Complete version Localrider February 2012 issue

Localrider Magazine

RIDING CLUB • PONY CLUB • SHOWING • DRESSAGE www.localrider.co.uk

£3.00

February 2012

LOCAL VETERAN CHAMPION AT OLYMPIA February 2012 • VOLUME XII NUMBER 1

In the Spotlight: Eloise Van Praagh

Also this issue:

www.localrider.co.uk

• Equine Careers • Strictly Come Dressage • Lots of prizes to be won!

02

COVERING KENT, SUSSEX, SURREY, HAMPSHIRE, BERKSHIRE & THE ISLE of WIGHT

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The French National Horse Riding School

LE CADRE NOIR

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Contents February 2012 EDITOR

Fiona Rafferty fiona@localrider.co.uk Tel: 01892 863062

40

45

59

63

ART EDITOR Sam Reeves

ADVERTISING

Karen Ede karen@localrider.co.uk Tel: 01892 863062

Contact Localrider at: Localrider Magazine, Roundbale Limited, 2 Littleworth Cottages, Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TP GENERAL ENQUIRIES:

01892 863062

www.localrider.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS

Jeannie Knight, Alex Kelly, Mark Hawksworth, Sandra Brookes, Sam Lamb, John Caruana, Andy Freeman, Evangeline Davenport, Louise Douglas, Tamara Strapp, Julian Portch, Louise Squires, Claire Owen, Trevor Meeks, George Gorman, Charlotte Phillips, Alex Inez Phillips, Olivia Boult, Lucy Nicholas, Laura Powell, Danny Long, Lynn Jarvis, Rhian Williams, Joanna Gillespie, Mark Hawksworth, Sue Lacey, Brian Grimes, Craig Payne, Michele Richardson, Kit Houghton, Oli Lawrence

Front Cover: Kate Marfleet and Murram Park Phantom, 2011 Veteran Hors Showing Olympia Champions. Photography

by Kit Houghton

Published by

Roundbale Limited, publishers of Localrider Magazine take all reasonable steps to ensure that the information published in Localrider Magazine is correct and in good faith. However, we do not guarantee the correctness or completeness of material published in the reports, articles, or advertising. Neither we nor any other party (whether or not involved in producing the publication), shall be liable or responsible for any kind of loss or damage that may result to you or a third party as a result. This exclusion shall include servicing or repair costs and, without limitation, any other direct, indirect or consequential loss.

The views expressed in the editorial do not necessary reflect the views of the publication. Although due care is taken Roundbale Limited does not accept liability for loss or damage of material submitted for possible publication.

Localrider Magazine must not be reproduced in any shape or form or means without the permission of the publisher.

Features 16 41 42 43 44 45 49 50 63 64 65

4,000 Mile Road Trip to the Gambia Managing your preparation Horse Sharing – a Mother’s Nightmare Beating Thrush Thinking of breeding a child’s pony?

All the Queen’s Horses – London Horse Parade How to bit a horse with a sensitive tongue Do you want to work in the equine industry? COVER STORY The Cleveland Bay Training with Horses in Mind Your Veteran Horses and Ponies

Regulars 6 News 18 Club News 20 Spotlight – Eloise Van Praagh COVER STORY 22 Regional Roundup 48 Laura’s Diary 70 Feed News – Feeding the Veteran 74 Father Figure – Kevin Willard 76 Show Dates 77 Classifieds 81 The trials & tribulations of Oli Lawrence

82 Reader of the Month – Harrison Beves 82 Coming Next Month

Hunt Reports 36 Warlingham & District Boxing Day Meet 40 Surrey Union East Standon Meet

Show Reports 52 Mid Surrey Pony Club Sponsored Ride 54 Highstead Riding Club’s Christmas Show 55 Vicarage Farm Autumn Hunter Trials 56 Brickfields Horse Country Inter-Schools Dressage 58 Joydens Riding Club Christmas Show 59 Strictly Come Dressage COVER STORY 62 The Sunshine Tour Championships 68 Local Veterans at Olympia COVER STORY

Competitions and Special Offers COVER STORY 7 Win tickets to see Monty Roberts 8 Win a lesson with Louise Bell 15 Win a VIP trip to see War Horse and £500 of Spillers Feed 73 Win one of five tubs of NAF Veteran Supplement 75 Giveaways

4 Localrider FEBRUARY 2012

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Welcome

52 F

65

irstly may I take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year and to hope all your horsey dreams might come true in 2012. It is certainly an exciting year for British athletes and we shall be aiming to bring you as much news as we can over the following months in respect of the build up to the Equestrian events at Greenwich. I am already looking forward to some very special yard visits courtesy of the British Equestrian Federation and by the time you are reading this I will hopefully have spent time with both Emile Faurie and Laura Collett.

I am also looking forward to the International Eventing Forum at Hartpury in early February. It has been highly recommended to me as an inspirational day and anyone interested in eventing should certainly consider attending.

Continuing on the educational theme I am also looking forward to the Fit to Ride Equine Safety and Confidence lecture demonstration at LMEQ on 10th February. Regular readers will know that I am a big fan of the Fit to Ride programme of building confidence and increasing rider safety, through building balance and fitness. It isn’t just me who has benefitted, top riders such as William Fox-Pitt and Paul Tapner have credited some of their more breath-taking saves to Jon Pitts and his Fit to Ride programme.

Left, Kathy Carter, and right, Fiona Rafferty at the Bliss of London War Horse Opening Night in aid of the Brooke

Glamorous nights with friends

68

Reading this you will probably wonder if I am ever at my desk, but I can assure you I am, most of the time. However, I couldn’t finish without two big thank yous. Firstly to SEIB and ROR, who kindly invited me to the Breeders’ Awards Dinner in London, the first weekend in January. It was wonderful to see local riders, Sam Penn and Nicola Braidwood, collect substantial cheques for their achievements with the retired racehorses they compete in both eventing and show jumping. Turn to page 38 to find out more.

My second thank you goes to Bliss of London who invited me to a screening of War Horse on the opening night, an evening in aid of the Brooke. Over the coming months I hope to bring you news of the Brooke and the wonderful work they do, which supports not only the horses and donkeys working in the developing world, but to help you understand, like I do now, the huge impact just one donkey has on the lives of families. One donkey working the streets or carrying bricks to the kiln can be supporting a family of six people. Helping these people to care for their animals, is ultimately helping to improve the lives of large groups of people throughout the developing world.

March Show Guide Issue

I am now looking forward to starting work on our March Show Guide Issue and discussing with all our regular show and event organisers what they have planned for 2012.

Whatever you have planned Good Luck and remember to keep us updated with your news!

Subscribe to Localrider Magazine for £24.80 for the year (11 issues). Call 01892 863062 or subscribe on line at www.localrider.co.uk

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news Fit to Ride Safety and Confidence Lecture Demonstration at LMEQ

Mary King, shows star appeal at Aivly Tack Shop & Country Store’s Open Day

ollowing on from the hugely successful launch night of Fit to Ride last July, Jon Pitts is returning to LMEQ on 10th February for his second lecture demonstration in the Fit to Ride Safety Programme. This time the focus of attention is on Equine Safety and Confidence.

Fit to Ride is the brand new initiative for riders of all ages and abilities across the disciplines that is designed and led by Jon Pitts. It takes innovative methods proven through tireless research previously available only to elite riders and “blows the cover” on the traditional understanding of riding horses and teaching methods.

The Fit to Ride Safety Programme is designed to show how we can improve our balance and reactions on the horse to prevent falls as well as learning the techniques of falling to work with the ground in a proactive way to reduce the risk of injury.

For the first time equestrians can make their bodies familiar with the instincts and mechanisms of falls to react positively and proactively to a situation.

This programme is based on the innovative research Jon continues to carry out at the British Racing School in Newmarket, where he works with many leading Jockey’s as a consultant to the PJA and IJF. Over the last 10 years Jon has led the development of professional rider and jockey training, designing concepts for both safety and performance, which now play a major role within equestrian sports.

Mary King made a very special guest appearance at the annual Aivly Tack Shop and Country Store Open Day, Ringwood, Hampshire on Saturday 19th November.

Travelling from her Devon home, Mary entertained the approximate 250-strong crowd at Aivly Tack Shop’s spacious store with anecdotes from her past and explaining just how she worked her way from groveling to ride other people’s ponies to becoming a gold medallist.

At a pivotal point in her early career, Mary was offered a significant sum for her home-produced Diver’s Rock but declined saying: “I decided I’d rather be famous than rich!” On then being placed seventh at her first Badminton International Horse Trials, often regarded as the World’s toughest competition, Mary was brought back down to earth when a local lady, unaware of the achievement, offered, “Oh never mind, dear, hopefully you’ll do better next time!”

Mary answered questions from Aivly’s audience and said: “It was great to have such an enthusiastic crowd of horse lovers” Sam Whiteford, representing Mary’s sponsor, Ariat Clothing & Footwear, joked: “We might have to bring security next time”, and, Sheila Lister, director of Aivly Tack Shop & Country Store remarked, “Mary obviously has got a very big fan club and it was great to be able to give something back to our customers.”

Sheila added, “It was wonderful to have Mary here and, for those that missed her words of wisdom, her Q&A session will be available to read on our website, www.aivly.com”

F

Mary King with Aivly owner’s Sheila and Mervyn Lister Pic by Emily Hancox

Mary King with fans

Special Guest – William Kennedy

The official Fit to Ride Equine Safety and Confidence Lecture Demonstration by Jon Pitts, with special guest and National Hunt Jockey William Kennedy has been confirmed for Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre (RH2 8LB), the Official South East Accredited Fit to Ride host venue on… Friday 10th February 2012 – from 6pm onwards.

Tickets: £22pp for adults and £20pp for Pony Club and HOOF members. 15% discount for tickets purchased in January. Tickets are £25 on the night.

For further information about the Equine Safety and Confidence Lecture Demonstration or to purchase your tickets please email fittoride@lmeq.com or text 07774 118000

Fit to Ride Lecture Demo at Duchy College

Thursday 16th February from 6pm. With headcam footage from guest speaker, Paul Tapner.

For further information on Fit to Ride or any of its programmes, please go to www.fittoride.org and contact us at info@fittoride.org Note from the Editor: Over the last year I have been attending Jon’s clinics at LMEQ (as featured in Localrider) on a monthly basis and can confidently say that over this time I have improved my balance and overall riding fitness, and gained enormously in confidence (something I had lost after suffering a lower back injury). The feedback from the launch night was superb and extremely positive and I would highly recommend riders of all disciplines and all abilities to attend.

Are you looking for Sponsorship?

British Horse Feeds is looking for Speedi-Beet Team Members that feel passionately about their fabulous feeds and feel they deserve sponsorship*.

Is your horse a competition superstar or perhaps he is involved with a local charity? Has he survived against all odds or is he simply a loyal friend?

Whatever your horse does, tell us why he’s special by simply visiting the British Horse Feeds Facebook page, post a photo of you and your horse, and tell us why you deserve sponsorship.

British Horse Feeds will then contact a selection of people to discuss sponsorship and the final Speedi-Beet Team Members will be announced in the spring.

Alternatively, you can send a photo and entry for consideration to: Claire Hogarth, TSM Ltd, 1 Doncaster Road, Gunness, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, DN15 8TG. For more information please visit www.britishhorsefeeds.com. * For full terms and conditions please visit www.britishhorsefeeds.com.

Annual Show Dates Guide Coming Soon Advertise your shows and events in our March Show Guide Call 01892 863062 or email info@localrider.co.uk for more information 6 Localrider february 2012

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Please contact fiona on 01892 863062 or email fiona@localrider.co.uk to submit your news to Localrider.

Whilst every effort is taken to ensure your news is included, the editor cannot guarantee that all submissions will be published

Monty Roberts Is Back!

M

onty is back in the uK for three dates across the south of the country, ready to inspire with his kind but effective methods for dealing with whatever issues are presented to him at the demonstrations. Working alongside Monty will be his uK representative Kelly Marks. each night they will be helping local horses with problems such as napping, spooking, refusing to load, or perhaps just a nice young horse ready for its first saddle and rider.

New Concept In Horsebox Design The roadload rampless Horsebox is an innovative and unique horsebox concept that offers owners multiple usage options with just one vehicle and also eliminates the requirement of a ramp within its clever design.

The horsebox consists of two parts: the u-tail® vehicle section and the horsebox compartment. The horsebox can be easily detached and re-attached, so as well as a horsebox, it can also be detached for use as a mobile field shelter, possible temporary stabling at shows or as a short-term storage solution, and because its wheel-less, its also far less attractive to thieves in comparison to traditional horse lorries and trailers.

Once you have the u-tail® vehicle alone, you can also look at the numerous ‘load’ options available to purchase ranging from flat decks (Ideal for moving field/yard equipment, hay, shavings etc) through to specialist boxes (Ideal for those who needs a Mondayfriday van for work) and even a Motor home (for those who sometimes like to spend time away from the horse at weekends!)

The options are endless! add air suspension for a smooth selfleveling drive, hydraulically powered self-locking arms, which raise and lower the box, by simply pressing a button and bespoke options (weigh overload check system, reversing cameras & horse camera (as standard), rear/front/side traveling) and you have a multi-purpose horsebox incorporating proven 21st Century technology and a design that saves struggling with a heavy ramp! www.ramplesshorsebox.co.uk

British Heart Foundation Stayin’ Alive ‘HerO’ boots are handmade stylish red boots with an aligator-look finish and belstane is supporting the british Heart foundation by helping to promote the Hands Only CPr’ campaign and by making a donation of £5.00 per pair sold directly to the bHf charity.

The ‘HerO’ boots are made by Maniera from natural rubber on an orthopaedic last for excellent fit and comfort. There is an extra felt insole for additional insulation and comfort and the boots have moulded soles and stitched welts.

Sizes: 3 to 8, Colour: Red, RP: £70.00. www.belstane.com

Sat 11th february - bury farm equestrian Centre, Slapton, bucks fri 17th february - Henfield equestrian Centre, Henfield , West Sussex Sat 25th february - The Hand equestrian Centre, Clevedon, N Somerset for the romantics amongst us, february is the month associated with finding love. although we can’t necessarily guarantee to find your true valentine (!), you will definitely be able to learn how you can produce your own perfect equine partner! The theme for this tour is ‘from My Hands to yours’, and Monty will be sharing his secrets and vast experience of how to create a safe, light and willing horse.

Tickets are available online at www.intelligenthorsemanship. co.uk or call 01488 71300. If you have a horse that you think Monty might be able to help, please call the Intelligent Horsemanship office on 01488 71300 for the chance to be selected.

WIN!

WIN!

We have one pair of tickets for the 17th february at Henfield equestrian Centre. for your chance to see Monty roberts send a postcard with your name, address and telephone number to: Monty roberts, Localrider, 2 Littleworth Cottages, Speldhurst, Kent TN3 0TP. The winner will be the first card drawn after the closing date of 7th february 2012.

2012 International Eventing Forum at Hartpury an inspiring panel of speakers and demonstration riders have been lined up for the 2012 International eventing forum, a ‘must attend’ pre season fixture taking place on the 6th of february at Hartpury College.

This day-long educational event brings some of the world’s most talented event riders together with some of the sport’s most experienced coaches for a day of training that will prove invaluable for everyone interested in the sport of eventing, from event riders of all levels to trainers, owners, breeders and officials alike. Top riders will be put through their paces by the forum’s experienced panel of coaches, while visitors will have the opportunity to interact and pose questions to ensure that everyone will finish the day with a fresh perspective and valuable new insights into training for top class performance. for further information please visit www. internationaleventingforum.com. Tickets are available in advance and can be ordered over the phone by contacting Hartpury College on 01452 702127 between 9am and 5pm. Individual tickets: £50 for the full day, Discounts for students and group bookings.

Annual Show Dates Guide Coming Soon Advertise your shows and events in our March Show Guide Call 01892 863062 or email info@localrider.co.uk for more information february 2012 Localrider 7

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N! I W Win a lesson with news

Prolific Working Hunter Champion Louise Bell

T

he forever imaginative team at www.equine-careers. co.uk want to shout from the roof tops to celebrate their sponsorship of the Working Hunter Classes at the royal bath & West Show 2012, in order to do so they are offering one lucky rider the chance to win a lesson with the Queen of Showing – none other than Louise bell.

Louise has competed at the top of her sport for over 15 years and has numerous accolades to her name including many royal International and Horse of The year Show Honours. entries to this exclusive competition open on 1st March 2012 and can be made via the equine Careers website. full terms and conditions are also available www.equine-careers.co.uk entries close on Saturday 31st March 2012, with the winner chosen at random and announced shortly afterwards.

Kempton Racecourse Fans Rewarded with £1 Tickets every visitor to Kempton Park’s all-weather flat racing fixtures between now and late March will be invited back to the racecourse ... for just £1.

The initiative is aimed at continuing to build on the racecourse’s attendance figures for flat racing which were up by just under 20% between 2010 and 2011. The Sunbury racecourse hosts 24 flat racing fixtures between 11 January and 29 March, including ‘twilight’ meetings every Wednesday late afternoon and early evening.

The attendance rises have been helped by last year’s investment in new facilities on the ground floor of the grandstand, including a Costa Coffee shop, the ‘Kings of Kempton’ bar and an Italian Trattoria serving freshly baked pizzas, plus relaxed seating areas.

The flat racing fixtures at which the £1 offer for return visits applies are: January: 11; 12; 18; 22; 24; 25; 26. february: 1; 8; 15; 16; 22; 23; 29.

March: 1; 7; 14; 19; 20; 21; 22; 28; 29. admission on Sunday 15th January is free.

Tickets for flat racing at Kempton Park between January and March cost just £12 - and there’s a 20% discount reducing that to £9.60 for advance booking. Tickets can be bought online at kempton.co.uk and by calling the box office on 0844 579 3008. accompanied under 18s are admitted free of charge.

Broadfeed is open Sundays!

Broadfeed will be opening on Sundays from 5th February. So whether you are looking to stock up with feed and bedding for the week ahead or need a new hat for that show next weekend, they are now open 10 - 4 on Sundays. And if there still aren’t enough hours in the day you can shop online at www.broadfeed.co.uk

Obituary: Christopher Schofield Christopher Schofield (Gbr), former Chairman of Great britain’s young rider Selectors programme, passed away on 4th January at the age of 90. Many young british eventing riders enjoyed success during his leadership of the young rider Selectors programme, including William fox-Pitt, Tina Cook and Pippa funnell.

Jane Holderness-roddam, who secured team gold in eventing for Great britain at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, remembers Christopher Schofield as “a truly great character, he was always incredibly enthusiastic and supportive and was always thrilled to hear how the young riders were getting on, even in more recent years. He was always there with wise words of advice for us all.”

Legendary junior and young eventing trainer Gill Watson worked alongside Christopher as team trainer from 1981: “He was the backbone to all the british young riders success and really set the ball rolling,” she said. “To me, he was the most amazing supporter and friend.”

Right: Christopher Schofield, presenting the young rider trophy to Claire Bowley and Fair Share at Bramham Horse Trials in 1989

The winning formula! as an editor it is always pleasing to hear from readers (and even better when they are subscribers), if they are ringing to thank us for promoting a product that they have bought as a result of reading about it in Localrider and which they are very happy with. So I was very pleased when chatting to a subscriber before Christmas to hear that she had bought an equi-Star horsebox, in fact she was so pleased with her new purchase that she made me look through my back copies to find her exact lorry.

Keeping up the tradition

She then went on to tell me how the magic had worked for her too, as it seems the majority of people that have bought an equi-Star horsebox have gone on to win, first time out.

Sophie in Kent said: “We are delighted with our new horse lorry, thank you. The service you provide at equi-Star is excellent, so helpful and ‘honest’. you gave us full information on each vehicle so that we could make an informed choice. We also had the option to customise our lorry – it felt like nothing was too much trouble. We would be happy to recommend equi-Star to anyone.”

To find out more about Equi-Star’s range of two-horse vehicles visit: www.equi-star.com or call 07790 661149.

Regent Junior/Adult Steed Now Available The original jodhpur boot from Regent is available now in a full range of colours and sizes. From a child size 5 to adults size 13. In Black, Oxblood and Dark Brown. For more information visit www.regent-footwear.co.uk 8 Localrider february 2012

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news Cadre Noir A4-3

South Essex Insurance Brokers Awarded Customer Service Provider of the Year

S

outh Essex Insurance Brokers have had a very good 2011!

Not only shortlisted for two insurance industry awards for claims they are delighted to have won the ‘Customer Service Provider’ award at the Insurance Age UK Broker awards.

This is a National award within the insurance industry and SEIB were voted the best in the UK. The judges were impressed with the service provided by SEIB across the board and in particular the innovation, service and care provided to their equine clients.

SEIB understand that horses and ponies are very special to their owners; they are part of the family and often very valuable. SEIB’s claim team assess and settle veterinary fee claims as quickly and sympathetically as possible, this ensures that the horses and ponies get the best veterinary treatment and the highest standards of animal welfare are maintained.

The knowledge and experience of the team as horse owners ensures they have a common interest with clients. The team are exceptionally conscientious, they really understand how it feels to be have an injured or sick animal.

Equine claims are far more complicated than just completing a form and forwarding a cheque, a claim can go on for anything up to a year and sometimes longer, depending on the problem.

The SEIB team are brilliant at adding the personal touch while remaining wholly professional, often being a sounding board on the horse’s progress, their cover and options for further treatment.

On-going training ensures that the team’s knowledge of equine medicine enables them to speak responsibly and authoritatively to veterinary surgeons and clients, second opinions are available from a panel of approved SEIB veterinary surgeons.

Priority is given to emergency cases, particularly where emergency surgery may be required to save the life of an animal or in those sad cases where consent is being sort for humane slaughter of an insured horse or pony. As the majority of the team are, or have been horse owners they have empathy with our clients many of whom are often distressed and worried about the health of their animals. www.seib.co.uk

ENSURE YOUR HORSE IS THE PICTURE OF HEALTH

Le Cadre Noir de Saumur

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Page 1

The French National Horse Riding School

LE CADRE NOIR

Le Cadre Noir de Saumur – The French National Horse Riding School – coming to the UK next May! For the first time ever, the British public will have the chance to see Le Cadre Noir de Saumur: The Famous ‘French Equine Excellence’ French Riding School, one of the most prestigious E Awhen R L S itCcomes O U Rto T London L O N D Earls ON horsemanship schools in the world, MAY 2012 Court for its debut UK Show from 25th – 7.30pm 27th May 2012. 26th 7.30pm Friday 25th • Saturday Sunday 27th Le Cadre Noir de Saumur is world renowned for 4.00pm its incredible HR TKT 0844performing 338 0000 complex horsemanship. Visitors will see24the riders HOTLINE: www.bookingsdirect.com spectacular movements including the famous ‘airs above the ground’ and the magnificent ‘croupades et cabrioles’.

Le Cadre Noir de Saumur dates back to 1825 when it provided training to the Officers of the French Cavalry and gets its name from the black uniforms that are still used today. 50 horses and 22 riders will travel to London where their performance will be accompanied by musicians from the European Symphony Orchestra, creating an outstanding spectacle which brings together sport, art and culture in an unforgettable experience.

Colonel Jean-Michael Faure, Commander of Le Cadre Noir de Saumur said: “We are thrilled to be coming to London to perform for the British public in such an iconic venue. For our first UK show we are creating something special. It’s a huge honour for us to be able to showcase our skills and heritage to an audience that is so dedicated and proud of its own equestrian and military tradition.”

-Saumur

(AGENCY & C/CARD BOOKINGS SUBJECT TO BOOKING FEE)

Ticket Information: There are just three performances on the 25th, 26th and 27th May. Tickets are now on sale and can be booked by phoning the 24 hour ticket line on 0844 338 0000 or by visiting www.bookingsdirect.com Ticket Prices: Fri 25th May, 7.30pm: £60 / £50 / £40; Sat 26th May, 7.30pm: £65 / £55 / £45; Sun 27th May, 4pm: £60 / £50 / £40; amily ticket (2 adults, 2 children), Friday 25th and Sunday 27th: £160 / £200; Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children), Saturday 26th: £180 / £22.

Bedgebury Park’s first Whittington clinic is huge success st Although the Whittington name might Anyone wanting to take part in the next 1 PRIZE seem to give the training an eventing clinic on Sunday 12th February, or express

Insure your horse with SEIB and he could Bedgebury Park Equestrian Centre’s feature in our 2012 calendar! first combined training clinic with the

Whittingtons Sunday January SEIB have been providing insurance for on the horse world 8th for over 40 years. was

a huge success, running smoothly and being There is a choice of policies to protect your horse if it suffers from sickness enjoyed greatly by those who took part. or injury and you from unexpected expense.

The format Our policies are priced to givecombined you great valuetraining for money and with a is a new range of competitive premiums to suit your pocket.

So with if you have a one to Bedgebury Park, international brood mare, companion, an old hack or a serious competition horse we eventer Francis Whittington giving show will have a policy to suit you. jumping coaching while his sister Bryony teaches on the flat. The numerous options For horse insurance from a broker that really available to participants make this a very will be there in your hour of need different experience to a typical clinic.

As well as the obvious option to book Call 0845 450 0654 both phases, riders can also opt to work Click www.seib.co.uk solely with Bryony - either on general flatwork or a specific dressage test - or stick to jumping with Francis, riding two rounds under his instruction and receiving feedback. If they just wish to jump, but two rounds aren’t quite enough, people are encouraged to book sessions over two different heights.

Francis Whittington said: “Our first try at this new format seemed to work really well - we were pleased with the uptake and the results we had. It’s a concept we’ve wanted to try for a long time and the set up at Bedgebury worked perfectly.” ç Choice of vets10 fee Localrider cover ç The comfort of knowing that february 2012 we are on your side and will ç Choice of excess guide you through the maze ç Various optional extensions of cover on offer to meet your needs 6-15news_lrfeb12.indd 10 ç Professional advice ç Winners of numerous customer

Win a professional photo slant,with theTrevor ‘build your own clinic’ approach session Meeks the Horse and riders Hound from any discipline could means that photographer plus benefit from attending. a canvas of your favourite picture.

“I had a lovely time and the improvement

in both myself Get snapping andand visit my

horse by the end was worth every penny,” said Sharon www.seib.co.uk Richardson from Tonbridge, who took part for full details*. in both phases. “I hope these clinics become a regular thing and I am really looking forward to coming back in February.”

ç In house claims service.

We promise to give you help and support while ensuring a quick, fair and hassle free process ç For a quote or to go on cover

interest in future dates, should email info@bedgeburypark.com. A 10 minute jumping session costs £20 and a 30 minute flat session is £40, but there is a reduced rate of £55 when booking both. Spectators are welcome at a charge of £5 per person.

Further information on the new format can be found on the Bedgebury Park website, www.bedgeburypark.com Gabriella Atkinson, proprietor of Bedgebury Park EC, said: “The February clinic is filling up fast so we would encourage people to book quickly if they want to attend, but if they miss out this time there’s no need to panic – we are hoping that these will be the first of many throughout the year.”

19/1/12 21:54:18

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Sale starts 28th January at 9am

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You can WIN 50 bags of BEDMAX at www.bedmaxshavings.com 6-15news_lrfeb12.indd 11

19/1/12 21:54:21

news Former World Horse Welfare Chairman receives OBE

R

ecently retired World Horse Welfare Chairman, Christopher Hall, was recognised in the New Year’s Honours List.

Christopher has been awarded with an OBE by The Queen, recognising his work to help horses. He commented on his honour by saying: “I feel extremely honoured to have received this award. I have worked closely with horses in a number of different ways for many years. I have been lucky enough to meet many wonderful people along the way and have much appreciated the help of excellent Trustees.

I have been very privileged in my time working with horses as I have visited so many interesting countries and met such a diverse range of people while doing what I love. I feel very grateful indeed for the opportunities that I have been given.”

Christopher, a practicing solicitor in Tunbridge Wells where he became senior partner of Cripps Harries Hall in 1991, joined World Horse Welfare in 2005; he became Chairman in 2006, and retired from the post last December. During Christopher’s time with the charity he was instrumental in bringing about significant improvements to horse welfare both in the United Kingdom and internationally.

Christopher has been involved with horses all his life, as he was a successful rider and trainer of point to pointers. He has been a Trustee of Racing Welfare, a Steward of the Jockey Club, and chaired the Jockey Club’s Disciplinary Committee subsequently a Member of the Appeal Board.

Christopher joined the BHS’ Council in the 1960’s holding among other positions the first Chairmanship of the Rights of Way Panel.

He was the Chairman of British Equestrian Promotions which organised the London horse shows and is a former Chairman of the London International Horse Show at Olympia and the South of England Agricultural Society.

Christopher is succeeded as World Horse Welfare Chairman by Barry Johnson MRCVS, a 30-year vet and former President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

British Showjumping Announces Jennifer Saunders as a new Ambassador for the Sport Jennifer Saunders, one of Britain’s best-loved actresses and writers, has become the latest ambassador for British Showjumping. A huge fan of the sport since childhood days when she rode horses/competed herself, she will be joining her friend, Mamma Mia producer, Judy Craymer, in lending her much-appreciated support to horses and riders as they gear up for the London Olympics.

Jennifer’s affection for the sport began at a young age when she was competing in the sport herself. In the event, she was deflected by the theatrical world before she had the chance to fully develop as a would-be Olympian.

“I did compete at a lowly level. Gymkhanas and small shows. I was happy to get over the first jump, anything after that was a bonus.

I was hooked on show jumping as it was covered widely on television and was hugely entertaining and the riders were household names and the horses were personalities too.

I feel that part of my role is to reintroduce the public to the fun of the sport and make them familiar with the characters.”

Jennifer enjoying the Hickstead Derby with Harvey Smith and Maria Clayton

Suregrow Raises £600 for Equine Grass Sickness Fund Kate (left) is pictured with Joyce McIntosh, who has recently retired after many years with the EGSF as secretary A successful facebook campaign by Suregrow has raised £600 to support the work of the Equine Grass Sickness Fund (EGSF) and helped to further raise awareness of this devastating disease.

Accepting a cheque from Suregrow, EGSF secretary Kate Thomson said, “The Equine Grass Sickness Fund is delighted to receive this generous donation from Suregrow. We are the only registered charity in the UK raising funds specifically for research into grass sickness and play a leading role in working towards identifying the cause and further improving the treatment of chronic cases. Recently, substantial progress has been made on the role of Clostridium Botulinum, but there is still much work to be done.

Jonathon Cox from Suregrow said simply, “Thanks to everyone who joined the Suregrow facebook community and helped make this so successful.”

Ride-Away goes mobile!

Ride-Away, one of the UK’s leading equestrian and country stores, has launched a mobile website to make shopping on the move easier than ever before.

“We’re really pleased with our new mobile website,” says Angela Clark from Ride-Away, “we know how popular smartphones are and how many use them as computer substitutes. We’re a forward thinking company and we’re always looking at ways that we can improve our service and make it easier and quicker for our customers to do what they need to.”

The mobile website is simple to use, just access www.rideaway. co.uk from any smartphone and you’ll be presented with a list of categories. Simply select the most relevant and the website will quickly and efficiently guide you to the area you require. Special offers are also available through the mobile site, so visitors can benefit from all the promotions available on the standard website.

“We’ve designed our mobile site to be easy to navigate, without the need to zoom in and out between pages,” says Angela. “So many people choose to shop online now, and shopping when you’ve got a few spare minutes but no access to a computer makes sense- we hope people use and enjoy it.”

To use the mobile website, just visit www.rideaway.co.uk from any smartphone. To find out more about Ride-Away, visit the website, phone 01347 810443 or email info@rideaway.co.uk

Do you suffer from cold feet?

There is nothing worse but to jump off your horse with frozen toes. Equitector offers the ideal solution with their unique Climate Control technology.

This heat reflective foil system works a bit like a vacuum flask.

The boots prevent cold feet even if it is minus 25 C outside. But it does not just for winter. When it is hot outside the system prevents your feet from becoming overheated too.

Equitector Climate Control technology is for all the year round and you find it in all Equitector yard and riding boots. Equitector boots are waterproof too and this makes them the perfect all weather boot.

For more info www.equitector.com or call 0208 0904029

12 Localrider february 2012

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19/1/12 21:54:23

Equestrian Star Pippa Funnell MBE to meet customers at SCATS Farm & Country Event Day in Billingshurst

Come and meet Pippa Funnell Sponsored by

T

hree day eventing star Pippa funnell Mbe, will join customers and colleagues at SCaTS farm & Country in billingshurst on Saturday 11th february from 10am – 4pm, for an action packed free Pet and equine Day. Considered one of the eventing world’s sporting elite, the equestrian superstar, sponsored by Toggi and Champion, will meet and greet customers, sign autographs and give two interactive lectures (11am and 2pm) on her experiences of competing at national, international and Olympic levels. Currently the only person to have won the rolex Grand Slam, consisting of consecutive wins at Kentucky, badminton and burghley, Pippa funnell Mbe will also be answering questions and giving tips to equine enthusiasts.

Nick bending, SCaTS farm & Country billingshurst Store Manager said, “We have an action-packed event day planned with presentations from our special guest Pippa funnell Mbe, displays from The Quack Pack as well as supplier advice, product sampling, special offers and other activities for the whole family!” accomplished and well-respected sheepdog handler Meirion Owen will be showcasing the amazing talents of border collies and the communication between handler and dog with his ‘Quack Pack’ sheep dog and Indian runner duck demonstrations at 12.30pm and 3.30pm – not to be missed! event day visitors will be able to take advantage of advice on worming, receive free product samples from selected suppliers, as well as other fantastic event day offers. Patrick Traill, SCaTS farm & Country Veterinary Services Manager will be giving a talk on equine worming. Customers will also be able to ask any pet related questions.

The store will offer a 10% discount off all ranges during the event day* and customers will have the opportunity to enter a free prize draw to win £350 to spend on Toggi and Champion clothing!!

Complimentary refreshments will be offered throughout the event including delicious burgers and buns from local suppliers.

For more information on the event please call the SCATS Farm & Country in Billingshurst on 01403 782031 or visit www.scatscountrystores.co.uk

* excluding special event day offers, gift vouchers, livestock medicines, equine feed, sale items and silage plastics.

Saturday 11th February from 10am – 4pm Event Day Schedule: 8.00am

Store opens as normal

10.00am

Event day opens

11.00am

Pippa Funnell MBE presentation and autograph signings in the event marquee

12.30pm

Quack Pack performance

2.00pm

Pippa Funnell MBE presentation and autograph signings in the event marquee

3.30pm

Quack Pack performance

4.00pm

Event day closes

6.00pm

Store closes as normal

SCATS Farm and Country, Frenches Corner, Billingshurst, West Sussex RH14 9LR

6-15news_lrfeb12.indd 13

10

Pet & Equine Day Saturday 11 th February at SCATS Farm & Country Billingshurst 10am - 4pm

Fantastic offers available on the day including: • • •

up to 25% off selected horse feed and balancers £5.49 introductory offer on haylage up to 50% off selected equine supplements

*excludes event day offers, gift vouchers, livestock medicines, equine feed, sale items and silage plastics.

SCATS Farm & Country Frenches Corner, Billingshurst, West Sussex RH14 9LR T: 01403 782031

www.scatscountrystores.co.uk

19/1/12 21:54:25

news Take Home the Magic with Parelli

G

et ready, because now you can study and practice Linda Parelli’s revolutionary Game of Contact, Pat Parelli’s legendary Colt Starting system, and savvy Hacking tools and techniques from the comfort of your home!

Parelli Natural Horsemanship brings you three brand new DVDs designed with your goals in mind.

The Game of Contact features Linda Parelli at her best, describing in detail her revolutionary methods for developing collection naturally. The four distinct and simple stages help achieve ultimate mental, emotional, and physical collection. This take-home course will teach you how to solve problems related to contact or help you and your horse learn contact for the first time.

Pat Parelli’s Colt Starting features Pat’s tried and trusted system for starting horses, from accepting the human, to accepting the saddle and rider, and finally accepting the bit. This course will teach you confidence and respect, bareback mounting, saddling, passenger lessons, first rides, and achieving the different gaits with a newly started horse.

Finally, Hit the Trail follows Pat, Linda, and their students as they take you on a hack through the stunning Colorado wilderness.

Learn directly from Pat and Linda all that you need to know before you set out on a ride, then how to put your new found skills to use on the spot when you need them most.

These three new courses are packed with information to help you be safe, have fun, and advance your horsemanship skills in an exciting new topic-specific format.

Each DVD features instructional demonstrations, thorough education, and enthralling and humorous stories. Also available in Blu-ray format.

Game of Contact DVD or Blu-ray: Savvy Club members - £179.95/ Non-members - £239.93. Colt Starting DVD or Blu-ray: Savvy Club members - £159.95 / Non-members - £213.27. Hit the Trail DVD or Blu-ray: Savvy Club members - £99.95 / Non-members - £133.27.

For further information contact the Parelli UK team on 0800 0234 813 or visit www.parelli.com

Virbac Equine SQP of the Year Finalists 2012 are announced Virbac Animal Health are pleased to announce the six finalists of the Virbac SQP of the Year Award 2012. It was in 2011 that the Virbac Equine SPQ of the Year Award was instigated in recognition of the important role played by SQP’s in offering sound and well balanced advice on worming issues to horse owners, and in recognition of the hard work and training undertaken by SQP’s to achieve this level of competence.

During the past year horse owners and colleagues have been nominating their local SQP who, in their opinion, go the extra mile to offer help and advice. From the many nominations received six finalists have been invited to attend BETA International, where, after undergoing a final interview from a distinguished panel of judges that includes the 2011 winner Suzi Law, they will be acknowledged in a prestigious presentation that will take place on Sunday 19th February at BETA International, and the winner will be presented with their Award.

“We are delighted to announce the final six in the 2012 Virbac Equine SQP of the Year’ said Virbac Equine Product Manager Tom Blacklock ‘ our finalists have already been ‘mystery shopped’ and we have some excellent candidates in the final six, so I am sure that the panel will have a tough decision to make to find a winner.”

The finalists are: Ann - Marie Brown - Farmway, Harrogate; Mandy Dawkes - Wynnstay, Denbighshire; Sarah Gardhouse WCF, Carlisle; Toni Wise - Dovehouse Farm, Beds; Claire Sellors Sellors LTD Nottingham; Dafydd Lewis - WD Lewis Lampeter.

For more information contact Virbac Animal Health on 01359 243243 or visit www.3dworming.com

Efeed.co.uk is back in business!

Efeed.co.uk has made a welcome return to the equestrian online world, providing horse owners across the UK with a simple and efficient way of getting feed, bedding, supplements and even haylage delivered direct to their yard.

“We are delighted to have the website back up and running,” says Sarah Hughes of Efeed.co.uk, “and we’re really excited about its future. We’re currently working on site improvements, new products and delivering more than ever before. We want to be the UK equestrian’s ‘go to’ place for horse feed, meaning that those who want to spend more time riding and less time collecting heavy feed can do so. Equally, for those in more remote locations, or people who just want a range of horse feed, bedding, haylage and supplements delivered with minimal stress, we can do it!”

The site is packed full of different types of feed and associated products from leading brands. The prices offered are incredibly competitive, and regular special offers help to ensure the very best deals.

“Another great thing about Efeed.co.uk is that you can place your order whenever you like, as we’re online, you’re not restricted to working hours,” says Sarah. “So you can make the most of the reduced daylight hours this winter, spending as many as possible on your horse.” www.efeed.co.uk

Heavy Horse Harness Stolen In Sussex A member of the Southern Counties Heavy Horse Association had his entire collection of harness stolen overnight on Saturday 19th November 2011.

Dave and Gaye Botting from Amberley in West Sussex went to check on their horses on Sunday morning and found their security container had been broken into and their entire collection of heavy horse harness, bridles and saddles had been stolen.

Make a Date for JumpCross at Priory Court Farm Whether a seasoned competitor, nervous rider, coming back to jumping after injury, bringing on a young horse or just looking for something more stimulating - JumpCross is for you.

Priory Court Farm, East Sussex has announced some new training dates for 2012, so why not join in and have a go?

Tuition at Priory Court includes practising the steps, banks, ditches and two water complexes, as well as corner fences, styles and the joker fence. The new water jump that was put in at the end of last year has proved to be fun and quite a challenge for some enabling organisers to extend the course further.

JumpCross is the equestrian discipline sweeping the nation, combining the excitement of cross-country with the accuracy of show jumping in a controlled enviornment.

It is an excellent way of training both horse and rider in the art of cross country riding, and is suitable for all ages and abilities.

JumpCross Dates: Sunday 13th May Training; Saturday 9th June - Training; Sunday 1st July - Competition. www.jumpcross.com / www.priorycourtfarm.co.uk

14 Localrider february 2012

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19/1/12 21:54:25

N! I W Win a VIP trip to see War Horse and £500 worth of SPILLERS® feed

SPILLerS® has teamed up with the broadway Show War Horse to give you the chance to win an exclusive VIP trip to London to see the fabulous War Horse production and to receive £500 worth of SPILLerS® feed.

Described as ‘an astonishing piece of theatre’, War Horse is the moving tale of a horse immersed in the chaos of World War I. based on a book

by Michael Morpurgo, the show has become so successful that it has recently been made into a film.

SPILLerS® has put together an amazing, exclusive prize for one lucky winner and a friend. It includes the opportunity to meet the incredible horse puppets used in the Show, an overnight stay at a luxurious Central London Hotel and pre-theatre dinner. SPILLerS® is also including £500 worth of free SPILLerS® feed for the winner.

The competition is being run in association with SPILLerS® High fibre Cubes, the original low starch, high fibre cube, that is safe for horses and ponies prone to laminitis and can also be soaked to make a palatable mash for veterans. To enter simply complete and send off the prize entry form on the side of the SPILLerS® High fibre Cubes pack before the closing date of 28th february 2012. for full terms and conditions please visit Team SPILLerS® on facebook or see the side of SPILLerS® High fibre Cubes packs.

A fresh start for worming this year

W

e all want the best for our horses and New year is a great time to review your management. Worming has changing and we can no longer carry on simply doing it the way we have in the past.

Thankfully it is very easy to get the best for your horse by switching to a worm count based programme. use a Westgate Labs 4count pack, all you need for 4 tests covering a year or more.

Send the sample for testing and then only worm if you need to. a winter dose for encysted redworm and tapeworm completes the year. Simple!

Qualified and experienced SQP’s make sure you get it right with friendly, free advice whenever you need it.

Over to ann K from Wales, a Westgate customer: ‘I’ve found worm counts THe most single useful development in horse management in modern times. for example, this year I will only have wormed once using a broad-spectrum wormer, which includes the fight against tapeworms and bots. I send samples to Westgate every 3 months. The collection of samples, posting and receiving results is easy and not expensive with the added advantage of not continuously giving your horses poisons.’

Time to sort your programme out? buy on line now from www.westgatelabs.co.uk or tel: 01670 791994. Don’t forget Westgate offer a great commercial rate to larger yards, and the long established ‘free collection kit service’ is also available.

Look out for the March Bumper Show Guide Issue, with our guide to the coming shows and events.

For advertising enquiries call Karen on 01892 863062 or email info@localrider.co.uk.

Great events at Lingfield Park Blue Square Winter Carnival Despite the gloom associated with the New year, there are lots of great events at Lingfield Park to brighten the spirits. The blue Square Winter Carnival has returned for the second year bringing with it a wealth of all-weather action throughout January and february. The highlight is the blue Square Sprint Series, run every Saturday where Grand Prix style points are awarded for placings in the sprint race every week. Horses with the most points will be invited back for the Grand final to be held on Saturday 26th february, where the winner will walk away with a share of a fantastic prize pot of £15,000.

Jump Racing –Wednesday 8th & Thursday 23rd February There’s also a number of National Hunt fixtures which are ever popular. The thrills and spills of Jump racing ensures spectators are in for an exciting day. Don’t miss out on these very friendly and welcoming events – even if you’ve never been racing before.

Our Trackside restaurant is the perfect place from which to watch the action and until 23rd March, there’s a great special offer available. Spend the day in the warmth and comfort, enjoying a 3-course menu of quality, freshly prepared food for just £52 per person, including your entrance ticket and race card!

Tickets are available now for all of these fantastic events. Buy at least two working days in advance to get the early booking discount of just £14. Don’t forget that accompanied under 18’s are admitted free of charge to all race meetings!

For further information, please contact 01342 834 800 or visit www.lingfieldpark.co.uk Valentine’s Night Off the track – it’s the time of year when thoughts turn to love and if you’re looking for the perfect place to celebrate Valentine’s Night, Lingfield Park has the answer! you could enjoy a romantic 4-course dinner with Champagne in the Cyprium bar and Grill for just £45 per person. * Then stay overnight in one of our sumptuous rooms from just £215 per couple** including dinner and if you’re celebrating on Saturday 11, you could add on an afternoon of racing too!

To reserve a table call 01342 830 930. Residential packages can be booked at www.marriottlingfieldpark.co.uk *Available Friday 10 – Tuesday 14 February inclusive. Tables must be booked in advance. **Price based on 2 sharing a standard room.

Upgrades are available at an additional supplement. Residential packages are available on Friday 10, Sunday 12, Monday 13 or Tuesday 14 February.

Pure Treats for Pure Enjoyment! reward your horse the healthy way with the new molasses free treat from The Pure feed Company. Made from the purest ingredients, these molasses free treats are low in energy, low in starch and contain no added sugar; for the healthy and wholesome way to reward your horse. recent research investigated whether positive reinforcement techniques (food rewards) were a benefit or a hindrance in the behaviour of yearlings being handled for the first time. The results were quite conclusive. The yearlings rewarded positively with a food treat learned everything more quickly, remembered the training better and showed less bad behaviour, such as kicking or biting. experience shows that the same positive reinforcement with treats can apply to the training of mature horses too. Pure Treats are a perfectly innocent and nutritious replacement for those mints, fruit and sugar cubes traditionally fed.

See http://www.thepurefeedcompany.com/products/pure-treats february 2012 Localrider 15

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19/1/12 21:54:27

feature

4,000 Mile Road Trip to the Gambia T

he Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust has teamed up with veterinary supply brand Vetericyn and two Suffolk-based vets, Pat Sells and Laura Heaps, to deliver essential medical aid and supplies to the charity’s clinic in Sambel Kunda, Gambia. In addition to transporting supplies, the 4X4 truck driven as part of the Vetericyn Veterinary Mission to Gambia will also be donated to the clinic. Sells and Heaps started their gruelling 4,000 mile journey at the end of October.

“The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust is changing the lives and futures of untold numbers of animals and their owners in Western Africa. Our goal in sponsoring the trip and donating Vetericyn products is to help the Trust save animals which might have otherwise died from wounds and infections. We couldn’t be more impressed by the selfless work of this group, and are proud to support them,” said Brian Costigan of Vetericyn.

“Every year horses and donkeys die needlessly from disease and neglect,” explained Mr Sells. “The scale of the animal welfare problem is staggering. 95% of the world’s veterinary care focuses on just 5% of the world’s animals and livestock! There are over 100 million equines (horses, donkeys, mules) in the developing world - a figure that I can’t quite comprehend - the vast majority of these without any access to veterinary care, and under the constant threat of fatal infectious diseases. It’s time we tried to balance this inequality and make a difference! With the help of sponsors such as Vetericyn, along with a number of others we will be able to do just that.”

The charities co-founder Heather Armstrong thanked all the people and firms which have supported the charity so far but stressed that the work never stops. Heather said: “We want to thank all our supporters. Those such as Vetericyn which have donated money and veterinary supplies, vets such as Patrick and Laura who have donated their time and skill and all the people who have rallied round to help us so far. There is still so much more which needs to be done but with ongoing support we are going to continue making a huge impact on the lives of not just the animals but also the people who own them, the farmers who rely on them to carry supplies and the families who desperately need them to survive in so many ways. Every bit of help is going to not just ensuring the horses and donkeys are fed and treated but that local

residents learn how to continue looking after them for the rest of their lives.”

Mr Sells also voiced his gratitude to everybody who has helped make the trip possible: “There are so many people we need to thank for making this mission finally happen. Vetericyn for supplying much needed veterinary supplies and the money towards the vehicle, of course, but also those who have all thrown their support behind us such as Audevard, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Mitchell Skoda, The Open College of Equine Studies, Tutavet, Veterinary Endoscopy Services, Virbac, Elanco, Hallmarq and all those people who have dug deep into their pockets and donated what they could.”

Mr Sells added: “The work doesn’t stop here though and we are always in need of the kindness of strangers to donate whatever they are able to ensure that Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust can continue helping people for many years to come. So please visit www.justgiving.com/gambiaroadtrip and give whatever you are able.” Pat and Laura will be keeping people up-to-date on their marathon mission at www.vetericyn.com/gambia.

Laura Heaps and Pat Sells with the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust founder, Heather Armstrong

16 Localrider february 2012

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BC

We can all always try a little bit harder and do a little bit better. Whether you have just come last in your local show or just won Olympic gold, there is always room for improvement, even when the only record to beat is your own. At Blue Chip there is a continuous effort to do things better; whether competing with our own horses, developing new products or improving existing ones.

Blue Chip always looks to take advantage of developments in both nutritional science and production techniques.

Recent innovations have enabled Blue Chip to make the entire range molasses free, whole-cereal free and low in starch and sugars. In addition, each feed balancer in the Blue Chip range is now enhanced with naturally sourced vitamin E and nucleotides. Find out more about the benefits of nucleotides at www.bluechipfeed.com/nucleotides.

“Success is achieved and maintained by those who

try and keep trying.”

- W. Clement Stone, Businessman/ Philanthropist

All the feed balancers in the Blue Chip range now include: • A combination of scientifically proven digestive aids • Nucleotides • SoundHoof™: A complete hoof supplement • PrimoVento™: A respiratory supplement • A full complement of vitamins and minerals • Natural, fruit derived vitamin E • Antioxidants • A de-stressor • Omega oils • NO molasses or whole cereals Add a Blue Chip feed balancer to your horse’s diet to unlock their potential and ensure that they are getting the best that modern nutrition can provide.

+44 (0)114 266 6200 | info@bluechipfeed.com | www.bluechipfeed.com | facebook.com/bluechipfeed | twitter.com/bluechipfeed | youtube.com/bluechipfeed

16-17gambia-lrfeb12.indd 2 BC_balance.indd 1

19/1/12 11/10/1121:57:07 16:24:04

club news Horsham and District Riding Club London and South East Horse Trials Champions

Photograph by Jeannie Knight

Below: The winning Horsham team, pictured with their Chef D’Equipe, Pammy Nixon, left to right: Jan Allan on Ballymore Roberto, Vicky Allan on Razzle Dazzle, Louise Hamilton on Mr Gigolo, and Mandy Hammond on Ned Kelly

Elstead Riding Club

E

lstead Riding Club (ERC) celebrated another very successful year. The dressage teams had retained the National British Riding Clubs’ Rural Riders’ Championship and the London and South East Dressage Championship titles.

The club also retained both the Foss Trophy, for the club in the West Surrey Area with the most points in teams and the Natasha Trophy, awarded to the most successful club at the London and South East Championships.

The club’s Annual General Meeting was held at the Elstead Royal British Legion Hall on 25th November and was attended by 66 people. ERC Chairman, Richard Terry opened the meeting and congratulated members on another successful year. He remembered Arthur Mashford, long-term club member and supporter who sadly passed away this year. Penny Jann, secretary and team manager, reported an increase in membership and congratulated the 62 members who had represented the club throughout the year in team events. Each team member was later presented with a team rosette. Treasurer, Jenny Dutton, informed members that, in contrast to previous year, the club had made a good profit in 2010.

Attendees were then treated to a photo show featuring members and supporters by newly elected committee member, Jenny Patrick. Former ERC member, Terry Miller, kindly gave a very entertaining look at the preparations for the 2012 Olympics.

The senior overall club champion for 2011 was Annie Denton with her veteran horse Malingold Mercury. Annie and Mercury became club champions for the eleventh consecutive year and retained the open dressage award. When presented with her award she was congratulated for keeping her horse in competition condition for over a decade. The junior overall championship was shared by Lucy Collecott with Ronan and Isobel Bailey-Collins on her six-year-old pony Solero Spirit. Impressively, Isabel Bailey-Collins won no less than five championship awards.

Her trophies included a new award for this year ‘The Fern Hunter Trophy’ kindly donated by Carol Deane.

Elstead Riding Club award winners 2011

Championship Points Winners Senior Champion - Annie Denton (Malingold Mercury) Senior Reserve Champion - Marion Spencer (Kilcrea Rock) Junior Champions - Lucy Collecott (Ronan) and Isabel Bailey-Collins (Solero Spirit) Senior Dressage Champion - Annie Denton (Malingold Mercury) Reserve Champion - Jenny Dutton (Jamambo) Junior Dressage Champion - Phoebe Carter (Nyton Willy Wonker) Reserve Champion - Holly Stuart (Michaelmas Blue) Preliminary Dressage Shield - Debi Arkle (Wandering Star) Senior Show Jumping Champions - Jenny Dutton (The Snowman) & Naomi Simpson (Star) Junior Show Jumping Champion - Isabel Bailey-Collins (Solero Spirit) Reserve Champion - Lucy Collecott (Ronan) Novice Show Jumping Shield - Georgina Bitmead (Crackerjack) Reserve - Wendy Cochlin (Shamrock Harvest) Senior Show Champion - Allison Kite (Quinlan) Reserve Champion - Annie Denton (Malingold Mercury) Junior Show Champion - Isabel Bailey-Collins (Solero Spirit) Reserve Champions - Holly Stuart (So Sue Me) and Rosie Barker (Xeni Leigh) The Fern Hunter Trophy - Isabel Bailey-Collins (Solero Spirit)

Achievement Awards: Senior Chairman’s Trophy - Nihan Negus Junior Chairman’s Trophy - Esther Marshall Twelves Trophy - Emily Hardman Aysha Award - Isabel Bailey-Collins (Solero Spirit) Jasper Veteran Award - Jamambo (Jenny Dutton) The Shamus Trophy - Barrister B (Miranda Hodges) The Chou Chou Memorial Trophy - Holly Stuart The Saffron Trophy - Sophie Collecott

18 Localrider february 2012

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SPOTLIGHT Eloise with Hollybush Trump Card and Forsley Chiff Chaff

Eloise Van Praagh

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Words and photography

by Alex Kelly, additional photography

by Equinational and The Event Photographer

ome rain or shine you will find Eloise Van Praagh outside with her ponies at her family’s Hartfield based yard. At just seven-years-old she has notched up some considerable show ring success with the help of her mother Debbie and her father James. Like her parents (between them they cover most disciplines from racing to dressage) Eloise is proving to be an all round equestrian. The family are lucky enough to enjoy endless hacking on Ashdown Forrest and they are a genuine home produced yard. Debbie schools the ponies with Eloise and their friend, Alex Chapman, helps with stable duties, while James leads the ponies in the ring.

Eloise with Hollybush Trump Card

Eloise with Hollybush Trump Card

Eloise and Teddy

A pony in a million Eloise was introduced to riding on her Shetland pony, Millhouse Diamond Ice, or Teddy. More than living up to his name the pony in a million not only began her showing career both on and off the lead rein but also partners her on the hunting field. Over the winter months Eloise and James have spent some happy hours out with the Old Surrey and Burstow, “when everyone else is walking he has to trot to keep up and when everyone else canters he has to gallop!”

Eloise explained. Thanks to Teddy’s generous nature she is well and truly bitten by the hunting bug. Teddy is also used for RDA lessons

by Eloise’s riding instructress, Ali Remmen.

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Eloise and Teddy out autumn hunting

Eloise and James out autumn hunting

Eloise, James and Jobex Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Horse of the Year Show 2011

Eloise and Teddy out autumn hunting

Royal success for Princess It wasn’t until the family moved back into the area two years ago that Eloise really began showing, riding Linksbury Silver Princess.

The roan mare gave the young rider her first taste of success with a win in the Rosettes Direct Leading Rein finals and second in the Pretty Polly lead rein at the Royal International Horse Show.

Debbie and James are keen to see their daughter help to bring on her own ponies from novices, like Jobex Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Jo to his friends). Jo arrived at the yard aged just four and has gone from strength to strength with Debbie’s and the rest of the family’s careful production. This season saw their hard work well rewarded as the true to type Show Hunter Pony lead rein qualified for the Horse of the Year Show after winning at the North of England and Kent County Show (they finished eighth at the final). At Equifest the young pair took the Supreme Champion Home Produced title, fulfilling Eloise’s ambition to complete a lap of honour under the spotlight. They were also the runners up in the SHP lead rein class at the RIHS.

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Eloise, James and Jobex Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Equifest 2011

Racing ambitions Last year was a year of considerable success as Colne Flora also took home some major titles at the Summer Championships. So it is with great excitement that they look forward to the up coming season and bringing out some new ponies. Including Colne Tigerlily, Forsley Chiff Chaff and Hollybush Trump Card. Trump Card, or Trouble, has a charming temperament and will help “let her loose” says James in the First Ridden classes.

With limitless energy Eloise enjoys playing netball and working gun dogs (she has already started to compete in trials) and still has plenty of goals to work towards with her ponies. She tells me she would love to ride Jo off the lead rein, win a flower garland sash and do the Shetland Grand National with Teddy. If she keeps going the way she is, then I anticipate that it won’t be long before Eloise is thinking up some more aims for 2013!

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FEBRUARY 2012 Localrider 21

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regional roundup

NPS Area 20 Points Competition 2011

Below: Jo and Alison Filmer with Clare Sheehan

Words and pictures by Alex Kelly

NPS Area 20 was pleased to see a record number of entrants forward for the 2011 points competition.

Emmaline and Anna Martin with Marlene Davey presenting the Martyn Davey Memorial Trophy

Emmaline and Anna Martin

Hannah Carmichael with her prizes from the evening

Tilly and Alicia Davidson

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William Nunn

Lauren Carmichael, winner of the Young Handler Award

eorgia Darlington and her thirteen-year-old Welsh section B, Wortley Celebration won the Over All Presidents Supreme Points Championship. The Surrey based pair accumulated a massive 1,790 points in both the ridden M&M and the WHP classes to beat their nearest rivals Lemonshill Falcon and Clare Sheehan.

Clare and the Welsh section B stallion owned by the Longhalves Stud amassed a combined score of 1,745 from both his ridden and in hand showing campaign in 2011. The eye catching grey,

by Douthwaite Signwriter, has been consistent throughout the season qualifying for HOYS, Olympia and RIHS and winning at the Hickstead Derby meeting.

Flying the flag for the Fielden Stud

Highest placed veteran

The Martyn Davey Memorial Trophy

Welsh section B’s once again took home the spoils in the native in hand sections with Vanessa de Quincey’s home bred stallion, Erimus Pilkington taking the top spot. The seventeen years young stallion

by Breccles Bach was also awarded a special prize as the highest placed veteran in the competition.

The non-native in hand section was a hotly fought competition and had more entrants forward than ever before.

Coming out on top was Jenny Keeley’s Sandlings Button Moon. The nine-year-old mare by Westacre Comic Opera, had a very successful season winning championships at Heathfield and NPS Area 20 Summer Show.

Runner up in the section went to Royalview Fairy Dancer owned by the Leacon Stud.

Jan Carmichael of the Fielden Stud came first and second ownerbreeder in the non-native in hand section with Fielden Choristar and Fielden Mrs. Tiggywinkle. There was more cause for celebration as Jan’s protégée’s dominated the young handler competition.

Lauren Carmichael, Clara Douglas and Hannah Carmichael came first, second and third to complete the stables run.

Other owner-bred ponies to take away awards were Sue Ash with her Welsh section A, Sedgwick Conqueror. Conqueror won the accolade in the ridden M&M section and stood second in the WHP to Sonia Burts Connemara mare Walstead Mimosa.

The Wadhurst based Martin family rounded off a good season by seeing nine-year-old, Emmaline win the non-native ridden points with Singing The Blues. Younger sister Anna was placed fourth, fifth and sixth with Nantcol Lady Penelope, Roseberry Spiderman and Addington Luckey Charm. The committee also awarded the Martyn Davey Memorial Trophy to Emmaline and Anna. The much coveted trophy was first presented by the late Martyn in 1995, as he felt younger members who had progressed throughout the year should be recognised and encouraged. Sadly, Martyn passed away the following year but his wife Marlene, of the Ninfield Stud, wished for the trophy to continue in his memory. The committee felt that the two sisters were worthy recipients, because despite set backs they have persevered and worked hard to achieve their goals.

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Lemonshill Falcon and Clare Sheehan at NPS Area 20 Summer show

Wortley Celebration, winner of the Overall Presidents Supreme Points Championship, ridden by Georgia Darlington

Winner of the Native In Hand Points, pictured at Windsor Horse Show

Search for a talented show jumper competition

Emily Seymour and Basil in winning form

spiring local show jumper Ayesha Mumtaz entered a competition run by Tina and Graham Fletcher at Countryside Live (held at the great Yorkshire showground, Harrogate) to win training with the Fletchers. Each entrant had to send in pictures and a resume of their career to date. From over 1,000 entries the Fletchers invited 48 finalists to the Yorkshire Showground for a weekend of training.

Ayesha and her pony Minnie Mouse were invited as one of the 48 finalists. Ayesha’s mother, Ally, said: “The journey to the Yorkshire Showground took us six hours. The organisers told us that Ayesha was the youngest entrant selected and also she had travelled the furthest, as well as having the smallest pony.

She received tuition over the two sessions on Sunday, both outdoor and indoor. The indoor had a couple of thousand noisy spectators and the atmosphere was electric. They jumped their socks off, jumping so much higher than they normally jump. The final fence was put up to a metre!

Although Ayesha did not get through to the final four, Graham made a special mention about her over the microphone and was very complementary about her riding. Ayesha also spent some time with Tina afterwards and she had some lovely things to say too. Although an exhausting weekend, it was well worthwhile and Ayesha benefited from a day’s invaluable training from two very remarkable people who gave up their weekend for 48 very lucky riders.”

Ayesha has since retired Minnie Mouse and is now looking for a new ride. If anyone knows of a suitable horse please email allymumtaz@ ashforthequestrian.com

mily Seymour sent us this lovely account of her winning day at the West Surrey Riding Club Open Show on 23rd October. Sponsored by leading solicitors Hart Brown, Emily and her gorgeous horse Bazel Brown aka Basil headed the 3’0” – 3’3” class at Merrist Wood, adding a framed picture by event photographer Mark Hawksworth to their collection of prizes.

Emily said: “It was a gorgeous warm sunny day and the entries were huge ,with over 50 entered in class 4 (2’9”) and around 40 entered in class 5 (3’0” – 3’3”). We arrived at Merrist Wood very early for our classes, as my very supportive husband and groom, Owen and I had not anticipated such a huge turnout in the earlier classes. This meant there was a lot of hanging around so we left Basil in the trailer with a very big hay net and Owen and I had an early picnic, before helping with course building and picking up some falling poles in the earlier classes.

When it was finally time to get ready Basil was very relieved to get out of the trailer and stretch his legs. The wait paid off as Basil did two lovely double clear rounds and we came sixth in class 4 and won class 5 amidst stiff competition. The rest in the trailer seemed to have made Basil super charged! A big thank you to MH Photos for the framed picture we won. And thank you Owen for being so patient!”

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Left: Ayesha and Minnie Mouse Right: Ayesha pictured with Tina Fletcher

Picture courtesy of Mark Hawksworth

Sandlings Button Moon at NPS Area 20 Summer show

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regional roundup

2011 WELSH PONY AND COB SOCIETY PERFORMANCE COMPETITION Words and pictures by Alex Kelly

Locally owned and bred Welsh ponies and cobs more than held their own on the national stage, taking the very top honors at the 2011 Welsh Pony and Cob Society Performance Competition.

Georgia receives her prizes from Terry Court, Managing Director of Brightwells

Sam Robert receives her prizes from Terry Court

Alice Barr receives her prizes from Terry Court

Cheryl Hillman receives her prizes from Terry Court

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rightwells Managing Director, Terry Court, was on hand to make the presentations and he awarded the top prize to georgia Darlington who won the overall Supreme with her wonder pony, Wortley Celebration. owned by the Surrey based Darlington family, Wortley Celebration or Monty when he is at home, has been with them for six years. firstly taking georgia into the lead rein classes where he was twice second at HoyS before the pair graduated into the 122 cm SHP class. 2010 saw them crowned SHP Champions at HoyS and last season they competed in the M&M first ridden classes where once again Monty and georgia were victorious at HoyS and reserve Mini Champions. The thirteen-year-old, bred

by Jill Simpson, also collected some of his 4,910 points by competing in dressage and working hunter pony classes.

Sam roberts won the overall Welsh section b stallion award with Millcroft iska roc. The liver chestnut stallion owned and bred by Jon and Maggie Carter had an outstanding season where he qualified for riHS and HoyS in both the working hunter pony and open classes. He stood second in the open class at HoyS and ninth in the working hunter pony section. Sam also produced bronheulog Harvey for lynette bates, who finished fifth overall in his section. ridden by both Sam and lynette’s daughter, alex, Harvey also qualified for both HoyS and olympia.

Family success

long time supporters of the competition Debbie barr and family took a clutch of results home to lewes. Waitwith Juliet finished third in the overall Welsh section a with 2740 points, which were gathered in the lead rein classes when ridden by Maddie Plumb and the open ridden classes with alice barr. alice also rode two Welsh section Cs, Sauvey golden Condor and Synod rodrigo, to finish in third and fourth place.

Cheryl Hillman with llanarth grenade scored 3035 points to finish fourth overall in the Welsh Section b mares and gelding class. The family was also pleased to find themselves in the rosettes with eywas Missy elliott after the five-year-old Welsh section C gained 1065 points. Having only purchased the young pony last year they are having great fun competing in dressage, combined training, show jumping, hunter trials and showing. another truly versatile competitor is Samantha Watson with Jebeth Trillion. owned by her breeder, Jean Smith, Trillion has taken part in showing, working hunter ponies and dressage where they have already qualified for the nPS Dressage finals in 2012.

Samantha Watson receives her prizes from Terry Court

Magical Achievement The fontmell Stud Tankard for outstanding Pony achievement was awarded to the locally bred rowfantina Hocus Pocus, who has one or two careers over his life. beginning as a first ridden pony, then a working hunter before becoming a regular on the hunting field, but it is as a scurry pony where he has truly shined. He scurries as a pair with his sister Hetty and is driven by gemma Millman, he has learnt quickly and in his first season he qualified and competed successfully at HoyS, much to breeder Mandy burchell Small’s delight. running at scurries under the name of eeyore (his sister is Piglet) they have twice been abroad to represent great britain.

Mandy Burchell Small collects the Fontmell Stud Tankard for Rowfantina Hocus Pocus from Kathleen James

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Tunbridge Wells Riding Club AGM & Prize-Giving Words by Sandra Brookes

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he end of season annual prize-giving and agM took place in Crowborough on Thursday 20th october where members of the Tunbridge Wells riding Club were able to receive an array of trophies for their participation in various events throughout the year.

The club has had a good year and along with its own events has also had members representing the club for area show jumping, eventing and hunter trials.

There are several opportunities for members to acquire the trophies – a combined training series (broadfeed Challenge) is run over the summer months with trophies and sashes for Junior and Senior members acquiring the most points. This year’s winners were Senior Champion Donna richards riding as if by Magic, Senior reserve Champion Sara rennison riding Millie and Junior Champion – Katie brookes riding ace, and reserve Champion Katie riding Portmore frank. at the open show, which was run at beechenwood farm in Crowborough this year, a very successful and enjoyable day was had by all. Trophies are awarded to members only, for most of the classes, and again these were presented at the annual prize giving.

The club also run a points league (feedback) running throughout the year for Junior and Senior members and sashes and trophies are awarded for Champion and reserve. Medals were also presented to all members who have represented the club at area level during the year. This year’s overall feedback winners were Senior Champion Donna richards riding as if by Magic, Senior reserve Champion Sara rennison riding Millie and Junior Champion Katie brookes riding Portmore frank and Junior reserve Katie riding ace. one major event that had to be postponed was the hunter trials, due to the rescheduling of an event organised by bHS/brC. The hunter trials will be rescheduled for the Spring so please look out for this new date and we hope to see you there.

If you would like to join Tunbridge Wells Riding Club and have the opportunity to compete for some of these lovely trophies or just take advantage of some of the excellent training clinics then please contact the Membership Secretary, Emily Richardson 07515 718140 or see our website for further details http://twridingclub.org.uk/. full results are available on the website.

Katie Brookes and left, her ponies, Portmore Frank and Ace

FEEDBACK – SENIOR RESULTS CHAMPION Donna Richard riding As If By Magic RESERVE CHAMPION Sara Rennison riding Millie FEEDBACK – JUNIOR RESULTS CHAMPION Katie Brookes riding Portmore Frank RESERVE CHAMPION Katie Brookes riding Ace BROADFEED CHALLENGE – SENIOR RESULTS CHAMPION Donna Richard riding As If By Magic RESERVE CHAMPION Sara Rennison riding Millie BROADFEED CHALLENGE – JUNIOR RESULTS CHAMPION Katie Brookes riding Ace RESERVE CHAMPION Katie Brookes riding Portmore Frank Trophies were awarded for various disciplines as follows: EVENT

TROPHY

ONE DAY EVENT Senior Novice Trophy Senior Novice Goblet Junior Flex Rose Bowl Junior Challenge Cup DRESSAGE Stable Management Cup Chaskit Cup Saddleways Challenge Vincent Preston Reeves Cup OPEN SHOW President Cup Abergavenny Cup Open Jumping Challenge Magnet Publications Tack Room Cup Monica Eastwood Memorial Salver Spike Memorial Shield Miranda Youngstock Cup Crown Chemicals GENERAL Warden Cup Hewett Trophy PK Motors Wellington Cup

Don’t miss the March Show Guide Issue. If you are running a show or event during 2012 make sure you reach your target audience in the South east by advertising in Localrider Magazine.

Call 01892 863062 or email info@ localrider.co.uk

Rider (Horse) Rose Richards (Amber Rose) Rose Richards (Amber Rose) Vicki Ingram (Millie) Jacob Hix (Smartie) Most Improved Senior Kerry Hix Best Overall Dressage Katie Brookes (Ace) Most Improved Junior Hannah Carmichael Best Evening Dressage Katie Brookes (Ace) Riding Club Horse Donna Richards (Magic) Riding Club Pony Katie Brookes (Portmore Frank) Katie Brookes (Portmore Frank) Intermediate Jumping Donna Richards (Magic) Novice Jumping Jacob Hix (Smartie) Mini Stakes Julian Streeter (Buttons) Fancy Dress Jacob Hix Vicki Ingram (Harley) Working Hunter Sara Rennison (Millie) Jacob Hix Issie Ridley Evening SJ Katie Brookes (Portmore Frank) Member most representing club Carol Brook

Sara Rennison and Donna Richards

Daniolo moves to new rider

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he international Small Tour dressage horse Daniolo, formally owned by Dressage Judge, barbie Marceau has been sold to british Pony Team rider, Claire gallimore. Daniolo was trained and ridden since a three-year-old at fiddlers green Stud, Headcorn by international Dressage rider Daniel Watson.

Daniolo and Daniel were placed at many national Championships from novice to Small Tour levels. He was Hickstead Small Tour Champion in 2008 and represented great britain at numerous international competitions on the continent gaining good placings.

Daniel said, i am over the moon that Daniolo has gone to such an up and coming british young rider. They are a lovely partnership and i wish Claire all the luck for Junior and young rider Team selection in the coming years. february 2012 Localrider 25

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regional roundup

Nicola Strong wins sponsorship deal

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ollowing the launch of an online campaign in September, Kings Somborne Sharon, Ruby and Nicola based riding instructor Sharon Kilminster has succeeded in her search for a rider to sponsor in 2012. Sharon was inundated with responses from both clients and non clients, all keen to win the deal and fly the flag for Kilminster Equestrian, with 138 applications in total.

After a tough two phase selection process, amateur rider Nicola Strong, 27, from Andover in Hampshire has been chosen as the winner of the sponsorship deal, which is worth over £2,000 in products and services. Sharon says: “As a trainer I’m passionate about seeing my protégées improve and be successful, so I hit upon the sponsorship idea. It was an ideal opportunity to find a rider who was looking to go further in their chosen discipline, and give them a helping hand.

The response was incredible, with applicants from lead rein showing to eventing and everywhere in between. I set questions based on horse care, ambitions and experience to narrow it down, before drafting in the help of a very good friend who had worked for me in the past. As I knew some of the applicants, it was important to have help from someone impartial, who knew me well and what I was looking for – so the final decision came from her, and I was glad not to have to choose as the top 10 were all very worthy. I am really pleased with the final selection; I can’t wait to mentor Nicki and see the Kilminster colours in action next year!”

Nicola, who works full time for Macmillan Cancer Support, has been riding since she was four, and is pursuing a lifelong ambition to compete regularly. With Sharon’s guidance, she will be looking to make the step up from unaffiliated level to British Eventing and British Showjumping with her 16.2hh Sport horse, Caherpuca Star (Willo), and will also be looking to start low level competition with her four-year-old mare, Ruby, so it promises to be a busy year.

Nicola said: “I feel very lucky to have been selected, and am hugely grateful for the opportunity. I have only known Sharon since July this year, and have already seen a massive improvement in my riding and our results, because of her coaching, so I’m really excited about what we can achieve together in 2012. Hopefully I can repay her faith in me with some rosettes for Team Kilminster!”

For further information, to follow their progress or if you are interested in joining Team Kilminster, please go to www. kilminsterequestrian.co.uk

Now are you listening carefully...

Michelle Ayling sent in this great shot of her traditional yearling filly, telling her miniature foals about her day.

Blue Barn Charity Dressage Saturday 5th November saw the first of a new annual dressage event in support of Pilgrims Hospices. Janet and Sara Furnival of Blue Barn, Great Chart, kindly donated their dressage arena.

Event organisers Andy and Fiona Bithell spent the day scoring the event as well as marshalling all 69 entrants. All those taking part thoroughly enjoyed the day and between them raised a fantastic £900.

Andy Bithell said: “We had a great day and I would like to thank entrants and sponsors for their support. We are all delighted to have raised a great sum for the hospice and it is great to give something back.”

Sara pictured with retired racehorse Alfie said: “ We were happy to support such a successful day, which will benefit one of the most deserving local charities. A big thank you must also go to all those who supported the event.”

Nigel Donkin, Regional fundraiser picture keeping a safe distance from Alfie said: “It is always a pleasure to see how inventive the community is at raising funds for their hospice and this was a great example of their ingenuity. As always I would like to thank all those involved.”

From left to right: Andy Bithell, Janet Furnival, ’Alfie’, Sara Furnival and Nigel Donkin

Katherine Moloney and Badger Thirteen-year-old Katherine Moloney from Steyning in West Sussex produced a fantastic test to finish second in her first ever dressage competition. Competing at Hickstead, Katherine and the 10-year-old Badger scored 70.42%.

Katherine said: “My fabulous horse, Badger, was a star, he tries so hard to please and he looked amazing. Dressage is really challenging, as well as a lot of fun and the events at Hickstead are always so organised, I would encourage anyone to have a go!

Badger and I are continuing to compete and have now moved up to Novice. We recently competed in our first Novice test and came fifth, with 60%. On the same day, we came second in the Prelim.

My plan for 2012 is to have completed an Elementry test by the end of the year.

Liz Eaton is currently instructing us. She’s a brilliant teacher and we love our lessons with her. Liz is able to make the smallest adjustments to my riding which make an enormous difference. Sadly, with school commitments, most of our lessons take place in the school holidays, but it gives us something to look forward to and Liz always leaves us with things to work on.”

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regional roundup

The Hendelah Waley Equestrian Bursaries

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Katie and Burfield Red Dragon

Katie collecting her award from Endurance GB

Katie Bedwin – Endurance Champion in the December issue of localrider we featured lord leconfield Pony Club member, 13-year-old Katie bedwin and elayla, winners of the Pony Club Senior intermediate endurance Championships.

Since being featured Katie has been to three major prize giving ceremonies to collect more awards for her endurance riding.

Throughout the year endurance gb awards points for all the national rides over the season for each horse and also for the riders.

The points are given for the distance travelled successfully for each competition and a grade given depending on the horse’s pulse at the end of the competition which gives them more points.

Endurance GB Awards

at the annual endurance gb awards evening, Katie and burfield red Dragon won Champion national Junior Horse and rider by over 1000 points and then they won Champion national rider riding more than one horse, this was with burfield red Dragon and elayla. burfield red Dragon was then were placed second overall (including all the adults) in the national best Home-bred, second national best graded horse, second national best Part-bred arab and second in the national equestrian Performance Challenge, which is a competition where horse and rider throughout the season have to have completed three two-day rides with one day having to have completed 80km (50 miles), the other, the rider’s choice 40km or more. With speed, distance and pulse rate at the end of both days counting towards the final score and the result. Dragon was also awarded for completing over 3200km successfully in egb rides since he was five-years-old. elaya (who is in her first season and only five-years-old), finished third nationally in the best results in 40km rides and less.

n the october issue of localrider we advertised the Hendelah Waley equestrian awards. readers were invited to apply for training bursaries with an assessment day to decide the final awards on 14th november at orchard Cottage Stables in lower Kingswood, Surrey.

Holly gee was glad she had made her journey from Montgomery in Wales, when the judges awarded her the overall training award from the Hendelah Waley fund. This marked the 30th year of registered charity, which was set up under the auspices of the bHS, by the parents of Hendelah Waley who tragically died when she was 17-years-old. Her great love was horse riding.

Holly gee is currently studying through correspondence course and works in a supermarket to pay for her lessons. five other entrants received smaller training bursaries: • lucy Hallett, from Sutton, Surrey. She is aiming to teach at higher level than her PTT • Jodie McKay, from banstead, Surrey. She has just passed her Stage 2 and is aiming for her PTT. • lizzie bline from Surrey. She has just passed her Stage 2 and is aiming for her PTT. • Hannah Davis from oxted, Surrey. She has passed her Stage 1, and is aiming to be an instructor.

• Clare Jeffery from ledbury in Herefordshire. She has a bSc Sports Science PTT and wants to pass her Pont Club a test and teach more dressage. She currently works in a school as a teaching assistant with special needs children.

Mrs Ann Waley with Holly Gee

Mrs Ann Waley with Clare Jeffrey

EnduranceGB South East

at the endurancegb South east Prize giving Katie and Dragon won an a gold award for completing over 700kms this season successfully, Top South east graded points award, Top Junior rider with burfield red Dragon and elayla , Top part-bred arab and Supreme South east Champion 2011. in addition to all those prizes, elaya was crowned the top novice South east Champion 2011.

Mrs Ann Waley with Lucy Hallett, Jodie McKay, Lizzie Bline and Hannah Davis

Welsh Pony & Cob Society Awards

Mrs Ann Waley and the Judges Jane Davies, Claire McCaffery Clark, Pat Gaywood, Clare Chandler and Donald Kear

Kentchurch Welsh Cobs

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ampshire based breeder lady anne Vestey and her famous Kentchurch Welsh Cobs have set a record. When Kentchurch Charity qualified for the 2011 olympia Mountain and Moorland final at the bSPS Heritage Championships, he became the thirtieth of lady Vestey’s homebred ponies to do so. The striking dun has been successfully campaigned this season by Jack bowlby who also qualified Charity for the Horse of the year Show and won the under eighteen young riders division at the royal international.

Left: Jack Bowlby and Kentchurch Charity winning at the Royal International

Picture courtesy of Sam Lamb

Katie was also in the prizes at the Welsh Pony and Cob Society’s awards evening, collecting prizes for the top endurance horse and second in the best home bred horse as well as The Welsh part-bred Society’s top endurance horse. Katie also won the prize for being the top rider under twenty-two, with its associated bursary.

Katie was also the youngest lord leconfield Pony Club member to pass her C+ exam during 2011.

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Jacksons Rides High with a Team of Equestrian Experts Jacksons Fencing, the leading fencing and access control company, headquartered in Stowting, Kent is celebrating its equestrian heritage with the sponsorship of an elite team of high profile equestrian athletes. Jacksons, which was established in 1947, has always enjoyed a strong association with the agricultural and equestrian communities, delivering quality fencing and yard security solutions to private and professional horse owners throughout the UK. The company now sponsors four riders from the world of dressage, eventing and showjumping.

Emile Faurie

Jacksons was delighted to bring Emile on board in 2010 and has worked with the top international rider and celebrated trainer since then. Emile has represented Britain at two Olympic Games, three World Equestrian Games and three European Championships. The company joined the rest of the nation in celebrating Emile’s tremendous performance at the 2011 Dressage FEI European Championships in the Netherlands, where he and his three fellow Emile Faurie and riders won the Gold medal, and were crowned Elemegardens Marquis European team champions for the first time ever. The landslide victory also saw the British team posting the highest points total in European Championship history. Currently ranked No.5 in the British Dressage Rider Rankings, Emile has high hopes for selection for London 2012 riding Ms Joanne Vaughan’s Elemegardens Marquis.

Guy Williams

The road to glory is seldom a smooth ride, but for Guy Williams, it has literally been a journey of blood, sweat and tears to achieve his enviable record of success on the national, European and international show jumping circuits.

Currently ranked No.4 on British Showjumping’s Top Rider list, Guy is a force to be reckoned with at any competition and is renowned for his steely determination and hunger for continued success.

Kent based Guy literally grew up with Jacksons’ product as it featured on his family’s premises. So when he bought his yard, there was no question who he would turn to, to provide the fencing and security gates. Guy has known the Jacksons family since he was a young boy and has remained loyal to the company that pledged its support of him from an early point in his career.

Guy also has his sights firmly set on taking part in next year’s ultimate Olympic sporting challenge.

Liz Halliday

Jacksons first announced its sponsorship of three day event rider Liz in July 2011. Liz has competed at international 3* level in eventing, and finished in the top third of the field in the Boekelo CCI*** in the Netherlands. She has also competed up to Medium level in Dressage has trained up to Prix St-Georges level, and has aspirations to complete her equestrian success story by achieving her ultimate goal of competing in the Olympics.

Liz is currently based at the newly renovated Chailey Stud Equestrian Centre in East Sussex.

Hannah Biggs

Dorset-based international dressage rider Hannah Biggs is a member of the World Class Development Squad.

Hannah boasts a phenomenal track record having progressed to competing on the international circuit at the tender age of 14 – winning the FEI Asian International Dressage Competition. Since she was 16-years-old, Hannah has gained experience working with many top international trainers under the BYRDS scheme, including Jennie Loriston-Clarke, Christilot Boylen, Udo Lange and Georg Theodurescu. Further key accolades include British Junior and Young Rider Team member (European Championships), British Junior National Champion, Advanced Medium Freestyle to Music National Winter Champion, Small Tour Champion. Hannah also rode at the Olympic equestrian test event which was held at Greenwich Park, London and is now successfully competing as a Senior, at Grand Prix level, in International CDIs. Richard Jackson, CEO of Jacksons Fencing, and himself a keen and successful dressage rider explains: “My father Ian Jackson, and his father Harold Sands Jackson, first started the business selling chestnut stakes and fencing to local farmers. In the 1960s they introduced the concept of pressure treatment for timber to enhance the durability and life span of the wood. This has evolved to become our renowned 25-year guarantee which provides added peace of mind to anyone purchasing from our range of products and also represents a cost effective and environmentally friendly approach to buying fencing and gates.

Although Jacksons has now branched out into many other industry sectors, including the highly competitive security market, our equestrian customers will always remain an important market for us. With this in mind we have developed a range of innovative fencing lines specifically designed to meet the discerning needs of the horse loving community. We have big plans for 2012 – the year of our 65th anniversary – when we will be rolling out an exciting brand new equestrian range. We will be working with our elite squad of riders to drive awareness of the whole equestrian portfolio and to encourage a wider perception of our brand as a specialist provider of high quality, fit for purpose equestrian products.”

Jacksons Fencing can be contacted on 01233 750 393 or visit www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk. february 2012 Localrider 29

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regional roundup

Christmas Charity Ride

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vonne and Zoe Hammond contacted the office to say: “We have just made an online donation for £140 (gift aided) which were the proceeds of a Christmas Fun Ride that myself and my daughter organised at our local livery stables (Cottage Stables, Pease Pottage) in aid of the Sussex Air Ambulance.

We are well aware that, as horse riders, we’re exposed to an element of risk in enjoying our hobby and we felt we wanted to put a bit back into a charity which has helped local riders during times of need. We know several horsey friends who have benefited from the service provided by the Air Ambulance over the years.

We held a raffle with prizes people at the stables had donated and then 18 riders set off in small groups from our yard, riding through Tilgate Forest, across the M23 bridge, finally meeting for mince pies and mulled wine in the Tilgate Golf Club car park.

Several riders wore fancy dress and there was a prize for the most Christmassy - this was won by one of the youngsters, Rebecca Faulkner who dressed as a Christmas elf.

Lots of people helped make it a really enjoyable day and we were delighted with the money raised.”

Barry Dove Jumps at Zangersheide World Championships Following a top placing at the British Young Horse Show Jumping Championships at Addington Manor in August, Barry Dove and the grey five-year-old Gentle SD09 were selected for the FEI World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses, held annually at Zangersheide in Belgium Owned jointly by Barry and Rachel Thurlow, Gentle SD09 had an unlucky four faults on the first day of the show, jumping clear on the second day, before, on the final day securing a placing in a speed class.

Barry, who uses Sue Carson Saddles fitted with the Flair air flocking system, said afterwards: “He was placed in the five-year-old class in the main ring at Hickstead before we went to Zangersheide and that gave him a lot of confidence, but with 240 horses in each of the age classes, there was a lot of competition. The tracks were 1.25m in the first round, 1,35m in the jump off and he really was unlucky to have a pole down.

Barry Dove and Gentle S D09 has since been the grey fiveselected by British Showjumping year-old to be a member of the equine Gentle pathway, a lottery funded scheme SD09 designed to support and improve potential young stars of the future.

Whilst Gentle will enjoy a holiday now, we’re busy building a new yard and then we will be preparing a number of young horses for competitions in January and February. I also have a sevenyear-old, Flashpoint, being aimed at the Winter Novice Final at the Royal International.”

picture courtesy of John Caruana

Training with Herwig Radnetter

Hollywood Henry Lucy Harrold and Hollywood Henry had a busy summer competing, including jumping at Hickstead. Here they can be seen enjoying a fun run across country.

Lucy Harrold and Hollywood Henry competing at the Eridge Pony Club Hunter Trials at Highfields.

Pony Club mum and Sunshine Tour Champion, Lisa Fahy, sent these pictures of her lesson with Herwig Radnetter, Senior Rider of the Spanish Riding School. A regular trainer at The Training The Teachers of Tomorrow Trust and Lisa said of her lesson: “The lesson today with Herwig was just fantastic, within five minutes we were doing the most amazing trot and I was beaming from ear to ear and loving every minute of it which was quite a change from 10 minutes earlier! I was feeling very sick outside warming up with Savvy, as he was very much on his toes and playing far too much attention to the two foals cantering around the field than to his mother on top!

We worked on lots of walk canter transitions and collecting to lengthening. He just seems to get so much out of the horse and rider in 30 minutes. It’s as if we’ve had lessons with him before as he’s so quick to pick up on both of our good and bad habits and correct them!”

Above: Lisa and Savvy pictured with Hinda Inglis and Julia Helby Right: Herwig Radnetter

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Robertsbridge Community College

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wo teams from Robertsbridge Community College once again did brilliantly at the East Sussex County Championship Show Jumping Competition Inter-School Teams and Individual Competition on Sunday 13th November at Golden Cross Equestrian Centre.

In the Mini Teams (70 cm) class, a team of Jessica Morton, Caroline Barbour, Isabelle Stephen and Charlotte Rowland came second and were the highest placed East Sussex Champions.

In the Novice (80cm) competition the team represented by Megan Best, Caroline Barbour, Jessica Morton and Isabelle Stephen won and were again the East Sussex Champions. Megan Best was also first individually.

There was a huge entry in both classes and this is the second time that RCC teams have excelled at the Inter-Schools show jumping events in less than a month. They were also victorious at the ASET Inter-Schools Show Jumping competition at Duckhurst in October, winning both the 70cm and 80 cm classes.

Winning Novice Team: Megan Best, Caroline Barbour, Jessica Morton and Isabelle Stephen

Support the ‘Singing Riders’ A team of riders came together over Christmas to raise money for two special equestrian charities by riding and carol singing in Nativity or festive dress.

Supporting Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre in London which offers hope, health and happiness to numerous deprived, disabled or otherwise disadvantaged youngsters by working with horses and the Emile Faurie Foundation, which offers disadvantaged youngsters, across the country, the opportunity to ride and learn the life skills therein, the ‘singing riders’ raised £185.00 at the time of going to press and hope for more donations to follow suit.

Instigator, Nicole Seaman, explained: “Initially our plans were for a few friends to join up for a ride in the New Forest but our ideas escalated somewhat. At the charities, riding and just being near horses is out of the children’s comfort zone and carol singing, in public - in nativity dress - is certainly out of ours.”

A handful of brave souls entertained shoppers at ‘Yuletide in Lymington’, and more still rode, cycled and sang their way across the New Forest to wish those dining at The White Buck a Merry Christmas.

And why the nativity dress? Nicole said: “Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre was founded by a nun and we wanted to respect that. There was a shepherd and angel among us and we seem to have inspired others so next year promises to be even more entertaining!”

You can donate via http://www.justgiving.com/teams/ singingriders

Second placed Mini Team: Jessica Morton, Caroline Barbour, Isabelle Stephen and Charlotte Rowland

The Britts Stud (in the Spotlight, November 2011) has had a successful start to the indoor showing season.

Sophie Johnson’s new ride, Thistledown Sabrina was Reserve Champion at The Home Counites W.P.C.A Show at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre on Sunday 6th November. Less than two weeks later on 19th November, she won her class and stood Supreme Champion at the South Western W.P.C.A Show at Stretcholt College.

Sophie’s mother, Emma Johnson, rode Dabernon Omen to win the Open class and stand Reserve Champion.

Left to right: Emma Johnson on Dabernon Omen and Sophie Johnson on Thistledown Sabrina

How’s my disguise?

Debbie Bloy sent this picture of her adorable Shetland, Stripe, celebrating Christmas.

Credit Andy Freeman

Update from the Britts Stud

BHS entertained

by Marcus Bauer

Suzi Best, who won the local rider raffle prize

On Friday 14th October, The BHS East Sussex Committee held their Annual Meeting at Golden Cross Equestrian Centre, attended by approximately 150 local riders and enthusiasts. Sue Wylde, Chairman of the East Sussex committee, was presented with an award for five years of dedicated service to the British Horse Society.

The highlight of the evening was an entertaining and insightful demonstration from Sussex based dressage rider Marcus Bauer and his team, with two of his marvellous horses.

The evening ended with a raffle, with prizes generously donated from many local businesses. february 2012 Localrider 31

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regional roundup

Cornish Promise 1995 – 2011 Words by Evangeline Davenport

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t is with great sadness that we report the sad loss of badr al omran’s talented bay gelding, Cornish Promise.

Whilst out in the field enjoying the sun and some grass, Cornish Promise aka norman suffered from an aneurysm in his gut which resulted in his sudden and quick death on 17th December 2011. He was a very successful dressage horse in the South east of england, but that is not the main reason that made him so special.

Having been bought by owner David gunner from dealer Molly Talbot in Henfield, West Sussex, they quickly established themselves in competition and shared many successes, having been placed third in a national Championship at elementary level. Due to a changes in life, David sought to sell him. Having re-homed him, he was then subsequently sent back to him due to not getting on with his new owners. Through a mutual friend, badr al omran from Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, met norman and fell in love with him and his quirky temperament. after a period of fittening work, they both started to establish themselves together as a partnership. This however was not without its issues. although norman was a well educated horse, he could be very difficult and would often nap and spin around whilst being ridden.

He had a tendency to boil over in the arena and found it all too much. They started at unaffiliated elementary level and progressed to winning Mediums in bD competitions.

Then norman went lame and became progressively worse and worse, until he was very lame at the walk. after tests and scans, it became evident that norman had damaged his tendon in his foot and had navicular syndrome in both front feet. Courses of medications and

corrective shoeing following a period of eight months box rest (mostly sedated), he was sound and returned to competition. in 2008 badr and norman became area festival Champions at Medium level and were placed at advanced Medium level too. That year saw the pair start advanced classes and Prix st george level. During 2009 norman and badr had various successes winning championships at advanced Medium level at various venues and qualifying for regional and national Championships. During this time some lameness problems returned and after periods of rest and changes to shoeing, they returned back to competition.

During 2010 norman started competing and winning at intermediarre level dressage. Then norman’s second major disaster struck, when his hock became infected and did not respond to antibiotics. it had to be operated on and it was very much touch and go for a while. The hock became re infected and subsequent operations followed. although it was a success, the vet stated he may become mechanically lame due to the scar tissue from the operation and he had only a 30% chance of being able to return to dressage.

However, norman defied the odds again and came sound eventually and went on to win more classes during 2011 achieving more than 70% in advanced classes before his sad and sudden death. His story is littered with highs and lows, but he was a great horse and badr believed they were on course to start grand Prix competitions in 2012. badr and norman together overcame many obstacles and had a unique bond. During his dressage career he won 44 affiliated tests and 326 points, numerous unaffiliated classes and championships. He was not a flashy warmblood, but a rangey irish cross breed without breeding papers but with a huge heart. They became regulars in Horse and Hound magazine results and reports, having been featured in ‘i owe it to’ and the ‘back from the brink’ series’. a youTube video montage of norman has had over 100 hits in less than two weeks.

Squirrells head to the beach

Words by Louise Douglas

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t 9am on 22nd December the Squirrells yard was full of excitement. it was the last beach ride of the year and even the horses knew what the arriving lorries meant.

The horses load beautifully and we set off. We arrived at Camber about an hour later and unloaded the horses, heading for the sand.

“How lucky are we the tide is just heading out, there is not a cloud in the sky and the air is actually warm today. Parents have driven behind the lorries to watch the kids ride and even the non-riding parents say they can see the appeal to a canter along the beach in the surf.

We are able to spend the whole day on the beach, lunch is chips on the sand and all our clients get hours of riding before finally finishing up at 3.30pm and reloading for the drive home.

We would like to thank all our clients for making the day a ride to remember and hope to see many familiar faces at the next ride in July.”

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01245 612000 www.marriagefeeds.co.uk february 2012 Localrider 33

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regional roundup

BSPS South East Area Points 2011 Words and pictures by Tamara Strapp BSPS South East Points Champions, Dancing Hero and Scarlett Worrow

Ryehall Duchess and Harriet Thompson, Overall Runners-up

Angela Holiday presenting a rug and prizes to Scarlett Worrow

Harriet Thompson (left), Mini Plaited winner and Eloise van Praagh, Mini Heritage winner

RESULTS: Champion – Dancing Hero A – Open Working Hunter Pony Dancing Hero, Scarlett Worrow, 234. Six wins, plus champion at South of England and Kent County, 3rd at Horse of the Year Show and 4th at RIHS. Silver Fox, Scarlett Worrow 136. Four wins including Suffolk County, plus 4th at HOYS. Zelton Bellquest, Victoria Eales 136. Four wins including South of England, plus placed RIHS and HOYS. Tequila Royale, Elinor Strapp, 113.

Winner of six classes including Kent County, 9th HOYS. Matty Bay II, Georgina Strapp, 38. A restricted win and two open seconds. Jacob II, Alexander Powell, 26. Second at New Forest.

B – Novice WHP Matty Bay II, Georgina Strapp, 38. Top 3 every time out. Tequila Royale, Elinor Strapp, 30. Two novice wins.

C – Open Show Hunter Pony Odins Perfection, Hannah Powel 100. Went to seven shows, won at four of them. Seamore Kingdom, Georgia Darlington 98 Consistently placed, including 6th at RIHS. Trowswell Clear as Mud, Willliam Nunn, 77. Winner at NPS 20 and 6th in Premier league at BSPS. D - Novice Show Hunter Pony Trowswell Clear as Mud, Willliam Nunn, 33. Won at NPS summer festival. Millcroft Greystoke, Georgia Darlington 28. several placings and won at NPS area 24 G – Cradle and Nursery Stakes Wortley Celebration, Georgia Darlington 52 – Competed in novice nursery stakes, won at BSPS winter champs and 3rd at BSPS summer champs H – Plaited Leading Rein or First Ridden Ryehall Viscountess. (lrsp) Harriet Thompson, 175. Seven wins including Kent County, Lincs

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n his first year with Scarlett Worrow, leading working hunter pony, Dancing Hero, took the South east Showing Performance award. at the presentation, organised by bSPS area 14, the champion received a rug supplied by The Tack room, Johns Cross, and section winners were given bSPS area 14 waistcoats.

Ponies accumulate points from shows throughout the year.

Scarlett, from near ashford, Kent, notched up six wins on Hero. other achievements of the year included being selected for the england working pony team, finishing third individually in the international competition and taking team silver. gay Worrow, Scarlett’s mother said: “Scarlett has had a fantastic first season on Hero with highlights including Champion WHP at Kent County and South of england.

“We are also very proud that he was the only english 153cm pony to go clear at both HoyS and riHS, finishing third at HoyS and fourth at riHS. next year they hope to continue to establish their relationship together and will be aiming at HoyS and riHS. also they will be competing in a lot more show jumping and hope to have success at the newcomers HoyS second rounds later in 2012.”

A winning surprise

overall runner up was Harriet Thompson, 6, from fulking, West Sussex. This was her first full year showing. Her pony, ryehall Viscountess arrived on Christmas Day, delivered by father Christmas.

Mum, Charlotte Thompson said: “Jamie and i went to see Tess in Cornwall. but due to the snow, we only got to watch her trot about four strides in a barn! Tess, who is eight now, had done very little showing prior to us having her.” olly burchell, from Hammerwood, produces and leads Tess.

“We did however have a small problem at the start of the season,” explains Charlotte. “Harriet is exceptionally shy and would not even look at olly let alone speak with him! She would speak with Mandy (olly’s mother) and a little with Jo (olly’s girlfriend) but that was it! “ The first outing together was at royal leisure, bSPS area 14 Winter show, where they won and went champion. They won a total of seven classes including the novice at bSPS Summer Championships. They then went on to win lead rein Supreme Pony, and went overall Mini Supreme as well as reserve Mini Supreme Champion of Champions.

“The highlight for Harriet has to be riding in the main ring and winning her first ever sash. She had been longing for a sash all season and then in the space of four days had won four!” adds Mum. for the winter months Harriet and her brothers are hunting with the Crawley and Horsham. next year Harriet will ride Tess and a lead rein of hunter type, recently bought. both ponies will be produced and lead by olly burchell.

County and novice at the BSPS Summer champs. Also 2nd in the champion of champions at BSPS summer champs. Joebex Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (lrht), Eloise Van Praagh 98. Five wins including Kent County. 2nd at RIHS, 8th HOYS. I - Intermediate Mathemadam High Spirit, Georgia Harvey 150. Winner South of England; 5th RIHS, 10th HOYS. Cunnigan Steady Eddie, Georgia Harvey 137. Several novice wins and qualified for RIHS. Odins Perfection, Hannah Powel, 40. High places from two shows.

J – Heritage Flat Popsters Debutante, (sec C) Chloe Chubb 138. Seven wins including the novice sec C at the National Welsh Championships, the restricted winter championships and qualified for Olympia.

Peruvian Bear Emma Lucas 132. Five wins, including the Premier league at the BSPS summer championships. Sedgewick Conquerer, Sam and Georgia Darlington 118. Wins at area 11 and area 14, plus the BSPS winter champs. Also 9th at RIHS. Wortley Celebration, (sec A) Georgia Darlington 109 – Winner of the junior ridden at RIHS and BSPS summer championships.

Dryknowl Colcannon, (Shetland) Brittany Verney 29. Placed in novice and open classes.

K – Heritage Working Hunter Pony Wortley Celebration, Georgia Darlington 134. started as a novice in this category winner of 9 novice and open classes and qualified for RIHS. Silver Fox, (Conne) Scarlett Worrow 70. Top three in several RIHS and HOYS qualifiers, inc 2nd South of England. Sedgewick Conquerer, (section A) Georgia Darlington 26. Won two out of his three outings.

L – Heritage Leading Rein or First Ridden Colne Flora, (sec A) Eloise Van Praagh (lr) 102. Ten wins including the Lobster Pot at PUK. 7th at RIHS. Sedgwick Conqueror, (sec A) Georgia Darlington/ Kitty Jewson (fr), 98. Several wins including the LR at BSPS area 14 and FR at South of England and Equifest. Wortley Celebration, (sec A) Georgia Darlington (fr) 94. Won six out of 10 classes including HOYS. Dryknowl Colcannon (Shetland) Alicia Davidson 34. Several placings in tiny tots and NPS LR

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Words by Alex Kelly and photography by Gavin James of GJMultimedia, Equi-national and Julian Portch

Hannah Horton

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annah Horton had a busy, yet brilliant 2011, which culminated in winning at the Horse of the year Show for the second year running with utah. The intermediate Show Hunter owned by Pearl underwood has been a consistent performer in the show ring and brought much joy to all his connections, standing Champion at the South of england Show and sweeping the board at the bSPS Summer Championships. on his way to winning the overall Supreme of the Show he collected the titles of Premier league Supreme and reserve blue ribbon intermediate of the year. berkshire based Hannah, also rode Small land Tap Dance for Stephanie fitts in the show pony classes. She and the charismatic grey never found themselves out of the top six, qualifying for HoyS and standing Champion at Herts County. as a talented young rider Hannah was up for the challenges the adult classes can bring and rode Mr. Mick to claim the Supreme Show Hunter title at The Hickstead Derby Meeting. a remarkable achievement as this was the first time she had ridden Mr. Mick in the ring, but also she was the youngest rider in the class at just sixteen!

Dallaglio

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Anna Stevens riding her own, Dallaglio

how horse Dallaglio has not been spending his winter idle, he has regularly hunted with his producer, Helen baker. The six-yearold by broadstone Dickens has already proved his jumping credentials in the working hunter classes standing second at the bSHa national Championships. The eye catching chestnut, bred by mother and daughter combination, Marion glascott and anna Stevens, has also enjoyed success in the flat classes taking the Championship at Heathfield and finishing sixth at the royal international. anna also couldn’t resist the opportunity to ride him in the show ring and was well placed at the bSHa national Championships.

Hannah riding Utah and taking the Overall Supreme of Show at The BSPS Summer Champs

Helen Baker and Dallaglio out in the hunting field this winter Helen Baker and Dallaglio in the show ring at Kent County

Mon Mome

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rand national winner, Mon Mome, owned by Vida bingham (from east Sussex) made a welcome return to form for trainer Venetia Williams at Cheltenham on new year’s Day. The popular chaser, who won not only the 2009 grand national but also the public’s hearts with his famous 100-1 victory, finished second in the handicap chase despite being nearly twenty lengths back three fences from home. The 12-year-old, Mon Mome and his jockey aidan Coleman were full of enthusiasm as they pushed winner Mostly bob to the line. at the time of going to press Williams has been quoted as saying that they plan to make a “late call” for the Cheltenham gold Cup in March, where he finished third, in 2010.

Mon Mome, winner of the 2009 John Smiths Grand National Mon Mome and Aidan Coleman finished second in the Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day

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regional roundup

Charlee Bywater

Rob Page and Landis

Warlingham & District Horse Club Boxing Day Meet Words by Louise Squires aka The Fox and photography by Claire Own of Attic Photographic

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Sian Littledyke

Sarah Dinsdale

Rachel Mander

Robyn KJite

fter three years of not being able to have a Boxing Day Hunt due to bad weather, our day had finally arrived. Our Masters, Hounds and Fox looked fabulous with tinsel and Christmas hats! This year our meet was held on Chelsham Common (Warlingham) with the Coach House Inn offering mulled wine.

Our Field Master was Nick Fuller with fellow Masters Michael Potts, David Wickham, Chris London and Jean Bywater. Our Huntswoman, Michala Blackburn had her work cut out keeping her hounds Geminnie and Debbie Cunningham, Rob Page, Sonia Willoughby, Sarah Dinsdale, Lionel Rummel and Annette Murphy in order while chasing our Fox, Louise Squire, who led us over the hedge in Kennel Farm Field although some chose to jump the rail. The hounds then chased the Fox through the woods and out in to the open.

We crossed Farleigh Common and then we were off again across Elm Farm where we checked to let horses and riders catch their breath. We then headed off at a good pace towards our next hedge at Brian and June Allen’s taking some rails along the way at which some of the field seemed to have trouble. One of our Masters, Chris London took great pleasure in giving the not-so-forward horses a lead over the fences and, after giving our many spectators a show, we checked again to take a few sips from our hip flasks.

The Unruly Fox took off back in to the woods where we all had to slow the pace as trees were coming thick and fast. We were then led on to Farleigh Court Stables Cross-country Course which we covered quickly going at a fair lick. After appearing out on little Farleigh Green, we took the chance to gather our horses and ourselves. Before we knew it our Fox had gone so it was down to the Hounds to pick up the scent. This did not take long and we were soon on our Fox’s tail.

This Line was our opportunity to let our horses go for it.

After a brief check our final line took us back to our first hedge of the day. As the Fox cleared it, our Huntswoman managed to catch and pull the Fox’s tinsel brush so our day had come to an end.

It was our best Boxing Day Hunt by far. Thank you to all the land owners who allowed us to cover their ground, without them the festive season would not be able to finish on such a high.

Chantelle Evans

Teresa Taverner

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Hunt walking down to the starting field led by Louise Squire MIchael Potts

Rob Page jumping his first ever hedge on his first hunt

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regional roundup

Local Riders Win SEIB and RoR Elite Performance Awards

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wo local riders, nicola braidwood from Horsham and Sam Penn from Peacehaven, have received prestigious national awards with their ex-racehorses. nicola won the South essex insurance brokers (Seib) and retraining of racehorses’ (ror) elite Performance award for Show Jumping, with her own horse Vite etoile. Sam, with Sophie bunch’s ex-racehorse Seven o Seven took the runner-up elite Performance award for eventing. nicola, Sam and Sophie collected their awards at the breeders Dinner and awards Ceremony, organised by the british Horse foundation at the grange Hotel, london on Saturday the 7th January. leading equine insurance brokers Seib are enthusiastic sponsors of these valuable awards with a strong company ethos in putting something back. ror and Seib are working together to encourage and recognise the success of ex-racehorses in other disciplines and the elite Performance awards offer a very valuable prize fund of £17,000 donated by ror. nicola bought the now 21-year-old mare, Vite etoile from the sales as a four-year-old after she had been campaigned on the flat and over hurdles by trainer ron Hodges. nicola then retrained Vite etoile as an eventer and competed her very successfully to advanced level and the pair completed the three star bramham three day event, however after bramham Vite etoile had to have colic surgery and whilst she subsequently competed at two star level nicola never did the top level events with her again. nicola said: “She is such an enthusiastic horse, she only competes in Show Jumping now, but she loves it. Vite etoile hates to be left behind if we go to a show i don’t think she will ever retire!”

provide cover for horses, horse boxes, yards and much more, instigated the former racehorse to riding Horse Performance awards in order to support the retraining of the thousands of racehorses who come out of training each year. “The Performance awards also provide a platform to show how a correctly re-schooled ex-racehorse can be successful in a new career and continue to have a bright future, competing successfully in many different disciplines.

This year’s competition has proved yet again the versatility and resilience of the thoroughbred”, says nicolina Mackenzie, Marketing Manager of Seib. ror is british horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of horses who have retired from racing. it raises funds from within racing to provide facilities for the care, retraining and re-homing of former racehorses, and to promote awareness of the suitability of the retrained racehorse for other equine careers.

Di arbuthnot, ror director of operations, said: “This series provides a focus for ex-racehorses competing in the disciplines of eventing, Dressage, Show Jumping, endurance and Showing, and i hope it will encourage more riders to recognize the talents and versatility of the thoroughbred and their potential for success in another sphere.”

To find out more about the ror and Seib elite Performance awards visit www.racehorse2ridinghorse.co.uk. or, www.ror.org.uk To be eligible, horses must have run in the uK and be registered with ror, details of the 2011 competition will be available soon.

Seven O Seven

Seven o Seven was in training with Peter Cundell, he ran on the flat and over hurdles before retiring from the racetrack as a fouryear-old. Sophie has now owned him for 14 years and he is ridden

by Sam Penn from the golden Cross equestrian Centre in Hailsham.

Sophie said: “He is such a consistent horse, he has evented every year since he was six. i rode him until 2007 when with two young children and a busy job, i really didn’t have the time to compete.

Sam gets on brilliantly with him and the pair have done so well.”

Sam and Seven o Seven have been competing at advanced and three star level including blenheim three day event and the plan is to aim for more advanced classes this year. Sam said: “He is such a great jumper, he flew round blenheim last year and his dressage is improving all the time. i worked at golden Cross about ten years ago and Seven o Seven came here for his holidays, i never dreamed i would one day ride him round blenheim!” equine insurance brokers, South essex insurance brokers who

Priors Farm Equine Veterinary Surgery Sponsor Sam Jennings

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riors farm equine Surgery is an exclusively equine practice based in forest row, east Sussex. This innovative practice offers not only outstanding diagnostic and surgical facilities, but has now launched their own range of equine supplements. Helping launch these fantastic supplements is their sponsored rider; event rider Sam Jennings.

The wide spanning and unique supplement range from Priors farm include the following; Joint Supplement, Hoof formula, equine blood Tonic, gastric ulcer

Nicola Braidwood receives the SEIB & ROR Elite Performance Award for Show Jumping from David Buckton, Associate Director of SEIB and Di Arbuthnott Sam Penn and Sophie Bunch receives the SEIB & ROR Elite Performance Award for Eventing from David Buckton, Associate Director of SEIB and Di Arbuthnott Supplement, Joint Supplement Plus and Probiotic.

Sam Jennings, is a locally based event rider who competes horses from intro to advanced says “i think it is fantastic that at last, a veterinary clinic has launched their own supplement range. With Priors farm Supplements you can rest assured what you are giving your horse is top quality and bound to be effective.”

Sam runs her own yard with a wide variety of event horses which enjoy the opportunity to use the Priors farm Supplement range.

DON’T MISS THE MARCH SHOW GUIDE ISSUE. If you are running a show or event during 2012 make sure you reach your target audience in the South East by advertising in Localrider Magazine. Call 01892 863062 or email info@localrider.co.uk 38 Localrider february 2012

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Tabitha Sternberg Allen is The UK’s 2011 AQHA International Youth Rookie Of The Year

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his plucky little rider, from bodiam, east Sussex travelled the length and breadth of the uK in 2011, aboard her american Quarter Horse Smart a little, aKa fury, in pursuit of her first big title.

She had to compete in multiple events, often against competitors much older than herself, to scoop up this coveted award.

Tabitha, 13-years-old, has had to compete in many different classes ranging from Hunt Seat equitation, which is best english rider, Showmanship, an in Hand class, to reining the fast and exciting form of Western Dressage.

The rookie of the year is an award given to amateurs and youths in their first year of showing (at aQHa approved shows) who accumulate the most points by the end of the year. an aQHa approved Show is a competition involving numerous classes

approved by aQHa at which horses and exhibitors vie for high placing to obtain points. after results of the show have been processed and recognised, the results are permanently recorded on the horse/ exhibitor record. apart from being the highest point earner in the uK, overall in the international rankings there was only one other youth competitor that gained more points than Tabitha.

Tabitha is based with her parents at Sterling Quarter Horses, at the bodiam international areana. She is part of a successful family competition yard which saw her father, Doug allen win the 2011 reserve World Champion Title in the intermediate nrHa open Division and his mother, francesca Sternberg Place fifth at the aQHa World Championship Show in The uSa, as well as fifth in the nrHa World

non Pro rankings for 2011.

Tabitha attends St leonards Mayfield, home to one of the uK’s most sucessful school equestrian programmes, producing champions in Dressage, Show Jumping and eventing. Whilst Tabitha competes in a different field to those normally covered

by STlM the school has been extremely supportive and awarded her an equestrian scholarship in 2011 to assist and support her with her coaching and training.

Tabitha’s future ambition is to gain a place on the fei Junior reining Team, once she is old enough, and to ride at the World equestrain games. Having won the High point youth Championship title in the british reining association and the aQHa national youth reining Championship this year along the way, it looks hopeful that this dream may come to fruition.

Kauto Star’s best dressed fans

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ichele Walter sent this wonderful picture of her daughters Jessica and Jennifer sporting their Clive Smith colours at Kempton in anticipation of cheering their hero Kauto Star to a fifth victory in the King george Vi Chase at Kempton on boxing Day. Michele said: “We went to Kempton all suited and booted to support our hero, Kauto Star. Shortly after we arrived we had cameras being pointed at Jessica and Jennifer by professional photographers and public alike. So many people wanted a picture of our two little girls in their Clive Smith colours.

Soon we were joined by rose loxton (who looks after Kauto) and she wanted a picture, posing with our little girls. unfortunately Mummy forgot to take one herself.

Then there was Clive Smith himself, who had spied our daughters from his restaurant window and legged it down the steps to grab a shot with them. He was an absolute gentleman, taking time to talk to us and shake our hands.

Soon Jessica was shouting that she wanted Mummy to find Paul (nicholls) which she did and another couple of pictures were taken with one of my all time heroes. i would have loved to have had time to chat to Paul but unfortunately the horses were just lining up for the Christmas Hurdle (which Paul had two runners in). We can say we stood with the legend that is Paul nicholls and watched the race though. and if all this wasn’t enough, there was yet more to come. it was so nice that our efforts in supporting our equine hero were recognised and we won the best Dressed Kauto Star fans family as judged by Kempton Park racecourse. our prize is a three course meal for four people in their Panoramic restaurant.

We stood on the winner’s stage where they present all the race winners prizes. Here Jessica was asked to make the draw for a ‘Kautograph’, which was being presented after every race yesterday.

Clive Smith pictured with Jessica and Jennifer Doddrell

Kauto Star and Ruby Walsh winning an impressive fifth King George VI Chase at Kempton We were interviewed on radio 5 live and met Cornelius lysaght, appeared on racing uK and got quite a bit of coverage on Channel 4 racing. We saw and spoke to Mick fitzgerald once again, saw Peter o’Sullivan, a very tanned looking bob Champion and were clocked by alice Plunkett and alistair Down who mentioned us on Channel 4.

When we entered the weighing room to collect our prize, Sam Waley-Cohen walked across in the long run colours, saw us and smiled. even as we were leaving the course, a very sweet irish gentleman with a large camera wanted a last photo of Jessica and Jennifer and gave them a £2 coin to go and buy some lollipops with. and then of course to top the whole day the greatest steeplechaser of them all never let us down either.” february 2012 Localrider 39

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hunt report

Surrey Union Hunt: East Standon Meet

Fred Ford, the Field Master

Matthew Biddiscombe, first Whip

Jason McCreight

Sebastian Madden

Jim Rice

Mr Maggridge

Catherine Mellor

The field congregated in the school

Dolly Madden and baby Madden

40 Localrider february 2012

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feature

Managing your preparation

Many horses flee and unseat their riders when spooked

By George Gorman, inventor of the RS-tor rider safety aid

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any people believe that lucky situations arise when preparation meets opportunity – so bad luck must also be when a lack of preparation meets opportunity. When applying this to horse riding, unfortunate situations involving spooky situations can often be managed if more thought is put into preparation - it comes down to simple risk-factor management.

Common equine flight responses

In terms of spooking, all such equine behaviours are common equine flight responses, and are not ‘naughty’ as such. For the rider, a ‘spook’ can be a daunting experience, depending on the severity of the horse’s reaction. Spooking can increase the risk factors for a fall, and can also become a self-fulfilling prophecy; for example, the rider has experienced a severe spook that shook her confidence and perhaps unseated her; she now worries that a similar experience could lead to a fall, and approaches similar situations with that thought in her mind.

Because of this, she shortens her reins and tenses her body in similar environments, and is anxious when she talks to her horse. He knows something’s up, so when something does spook him, his rider isn’t able to instil calm and trust in him when he looks to her for reassurance; so he flees and unseats his rider.

Be prepared

The key to managing spooks is to ‘manage your preparation’, or be prepared for all eventualities. Firstly, if you aren’t confident riding your horse out on the roads, and are worried about the effects of spooking, you really shouldn’t be doing hacking out alone - yet.

It is far better to work on bomb-proofing the horse at home, so when you come to ride out, you are transmitting positive, confident signals to your horse.

Annette Michael began using the RS-tor rider safety aid when she broke in her TB cross, Alfie, now four

Put in the home-work

Hacking can be a ‘spooking’ minefield, so the best way to prepare for an enjoyable ride out is to do as much work as you can at home, to ensure your horse is prepared for most eventualities. This can include riding or leading your horse through different surfaces, such as soggy ground and moving surfaces such leaves, and allowing your horse time on a loose rein in the manage. Horses that spend lots of time on the bit may not be used to a different line of vision. If your horse is spooky, ask friends and family to help by desensitising your horse to new things when you’re riding – such as rustling jackets, dogs on leads, vehicles passing and umbrellas opening. If you do this on a regular basis in a safe, managed situation, the horse will become more accustomed to unexpected sights and sounds when out riding. Always try to feign confidence as best you can, and breathe normally if you are anxious.

Reduce the risk factors for a fall

Take sensible precautions like always riding with a helmet, and look into using a rider safety aid to reduce the risk factors for a fall. Keen rider Annette Michael began using the RS-tor rider safety aid, available from www.rstor.co.uk, when she was about to break in a three year old TB cross called Alfie. “Having used it on the saddle from day one, it has been a complete godsend; not only does it make you feel more secure, but on a couple of occasions it has saved my bacon when Alfie has whipped round

Hacking out can be a ‘spooking’ minefield; do as much work as you can at home, to prepare for most eventualities sharply,” she explains. “Alfie is now four yrs old and I hope to do a bit of everything with him, including show jumping, cross country, dressage, hunting and working hunter classes.

“There have been several incidents when I nearly came out the saddle with him; one day in particular, I was riding around a stubble field when a cock pheasant suddenly jumped up and made the most noisy racket; Alfie whipped round so sharply that if I didn’t have hold of the RS-tor, I would have completely lost my balance and fallen off! Since then it has given me more confidence in these situations, and I shall continue to use it in all disciplines. I would certainly recommend the RS-tor to others.” february 2012 Localrider 41

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FEATURE

Horse Sharing –

a Mother’s Nightmare

Alex Inez Phillips with her perfect horse

Words by Charlotte Phillips, Alex Inez Phillips and Olivia Boult

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t’s 11.00 pm, late for a phone call, and when I find Alex, 16, in tears, I fear the worst. ‘What’s happened?’ I ask, anxiously. ‘It’s Jimmy,’ she sobs. ‘They’re selling the stables - and he’s going, too.’

Jimmy, a grey eventer, is Alex’s first horse share, and the love of her life for the past year. For the non-horsy - like me - it’s a baffling relationship that borders on the abusive given Jimmy’s frequent unsporting attempts to throw her, stamp on her or, for preference, impale her on barbed wire.

‘We’ve built up a bond,’ she says, starryeyed - and bruised - when I ask her just what it is that she likes about him. ‘Yes, he’s completely bonkers and tries to kill me, but he’s trying to kill me a lot less as time goes on.’

Thirty minutes later, Alex’s best friend, Olivia, who shares Bungle, the badtempered pony that lives in the adjoining stall to Jimmy and, like him, is up for sale, is dropped over by her wild-eyed and distraught-looking parents. The girls fall, sobbing, into each other’s arms.

‘I suppose it’s good practice for getting over boys,’ says my husband, grimly, pouring himself a stiff drink before disappearing into the sitting room, locking the door behind him and probably, for good measure, jamming the handle with a chair, then masking the sounds of extreme grief by watching ancient Star Trek repeats with the volume turned up full.

Suppressing an un-maternal desire to snap, ‘Man up, kids, there are other horses in the sea’ - I adopt the empathetic smile suitable for desperate situations and hope for the best.

It sounds like an old-fashioned tale of middle class pony angst. And in a way, it is. But there’s a difference. We’re not paid up members of the horse-owning class. I wouldn’t know how to drive a Land Rover, let alone one with a horsebox attached to it. And Alex, like many other teenagers, can’t afford her own horse. Nor, unless she one day earns enough to support

one herself, is she likely to.

So sharing a horse – the equine version of a timeshare - seems the ideal solution.

For north of £100 a month - not cheap, it has to be said, but an awful lot less than a full time horse of your own - she gets to ride the perfect Jimmy two evenings a week after school and at weekends. We, meanwhile, are spared the costly vet’s bills and worry of being on call all year round in case anything happens to him.

So far, so good. What I hadn’t bargained for, however, was the finite nature of the relationship. That and the high emotional cost to be paid when it came to an abrupt halt.

Ignoramus that I am, I’d assumed that horse shares, like dog ownership, were for ever, or as near as dammit. So much for the fantasy.

It would be over-stating the case to say that the heartbreak caused by Jimmy’s and Bungle’s departures tore two families apart, but it certainly made mealtimes for the next few weeks resemble the wake after a particularly distressing funeral.

And then came the angst of searching for their successors.

Eager to help and break the cycle of grieving, which seemed to be on a non-stop loop, I started scouring equine on-line dating sites. To my untrained eye, there seemed no shortage of local, fun-loving horses in search of that special sharer.

Alex, though, dismissed almost all of them out of hand. Too young, too untrained, too small, too far away.

‘Honestly,’ I said, trying and failing not to lose patience after a week or so, ‘If I’d been as picky about men as you are about horses, I’d never have met your father.’Finally, after many emails, phone calls and texts, she got her short list together. Then came the next problem. While the horses might be fit for purpose, many of the owners weren’t.

Some were plain ignorant and others were just a bit odd. Then there was the nervy Tasha. Boffin was her first horse, Alex her first sharer and Tasha never quite Alex enjoying a special moment with her loan horse

got the hang of letting go. Over the brief and unhappy two months the share was in operation, she’d be constantly in touch, demanding a debrief, in minute detail, of how Alex had ridden, how Boffin had gone, whether he’d been jumped, schooled or flatted him, for how long, how far, how well.

Then the criticism started. Nothing major but a constant series of niggles. Alex was told off for everything from bringing ‘crowds of friends’ with her one evening - she hadn’t - to opening a new bag of shavings to change his bedding on the wrong day. Not surprisingly, it didn’t work out.

Finally, Olivia and Alex are both several months in to horse number three each.

Fingers crossed, it’s working out well, apart from a slight wobble all round when the stable caught fire.

Alex’s horse, Seb, like Jimmy, is an eventer.

Unlike Jimmy, he is older, calmer and appears not particularly interested in setting a personal best by blasting my daughter over his head and straight into the hereafter – though things can always change.

Olivia, meanwhile, has settled on yet another pony with a wilful, if interesting personality.

Both owners are delightful, offering tips, advice, and encouragement and helping the girls become better riders – and sharers – in the process.

So for now, at least, we’re all happy. But with two horses sold, one stable burned down and more tears each time, who knows what the future will hold?

And there are times, I think, as Alex and I settle into yet another 7.00 am traffic jam on the outskirts of Esher - Seb needs exercise and simply must not be kept waiting, even on a Saturday - when I can’t help feeling that I’m the only mother in Surrey hoping that her daughter falls desperately in love...with a boy. Honestly, it would be so much less disruptive.

Some of the names in this article have been changed

Horse share dos and don’ts DO try to find someone who isn’t a first time horse owner or sharer and may – understandably – find it hard to let go. The more experienced the owner, the more relaxed they’re likely to be.

DON’T over horse yourself and DO be honest about your riding skills. Over-estimating what you can do is bound to cause problems.

DO limit your search to yards you can realistically get to. The owner is counting on you to be reliable, especially if they’ve signed up for DIY livery.

True love, Olivia and her loan horse

DO be flexible. There will be times when either you or the owner can’t make it and the other person will need to put in extra days. A willingness to make it work on both sides will benefit you both.

42 Localrider FEBRUARY 2012

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feature

Beating thrush

By Lucy Nicholas of The Saddlery Shop

Winter is prime time for thrush, an unpleasant infection of the horse’s frog, because of the moist, dirty ground or stable conditions that our horses often contend with at this time of year. The condition is essentially Which equine feet are more prone to thrush? an infection of the clefts (central and This is difficult to say, as it depends on the owner’s management, lateral sulcus) of the frog. and what facilities are available – so a horse with wonderful hoof conformation turned out 24/7 in poached fields is probably more susceptible to thrush than a horse with terrible feet that is well managed, and whose feet are cleaned daily. However, certain feet shapes do seem more prone to thrush, such as horses with long heels or narrow feet, as they often have deep, narrow frogs whose crevices can harbour bacteria. If the horse has an imbalanced foot in the lateromedial (inside-outside) plane, this also predisposes the horse to thrush, according to some vets. If managed correctly, barefoot horses tend to have strong, healthy feet and harder frogs that are less likely to become damaged and susceptible to infection and thrush, because they’re acclimatised to the ground. Their feet are also less likely to retain debris, and many owners of barefooted horses use a nutritional regime that optimises hoof health.

Above: Some owners are using Trail boots over night to help their horses’ bare feet dry out, and allow antibacterial treatments to take hold

Where do the bacteria live?

The bacteria that cause thrush are anaerobic – eg thriving without oxygen – and most horse manure and dirt contains these organisms.

Although wet, dirty bedding undoubtedly contributes to thrush, the bacteria is more commonly found in mud in the horse’s fields, which is why horses on long term turn-out are thrush-prone if they do not have access to dry areas.

How do we prevent thrush?

Regularly picking out mud, manure and debris from your horse’s hooves, and brushing away surplus mud, will help prevent a build up of materials in the hoof. Rubber stable matting usually allows some dry areas for the horse to stand on, and avoids deep layers of soiled bedding.

The bacteria that cause thrush thrive in muddy field conditions

The Easyboot RX Hoof Therapy Boot is designed to be used for long periods to help treat hoof disorders, and can be used for stabled horses that are being treated for thrush

Treating thrush

On a day to day basis, if the thrush is mild, the hoof should be cleaned and scrubbed with a targeted anti-bacterial product – in severe cases, the horse may need to be stabled in a clean environment to allow the feet to dry and tissues to heal – in severe cases, your vet can medicate and advise.

What products do we recommend?

Cornucrescine Hoof Disinfectant, £10.49, is a powerful disinfectant that penetrates into the horn, white line tissue and underside of hoof without staining, effectively killing thrush causing bacteria. It is economical and easy to apply and is also long lasting; ideal for routine foot maintenance.

Lincoln Hoof Disinfectant, £5.43, is made up of a powerful, dual action, water based antibacterial formula. It remains active in the presence of organic matter and is ideal for use as part of a routine hoof hygiene programme. Both available at www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk

Booting in the stable

If you want to ensure your barefoot horse’s feet are completely dry while you are treating thrush, applying barefoot boots is a possible option. Kathy Carter’s newly barefoot horse Badger developed mild thrush in early winter. “My hoofcare practitioner suggested that I keep him in for a few days to allow the feet to dry out, and for the antibacterial treatment that I was using on his frogs to take effect. As I have been using Trail hoof boots when riding, I decided to leave them on over-night, to keep the frogs completely dry, and they worked a treat,” she says.

(It is worth noting that while the Trail boots certainly seem to be standing up to this type of use, they are not designed for longterm wear - the Easyboot RX Hoof Therapy Boot, £54.99 at www. thesaddleryshop.co.uk, is designed for horses that are being treated for chronic lameness or hoof disorders). february 2012 Localrider 43

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feature

Thinking of breeding a Child’s pony?

There is one thing that counts above all the rest if you are going to breed ponies for children and that is temperament. Whether you are breeding British natives or stunning show ponies, it would be foolish to use a stallion with even a hint of a temper, even if he does look stunning.

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an Carmichael of the Fielden Stud has years of experience of breeding and producing ponies for children and both her current stallions Ninfield Eurika and Elson Toffee have wonderful gentle temperaments.

Ninfield Eurika

The 125cm black stallion Ninfield Eurika is 18-years-old this year.

As well as winning in the show ring himself his progeny are proof themselves, that he passes on his great looks and movement too.

Ninfield Spectaular is standing at the Ninfield Stud, while Ninfield Entrepreneur, Champion Riding Pony Stallion at Surrey County, is standing in the North of the country. Jan has a four-year-old full brother to Spectacular called Ninfield Smartie Pants and she hopes her daughter Hannah will bring him out under saddle as a five-year-old.

I asked Jan about Ninfield Eurika’s temperament and she said: “He has a lovely temperament and leads in and out of the yard past the other horses. Hannah grooms him and he is a fabulous pony to be around. He has a cheeky personality and loves Wurthers Originals!”

Standing at the Fielden Stud Standing at the Fielden Stud for 2012 for 2012 Ninfield Eurika Ninfield Eurika Is a 125cm black Stallion Born 1994.

This superb small Riding Pony stallion is the first son of Ninfield Great Expectations. His numerous show successes include being twice 128cms champion at the South of England Show and Champion Show Pony in-hand at Ponies UK (South).

Arthur's full sister, Ninfield Pips Pride, has had numerous wins in-hand including being Youngstock Champion and Supreme of Show at Suffolk County. Under saddle she was Reserve Champion at Richmond as well as winning at Surrey County and Mid-Herts His half sister, Ninfield Wuthering Heights was 13.2 pony of the year at HOYS 2002.

Elson Toffee Elson Toffee 38in Cream Dun Shetland Stallion Born 2007 This outstanding looking little stallion has a wonderful Temperament and has plenty of character which is passed on to his progeny. Toffee is 38 inches. He has won many classes including Edenbridge and Oxted standard Shetland colts as a three year old and reserve champion at the royal London show in the alternate colour class. He is broken to ride and is in the process of being broken to be driven.

Elson Toffee passed on his good temperament to this foal, out of Endrick Grey Rum

Elson Toffee

Jan is also standing the cream dun Shetland stallion, Elson Toffee, another pony with a gorgeous temperament. Jan’s homebred foal out of Endrick Grey Rum by Elson Toffee, is so gentle, she has already been to the local RDA group for the children to pet and groom.

The Arundel Equine Hospital stud services BEVA accredited practice for AI- chilled and frozed semen Many years experience Walk in service for natural cover Embryo Transfer CEM accredited lab Mares can be boarded and taken in from all over the south of England Speialised foal care Stallion sub-fertility assessments 24 hour dedicated stud vet emergency call out and hospital care

General services RCVS accredited Tier 3 Hospital Full surgical faclities Bone scan Mobile and hospital based full digital diagnosis On site lab Referrals taken Pre-purchase examinations Sport Horse poor performance investigations

His Full sister was exported to Sweden as a foal and has remained there ever since

For more information Please contact For moreCarmichael information Please contact Carmichael 669330 on 01892 669330 or 07903122192 Jan onJan01892 or 07903122192 Information also available at: Information also available at: www.fielden-stud.co.uk www.fielden-stud.co.uk

For further information please contact the practice on 01903 883050 or click on www.arundelhorsevets.co.uk

Caring for and about horses

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PARADE REPORT Caroline Marsh of UK Rosettes, the lady behind All The Queen’s Horses

Amy Tickner and Sonia Willoughby

Charlee Bywater and Teresa Taverner

All the Queen’s Horses

Sophie Mortimer and Beckie Bonfield

Photography by Claire Owen of Attic Photographic There were half a million people lining the streets to watch the amazing exhibits, and a further ten million viewing it on television channels all around the world.

The length of the route is a little over two miles, and with so many entries the viewing public are treated to a total of three hours of floats and processions, brass bands, cheer leaders, steam engines, clowns on stilts, a London Bus and so much more as they all make their way down the historical London Streets with The Eye, the monuments, the Houses of Parliament, and even the Household Cavalry providing a back drop to the parade. The Household Cavalry were keen to support Caroline’s effort, and sent out a rider to parade with her, and to be photographed with the riders outside Buckingham Palace, giving a valuable opportunity for the thousands of tourists to get up close and personal, and obtain their own pictures of the day.

The Parade was deemed a success, and claimed to be the best ever, despite a heavy downpour, which did not seem to detract from everyone’s enjoyment. Caroline wishes to thank all the riders for helping her create a unique experience, and for their fund raising efforts, and to Claire of Attic Photographic for her stunning photographs of the occasion.

Charlee Bywater and Alice Brock

Megan Boyer

Jo Sellars Waymark

Warlingham and District Horse Club

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o celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Year, Caroline Marsh, director of UKRosettes.co.uk wanted to do something unique, and decided to get together a group of 50 horses and riders, each representing various areas of equestrianism.

And so a group called ‘All The Queen’s Horses’ was formed and invited to participate in the 26th New Years Day London Parade. The aim was to raise money for charity and to welcome in the New Year in style.

The participants came from various different equestrian disciplines and Caroline is grateful to Warlingham Horse Club, the Side Saddle Association Area 8, whose riders wore classical habits as well as period costume, produced riders, some in classic outfits, plus all the other riders from show jumping, dressage, showing and driving.

Costumes included a Highwayman and a costermonger’s float.

So while everyone was beginning to celebrate New Year’s Eve, many riders opted for horse-washing and tack cleaning, and in some cases a very early night, as long distances separated them from their homes and their intended destination outside The Ritz, Piccadilly, London.

Caroline and All The Queen’s Horses was the fourth exhibit to move to the start for the great Parade, now in its 26th year.

FEBRUARY 2012 Localrider 45

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PARADE REPORT

Katie Butler

46 Localrider FEBRUARY 2012

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Warlingham and District Horse Club

Zara Evans’ Story Unlike most people on New Year’s Day, Zara Evans was up bright and early to take part in the All The Queen’s Horses Parade in London. Zara rode her Connemara, Robe-RT alongside fellow breed representative, Roscom Romeo ridden by Vicki Dixion-Wright. Both ponies coped admirably with the electric and unusual surroundings as they began at the Ritz Hotel making their way down to Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street, before the route took them past Trafalgar Square to Whitehall and Horse Guards finishing at the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Zara describes the day as “surreal” and certainly one she won’t forget in a hurry!

UK Rosettes, not your standard Rosette Company, giving you so much more...

Diamond Jubliee Rosettes Official Souvenirs On sale now until the 1st October 2012 Ideal keepsakes for schools, clubs & much more “not a tea towel in sight”

London 2012 Truly unique Rosette prints of the Household Cavalry Designed by Horse Artist, Diane Hennchen Team Pavitt Merchandise for 2012.

Zara on Robe-RT and Vicki Dixon-Wright on Roscom Romeo

Zara outside Buckingham Palace

For all your club rosettes, Sashes & Ribbons this year make us your first stop

Call: 01883 626644, 07904 155 140 E: info@ukrosettes.co.uk www.ukrosettes.co.uk Visit UKRosettes on stand C-1-1

FEBRUARY 2012 Localrider 47

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EVENTING NEWS Right: Laura takes time out with horsey friends to hit the Alps!

Laura Powell writes...

It’s been a busy Christmas, going to British Showjumping shows, plus I’ve also joined British Dressage for the winter months, registering Sooty and Spud. Alf also comes along to the outings, but he just does the Prelims - far too much drama to do a novice in a scary arena that has a white plastic judge’s box at the end. It just isn’t the same as a car. Alf had just about got over this on the third time of entering the arena when we went to a different venue and there was now a shed for him to contest – it definitely shouldn’t have been there!

Plenty of impulsion

Sooty and Spud meanwhile have been clocking up the points, Sooty even managed to score 71% in his last novice test! Normally I spend the winter hunched up in my jumping saddle and it’s a real effort to make my legs reach the pedals in the dressage saddle when we hit February. I think it was the outing with the Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds that made their last dressage outing so successful - plenty of impulsion. However, I was fairly nervous about my outing with the bloodhounds as I was riding Sooty, who has never been hunting and is not an ideal sort being a warm blood.

Out of kindness or stupidity I’d lent the seasoned hunter, Spud, to my friend Oli who is a subscriber and I went as his guest. First fence 3’0” rail, ok not so bad, second fence, biggish hedge (by my standards) off a 90 degree turn...time to man-up. Sooty slipped in to hunter role well and really enjoyed his outing, he jumped all the hedges and didn’t make a fool of me = win! Hopefully I will squeeze in another meet before the eventing starts.

48laura-lrfeb12.indd 1

In the Alps

There was also a rare incident over the New Year, I went on holiday! A real holiday - I didn’t see a horse for a whole seven days. The last time I’d been on holiday was about five years ago, when I spent four days in the notorious, Magaluf. This was very different, seven days in the French Alps...skiing with five horsey friends (former and current Pony Clubbers) who are all seasoned skiers - Jess even went down the mountain with a cardboard box (fancy dress) on her head that she couldn’t see out of! Whereas, I had never even set foot on skis. I’d been meaning to get down to the dry slope, but just didn’t have the time...besides, how hard could it be?! In true Bridget Jones style I had ‘all the gear’ and looked like a beginner turning up for their first riding lesson in Konigs and a tweed jacket. Ignoring what could have been a major catastrophe, my dear friend attempted to give me my first ski lesson, starting with ‘how to turn’ rather than ‘how to stop’! Cue me skiing down the piste flat out - blind panic – crash!

Everything went well and after one professional lesson. I could navigate my way about the blue runs fairly safely and slowly! With no horses in sight it also meant we could all let our hair down and party each night without having to worry about getting up to do horses in the morning... and it’s true, you don’t get hangovers when you are in the mountains. Only I did feel the full extent of seven days of drinking and skiing when I got home.

My head and knees were not in a good shape!

Back to reality, four to ride, the old girl Daisy is feeling particularly wild and no one has volunteered to take her on, so we will start to get her event fit and see what happens. The stud holes are in, cross country schooling is booked and entries for the first event of the season are about to open!

19/1/12 22:08:31

FEATURE If your horse has a sensitive tongue in a traditional snaffle, could he benefit from a ported bit?

Stephen Biddlecombe (below) is a fan of happy tongue bits

Z

Brown owns a newly purchased, recently-broken, four year old thoroughbred mare. “She does not seem to have an overly fleshy tongue or lips, but is very sensitive in her mouth.

I tried her in a bit with a tranz-angled lonzenge, which is shaped over the tongue and does not interfering with the palate, but she leant through the contact, trying to get her tongue over the bit. At times, braking was an issue,” Z explains. “I swapped to a full cheek bit with copper peanut lozenge in the centre, and a flash noseband, and although better, my mare is still unsettled, set through her jaw and unwilling to work in a contact and relax. I was looking at the happy tongue bomber bits and thought this would be a good start in making her more comfortable. I do not need anything dressage legal as I plan to do unaffiliated eventing.”

‘Escaping’ the bit

Any bit or bridle is only as successful as the rider implementing it. The bit is a communication tool, and different bits have different benefits according to the horse, and the rider’s expertise.

Bombers Bits are hand made in South Africa, and include hundreds of bitting solutions, incorporating different mouth and cheek pieces. Bespoke bits are available, naturally with a longer leadtime for delivery. Call Equine Management on 01825 840 002 for details or visit http:// bombersbits.co.uk

CASE STUDY:

How to bit a horse with a sensitive tongue

to teach her she does not have to evade the contact. This is now slowly being weaned off one hole at a time, and I have no need for the martingale, as she now rides into the contact soft and low, instead of hollowing her back and putting her head in the air.

“Jumping is a delight as she is so soft in her mouth - she is much calmer and content in a rhythm and readily accepts the contact. No more leaning, pulled arms, flailing head and unhappy horse; I have a horse that is now willing to work and is concentrating on me and not her mouth.

“I am looking forward to what else is in store and am definitely a convert to Bomber bits.”

Stephen Biddlecombe, UK Bombers bits distributor, suggested to Z that the mare was unhappy with the tongue pressure of the copper peanut lozenge, and was trying to escape the bit. He suggested a bit with a port to allow room for the tongue, agreeing that the happy tongue bits from Bombers Equestrian Bits would be a good choice. While the happy tongues come in a range of cheek piece styles, Stephen suggested an eggbutt loose ring for Z’s mare.

“The happy tongue has a medium port that creates a space for the tongue, relieving pressure and allowing the horse to relax. It is made from sweet iron,” he explains. “A horse evading bit pressure on its tongue, for example by shaking the head or getting the tongue over the bit, is usually trying to escape the bit due to a sensitive tongue,” Stephen adds. “Happy tongue bits are designed especially for these horses - the Eggbutt Loose Ring prevents pinching of the lips and gives a solid feel against the side of the horse’s face.”

“I just cannot get over the improvement”

Here’s what Z says, having recently tried the Bombers Eggbutt Loose Ring Happy Tongue bit. “I have had the happy tongue bit for a week now and I just cannot get over the improvement in that week,” she says. “My mare was extremely fussy in her mouth and resisted anything with a lozenge or peanut in her mouth, to the point where she leaned so hard into the contact that I had no control. She also would try to put her tongue over the bit and loll her tongue out the side of the mouth, to avoid all contact. At times she would throw her head about so much that I risked my nose!

“I now when tacking up do not have a horse with an outstretched neck, opening its mouth so wide in total resentment of the bit. I have a happy mare that allows me to take the bridle and does not back off, and is content enough to wear a flash noseband, FEBRUARY 2012 Localrider 49

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CareerS FEATURE Whether you are a school leaver, graduate, or are just looking for a change in career there are an enormous number of opportunities to work in the equestrian industry. Whilst some companies may offer work placement schemes and others may employ you based on your previous experience, many will be looking for some level of equestrian qualification. Here we look at some of the options currently available.

When Qualifications and Experience Really Count

T

here’s nothing like a recession and an increasing unemployment queue to make everyone realise how important proper training, qualifications and experience are. even equestrian employers are turning applicants away if they cannot produce a certificate or two.

The british Horse Society has re-branded & launched its new modern qualifications now to be known as eQL (equestrian Qualifications Gb Limited). eQL is an awarding body accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum authority in the same way that school and college exams have to be. based on the old Stages 1-3 the new Certificates and Diplomas are even sliced up into units or modules. easier to learn in chunks! as a bonus if you have a minor hiccup on the day of the exam you need only re-take just the one unit – not the whole exam!

The exams have also been aligned with the Levels that we have all become used to through school: GCSe (Levels 1 & 2) & a Levels (Level 3) or college: first & National Diplomas. Here’s a rough and muddy guide:

VACANCIES FOR WORKING STUDENTS

Do you want to work in the Equine Industry?

Level

School or College

Equestrian Qualifications

Entry Level

Entry level certs Functional Skills at entry level

BHS Horse Owners Certificates 1-6 BHS Progressive Rider Tests (although PRT 6 is considered higher than Stage 1)

1

GCSE Grade D-G BTEC Intro Diplomas NVQ’s Level 1

EQL Level 1 Cert in Horse Care (BHS Stage 1 Care) EQL Level 1 Cert in Riding (BHS Stage 1 Riding) Equine NVQ Level 1

2

GCSE’s Grades A-C BTEC Awards, Certs & Diplomas at Level 2 NVQ’s at Level 2

EQL Level 2 Diploma in Horse Care (BHS Stage 2 Care) EQL Level 2 Diploma in Riding (BHS Stage 2 Riding) Equine NVQ Level 2 Pony Club ‘B’ Test is slightly above Level 2

3

A Levels Int’l Baccalaureate BTEC Certs & Diplomas at Level 3 NVQ’s Level 3

EQL Level 3 Diploma in Horse Care (BHS Stage 2 Care) EQL Level 3 Diploma in Riding (BHS Stage 2 Riding) Equine NVQ Level 3 Pony Club ‘AH’ & ‘A’ Test is above Level 3

This table will help to demonstrate, to those parents and teachers who love to dismiss ‘horsey’ qualifications that these exams should be taken seriously. If it takes two years study at school to achieve a GCSe Grade could certainly25/11/11 take at least08:38 two years or the Final CIRa-C HHitAd 133x91 Page 1 same amount of hours study to pass an eQL/bHS Level 2 or 3 Diploma!

LOVE RACING?

Work & Learn in return for 2 hours free tuition per day (Part-time option available)

THE BRITISH HORSERACING AUTHORITY GRADUATE PROGRAMME

OR

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Coldblow has a 99% Pass Rate for BHS Stages 1-4, PTT & Int Teach

2 week residential course

8 week placement at a leading organisation within racing

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VACANCY FOR PART-TIME INSTRUCTOR Min. BHSAI – will need to work Sunday + up to 2 other days/evenings

Racing experience is not necessary but a passion to work in this diverse and fascinating sport is.

Good rates pay, be part of great team & package could inc training towards BHSII &/or competitions.

Coldblow Equestrian Centre (Licensed by Maidstone Borough Council) Coldblow Farm, Coldblow Lane, Thurnham, Maidstone, ME14 3LR KENT Tel: 01622 730439 cold-blow-farm@ btconnect.com

10 week graduate programme

To learn more about our prestigious graduate programme...

WE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FIRST CLASS GRADUATES

...VISIT graduates@britishhorseracing.com

50 Localrider february 2012

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A career in racing

I

f Frankel & Kauto Star have caught your imagination, then perhaps a career in racing is for you. There has never been a better time to join the horseracing industry. It has a heritage that spans centuries, and is the second largest spectator sport in the country.

Racing and Thoroughbred breeding offer a range of exciting and challenging roles and training opportunities. You could be involved with breeding or racing some of the best horses in the world, or pursue a career in another part of this diverse industry.

From Jockeys to Racecourse Managers, Bloodstock Agent to Racing Secretaries, there is something for everyone.

With a career in horseracing, you’ll never look back but be prepared for a life that could offer travel, excitement and a future full of opportunity.

If you are a recent Graduate the British Horseracing Authority runs its prestigious Graduate Development Programme offering a two week residential course in Newmarket where you will learn about all areas of the industry, followed by an eight week placement with a key industry stakeholder. This highly recognised industry scheme provides a platform for future talent into the BHA CIR Ad (Make your) information - 91x132 17/1/12 about 14:12 Page 1 to kick start your career industry, for further how visit www.careersinracing.com 223x275mm CareersInRacing_Ad2.pdf

1

03/02/2011

13:35

Jump ahead at Merrist Wood College

D

o you want to work with horses? The Merrist Wood College Equestrian Centre is one of the top facilities in the south east and a pre-Olympic training venue for the 2012 Olympic Games. Courses have a strong vocational emphasis, providing commercial awareness and practical competence for a range of careers. Develop your riding ability, examine horse behaviour and welfare and learn about the industry in areas such as equine fitness and training, horse husbandry, animal science, presentation of horses, equine rehabilitation and therapy.

Facilities include one of the largest indoor riding arenas in the country, which is a national competition centre, a BE cross country course, outdoor riding arena and student DIY livery.

All surrounded by 400 acres of estate and other student facilities including three food outlets, sports hall, tennis courts and a learning resource centre.

Visit the college website www.merristwood. ac.uk for further information or go along to the next Open Evening on Wednesday 14th March 5.30 – 8.30pm.

Make Your Passion

Equine Courses ● Top Up Degree ● Higher National Diploma ● Extended Diploma ● Subsidiary Diploma

● Level 1 Diploma ● Level 2 Diploma ● School Skills

Programme

Outstanding facilities include: ● 90 x 30m Indoor Arena ● BE Cross Country Course ● Outdoor Arena

Your Work

● National

Competition Centre

Apply now 01483 88 40 40 www.merristwood.ac.uk

For information on careers, jobs and training in horseracing

Job profiles � Career case studies � Free job board � Taster days � Education/curriculum resources

�

Merrist Wood College Worplesdon Surrey GU3 3PE

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PONY CLUB NEWS

Mid Surrey Pony Club T Winter Sponsored Ride 4th December 2011 • Photography by Danny Long Angel Robinson and Starr Robinson Clare Hunt and Hannah Church

he MSPC Winter Sponsored ride is an annual 8 Mile ride across open farmland with over 30 jumps between 2’0” and 2’6”.

The rain held off for the event whilst all the riders enjoyed fantastic scenery, mince pies and mulled wine for the adults.

A fantastic day was had by all with money raised going towards the Clubs ‘Save Our Field’ campaign, which is raising funds to secure the purchase of MSPC Field and Training facilities at Walton on The Hill.

Hannah Dees

Ch

Ellie Jones and Carlile

Lucy Kent

Paula Seymour

Lesley Caxton

Libby Halls and Hannah Dees

Isobel Long

Jenny Kent

52 Localrider FEBRUARY 2012

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Pony Club News Sponsored by Charles Owen

01978 317 777 info@charlesowen.co.uk Lucy Pearce CharlesOwenMagBanner-210x72.indd 1

www.charlesowen.co.uk Maddie Hillard and Lucy Pearce

17/01/2011 17:18

Maisie Chandler and Tabby Chinery

Rebecca Graham-Taylor, Jeff Haynes and Alan Wright Barnaby Schooling and Tessa Schooling

Fay Parker and Sasha Glass

Rachel Mander

Yasmin Bird

Megan Long, Isobel Long and Lesley Caxton

FEBRUARY 2012 Localrider 53

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show report

Highstead Riding Club’s Christmas Show 4th December 2011 • Words by Lynn Jarvis and photography by Rhian Williams

Buck

Joint winners of the Walk/Trot class, top: Millie Kemsley on Moeltrypan Chocolate Drop and bottom, Ellie Harris on Sophie Saint

Devon

Cooks and Georgina

Darcy

Winner of the Western Pleasure class, Gemma Lowther on Imps Wotha Stunner

Worsenden Jiminy, winner of Coloured Horse class

Manda King and Xadrez Do Zambujal, first Riding Horse class

I

n the past we have had the show nearer to Christmas and even in the New Year, but after consultation with the various bodies that would be involved in the setting up of the event it was decided to go back to our old date at the beginning of December.

Although cold, the day dawned bright and clear and stayed that way throughout the show. With an indoor arena to compete in, the weather is not such a deciding factor, however it certainly makes everyone happier when the sun is shining.

Western Patterns

Western classes started the show off and the Western Pleasure was won by Gemma Lowther on Imps Wotha Stunner, or Chino as he is known at home – a stunning dun Quarter Horse x Arab gelding, owned by Richard Ford. Lesley-Anne Jones and Jutra Sol won the green section of the Western Pleasure and they also took the Western Horsemanship class in fine style. The Western Trail class was probably the most hotly contested, and although the pattern put all the horses through their paces, it was smooth and easy to ride.

Jacquetta Brown on Chestfield Calandra, a Morgan mare, eventually took the top honours.

Equifest Qualifiers

Next followed the showing and fun classes. Dr Joan Bishop was on hand to judge our showing classes, including our Equifest qualifiers and Sue Baber judge the fun classes. The Riding Horse In Hand

& Foreign Breeds In Hand class was won by Manda King and her Lusitano gelding, Xadrez Do Zambujal. Winner of the Best Handler class was June Thomas with Worsenden Oreo, who together with her daughter Toni Thomas and Worsenden Jiminy both collected their Equifest tickets in the Coloured Horse/Pony In Hand class.

Handsomest gelding was Toby, who also went on to win the 2’0” Jumping later in the day, with owner Peter French, jumping the only double clear in the class.

The Baby Green class (Walk/Trot) saw joint winners Millie Kemsley on Moeltrypan Chocolate Drop and Ellie Harris on Sophie Saint – congratulations to them both. In the ridden section of the Riding Horse Zoe Pizotti on Calvin took the top spot and the pair were on form as they also won the ridden Veteran class. Taking first place in the Ridden Foreign Breeds was Lynn Jarvis on her young American Saddlebred, Kumala Champagne and the Best Rider class was won by Emma French. The Riding Club Horse was Emma Lewis on Soliel D’ior who also took the top spot in the 2’6” jumping class with the only clear round.

The next Showing event is not until Good Friday (April 6th 2012) – the schedule is the same and we are pleased to announce that Dr Bishop will again be judging our showing classes and the event will also be hosting Equifest qualifiers – if you need a schedule please get in touch (Email: Lynnusauk@aol.com). In addition, HRC Dressage Derby runs the second Sunday of every month from November (2011) to March (2012) – again if you want a schedule, get in touch.

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SHOW REPORT

Vicarage Farm Autumn Hunter Trials

Malcolm Angel and Bosley, winner of the Open Series

Sunbury on Thames

Words by Joanna Gillespie and photography by Mark Hawksworth

V

icarage Farm’s Autumn Hunter Trial series came to an end on 20th November. There was big money in it for each class, as they were awarding accumulative points for the three events held in October and November, with a prize to the winners of £75.00.

After the second event on 6th November, it was very close and those in the frame had to compete on the 20th November to stay in the running.

Heidi Bowman riding Rosie was in the lead on 11 points in the Starter Class with Chelsea Warcup on Kitty lying third with 7 points.

Chelsea took second place in the class and gained 5 points, 4 for the

place and 1 for starting. Heidi sadly did not get placed in the top four so just gained the one point for starting. So they finished equal-first.

In the Progressive class, Laura Bacon on Andy was the only one on the day who could win her class, as was Malcolm Angel on Bosley who took the Open prize.

For the winter series there is a £100 to the winners and £30 to runners-up as there are five planned days in this series. At the time of going to press the dates remaining include: 29th January, 12th February, 4th March and 18th March.

For further information, please visit www.vicaragefarm.com Laura Bacon and Andy, winner of the Progressive Series

Heidi Bowman and Rosie, jointwinner of the Starter Series

Chelsea Warcup and Kitty, jointwinner of the Starter Series

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show report

Brickfields Horse Country InterSchools Dressage

Team Winners, Arreton Primary school, left to right: Shannon Cox, Jessica Read and Helena Vale

Isle of Wight, Friday 11th & Friday 18th November 2011 Words by Sue Lacey and photography by Brian Grimes

Team winners Medina College, left to right: Laura Pritchett, Katie Gates and Paige Guy

Primary School Results Team Results 1st Arreton (Purple) Helena Vale Shannon Cox Jessica Read 2nd Arreton (Pink) Lani Rand Jay Jay Rand Sophie Tickle 3rd Niton Primary Holly Whyte Emily Gates Kaelan Sheerin 4th Newchurch Primary Paige Ely Harriet Hughes Sophie Watts Individual Team Results 1st Jessica Read...................Arreton (Purple) 2nd Shannon Cox..................Arreton (Purple) 3rd Sophie Tickle..................... Arreton (Pink) 4th Holly Whyte....................... Niton Primary

Team Individual winner Section A, Katie Gates (Medina College

Team Individual winner Section B, Lauren Jones (Ryde Academy)

Individual winner, Natasha Coventry (Cowes Enterprise College)

5th Sophie Watts............ Newchurch Primary 6th Emily Gates....................... Niton Primary

4th Christ The King College (4) Marnie Stubbs Laura Allen Amelia Collins

2nd Abbi Mackett.............Medina College (B) 2nd Laura Prichett............Medina College (A) 4th Courtney Sandison..............Sandown Bay Academy (1) 5th Connie Nicholau..............Ryde School (1) 6th Clarissa Arbery... Christ The King College (1)

Individual Results 1st Jodie Reay............... Newchurch Primary 2nd Faith Isham................... Wootton Primary 3rd Rebecca Cooper....... Carisbrooke Primary 4th Vienna Amelia Hounsham....Ryde School 5th Helena Vale.................... Arreton Primary 6th Alisha Lucas................... The Bay Primary

Secondary School Results Team Results 1st Medina College (D) Katie Gates Laura Prichett Paige Guy 2nd Ryde Academy Sophie Wickham Helen Farley Lauren Jones 3rd Ryde School (1) Connie Nicholau Mary Harding Connie Nicholau

5th Cowes Enterprise College Ellen Malone Louise Apsley Natasha Coventry 6th Sandown Bay Academy (1) Courtney Sandison Hannah Sims Katherine Turner

Individual Team Results Section 1 1st Katie Gates ...............Medina College (D) 2nd Emily Chapman...................Priory School 3rd Hannah Sims.Sandown Bay Academy (1) 4th Marine Stubbs.... Christ The King College (4) 5th Paige Richards........... Medina College (F) 6th Connie Nicholau...................Ryde School Section 2 1st Shelly Moss.........................Priory School

Section 3 1st Lauren Jones.....................Ryde Academy 2nd Amy Hose........... Carisbrooke College (1) 3rd Mary Harding..................Ryde School (1) 4th Natasha Coventry.........Cowes Enterprise College (1) 4th Paige Guy..................Medina College (D) 6th Ameila Collins.... Christ The King College (4)

Individual Results 1st Natasha Coventry.........Cowes Enterprise College 2nd Alanna Lamb....................... Hob Gobblin 3rd Ellie Ryan.........Cowes Enterprise College 4th Lauren Jones.....................Ryde Academy 5th Florence Sanders.Christ The King College 6th Emily Webb........ Christ The King College

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o

ver one hundred island riders took part in the Inter-schools Dressage competition at brickfields over two consecutive fridays in November. The Primary schools competed on the first friday and although the entries were lower in this division this year, the standard was still as high. arreton school fielded two teams, and it was the Purple team from arreton who came out the victors, with the arreton pink team taking second place. Third place went to Niton Primary and the fourth spot was taken by Newchurch Primary. young Jessica read who was in the winning team also took the individual title with a very good score of 143, riding Mischief Maker.

The other section was for schools which could not make up a team or had extra riders. The highest score of the day achieved in this section was by Jodie reay and Little star socio representing, Newchurch Primary, they scored 146.

Left: Individual winner, Jodie Reay (Newchurch Primary) Right: Team Individual winner, Jessica Read Arreton Primary)

Secondary Schools Competition

This is the fourth year brickfields have run this competition and it was nice for the riders to warm up in dry weather after having wet weather for the previous years. The November day could not have been better, with bright sunshine. The day started early with 23 teams entered and a number of individuals. Three judges were on duty, each having their own section. Medina College team D won the team section, with the individual winners from the teams going to Katie Gates (Medina College Team D), shelly Moss (Priory school) and Lauren Jones ( ryde academy). The individual section was won

by Natasha Coventry riding for Cowes enterprise College. both days were incredibly successful and all that is left is to say a big thank you to all the judges and stewards and of course the riders.

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february 2012 Localrider 57

19/1/12 22:12:54

SHOW REPORT

Joydens Riding Club Christmas Show

Cerys Withey

Alice Law

Dana Taylor and Danielle Clark

Sunday 4th December 2011

A

fter a very successful year for JRC, the final show for 2011 did not disappoint. Despite the cold conditions that December brought the show was well attended. Everyone from children to adults joined in with the festive fun.

Joydens pride themselves on their winning teams, low pressure competition experiences for novice riders and a fun community for its members. JRC would like to wish their members a great 2012, please visit the website for all upcoming events. www.joydensridingclub.info

Georgia Noone Krissy Valentine with her mum and two horses Melody and Blade

Results: Beginners Jumping Georgie Noone and Lauren Withey

Santa’s little helpers

1st Laura Wicks - Princess Fudge 2nd Shanna Ettidge - Flash Jack Alice Law - Whisper Lily

Nut Cracker Stakes 1st Georgie Noone - Parisianeire 2nd Cerys Withey - Chloe 3rd Alice Law - Whisper Lily

Miss Candy Cane

Fancy Dress 1st ‘Star on a Chritmas Tree’ - Ella Wicks 2nd ‘Santas little helpers’ - Dolly Webb 3rd ‘Miss candy cane’ - Darcy Wright

Christmas Stakes 1st Lauren Withey - Red 2nd Rosie Murphy - My Mirical 3rd Rebecca Ferdinanze - Easter

Pumpkin Pairs 1st Dana Taylor - Christmas Cracker & Danielle Clark 2nd Lauren Withey & Georgie Noone 3rd Sophie Page & Stephanie Simmons

Two Fence Challenge 1st Krissy Valentine - Blades of Glory 2nd Ruby Fryer - Cimmaron 3rd Krissy Valentine - Melody

Left: Star on a Christmas tree

Shanna Ettridge

Left: Stephanie and Sophie Page

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show report

Strictly Come Dressage in aid of the Emile Faurie Foundation Pictures Craig Payne and Fiona Rafferty

F

ounded in 2006, the Emile Faurie Foundation is a unique collaboration of schools, riding establishments and fundraisers whose aim is to help as many children as possible experience the joys and benefits of horsemanship.

The Foundation offers courses of lessons to youngsters for whom riding may not otherwise be within reach – either because of location, resources or family support. These courses teach more than just riding; they develop life skills such as self-confidence, responsibility and discipline – and can have a positive impact on academic performance too.

Each year Oldencraig Equestrian Centre generously hands over its schools for the wonderful spectacular of Strictly Come Dressage.

Each year there is a mixture of new and familiar faces each trying to combine the magic of music and costume to wow the judges as horse and rider interpret the story of their chosen character.

To find out more about the Emile Faurie Foundation visit www. emilefauriefoundation.org.uk

Emile Faurie pictured with the Joint-winners of the individual class, Hannah Sands riding Faith Bedford’s Coed Poeth Jennifer and Toby Hill (Lion), Jack Sands (Tin Man) and Rosie Sands (Straw Man)

The winning Pas de deux – St Trinians, pictured with the Strictly Come Dressage Judges, left to right: Steven Geer, Amy Williams on Hortens Pink Panther, Vicki Thompson-Winfield, Buddy Williams on Old Park Rose and Emile Faurie Emile Faurie pictured with the joint-winner of individual class, Mortaan Bloquet and Kilmone Carloss aka Harry Potter

Emile Faurie with Gemma Swann and Blue Gem II, winners of Class 2 in the morning and third individually in the evening’s performance

K Browning on Snoopy and S Brown on Just Jet, second Pas de Deux

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Karen Leatherbarrow on Diablo Man and Rosa Alvelerza Vez on Merlin february 2012 Localrider 59

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show report

Jill Southby on Burt and Sue Pinks on Dan, fourth Pas de Deux

Samantha Boxall on Parklands Phoenix and Gemma Swann on Blue Gem, third Pas de deux Daniella Ward on Bumble and Karen Johnson on Blue Mist

Laura Jones on Einsteins Conundrum and Elizabeth Bell on It’s BB

Karen Corran on Bailey and Charlotte Davey on Dan

Helen Boss and Alegre Will

Jackie Stevens and Balina

The Quadrille, produced by Jessica and Vivien Conway of Shotfield Farm EC in Canterbury 60 Localrider february 2012

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The winning Quadrille, Moulin Rouge, produced by Jessica and Vivien Conway of Shotfield Farm EC in Canterbury

Samantha Boxall and Parklands Phoenix, sixth individual gala performance

Jo Heasman and Just Louis, fourth individual gala performance

K Browning and S Brown (aka Austin Powers), second Pas de Deux, pictured receiving their prizes from Emile Faurie Winner of the Localrider Magazine Best Costume Award, Nicola Whiteman and the 21-year-old Springtime.

Nicola and Springtime have competed in many costume classes and are the current London and South East Champions as well as being past Strictly Come Dressage Champions. Nicola’s stunning costume was made by her mother, Dawn. Dawn is a great supporter of the Foundation and has run fund raising events in the past

Some of the other great costumes on display, music ranged from Elvis to the musical Hairspray

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show report

Sunshine Tour Championships In November we featured a 16 page report from the Sunshine Tour Championships, which were held at Great Bookham Equestrian Centre over the last weekend of September.

For some reason the report of the final day’s dressage championship classes was not included, so we thought it only fair to feature those riders who excelled in the Novice and Elementary Championships.

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n the Mrs Denny judged Novice 22 Championship Jessie Sutcliffe and the 11-year-old Welsh Section D, King George, headed the class with a score of 70.3%. A member of the Bisley Hunt Pony Club, Jessie has owned George for the last four years and enjoys competing in both show jumping and dressage competitions. They have progressed from Prelim to Novice and hope to be competing at Elementary level in 2012. Jessie’s mother told us: “They are a fantastic team and Jessie was overwhelmed when she won.”

Jenny Liverton and Winston B, finished just one percentage mark behind Jessie and King George to take the runner-up spot in the Novice 22 Championship. Jenny who is a night nurse at Liphook Veterinary clinic, told a lovely story of how she bought Winston B from the vets for just £1.00, 18 months ago. He had a year off work and was only lightly competed in 2011. Their success is a testament to the tonic of hard work and patience. Trained by Lesley Hill, Jenny hopes to affiliate in 2012.

Grand Tour Elementary Champions

Elstead Riding Club team members, Carolyn Peers and Double Venture scooped the Mary Brooks judged, Elementary 43 Championship. Carolyn has owned the now 16-year-old for the last eight years and particularly enjoys competing in both dressage and dressage to music competitions. The combination was part of Elstead Riding Club’s winning pair in the Riding Club’s National Dressage Pairs to Music Championship. They train with Robert Pickles and hope to move up to Medium in 2012.

Just 0.7% behind Carolyn and Double Venture was Franki Lampl riding the versatile French Trotter, Poupette Der Mad. The combination had been competing at BE100 level and at the time of the Championships were hoping to qualify for the Badminton Grassroots final at BE90 level.

If you would like to find out more about the Sunshine Tour Championships visit www.sunshinetour.co.uk

Jenny Liverton and Winston B, runners-up Novice 22 Championship Carolyn Peers and Double Venture, winners of the Elementary 43 Championship

Jessie Sutcliffe and King George, winners of the Novice 22 Championship

Franki Lampl and Poupette Der Mad, runners-up Elementary 43 Championship

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FEATURE Breed Profile General Character An intelligent horse full of substance and stamina, with a sensible temperament and strong character.

Colour Bright bay to dark bay, with black points, black legs up to the knee, black mane and tail, sometimes with a small white star.

Height 16hh - 16.2hh but height should not disqualify an otherwise good sort.

Head Bold, large, distinguished and convex head, sometimes with a roman nose.

Eyes Large, well-set and kindly.

Ears Tend to be large and fine.

Neck Long, strong neck.

Shoulders Sloping, deep and muscular.

Forelegs Sturdy, with a minimum of 9” of bone.

Back and Loins Strong back, but not too long, with muscular loins.

Body Wide and deep.

Feet Strong, well-shaped and large, ‘blue’ in colour.

Hind Quarters Level and powerful with tail springing well from the quarters.

Action True and straight and free, covering the ground well with elegant paces.

The Cleveland Bay The Cleveland Bay is Britain’s oldest breed of horse, originating in the Cleveland area of North East England, and is in danger of dying out.

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ith less than 250 pure bred mares of breeding age throughout the world, the Cleveland Bay remains on the Rare Breed Survival Trust’s critical list and therefore it is vitally important to engage the support of British breeders, riders and breeding organisations to help maintain its existence.

The breed is extremely versatile and is becoming increasingly recognised as a competition horse in many disciplines, with successes at major shows and events.

HM the Queen is the Patron of the Cleveland Bay Horse Society (CBHS) and Cleveland Bays are traditionally used to pull Her Majesty’s Royal carriage at ceremonial events such as weddings, state occasions and the Royal Ascot race meeting.

History

The Cleveland Bay is thought to have first been bred in the Middle Ages by the monastic houses, to be used as a pack horse for the trading of goods between the various abbeys and monasteries.

These pack horses were locally known as ‘Chapman’ horses, derived from the name given to packmen and peddlers.

Before the end of the 17th century, the Chapman and the imported Barb and Arabian had been bred together to produce the main ingredient of the Cleveland Bay - a powerful horse, ideal for harness and general farm work.

As demand increased for faster carriage horses, some breeders crossed their Clevelands with strong Thoroughbreds, to make a tall elegant carriage horse, much in demand by the rich and royal.

However, with the introduction of motorisation, the need for horses became less and less, and so the breed declined.

To this day, you can still detect the two types of Cleveland – the smaller ‘Chapman’ type and the taller, but both, nevertheless, retaining the bone and substance of their ancestors.

For further information or to become a ‘Friend of the Cleveland Bay’ contact The Cleveland Bay Horse Society on (01423) 546168 or 541000 or visit www.clevelandbay.com FEBRUARY 2012 Localrider 63

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feature

Training with Horses in Mind

Have you ever felt disillusioned with your riding, or wondered why it isn’t as much fun as it used to be? Would you like to stay on good terms with your horse even when training gets tough? If you answer ‘yes’ to either of these questions, you might just be interested in Michele Richardson’s approach to training.

A Harmonious Relationship is Built on Trust and Respect To me the relationship is the most important factor throughout the training. All possible care and attention should be paid to the mental, emotional and physical effects our training has on our equine partner. I believe the training should actively improve and feed the relationship, resulting in a harmonious partnership, rather than causing conflict or resentment in either horse or rider.

By training with the primary focus on the relationship, we also become much more attuned to our own emotions, learning how the training affects us, and how we affect the training.

I believe the best results can be achieved by looking at training holistically: the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of the horse should be given equal consideration. I hesitate to add ‘spiritual’ to this list because that has a religious connotation which is entirely a human construct and not the meaning I wish to convey. However I will add it because I believe we talk to the spirit of the horse with our intention and energy, and so this connection needs to be carefully considered. Some examples of this at work are the horse that gets spooky when ridden by a nervous rider, or the rider that jazzes a horse up by having a ‘hot seat’. Most horse riders are aware of these anomalies and agree that horses sense our feelings, but rarely do we

Michele Richardson

Trust and communication being built by giving these horse tasks such as standing on, going into or over objects. No force is used in this training only a suggestion that they try wonder why or ask how we can use this to our advantage.

I consider all these factors when training a horse or horse and rider combination. I start by looking at the level of communication a horse and rider already have working for them. There will certainly be some good communication going on already, but there is always room to refine. So with refinement in mind I will look at how little the rider needs to do to get what they want from their horse, and how clearly they can communicate.

Training With Horses in Mind

So What is Training With Horses in Mind ?

Holistic training, improving performance

Training with Horses In Mind is a system I have put together using the psychological techniques taught in natural horsemanship with the physical training of classical dressage. I have divided my system into three levels, although they are in fact accumulative layers that overlap rather than separate levels that should be worked on in isolation. As you introduce a new degree of difficulty to your horse’s training, you will probably need to revisit the earlier layers to develop understanding and harmony while you teach the initial stages, before going on to develop and refine.

through relationship,rapport and respect.

The emphasis of my teaching is ‘confidence’. My system is aimed at empowering the rider as a trainer through building a language and strong partnership with their horse.

No matter what size, shape or ability you are, I can help you and your horse to further your flatwork to a level where you can excel in your chosen discipline!

I am now available for private and group lessons at my place or yours!

Training With Horses in Mind: the System

Call 07779 320311 or Email leemicheler@aol.com to book a lesson Book your first lesson in the first quarter of 2012 and you will get a second one totally free

First Layer - Foundation - Learning to speak each other’s language, gaining mental and emotional fitness. This is the base and context upon which everything else is built. The skills learnt here will carry through to the next levels, becoming developed and refined as you work on the three elements of the middle layer.

Second Layer - Healthy Biomechanics - Building the language to talk about ‘how’ to achieve this. Looking at the interaction between impulsion, balance and relaxation and how these are necessary for purity of gait and a harmonious connection with the bit.

Part of this stage is the huge subject of contact. Teaching the horse to accept the bit and work in self carriage is a big factor in achieving healthy biomechanics.

Third Layer - Gymnastic Development - Concentrates on the gymnastic ability of the horse by creating greater suppleness, straightness and collection.

This is achieved by systematically developing the horse’s capacity through a progression of collectability, mobility and flexibility exercises.

Michele says: “I have pulled together threads of information from many sources but a special thank you to Pat Parelli, Karen Rohlf and Philippe Karl for giving me this knowledge.”

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veterans

Your Veteran Horses and Ponies in the Spotlight part II

When we asked readers to send in pictures of their favourite equine veterans, we had so many replies that we had to run the feature over two issues.

Here are some more of your favourite veteran horses and ponies.

Tipster: 20-years-old

“Daisy came to us eight years ago in 2004 when Alycia was just 15, she was her first horse after coming off ponies. An early daughter of Jumbo, she was 14 at the time and had been sat in a field for two years after her rider had gone to University. We were warned that her temperament was suspect and indeed she had tried to kick us when we went to see her. But although she is wicked when in her stable or on the ground, with her tack on she is a real competitor and just wants to win.

She has been to the Open Pony Club championships three times with previous riders and with Alycia on two occasions, going clear cross country in August 2011. They had many wins at Inter branch eventing and dressage competitions. Within the last two years she has won more points with British Eventing since being on maternity leave to have a foal, than in all her previous years. She now has 22 points. Last year she won at a BE100 at Firle and a Novice at Aldon, and in 2011, aged 21, she was third in the BE100plus at Nurstead Court, third in the Novice at Borde Hill, second in the Novice at Eridge and won a Novice at Firle. We keep trying to drop her down, but she does worse when we lower the fences!

She just loves to be out competing! In 2010 she was the S E Veteran Unaffiliated Dressage Champion at Oldencraig, and regularly had dressage scores in the 70’s. She is also collected a whole host of prizes in the South East Eventers League.

She was retired from competition at the Pulborough horse trials having gone clear on the cross country in the Open Novice section. She will still be hacked out and maybe do some unaffiliated dressage. We have a daughter of hers, by Ben’s Affaire, that is now aged four and is showing a lot of promise, she has a lot to live up to!” as told by Sue Port

Gincox Harry: 20-years-old “Gincox Harry is a highly strung thoroughbred! He had a terrible start to his life, being dumped on a bypass. He was very nervous and hard to ride out. It took many years to build a bond with him and many falls, but we got there. Now aged 20, he is still jumping in British Show Jumping competitions.

He has got me through many hard times in my life and I can always rely on him to pick me up if I am down! We have an amazing bond together and strong partnership. Harry took me from jumping 1’6” when I was 15-years-old to now jumping a 1 metre course! We jump at all the big local shows, including Hickstead, Edenbridge and Oxted, and South of England and we get placed showing there!

These are things I never thought we would ever do 11 years ago when my mum and dad bought him for me for my birthday! I would love him to be in this feature as he is a massive and major part of my life and he deserves it!” Jo Sellars-Waymark

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“Tipster’s dad is the ex-racehorse ‘What a Tipoff’ and his mum is an unknown Clydesdale. Tipster whose stable name is ‘Robin’ has been in our family since he was four-years-old. My sister Louise Bowman competed him as a youngster and had many successes on him winning at Kent County and many other competitions and in 2009 they were picked to represent England in the Amateur Team Competition in Belgium.

I am 23-years-old and now compete Robin and have done since I was 10. He is literally unbeatable against the clock in cross country and show jumping. We are rarely beaten, only if we have a pole. He is the easiest horse to own, simple to handle, he is a total gentleman and I trust him with my life. He is a member of our family, my nieces, nephews and my mum also ride him.

We have not had a busy year due to finances but we have had a good result at every show, to name a few: 1st - Localrider Open at Golden Cross Three British Novice wins 1st - BSJA Area Kent Show- Discovery 3rd Kent County Show People think I am crazy for affiliating a veteran but he loves his job and I believe he will tell me when we need to call it a day.” Toni Burrows

Daisy Dancer: 21-years-old

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veterans

Misty: 20-years-old “Misty is George’s 20-year-old, 12hh, Palomino pony. She is loving life and hunts up front with the Masters at ESRM. An amazing pony that looks after herself and her jockey, she has taken George from lead rein to Hickstead Mini jumping, hunting on his own and cleared 1.05m at the local show in the Chase-Me-Charlie this summer! Boss of the field and very cheeky...we spent three hours one day in the summer holidays trying to catch her in the sheep field at Brightling after George had involuntarily dismounted!” words by Sarah Hayter.

Herbie: 17-years-old “Herbie is a 17-years-old star. I bought him from a friend in June and I have taught a non-rider from November 2010 (less than a year!) to ride and she has successfully completed two BE intros on him with the aim of BE100 March 2012.” Sarah Hayter Sarah Hayter said: “We had George’s old pony until she was 32 and I kept my first horse ‘Lady’ until she was 30. Older horses do take a bit more care, after all their teeth deteriorate, they aren’t as mobile as they were, it is so important to feed correctly, making sure they are getting all the nutrients they need, keep the feet and their teeth maintained. Rugs need to be warm and dry, and changed daily. Winter is so much harder for them than the summer months and many older horses can lose condition quickly, often unseen under rugs! So do make sure you check daily.”

Jolly: 19-years-old “I bought Jolly, eight years ago as a project to sell on while I was working for an international dressage rider, but fell in love with her and kept her. We have competed in dressage up to medium level and we qualified for the regionals, she always comes home in the ribbons. I have also ridden her in some demos. She has gone from being a competition horse to being my best friend who I couldn’t be without.

We recently did our first showing show together, finishing second in both the Veteran and Riding Horse classes. And she still keeps me on my toes.” Jenny Kavanagh

Twinkle Toes: 35-years-old Sara Ingleson sent this picture of Twinkle Toes and Hattie Betchley at the Cranleigh Show 2011 doing the Lead Rein Pony class, in which they finished second.

This year she shall be taking part in the odd Pony Club rally and the aim is she will compete at the Cranleigh show again.

Sirus: 36-years-old Sirus is a grey 13.2 Eleanor pony, Welsh/Arab, schooling Sirus born 14th September 1975 and is now 36.

He has been owned by the same owner since he was eight, and most recently has been on loan with Eleanor Craig-Fisher for five years and has never put a foot wrong.

He has always had a Stephen great personality right Wagland and from the beginning Sirus competing and everyone loves at GBEC him. He is cheeky, fun and very energetic.

He loves going out to shows, and as soon as we put the bandages on he knows what we are doing and trots into the trailer. He has always loved jumping and cross country, but as he has grown older and his joints have become stiff, he has mainly retired to dressage, although he does love to pop a small fence and gallop off up a field now and again. He used to be an amazing eventer. He had the dressage talent as well as the jumping ability. Even in his early 30s he was placed in many of his level 1 eventing competitions.

Now that he is 36, he is sticking to dressage and doing a jolly good job. He is placed in nearly every test, regularly scoring between 60% and 70%, and still enjoys them nearly as much as jumping! He won the Romeo Veteran Dressage trophy at the GBEC shows in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Right now he is doing walk and trot tests with his para rider Stephen, and doing a mixture of novice and elementary movements in walk, trot and canter with him at home twice a week. He also teaches people to lunge and long rein properly and is a wonderful stable management pony to groom, bandage, and generally fuss over.

His lack of molars to chew properly means that he is now unable to eat much hay, so he mainly exists on the grass he gets when turned out daily, plus four feeds a day of hi-fibre cubes, soaked into a mush, which he loves.

Domingo: 29-years-old “My daughter Miya’s pony is called Domingo (aka Dingo) and he is 29. We have had him for about 18 months now and in his previous life he was a wonderful Pony Club and jumping pony for his owner Jenny. He is a hairy 13hh New Forest pony who has brought Miya on brilliantly. Although he is now in semi-retirement he can still be very naughty and regularly takes off when being brought in from the field. At his last outing he came fifth in the Sunshine Tour Veterans class. He is a regular at Chiddingfold Farmers Pony Club rallyies and last year represented them at the Area Mounted Games.” Words by Sarah Halsey

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Supreme Rock with owner Emma Pitt following the parade of former Olympic medallists at Blenheim International Horse Trials which he enjoyed.

Making light work of veterans

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ith easy access to a surface for many we can now work our horses all year round. Sadly, many people are put off lungeing thinking it is boring, but is only as boring as you make it, so how can you change this, and how can we help our veterans with lunge work?

Twenty minutes of trotting round on the forehand or leaning on side reins achieves very little other than to compound old habits. Dr Hilary Bentley of equiami says that lungeing, to be really effective, is best done with a lungeing aid that encourages a horse to step under from behind and work into a soft, light contact whilst lifting through their shoulders in order to develop balance and topline.

Warming up and stretching for a few minutes at the start and cooling and stretching down at the end of the session are essential to prevent injury and stress on the joints.

Veteran horses don’t really thrive on being retired to the field after an active life and, in a similar way to humans, benefit greatly from regular, gentle exercise. regular light exercise helps with joint mobility and those general stiffness issues that afflict veterans. encouraging stretching, bending, stepping under, swinging through the back are all simple exercises that can be done in fifteen minutes on the lunge a couple of times a week. The warm up and cool down phases are even more important to the veteran as the muscles and joints will take longer to fully mobilize and need to cool down gently afterwards.

The upside is that your veteran enjoys an improved quality of life and your guilt at seeing him bored in the field is lessened. Providing your vet is happy that your veteran can undertake some light physical, exercise there is a lot of pleasure to be had in keeping him as mobile as possible.

Photograph

by Fiona Scott-Maxwell

For Supreme Health “I wanted to send you the photo of Rocky following his parade at Blenheim. The riders and British Eventing Management (team trainer/ the vet/dressage trainer/jumping trainer) could not believe how brilliant he looked and asked what I fed him. I switched to TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer a few years ago and think that this has really helped him,” Emma Pitt, owner of Supreme Rock.

Supreme Rock, now 22-years-old is enjoying a very active retirement with owner Emma Pitt. He retired five years ago from a long and illustrious career in eventing at the highest level and now enjoys competing at dressage as well as hunting and hacking out with Poppy’s pony Biscuit (16) and Harry’s pony Peanut (20), all fed on TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer.

TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer combines the benefits of a feed balancer with a joint supplement and hoof supplement.

ers

s, professional & leisure rid

Endorsed by equine therapist

Please visit our new website and video clip

For free nutritional advice from our Multiple Award-Winning Helpline: Tel 01845 565 030 Email: nutritionist@topspec.com www.topspec.com

CREATED WITHOUT COMPROMISE by experienced equine nutritionists

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Multiple Award Winner for 'Excellence in Nutritional Advice and Customer Service' 2007 - 2008 - 2009 2010 - 2011

For excellence in nutritional advice and customer service feBruary 2012 Localrider 67

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SHOW REPORT

Picture by Kit Houghton

VHS Ridden Champion, Kate Marfleet and the 21-year-old Murram Park Phantom

Local Veterans at Olympia Championship Veteran Horse Showing holds regional qualifiers around the country for all breeds and types of horses and ponies with the one goal of qualifying for the Championships (in-hand and ridden) at Olympia.

The only qualifying criteria is the horse or pony is at least 15 years of age.

Karen Chaplin and 18-year-old Cranswick Felix, sixth VHS Ridden Championship

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wenty-one-year-old Mrurran Park Phantom and Kate Marfleet lifted the Veteran Horse Showing title for the third time this year, having previously won in 2008 and 2009. Kate who is a student at the Royal Agricultural College spent part of her childhood in Australia, and it was while there, aged 12, that her family bought Phanty. Then aged thirteen, he had won the Australian equivalent of HOYS as a fiveyear-old with Katie Jerram and had since been competed in dressage competitions.

Kate competed him in both showing and dressage, making it to Young Riders and representing her State in Inter-State competitions. The family returned to the UK in 2006, bringing Phanty with them. The combination were a regular sight at BYRDS competitions and also became heavily involved in the British show circuit, winning the Show Pony Search for a Star at HOYS in 2007. They also have a whole list of major Championships gained at Ponies UK and other significant competitions.

At the moment Kate plans to keep showing Phanty and is aiming to return to Windsor this year to try and repeat their winning performance. Apparently, last year even Her Majesty the Queen had a quiet word with Murram Park Phantom.

However, I doubt that made an impression on him, as apparently he is well aware how special he is and tends to be quite naughty and grumpy, unless he is in the limelight and the bigger the occasion the better!

Claire Hubbard and 26-yearold, Taxal Timelord, seventh In-hand Veteran Championship. Claire said: “Taxal Timelord is a 14.2hh Palomino gelding, who I have had the pleasure to own for over 20 years. He has a cheeky pony character and still can be a handful at times.

We still compete in most disciplines including, unaffiliated dressage and show jumping and VHS showing. As long as he wants to, and there is no sign to show he wants to slow down, even after the cold snap, we will continue to do the same this year.

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Supports thorough digestion of haylage Negates acid build up in the gut Result: A healthy, happier horse

Photography: Kevin Sparrow

Haylage Balancer Saves Time & Money * D E E T N A GUAR

Less poo, better poo Cleaner, tidier bed Result: Time saved mucking out Feed less hard feed Use less bedding Result: Save money MONEY BACK GUARANTEE* If Haylage Balancer does not save you time or money please let us know, return your proof of purchase and we will fully refund your money.

For full details see www.naf-uk.com/haylage

For more details please go to your local NAF stockist or call our Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373 106 or email info@naf-uk.com

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20/1/12 08:48:49

Feed news

Feeding the Veteran F

eeding a balanced diet is particularly important when it comes to veterans.

As horses get older their digestive system can be compromised and become inefficient at absorbing nutrients from the diet, therefore a balanced diet with enhanced levels of vitamins, minerals and nutrients is required. Older horses can begin to loose condition easily, especially during the winter months, and keeping them looking well can often be a challenge. As horses get older their appetite can also decrease so feeding a high quality and trusted balancer, which is nutrient dense, will ensure they are getting everything needed in their diet without having to feed large quantities of hard feed. This is also a better way to feed horses as their digestive system is not designed to have large feeds.

To ensure your veteran gets a balanced diet with all the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients they require feed a Blue Chip feed balancer which now all include the revolutionary ingredient; nucleotides.

Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA and are found naturally in the horse’s diet, however at low levels. All horses and ponies can benefit from the inclusion of nucleotides in the diet but they are especially beneficial to older horses that need extra nutritional support. Nucleotides increase the length of the intestinal villi in the gut, an increase in these villi can increase nutrient absorption, enabling the horse to get more out of their diet. Nucleotides also support the immune system by facilitating the immune cells, helping to fight viral and bacterial infections.

Blue Chip are the only feed balancers in the UK to incorporate this remarkable product.

Maintain or gain condition

Blue Chip Pro is perfect for veteran horses that need to maintain or gain condition. Blue Chip Pro contains an EU approved probiotic, which increases fibre digestion and allows your veteran to utilise the fibre in his diet more efficiently. The prebiotic in Blue Chip Pro will help to boost their immune system and remove pathogenic bacteria from the foregut. Pro also contains a comprehensive hoof supplement with biotin, lysine and zinc; a respiratory supplement that contains garlic, eucalyptus and menthol and an elevated levels of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to meet your veteran horse’s daily requirements. All Blue Chip balancers are molasses free and contain a natural, fruit derived form of Vitamin E, which is a highly powerful antioxidant. The small pellets of Blue Chip balancers make it easier for older horses to eat and it can be fed by hand if necessary or could be made into a tempting mash by the addition of warm water. Pro contains high quality protein to provide the necessary amino acids, vital for maintaining muscle mass which can often be a problem for the older horse.

Keeping warm

Horses can use up to 80% of their digestible energy keeping warm; keeping them well rugged up will save them wasting energy and essential calories in the cold weather.

Older horses requiring extra condition can be fed unmolassed sugar beet which is a highly digestible, good form of fibre. Oil is also very calorie dense and can help to improve weight and condition; feed linseed oil to ensure your veteran receives the correct balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils.

Prone to laminitis

Some veterans hold their weight well or can be prone to laminitis, so consider feeding them a low starch, low sugar; low calorie feed balancer such as Blue Chip Lami-light. Lami-light contains the beneficial nucleotides, fruit derived form of Vitamin E and essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients your veteran requires whilst not encouraging any weight gain.

Blue Chip’s founder Clare Blaskey shows the 17 year old veteran ‘I’m Blue Chip Too’ who was Reserve Champion in the veteran class at Olympia at his first attempt. He is fed Blue Chip Pro and Dodson & Horrell Safe and Sound, and looks amazing on it.

To see his performance at Olympia visit http://tinyurl.com/7y2kd58

I’m Blue Chip Too, Reserve Champion at Olympia 2011

For more information on any of the Blue Chip range visit www.bluechipfeed.com or for feeding advice call 0114 2666200. For competitions, news and rider updates follow Blue Chip at facebook.com/bluechipfeed.

‘I’m Blue Chip Too’ is Reserve Champion Veteran at Olympia Clare Blaskey’s 17-year-old champion veteran show horse ‘I’m Blue Chip Too’ (Glen) gave an outstanding performance to gain Reserve Champion in the Ridden section of The Veteran Horse Society and Dodson & Horrell Show Championships at Olympia, London.

Out of 1800 entrants only 11 in hand and 15 ridden horses qualified for a place at the Championships. ‘I’m Blue Chip Too’ was ridden by Blue Chip’s Founder Clare Blaskey, “I’m Blue Chip Too thoroughly enjoyed his trip to London and was so excited when entering the huge floodlit arena, I could feel his heart thumping, he soon settled and behaved impeccably to get exactly the same mark as the champion. We were so thrilled when he got Reserve Champion, with all the Blue Chip team and my grandchildren there

to watch.” says Clare.

Competing at Olympia is an amazing experience and Liz Driver Blue Chip’s Marketing and PR Manager who drove the horsebox and helped to get Glen ready said: “Driving through London and unloading in the middle of the road was quite surreal,

but Glen was not at all fazed, even by the people waiting at the entrance who wanted to stroke him and know his name. Glen really enjoyed the bright lights of London, as did we all, it really is the most amazing show!”

To watch the video of I’m Blue Chip Too at Olympia go to http://tinyurl.com/7y2kd58

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Call Debbie: 07967 171126 or email: equinesales@btconnect.com

T: 01273 891890 M: 07967 171126 www.listonequestrian.com

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feeD NEWS

Feeding the Veteran Horse or Pony As the temperature plummets it is important to remember just how much energy horses and particularly older horses use, just to keep warm. Here we look at some of the products that will help your veteran come through the winter looking and feeling his best...

Specialist Diet with Solution Mash Designed for horses requiring a specialist diet Solution Mash is suitable for horses that need a higher calorie diet for conditioning and controlled weight gain whilst being ideal for those that suffer from starch and sugar intolerance.

With no cereals and a very low starch and sugar content (under 1% total sugar) Solution Mash is suitable for feeding to horses that suffer from Laminitis, Cushings, Insulin Resistance and EPSM. The high fibre content helps to encourage better digestion within the hindgut, being particularly valuable for horses that suffer from colic and gastric ulcers requiring a diet that is sympathetic on the digestive system. This combined with a high oil content will not only help improve condition and weight gain but will also provide an excellent source of slow release energy.

Super high levels of Vitamin E are also included helping support the immune system and maintain healthy antioxidant levels along with Yeasacc 1026 for optimum fibre and mineral digestion.

Designed to be fed soaked as a soft textured mash it is extremely palatable for horses that struggle to chew and digest traditional concentrates.

Natural herbs spearmint, garlic and fenugreek are also added into Solution Mash along with a high specification vitamin and mineral supplement, providing your horse with all the essential nutrients needed for a fully balanced diet.

NAF Haylage Balancer Haylage Balancer will help your horse thoroughly digest and maximise his roughage intake, allowing him to gain full value from it, whilst helping to maintain a happy, healthy and comfortable gut.

What is Haylage Balancer? An advanced, totally natural, nutritional support formula that will help neutralise and absorb excess acids in the gut, whilst slowing down the rate of passage of partially digested food through the gut, thus maximising the digestion of roughage.

The benefits… Feeding Haylage Balancer as part of your horse’s daily diet will help to settle the gut but minimising the production of acid and any potential acidic build up. So, your horse will become more comfortable and therefore happier and healthier within himself.

There are other advantages too - you may find you can cut back on the quantity of hard feed given, you could find your horse will be cleaner in his stable, saving you time and money on bedding…so, not only will your horse be happier, you will be too!

Available from NAF stockists nationwide. For further details please call the NAF Freephone Line: 0800 373 106 or log on to www.naf-uk.com

Equine America V-Biotic®

Good quality fibre is essential for your horse’s health this winter. The slow process of chewing and digesting good quality fibre keeps your horse entertained for longer whilst producing heat to keep him warm. Easy Pack Haylage is available in three delicious varieties, each pack full of good quality fibre and nutrients with for varying levels of energy and protein to suit your horse’s individual needs.

As Easy Pack Haylage is dust and spore free there is no need for soaking haynets this winter!

Easy Pack Haylage and Bedding for a healthy and happy horse this winter.

V-Biotic® is more than just a Feed Balancer! Super concentrated V-Biotic® is a premium grade, broad spectrum product which has been specially formulated to provide a comprehensive balance of essential vitamins and minerals your horse or pony needs, and which may be lacking in their domestic diet.

V-Biotic® contains Echinacea for the immune system, Turmeric for a healthy liver, highly effective pro-biotics and powerful anti-oxidants, and the very best ingredients to support bone, hoof and muscle tissue and benefit the circulatory system. V-Biotic® will complement any feeding regime without any additional ‘heating’ effects - feed to all horses daily for optimum health and condition.

www.easypackhaylage.com

www.equine-america.co.uk

www.rowenbarbary.co.uk

Easy Pack Haylage

Balanced Horse Feeds Oldster When choosing a feed for a mature horse or pony you should consider current bodyweight, condition, workload and whether they are stabled, or out in all weathers. Balanced Horse Feeds Oldster has elevated vitamins and minerals to ensure optimum health and vitality, MSM & Glucosamine to support healthy joints, a unique antioxidant blend for immune system support and a pre-biotic to aid digestion.

If feeding under the recommended daily intake of a fully fortified feed then add Balanced Vitamin & Mineral Booster to help keep your horses or pony’s vitamin and mineral levels up. Make sure that the mature horse or pony still gets fed at least 1% of bodyweight in forage daily (probably more for most older horses and ponies) and that water consumption is monitored at all times. Remove any rugs daily to check condition and bodyweight as older horses and ponies can drop weight very quickly. Have your horse or ponies’ teeth checked at least every 6 months for sharp edges, occlusion (grinding surface) and loose teeth, as poor dentition will quickly result in a loss in condition. www.balancedhorsefeeds.co.uk

Veteran Care Mix from British Horse Feeds Veteran Care Mix from British Horse Feeds was formulated specifically for the mature digestive system and has a fibre profile ideal for the older horse and pony. Inclusion of whole milk provides ideal protein, highly available lactose and essential oils. Support for bones is available thanks to the added Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) which helps to maintain bone accretion. Yucca Saponins ‘mop up’ fermentative end products reducing their adsorption across the hindgut, many of which have been implicated in joint cartilage destruction.

For more information please contact British Horse Feeds on +44 (0)1765 680300 or visit www.britishhorsefeeds.com

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Haygain for Veterans

WE helps build outstanding condition

Horse like humans are living longer; with advancing medical technology, horses are able to extend their lives whilst still remaining active and in good condition. Many veterans continue to be successful competition horses or schoolmasters well into their mid 20s.

With older horse more prone to losing weight, owners need to ensure their horse receives enough forage. Hay is undoubtedly the most ideal forage.

Its only flaw can be the levels of dust spores it contains, which may put horses off eating and can cause respiratory problems. HAYGAIN’s scientifically proven steaming method provides the complete solution, destroying all dust spores, mites, bacteria and mould found in hay.

The steamed hay will retain its nutritional goodness, and trials have shown that horses - even fussy eaters - love it because of its sweet smell and palatability.

Feeding steamed hay is therefore the perfect solution for entice veterans to eat more forage throughout the winter.

The HAYGAIN HG-600 hay steamer is ideal for smaller yards and for use away at competitions. Hay is steamed effectively in approximately 50 minutes.

To improve condition and topline safely your horse needs the right type of calories from the right sources and WE can help.

In our own trials oil was shown to be twice as efficient at building condition as cereal and far less likely to cause any silly behaviour.

To build condition you need to provide calories over and above those that are needed for maintenance, alongside quality protein to help develop muscle and topline, but the key to success is how those calories are provided. The traditional way was to rely on cereals but because these tend to be high in starch they can be responsible for causing excitable or spooky behaviour. Often highly strung or nervous horses can become fractious and worry the weight off if fed a high cereal diet, which can defeat the overall object.

The safer and more effective alternative is to use fibre and oil to increase calorific intake. Fibre is often regarded as just a filler, but it can be much more than that.

Fermentable high energy fibre sources such as alfalfa or soya hulls can make a real contribution to energy needs without causing extra excitement.

Hannah Briars, WINERGY® nutritionist, said: “At this time of year many of us worry about the best way to build or maintain condition without affecting behaviour. By choosing a fibre and oil based feed, the risk of behavioural and digestive problems can be greatly reduced, to keep your horse happier and your riding safer.”

WINERGY Equilibrium® Condition contains 10% oil and less than 10% starch, giving you the reassurance to build condition in your horse or pony safely. WE and you keep your horse in great shape.

For further information please contact HAYGAIN hay steamers on 0333 200 5233 or www.haygain.com

Find out more by calling 01908 576777, visiting www.winergy.com

TopSpec FibrePlus Cubes TopSpec FibrePlus Cubes are designed to provide balanced fibre for all horses and ponies. So what is the plus? It is added ingredients to balance the fibre and promote muscle development and function.

In most circumstances horses and ponies benefit from eating fibre in the form of long or chopped forage. However there are situations where this is not possible and times when a low calorie cube is desirable.

TopSpec FibrePlus Cubes are formulated to be very low in starch and sugar, which contributes to the cubes being the ultimate ‘non-heating’ feed. The digestion of the fibre in these cubes will however lead to a ‘warming’ effect in the hindgut, which is very beneficial to horses, especially veterans, in cold weather. The cubes can be fed dry or quick-soaked.

The highly digestible fibre in these cubes helps to promote the beneficial bacteria in the hindgut therefore helping to maintain a healthy digestive system.

FibrePlus Cubes are ideal as a source of fibre for elderly horses and ponies with poor or no teeth. The cubes can be quickly soaked to a mash that will provide a superb complete feed when fed with TopSpec Senior Feed Balancer.

They are also suitable as a safe, very low-calorie feed for horses and ponies prone to laminitis, as a very low-calorie feed for good-doers, as a reassuringly ‘non-heating’ feed for sharp or ‘fizzy’ horses and as a non-stimulating feed to give when horses are being ‘broken-in’ or moved.

The cubes are a blend of high-fibre and cereal-grain free ingredients, with high quality protein from high-oil soya and linseed. No straw products are included in the formulation. Sodium (from salt), calcium and magnesium are added to this blend.

For elderly horses and others with problem teeth the cubes will soak quickly to anywhere between a crumb and a porridge depending on your individual horse’s preference.

For further information contact the TopSpec Helpline on 01845 565030 or visit www.topspec.com

WIN! FIVE TUBS TO BE GIVEN AWAY! NAF Veteran Supplement Keep your old horse young!… improve his diet with NAF’s Veteran Supplement As you horse enters his twilight years, he’ll start to show some signs of age. Furthermore his body will start not to function as efficiently as it once did – digestion often becomes compromised, joints stiffen, and he’ll have an increased need for energy and other specific nutrients for general maintenance - eg. protein to maintain muscling, sulphur, calcium and phosphorous for bone and joint integrity.

NAF’s Veteran Supplement is a comprehensive formula designed to address these specific nutritional needs.

Key ingredients include: • Probiotics and yeasts to help replace the bacteria lost from the gut, to support healthy digestion and help reduce the risk of digestive upset.

• Lysine, a vital amino acid for the formation of high quality protein.

• Organic Sulphur in the form of MSM, which is important for bone, circulation and connective tissue, is included to provide valuable nutritional support for maintaining joint integrity.

• Di-Calcium Phosphate ensures calcium and phosphorous are available in the optimum ratio for efficient absorption.

• A broad base of vitamins, minerals and trace elements to help maintain general health and vitality.

RRP: 1.5kg: £19.50, 3kg: £34.95. Larger sizes available.

Available from NAF stockists nationwide.

For more information, or for details of your nearest stockist, please call the NAF Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373 106, email info@naf-uk.com or visit www.naf-uk.com

5 x 1.5kg tubs of NAF Veteran Supplement to be given away!

To be in with a chance of winning one 1.5kg tub of NAF Veteran Supplement, send your name, address and telephone number on a postcard to: NAF Giveaway, Localrider, 2 Littleworth Cottages, Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TP The winners will be the first five entries drawn after the closing date of 29th February 2012.

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father figure

The behind the scenes hero… Kevin Willard

Any successful equestrian will tell you that the key to success is a great back up team, be it a trainer, sponsor or family member there are just some people we cannot be without. In this continuing series we meet ‘the dads’, so important and so supportive, but very rarely known.

When it comes to supporting their children’s equine pursuits some fathers find it better to stay at home and do so, and Kevin Willard is one of them. His job as a farrier does have some clear advantages for daughter Jemima and wife Kathy. It was through his work that he found Jemima’s horse, Pippa. “Kevin was shoeing Pippa when she’d just arrived from Ireland at Martin’s Irish Horses and said that she’d got great feet and stood well to be shod - so we were allowed to go and try her!”

Kathy told us. Clearly Kevin has a good eye because Pippa has helped Jemima move on from her pony, Puff, to horses. Now Jemima and the nine-year-old mare compete in dressage, showing and do plenty of hunting with the Old Surrey and Burstow and West Kent.

Name: Kevin Willard Home-town: Sevenoaks Occupation: Farrier

Kevin shoeing Pippa

Pippa at Lodge Farm

Below: Kevin hunting with the West Kent, 1970s

Puff at Tweseldown

Off-spring: Jemima, aged 19 and Henry, aged 23.

How did you become involved with horses?

I had a riding lesson at the age of ten, subsequently got a weekend job at West Bank Stud in Wrotham - which sadly has long gone. Before getting my own horse.

Do you ride yourself? Not these days.

Favourite horse or pony and why? Sefton what a brave horse. Turns out that a friend of mine used to shoe him.

What area of the sport are you involved with? Many areas, as I shoe point-topointers, dressage horses, show jumpers and Pony Club ponies.

How do you support your family with their sport? I found Pippa for Jemima - she has great feet so I don’t mind shoeing her! I usually have a roast dinner waiting for them when they get back after a hard days competing or hunting… Oh, and they get free shoes!

What’s the best thing about competing? I get a lie-in and a day to myself.

What’s the worst thing about competing?

Having to go to shows with them! I had to drive the lorry a couple of years ago when Kathy broke her foot... After which Jemima said she’d rather not go if I was driving.

What was your proudest moment while watching your child compete?

Actually I did really enjoy seeing Jemima

Puff pony racing at Penshurst Pony Racing on Puff, I had to be there anyway as I was duty farrier. I was probably supposed to say Hickstead or something?

Favourite show ground snack? Not applicable! But I’ll usually have a nice fryup while they’re out.

How do you and your family like to celebrate a big win? Any win is followed by a takeaway and a large scotch.

Pippa at Hickstead 2011

Below: Pippa hunting

Favourite show ground and why? Kent County at Detling, I am on the committee that organises the horse shoeing competitions and it’s also an opportunity to catch up with colleagues I haven’t seen for a while.

What do your friends think about what you and your family do? I think most of our friends are in the same boat... Our neighbours think we are completely mad when Jemima and Kathy are going off at 3.30am for autumn hunting!

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GIVEAWAYS European Championships DVDs

SIX TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

Equestrian Vision, the leading producer and distributor of equestrian DVDs in the UK, would like to offer one lucky winner the complete set of European Championships 2011 DVDs, which includes Dressage Grand Prix, Kur and Grand Prix Special, Eventing and Jumping. Two runners up will each receive a copy of Badminton 2011.

Team Grand Prix: The Great Britain team of Carl Hester, Laura Bechtolsheimer, Emile Faurie and Charlotte Dujardin took these championships by storm to win their first ever European Team Gold medal. Grand Prix Special: The top 30 riders from the Grand Prix qualified for the Special. Grand Prix Freestyle To Music: The top 15 scores from the Special qualified for the grand finale of these Championships. European Eventing Championships 2011: Germany dominated with World Champion Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam, taking the Individual title. European Jumping Championships 2011: The Germans produced three great clear rounds to snatch the title, while France moved up to seize silver and the British claimed bronze. Badminton 2011: The 62nd running of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials ended with victory for Mark Todd, who at the age of 55 became the oldest rider to win at Badminton

THREE TO BE GIVEN AWAY!

James Hart Solutions Old Friend

Demonstrate how much you love your horse this Valentine’s by giving your best friend a vitality boost with James Hart Solutions Old Friend.

Old Friend is a complete tonic to help maintain the digestive, lymphatic, musculo-skeletal and circulatory systems of the horse as well as offering specific support for the liver and kidneys.

Aware it is often our veteran friends who need a particular pepme-up, Old Friend is in liquid form to be fast-acting and to suit the fussy feeder and this total tonic is also safe for long term and competition use.

Six readers will each receive 500ml bottle of Old Friend (RRP £22.50) – equivalent to approximately a months’ supply.

Specialist herbal advice and product support on all James Hart Solutions Equine Herbals is available through emailing New Zealand’s leading herbalists direct at james@ equineherbals.com

www.equestrianvision.co.uk

THREE TO BE GIVEN AWAY! Suregrow Fertiliser

Grazed grass is the most natural of feeds and like any other living organism, needs to be supplied with the correct balance of trace elements and minerals for strong, healthy growth. The right choice of fertiliser will help ensure nutritious pasture, potentially saving money on feeds and supplements.

Suregrow fertiliser, which can be applied from early spring, is a unique formulation designed specifically for horse and pony paddocks, with a slower release form of nutrients proven in trials to produce sustained, better quality grass growth over a longer period and facilitate uptake of nutrients essential to the wellbeing of horses and ponies.

Chosen by international riders Richard Davison, Oliver Townend, Ruth Edge and Caroline Powell, it is safe to handle and spread, so really easy to apply.

Three winners will each receive 4 x 20kg sacks.

For more information about Suregrow fertiliser – specifically designed for horse and pony paddocks, contact the technical support line on 05601 126627 or visit www.suregrowuk.com

THREE TO BE GIVEN AWAY! Fullolife High Strenth Joint Care

Do you want your horse or pony to be in the best of health, full of life and vitality, looking in the best of health and enjoying life?

Fullolife High Strength Joint Care can help to keep horses comfortable and active during periods of reduced mobility. Its rich blend of Omega 3 Fish Oils helps with stiffness and discomfort.

It is the Essential Fatty Acid EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) found in these Omega 3 Fish Oils that is key in maintaining healthy joints and helping to keep horses happy and mobile.

Fullolife High Strength Joint Care is based on 100% Fish Oil meaning that the Omega 3 content has not been diluted with vegetable oils and is purely from natural sources. It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps prevent cells from free radical damage.

Ideal for veteran horses and ponies and those less active, including horses and ponies with stiffness and mobility problems.

Three winners will each win one four-litre container (RRP: £42.99).

For more information contact AAK UK on 01482 701271 or visit www. fullolife.co.uk

GIVEAWAYS February 2012 entry form To enter for any of the Giveaways in this month’s issue of Localrider, simply tick the relevant boxes below, complete the form, and send it to us at: Localrider Giveaways, Roundbale Ltd, 2 Littleworth Cottages, Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TP Alternatively, email your entry to competitions@localrider.co.uk with details of the Giveaway numbers, plus your name, address and contact telephone number.

   

James Hart Solutions Old Friend European Championships DVDs Suregrow Fertiliser Fullolife High Strenth Joint Care

Name: ...................................................................................................................................

Address: ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................... ...........................................................

Postcode: ...............................................................

Daytime tel no: ...................................................................................................................

It is a condition of entry that a contact telephone number is provided.

Email: ...................................................................................................................................

Photocopies of this coupon are acceptable, but only one entry per household. Closing date 29 February 2012

Localrider may occasionally pass on your details to carefully-selected organisations so that they can contact you by telephone or post with regards to promoting and researching their products and services. Please tick here if you prefer not to be contacted 

FEBRUARY 2011 Localrider 75

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To advertise here, call 01892 863062 or email: info@localrider.co.uk

show dates february 2012 1 February Golden Cross Equestrian Centre,

Senior British Show Jumping, Chalvington Road, Golden Cross, East Sussex, BN27 3SS Telephone: 01825 873022 Email: info@ goldencross.co.uk, www.goldencrossec.co.uk 3 February Bedgebury Park, Jason Webb liberty & round pen course, Bedgebury Park, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SH, Enquires email: kerry@bedgeburypark. com, www.bedgeburypark.com 3 February Bedgebury Park, Clear Round, Bedgebury Park, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SH, Enquires email: kerry@ bedgeburypark.com, www.bedgeburypark.com 4 February Bedgebury Park, Unaffiliated Show Jumping, Bedgebury Park, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SH, Enquires email: kerry@bedgeburypark. com, www.bedgeburypark.com 4 February LMEQ, Cross Country with Sharon Hunt, Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB email: matt@lmeq.com for places. Telephone: 07771 600 033 www.lmeq.com

4 February LMEQ, Show Jumping with Ernest Dillon, Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB call Jennifer on 07771 598730 for places. www.lmeq.com

9 February LMEQ, Show Jumping with Lucy Thompson, Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB call Ruth on 07708 066089 for places. www.lmeq.com

5 February Eaglesfield, Indoor Jumping Show, with Crickland Qualifiers plus Eaglesfield Championship Qualifiers, Eaglesfield Equestrian Centre, West Yoke, Ash, Nr Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 7HT (please contact for directions), Contact: Jean Clark, Telephone: 07958 650036 Email: eaglesfield. jean@btinternet.com, www.eaglesfield.net

10 February Bedgebury Park, Clear Round, Bedgebury Park, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SH, Enquires email: kerry@ bedgeburypark.com, www.bedgeburypark.com

10 February Golden Cross Equestrian Centre, Evening Clear Round Jumping, Chalvington Road, Golden Cross, East Sussex, BN27 3SS Telephone: 01825 873022 Email: info@ goldencross.co.uk, www.goldencrossec.co.uk

5 February LMEQ, Show Jumping with Ernest Dillon, Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB call Jennifer on 07771 598730 for places. www.lmeq.com

19 February Brendon Stud, Showjumping Training Clinics, with Sally Thurloway, Brendon Pyecombe Equestrian Centre, Haresdean Farm, London Road, Pyecombe, Sussex, BN45 7ED Telephone Sally direct: 01293 851315 email: sallythurloway@hotmail.com

19 February Eaglesfield, Indoor Jumping Show, with Crickland Qualifiers plus Eaglesfield Championship Qualifiers, Eaglesfield Equestrian Centre, West Yoke, Ash, Nr Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 7HT (please contact for directions), Contact: Jean Clark, Telephone: 07958 650036 Email: eaglesfield. jean@btinternet.com, www.eaglesfield.net

Racing all year round at Lingfield Park Racecourse All Weather, Flat and National Hunt Dressage, Bedgebury Park, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SH, Enquires email: kerry@bedgeburypark. com, www.bedgeburypark.com

British Dressage, & Trailblazers Dressage, Chalvington Road, Golden Cross, East Sussex, BN27 3SS Telephone: 01825 873022 Email: info@ goldencross.co.uk, www.goldencrossec.co.uk

held on

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6th

LODGE FARM, MATFIELD (A21/B2160)

Call Lauren, 07956 301 378 for a chat. www.pussycatlodge.co.uk

Over £ donations please 1

40 Classes including: Two Jumping Rings plus Clear Round Working Hunter and Best Rider Championships, 20/10/08 In Hand Classes.

MARCH – to OCTOBER 2012 Ring dedicated ‘12 years and Under’ With Leading Rein,JUMPING, Condition and Turnout, Handy Pony, etc.

SHOW DRESSAGE,

GREAT BOOKHAM SHOWS PLUS ‘FUN DOG SHOW’ SHOWING & CLINICS.

All proceeds to Local Charities Unaffiliated competitions for everyone from first time through to national qualifiers.

For schedule see: www.horseshowsuk.info schedules entries online at or sendFull SAE to: Mrsand J Williams, Collingham, 85 Hastings Road, Pembury, Kent TN2 4JS.

Only 5 miles from junc 9 on M25 or 6 miles from A3/junc 10 on M25.

www.gbec.info

SAE: Events Secretary, Great Bookham E.C., Dorking Road, Great Bookham, Surrey, KT23 4PZ. Tel 01372 451458 Email shows@gbec.info

01892 823 590 & 07739 965 943 (before 8pm) AMERICAN ANNUAL SPONSORED RIDE & WALK PLEASURE STAR RIDE FOR AFRICA IN AID OF

OF LONDON SHOW 5th August SUNDAY 30th AUGUST 2009

at Pachesham EC, Surrey.

This 10 mile route starting in Fairlight near Hastings is normally inaccessible to the general public and takes participants over some of the most picturesque countryside around so come on give your self a special treat and support a really worthwhile charity that does as it says and transforms peoples lives.

4 rings of showing with great prizes

Check out the website www.rideforafrica.org.uk

Schedules from web: Great prizes for those raising the most sponsor money www.wix.com/ FOR ENTRIES SEND SAE to: Tim Jury, Freshwinds, Pickham Farm, Guestling, Hastings TN35 4HX Lynnusauk/aphs Telephone: 01424 813620 Email: timjury@onetel.com for schedule and sponsor forms by reply ENTriEs ClosE 25TH AuGusT

Or email: Lynnusauk@aol.com CHAriTY No. 326901

Wes Audio Public Address Commentary & Judges boxes Timing equipment Two Way Radios New telephone number

01322 221006

CHIPSTEAD RIDING CLUB THE EQUI-FUN CLUB SHOW SUMMER 2009SHOWING EVENTS

DRESSAGE SHOW

Sunday 18th March Sunday 12th February AUG 16TH EVENTERS JULY 12TH SUMMER MAY 17TH SPRING A FUN ‘HAVE A GO’ SHOW! Classes from BD Intro CHALLENGE SHOWto (INC BALANCED SHOW (INC BALANCED Lead Rein to Ex Elementary! HORSE FEEDS Classes from HORSE FEEDS SEPT 6TH AUTUMN CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONSHIP Racehorse!

SHOW (INC BALANCED

SHOW JUMPING SHOW

QUALIFIERS & OTHER QUALIFIERS & OTHER SHOW Sunday 11th March AFFILIATED CLASSES) AFFILIATED CLASSES)

Classes 2ft9, 2ND MAY 31ST from 1ft9 toAUG including and SHOW NOVICE NOVICE SHOWPairs & Horse

HORSE FEEDS JUMPING SHOW

CHAMPIONSHIP Sunday 18th April QUALIFIERS & OTHER Classes from 1ft9 to 2ft9, AFFILIATED CLASSES)

including Top Score!

EVENING DRESSAGE MAY 28TH, JUNE25TH, JULY 23RD THESE SHOWSfrom AREend BEING HELD AT PLUMPTON COLLEGE! Download schedules of March www.chipsteadridingclub.org.uk Other dates be found on Cheam, our website.

0r A5 SAE to Jackieshow Russell, 32can Chartwell Place, Surrey SM3 9TD For schedules please call Becca on 07738 993995 or email becca@equi-fun.co.uk

Wimbledon Pony www.equi-fun.co.uk SEVENOAKS Club Open Show RIDING CLUB

76 Localrider february 2012

OMNIBUS SCHEDULE FOR ALL 2009 COMPETITIONS HUNTER TRIALS & 76show_lrfeb12.indd 1 HORSE TRIALS

11 February Bedgebury Park, Janine

8 February Golden Cross Equestrian Centre,

We have many healthy, neutered ferals that need understanding homes.

Untitled-1

Training Lecture Demo, Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB email: fittoride@lmeq.com for places.

Telephone: 07771 600 033 www.lmeq.com

8 February Bedgebury Park, Affiliated

Tonbridge Lions ChariTy horse show

FERAL CATS MAKE GREAT PEST CONTROL To be OFFICERS IN STABLES.

10 February LMEQ, Jon Pitts Fall

SATURDAY, 2ND MAY 2009 PACHESHAM EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, RANDALLS RD,LEATHERHEAD, SURREY, KT22 0AL

Lamy Show Jumping Clinic, Bedgebury Park, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SH, Enquires email: kerry@bedgeburypark. com, www.bedgeburypark.com

show

19 February Golden Cross Equestrian Centre, Pony British Show Jumping, Chalvington Road, Golden Cross, East Sussex, BN27 3SS Telephone: 01825 873022 Email: info@ goldencross.co.uk, www.goldencrossec.co.uk

19 February LMEQ, Show Jumping with Ernest Dillon, Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB call Jennifer on 07771 598730 for places. www.lmeq.com

guide 2009

11 February Brendon Stud, Valentines

Showing & Jumping in indoor arena, Brendon Pyecombe Equestrian Centre, Haresdean Farm, London Road, Pyecombe, Sussex, BN45 7ED Telephone: Caraleen Light 07815 908017 www.brendonpyecombe.co.uk

19 February LMEQ, Jon Pitts Fit to Ride

Clinic, Human Performance, Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB email: matt@lmeq.com for places.

Telephone: 07771 600 033 www.lmeq.com

19 February Mad About Horses, New

BE Grassroots Pre Season Event Training, Chalvington Road, Golden Cross, East Sussex, BN27 3SS Telephone: 01825 873022 Email: info@ goldencross.co.uk, www.goldencrossec.co.uk

& Second Hand Tack Sale, In aid of The British Heart Foundation, Felbridge Village Hall, Crawley Down Road, Felbridge, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 2NT. Telephone Kimberley 07738 111544 Email: kimbo@ madabouthorses.net www.madabouthorses.net

11 February Great Bookham Equestrian

20 February Golden Cross Equestrian Centre,

11 February Golden Cross Equestrian Centre,

Centre, Eventers Challenge, Great Bookham Equestrian Centre, Dorking Road, Great Bookham, Surrey, KT23 4PZ Telephone: 01372 451458 Email: shows@gbec.info www.gbec.info

JULY

3 July South Eastern Equestrian Services Burghley Young Event Horse Qualifiers at Eridge 01892 783227

11 February LMEQ, British Eventing Fence

Judge Training Day, Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB email: carolyn.simm@britisheventing.com for places.

Telephone: 07771 600 033 www.lmeq.com

10:27:31

12 February Bedgebury Park, Combined

4 July Fiddlers Green Stud Unaffiliated Dressage www.FGStud.co.uk 07752 12 February Equi-Fun Club, Dressage Show, 712915 Training with the Whittingtons, Bedgebury Park, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SH, Enquires email: kerry@bedgeburypark. com, www.bedgeburypark.com

Classes from BD Intro to Elementary, Plumpton College, Ditching Road, Nr Lewes, East Sussex, Telephone: Becca 07738 993995, Email: becca@equi-fun.co.uk, www.equi-fun.co.uk

4 & 5 July South Eastern Equestrian Services Eridge Horse Trials 01892 12 February Golden Cross Equestrian Centre, Senior British Show Jumping, Chalvington 783227 Road, Golden Cross, East Sussex, BN27 3SS Telephone: 01825 873022 Email: info@ goldencross.co.uk, www.goldencrossec.co.uk

5 July Mid Surrey Pony Club Hickstead Qualifier Bullock and Eclipse Cup www. pcuk.org/midsurrey 01737 358663 12 February LMEQ, Cross Country with 12 February Highstead Dressage

Derby, Unaffiliated, Highstead, Kent, CT3 4LX, Email: lynnusauk@aol.com,

Lucy Thompson, Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB call Ruth on 07708 066089 for places. www.lmeq.com

5 July Hospice in the Weald Speldhurst 13 February GoldenSeries– Cross Equestrian Centre, Derby Challenge Tunbridge Eventers & Show Jumpers Practice Days, Chalvington Road, Golden Cross, East Sussex, Wells Kent.

Call 07989906230 BN27 3SS Telephone: 01825 873022 Email: info@ goldencross.co.uk, www.goldencrossec.co.uk

5 July Wey Valley Riding Club Indoor dressage www.wvrc.co.uk 07917 602527

15 February Brendon Stud, Clear Round

Jumping in outdoor arena, Brendon Pyecombe Equestrian Centre, Haresdean Farm, London Road, Pyecombe, Sussex, BN45 7ED Telephone: Caraleen Light 07815 908017 www.brendonpyecombe.co.uk

5 July Felbridge Show Ground Unaffiliated Dressage www.felbridge. net

15 February Golden Cross Equestrian Centre, Unaffiliated Show Jumping, Chalvington Road, Golden Cross, East Sussex, BN27 3SS Telephone: 01825 873022 Email: info@ goldencross.co.uk, www.goldencrossec.co.uk

15 February Francis Whittington Cross

Country Clinic, Herringswell, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6ST. Telephone: 07595 979372 Email: training@whittingtoneventing. co.uk, www.whittingtoneventing.co.uk

5 July CBEquine Summer Show at Barville Farm www.cbequine.co.uk 17 February Bedgebury Park, Jason 07949 096086 Webb Training Show Day, Bedgebury Park,

Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SH, Enquires email: kerry@bedgeburypark. com, www.bedgeburypark.com

7 July TWRC Evening Dressage & Show 17 February Park, Clear Jumping at Bedgebury Beechenwood FarmRound, www.

Bedgebury Park, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, twridingclub.org.uk 07921kerry@ 552132 Kent, TN17 2SH, Enquires email: bedgeburypark.com, www.bedgeburypark.com

8 July Great Bookham Equestrian Centre Dressage and Clear round afternoon/evening www.gbec.info 18 February Brendon Stud, Clear Round Jumping outdoor arena, Brendon 01372in451458 18 February Bedgebury Park, Affiliated Dressage, Bedgebury Park, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SH, Enquires email: kerry@bedgeburypark. com, www.bedgeburypark.com

Pyecombe Equestrian Centre, Haresdean Farm, London Road, Pyecombe, Sussex, BN45 7ED Telephone: Caraleen Light 07815 908017 www.brendonpyecombe.co.uk

11 July Oldencraig Equestrian Centre Dressage Championships www.

Sharon Hunt, Littleton Manor Equestrian oldencraig.com 01293 771027/ Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB email: 07951 matt@lmeq.com for places. Telephone: 121708 07771 600 033 www.lmeq.com

18 February LMEQ, Cross Country with

18 February LMEQ, Show Jumping with

11 & 12 July Felbridge Show Ground Senior BSJA www.felbridge.net

Ernest Dillon, Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB call Jennifer on 07771 598730 for places. www.lmeq.com

12 July Mid Surrey Pony Club Branch Show (Members only) www.pcuk.org/ midsurrey 01293 775340

Eventers & Show Jumpers Practice Days, Chalvington Road, Golden Cross, East Sussex, BN27 3SS Telephone: 01825 873022 Email: info@ goldencross.co.uk, www.goldencrossec.co.uk

12 July TWRC Open Show At East Bysshe www.twridingclub.org.uk 20 February LMEQ, Jon Pitts Fit to Ride Clinic, Human Performance, Littleton 07921 552132

Manor Equestrian Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB email: matt@lmeq.com for places.

Telephone: 07771 600 033 www.lmeq.com

12 July Felbridge Show Ground Unaffiliated Jumping www.felbridge. net

21 February Bedgebury Park, Jason

Webb Confidence Clinic, Bedgebury Park, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SH, Enquires email: kerry@bedgeburypark. com, www.bedgeburypark.com

12 July Chipstead Riding Club Summer Show wwwchipsteadridingclub.org.uk

21 February Golden Cross Equestrian

Centre, Nick Turner FBHS BE Clinic, Chalvington Road, Golden Cross, East Sussex, BN27 3SS Telephone: 01825 873022 Email: info@ goldencross.co.uk, www.goldencrossec.co.uk

12 July Surrey Union Pony Club Open Show www.pcuk.org/surreyunion 01293 871921 24 February Bedgebury Park, Clear Round, 22 February Golden Cross Equestrian

Centre, Trailblazers Dressage, Chalvington Road, Golden Cross, East Sussex, BN27 3SS Telephone: 01825 873022 Email: info@ goldencross.co.uk, www.goldencrossec.co.uk

Bedgebury Park, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SH, Enquires email: kerry@ bedgeburypark.com, www.bedgeburypark.com

12 July Chequer Tree Farm Inhand & Ridden Show 07711 838319

24 February LMEQ, Show Jumping with

Lucy Thompson, Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB call Ruth on 07708 066089 for places. www.lmeq.com

12 July Felbridge Show Ground Unaffiliated Jumping www.felbridge. net

25 February Bedgebury Park,

Unaffiliated Dressage, Bedgebury Park, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SH, Enquires email: kerry@bedgeburypark. com, www.bedgeburypark.com

12 July Sevenoaks Riding Club Dressage, SJ and combined training at Redlands 01732 461462

25 February Brendon Stud, Unaffiliated

Dressage & Combined Training, Brendon Pyecombe Equestrian Centre, Haresdean Farm, London Road, Pyecombe, Sussex, BN45 7ED Telephone: Caraleen Light 07815 908017 www.brendonpyecombe.co.uk

25 February Golden Cross Equestrian

14 July Sevenoaks Riding Club Evening Dressage, SJ and combined training at Redlands 01732 461462

Centre, British Eventing Seeing a Stride Course with Anne Marie Taylor, Chalvington Road, Golden Cross, East Sussex, BN27 3SS Telephone: 01825 873022 Email: info@ goldencross.co.uk, www.goldencrossec.co.uk

25 February LMEQ, Event Horse Owners

Association, Show Jumping & Cross Country with Lucy Thompson, Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB www.ehoa.org/ehoatrainingdates.html

17 - 19 July Kent County Show www. kentshow.co.uk 01622 633060

25 February Francis Whittington Training

18 July Fiddlers Green Stud Unaffiliated Dressage www.FGStud. co.uk 07752Brendon 712915Stud, Clear Round 29 February Clinics, Show Jumping, Crowborough, East Sussex, All levels welcome – fun friendly atmosphere. Telephone: 07595 979372 Email: training@whittingtoneventing. co.uk, www.whittingtoneventing.co.uk

Jumping in outdoor arena, Brendon Pyecombe Equestrian Centre, Haresdean Farm, London Road, Pyecombe, Sussex, BN45 7ED Telephone: Caraleen Light 07815 908017 www.brendonpyecombe.co.uk

19 July Goring & District Riding Club Open Show www.gdrc.org.uk 07988 502833

march 2012

19 July Great Bookham Equestrian Ground Handling Course, Bedgebury Park, Centre Open Show www.gbec.info Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SH, Enquires email: kerry@bedgeburypark.

01372 451458 com, www.bedgeburypark.com

1 March Bedgebury Park, Jason Webb

2 March Bedgebury Park, Jason Webb

19 July FS Events Dressage at Warrigal Farm 07957 765964

Ridden Course, Bedgebury Park, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SH, Enquires email: kerry@bedgeburypark. com, www.bedgeburypark.com

2 March Bedgebury Park, Clear Round, Bedgebury Park, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SH, Enquires email: kerry@ bedgeburypark.com, www.bedgeburypark.com

19 July Southdown East Pony Club at Wivelsden Farm 16 and Under Show www.pcuk/southdowneast

21 July TWRC Evening Dressage & Show Jumping at Beechenwood Farm www.twridingclub.org.uk 07921 20/1/12

08:52:02

To advertise here please call Karen on 01892 863062 AGRICULTURE, ARENAS & MENAGES

Quality Professional Installations.

MC Softrack Surfaces Installer.

For all your Equine Facilities

Call Mark 08451162222 www.markscottarenas.com Biddenden Kent TN27 8LG

BOOTS

MILLER EQUESTRIAN SERVICES Building Construction For The Equestrian & Farming World ● Arenas Built To The Highest Specification, Arena ‘Top Ups’ & repair work undertaken. ● Wax coating supplied to your new or existing arena for surface spring, dust suppressant and consistent going reducing tracking times. ● Concrete bases for Stables, barns & yards. Driveways & roadways constructed in block paving & tarmac, hard standing laid. ● All types of fencing erected, services etc. A full range of machinery available with experienced operators & staff. ● Flood and low level arena lighting. SURVEILLANCE & ALARM SYSTEMS INSTALLED. FREE ADVICE & ESTIMATES GIVEN

Telephone: 01892 838458 answer machine Mobile: 07889 139870 Email: millerequi@btinternet.com

www.millerequestrianservices.co.uk

JB arenas

DESIGN + BUILD ALL-WEATHER

ARENAS and GALLOPS

... in sand or woodchip and oil synthetic surfaces ... competitive prices ... built to your requirements ... satisfaction guaranteed.

Call JIM BOYCE for details and BROCHURE

Tel: 01273 844007 or 07860 206269 www.jbarenas.co.uk • e-mail: info@jbarenas.co.uk

Rockrose Farm, Clayton Hill, Pyecombe, Brighton BN45 7FF

DON’T FORGET TO MENTION YOU SAW THE AD IN Localrider MAGAZINE!

FEED & BEDDING

LUSTEDS FEEDS AND SADDLERY

~ ONE STOP SHOP ~

Now stocking Equimins

50% OFF Joules, Weird Fish and other selected items and clothing Be seen in our wide range of hi-vis clothing Now stocking electric fencing GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE FEED, BEDDING, SUPPLEMENTS & STABLE EQUIPMENT • Delivery Service Available Lusted Farm, Glynleigh Road, Hankham, Pevensey BN24 5BJ Contact Jill 01323 768937. VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE:

www.lustedsfeedsandsaddlery.co.uk Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 9am – 6pm • Sunday 9am – 1pm.

FEBRUARY 2012 Localrider 77

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CLASSIFIEDS FEED & BEDDING

FEED & BEDDING

MainBale Haylage Re me mb e r t h e v al u e of

MainBale Haylage

Q u a l i tCompany y Fo r ag e The Haylage

* 25kg High Fibre Bale * Dust Free Ryegrass Forage

Feeding quality forage is thehigh best fibre way to Haylage help Purveyors of constant quality, mid-range maintain the condition of your Horse

Bale Sizes:

250kg+ Rectangular bales Using MainBale Haylage can 20kg pack - 30 concentrate packs to the pallet  Enable reduced usage*

Available at stockists throughout Kent - Essex -Surrey -Sussex

All products delivered on pallets and unloaded with moffat fork lifts.

Analysis, prices and further information on request, contact 

Provide your horse’s daily requirement for fibre. Total ration should be 75% fibre Eliminate the need for concentrate feed if fed with a suitable vitamin & mineral supplement – depending on circumstances*

New Stockists Welcome

Tel: 01923 268609

We remind customers that our bale size is 25kg which can be 25% bigger than many other brands on the market, giving exceptional value for money.

Polo Forage

Mob: 07836 514435 / 07775 736376 See website for your nearest stockist www.jrt-forage.co.uk www.thehaylagecompany.co.uk Tel: 01689 850434 E-Mail: mainbale@btinternet.com guybrook@btinternet.com

Full Details at www.jrt-forage.co.uk Tel: 01689-850434

Polo Forage

SUSSEX

TANYARD FARM INSURANCE

H AY L a G E

QUALITY HORSE FEED G.H. RODAWAY & SON Sussex Haylage, Great Homewood Farm, Honeypot Lane, South Chailey, Lewes BN8 4QL

Tel: 01273 890000

Adams Shredded Paper Quality Bedding   Dust Free  Can Deliver  

STOCKISTS OF A WIDE RANGE OF HORSE FEEDS

Wishing all our Customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! *Saracen *Balanced *Horse Feeds *Dodson & Horrell *Baileys *Dengie *Spillers *Woodshavings *Hunter Bales *Easibed *Paper Bedding *Auboise *Beddown *Hay & Straw *Aquamax Bedding

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

Tel: 01566HADLOW 774161/779796 ROAD TONBRIDGE - 01732 358 999 We will be pleased to help with your feed & bedding requirements.

All major credit & debit cards accepted



PENFOLD SADDLERY S LIVERIES

Kent & South East Contact: 01233 733854 Mobile: 07939 503887

to advertise on these pages please call Karen on

08700 668324 FARM TANYARD STOCKISTS OF A WIDE RANGE OF HORSE FEEDS

Retirement Livery

Cranbourne Farm Nr Gravesend, Kent

NEW STOCK COMING! BHS Approved .

Vacancies occasionally available

RETIRED AND SEMI RETIRED EQUINES Q  .

A . S    .

F   .

E  .

Incl. Musto • Toggi • Pikeur • Barbour Part, Hunter • Ariat • Kyra-KFull, Hac-Tac • Julip • Assisted DIY, Sale & Christmas gifts and vouchers Training Liveries 1 MILE JUNC 3 M25, SWANLEY. Open 9-5.30

Monday to Saturday 01474 813977 High Street, Cuckfield, West Sussex •07721 Tel: 01444 454 164 519849

 

ANSWERPHONE bsmit1@gmail.com 

*Saracen *Dodson & Horrell *Baileys *Dengie LRM DECEMBER 2007 l 89 *Spillers *Woodshavings *Hunter Bales *Easibed *Paper Bedding *Auboise *Beddown *Hay & Straw Aquamax Bedding *Equisorb 85-96 classifieds dec.indd NEW.i89 *89

21/11/2007 14:06:07

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

HADLOW ROAD TONBRIDGE - 01732 358 999 We will be pleased to help with your feed & bedding requirements.

All major credit & debit cards accepted

To subscribe to Localrider call 01892 863062 78 Localrider FEBRUARY 2012

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To advertise here please call Karen on 01892 863062

Caroline White Fryerning, Essex

Littleton Manor Equestrian

www.caroline-white.co.uk mob. 07941 029 349

Reigate, Surrey

Competition, Training, Full, Part and Hunting Livery

Vacancies for professional breaking, training and schooling liveries Based at Lyndsays Farm, Fryerning, Essex Excellent facilities:

Photographs courtesy of Stephen Bartholomew and Samantha Lamb

Large stables, post and rail paddocks Charles Britton rubber floodlit school Variety of showjumps Indoor horsewalker Washdown & solarium

Services include:

Breaking & schooling Rehabilitation and fitness programmes Preparation for selling Training & holiday livery

FACILITIES INCLUDE: • 120 element Cross Country Schooling Complex built by Willis Bros & suitable for all levels • Outdoor International Dressage Arena with mirrors & flood lights built by Maple Arenas

Horses trained by Caroline White have gone on to compete in: British Breeding Finals, Blue Chip Finals, HOYS, Class 1 races.

Offering tailored services depending on your horse s requirements.

Home visits as well as training livery services available

Priory Home Farm Under New Management Facilities include:

- 60x30 Indoor school - 40x20 outdoor Manege - 7 furlong woodchip canter track - Turnout pen - Covered horse walker - Vet room with horse stocks - over 1000 acres of off road hacking - Hot water washdown - Friendly experienced staff - 24hrs supervision - Luxury stables which include: Rubber matting, hay bars and autowaterers.

5 Star Livery for your horse or pony!

Priory Road, Bilsington, Nr Ashford, Kent TN25 7AU 01233 721770

www.bilsingtonprioryestate.co.uk

• Outdoor 60m x 50m Jumping Arena built by Maple Arenas with full set of Jump4Joy fences

www.lmeq.com 07774 118000

Call Caroline to discuss requirements 07941 029 349

BHS Approved Yard

• Grass Dressage & Jumping Arenas

Access to wonderful hacking on Reigate Common

Full livery training fees from £140 to £200 per week.

References and testimonials available.

Equestrian Centre

• 1 Mile Gel Track Gallop

RUGS / RUG WASHING

RUG WASH

01403 864488 07973 151545 WWW.RUGWASH.CO.UK

FROM SHIRE TO SHETLAND HORSE RUG CLEANING RE-PROOFING, REPAIR SERVICE THE BARN CAPPONS HILL FARM COWFOLD (A272) WEST SUSSEX RH13 8DE

SADDLERS

West Kent Saddles SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter and Saddler

WANTED: GOOD QUALITY SECONDHAND SADDLES TO SELL ON COMMISSION

ALBION, WINTEC, IDEAL, THOROWGOOD, GFS ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Contact Margaret Newing New and secondhand saddles for sale on 07889 275988 Saddle fitting service Unit 21b Bassetts Manor Repairs re-flocking and alteration Butcherfield Lane Secondhand saddles sold on commission Hartfield Friendly expert advice with over 13 years experience East Sussex TN7 4LA Discounts for yard/group bookings Email: info@westkentsaddles.co.uk Covering Kent, East/West Sussex & Surrey FEBRUARY 2012 Localrider 79

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CLASSIFIEDS

TRADE DIRECTORY

SHELTERS / STABLES

Cozee Homes Equestrian Buildings Limited

New economy Range of Stables and Field Shelters

Now making softwood 5-bar gates eg, 12’ = £95 inc VAT

L A N E S C O N S T R U C T I O N LT D

Steel Frame Buildings, Cladding & Associated Works

Specialists in:

 Equestrian & agricultural buildings  Light industrial buildings  Planning services available

Tel: 01323 848684 or 07885 220489 lanesbuildings@btconnect.com

LEVADE SYSTEMS

SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS QUALIFIED SADDLE FITTERS Meadowlea Saddle Fitting Services Ltd Society Of Master Saddlers Quilified Saddle Fitter and Master Saddler. Saddles to suit all budgets from synthetics to various makes of full leather Full assessment and profile of horse carried out prior to fitting. Please visit our new showroom at Unit 7, Brocklands Farm, Alton Rd, West Meon, GU32 1JN. For more information Tel Jill on 07575 052423 or visit www.meadowleasaddles.co.uk

AGRICULTURAL AND FARM SERVCES Horse Manure loaded and taken – Price per load. Flail mowing (untidy field to a Lawn). Hay, Straw and Road – Planings available (Small or large Loads) general field work undertaken and hay making service provided. 01233 756673 or 07890 818783

FEED MERCHANTS SPR Animal & Pet Feed Centre. SAVE MONEY at the SPR CENTRE on horse feed and bedding! SPR’s own quality Mix and Cube is manufactured by a Major Horse Feed Company at a very competitive price.

Classified POM-VPS & NFA-VPS for horse and animal wormers. SAVE MONEY on a range of leading dog food. SPR open 7 days week 9am to 6pm Greenfields Farm Fontwell Avenue, Eastergate, Chichester, W. Sussex.

Call 01243 542815. Shop online Info@ sprcentre.co.uk

FENCING N.B.Fencing Services Specialists in deer, stock, equestrian fencing and gates.

Tel: 01474 814637 / 07710500790.

RIDING BOOT REPAIRS The Riding Boot Repair Centre, Unit 17 Grays Farm Production Village, Grays Farm Road, St Pauls Cray, Kent. Complete refurbishment, re-fit and re-zipping, etc.

Also specialist leatherwork undertaken - please ring for details. 0208 300 1960 /2644. www.fcrepairs.co.uk.

RUBBER MATTING Professional matting, grooves and bobble top, for cheaper option:- good condition 2nd hand belting. Ideal for walls and stable floors. Fitting service available.

Tel. Mo Chapman 07768 834761

TACK SHOPS Charity Farm Country Store. Everything for Horse and Rider. Pet feed & accessories.

Swattenden Lane, Cranbrook, Kent. 01580 713189 www.charityfarmcountrystore.co.uk.

The Tack Room, Johns Cross, Robertsbridge, East Sussex. Tel: 01580 882255.

Everything for the horse and rider, including feed, bedding and wormers.

Also electric fencing. Website: www.horseygear.co.uk.

Lusted Feeds and Saddlery. Large selection of tack and clothing - now stocking Horseware Ireland Gersemi, Puffa, Joules, Bucas Rugs, Just Togs and Shires.. Lusted Farm, Glynleigh Road, Hankham (Nr Hailsham), Pevensey.

Contact Jill 01323 768937.

For Sale : Fielden Stud

For SaleFielden : Fielden StudStud For Sale:

Manufacturer of stables, mobile shelters, field shelters, ancillary buildings and other larger style timber buildings Levade Systems Ltd, Lines Farm Estate, Parrock Lane, Colemans Hatch, Hartfield, Sussex. TN7 4HT

Telephone: 01342 824117 Fax: 01342 826813

www.levadesystems.co.uk

Fielden Mrs Tiggywinkle: Chestnut Filly 2yr old To make 14.2hh Riding Pony/PBA/PBW registered with NPS, Fielden Mrs Tiggywinkle: Chestnut Filly 2yr old To make 14.2hh Riding Pony/PBA/PBW registered with NPS,

TACK SHOPS

Fielden Nutmeg Fielden Nutmeg 3yr old Chestnut Section B Filly 3yr old Chestnut B Filly Naomi

By Erimus Pilkington outSection of Twyford

By Erimus Pilkington out of Twyford Naomi Has been shown and placed every time Handled by children Has been shown and placed every time Handled by children Fully vaccinated Microchipped good Farrier Fully vaccinated Microchipped wormed wormed good for for Farrier Lovely floating pacesPicture Picture taken 2011 Lovely floating taken 2011 For Sale :paces Fielden Stud £700Telephone ono Telephone 01892669330/07903122192 669330/07903122192 £700 ono 01892

For Sale : Fielden Stud

HORSE AND RIDER GEAR JOHNS CROSS, ROBERTSBRIDGE, EAST SUSSEX TN32 5JJ

YOUR LOCAL SADDLERS STORE

CAN WE SELL YOUR SECONDHAND SHOW JACKET OR BODY PROTECTOR THAT YOU OR YOUR CHILD HAS OUTGROWN? STOCKISTS OF ARIAT AND DUBARRY BOOTS REFLECTIVE EQUIPMENT HORSE FEEDS AND BEDDING CAT & DOG FOOD • SUPPLEMENTS & WORMERS FULL RANGE OF ELECTRIC FENCING FULL REPAIRS BY QUALIFIED SADDLER RUG REPAIRS AND CLEANING SERVICE HAT AND BODY PROTECTOR FITTING Situated on the A21. Just behind Johns Cross Caravan & Camping Centre

01580 882255

OPEN SIX DAYS A WEEK Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm

Fielden Mrs Tiggywinkle: Chestnut Filly 2yr old To make 14.2hh Pony/PBA/PBW registered Fielden MrsRiding Tiggywinkle: Chestnut Filly 2yrwith oldNPS, Welsh Pony Riding and Cob Society and Arab Horse Society To make 14.2hh Pony/PBA/PBW registered with NPS, Full sister to Fielden Cottontail Welsh Pony and Cob Society and Arab Horse Society This Filly has been showntoinhand and placed everytime out Full sister Fielden Cottontail at shown NPS Spring showand at Malvern 2011 This FillyWinning has been inhand placed everytime out Easy to do in every way Vaccinated, Microchipped Winning at NPS Spring show at Malvern 2011 £1000 ono contact Jan on 07903122192/01892 669330 Easy to do in every way Vaccinated, Microchipped £1000 ono contact Jan on 07903122192/01892 669330

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The trials & tribulations of Oli

Lawrence

Below: Oli joined 3,000 Oxbridge students in Val Thorens at the start of the Christmas holidays Left: Oli and Billy Banta

A term at Cambridge has only fuelled Oli’s ability to combine work with pleasure and here he shares more of his adventures both on four legs and two...

L

et’s re-introduce me without the frills and look at what goes on inside my head day in day out. I have a phenomenal horse that I’m yet to learn to get the best out of. I’m also away at Cambridge, which means realistically I can’t train anywhere near as much as my contemporaries, many of whom ride full time or professionally. This results in pressure. However, I do receive a lot of help from both my parents and others, so that I can make the most of the time I do have available to me. This brings with it a level of guilt in respect of the investment that trainers, parents, sponsors and the rest have made in me, so there’s expectation as well.

Putting Cambridge in perspective, last term I really did have four hours sleep a night and not because I was partying, but because I was working everyday, three days a week until 3am in the morning. I watched people walk past friends (boys included) sobbing publicly on a set of steps. The harsh reality is they didn’t stop to help, but kept walking because firstly, they were late and secondly, they will get over it and ‘man up’ as the saying goes.

Eventing plans

Coming back to horses, when I was away at Uni the horses weren’t forgotten, in fact they were at the forefront of my mind. The distinction I made earlier of “professionals” vs “full time riders”. There are very few people who will ever run an event yard as a standalone business, without private financial backing. Indeed some riders are God on horseback but the truth remains that horses win medals and horses jump the jumps at the end of the day. Horses cost money. The higher you go up the levels the more they cost and the better off the competition tends to get. Solution? Get a decent job and buy my own horses - why else do you think I applied to Cambridge?

There aren’t many people who know that my last thought at night for the last 10 years has been eventing in one form or another a cliche but it’s pretty accurate.

Home for the holidays To cut the whole tale of Christmas short - I went skiing as soon as term finished, had lots of fun, got ill, had a nosebleed going through customs (not recommended), travelled the length of the country in bloodstained clothes, had four days intensive training with Soxs in Essex (big thanks to Emily Bradshaw), went hunting on Boxing day (again thanks to Tessa Wheeler at Chilham castle for lending me a horse) and got chased down the street on Christmas eve charity collecting - raised £250 for Alzeimers.

While at home I rode every day, ate three meals, either cycled/rowed or did circuits etc for 30 minutes as well. The rest of the time I spent working solidly and when everyone had gone to bed I did another stretching session to try to fix my asymmetry which hinders my riding. Every day, including Christmas Day, eight hours sleep per night, with clockwork precision as that’s the healthy minimum, the rest is a luxury I haven’t got the time for.

Young Rider Trials My plans for the season are the same as 50 odd other people on the Young Rider’s programme, to get on the team for the Europeans, win gold etc etc. Realistically, we won’t be ready for the early Young Rider trials and we certainly won’t be doing an Advanced this season, which as an unwritten rule is a huge leg up for selection.

Don’t write me off though because a solid consistent performance counts for a lot in a sport where one slip sends you to casualty as well as down the leader board. If I’m lucky we’ll get to the last few YR trials at the

To find out more about Oli Lawrence visit www.olilawrence.co.uk 81-oli_lrfeb12.indd 2

end of spring which should give us a good spring-board for some more intermediate runs and perhaps a two-star run at the end of the season.

Fingers crossed I should have some working pupil placements over the summer too - watch this space!

Riding at Cambridge

The University Riding Team was invited to an international out in France, but a large clash of competition commitments in the UK meant helicopter was the only option to get there in time - couldn’t quite afford that (surprise surprise....) and the French have this silly idea called a time difference making it impossible to get there in time by any other means. The plus side is that I’m playing polo lots! I’m surrounded by amazing friends and I can ride regularly this term.

Talking of polo... In short, take eight people, give them small very fast horses, knee pads, mallets and a ball and tell them to play rugby. Suffice to say I’ve spent the last two days being beaten up by girls on ponies. Being able to ride well is a massive advantage in polo even if there are moments when I get too ambitious and come very close to sampling the ground at high speed. For example - the idea of a ‘ride off’ is to come along side someone galloping and push them off ‘the line of the ball” in effect rugby tackling someone without falling over except that you use 400kg ponies, mallets and go at 20mph which is in essence similar to a small car crash. I love it, the ponies love it and it helps my eventing too.

I’ve also set off plastering the Cambridge horse world with news of how wonderful my sponsors are. Mypetcaresupplies leaflets now adorn every available surface and WOW saddles have agreed to give a saddle fitting demo to the riding club - not sure if they know what they’ve let themselves in for there!

FEBRUARY 2012 Localrider 81

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NEXT MONTH IN

Localrider BUMPER SHOW DATES GUIDE (to advertise call Karen on 01892 863062

or email info@localrider.co.uk)

Harrison Beves and Paddy have had lots of fun competing this summer

Coping with laminitis: including feeding and supplements Paddock Maintenance BREEDING – Stallion Guide

Reader of the Month Name: Harrison Beves

More about Harrison and Paddy...

Age: 11years

Harrison Beves has been riding for two years in which time he has come on leaps and bounds and he loves to hack and do local shows. Unfortunately, he has had a few falls and broke his collar bone, which made him lose his confidence, so he started riding Paddy, who is my horse (Mum/Caroline Beves), who we have had for nearly two years. Paddy has given both myself and Harrison so much confidence, he is a total superstar, the way he looks after his riders and is a true gentlemen.

Harrison also had weekly lessons with a very good friend Lana Couzens which helped him re-gain his confidence.

Paddy gave Harrison all his confidence back and for a Welsh sec D, who is14.3hh, Harrison actually looks quite small on him, but he totally looks after him. Last summer Harrison did some local shows on Paddy and won lots of ribbons. At the Hayling Island show, Harrison entered his first ever jumping class and won the 1’6” Novice, we were so very proud of them both!

Finally we would like to say thank you to everyone at Myrtle Farm in Horndean. All the people there have become such good friends and it’s a real nice friendly yard.

If it wasn’t for these people and all the encouragement and guidance we have been given, then we wouldn’t be where we are at today.

Occupation: Pupil at ‘Cowplain Community School’ Pony’s name and age: Paddy, 21-years-old (registered name, Paythorne Paddy) How long have you had your pony?

Nearly two years What do you do with your pony?

Hacking, jumping and local showing Future goals and ambitions: To become a farrier and possibly a riding instructor Favourite equestrian Product: Robinsons mane and tail conditioner Favourite food for your horse: Carrots and apples Equestrian Idol: John Whitaker and Harry Whitaker Where do you buy your Localrider?

We have it delivered Favourite Tack shop: Countrywide in Waterlooville, the staff are really friendly especially Emma Urry and Katie Paterson who always make me feel welcome Favourite Horse Feed Shop: Blendworth Horse Feeds, Louisa is a very lovely lady and very knowledgeable

On sale 1st March 2012

All features subject to possible change

If you would like to feature as Reader of The Month, please contact Fiona on 01892 863062 or email: fiona@localrider.co.uk

82 Localrider FEBRUARY 2012

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Equine Safety and Confidence

Lecture Demonstration

At: Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre (RH2 8LB) Date: Friday 10th February 2012 Time: 6.00pm onwards Be part of the Fit to Ride Equine Safety and Confidence Lecture Demonstration evening now!

Join Jon Pitts and special guest National Hunt Jockey William Kennedy

Simulator, not at demo

...to discover how we can make our bodies familiar with the instincts and mechanisms of falls to react positively and proactively to a situation, to reduce the risk of injury.

For more information visit: www.fittoride.org

Q&A forum with Jon Pitts and Body Protector and Helmet experts from the industry

Further information and tickets can be purchased by emailing fittoride@lmeq.com or texting 07774 118000

Tickets: £22pp for adults and £20pp for Pony Club and HOOF members (£25 on the night) Refreshments available to purchase on the night

www .

KateLukasEventing .com com

International Three Day Event Rider | Competition & Schooling ng Livery | Sales Agent

Equine Training Centre Facility Hire & Training Clinics

Tel: 07771 600033 • Email: matt@ Imeq.com

www.Imeq.com

Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8LB 83-ad-lrfeb12.indd 1

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