Equestrian

Equestrian Trailer thefts on the increase in Dorset – tips for owners

Do you own a horse, livestock or flatbed trailer? Dorset Police have seen a rise in the thefts of trailers across the county this year. In the last few weeks there has been a rise in trailers being stolen from rural premises in particular. Officers have outlined measures you can take to prevent your trailer from being stolen. n Record trailer serial numbers and photographs for reference – a picture of the stolen trailer or box will increase publicity prospects and recovery. n Putting your postcode on the roof of your livestock or horse box is a good way of making sure that it is easily identifiable. Kits can be brought cheaply. n Have your trailer marked with a security marking scheme such as Datatag and other options are available. Insurance discounts are available for fitting certain devices to machines. Check with your insurer for more details. n Machines fitted and registered with certain security markings are four times less likely to be stolen and six times more likely to be recovered. n If your trailer or box is fitted with Datatag make sure that it is registered to you especially if you have brought this secondhand. Update details at datatag.co.uk/owner.php n Trailers should be security marked and secured using a wheel clamp and hitch lock. Consider using a security posts to secure. n Consider an appropriate ground anchor with strong high CEN rated padlock and chain. Don’t always trust the standard hitch lock that comes from the manufacturer as these can be bypassed by thieves. n Consider removing the wheels if it’s not going to be used for a while, locking the wheels away in a different place. n Make sure if you have a trailer fitted with a security registration sticker such as the TER Sticker (The Trailer Equipment Register) that your details are current and up to date with them. n Trailers can also by secured by reversing up to a solid object such as a wall and then placing a bucket or other heavy implement over the hitch. n Fit an alarm. Report suspicious vehicles or callers on 999 if the vehicle or occupants are seen committing crime or phone 101 or via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk.

Eventing team keeps it in the family

By Jade Leahy Team Rimmer Eventing, based at Fontmell Parva, is well known in the area and in the eventing community. The team comprises mum Jo, daughter Jess, grooms Lucy Stranger and Hannah Pearce and ten international and national event horses. Jo came to Dorset in the 1990s to take up a teaching post at Claysmore, where she met husband Daniel. When their children were young, Ed (now 16) and Jess (now 19) Jo took the plunge to follow her passion for competing and coaching. She took on the yard and 20 boxes at Fontmell Parva with fellow eventer Joe Roome which led to their enduring friendship. Jo nurtures the talent of horses and pupils alike. Her daughter Jess began her career with the Pony Club. Under her mother’s wing she has groomed at internationals since she was 12, she represented the southwest at the U!8 championships three years in a row, was on the Junior Development Squad and is currently on the U21 Youth Development Squad. Currently on a gap year Jess works parttime at Fox-Pitt Eventing. She recently rode her top horse, Diamond Bobby, to victory in an OIU21 trial at Bicton. Jo has built a solid reputation for sourcing and producing young stock. Notable examples are Coolys Luxury, who she found in Ireland and sold on after finishing third in his first CCI3*L in France. He went on to do do 5 Badmintons and Burghleys. Finnegan’s Whiskers and Jo achieved five double clears at CCI4* level before he went on to become a Grand Prix Showjumper. When asked what she thinks makes a good event horse she said: “Athleticism with a good jump, correct conformation and most importantly, trainability.” Her greatest successes have been with Isaac Newton, sent to her to produce and sell as a cheeky young horse. She sold a share to Anna Slight, and nearly sold him to America after jumping clear around Blenheim CCI4*s. Anna and Jo and Fontmell Parva’s head girl Stacey Blunn were delighted when Isaac didn’t pass his USA vetting as this enabled them to keep him. Jo and Isaac Newton have gone from strength to strength jumping around two CCI5*s and being on a British Nations Cup team. They were aiming for Badminton in 2020 and 2021, but covid restrictions meant the prestigious event was cancelled on both occasions. Jo loves the exhilaration and variety of training for eventing, as well as helping her pupils achieve their goals. She says she should have perhaps reduced her workload by now but her 5* successes led to her being sent some talented horses to ride so isn’t handing the reins over to Jess quite yet! Find out more by following Team Rimmer Eventing on Facebook.

Jo Rimmer and Issac Newton and right, Jess Rimmer and Diamond Bobby EQUINE CLASSIFIEDS

2 STABLES PLUS 2 ACRE FIELD FOR RENT. (2 further stables and acreage maybe available) Hazelbury Bryan On secure farm Cottage and workshop available by separate negotiation £200pcm 07734 059190

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