I wasn’t doing anything in 2020! I think everyone came out at the start of the 2020 season with a really positive attitude. We were all just happy to see each other and be back doing what we love. I had all my horses ready to go on the first of April and it paid off as we had an amazing season in 2021”. Amongst her successes was a third consecutive HOYS win and a second RIHS win on coloured horse, Bart, “a really special horse”. The team also enjoyed a different kind of ‘first’ when their own three-year-old coloured filly, Ashleas Perfect Spirit qualified for the Price Family Supreme In-Hand Final at the Great Yorkshire
Show, shown by friend, Steven Lemon. It’s something Vicky describes as one of her “happiest showing memories. It was totally unexpected for both of us. We chose four shows to take her to for some education and never dreamt she would qualify for the price supreme in hand final”. With her expressive paces, there’s no doubt Ashleas Perfect Spirit will be one to watch in the ridden classes in the future. As for her own future, Vicky is clear on her goals: “I would love to keep producing horses at the highest level in showing with my team for many more years. I love buying a young horse or a blank canvas and producing it from the start. I’m so lucky to have such kind and loyal owners I just want to keep making them all proud”. And the dream? “I think we all dream of taking that supreme title at the Horse of the Year Show or the Royal International Horse Show”.
Horse of a Lifetime I’ve had so many it’s hard to choose. I have a, 18-year-old event horse called Indian king. He’s an absolute legend. I bought him in Ireland as a three-year-old and he’s been my best mate ever since. We’ve had two trips round Badminton Horse Trials, many days hunting and competed in coloured ridden and working hunter classes. He’s the trickiest and the cleverest horse I’ve ever owned. I wouldn’t change him for the world. When I was producing him as a youngster, I spent more time on the floor than in the saddle and whenever I’m feeling down, or I’ve had a bad day he’s the one to cheer me up. When he’s going out somewhere in the lorry he still shakes with excitement.
Indian King
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Leading Your Way By Sarah Chapman to Success Showing is a unique discipline as the class is divided into three parts with all the elements having an influence on the judge’s decision. There is the group ‘go round’, an individual ridden show and an in-hand show where the judge decides on the conformation or type merit of the animal. Many riders perceive the in-hand section as less important than the ridden show, but in fact it has a large bearing on the result. 50 marks - half of the total - in marked classes come from the inhand section, and in non-marked classes, the judge is still making that crucial decision on where to place your animal.
What the judges say Judges often complain at the poor way riders stand their horses up and the attitude of the riders. Showing is about positive and negatives so coming out with a positive attitude will create a better image. Smile, be cheerful; it will help and costs nothing! The Showing Register is passionate about training and here are a few tips on what you can do to lead your way to success!
Practice at home The first and most important point is to stand the animal correctly to the best advantage considering its conformation and any faults. You do not have to stand square like in dressage. This is achieved by practice at home with someone to help you. Start with a level area and walk round coming to a halt facing the animal so you can see the position of the legs as you come to halt. Ask your assistant to take a photo and then have a look at the photo. This will help you to consider the stance as if you were the judge. Repeat this until you have achieved the best result. Practice with your assistant walking round the animal like a judge and adjusting the legs by one step backwards or forwards to achieve the best look from both sides. When you trot up the animal should trot as if it is on the bridle so keep your hand under the chin and balance the trot. If the hind leg is engaged and it is trotting into the contact, this will improve the placement of the foot and stride. For example, if the animal dishes or moves wide behind, trotting slightly slower will help
What the professionals say: Simon Charlesworth said: “Practice trotting up at home to avoid at all costs someone having to chase you with a rag. When you run the horse should trot!”
Craig Eleanor has an excellent tip for children in particular: “When practicing, imagine you are walking along a ruler with a lollipop at the end. Walk down the ruler, around the lollipop and back along the ruler.”
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What the judges say: Judge Penny Clifford commented: “I was very disappointed in how poorly the ponies were stood up when I judged at HOYS in 2021”.
Meanwhile judge Phillip Cooper said: “A handler with a smile and a horse with its ears pricked is always going to be more appealing than one that looks as though they have had a very late night!”
minimize the appearance of the fault. If the animal fidgets, think about your body position and use your body to help block the animal, for example stand slightly to the left or right if it tries to swing to the side.
At the show When the steward asks you to come forward BE READY! Have your reins adjusted and prepare yourself by walking a small circle behind the line so you appear alert and walk briskly forward. Stand your animal as you have practised. If the animal fidgets, try up to three times and then let it stand as judges do not like endless adjusting. The judge will ask you to walk away and trot back. Have some energy about you and be purposeful to show off a good, strong walk away; turn around to the right – do not try to trot through the turn – then take a few strides of walk to get straight before trotting at an even regular pace straight towards the judge. Once past the judge, trot straight for several strides then round the corner back to the line. If the ground is very hard
and your animal has a short stride, walk on the straight and do not trot round the corner. However, if the animal moves well make the most of your time in front of the judge, they might still be looking at you so run for a few strides behind the line just in case. Should you bow at the end? There is a trend to bow but this is not necessary and if it is a large class, the judge might have moved onto the next animal. Showing a few more strides of trot is better than a bow. At local level shows it is more common for the handler to bow. Often neglected is the importance of being positive in your manner towards the judge and officials. However, you feel on the day you should smile, say, “good morning,” or, “good afternoon,” and when the judge asks you to move off, say, “thank you”. Good manners are as important in the rider as they are in the animal. Remember, you can become as good as any professional if you practice!
In A Nutshell: • Practice makes perfect • Ask a professional for help, or book an in-hand appraisal • Be honest about your animal’s conformation and paces and how it will look at its best • Carry something to attract his attention when standing still so its ears prick • Always look cheerful and positive – it could earn you a higher place • If things go wrong, learn from the experience!
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Sara Parrott produces horses and ponies for the show
ring with her partner, Craig Eleanor. Together they have enjoyed countless successes at HOYS and RIHS, from show hacks to mini mountain and moorlands. This issue, she gives us six steps for preparing a novice for the showring.
6 Steps
To preparing a novice for the ring ‘Preparing a novice pony for the show ring can be a daunting task. We like to form a plan early in the year, which will alter according to the temperaments and progress of the ponies, but the basics are the same. Don’t feel the pressure to rush this process or overdo it; you are aiming to provide a good education for your pony’s future. We try to listen to the ponies by repeating steps as many times as needed before moving onto the next.
1. Travelling It’s often overlooked, but most novices aren’t used to travelling. This can be a huge deal for them. It’s a real-life skill for ponies to learn to travel relaxed and happy, to stand on the lorry, eat, drink and be in the right frame of mind to perform. To help this process, we always travel ponies with big hay nets. Travelling without a hay net is asking for ulcers. Plus, eating encourages them to relax. All our ponies are also given a small feed of chop a short while before travelling so they have something in their bellies, again acting against the risk of ulcers. We make sure the lorry has plenty of woodchips to encourage them to wee and poo, and we open all the windows for lots of ventilation, and don’t over-rug to travel. Finally, the company of a sensible friend is always nice for novice travellers.
2. Homework Before we ride away from home, we need to have ticked a few boxes. Ideally, the ponies are used to being ridden with others. If you don’t have anyone to ride with, ask someone to lunge another pony while you ride, or ride next to fields where horses are turned out. Hacking out is the easiest way to desensitise ponies and horses. Put as many spooky things as you can around the arena, such as banners and artificial flowers – I get mine from the charity shops – then move them about. It always amazes me how a chair in a different spot is so much scarier that it was before! Children running up and down is one of the spookiest things for ponies, so we welcome noise and playing in the barn so that ponies are used to different sounds. Also, play music in the barn and when you’re riding so that novices learn very early on to relax around noise.
3. School Hire Once your homework is going well and you feel confident enough to take your pony elsewhere to ride, hire a school. We tend to book indoor schools as it’s something different from our own outdoor school; and I always lunge the first time to allow the pony time for a buck, squeal and a look around in the hope that they will then be more focused when we get on. Once they’ve worked, make sure that at the end of your session, you spend a bit of time standing around, as standing is another life skill for the show pony.
4. Ride Around Before going into the ring, we take our novices to a show for a ride around. This is the next step up from indoor school hire as you can’t control the environment around you. Once again, I pop them on the lunge if possible. For sharp or nervous ponies, I often just hack about, stand about, and avoid getting in the thick of a collecting ring as I want it to be a good experience, and repeat the process until they are settled. But other ponies are ready for the ring next time. It’s also nice for them to have a graze to relax, especially before a long journey home.
5. Clinics For those lacking confidence, clinics are great. A clinic can emulate a show but without any pressure. Never be afraid to communicate frankly with your trainer at the clinic; tell them what you want to get out of the hour as your trainer will also want the sessions to be helpful. Clinics are also the perfect opportunity to iron out issues.
6. Show Time Once you feel prepared and ready to go to a show, pick a venue that’s familiar to you. Before going, make a couple of goals before you start. Mine are normally simple: I want a ‘clear round’, so I aim for a forward, relaxed pony at all three paces, and I want my pony to stand still in the line. Anything else is a bonus. Arrive in plenty of time so that if you need an extra ten minutes to prepare, you have it. In novice classes, no one expects a perfect show. If it goes wrong, take a breath and carry on; don’t be embarrassed as we’ve all been there, and your job is to simply make you’re your pony has a good experience. Finally, remember that producing a young animal is a hugely rewarding experience, so enjoy it and don’t be in a rush – once you are out of novice classes there is no going back!
Good luck!
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Our
SPRING BREEDING FEATURE Is Here
From Stud Managers and breeders to Equine Vets, we have 15 pages packed with tips and insights from the experts this breeding season.
info@showingworldonline.co.uk | March Issue 2022 | Showing World | 41
Springpond Merryman
“The
Legacy lives on!”
A Tremendous opportunity for Breeders - Standing at Stud for the first time
Springpond Merryman Kilvington Scoundrel x Wolkentanz
Pure class • 15hh | 2016 | Bay • Licenced National Pony Society • £500 + Vat LFG Fresh/Chilled
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Springpond Merryman
By the prolific sire, Kilvington Scoundrel who was leading Show Horse Sire of the Year in 2012, 13, 14, 15. Some of his champion stock include; Pearly King, The Philanderer, Dance All Night, Forgeland Hyde Park, Diamonds Are Forever, Kellythorpe Strike a Pose to name of few. His Dam, Wolkenfee Elite is by the prolific Hanoverian Stallion Wolkentanz. She has already produced a number of exceptional foals, including Springpond Merrymans half-brother Diamonds Are Forever, crowned Supreme at HOYS & RIHS, ridden by Alister Hood was chosen to be one of the Horse and Hound Greatest 100 Horses of the Century.
Diamonds are Forever
Whether you breed SP & SHP or Hack & Riding Horses there is no doubt he will produce HOYS winners This incredible young stallion is what showing breeders have been waiting for, combining the very best bloodlines, his pedigree speaks for itself. The pure elegance of Springpond Merryman not only will add quality and substance to your breeding lines, he has the most amazing laid back attitude to life. Harry, as he is known in the stable, is adored by everyone who works with him and meets him. (See him on Facebook Live with Sarah, Fridays 12pm, Stallion AI Services) The restraints of Covid scuppered his competition plans, however the few shows he attended in 2019 resulted in wins and championship titles. For more information contact Sarah Wilkes at Stallion AI Services. Viewings available by appointment or at our Open Day on 23rd April. (See QR Code for tickets)
sales@stallionai.com 01948666295 Kilvington Scoundrel
Etheridge Farm & Stud
Stallions for 2022
Top show production stud set in 60 acres in the beautiful Dorset Vale. Our passion for quality sport horses is evident in our stock. Our facilities include 45 large loose boxes and barns with three dedicated foaling boxes with CCTV and foaling alarms. A covered horse walker, loading bay, stocks for veterinary examinations, extra-large menage, jumping lane and 24-hour supervision.
Knockaleery Dancer
Virtual (GB) Virtual had 30% winners to runners on the Flat including Razor Quest earning £305,053, Junoesque winning 9 races to date to name but a few. By Pivotal – Virtuous (Exit to Nowhere) 16.3hh with 9” bone Virtual has returned to the UK and now standing in Dorset giving breeders the opportunity to breed to a proven sire.
Virtual’s winners are now coming through on the National Hunt scene including the multi winners Hewick (IRE), Virnon, Wor Verge and Red Ochre.
Bred by Cheveley Park Stud, Tough Consistent winning Miler, Group 1 winner of Lockinge Stakes; also Listed Race Winner Trained by John Gosden, running 14 times, 5 wins and 2 seconds; 4 thirds; ¾ brother to Iceman
£750 TB £500 non-TB NFFR
Class 1 Irish Draught Stallion Crosstown Dancer - Loguestown Blue Belle (Blue Rajah) Chestnut Born 2013 173.0 cm Oozes quality Exceptional temperament Very rarely does a Stallion of this calibre become available at public stud. Knockaleery Dancer has already sired a winner at the National Irish Draught show, had a second in the RDS and 3 of the top foals in the Leitrim Breeders 2019 were sired
Sempers Spirit
Homozygous Tobiano & Black 2003 16.1hh
A fantastic stock getter on both ID and non-ID as proven already with his exceptional stock out and about.
£450 NFFR
Trenawin Lanakai
He has put quality and refinement onto the heaviest of mares. He was a multi-garlanded Champion both in-hand and under saddle and has sired many County and HOYS winners. He also has an outstanding jump.
He has himself been shown lightly being 2nd in the ridden class at the National Draught shows 2018 and in 2019 won his ridden and overall, Irish Draught reserve Champion.
Multi-Champion small hunter/ sports pony Stallion. Produces progeny for all disciplines including winners at Devon County, Royal. SPSS Graded Pony 2003 Bay 149cm Sire: Trenawin Lydian
Sire: Semper – Astek Spirit stamps his progeny with his lovely length of neck, elevated paces and with his wonderful temperament.
Dam: Durfee Aloha Cornwall, Three Counties and SHB (GB) Championships. £450 NFFR
Ann Bassett & Tony Wareham Etheridge Farm Darknoll Lane, Okeford Fitzpaine, Blandford Forum DT11 0RP Tel: 01258 860037 Mob: 07940 151961 Facebook & Website: Etheridge Farm & Stud
£400 NFFR
A year in the life of a
Stud Manager
Harry Thirlby West Kington Stud West Kington Stud’s Manager, Harry Thirlby, is an affable fellow who loves his horses and providing a very special service to both mare and stallion owners. In many ways, the gift of life is in his hands.
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A family friend aware of Harry’s interest in horses kindly put him in contact with Jane and following an interview, she offered Harry the position of stud groom, a role which included learning the skills of stallion handling. Following a couple of years of gaining experience under the watchful eyes of Jane and Tessa, Harry moved on to work in a few other studs to build his knowledge. In 2016, he returned to West Kington to work the foaling season and chose to stay. Despite his skills, his management role has been demanding and not because of horses. Instead, politics have played their part; stud managers have not only had to endure the challenges of Brexit, but also the effects of Covid on staff, equine services and clients. Harry is clearly extremely proud to be part of the West Kington team. The stud is a specialist centre for the complete breeding cycle from stallion quarantine, training stallions for semen collection, semen storage and global distribution to the insemination of mares and delivery of foals. With different breeding cycles across the globe, there is never a quiet moment.
by Stephanie Fitt The joy of waking to the view of paddocks of mares and foals makes Harry’s role feel very worthwhile. He has been connected to Jane Holderness-Roddam’s beautiful Cotswold based West Kington stud for twelve years and gained promotion to stud manager when Tessa Clarke retired at the end of 2019. Tessa is renowned globally in the field of equine reproduction, so Harry has had big shoes. He has risen to the challenge; steering the stud through one of their busiest foaling and insemination years in his first year in the post. Harry explained: “The effect of Covid and future uncertainty seems to have persuaded many owners to cover top class competition mares nearing retirement earlier than originally planned. The quality of mares coming to be inseminated and returning for foaling has been exceptional.”
We discussed how his tasks alter over a year. The beginning of 2022 has kept Harry busy planning staffing, looking at possible improvements in the stud’s operations and ordering the equipment needed for the coming breeding season. January also brings orders for semen from the United Arab Emirates, USA and “Keen EU clients planning ahead”. These European clients are proving useful as they are providing his team with the chance to understand the latest Brexit administrative requirements; the new documentation is now far more time consuming. In February and March these tasks continue along with freezing semen for use across the world. Each year around 60 – 80 stallions come through the stud for this service. The biggest demands are for sport horses and for Arabian racing, endurance and show, but the full range is very diverse. British Riding Ponies to Miniature Shetlands and heavy horse breeds
How did the choice of stud work happen? Harry didn’t have the most conventional start to his equine career. Although he had grown up with horses around him and had ridden since a child, he opted to take up an apprenticeship in IT when he left school. Harry didn’t enjoy office life and bravely decided it wasn’t for him. Nevertheless, computing skills continue to support his present role.
Mares and foals in paddocks make Harry’s job feel worthwhile
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Resident Connemara stallion, Hearnesbrook New Moon
are also catered for. A few mares arrive for foaling in March but later foaling deliveries are encouraged in order to save the paddocks for the summer ahead. April sees semen freezing replaced by the beginning of the busy foaling season. Jane and Harry recruit additional staff to cover the night shifts required for foaling down. Night staff work until 7:30am. With a change of shift comes handover and foal reports to pass to the day staff and the visiting vet. Harry is on call 24/7 during the foaling months. Harry chuckled as he mentioned his staff are also learning new photography skills. Covid prevented many owner/breeders from visiting mares and off-spring so photo updates are much appreciated. Harry now spends many of his evenings sending out news and pictures of foals, recognising that communication is an integral part of the stud’s work: “Each year brings many first-time breeders and returning clients who enjoy discussing their foals and choice of stallions”. However, it’s clear that Harry whilst he enjoys electronic contact with clients, he misses their visits. From May until August is the busiest time as the stud caters for around 100 visiting mares. Hours are long and sometimes a foaling doesn’t go to plan, but Harry still finds this the most rewarding time. Both Harry and Jane are very grateful for the veterinary assistance they receive from Anna Mitchell who is based nearby with B&W Equine. Anna makes daily visits to check mares, foals and the stallions.
Resident Thoroughbred stallion, Jamhoori
insemination”. At West Kington, inseminations using frozen semen are carried out by the vets, but inseminations with fresh and chilled semen are carried out by Harry, who is a DEFRA approved AI Technician. “Care is continuous and meticulous as after covering, comes the wait for the heartbeat scans”. Although many owners experience delight at this stage, Harry said that one of the downsides of his work is having to inform owners that their mare is not in foal. Sometimes this is due to the mare or the standard of the semen, and sometimes both. When asked about breeding trends Harry said the demand for different types of stallions varies from year to year. Presently, there appears to be an increased demand for native pony semen from the EU and a global demand for Irish Draught and British Riding Ponies, especially from the Rotherwood stallions. Harry’s list of duties also includes caring for West Kington’s resident stallions: Jamhoori, and Hearnesbrook New Moon. Thoroughbred, Jamhoori is by Tiger Hill and won seven races on the flat and was placed over hurdles. 143cm Connemara, Hearnesbrook New Moon, is Ella Dalton’s former HOYS and RIHS ride and has also successfully evented and show jumped. Jane purchased him last year with a view to breeding performance ponies and his first crop of foals are eagerly awaited.
As there is “increasing demand for frozen and chilled semen in the UK and the EU,” attention moved swiftly from foaling to insemination. With rising demand comes increased administrative duties supporting each covering. “Everything has to be very precise; mares need to be scanned, reports given to owners, semen orders have to be arranged and collections planned. These ideally take place by 10am on the day of shipping.” Harry explained: “The scanning of mares will begin on the day of or day after arrival. The vet will scan and track them as often as deemed necessary to ensure that timing is optimal. Ovulation agents are used to control the exact timing of
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By September most of the mares and foals have returned home. Autumn allows Harry to use his stallion handling skills as the young stallions move in to learn their trade. Another duty is to plan quarantine arrangements for stallions whose semen will be frozen, shipped and stored for international use. This includes coordinating orders from Australia and New Zealand for their show horse and pony breeding season. Harry explained that although Australasia has traditionally imported semen from top riding pony and Welsh stallions, there now appears to be an increasing demand for light horse blood including Up With The Lark, Tiger Attack, and top Irish Draught stallions. By early winter, paddocks have been prepared for the following year, maintenance jobs are underway and semen shipments slow down. Harry sighed as he said, “The aim is for December to be an easier time for everyone; we all need a well-deserved break but there are always a few resident youngsters so the work never really stops!” Winter is also time to reflect. Harry mentioned that a most memorable season was back in 2013 when he worked at West Kington with three stallions competing at the top of their disciplines – Utopia [Dressage], Chilli Morning [Eventing] and Billy Congo [Show jumping] – and who each won Team GB medals. Harry
continues to gain great satisfaction from delivering their frozen semen foals, along with many others and sharing the whole process with their breeders. The hope is that one day, each foal will turn into a special star for their owners and sometimes even for their country.
Visiting stallion, The After Party, ridden by Nick Gauntlett
LEANDER THOROUGHBRED BLACK 158cm Sire of multi Cuddy finalist and Ottergalyesupreme Power of Love
£500
STUD FEE NFFR
Emma Edwards eedwards76@hotmail.com Brickyard Farm, Hatherleigh, Devon, EX20 3LE 48 | Showing World | March Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
Sire of many HOYS and RI finalists and some exciting eventers coming out in 2022
Breeding: The Burning Questions We ask three experienced breeders some burning questions... Ann Bigley Llanarth Stud You foal most of your mares outside. What are the benefits of foaling outside? For us, foaling outside is nature’s way; it’s a familiar environment for the mares as they are used to being out, so it’s less stressful for them than being brought into a different environment for foaling. We find the foal gets up and going much quicker outside because they simply have their mum telling them what to do with no distractions. I can remember Mrs Yeomans, an eminent Thoroughbred breeder always said that irrespective of the weather, she would make sure that she got her foals out within twenty-four hours so that they could open their chests and expand their lungs – even if it was just for fifteen minutes. She swore by it as a method. We also find that it’s cleaner and more hygienic. Of course, the disadvantage is that if something goes wrong and your mare’s stuck on a hill, then you have problem. So, if we had a filly that we were really worried about foaling, then we may bring her in, but we wouldn’t normally. How do you maintain a balance between breeding for type and breeding for temperament? Hopefully, you’ll be using mares and stallions that have both a good
temperament and good conformation. You must ask yourself, ‘why breed from a mare or a stallion that doesn’t have a good temperament or that doesn’t have good conformation?’ You should also be careful of using a mare or stallion just because it’s got form in the showring as that doesn’t necessarily mean that it will breed what you want. For example, some in-hand animals won’t necessarily make it under saddle and won’t breed a ridden animal. I believe it can be done as our stallions have done both jobs in the past and they knew how to behave appropriately for both classes. You breed Welsh sections B and D as well as Welsh part-breds. Do you approach caring for natives and partbred mares differently? It very much depends on the cross. For example, my big, 16.2hh part-breds only have 12.5% Welsh blood and the rest is Thoroughbred so they need more TLC over the winter, and I will winter them inside. When they have a foal on them, we will keep them out, but give both the mare and foal a little hard feed each day to help them along. However, the smaller show pony types or a partbred that’s 50% native could winter out easily only need good grass to keep them well - Dr Green! How quickly do you handle the foals? Are there any top tips to handling strapping cob foals? First of all, they get used to coming when the mares need worming or covering, for example, and we’ll tie them up alongside
their dams and give them a feed. It teaches them that it’s not stressful as the dam won’t be stressed. We always use halters instead of headcollars so that if they attempt to pull back, they won’t break and that teaches them not to pull. Naturally, we keep an eye on them when they’re tied. Before weaning, we have the mares and foals in for about three days. That gets the foal used to eating hard food and we won’t wean them until they’re eating well. Once the mare leaves, we put headcollars on the foals and sometimes leave a little rope attached so that we can catch them. Each foal has its own stable and every day, we’ll catch them, tie them up and muck them out. If they’re tied, they must stand and can’t go running round the box when you’re in there. They quickly get used to it. We’ll also put a little rug on them and clip their jaws so that they get used to it all and are well handled by the time they leave if they are sold. How does someone new to breeding find out about bloodlines and what might work for their mare? You could ask the breeder of the mare, ask other breeders, and read a lot! However, it’s important not to get fixated on bloodlines as you must also look at the mare and the stallion and analyse its conformation. Also, breeding is about trying things: trial and error. Some crosses will work, and some won’t, and you also need some luck!
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Ann Basset Etheridge Stud What’s the first thing a novice breeder needs to consider? You must think it through properly. Consider if the mare is suitable to breed what you want in terms of height, type and temperament, and the facilities you have. You foal most of your mares inside. What are the advantages? What sort of facilities are needed to foal mares indoors? You need a large, safe stable with no protrusions or gaps around the edge that a foal’s legs can get through, and no haynets or mangers. You need a deep straw bed that comes right to the door. Others use shavings but I find that can stick to a wet foal. The biggest advantage is the ability to monitor the mares.We use CCTV. You can buy systems that link to a phone so you can watch from afar. Foaling can happen quickly; sometimes a young mare will walk around a little but often mares will be munching hay one minute and twenty minutes later, it’s all over. Most of the time it goes smoothly, but occasionally there will be a leg back or the head will still be in the bag and that’s easily coped with at home if you’re monitoring the mare and know that it’s happening. What about when the foal’s born? A foal needs colostrum shortly after it’s born. Personally, we always milk the mare as soon as possible and feed the foal with a plastic bottle and a lamb’s teat. We find that just when the foal is starting to think about getting up, it has a strong sucking reflex whereas sometimes when they’re first up on their feet, they’re too busy finding their balance to concentrate on feeding. Once it’s fed, we help the foal to its feet. What should you do to look after the mare and foal in first 24 hours or so? After she’s foaled and we’re happy that the foal is up, we leave them and monitor them from afar. Mares like privacy so we
sometimes shut the top door if she’s feeling very protective as there’s always a danger the foal will get in the way as she’s trying to protect it from prying eyes. You need to watch that the mare cleanses and doesn’t retain her placenta. She should cleanse within a couple of hours. There can be serious complications from retained placenta so if she hasn’t cleansed, don’t be tempted to pull it; call the vet. You also need to watch that the foal is feeding little and often and that it has passed the meconium. If a foal is starting to show discomfort, get the vet immediately to check it. What services are available and when should mares be booked in for foaling?
Jill Godden Rhos Stud You breed ponies for children. How do you approach choosing bloodlines? How much importance to you place on temperament? I prefer to use mares that have been broken and had a bit of a career under saddle, showing they have the temperament for being ridden by a child. I also prefer to use stallion bloodlines that have consistently produced offspring that prove themselves trainable and of an even temperament.
Usually, mares arrive about three weeks prior to foaling to get the right antibodies into their systems. We always like to give the mare a tetanus vaccination about a month before foaling, too, as it gives her and the foal a degree of cover. What are your tips for choosing a stallion? Again, consider what you want to produce in terms of type and who you are breeding for. Consider the size of the stallion, too; if it’s your mare’s first foal, don’t use a stallion significantly bigger than her. You need a stallion that will complement the mare. Analyse her weaknesses and choose a stallion that’s good in those areas. Get advice from someone who is experienced.
How do you make sure that your youngsters are exposed to life experience or shown without them being pushed too hard? I don’t show youngsters in hand anymore but when I did, they still spent a lot of time in the field and weren’t lunged. Nowadays, being on a farm, the youngsters see cattle and sheep, a lot of heavy machinery both working and stationary, plus they hear chainsaws, power tools and so on, so they just have to learn to accept whatever is going on. Do you prepare mares for foaling differently if you intend showing the mare later in the season? Mares for showing will be stabled before and after foaling and have more hard feed than the others but not letting them get over fat. They’re not rugged until after foaling. Do you use AI? If so, why? What are the advantages for you? I used AI for the first time in 2021, as
I have always used my own stallion. Using AI obviously gives you more choice of using stallions based further away from home without having to travel the mare long distances and potentially being turned out with mares they’re not used to and getting injured. Other species have now started to use sexed semen, if that became available to horses would you use it? I think the only time I would use sexed semen if it were to become available would be to get a filly from a mare that has consistently had colts, but I wanted to carry on her bloodline. What does being a responsible breeder mean to you? To me, being a responsible breeder means having a job in mind for the resulting foal, not covering every mare just because they’re in the field and making sure you have enough space to run on any youngsters not sold as foals.
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Claire O’Meara is an equine vet who has worked in practices in Ireland, England and Wales. She holds an Advanced Practice Certificate in stud medicine and now runs her own equine fertility practice in West Wales. Claire talked us through some considerations for mare owners contemplating becoming breeders or using A.I. for the first time.
All you need to know
SMR Photography Breeding from your mare: making that decision Breeding a foal is a joyous privilege but it’s important that you consider objectively whether you should breed from your mare. Consider these questions in making your decision: • Are you happy to emulate her temperament? • Does she have good overall conformation? • What job is the foal going to do? • Do you have the facilities and capabilities for handling a mare and foal? • Is it financially right for you? Fertility is never guaranteed, and if a mare needs help to conceive, it can become costly. Although we hope for success on the first attempt, it’s recommended that you allow for three cycles to achieve pregnancy, so you should be realistic about the time and cost that may be involved. You should also consider the cost of getting a foal safely on the ground; problems with foaling and a sick foal can also
be costly. Pre-breeding First ensure your mare is generally healthy. Consider body condition as being over or underweight can have a detrimental effect on fertility. Has she had a recent faecal worm count and been wormed if necessary? Do her teeth or feed need attention? Carrying a foal is heavy work for hooves! A pre-breeding check including ultrasound examination of the uterus and ovaries is advisable to verify that your mare is cycling normally and determine if there are any problems that need addressing or noting for future reference. It’s also a good time for your vet to take any pre-breeding swabs or bloods necessary depending on how your mare is being covered, the stallion you’re using, and the stud’s requirements. Ask your vet to advise you. Mare Reproductive Cycles Mares are ‘long day’ breeders so most will start cycling naturally around March before their cycles tail-off again in autumn. Spring’s increasing daylight hours influence hormone secretion within the pituitary and adrenal glands, bringing mares into a period of cyclicity. A mare’s coat can be a useful
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indicator as if her summer coat is through, she is probably cycling. Some mares demonstrate they’re in season by becoming noisy, showing frequent urination, and becoming cranky or very affectionate! However, some mares are subtler and only show they’re cycling in specific situations so don’t worry if you’ve not seen her ‘show’. Ultrasound examinations will determine what’s really going on. The average length of a mare’s cycle is 21 days. She will be in season (oestrus) for 5-7 days. Ovulation tends to occur at the end of the mare’s oestrus period. Generally, the best time to cover the mare is as close as possible to ovulation. How your mare is covered will dictate how accurate the timing must be for success. Therefore, it’s important that your vet knows what type of semen is to be used so that they can tailor a plan to maximise your mare’s chance of conception. Artificial insemination (A.I.)w A.I. is now widely used and has its advantages. It reduces the risk of disease transmission, keeps stallions safe from a mare’s hind legs, allows them to continue competing during the stud season, and allows the use of stallions that are geographically further afield. It also offers economies of scale – more than one mare can be covered each time the stallion ejaculates, and frozen semen can be used from stallions that have died or been castrated. Semen used for A.I. can be fresh, chilled, or frozen. Fresh semen needs to be used immediately after collection and the mare should ovulate within 2448 hours of insemination. Chilled semen should be used within 24 hours of
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collection. After collection, the semen is placed in syringes or test tubes and packed into an insulated box with cool packs for transport. It can be couriered overnight to the mare. Before dispatch, it’s treated with an extender containing nutrients and antimicrobials to maintain sperm cell viability whilst in transit. When using chilled semen, the mare should ovulate within 24 hours of insemination. Frozen semen is stored in small 0.5cm straws in liquid nitrogen tanks. When using frozen semen, the mare will need to be covered within 6 hours of ovulation to maximise conception rates. Fresh semen is generally the least labourintensive option and frozen semen is the most laborious in terms of mare preparation. Insemination – preparation of the mare Regardless of whether the semen is chilled or frozen, your vet will track your mare’s cycle to pinpoint the optimal time to inseminate her. This usually involves repeated scans of the ovaries and uterus. These examinations are best carried out with the mare in handling stocks for her safety and the safety of the vet and handlers. Often, your vet will use a hormone injection to push the mare to come into season during the working week as this increases the chances of successful semen deliveries by courier. 48-72 hours post injection, your mare will be reexamined for development of a follicle (egg) on her ovary(ies) and other signs that she is coming into season. Once it’s apparent that she has developed an appropriately large follicle (usually 35-45mm), semen will be ordered and a hormone injection to induce ovulation (release of the large follicle into the uterus) may be used. Frozen semen is usually ordered in advance.
It is delivered in a dry shipper which keeps the straws safely frozen in transit at approximately -196C. On arrival with your vet, it is transferred to a larger nitrogen tank until your mare is ready for it. Hormones will be used at an appropriate time so that your vet has the best chance of predicting when your mare will ovulate. Frozen semen needs to be used within 6 hours of ovulation so it is likely that your mare will be scanned frequently as she nears the expected time of ovulation to maximise the chances of success. It’s potentially easier to send your mare to a stud where a vet is visiting frequently and there are facilities for handling and examination. Alternatively, your vet may have a clinic set up for mare’s boarding for A.I. As well as safety considerations for mares, vets, and handlers, monitoring your mare can be time consuming and examinations don’t always fit in around an owner’s job and other commitments! Your vet can advise you on what would be most suitable for you and your mare and will probably have good suggestions as to where she might go.
twins to or close to term, she may be in danger at the birth. If twins are found on an early scan, your vet will “pinch” one of the embryos during an ultrasound scan. This hopefully allows the remaining embryo to develop as any other single pregnancy. A heartbeat scan is carried out around 28 days. Further scans may be carried out at certain stages depending on your mare’s individual circumstances. If all goes to plan, roughly 340 days after ovulation: a foal!
When will we know if it’s worked? The first scan to check for pregnancy should happen between 14-17 days after insemination. It is important that the mare is checked at this stage in case of twins. The entire surface of a mare’s uterus is taken up with the placenta to support a single developing foal (foetus) so it’s not designed to carry more than one pregnancy. Of course, we hear the occasional story of twin births, but this is rare. Most twin pregnancies end in early foetal death and if the mare manages to carry
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For Showing World readers, we can offer a £100 discount for this season. Quote Showing2022 when contacting us. John Chambers CEng Springfield Stud Springfield Farm Myddle Shropshire UK
Mobile: (+44) 07717 432814 Email: john.chambers191@gmail.com
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EMBRYO TRANSFER in a nutshell by Maggie Simons photos supplied by Ami Miller Have you wished that your top-class hack, show pony or worker mare could breed your next superstar without having to wait for her to retire?Or have you an injured mare who is physically unable to carry a foal? If you answered, ‘YES,’ then Embryo Transfer could be the answer to your dreams! What is Embryo Transfer? Put simply, Embryo Transfer [ET] is the transfer of an embryo from one ‘donor’ mare into a ‘recipient’ mare. The recipient mare carries and gives birth to the foal and then nurtures it until weaning. The first successful transfer was carried out in 1972 and by now, is the most widely practiced assisted reproductive technique. What are the benefits of ET? The most obvious benefit is the ability to breed from your mare without compromising her competitive career or waiting for retirement when her fertility might be compromised due to age. But ET can also provide the gift of multiple offspring from your mare in one year. Not only that, but those offspring could be sired by multiple stallions. In short, it can fast track your breeding programme. A further benefit is the capacity to breed from mares with reproductive problems who are unable to carry a foal to full term themselves, or whose career-ending injuries render them unable to take the physical strain of carrying a foal. Reproductive problems include cervical tears and age associated uterine changes. These can often lead to repeated abortion or can be diagnosed via biopsy, but may not stop the mare from being able to nurture an embryo for long enough to flush at 7 days. Chronic endometritis, a uterine infection, can also be a barrier to a mare carrying a foal to full term, but controlling the infection for the 7 days required to achieve an embryo for transfer is far more feasible.
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What else should I consider? As with any other type of breeding, you should always ask yourself if your mare is good enough. Realistically, there are only so many weaknesses a stallion can correct, so starting with a good quality mare is crucial. You should know your own mare’s strengths and weaknesses and choose a stallion that could potentially improve her. Temperament is also an essential criterion. First of all, consider the traits that may be passed on to offspring, and then consider a mare’s suitability to motherhood. You should also consider the recipient mare’s credentials; she should be of a similar size and breed to the donor mare, and should also be of a suitable temperament for motherhood. Breeding from your mare should not be done on a whim: do your research, finding a good vet, and start planning early. I’m in! How does it work? Preferably, the process takes place during the natural cycle of a young and fertile donor mare. The embryo is flushed from the mare 6-7 days into the pregnancy if she was inseminated with fresh or chilled semen, or at 8 days into the pregnancy with frozen semen. It is then transferred to a synchronised recipient mare.
ET: The Breeder’s Perspective Ami Miller’s small intermediate show riding type and small hack, DPUK Nightdancer [Bubbles] enjoyed a prolific career under saddle, winning HOYS on four separate occasions. Ami decided to start breeding from Bubbles using embryo transplant [ET] in 2019. We asked her to talk us through the whole process from an owner’s point of view…
I decided to go down the route of embryo transfer, or ET, with Bubbles in 2019 so that I could continue to compete her whilst also starting to breed from her while she was still young and fertile. The prospect of breeding multiple foals in one year also appealed to me. For me the process was quite straight forward as I had a lot of guidance from my fiancé, Anthony’s sister, Emma Blundell, who has a very successful stud – Mount St John – breeding dressage horses where she uses ET regularly. Bubbles was based at Stanley Grange at the time with Jerome Harforth, who also has a vast amount of breeding experience. This meant that Jerome was able to prepare her for the process with help from the Hambleton Equine Clinic
team, and Bubbles could carry on with life pretty much as normal. In fact, that year she was fourth in her hack class at HOYS with Jo Bates on board, and seventh with me in her intermediate show riding type class, and all the while, three of her babies were brewing elsewhere. She went through the insemination process at Stanley Grange and seven days later, she was taken to Mount St John for her ‘flush’, which was performed by James Crabtree from Equine Reproductive Services. I won’t go into detail on how the process of this works as I’m not a vet! However, I was told that as Bubbles had ‘double ovulated’, it was possible that we could get two embryos. Fortunately,
Removing the embryo is a relatively simple, painless, non-surgical process, and it’s often possible to schedule it in around the mare’s competition diary. After 7 days, the recipient mare is scanned to ensure the embryo has been successfully transferred and the pregnancy is still viable. According to statistics, conception rates vary between 60-80%.
we did. These embryos were then inseminated into two of Emma’s recipient mares whose reproductive cycles were synchronised with Bubbles’. One month later, we did the same again with Kilvington Scoundrel semen and again, there were two embryos in her ‘flush’ which was pretty exciting. Bubbles then continued her show season and the recipient mares were cared for at Mount St John. One year later in spring 2020, we were fortunate enough to have three healthy little Bubbles babies born. They were all fillies! The Honourable Bardot (Bardot) is by Whalton High Flyer whilst The Honourable Beatrice (Beatrice) and The Honourable Nightingale (Florence) were twins by Kilvington Scoundrel carried by two separate mares but born within ten hours of each other. I was there for the birth of all of them; it really was the most special experience and definitely made lockdown a little more bearable.
The Honourable girls are now two, and I’m very pleased with how they are maturing! They all have huge fronts like their mum and movement to die for. They are just having fun in their nursery for now, but I will probably get them out doing some in-hand classes next year. I think they will make lovely hacks for the future. Bubbles is now thirteen years old and is carrying her own foal by Alonby Artisan. She is due on February twenty-sixth. I’m feeling nervous for her but very excited to see what she produces this time. I can see her being the most amazing mum; it’s crazy to think that this will be her fourth foal but the first time she’s having to push! I would recommend ET to other mare owners. Top class show horses are hard to find and this is a great way of being able to use a successful mare, whilst still competing and producing the next generation.
Thank you, Ami. We wish you and Bubbles the very best of luck and can’t wait to see the new baby! info@showingworldonline.co.uk | March Issue 2022 | Showing World | 55
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Heniarth Cotton Gold, palomino colt
GENETICS PALOMINO
THE OF A
THE BASICS OF COLOUR GENETICS By Jessica Regan “Equine genetics is becoming increasingly complex and extensive as more research is done into the subject. No doubt a whole book could be written on the intricacies and variations, but this article will focus on just the main genes that impact the breeding of palominos”.
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Equine genetics is becoming increasingly complexand extensive as more research is done into the subject. No doubt a whole book could be written on the intricacies and variations, but this article will focus on just the main genes that impact the breeding of palominos. All DNA comes in pairs of what is called alleles, one inherited from the sire, and one from the dam. There are millions of these pairs that make up your horse’s DNA, but the main ones we’ll concentrate on today are: • Red/Black Factor e / E • Cream Dilution Cr / n • Grey G / g • Agouti A / a
takes over and so will be visibly back based Cream Dilution The Cream dilutions gene acts on a base colour to lighten it, one gene (Cr n) will lighten: • Black to Smokey black • Bay to Buckskin • Chestnut to Palomino Two genes will lighten (Cr Cr): • Black and bay to Perlino • Chestnut to Cremello
In very basic terms a palomino is a chestnut (red) base with a single cream gene. What does this mean? Let’s look at each of the above colours individually. Red / Black Factor This is the base colour of the horse or pony and can be affected by these other genes. A red or black based pony may not look red or black due to these other genes taking effect, but they still have a base colour which you need to know to be able to calculate the potential colours of the foal. Red based horses include cremello, palomino, chestnut. Black based include perlino, buckskin, bay and black. Grey horses could have either base colour – we’ll come back to this later! For every pair of genes, there is always one dominant and one recessive, what this means is if a horse has one of each, it will display only the dominant colour. For the Red / Black Factor the black is the dominant. The three combinations a horse can have are: •EE or Black – Black, this horse will be visibly black based • ee or Red – Red, this horse will be visibly red based • Ee or Black – Red, this horse has one of each, so the black
Grey Gene The grey gene is a dominant gene that will cover all other colours except cremello or perlino. Both a single grey gene (Gg) or double grey genes (GG) will cause the horse to be grey. Often grey horses are not born grey but grow lighter as they age. If you know what colour your grey horse was when it was born that can help you know what their base colour is and therefore what foals they can have. Agouti Agouti doesn’t impact palominos, but it’s worth mentioning anyway. This is the gene that lightens black to bay or smokey black to buckskin but has no effect on chestnuts. Similar to the grey gene, it doesn’t matter if a horse has a single (Aa) or double (AA) it will act the same way. Out of the 4 genes we’re looking at, this is the hardest one to know what the genetic make up is without performing a DNA test.
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Copella Lanark, bay stallion
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So how do we work out what colour our horses could pass onto their foals? To work out what colour foal you might have, first you need to know the genetic make-up of the sire and dam, then you can use a “Punnett Square” to find out the possible combinations. For example, let’s use the Black / Red Factor. If we had a red based mare, she would have to be ee, and if we knew out black based stallion was Ee then we’d have:
This would mean there is a 50 / 50 chance the foal would be Ee – black based, or ee – red based.
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Eyarth Kimba, chestnut mare
In order to know the exact colour of the foal we need to do the same for each of the 4 gene types. For example, if we have a palomino stallion, we know he must be:
2.
1. ee – Palominos are red based 2. Cr n – Palominos have only 1 cream gene 3. gg – negative for grey, as they are not grey themselves 4. AA, Aa or aa - because the Agouti gene has no impact on red based horses, we don’t know what Agouti genes this stallion carries. And we have a buckskin mare: 1. Ee or EE – as buckskin’s are black based 2. Cr n – buckskins have only 1 cream gene 3. gg – negative for grey, as they are not grey themselves 4. Aa or AA - as they appear buckskin, not smokey black 1. For this example, lets assume the mare is Ee:
So we have a 50% change that the foal will have 1 cream gene (and be Palomino, Buckskin or smokey black), 25% chance the foal will have 2 cream genes (and be cremello or perlino), 25% chance the foal will have no cream gene (and be Chestnut, bay or black). 3.
So we have a 50% chance the foal will be Ee and black based and 50% chance that the foal ee and red based.
Because neither parent carried the grey gene, there is no way that the foal will be grey, genetically it must gg.
The British Palomino Society holds classes throughout the country for cream dilutes, including at the Royal Welsh Show and Royal Three Counties. In addition, they hold three society shows each year, Spring, Summer National Championships and Autumn.
For more information, please have a look on the website: thebritishpalominosociety.co.uk. 58 | Showing World | March Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
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4. Let’s assume we’ve done a DNA test for Agouti, and we know that both Sire and Dam are AA
Because both parents carry two copies of the Agouti gene, the foal must be AA, and therefore can never be black or smokey black. This is because if the foal is red based the gene will take no effect, and if the foal is black based then agouti will act on the black making it bay / buckskin. As you can see there are so many different combinations from a single mating! This also explains why you can see so many different colours in full siblings. There are several different colour societies, for example CHAPS for coloureds and the British Palomino Society for all horses and ponies with a single or double cream dilute.
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Silva Lowki, cremello gelding
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Feeding the
pregnant and lactating mare
by Emma Short BSc (Hons) The Pregnant Mare Development of the foal begins right from the point of conception, so it’s very important to feed appropriately from this time onwards. It is often suggested that a high fibre, low energy feed, such as a cool mix, will meet a pregnant mare’s requirements through the first two thirds of the pregnancy but, while these feeds may be sufficient to meet calorie requirements, alongside forage, the levels of other nutrients are likely to be insufficient. Minerals such as copper are vitally important in a mare’s diet because they, and other essential nutrients, are needed to build the cells and tissues that create a foal. Research has shown that the foetus accumulates stores of minerals in its liver on which it can draw once it is born and growing very rapidly. Without these reserves, Developmental Orthopaedic Disease (DOD) can occur as the foal grows. Lower energy feeds and those formulated for adult equines rather than breeding or growing ones, will leave the pregnant mare and developing foal short. Mares who are good-doers often put on too much weight if fed a stud mix or cube during pregnancy. For these types, a specially formulated stud balancer, containing all the essential nutrients they need but with a negligible calorie content, is ideal and should ensure that the development of the foetus is supported without promoting weight gain in the mare. Because a balancer is so concentrated, only small amounts need to be fed, which is particularly useful for mares
that are heavily pregnant as they often have a reduced appetite. For mares who don’t maintain their weight, a stud or mare and youngstock mix or cubes should be used, as they contain extra calories alongside the essential nutrients required. Whatever you choose, it’s very important to feed it at the manufacturer’s recommended levels to ensure the mare is receiving all the nutrients she and her growing foal need.
The Lactating Mare The primary aim of feeding the lactating mare is to provide good sources of energy and protein for her to produce enough nutritious milk to support the foal during its first three months, when the growth rate is especially rapid. To prepare the mare for the energy requirements of lactation it is therefore essential that she is fed correctly during gestation. Once she has foaled and is lactating, her energy requirements will increase by as much as 44% and nutrients such as protein, calcium, phosphorous and vitamin A will be in particularly high demand. During the first 3 months of lactation a mare will give 3% of her body weight daily in milk production so, for example, a mare of 454kg will produce in the region of 13.6kgs of milk per day. If the mare’s diet is deficient in calories, at this stage, she will lose weight and, if deficient in protein, she will lose muscle and top line and “milk off her back”, while an inadequate supply of major and trace minerals means her liver and bone stores will be sacrificed for the foal.
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Insufficient feed at this stage can also reduce milk production and quality, and compromise reproductive efficiency, which could eventually affect the foal’s health and growth rate. For those who maintain condition during lactation on grass/forage alone, the additional source of vitamins and minerals provided by a lowcalorie stud balancer is ideal. Mares who require additional calories, however, are best suited to a stud/mare and youngstock mix or cube, containing 15-16% crude protein and fed little and often to the manufacturer’s recommendation. The composition of mare’s milk changes rapidly during the first days of lactation with further gradual changes thereafter. Within the first 12hrs after birth the mare must pass adequate passive protection to her foal via the colostrum. At this point the foal’s small intestine is permeable to large protein molecules, such as the antibodies contained in colostrum which will help build up its own immune system. Ideally the foal needs to be suckling within the first 2 hours after birth, as the antibody content of the colostrum is at its highest during this period. If the mare has not received a balanced and energy dense ration, her milk is likely to be of a poor quality or she may not produce enough milk to support the foal’s growth. Should this be the case, the foal’s diet will need to be supplemented with a milk-based creep feed to provide the extra calories and other nutrients that will be deficient. 3-5 weeks into lactation the mineral levels in the mare’s milk drop naturally by 40-60% and a creep feed is ideal to help counteract any short falls.
t s e g i D
BREEDER’S
By Stephanie Fitt
Carolyn Cox of the Copella Stud has her homebred colt, Copella Nightfall (Copella Lanark x Eyarth Kimba) coming out in-hand at the county shows as a three-year-old this coming season. Carolyn’s daughter, Jessica also said that the family will also be showing two other home-produced section Bs.
Kelly Phillips, breeder of twice HOYS supreme in-hand finalist, Sandboro Sir Henry [Rotherwood Peeping Tom x Mathemadam Kindred Spirit] awaits a full sibling. Kelly is looking forward to showing her homebred resident stallion, Sandboro Royal Affair, from home this season. The 153cm stallion won the NPS/Ottergayle Hack Breeding Final in 2021 and is by Llanarth Aristocrat out of the GSB registered mare, Incidentally.
Cindy Theakstone has welcomed future broodmare, Tuscany Sweet Serenade. The 128cm was bred by Steven Jackson is by promising young stallion, Rotherwood Just a Peep, out of Oldcourt Cantata daughter, Broadgrove Serenade. Sweet Serenade has retired to Cindy’s stud following her successful ridden career.
Ian Boylan has suffered the tragic loss of his stud’s top broodmare Miss Demeaner (Della). Della was gifted to Ian by a longstanding friend. She was one of the last daughters of Cusop Disciplin and was dam of the outstanding Alonby Dauphin, Alonby Chardonnier, Alonby Artisan and Alonby Artiste. Della spent most of her life at Litton Stud. Ian used the late stallions Llanarth Aristocat and Litton Reflection who proved to work well with Della. The choices made his dreams come true as a breeder with Miss Demeaner’s legacy living on through her sons.
Angela Rose’s three-year-old homebred filly, Milltimber Artistic Flair is another promising hack. She is by Alonby Artisan out of Pendley Chantilly Lace. She will be shown in-hand for education before commencing her ridden career.
Jennifer Gilchrist of the Romanno stud has also farewelled with her broodmare, Rotherwood Flamenco, at the age of 22. Flamenco was tremendously successful as a brood mare and show mare. Her wins included reserve supreme in-hand at HOYS as a yearling, and was later BSPS Champion of Champions, champion at East of England, and second at HOYS under saddle when owned by Team Jago and Carvosso. As a broodmare, she was placed in the Cuddy supreme at HOYS, was supreme champion at the Great Yorkshire Show, the Scottish Horse Show and the Whiteside and Knowles, winning the coveted £1000 prize at the latter. Flamenco’s offspring continue to represent her in the ring, including Romanno Fandango and Romanno Highland Fling both of whom have been placed at HOYS whilst her daughters Romanno Farrucca and the multi supreme champion Romanno Quickstep remain at Romanno to continue her lineage. Jennifer also has a Rubenstein mare in foal to L’Espoir; a heavyweight De Niro mare in foal to Faustinus; and Cuddy supreme finalist Romanno Bedriska’s full sister in foal to Faustinus.
Laura King’s five-year-old riding horse mare, Ashlea’s Total Class, is by coloured sport horse stallion, Free Spirit, out of a Co-Pilot mare. She has previously enjoyed a successful career in-hand standing champion at the Royal Highland Show, Driffield, Hambleton and Huby and Sutton and will be shown both in-hand and under saddle this season. Laura will also show her two-year-old hack, OSO Dom Perignon, also out of the same mare and sired by Heavenly Boy Blue.
Devon based Lauren Moore-Williams is looking forward to campaigning her three-year-old hack. Langaller First Act [Woodvean Midnight Blue x Mathemadam High Spirit] was bred by Charles Upham. He has already achieved some pleasing results standing hack breeding champion and shortlisted in the Price Supreme In-Hand qualifier at Devon County and reserve champion sport horse at Royal Bath and West Show handled by Lauren’s fiancé, Josh Cuming. “We are both very excited for the season ahead,” said Lauren.
Jane Cross awaits more horse foals at her Dowhills stud having previously specialised in riding ponies. Jane plans to show her yearling hack filly, Dowhills Cornish Regal Promise and will be busy with six hack and three riding horse mares due to foal.
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Lindsey Hewitt and Sophie Clohessy of the Linsop Stud have three-yea-old WPB/PBA 128cm gelding, Linsop Set the Scene (Anton Prince Charming x Brookhall Miss Milly) to show in preparation for his ridden career and also a forthcoming foal from their treasured mare, Laybalands Birthday Girl (Chiddock Time Limit x Westhill Frivolity). The mare came to them via their late friend Duncan Mackenzie-Tolhurst. Lindsey and Sophie sadly lost the mare’s very promising first foal in a tragic field accident but hope for a happier outcome this time.
Danielle French plans to show her two-year-old Irish Draught, Gracelands Pebbles, sired by Bannvalley Pride of Midnight in hunter breeding and Irish Draught classes. The filly was bred by Jo Ayckroyd and will be one of several bred by the stud venturing into the ring this season assisted by Danielle.
Rachel Morgans is sending her threeyear-old, Toncynffig Raphael, to Team Moore to be produced for his final inhand season. The gelding was bred by Elaine Francis and is by the warmblood stallion Liberace out of a full Thoroughbred mare.
Fiona Leadbitter has three-year-old section B filly, Thornberry Aperitif [Gigman Bucks Fizz x Thornberry Arbenig], being produced by the Sianwood Stud. She tasted success at a couple of 2021’s end of season shows. Fiona said, “I feel lucky to have Aperitif as she was a red bag delivery and if I hadn’t been at the birth, the outcome would’ve been very different”. The filly will eventually be covered by Paddock Marquis. Fiona has three mares - Waxwing Perhaps, Cwrtycadno Cyfrinach and Thornberry Arbenig – in foal to Maruis. Fiona’s new mare, Llanarth Delilah, with be covered by Marquis in 2022
Emma Edwards will be returning to the ring to show her homebred potential small hack filly, Runnon Senorita, by Emma’s Thoroughbred stallion, Leander. The eventual aim for the three-year-old is for Emma to compete in hack classes and eventually to share the ride with her son, Harry.
The Royalview Stud will again be showing their small hunter broodmare, Kings Mistress (Kings Master x Black Spring) who is carrying a foal by the late eventing sire, Sir Shutterfly. The foal will be full sibling Royalview Pearl’s A Singer who is due to debut in small riding horse classes this summer. Kings Mistress was supreme hunter breeding champion at the Great Yorkshire Show and shortlisted in the Price Supreme qualifier and was supreme broodmare and supreme in-hand at the NCPA Pony of the Year in 2021.
t s e g Di
BREEDER’S
February 2022 Meryl Payne’s Menedh Kali (Llanarth Alleycat x Pendley Blue Charm) is in foal to hack stallion, Whistlejackets Kings Tribute. Meryl is hoping for a small hack foal to run alongside her yearling filly, Heirloom, who has the same sire but is out of Mimento. Heirloom’s full sibling has joined Sophie Curry and is being prepared for novice hack classes.
Diane Brereton reports that her Laybalands stud will continue to breed hacks and intermediates. Three-yearold Laybalands Walk in the Park is the stud’s first grandson of HOYS winner Catwalk. He is by Diane’s former stallion, Highmead To Be or Not To Be. The colt will be lightly shown with the aim for him to go under saddle as a hack. Meanwhile Diane’s husband, George, continues to enjoy breeding his highly regarded Highland ponies.
Natalie Vincent’s Pottofields Stud will be standing the 128cm British Riding Pony stallion, Hightopps Lord of the Rings (Barkway Partytime x Cusop Dark Jewel). The stud have recently invested in a three-year-old dun Connemara colt, Dooneen Royal Archie (Dunloughan Troy x Dooneen Stephanie Rose). He will be prepared and presented for inspection and shown in-hand this year. Natalie also stands the 158cm stallion Alameery (Kingman x Zacheta) and expects foals by him from her Master Imp mare and Kirstie Caister’s Tiger Attack mare.
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Horse of the Year Show 5th-9th October 2022 NEC BIRMINGHAM
Save the Date Don’t miss the ultimate celebration of the horse COMPETITIONS | DISPLAYS | RETAIL VILLAGE WWW.HOYS.CO.UK
British RAISING THE BAR
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Samantha Ross’ Tandridge First Edition, E ridden by Madison Crane
E
06.02.2022 Report by Beth Simons Photographs supplied by Sophie Olds Fiona Dymond’s Dipford Graceful, ridden by E Victoria Dymond
BSPS Area 13A
Poldice Valley Equine and Events Arena Fiona Dymond’s Dipford Graceful claimed the over overall supreme of show under Fiona’s daughter, Victoria Dymond. The pair stood show pony, part-bred and intermediate champions en route to the supreme. The Dymond family bought the five-yearold unbroken from her breeder, Sure Freeth. “Graceful is a full sister to Sue’s stallion, Dipford Great Expectations,” explained Victoria. Graceful and Victoria did a handful of shows last season but nevertheless were champions at NPS Area 10, NPS Area 26 and at Devon County. This was her first outing of the season, having been allowed to mature over the winter. In reserve supreme was Lucy Thirlby and her own Heritage champion, Cashelbay Toby. Five-year-old Connemara gelding, Toby, is by Derryveeney Lad and out of Corclough Laura. Lucy bought him as an unbroken three-year-old in the summer of 2020 from Jo Shaw, who had brought him over from Ireland. “It was the first time I had ever bought a pony from pictures and not gone to see it myself. We were over the moon when he made the long trip down from Cheshire to Cornwall”. Toby was subsequently broken over Christmas of 2020 and enjoyed a low-key summer competing in a hand full of unaffiliated shows. Lucy produces Toby from home. “He has the most amazing temperament, taking everything in his stride, and he’s easy to do in all ways. I am full time PE teacher and have a young daughter so he has to fit in around my life,” said Lucy. Nevertheless, Lucy is “hoping to contest the RIHS qualifiers this season and head to
the NPS championships and to Equifest”. Reserve heritage champion was the winner of the lead rein class, Bex Vinnicombe’s Rookery Rock Legend under Ophelia Vinnicombe on their season debut. Meanwhile the tiny-tots lead rein and tiny-tots championship was won by Lesley Wright’s Glyncoch Soprano, led by her grand-daughter, Georgina Simmonds and ridden by her great-granddaughter, Darcii on their showring debut. “We are four generations out together,” explained Lesley’s daughter, Dannii Simmonds. “They compete and I manage the lorry,” she laughed. The show hunter pony tricolour was awarded to Madison Crane,14, riding Tandridge First Edition [Hank], after the pair headed the novice show hunter pony class on their showring debut together. “Hank was our 2020 lockdown purchase,” said Madison’s mother, Samantha Ross. “A friend knew I’d been looking for a 143cm and told me that Jo and Oli Burchell had a three-year-old for sale. I don’t think he’d even walked out of the barn before I’d fallen for his walk and knew I had to buy him! He’s a lovely pony inside and out and we’re all rather smitten. Hopefully we’ll have a lot of fun with him this year”. Caroline Sutton’s Peasedown Bacardi Breezer jumped his way to the training stakes championship under Jessica Talbot on his first appearance in the working hunter pony ring. The Welsh section C was campaigned in novice classes last season before being gelded and taught to jump over the winter.
Lesley Wright’s Glyncoch Soprano, led by and ridden by Darcii EGeorgina Simmonds Simmonds
L-R: Lucy Thirlby and her own Cashelbay Toby; Bex Vinnicombe’s 64 | Showing World | March Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk Rock Legend ridden by ERookeryOphlia Vinnicombe
Caroline Sutton’s Peasedown Bacardi ridden by E Breezer Jessica Talbot
Sourcing Your Star Justine Armstrong Small has over 35 years of experience producing a variety of types, including working hunters and working hunter ponies. In fact, Justine is a formidable opponent in the worker ring. She has claimed the RIHS reserve champion working hunter spot three times – once riding Pipers Ovation and twice with Zin Zan, whom she also steered to the working hunter of the year title and supreme champion at HOYS in 2003. This issue she talks about sourcing your working hunter star and gives some tips on starting out once.
With the season upon us, if you’re wanting to compete in the workers and don’t already have a suitable horse or pony, it’s time to step on it. That said, finding the right horse or the right pony needs careful consideration, especially if it’s a pony for a child. Having produced workers and needed to source suitable ponies for clients in the past, the first things I consider are the level the new combination will be aiming to compete at and the rider’s ability and experience. These factors will affect the level of talent I need in the pony and how established it is in its jumping. It goes without saying that a child – or adult – without a great deal of experience will either need a pony with a little more milage or need to be prepared to be patient and work hard to progress on a novice. On the other hand, the novice classes can be a great introduction to competing in the workers. If you do think that tackling these classes for a season might be beneficial for you or your rider, then you should be aware that buying an open pony won’t allow you to do this, and equally, you could be in danger of de-novicing the pony quickly if it’s talented and genuine. Be strategic about your plans for the season. The height of the pony is also crucial. It’s essential that the pony fits into the category you want it to compete in. If the pony doesn’t have a height certificate already, take a measuring stick with you. Purchasing a pony for a child that potentially doesn’t fit into the class intended is risky. Not only could it mean that the pony isn’t scopey enough to make the heights and distances of the fences in the bigger class, but also that the child is over-faced. This is especially the case in plaited classes as the fences are larger for each height section than the fences in the equivalent height mountain and moorland classes.
Also, bear in mind that plaited working hunter pony classes have age limits for the children. So, even if you’re child fits easily onto a smaller pony, think about the time they have left in that class and the level they want to get to within it. For example, it might not make sense to invest large amounts of cash, time, and effort in a novice pony that your child will be too old to compete on at the end of the season. The lack of age limit and smaller fences in mountain and moorland classes might sound appealing. In theory, your child could enjoy years longer on a native pony tackling smaller courses than if they were on the equivalent height plaited pony. On the other hand, if your child is leggy, you’ll need to move them on just as quickly because the fit must be right. Don’t fool yourself, either. Smaller fences on small ponies might appeal to you when looking for a horse or pony for yourself, but you won’t feel comfortable jumping a pony too small for you and the picture won’t look right either. Once you do find the right pony or horse, invest in some constructive help. Tuition from an experienced teacher can help you get off to the right start. It’s rarely a good idea to jump too regularly at home for many reasons, so regular lessons mean that you can progress quickly without over-jumping your pony and inviting problems. Personally, I like to jump my horses only once or twice a week and I don’t jump them the day before a show. It’s also a good idea to book some arenas nearby or tackle some unaffiliated arena eventing or show-jumping courses. That way, you can get some practice jumping away from home, judge how your pony will react to new fences and scenarios all without the pressure of competition. I take my horses show jumping over the winter and I feel that this also keeps me on top of my game.
National
Pony
Society
7
AREA
13th February 2022 Report by Beth Simons
Rushill Diplomat ridden by Sarah Parker
Cashelbay JJ [Cash] proved once again that he’s a class act, taking the first RIHS exceeding 143cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony ticket of 2022, under Maisie Kivlochlan. Maisie has the 19-year-old Connemara on lease from the Eddis family. He is by Castleside JJ out of Ballybawn Cashel, and was bred by Robbie and Barbara Fallon. Evergreen Cash has long been a phenomenal force in both the plaited and mountain and moorland ranks. He is a multiple HOYS and RIHS champion, appearing to romp home over the most formidable of tracks under Lucy Eddis. “He’s just an absolute legend in every way; it’s honestly such an honour and a privilege to have him,” said a thrilled Maise. “He is the professional in our partnership,” Maisie joked, “he is an absolute machine to jump and he adores his job”. He also has turned a hoof to
affiliated eventing in the past, something that Maisie also plans to pursue this year: “I’m going to have a relaxed season with him this year and hoping to do some grassroots eventing as well as workers.” Interestingly, Cash is the second Cashelbay Connemara to qualify for this year’s RIHS exceeding 143cm final, as Cashelbay Comet secured an extra-early qualification at the 2021 NPS Autumn Festival under Georgia Love. Sarah Parker won the not exceeding 133cm qualifier on her own, Rushill Diplomat. The six-year-old Welsh Section B was bred by Jill Rushton and arrived with Sarah for jumping experience prior to sale. However, Sarah spotted something special in him and bought him. In just limited outings last year, he qualified for the flat and working hunter pony finals at the RIHS and HOYS, and finished second in the 133cm HOYS final, announcing himself as one to watch for the future. The not exceeding 143cm was won by Jessica Talbot on Caroline Sutton’s homebred Welsh section C gelding, Peasedown Madison [Pinky]. Jessica has produced the former HOYS and RIHS working hunter pony finalist since breaking-in. The section champion also came from this class: second placed Janine Paterson with Sharon Goodman’s Lahinch Teddy. It was the fourteen-year-old Connemara’s first show since HOYS 2019 as Teddy fractured his splint bone
“He’s just an absolute legend in every way!”
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E
Dain Atherden’s Glenbanchor Benbecula, ridden by Hatty Atherden
required surgery in May 2020. Janine and Teddy made their first ever showring appearance at NPS Area 7 seven years ago, so it seems fitting that it’s where he made his comeback. “To get back there and for him to go so well was quite emotional,” said Janine. “He’s a pony of a lifetime for his owner Sharon Goodman and myself; he’s always got a smile on his face”. In reserve was Sue Kernan’s former HOYS, RIHS and Olympia finalist, Lledrith Nemesis under his producer, Samantha Roberts. The plucky Welsh section A stallion won the 122cm qualifying class. He had a remarkable 48 hours as he also qualified for the BD winter championships at Hartpury College the previous day. Sue’s daughter, Elliee Stunt also had reason to celebrate. Ellliee set up her own production yard in late October 2021. “I have a small string of ponies in,” she explained. She’s making an excellent start, taking home two tricolours from NPS Area 7: Rhiannon Loader’s 133cm show hunter pony won both his novice and open classes under Amelia Evans and the pair went on to be section champion; and Sweden-based Eleanor Marklund’s Welsh section B three-year-old colt won his small breeds youngstock class and overall NPS Silver Medal champion, shown by Tom Clark. In reserve was Rhi Randall with her own homebred Highland, Fleetwoods Loch Lomond. The three-year-old colt is by Bluebraes Merrick. Rhi intends to show him in-hand during the spring before turning him back out with other colts. In time, she plans to break him in with the view to showing him under saddle in the future. Dain Atherden was thrilled to see his own
Highland stallion, Glenbanchor Benbecula – or Eyore, due to his tiny ears – head the confined novice class and take the section tricolour under his wife, Hatty. Dain explained that he bought the five-year-old as a weanling. “I saw him advertised as a foal and thought he had something about him with loads of limb; I bought him unseen over the phone after a lovely chat with his breeder, Sally Leslie Melville. Then he was turned away with another colt until he was three,” said Dain. After backing, Hatty has kept him “ticking over with light hacking and going in the treadmill here at home, New Hatches Livery and Rehabilitation”. Although Dain concedes, that it was “so nice to finally get him out,” he was as proud of his wife as he was his pony. “Hatty used to jump ponies, then when changing to horses, she never really got going again, so she hasn’t officially competed in around six or seven years, and it was definitely a case of chucking her in the deep end as far as a change of discipline goes!”
“To get back there, and for him to go so well was quite emotional.”
The Eddis family’s Cashelbay JJ, ridden by Maisie Kivlochlan
Sharon Goodman’s Lahinch Teddy, ridden by Janine Paterson
Eleanor Marklund’s Laithehill Overture, shown by Tom Clark
Caroline Sutton’s Peasedown Madison ridden by Jessica Talbot
Sue Kernan’s Lledrith Nemesis, ridden by Samantha Roberts
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The
6
Special
Banjo II
Banjo
Each issue, we ask a rider to nominate six horses or ponies that have a special place in their hearts... 68 | Showing World | March Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
by
Gemma
Rees
Gemma Rees lives in Pembrokeshire with her husband, Nick, and her two children, Alfred and Darcie. She was introduced to riding by her mother and grandfather before she was catapulted into showing at the highest level riding for producers, Ron and Debbie Thomas. Since, she has ridden some fabulous horses and ponies and has enjoyed judging at the Royal Welsh and Windsor to name just two! Here, Gemma gives her special six.
Since learning to ride, I have been very lucky to have had the opportunity to ride some beautiful horses and ponies and I’ve memories and friendships I will treasure forever. It was difficult to choose just six, but here goes….
1. Living Daylights
I learnt to ride at the local riding school and apparently, I took to riding like a duck to water! So, Mum [Helen] and Grandad Ivor - a former jockey - purchased my first pony. Living Daylights, or Dotty, was a four-year-old, freshly backed, section A. She turned out to be the naughtiest pony. When she was sharp, Grandad would shorten my stirrups and send me galloping around the field until she was quiet. We had years of fun and tried our hand at everything, which didn’t always work out well. She feared the flags during PC games; refused to jump at shows and would only compete go x-country in pairs classes. Showing was always fun if she was in season as she would plant herself and not budge! It didn’t matter; I still thought she was wonderful. Dotty taught me to ride and most importantly, to be brave. She also introduced me to the most amazing partnership of over 25 years. Majorie Ramsey was holding a clinic at Ron and Debbie Thomas’ yard and Dotty engaged her rearing party trick to great effect, hitting me in the face and giving me a fat lip. I remember sitting in the house with Ron, frozen peas on my face, surrounded by hundreds of sashes and photos of the most beautiful ponies. I was in awe. It turned out well as Ron and Debbie asked me to
ride some of their ponies – truly a little girl’s dream come true.
2. Knowle Victoria
In 1999, three years after the frozen pea incident, I was introduced to Victoria, a beautiful 138cm show pony owned by Selwyn Jones. She was quirky and the spookiest pony at home, but she was never spooky at a show and was beautiful to ride. We enjoyed many wins, but she was incredibly special to me as she gave me my first win at HOYS. I was reserve champion show pony with Victoria, and then later that day I was reserve champion hunter pony with the 133cm Mighty Fly. Another memorable ‘Victoria’ moment was winning the RIHS in 2000, my final season on her. I immediately followed it with a win in the 148cm on Kingsfird Diana who ended up champion with Victoria in reserve. I piloted Victoria as she was always my favourite. That same week, I was champion hunter pony on Highmead Interest Free, so Victoria kicked off a very memorable week. Victoria also taught me the art of sitting quietly and making everything look so effortless. She retired later that year to live out her life as a brood mare.
3. Chiddock Spot On
I was fortunate to ride many prolific 143cm hunter ponies: Highmead Interest Free, Sion St Daniel, Oldcourt Piccalo… But in 2001, a very special one came along: Chiddock Spot On. She was bred by the late Gillie Davies and her daughter, Sammy and was beautiful with quality limbs, and plenty of bone. She also had a broad blaze with a prominent spot slightly off centre, hence her stable name, Spot. Spot started her career well taking the novice and restricted tricolours at the BSPS
Living Daylights
Knowle Victoria winter championships. She was also sold there. Thankfully, her new owners, the Davies family, agreed that she could stay until the end of the season. Unfortunately, the 2001 season was disrupted by the dreadful foot and mouth disease so we went to HOYS with little experience or expectation. Nevertheless, Spot won her class and gave me my first HOYS champion. I can still recall the brilliant Carey Knox’s exact words: “our champion, comes from Wales…..” As she said it, Gillie threw her wig into the air and it landed on the late Chris Willet’s head, who found it hilarious and started dancing around with it. Sadly, it was during Gillie’s first fight with cancer, but Spot’s win made the fight less painful. In 2001, the supreme championship had an incredible line-up: Calder Impressionist, Colne Heiress, Jackets Maybe, and Mytilene were just a few forwards. Baileys Over Ice with Natalie Reynolds were called out as first reserve; David Tatlow on Jewell’s Otter Point followed in reserve, and then Spot and I were called forwards as supreme, a moment I will treasure for the rest of my life. It was even more special as it was the last ‘Wembley’. Later that evening and still floating on cloud nine, I was honoured to lead the final caval cade at Wembley under a spotlight and in a cloud of smoke.
3.
unbeaten record and it was my last year in show ponies. We did win our class that day and to top it all off, B was crowned the Children’s Riding Pony of the Year, first one at the NEC. It was sad to see her leave for Australia, but she had a wonderful life and bred many successful ponies. Peter Thomas now lives in Australia and has recently bought one of her grandchildren which is wonderful to see.
5. Brynteg Llwynau Daffodil
When Jessica Pritchard had her first child, Phoebe, I was honoured that asked me to ride Keith Pritchard and Rita Maynard’s ‘Rosie’. I leapt at the chance. After all, Rosie and Jessica already had four RIHS and HOYS wins. Rosie was beautiful to look at and would stop people in their paths – a real head turner. She was also like no other pony to ride. When working Chiddock Spot On in, Rosie would rear and spin around if a pony trotted towards her – even at 15 – and would pull herself up when she thought she’d done Oldcourt Balalika enough work and there was no point in Balalaika, or ‘B’, was imported from Ireland attempting to do more. It was the strangest alongside her brother, Oldcourt Piccolo. B thing to experience. In the collecting ring, was exquisite. She was a simultaneously we would stand in the corner, away from glamorous and old-fashioned show pony being the ponies, often with a rug over her head much stronger than many are today. However, before always ensuring we were first in. B was one of the most difficult ponies I rode, Once we entered the ring, she was the with the most explosive bucks that came ultimate performer. Nevertheless, I had to out of the blue when cantering. Rarely could be clever when riding her, avoiding other anyone sit them! ponies constantly and when the gallop was imminent, I had to wrap the reins around Being tricky, we took it easy during her fourmy fingers as she would get stronger year-old season. After standing ‘All British and stronger. We had the most incredible Supreme’ at the BSPS championship, I was left few years before her retirement; she won hanging around her neck, hoping and praying I HOYS at 15-years-old for the fifth time, was wouldn’t fall off under the spotlight during the champion at the Royal Welsh, Bath and lap of honour! Thankfully, I just stayed on. That West and Royal Windsor to name just a few. time. I also remember being champion of a I loved riding Rosie. She retired with Jessica HOYS qualifying section before competing in a and has bred two beautiful mares. Ponies UK qualifying class later in the day. The steward asked for canter and before I knew it, I was sat on the floor next to the judge! Banjo II Balalaika was sold to the Lawrie family in Where do I start? If I had a horse of a Australia, and was due to fly there after HOYS. lifetime, it would certainly be him. Banjo I’m not usually one for getting anxious, but was bred by the late and wonderful Margot in the build-up to HOYS, I was nervous. B’s Harwich. He was out of a grey Irish Draught new Australian owners and her Irish breeders mare by the racehorse, Bandmaster. Margot were coming to spectate, I wanted to keep B’s was in her early eighties when she foaled
4.
6.
I took over the reins the following year and fell in love immediately. We had three incredible seasons together winning almost every major show in the country. After standing second at our final HOYS when he was just seven years old, Banjo was whisked away to live with Margot. I was absolutely devastated. He lived a full life, becoming the master’s horse for the Fitzwilliam Hunt and later thoroughly enjoyed pursuing a career in eventing, even winning a few BE events. When Banjo retired from showing, I had written to Margot, thanking her for the wonderful opportunity and added that Banjo could come to live with me whenever he wished. To my amazement a few years later, I had a phone call from Margot asking if I’d like to have Banjo. Obviously, I jumped at the opportunity. Margot sadly passed away the following year, leaving Banjo to me in her will. He is honestly the best gift I have ever had. Since then, we’ve had the most amazing few years. I learnt how to ride side saddle, and he excelled in the discipline. I was very conscious of his age and only entered a few shows each year, but he remained a rosette machine. Even in his old age, he could be a little sharp, so at the age of 18, I decided to compete in the small hunter class at the Royal Welsh in preparation for the side-saddle concours the following day. He won both, accidentally qualifying for HOYS. I cried as it was just magical; I just never dreamt we would go to HOYS together again. A couple of years later, finished reserve champion in the SSADL veteran championship at Olympia. It was Banjo’s last show as I believed it was right for him to finish at the top. I’m sure that few horses can boast a win at HOYS, RIHS and a reserve champion at Olympia. Banjo is 25 now and a huge part of our family. He lives like a king and will remain spoiled by us until the end of his days. He owes me nothing and I owe him everything, I am honoured to have had in my life. I know this feature is about special equines, but without Ron and Debbie Thomas, I never would have had the opportunity to ride any of these incredible horses or ponies. They are my second family; I am forever grateful for everything they have done for me and could not thank them enough for every opportunity I was given.
Banjo in the paddock in front of her house, before sending him to Ron and Debbie’s as a four-year-old. He had an attitude. He was nappy, headstrong and loved to rear! Once he got over these obstacles, he got better and better, loving nothing more than being ridden. He always had his ears pricked and had the biggest ‘presence’ – a true showman. Banjo’s favourite party trick is to blow raspberries, which certainly attracted crowds when stabled at shows! Peter Thomas’ last year in intermediates was Banjo’s first. They won HOYS together.
Brynteg Llwynau Daffodil
Oldcourt Balilika
New Year, New Horse:
GETTING THE RIGHT START Senior veterinarian at Little Rock Equine Vets, BSHA judge, and exhibitor, Lucy Penrose BVMedSci BVM BVS MRCVS, gives us her tips for responsibly getting our horses back ship-shape for the season. As the show calendars start coming out for 2022 and we pencil in the dates, it’s important to consider is timings and preparation. First things first, are your vaccinations correct? When are your boosters due? If you are due early in the season, maybe consider moving them forward so they are started before competition starts. All vaccines must be done at least 7 days before competing. It’s also important to consider many competitions and venues are now requesting 6 month boosters. If this ends up being a week before the Royal International, for example, maybe consider having it done slightly earlier so any risk of a vaccine reaction has a reduced risk of impacting your performance. A small amount of enthusiasm is returning to us all following the end of winter solstice, and work loads are starting to build up. This is a vital part of your horse or pony’s health and fitness and people often miss the basics. We are very reliant as an equine society on arenas and surfaces. However, the best thing for equine fitness and soundness is straight line work! The “old fashioned” approach of six weeks hacking out in walk to restart work has a great standing. Most
lameness issues are actually induced through recurrent circles and arena surfaces creating abnormal forces through the limbs. So, if it is safe for you to do so, as much hacking, farm rides, and field walks as possible! Timing wise, build it up steadily; don’t go straight out for a three hour fun-ride. Start at 30-60 minutes in walk and build up time, inclines, ground types etc. No matter how hard we would all like to pre-emptively lunge 2022 into submission before we all get on board, lots of lunging, with or without training equipment, at an early stage in fitness work is not ideal. It puts a lot of pressure on collateral ligaments and other soft tissues and can result in low grade damage or trauma, which may not show up at this point, but one incident later in the season could exacerbate an established weakness due to this training method. If you need to go in the arena rather than hacking then consider long lining rather than lunging, include poles and other core
strengthening exercises to develop the muscular strength and stability. Trotting poles (raised or flat) are the equivalent of doing a sit up so really good for engaging those core muscles. Have their teeth been done? If not, ensuring that dental health is spot on is so important. Horses are designed to eat for twenty hours a day, so they are rather an important part of anatomy. Dentistry should be done by BEVA accredited EDTs – the list is on the website – or veterinary surgeons. They will give any relevant advice on feed, feeding technique, check-up requirements etc. Another vital part of the pre-season preparation has got to be working with your paraprofessionals. First port of call should be your farrier. Getting the horse or pony’s feet set up at this point is ideal, rather than waiting until three weeks before your first competition. There are so many products and shoe types and so much knowledge available that any problems can be addressed during rest and preparation periods. When getting set up for the season, ensure that diet supports good foot growth. Get a good balancer with a decent biotin level. It takes approximately 9-12 months to grow a full hoof capsule, so by mid-summer what you feed over winter will be halfway down to the lower aspect of the hoof. This is what you will have “on show” for the season. Sometimes pre-season foot balance radiographs (x-rays) can be helpful for your farrier to ensure that ideal foot balance and trimming can be achieved. You wouldn’t ask Mo Farrah to run a marathon in uneven trainers, so asking the same of our athletes doesn’t seem fair. It’s also worth getting your physiotherapist or osteopath to check your horse or pony as you start the workload again. They will be using muscles that have been on standby over winter so, like us going to the gym for new year’s resolution, we get stiffness, tightness and tenderness as they all start working again. If we don’t manage and maintain them properly their performance will be affected so it’s worth having a good working relationship with your chosen professional. They will also be able to help with strengthening exercises. Saddle fit is another worthwhile check at the start of the exercise programme, and then about three months in, as a horse’s shape will change dramatically. We need to ensure that we are setting our horses up to develop and perform as well as possible and their waist lines are an important consideration in this. If they have ‘wintered well’, ensure that the balancers and feeds they are
Lucy with horse Mowgli
receiving are low in calories but have the vital nutrients for muscle development. Consider soaking hay as their forage source – it must be soaked for minimum 12 hours to reduce sugar content sufficiently for weight loss. However, I do appreciate that this is challenging in winter, so maybe reduce the quantity and double net it so it lasts longer. Also, if they have a haynet, hang it in the centre of the stable not against a wall so a smaller amount lasts longer but they don’t get bored. Exercises to strengthen up the core and increase metabolic rate in these guys are really important and will have the best effect. If your horse has either had weight stripped off over winter or hasn’t wintered well, then the feeding and strengthening requirements are very different. We don’t want to pile high energy calories in; it’s important to remember, horses and ponies are designed to eat lots of fibre, not cereals. So going for high fibre feeds with a decent protein level is a good way to ensure healthy gut function whilst also providing the correct building blocks for muscle development and condition as work increases. Balancers are also vital for these candidates. If we are starting a poor doer, make sure they are wormed, and start with lots of straight-line work for longer than others as we are right/left handed and consequently always work one side more than the other, even when actively trying not to. In these horses, this will always develop a muscular assymetry much faster and has knock-on effects for saddle fit and movement. Finally, are you bringing out a novice or an established show horse or pony? The younger generation need a lot more strengthening and mentally stimulating work to make sure that their body and their brain are well prepared for the season. Plenty of hacking – including hill work to strengthen and build up those second thighs – is really important, and mixing it up with farm rides and beach trips is really beneficial. Diet has to be considered, and adapted throughout younger horse’s workload and development as they are changing all the time. Younger horses should also have their teeth checked every six months not every year as they are erupting and changing far quicker than horses ten-years-old or over. A more established performance horse or pony will have the baseline muscles and strength so will recover back into a fitter state slightly faster than a novice. This isn’t to say, ‘rush them’, but expect to see improvements in these guys in a shorter time frame. Most importantly, enjoy getting the bit between your teeth and kicking on into the new season! The societies are working so hard to give us the best competition opportunities they can, especially with covid restrictions and new regulations in place. Hopefully this will give you guys the support and advice you need to set yourselves and your dancing partners up well and enjoy the forthcoming year.
A New Season, a Fresh Start: Let the Show Planning Commence! Written by Samantha Osborne The festive period, New Year celebrations, and Valentine’s Day markeking campaigns can put excess financial pressure on us and create emotional turbulence, especially when reflecting on loved ones we have lost. Overall, as a society, we tend to lose the true meaning of calendar celebrations as we are force-fed media pressures, and we get lost in the chaos of sales shopping and socialising. I would encourage everyone to be content and grateful with what they have, Do not compare your position to those who are wealthier or more privileged, and plaster it publicly online. We frequently dispose of items before we really need to, and this has a huge impact on the globe. Handmade gifts and recycled items can be special and cherished, all year round.
hunting numnah (very special to feel like he is still part of this). The jacket was our amazing friend’s and one that my mum wore in the ring too. The breeches also belonged to mum and are at least 10 years old. The tie was one made in the Blundell colours from when mum produced their ponies over ten years ago. My trainer lent me the bit. The newest thing I’ve got on is my hat (for safety reasons). My lorry was made in 1989 but keeps on getting us about. I have always been taught: ‘it’s not about what you turn up in; it’s what comes down the ramp!’ Stay humble: there is no shame in that!’ When I was a child, I vividly remember Virginia Furness adopting the same principle and I admired her for this as one of my showing friends.
We frequently dispose of items before we really need to, and this has a huge impact on the globe.
I was humbled by a 2021 social media post, published by one of the younger members of showing community, Sophie Judge. Following a working hunter pony win on her mare (pictured), Sophie wrote: ‘Everything we have has been passed down or bought second hand – and I love it! The numnah is Rocky’s
Lots of us use the new year to make resolutions, and embrace the opportunity to kick start a healthy lifestyle regime. Julie Driver works as an equestrian Pilates teacher. She helps riders to improve their physical strength in the saddle, as well as their mental well-being. Julie believes that practising Pilates regularly develops your alignment, posture, stamina and balance. It works with your body as a whole, because when we improve our stability and movement in one area, it will have an impact throughout the rest your body improving your depth of seat and confidence. Developing your proprioception is the first step to recognising any imbalances you may have and therefore the first step in understanding how to improve your desired movements and restrict your unintentional ones. This is particularly important as it’s now recognised that riding and rider fitness have a direct impact on our horses. Our asymmetries and compensatory patterns can affect our horse’s performance and may resulting in veterinary/equine osteopathy intervention.
72 | Showing World | March Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk Sophie Judge
Julie recommends these exercises for all riders: The Cat: Develops awareness of spinal neutral, improves spinal stability and mobility as well as scapular stability and mobility. Helps the rider to understand their position in the saddle and how to find their alignment if lost. Start position: Kneel on all fours, with your knees underneath your hips and your hands under your shoulders. Your spine is lengthened, with your head in line with your neck. Movements: Exhale and begin to curl your tailbone down between your legs. Try to move vertebra by vertebra, curving each bone and allowing your upper back to gently curve. Allow your head to nod forward so you can see your pubic bone. Inhale to hold the lengthened curve. Exhale to start to uncurl your spine and head to the start position. Focus on moving vertebra by vertebra. Reps 5-10. Tips: Look for the sequential movement of the spine. Threading the needle: Helps to improve rotation in the upper back and improves understanding of shoulder placement and stability within the shoulder. Start position: Four point kneeling. Movements: Put the back of the left hand on the floor, just behind the right wrist. Exhale to begin to lower the spine and rotate toward the right. Inhale to return to the start position. Reps: 3-5 times each side
Tips: Maintain the length of the spine as it rotates. Avoid leaning into the shoulder joint. Half Roll back: Strengthens the abdominal muscles, helps us understand the riding position as we move in and out of neutral. Helps improve our “C-Curve”. Start position: Seated with a vertical neutral spine, hands holding behind the knees. Movements: Exhale to roll the pelvis backwards, allowing the arms to straighten as you move. Inhale to maintain position of the pelvis Exhale to roll back up, when the shoulder are back over the hip, realign the spine to neutral. Reps: 5-10 times. Table Top: Challenges your spine and torso stability. This helps improve cross body co-ordination, which is important for developing an independent seat and use of aids. It also improves your balance and awareness of your position in the saddle. Start position: Kneel on all fours, with your knees underneath your hips and your hands under your shoulders. Your spine is lengthened, with your head in line with your neck. Movements: Exhale to straighten and lift the left leg and right arm, keeping your spine and pelvis still. Inhale to return them to the start position. Reps: 5-10 times each pair.
Lucinda’s 2022 Resolutions: 1. Compete in some RIHS and HOYS qualifiers with Bracklinn Travis (my Fell). 2. Attempt a novice WHP track (if I am brave enough)! 3. Gain some judging experience.
Lucinda’s top tips to kick start the showing season: · Plan early as it takes time to get your pony fit enough to compete and you don’t want to feel stressed by being unprepared or rushed. I create a spreadsheet to manage my entries. This allows me to record judges and closing dates.
Lucinda Stockley
Lucinda Stockley – ‘Tuffy’, to many of us – is passionate about wellbeing and follows a vigorous exercise regime to stay healthy in body and mind. Lucinda advises: ‘To be a good rider, you need to focus on your own wellbeing. We spend hours focusing on our horse’s health and not as much on our own. I started focusing on my fitness and mental wellbeing during lockdown when the world stopped. It has helped me to become physically stronger and my riding has improved as a result. I learned to be satisfied with not being ‘perfect’. It is ok to have a bad day competing – it doesn’t mean that you are a bad rider!’
· Create a budget plan to allow for expenses like society renewals and height certificates that need completing at the start of the year. · Try your jacket and boots on to make sure they fit or if they need dry cleaning!
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We seem to want to plan our showing calendar earlier and earlier each time it comes around. Many of my friends purchase wall calendars and diaries early in order to map out which shows they wish to attend. In many respects, we are lucky that we can be so positive and plan out our hobby or business – especially at a time when the nights are dark and the weather is cold. So many feel January post-Christmas blues and struggle to return to work but for equestrians, we bring horses in from their winter holidays, make progress with our novice animals and breakers, and we create goals and aspirations for the full year ahead. Georgia Aungier recommends using the winter months to ‘give seasoned ponies a small break’. Georgia also promotes using down time from qualifying classes to: ‘pop a fence or try some dressage’ to prevent ponies from becoming bored of schooling.
Samantha and Red Flute enjoying some dressage
For 2022, I have set myself a number of resolutions to motivate and drive myself. Firstly, I would love to build on the progress I have made with British Showjumping in 2021. After gaining my double clears for British Novice, I would like to compete at the second rounds, and will train hard with my trainers: Geoff Billington, Peter Allen and Paul Barker. I would also like to step up in track level to Discovery. This transition will require me to work on my levels of fitness as well as Jubilee’s level of fitness – a former HOYS lightweight cob who turned her hoof to BS 5 months ago. I like to compete at a new venue each year and this year I would really like to go to Stoneleigh for the National Championships as well as Bolesworth. As an equestrian influencer (@samanthaosborneequestrian), I have lot of projects mapped out with equestrian businesses, which will also keep me very busy throughout the year. Furthermore, I am saving hard to buy another horse to compete at Newcomers, which is a really exciting challenge for me. It is important that resolutions create motivation rather than pressure, and are achievable rather than unrealistic, as giving up and admitting defeat is never a positive feeling. Samantha and Leyward Diamond Jubilee at British Showjumping
A new combination that has really caught my eye, is that of Christy Seaman and her beautiful Dales filly, Orla. Christy has had to overcome grief and tragedy after losing Castle Hill Taboo in 2021, at just 11 years old. Christy shares: ‘Losing a pony is never easy. After an ongoing lameness issue, my heart was shattered when I lost Taboo, and I realised just how lonely I was without a pony. I took it personally and dwelled on what I had done to deserve such loss. After a few weeks, I visited Griseburn Dales Pony Stud, which is where Taboo’s sire lives. Helen and Andrew Horn made us very welcome and showed us around all of the lovely ponies. There were two fillies in one field; one instantly trotted over to us and I knew I wanted her. I loved her temperament and conformation! She made my heart feel fuzzy. I learned that she Christy and Griseburn Orla
is Taboo’s half-sister, which made her even more special. I phoned Helen every night for a fortnight and pestered her to sell Orla to me. Finally, Helen caved and a week later Orla arrived. Moving forwards is always hard after losing a pony but there are things you can do to help. Accept support from family and friends, try to stick to your normal routine and accept that crying is part of grieving and it is ok to display sadness. Ultimately, don’t give up on your dreams.’
It has been a pleasure to write about mindset for a full year for Showing World Magazine. I have thoroughly enjoyed connecting with many of you who have made contributions to my articles. I would like to take this opportunity to send all readers best wishes with your horse and ponies for the 2022 season. Be kind, be open-minded, be grateful and do what makes you happy. - Samantha
74 | Showing World | March Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
Kitty Bodily and her own Glebedale Deja Vu
Thames Valley
Welsh
Christmas
Show
Berkshire College of Agriculture, 12. 12. 21 Photos by EquinePix Report by Stephanie Fitt Warmer winter weather greeted competitors at Berkshire College of Agriculture when they arrived bright and early to take part in Thames Valley Welsh group’s friendly show. A quality field of Welsh section A foals set the pace for the day. Standing out to take the foal championship and then stand overall breed champion was Adam Fletcher and Tim
Davis’ winner of the filly foal class, Tirlas Kahleesie [Brynsion Massine x Woodybottoms Miss Ellie]. She was bred by Roland Williams and owned by TD Tyres Ltd. She fought off competition in her class from Cerys Brook’s Blanche Misty Morn [Cascob Silver Ghost x Blanche Musette] on her first outing. Cerys said that ‘Misty Morn is one of the last fillies by Ghost’ whom she lost in 2020 at the age of 29. The filly also goes back to Bryniau Misty Morn who was the foundation mare of the Blanche “M” family, Cerys won the colt foal class and stood overall reserve section A with Crumpwell Shamson son, Springbourne Chorister. Chorister is out of Springbourne Corona, who is
also dam of the Dutch owned multi-champion stallion, Springbourne Capricorn. A new section A exhibitor, Caroline Pluck, was delighted to stand second on her first trip with her recent purchase, Dargale Aramis [Dukeshill Magnum x Dargale Athena]. Caroline explained that when her ridden horse was retired from competition, she decided to look for a section A foal to show and her foal’s breeder Anita Jeffries had been recommended. Caroline plans to show the colt in youngstock classes prior to a private driving career, and later intends him to be a first pony for future grandchildren.
Jayne Ross and her own Pedro
info@showingworldonline.co.uk | March Issue 2022 | Showing World | 75 Demi Appleton and her own Dorneyrow Peaky Blinders
Joanna Minns’ Nicholwalls Graceson, shown by Decland Davies
Simon Charlesworth travelled from Newmarket to take the Welsh section B youngstock title with Scott Dixon’s Llanarth Rhythmical, bred by the Bigley family. This team later stood reserve section B to Jo Filmer’s 2020 supreme champion and 2021 reserve overall Welsh champion, Longhalves Renoir [Levi]. Levi later romped through the NPS Ridden classes, taking home the open championship, the NPS Silver Medal and the supreme ridden championship under Samantha Roberts. He was not to be outdone his stable mate, Longhalves Apollo [Ronnie]. Ronnie is owned by Jo’s daughter, Rosie, and won his breed gelding class before winning the NPS/ Newdale Stud confined novice ridden qualifier partnered by Sam Roberts.
and shows in-hand helped by Katy’s good friend Liesl Mead, who produced Peaky Blinders for his show ring debut and set the foal up by helping on the day. Liesl handled him to win his coloured section followed by the Welsh part-bred foal class and then handed Peaky Blinders over to Demi to show in the championships. Demi exclaimed, ‘I couldn’t be happier! The plan is to show him until he is ready to start his education under saddle’.
The NPS Silver Medal inhand championship was awarded to Joanna Minns’ Nicholwalls Graceson, bred in Scotland by Gwen Rae. The eye-filling Fell stallion had stood second in his class to the Bright family’s seven-year-old Connemara exhibit, Murvey Dextor [Dexter Leam Pondi x Murvey Rita]. Another Connemara, Fleetwoods Prince of Thieves [Fleetwoods Secret Liaison x Martinside Plum] was winner of the large breeds youngstock and stood section reserve for his Hampshire based breeder Rhi Randal.
Tim Davis’ Tirlas Kahleesie, shown by Adam Fletcher
Douglas, to win and collect their NPS confined novice and open lead rein tickets. The mini championship was won by the NPS first ridden winner, Skelwith Sun Surprise, bred by Liz Launder, owned by Kate Stuart, and ridden by her daughter, Isabelle. Tabitha Bennett took home the well supported NPS pure novice ticket with a win on her mother, Lisa Bennett’s Hardendale Blossom [Brackenbank Flash Harry
Kitty Bodily topped a competitive Welsh section C entry with Glebedale Déjà Vu. The home-bred colt foal is by Parvadean Darius and out of Glebedale Delightful. He gave his all throughout the day to not only stand champion foal but also youngstock and overall section C champion before claiming the overall supreme Welsh breeds championship. Déjà Vu is to be retained Tim Davis’ Tirlas Kahleesie, showJosephine Ready and Cloverhill Brusen by AdaFletcher by the stud and is full brother to Glebedale Ding Welsh section A ponies dominated the Dong, Glebedale Jonny Depp and Glebedale Dick mini section. Former Team Ramsay owner Dastardly. and rider, Laura Stewart, took a weekend The section D foal also claimed the breed title. Decland Davies’ colt foal, Dyffryngwy Lord Jac, bred by Gwynneth Griffiths, took the foal and youngstock titles and then stood above his elders in the breed championship before taking the reserve overall foal and reserve overall youngstock spots. The youngster looked to charm the supreme in-hand judges and was their choice to take home a glamorous floral sash and the silver rose bowl trophy. Reserve Welsh section D was Tracey Stevens’ filly foal, Berthorpe Reet Petite, handled by Lenny Hewer.
off from being a dedicated Go-Kart mum. She transformed her horsebox back to carrying ponies to take her own Forlan Honey Capalano and his tiny jockey, Pippa
Dedicated young breeder and handler, Demi Appleton, ran to the top of the Welsh part-bred section with her homebred foal, Dorneyrow Peaky Blinders at their very first show together. They collected the youngstock title and overall section sash. The piebald colt is by, London Pride, out of Welsh section A mare, Gramblin Emerald. Demi’s grandmother, Dawn Groom, is a longstanding Welsh cob breeder who has enjoyed success both in-hand and under saddle with her homebred ponies. Demi has now joined her to become a joint breeder in the stud. Demi also has ridden ponies with Katy Marriott-Payne
76 | Showing World | March Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk The Ovens family’s Whiteleaze Secret Charm, ridden by Daisy May Ovens
Dainty Delilah [Gerry x Abbydown September Rose]. Native type Delilah is owned by Charlotte Hill and was ridden by Sam Roberts. Jayne Ross trotted up the hill from her Stokenchurch base to win the open part-bred ridden section with her exciting new riding horse, Pedro, who it’s hoped will be shown as King of Clubs. The mannerly youngster, who is rising five, is to be aimed at novice riding horse classes. Pedro started out as intended to by standing ridden champion. Having proven his temperament, Jayne decided to end the day on a good note and opted to travel home rather than wait on a very cold day for the overall ridden supreme. Former Royal Windsor show pony champion, Whiteleaze Secret Charm [Bunny], stood second to Jayne in the open part-bred ridden and went on to win the show/show hunter pony classes with eight-year-old Daisy-May Ovens. The 128cm mare was bred in Devon by Jo Filmer’s Longhalves Renoir, ridden by Samantha Roberts Debbie Porter and Andrew Pitman. The Cusop Dimension daughter is now home-produced Novice classes were a feature of this Willow Tarrant drove up from Dorset by the Ovens family having previously been show and the training classes judged by to win the ‘new combination’ class and produced by John Harvey for the late Ghita Jago. Mathew Lawrence were much appreciated the exceeding 148cm Francesca explained by all taking part. Seasoned professionals coloured class with that Bunny was a big and home-producers gained immense her versatile former jump for Daisy who respect from those spectating for sitting HOYS non-native pony had previously only tight on some exciting youngsters. These of the year, Flying competed at a few competitors wisely took advantage of the Solo, who joined county shows with good surfaces and large rings and came her yard in October. her Dartmoor lead out in force to give their youngsters a Willow has quickly rein. However, she first outing. Team Harvey show hunter established a strong has gained skill and pony jockey, Josephine Ready, won the partnership on the flat confidence from her useful ‘just backed’ class with her homeand over the fences lessons with Team Kai Stewart’s Skelwith Sun Surprise, ridden by produced Connemara “project pony”, with her new ride Holder. “2021 was the Isabelle Stewart Cloverhill Bruse. Bruse was bred in Ireland whom she drove all pair’s warm up year; we by Bridget Flaherty-Lee and “loves nothing the way to Aberdeen to try! The coloured are really looking forward to the 2022 season,” better than a trip to the pub for a glass of championship was won by the pony said Francesca. Guinness”, said Josephine! winner and former brood mare Lonwind
Decland Davies and his own Dyffryngwy Lord Jac
Scott Dixon’s Llanarth Rhythmical, shown by Simon Charlesworth
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Sophie Howard and her own Ringside Hebegebe
ARC Equestrian Show
Thompson House Equestrian Centre 30/01/2022 Report by Beth Simons Photos by MB Photography Ringside Hebegebe [Henry] delighted connections by winning both his novice classes, taking the mountain and moorland ridden title and then the supreme ridden championship under his owner, Sophie Howard. Sophie bought the Welsh section D gelding as a foal and has backed him and brought him on herself. “Henry hasn’t done much as I also had my other Welsh D, Murrayhall Diezel and struggled to do two ponies whilst working full time, so I sold Diezel at the end of last year to concentrate on him”. Reserve supreme was another native: Dartmoor gelding, Treworgan Cloudbreak ridden by owner Emma Shepherd’s daughter, Lilly-Mae Howard, 5, and led by Emma. The family have owned Cloudbreak nearly a year. Last year, he qualified Gabby Davies-Herd and her own Forlan Honey Rhythm
Akeshia Wilkinson and her own Menai Celtic Warrior
Emma Shepherd and her own Treworgan Cloudbreak ridden by Lilly-Mae Howard
for the mountain and moorland lead rein class at RIHS and stood mini champion at the Heritage championships. Cloudbreak is completely home produced, and Emma hopes to aim him at both RIHS and HOYS classes this year as well as introducing her younger son, Tommy, to the ring later in the season. Gabby Davies-Herd’s Forlan Honey Rhythm won both the Welsh sections A and B and the member’s in-hand classes and the member’s in-hand championship en route to the supreme in-hand title. Gabby has showed the 11-year-old Welsh section A mare since she was a foal. Rhythm was later given to Gabby as a wedding gift from her father in 2018. “Unfortunately, we haven’t done a lot since due to Rhythm being injured, my pregnancy and COVID,” explained Gabby. Rhythm was brought back into work last year and made a successful return to the ring. “It broke my heart when she hurt herself, so I feel very lucky that she’s back to her cheeky self. I’ve just been enjoying her, hacking out and going on fun rides. I’m hoping one day my little girl will ride her”. The reserve supreme in-hand title was awarded to Julie Chadwick with her own winner of the small breeds in-hand class, Langfield Hollywood Heights [Toby]. The nineyear-old Dartmoor gelding competes in both in-hand and
Toni Collinson’s Bombay Limited Edition, shown by Kevin Lee
ridden classes. Toby is one of four Dartmoors that Julie continues to produce from home despite suffering from primary progressive multiple sclerosis and working full time. Toni Collinson’s homebred Bombay Limited Edition was awarded the youngstock in-hand championship, shown by Kevin Lee. The two-year-old colt is sired by Bombay La Gran. This was his debut showring appearance and it’s intended that he will be shown in both coloured and show hunter pony youngstock classes this season. The reserve youngstock title was given to neighbouring Longton Riding Club’s secretary, Suzannah Whalley, and her own homebred two-year-old Pryme D’Zyne [Ari]. It was also Ari’s first time being shown and he delighted Suzannah with his impeccable behaviour. Akeshia Wilkinson and her own Menai Celtic Warrior took the ridden member’s supreme. Akeisha has had the Welsh section C and former HOYS contender for two years to “show [her] the ropes at county shows,” explained Akeshia. “He’s 15 years old now so we will be doing the veteran classes this year as he loves going out to shows and eating Biscoff biscuits. He’s a very special pony so he will be staying with us forever”.
info@showingworldonline.co.uk | March Issue 2022 | Showing World | 79 Julie Chadwick and her own Langfield Hollywood Heights
Suzannah Whalley and her own Pryme D’Zyne
In the
Spotlight
Milton Equestrian Centre Polly Colles and her own Last Orders III
30/01/2022 Report by Beth Simons Photos by Chameleon Photography
Five-year-old Welsh section C stallion, Beauchief Mr Smith [Norman] won the in-hand mountain and moorland class and in-hand supreme, shown by owner and breeder, Jemma Saint. The Caebryn Endeavour son is the first and only foal that Jemma has bred out of Brinlyn Harryette. “He’s a little bit special to us as he was born on the 27th May 2017, shortly after we lost my partner’s grandad. Grandad Norman Smith would have been 90 years old on Norman’s birthday so it seemed fitting to name him Norman and use Mr Smith is in his registered name,” explained Jemma. Jemma’s daughter, Chloe-may Smith, 15, also showed Norman to win the pre-novice ridden and novice championship on their debut together at the show. The novice reserve championship rosette was awarded to Caitlin Evans-Simpson on her mother, Claire Evans’ section B mare, Locksbit Forget Me Not [Lottie]. Caitlin and Lottie also stood mini reserve champion to Kiera Griffiths riding Sophie Griffiths’ Carlymai Pink Spice. In reserve supreme in-hand was Anna Berisford with her own winner of the ‘most promising new combination’ class, Checkmate Jeremy Fisher [Jerry], on his debut showring appearance. Anna purchased four-year-old Jerry from his breeders last year. “I saw a video and fell in love with him and his movement,” said Anna. He had been lightly backed, driven and hacked with them. Since being purchased by Anna, Jerry has continued his education. “We were thrilled with Jerry. He was a little star and behaved brilliantly for his first time out. We intend to introduce him to a ridden career and give him a varied life with us in Derbyshire,” said Anna.
Jemma Saint and her own Beauchief Mr Smith
Polly Colles clinched the supreme ridden championship with her own winner of the ridden hunter class and champion open ridden, Last Orders III [Squeaky]. “He’s actually my hunt horse,” said Polly, who has taken on a mastership with the York and Ainsty South/ Badsworth and Bramham Moor Hunt. Polly bought 11-year-old Squeaky during the 2020 lockdown as a prospective master’s horse. When she decided that she would attempt showing him as a lightweight hunter at the end 2020, it wasn’t met with enthusiasm from her team. “Everyone laughed at me,” she said. However, Polly would have the last laugh when he qualified for HOYS in 2021. It was a lucky last-minute decision to compete with Squeaky at the In the Spotlight Show. “Trying to trim him before leaving was eventful but I needed to get him out as he can be a bit cold backed and I intend to aim him at ladies horse and working hunter classes this season, building on the few novice working hunter classes he did last year,” said Polly. Polly also won the open ridden class with King Of Diamonds II [Archie]. 12-year-old Archie is owned by Polly’s friend, Amy Edwards and Amy’s partner, Ben Finlinson. Amy is new to showing and approached Polly for some help with preparing Archie for the season. It’s intended that Amy will be riding Archie herself in intermediate show riding type and riding horse classes, explained Polly. Reserve supreme ridden was Beth Naylor riding her own winner of the mountain and moorland class and reserve champion open ridden, Lagalgarve Brian. Beth has owned the seven-year-old licenced since a foal. “I bought him after eight years of being bucked off my mum’s lightweight cob because Highlands tend to be level-headed and I had no confidence whatsoever,” explained Beth, adding, “He was my twenty-first birthday gift from me to me”. Beth backed and started him herself and then sent him to Lauren Brill to further establish. “She did a wicked job,” said Beth. Though Beth produced him from home, Vicki Casey took over the ride at shows last year. However, “Vicki’s determined I’m doing it myself this year,” Beth laughed.
Anna Berisford and her own Checkmate Jeremy Fisher
Vicki also had her share of the spoils at the show. She stood top of the line in the both the part-bred ridden and coloured ridden classes with Nigel Lowe’s Tidkin Talisman. Nigel purchased the ten-year-old in October last year having previously been shown successfully in-hand. “He’s a huge character and known as King Tal at home,” said Vicki, adding, “my plan is to do the coloured non-native pony qualifiers with him along with some partbred qualifiers and some dressage; he’s really taken to jumping so we may have a play with that, too”. Fay Raper’s Loughoe Lady [Holly] secured a win in the veteran class under Abbie Small. 18-year-old Holly has enjoyed a varied life of hunting, jumping and hacking since Fay bought her three years ago, but has focused more on veteran showing classes over the past year.
Beth Naylor and her own Lagalgarve Brian
The full picture
SEIB
Search for a Star
2014 SFAS Champions, Nikki Johnson and Diamond Roulette qualify at Summerhouses (SMR Photography)
The SEIB Search for a Star [SFAS] championship is the pinnacle of the calendar for legions of amateur showing competitors dreaming of competing at a top championship show. Arguably, SFAS set the precedent for the many amateur and grassroots championships that we see today. The SFAS series began in 1996 and has since grown to boast an array of qualifying classes with end of season championships at Horse of the Year Show and Your Horse Live. In its first year, amateur competitors were required to submit images of themselves and their horses for appraisal by top showing producer and judge, the late Robert Oliver. Of these photo entries, Robert decided which horses and riders would be invited to regional SFAS competitions. The first competition took place at Towerlands Equestrian Centre and then the team carried on up to Gleneagles in Scotland before the finals at Hickstead. The first ever Search for a Star champion was a striking four-year-old, Shelford Rupert who took forward the values and aims of the series by going on to win in open classes. The first SFAS championship held at HOYS took place in 1998. Since then, classes have changed to reflect the evolving interests of amateur showing riders. But it is recent years that have seen the biggest changes to SFAS. At HOYS, in addition to show hunters, hacks, riding
Jordan Cook gives back to the series by judging and encouraging newcomers to showing
horses, cobs and working horse and ponies, traditional cobs were granted their chance to shine in SFAS in 2019. Andrea Betteridge, director of the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association said: “Search for a Star is forward thinking and ensures competitions move with the times. The series strives to provide opportunities for the horses that are popular with amateur riders. The Traditional Gypsy Cob is a breed and enthusiasts have jumped at the opportunity offered by Search for a Star.” The first Your Horse Live SFAS championship took place in 2018 for mountain and moorlands, and now for 2022, this has grown to include veteran, in-hand and Pony Club championships, too. The SFAS Pony Club championship will offer a lead rein and first ridden championship for children under 10 years old who are Pony Club members. There will be an open class for older members that will be judged on suitability for all round Pony club activities, conformation, way of going and temperament. Head of Marketing at SEIB, Nicolina MacKenzie said: “We are delighted to be offering this Search for a Star opportunity for Pony Club members. We have been keen for some time to provide classes for younger people and offer education, training and support. Showing teaches so much that is relevant to other disciplines, including turnout, way of going and of course showing the horse or pony off for a judge when it is not feeling at its most cooperative, a very useful skill when producing a dressage test!”
What does it take to succeed? Top showing producer, Richard Ramsay, has helped hundreds, if not thousands of SFAS hopefuls. Richard spent many years as ride judge for the series, with his wife, Marjorie, looking after conformation. Richard is now the senior SFAS judge and he is as enthusiastic as ever about setting out around the country for the 2022 series. Richard believes that competitors must really want success, and that preparation is vital. Richard said: “The competitors are genuine amateurs and often think they can’t get help, but they can. It is often the little things such as a correctly fitted bridle that help make the necessary improvements. Is the curb chain properly fitted? Has someone gone around to the off side to check it is flat? Success is all in the attention to detail.” Adaptability is also key to success. “It is necessary for the competitors to adapt and listen in order to progress; it is easy to get into a fixed mindset and spend hours ‘going round in circles’. SFAS is a show class, if your horse isn’t used to going round with other horses, this will not help on the day! If competitors get together with others at their yard and work the horses in company it can reap rewards. Sparkle in the show ring is ok, bad manners are certainly not!
“Successful SFAS competitors have done their homework. Winning competitors do not generally ride into the ring on a horse that has never been ridden by anyone else before. We urge competitors to make sure that they have found a capable rider to have a go on their horse before bringing it to a qualifier. It is the horse that will really benefit from this preparation and is really very useful for younger horses.” How a competitor deals with nerves also plays an important part in success. Richard continued: “Ambition will often lead to a certain level of anxiety for the competitor. Afterall, many professional sports people these days have access to sports psychologists. Again, this is where preparation is key. Ambition will have ensured that everything is in place – the turnout, the schooling, and adapting to allow the best possible chance – so the rider’s mental focus can be on the present. When in the ring it is necessary to have eyes in the back of your head. For a polished performance, competitors should be aware of the way the judge is looking and what the stewards are doing. Preparation allows a performance full of panache that catches the judge’s eye for all the right reasons!” Craig Mclelland and Richard Ramsay judging a Search For A Star qualifier
How can Search for a Star be a first step to success in open classes and a career in showing? In 2006, aspiring young amateur rider, Jordan Cook, took to the show ring with his 2005 Christmas present, Fleetwater Xecutive [Darcey]. Darcey was bought by Jordan’s parents from Debbie and Kirk Godber at Park Hall Stud where Jordan was training for his apprenticeship NVQ. Darcey was the first show horse Jordan ever rode in the show ring. Jordan explained: “In 2006 Darcey and I mostly did local level shows. We then decided to have a go at the SFAS riding horse hack class at Arena UK. We were unplaced that day but looking back, we were nowhere near ready.
“In 2007, we carried on doing local shows and ventured out to our local Leicestershire County Show where we won the novice hack class. Next stop was the SFAS qualifier at Arena UK. This time we won a huge class and qualified for HOYS under Richard Ramsay and David Bartram, who have been so encouraging and helpful towards me ever since. “My friend, Dena King and her family have been involved in showing all their lives, so I asked Dena if she could help me act on the advice the SFAS judges gave me with my turn out. “We then went to Rutland County, where we stood second to famous hack duo, Absolutely Fabulous and John Keen, and collected our RIHS ticket. Richard and David encouraged me to go to the BSHA Championships to gain experience and watch the professionals. We went with no expectations beyond enjoying the weekend, watching, and learning. “Everyone was welcoming and friendly. After standing second in the novice hack and winning the Rising Star hack classes, Edward Young kindly lent me his hack suit for the evening performance. I later went on to be Edward’s show groom for a season. I made the decision not to put Darcy in the supreme of show that night as I felt he had done enough and wanted my weekend to end on a positive note. The BSHA Championships really helped us to prepare for HOYS; and a few weeks later when we took the 2007 SFAS Championship at HOYS. “Several years later, when working as a show groom for the Underwood family, I applied for the BSHA ride judge panel. I recalled the help and encouragement I had received and wanted to give something back. Whilst at the assessment, I was encouraged to apply for the conformation panel. I passed and graduated to the probation panel, and during that time, I asked Richard and David if Nicolina MacKenzie would mind me doing a day of probation with SFAS judges and they agreed to me joining them for the day. I passed my BSHA probation that year and Nicolina invited me to be a judge for the SFAS series. I’m very grateful to the team at SEIB for all the advice, encouragement and support they have given me. Without it; I would not be where I am today.”
The basics – how to take part in Search for a Star SFAS holds five qualifying shows across the country for amateur riders and their horses from April through to August. Each qualifier consists of classes - with finals at HOYS; hacks, hunters, working pony, working horses, riding horses, traditional gypsy cobs – of any colour, show cobs, and the longstanding SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse final. Each qualifier for the SFAS Your Horse Live finals include mountain and moorland, veteran, inhand, traditional and native type classes.
Katie Jerram, Claire Oliver and Richard Ramsay judging at HOYS in 2012 (Real Time Imaging)
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SFAS is also open to Riding for the Disabled (RDA) riders. The Search for a Star RDA championship will run at the RDA National Championships. There is no qualifier for this, and sections include best rider, best horse and best conformation.
List and dates of qualifiers… Each of the qualifiers is run by SEIB Insurance Brokers and this is one of the many ways the company works hard to give something back into the equestrian world. Search for a Star is not affiliated to any showing body and as such there are no membership or registration fees to pay – simply an entry! (Unless you are entering a breed class when the horse or pony needs to be registered with the relevant breed society). It is very important to go on to the SEIB Search for a Star website www.seib.co.uk/competitions read through and understand the Search for a Star rules before entering. Entries for SFAS are taken online, go to www.seib.co.uk/ competitions and click through to the enter now link. SFAS has an active Facebook page where answers to many questions can be found and plenty of useful information. The SEIB Insurance Brokers YouTube channel at https://www. youtube.com/c/SeibCoUk/videos has a dedicated selection of videos detailing horse and rider turnout for SFAS and also a great video on trotting your horse up in hand. Competing in a SFAS qualifier is designed to be a learning experience for both horse and rider. The top judges are there as they want to put something back into showing by encouraging and helping amateur riders. Many SFAS competitors go to a qualifier, listen to the judge’s comments go home, work hard and go back and earn their all-important SFAS championship ticket at the next qualifier. For full details on all SFAS, Racehorse to Riding Horse and SEIB competitions, visit www.seib.co.uk/competitions. The website will be updated as dates and venues are confirmed. In the meantime - to insure your horse, horsebox, trailer, yard or business - SEIB are here to help so please give call on 01708 850000 or visit www.seib.co.uk. #SEIBlove2help
2021 Search For A Star Champions, Lucy Hopkins and Chilly Breeze (1st Class Images)
SFAS Dates for your Diary • 24th April 2022 at Vale View Equestrian Centre, Old Dalby, Melton Mowbray • 22nd May 2022 at Bury Farm Equestrian Village, Mill Road, Slapton, Buckinghamshire • 11th & 12th June 2022 at Netherton Equestrian Centre, Aberargie, Perthshire. Search for a Star Weekender including training as well as competition • 23rd & 24th July 2022 during Trailblazers at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry. Join us for the all new Search for a Star Weekender including training as well as competition
• 15th July 2022 at the RDA National Championships at Hartpury College, (RDA Riders Only) • 7th August 2022 at Onley Equestrian Centre, Willoughby, Rugby • 13th August 2022 SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse only at Hartpury College, courtesy of the NAF Five Star International Horse Trials • 4th September 2022 SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse only courtesy of the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, Burghley Park, Stamford
info@showingworldonline.co.uk | March Issue 2022 | Showing World | 85
Suzy and Waltersgay Tansy stand in-hand champions at the NPS
10 Minutes With
SUZY MCKIRGAN
Somerset-based Suzy Mckirgan lives with her husband, Colin and her Cockerpoo, Woody. She founded the hugely popular Facebook group, Native and British Riding Pony Champions of Yesteryear. How was the group initiated? During the first lockdown, I decided to clear the loft. I found a box of bits and pieces I had collected as I had always been fascinated by the history of breeds and ponies. Three hours later, I was still looking at its contents and wondered whether other people would be interested in it, so I tentatively posted on my own Facebook page. From there I set the group up. Has its popularity surprised you? I couldn’t believe the interest. I thought it would just be a few self-confessed ‘pony nuts’ like myself! I think because it’s spanned the ages, with posts going back as far as we can, there’s something there for everyone and it sparks lots of memories. It’s reunited both me and others with old showing friends, too; the pictures become vehicles to spur on conversation and I love the anecdotes in the comments. I’m also amazed by the wealth of knowledge that is in the group. Where does the interest in showing come from? Mum took my sisters and I to the local riding school when I was about eight. It was run by Marion Williams and Irene Nash who bred the ‘Waltersgay’ Exmoors.
One day, I remember seeing Irene in all her show gear, with lots of rosettes and sashes, cantering up and down the field on the yard’s ‘top dog’, Exmoor stallion, Jiminy Cricket. She was being photographed for the local paper having qualified for Olympia as he was the first Exmoor pony to do so outside the breed show. That was in 1985 and I was mesmerised. Mum bought herself a Connemara, Evergreen Hamlet, and did the county shows but I was obsessed with the show ponies, and I remember watching them open mouthed and so envious of the riders. I read all about them and made scrap books of them from magazines! Mum could see I was interested in showing so when I was about 13, she said to me, “I’ve bought you a special pony and you’ll go a long way with it”. I thought it was a show pony and I’m ashamed to say I was so ungrateful at the time because the pony was a brown three-year-old Exmoor called Waltersgay Tansy by Jiminy Cricket. I broke her in, and she qualified for Olympia at five. Her foal, Warrendale Baeowolf went to HOYS in 2000 so Mum was right about her; she was very, very special. When she qualified for Olympia, she was pulled in top above her sire which was amazing as he had been to Olympia three times. Do you still have ponies of your own? I co-own the ponies with my mum, Janet Pound, my sister, Jo Parker and my nieces, Lily and Holly. We have Glencarrig Dubai [Teddy], Townend Gideon [Giddy], Lehid Clever Boy [Billy], Powysvalley William and Talyllyn Lady Freya.
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In a nutshell, how would you sum up showing? I always say it’s like Crufts for horses. My colleagues are fascinated and it reminds me how niche showing is. I once returned to the office the day after HOYS and a colleague asked, “Did you have a nice day at the gymkhana?” Favourite showing memory? One is when I qualified for Olympia. Mum hid in a ditch for the final walk round as she couldn’t watch. Going to Olympia was amazing; I’d never been to London before and couldn’t believe that we were a part of it.
In 1992 when I was 16, Mum had hurt her ankle just before we left for Bath and West Show. Although she couldn’t leave the lorry, she was stoic and insisted we went but it meant I had to sort out the ponies with some help from my dad. I was champion Exmoor in-hand with Tanzy in the main ring and already on cloud nine before tacking up Hamlet and winning on him. I later won Tanzy’s ridden class, too. Dad and I took both ponies back for the championship, searching for a ride. Jane Glanfield rode Tansy, and I rode Hamlet to stand champion. It was an amazing day; especially as I prepared the ponies myself. Poor Mum went to hospital at the end of day.
Suzy’s nieces Holly and Lily riding Talyllyn Lady Freya and Powysvalley William
Wisdom or advice you never forgot? You win rosettes at home, you just to shows to collect them. Getting a pony from a raw state to the ring is an achievement itself, regardless of who else is there. Something you wish you could do? Play a musical instrument. I love music and wanted to be in a band. I’ve tried the guitar and the piano, but I’m tone deaf. Random fact? I’m a full-time accountant for a waste management firm, so have a good knowledge of recycling facilities and all sorts of waste incinerators. I’m love going out on site!
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SEIB Search for a Star Goes Back to its Roots in 2022
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New classes, new venues and training! Ridden, In-hand and an introduction to showing for Pony Club members of all ages.
seib.co.uk/competitions
SEIB judges will be on hand to help and mentor competitors. There are also two weekenders planned for 2022, which include a day of training and preparation.
SEARCH FOR A STAR PONY CLUB YOUR HORSE LIVE CHAMPIONSHIP We are proud to announce that we have joined with the Pony Club to offer a Lead Rein and First Ridden Championship for children 10 and under. In addition, there will be an open class for the older children that will judge horses and ponies as suitable for all round Pony Club activities, conformation, way of going and temperament will also be important (no jumping). These classes are open to any child or young person who is a member of the Pony Club and any type of horse or pony that is athletic enough to be an all-rounder but correct enough to be a show horse. There will be extra awards for the best riders.
THE ALL NEW SEIB SEARCH FOR A STAR WEEKENDER Taking place in both Scotland and England, competitors will have the opportunity to come the day before the competitions and learn from the judges. They will be helped with way of going, turnout, trot-up and taught how to stand the horse or pony up for the judges.
SEIB HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW SEARCH FOR A STAR Amateur only ridden classes for Working Horse, Working Pony, Show Hunters, Riding Horse and Hacks, Show and Maxi Cobs, Traditional Gypsy Cobs (all colours). Qualify for Horse of the Year Show.
SEIB RACEHORSE TO RIDING HORSE Open ridden class that qualifies for Horse of the Year Show.
SEIB YOUR HORSE LIVE RIDDEN SEARCH FOR A STAR Amateur ridden classes for Mountain and Moorlands and Part-bred Traditional Gypsy Cobs. Qualify for Your Horse Live. The winning Part-Bred Traditional will also receive a wild card to the Traditional of the Year Show (TOYS). Open ridden class for Veterans any horse or pony aged 16 or over irrespective of experience and any rider professional or amateur. We are searching for an older star that will qualify for Your Horse Live.
SEIB YOUR HORSE LIVE IN-HAND SEARCH FOR A STAR
Competition Dates 2022 QUALIFIERS: 24th April 2022 at Vale View Equestrian Centre, Vale View Equestrian, Old Dalby, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 3LX. 22nd May 2022 at Bury Farm Equestrian Village, New Bury, Farm, Mill Road, Slapton, Buckinghamshire LU7 9BT. 11th & 12th June 2022 at Netherton Equestrian Centre, Netherton Farm, Aberargie, Perthshire, PH2 9NE, Perth, Scotland. Search for a Star Weekender including training, competition on Sunday 12th June. 23rd & 24th July 2022 during SEIB Trailblazers Championships at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry CV8 2LZ. Search for a Star Weekender, competition on 24th July (Stabling will be available via a link that will be published in due course). 15th July 2022 at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships at Hartpury College, Hartpury GL19 3BE (RDA Riders Only). 7th August 2022 at Science Supplements Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre, Willoughby, Rugby CV23 8AJ. 13th August 2022 NAF Five Star International Horse Trials, Hartpury College, Hartpury GL19 3BE. (SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse only). 4th September 2022 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, Burghley House, Burghley Park, Stamford PE9 3JY. (SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse only).
Classes for amateur handlers with horses and ponies in these sections: Veteran, Mountain and Moorland, Traditional and Native Types, Plaited Horses and hogged Show Cobs and Plaited Ponies. Qualify for Your Horse Live.
SEIB SEARCH FOR A STAR RDA CHAMPIONSHIP Only open to members of an RDA Group. Prizes for Best Rider, Best Horse or Pony and Best Combination.
SCAN HERE TO VISIT COMPETITION HUB
To enter online or for more information please visit: www.seib.co.uk/competitions or email: competitions@seib.co.uk
South Essex House, North Road, South Ockendon Essex RM15 5BE. SEIB Insurance Brokers Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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