A multi-garlanded Welsh section D mare has passed away aged 13 after suffering from an inoperable case of colic.
Georgia Rhodes’ Taffechan Miss Moneypenny — or Tinkerbell as she was known at home — was one of the most successful ridden Welsh cobs on the circuit at the time of her career. She was known for her partnership with her producer Lauren Beaumount.
As well as being a Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Royal International (RIHS) finalist on more than one occassion, Tinkerbell was also best of breed at the Olympia International Horse Show in the native ridden supreme final.
She also took the overall mountain and moorland ridden championship at the Great Yorkshire, her connections’ local show and one of the most prestigious county fixtures in the country.
In 2019, she produced a colt foal, Meadowcliff Casino Royale, (by Ringside Game Over) and was campaigned as an in-hand broodmare with much success.
Georgia said: “She was beautiful inside and out, and everyone who met her loved her. The kindest soul and she was irreplaceable.
“Over her successful career under saddle with Lauren, she visited HOYS, Royal International, Olympia and stood best of breed there. A major highlight was winning and going champion on home turf at the Great Yorkshire Show.
Continues below…
Anne Dunham and Teddy Edwards
Credit: David Miller
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“I am so pleased I have a part of her to live on in baby George, and hope he turns out even half the horse you were.”
Her rider Lauren said that Tinkerbell “always gave her all”.
“Tinkerbell was so very special to me and made many of my dreams come true,” she said. “ She was loved by everyone and will be greatly missed. I have some amazing memories that I will treasure for ever.”
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A “scruffy little foal” bought out of pity who went on to be a Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) champion has died aged 26.
Mr Moses, who was bought from travellers as a months-old colt, went to HOYS on 10 consecutive occasions, as well as standing champion at the Great Yorkshire and Royal Highland shows – and appearing on the cover of Horse & Hound.
“That’s not bad for a little gypsy cob,” owner Frank Slattery told H&H, adding that he had not seen Moses’s potential at first.
“I just bought him because I felt sorry for him. He was just a scruffy little foal; I never thought he’d be a champion.
“We broke him to drive but when we got him under saddle, we realised the way he moved was unbelievable.”
Moses is the only horse Frank has ever owned, and he was ridden by a friend’s daughter, Zoe Hyslop, in the ring, in 14.2hh coloured pony classes.
“We were very lucky with him; he was the one of a lifetime,” he said.
Out of the ring, Moses was very gentle, he added, and a “lovely soul”, who was pleased to see everyone.
“A judge at the Royal Highland, where he’d won his class and stood champion, said his ears were always forward; which they were. He could switch off and be a scruff at home, but he loved the applause; the bigger the show, the more he enjoyed it.
“He was one in a million.”
Mr Slattery said Moses became popular with other owners of coloured horses, adding that walking into the HOYS arena, at Wembley, was an “unbelievable” experience.
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Moses retired from showing some years ago and had since enjoyed spending time in the field and hacking out.
“He was absolutely fine, but the clock ticked down,” Mr Slattery said. “We had to get the vet out but it was very peaceful, and he was at home with us.
“They leave a big hole; he was very special.”
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Enlister Islay Spruce owned by Mrs Julie Barton winner of the Cuddy Supreme In Hand Championship during the Royal Norfolk Show held at the Norfolk Showground near Norwich in Norfolk in the UK between 26-27th June 2019
The wild, stormy weather of late makes the summer show season feel like a lifetime away. So H&H is throwing it back to sunnier times when the horses were hairless and shiny and our showfields weren’t underwater.
Here are 27 beautiful moments H&H’s epic photographers captured from shows up and down the country in 2019…
Leading show man Simon Reynolds enjoys his lap of honour on the striking and beautifully balanced grey cob Copenhagen after taking the championship spoils at Lincolnshire county show.
The Wood family’s yearling colt Malus LVP Z is intrigued by the trophy he was awarded at the National Hunter championships, where he picked up his first Cuddy in-hand ticket.
Megan Hewitt salutes and smiles to the judges after a cracking show on multi-garlanded traditional pony Billy King Of The North.
The intermediate show hunter Noble Kings Speech is on the aids of Charlotte Elliott-Grooby as the pair go for the gallop en-route to the intermediate champions of champions title at the BSPS summer championships.
Brightwells Welsh section B in-hand champion Moelview Moonstruck displays elegance and quality as he poses beneath the backdrop of the Malvern Hills at Three Counties Showground.
Spectators arrive in their masses to watch the parade of champions at the annual Dublin Horse Show. Pictured is the Irish Draught champion, Marian Ryan and Kieran Smith’s Stormy Diamond Lady, ridden by Sean Tipperary.
Prolific mini pony Ravara Mr Todd looks after his jockey Milly Gilbert.
Flying Exmoor stallion Barhill Danny puts a smile on Gail Whetter’s face as he jumps clear, bags a HOYS ticket and the section championship at NPS Area 4.
Langaller Tarak (Kieran Baslington) appears to be enjoying every minute of his supreme performance at the CHAPS championships.
Who said ‘hairies’ can’t gallop? Southerton Jasper shows off his paces at Derbyshire Festival, where he picked up his first ticket to HOYS with his producer Jessica Talbot at the helm.
Ross Keys plants a kiss on the 2019 Royal Norfolk show Cuddy in-hand qualifier Ellister Islay Spruce, who is owned by Julie Barton.
The connections of the RIHS supreme coloured Springpond On The Razzle embrace the horse and his rider Sofia Scott after their victory.
Star of the future and Royal Highland show supreme hunter winner Under Attack works the camera as he appears to have spotted something interesting in the distance.
The Tyler family’s gorgeous Dartmoor mare Springwater Anna tops one of the strongest Cuddy qualifiers of the year at the Great Yorkshire show.
Jerome Harforth’s part-bred Arab Swan Lake — undoubtably one to watch — floats along at Midland Counties, where she took reserve in the Cuddy qualifier.
Talia Aristidou awaits the novice M&M championship results at Cheshire County Show with Thistledown El Toro, before being called out as winners.
Robert Walker lets Jill Day’s legendary lightweight View Point go in front of the Royal box at Windsor before lifting the hunter accolade.
Allister Hood looks proudly at Caroline Tyrell’s Carlsberg cob Our Cashel Blue, who clinched the supreme horse title at the RIHS.
Chloe Lemieux punches the air on her lap of honour after taking the supreme pony of the year sash at HOYS with Coco Bongo — the first working hunter pony to claim the title.
Riding horse contender Royal Illusion and Jordan Cook never miss a beat as they trot off with a host of title — including a supreme — at the BSHA National championship.
Mia Donaldson can’t believe it as she and 133cm Barfield Jackpot are called out as the supreme show hunter pony of the year at the BSPS summer championships.
Working hunter campaigner Rob (Harry Gaunt) looks in the game at Suffolk Show, where he scooped his section title.
Verity Murray and Gems Hobo celebrate taking the novice Heritage M&M working hunter honours at the BSPS winter championships with a storming gallop.
Despite all they’ve won together Emily Proud is still over the moon to win at the National championships aboard the Phillips’ ultra-consistent cob Randalstown Top Notch.
Course builder David Cole is papped making fun and challenging tracks for the competitors at the BSPS winter championships held at Arena UK.
Big-winning gelding Cotebrook Ben Alder is shown off in all his glory at the National Shire Show
Gamlingay Love In A Mist (Elma Cunningham) is crowned donkey champion at the Royal Highland Show, winning one of the famous blue Royal Bank of Scotland sashes.
Alicia Houlihan is in perfect step with her own Tina, who catches the eye in the SSADL championship at Hambleton.
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“Sometimes you just know it’s meant to be,” says Lynda Calcutt, owner of Shilstone Rocks North Westerly (Windy), one of the most prolific Dartmoors of all time.
In December, he made his ridden swansong at Olympia. Two months earlier, Windy — who is best known for his partnership with his long-standing jockey Chloe Chubb — made breed history when he won the small breeds ridden final at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) for the third time. As well as being a seven-time Royal International (RIHS) finalist and twice Olympia best of breed recipient, Windy is also a multiple in hand supreme champion and has contested the Cuddy in-hand final twice with Oliver Burchell.
Behind the world-famous Llanarth Stud were three pioneering women who put Welsh cobs on the map after World War II, and their legacy still endures today.
Cuddy CH Llanarth Prince Of Wales
When the striking dun mare Llanarth Fair Lady topped the Brightwells’ Autumn Cob Sale at £25,500 last year, the prolific Llanarth Stud was thrown into the spotlight once again; another star to come from Len and Ann Bigley’s Herefordshire operation. Rewind more than 80 years, however, and the future of Welsh cobs looked considerably more precarious. At the time of World War II, the breeding of cobs was at an all-time low as financial strains took their toll and motorised transport replaced horsepower. But the formation of the Llanarth Stud, pioneered by three trailblazing women, was about to help change the breed’s fortunes.
“The partnership formed by Pauline Taylor, Barbara Saunders Davies and Enid Lewis at Blaenwern, which established the Llanarth Welsh cob stud, meant that things would never quite be the same again in the Welsh cob world,” wrote William Lloyd, former president of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society, in the foreword to Teleri Bevan’s 2010 book The Ladies of Blaenwern, which charts the stud’s history.
An urgent “call to arms” has gone out to working hunter riders, asking them to donate half a day of their time to help raise immediate funds for fellow competitor Rory Gilsenan, who is suffering from the effects of a recent stroke as well as ongoing brain cancer.
“Rory has always made time to help and advise his fellow competitors in the collecting ring, and now it’s time for us to give something back,” said former eventer and now top working hunter competitor Ginny Rose.
“I’m asking experienced riders to pledge half a day of their time to give lessons or clinics, donating the proceeds to a fund to pay for private physio treatment for him. This will not only improve Rory’s quality of life, but also help his family care for him.
“Their need is urgent, so I would ask people to respond as soon as possible.”
The popular Irishman, a multiple winner at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Royal Windsor — an H&H cover star in May 2018 — was first diagnosed with brain cancer in November that year and has since undergone two major operations, in addition to gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.
But a recent stroke has left him paralysed down his right side and virtually unable to speak, and NHS funding has not so far stretched to the intensive physiotherapy he requires.
“Rory has been back at home for five weeks now but has had no physio or speech therapy,” said his wife Vanessa, now his full-time carer. “We were led to believe that on his discharge, the hospital was doing referrals to all parties concerned with his ongoing care and rehab needs, but to date, nothing has happened.
“I know the NHS is under-funded and under-staffed, but I do feel that they have washed their hands of us because they know his life expectancy is limited due to the cancer. But surely everyone has an entitlement to treatment, no matter what their chances of recovery are?
“Rory’s GP referred him for physio a couple of weeks ago after I raised my concerns, but I fear we are still many more weeks away from getting the help that he so desperately needs. For this reason we have made the decision to try and pay for Rory’s physio privately.
“We all desperately need something to work on — and a focus — at this very difficult time.
“Rory and I have always felt that the working hunter “family” is the friendliest of all. You can compete against people like Ginny Rose, Bumble Thomas and Fiona Spencer — who have all been round Badminton and/or Burghley — but they still appreciate Rory’s help with the working hunter classes. He has always made time to help anyone who asks.”
Ginny has set up a “Riding for Rory” fundraising page and will also put out an appeal on social media. She asks that anyone willing to donate the proceeds of half a day’s teaching should do so as soon as possible, promote it as widely as they can and preferably hold the lessons or clinic within the next few weeks.
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“I don’t think there is a more popular rider and trainer than Rory and so many people have benefited from his vast amount of knowledge — and unique humour,” added Ginny. “Now is the chance for them to give something back.”
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The leading showing figure talks about his career as a judge, his role as ring-checker and why the marking system changed the way he sourced ponies
Stuart Hollings with Katie Jerram Hunnible at the Horse & Hound 135th Birthday Party.
In the early days of production, apart from plaiting, I was in charge of time management. My first task when I was showing, particularly at county shows, was to investigate whether the rings looked “buzzy” in order to gauge the working-in preparations. Competitors are more likely to travel in the early hours rather than stable overnight, so you must plan to arrive on the showground in plenty of time.
As a show secretary now I often witness competitors arriving late, and sometimes they actually ask the organisers to delay their classes. It is the competitors’ responsibility to ensure they do not miss classes, especially if they follow on and are not timed.
I was in a commentary box at Malvern last season when an exhibitor complained that he missed a championship because of poor announcements — it seems that the more show secretaries spoon-feed today’s competitors, the more dependent they become.
Despite the efforts of showing societies to curb abuse on social media, it continues to rage. If someone feels the need to complain, then my advice is to go through the official channels already in place.
In the judging seat
The role of the judge is to obtain a satisfactory result. The go-round and pull-in are important elements of the class for me and an excellent first impression could theoretically cancel out a minor misdemeanour in the show when awarding the performance score.
You can only judge what you see inside the ring; if a steward informs you a pony has been naughty behind your back, I would not act on that information.
I always make an effort to politely interact with my co-judge during the process — then there’s more chance of them appreciating my viewpoint. I cannot remember ever requiring a referee in more than 40 years of judging.
My parents told me that a good show animal costs the same to keep as a bad one and with a better return. I often passed this gem on to clients — advising
them to purchase the best they could afford.
The horse I wish I had now was my brother Nigel’s Portman Lad, a gentleman of a lightweight hunter who won at Wembley in 1974 with Vin Toulson. He gave Nigel a successful transition from ponies to horses.
In our two seasons with “Portie” he won many county shows on the flat and over fences — often beating the great and the good. Portie was the first horse I produced and was champion with me on our one and only outing.
My priority when sourcing ponies to produce under saddle changed significantly after the marks system was introduced 25 years ago. Before this, there was a stronger emphasis on way of going. However, it made sense to place much more importance on correct conformation to achieve consistent results, as the new conformation phase then carried 40% of the marks (nowadays 50%).
Stuart is a successful showing breeder, producer and author, who also runs the popular North of England shows with his brother Nigel. He has won countless titles at Horse of the Year Show and Royal International. A regular H&H columnist and leading judge, Stuart has officiated at all major championships.
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15. When you’re aware of a class winner’s connection to a judge
We’re all thinking it, but no one will say anything…
16. When you look at your marks and realise you got the lowest of the class
We suppose someone’s gotta finish last…
17. When you’re pulled in top, get dropped and the judge proceeds to tell you why
Insert false smile.
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The North Of England Summer Horse Show
Saturday 5th July
Arena UK, Allington Lane, Allington, Grantham. NG32 2EF
The Kellythorpes Moulin Rouge Supreme Ridden Show Horse Championship
Reserve Champion
845
HALLMARK IX
R: Simon Reynolds
The country has been battered by storms; if you were thinking of emigrating, this winter would be the decider.
One week it felt like we had moved to three different countries in as many days. We were in T-shirts with bright sunshine one day, then felt the extremes of gale-force winds and torrential rain the next. We even had snow. Thank goodness for indoor schools as it has been tough to get consistent work from the youngsters. However, preparation is well under way for the coming season.
The owner of an former racehorse wants to challenge a rule that prevents horses from showing under saddle without shoes in Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) classes.
Darren Miller bought nine-year-old mare Russiantom (Rush) off the track last year and has competed in RoR dressage and unaffiliated jumping, but was disappointed to learn he would not be able to take part in the RoR’s ridden showing series.
While the rules permit horses to be shown in-hand barefoot, horses competed under saddle must be shod all round for “safety reasons”.
Darren transitioned Rush to being unshod after she retired from racing and said she has since competed on grass and arena surfaces without problems.
While many racehorses have the reputation of having poor feet, Rush’s have been “better than about 60% of the horses you’d come across.”
The partnership qualified for the RoR Scottish dressage championships at Rockrose last autumn and are planning to tackle their first one-day events this season.
“She’s a pretty mare with a lovely way of going and we were looking at doing some RoR showing to get her out and experience different environments,” Darren told H&H. “But then I saw RoR has a rule (31.1) that says that all horses competing in ridden showing must have a full set of shoes.
“I contacted RoR and asked if I could speak to someone who could help change this rule but while my comments were noted, I was told the rule would not change.”
Darren said he did not agree that riding unshod is unsafe and that he has consulted “many professionals including trainers, judges, vets, farriers and physios, who have all agreed with me that it is in fact safer to be barefoot when showing to reduce the risk of slipping”.
“If you can jump and do dressage barefoot, why is showing considered more dangerous?” he asked.
Darren added that while he is “pro-barefoot” he is not “one of those people who want to shove it down your throat”.
“At the end of the day, everyone who owns a horse looks out for them and in their eyes, they are always trying to do their best for them,” he said. “I don’t see why I should have to put shoes on a horse who doesn’t need them to compete.”
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Showing societies have mixed attitudes to whether animals can be shown unshod; sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain insists on shoes in hunter classes, while the British Show Horse Association does not dictate whether horses need to be shod.
Jonathan Geake, chairman of the RoR’s showing panel, told H&H the society is “not trying to alienate people” but that the rule is in place for everyone’s safety.
“Most showing takes place in small grass rings in the summer and they can get quite greasy, especially if there has been rain on hard ground,” he said. “Our society would probably have more uneducated horses in the ring than some of the other showing bodies.”
He added that the society needs to protect ride judges.
“We wouldn’t want to lose the ride judge element,” he said.
“It’s not a rule I can see changing at the moment but if there was scientific evidence put before us then it is something we would consider.”
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When her mother showed her an online advert for small and hairy two-year-old pony, Rachel Leek admitted she wasn’t instantly sure if she could see much show potential. However, it soon became apparant that the versatile traditional, The Tramp — who stands at just a shade under 12hh — would prove that size is definitely not essential when you have both conformational and star quality.
The now seven-year-old ‘Barry’ — as he is known at home — recently took the in-hand supreme accolade at the BSPA Festival of Showing and Winter Championships (23 February).
Handled by Rachel’s partner Aaron Calver, Barry is completely home-produced and also contends ridden classes with Rachel in the saddle — she rode him to take the amateur/home-produced championship just before his supreme success.
“My mum, Mandy, had been looking for a mini traditional for about two years and she instantly knew Barry was the one when she saw him,” explains Rachel. “I wasn’t so convinced he’d be good enough for the show ring but mum has proved she’s got an eye for a diamond in the rough.”
After a viewing, Barry was then purchased by Mandy for the sum of £100. Barry has since notched up a host of top results, both in-hand and under saddle. Last season he won both his in-hand classes at Royal Norfolk and Royal Three Counties.
“I take the ride in the ring and Aaron shows him in-hand,” continues Rachel. “He’s only ever been shown by the family and at home he is just a saint. My son also rides him in lead-rein, show jumping and fancy dress classes.”
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Reserve for the supreme title was another mini traditional, the three-year-old The Beswick Boy, who stands at just under 11hh. Owned by Paula Hughes, the young colt was crowned youngstock supreme with Sid Proudfoot leading.
Don’t miss the full report from the BSPA Winter Championships in this week’s issue (5 March).
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I, along with over 300 other people, travelled to the East of England Showground in January to pay my respects to an icon of the old order, Davina Whiteman, who sadly passed away a month earlier.
One could argue that she was the most influential person in my life, steering me away from a possible legal career into the wacky world of showing.
Apart from introducing my brother Nigel and I to this discipline at the highest level, she also opened our eyes to many other equestrian avenues — hunting, racing, showjumping, dressage and eventing.
As Britain’s war against coronavirus rages on, numerous show organisers have made the decision to cancel or reschedule their 2020 fixtures.
While international federations are calling on event organisers not to run competitions for at least the next four weeks, equestrian centres and smaller fixtures are currently able to make their own decisions on whether or not to run.
At the time of publication, the following showing fixtures have been subject to cancellations or amendments (this list will be added to as more information becomes available):
Royal Norfolk (1 — 2 July)
Royal Windsor (13 — 17 May)
Hertfordshire County (23 — 24 May)
Royal Lancs (19 — 21 July)
Cheshire Horse Show (25 May)
Royal Cheshire (16 and 17 June)
Leicestershire County show (22 and 23 August)
Spotfest NW show (5 April)
The BSPS working sports pony show (postponed to 3 October)
BSPS winter champs (18 and 19 April)
Royal Three Counties (4 — 7 June)
Northern Ireland Festival (postponed to 26 August)
NPS Spring Festival (25 April)
Nefyn Show (May)
Suffolk (27 and 28 May)
Northumberland county (25 May)
Sunnybank EC Summer Show (6 June; postponed to 29 August)
Fife (23 May)
SWPA Good Friday Show (10 April)
NPS Scotland spring (25 April)
PUK Spring Classic (21 and 22 March)
Crowland (27 June)
Royal Highland Show (18 — 21 June)
National Shire Show (20-22 March)
All The Showing Register clincs and shows (for three weeks starting 17 March)
BSPS Area 9A (22 March)
NPS Area 25 (21 March)
Wiltshire Show (28 March; postponed until September)
CHAPS North East Regional (5 April)
STARS Southern championship show (October 2020)
BSPS Area 4B (21 — 22 March)
Tudor Rose WPCA show (12 April)
NPS Area 14 (10 April)
Woodbridge Show (8 May)
South West Shetland Pony group show (22 March)
Towerlands Welsh Medal show (21 March)
The East Anglia Horse show (all shows postponed)
Lampeter stallion show (18 April)
East Midlands WPCA Bronze medal show (5 April)
CHAPS Spring show and AGM (21 — 22 March)
Gwynedd WCPA (13 April)
Bury Farm SEIB SFAS and Racehorse to Riding Horse (5 April)
Glamorgan WPCA Spring Bronze medal show (12 April)
Great Harwood (25 May)
Balmoral (19 — 22 August; postponed)
Cothi Bridge (30 May)
Berkely show (28 June)
Devon County (postponed)
Norfolk and Suffolk Arabian Horse Group annual show (19 May)
NCPA Maelor and Shropshire show (11 April)
Showing South East (21 March)
Sport Horse Breeding(GB) North West (4 April)
BSPS Area 15 (11 April)
Royal Cornwall (postponed)
Weeton (19 July)
Have you cancelled your 2020 show? Please email alex.robinson@ti-media.com
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Many equestrian sports across the UK are coming to a halt as more bodies announce they are ceasing activities owing to the coronavirus pandemic.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the Point-to-Point Authority, the Pony Club, Endurance GB, and the Hunting Office are the latest to cancel all events – following British Eventing’s announcement last night that all eventing would cease with immediate effect.
The British Horse Society (BHS) has cancelled its activities due to take place in Ireland; the BHS on Tour (29 March) and the National Coaching Convention (30 March). A spokesman said an update on the society’s other UK activities would be released today.
At the time of publication, the British Equestrian Federation, British Dressage, British Riding Clubs, and British Showjumping had yet to release statements on whether events under their remit would continue.
The Pony Club’s statement said the trustees had been in discussion yesterday and made the “very difficult” decision to cancel all centrally organised events.
“This includes the winter triathlon at Stoke Mandeville on Sunday (22 March) and the winter series final at Arena UK on 4-5 April,” said the statement.
“Following the Prime Minister’s announcement, requesting that we minimise social contact and non-essential travel, we advise all Pony Club activities cease with immediate effect.
“We would like to thank our members, parents and volunteers for their support in the decision to play our part in preventing the spread of covid-19.”
A spokesman for Endurance GB said its board had taken the decision to cancel all rides for at least the next couple of months.
“Following an emergency meeting, the board agreed unanimously in the light of the government advice and in the interests of ensuring the sport placed no additional burden on the NHS or put the health and safety of members, volunteers and officials at risk – all ride activity would cease until at least the end of May,” said the spokesman.
Endurance GB’s chair Phil Nunnerley added the situation would be under constant review in line with the latest advice, with the aim of resuming the season as soon as practical and safe to do so.
“This is a very sad situation,” he said. “I know during the enforced absence of the sport from the calendar our members will pull together, and our community will be an important focus for us all. I must underline our thanks to our organisers, officials, volunteers and staff for their support during these unprecedented times.”
The spokesman added ride organisers will be contacted and members will have entries refunded, while the board will be looking at ways to “boost” communication across Endurance GB’s social media channels including webinars and online training to maintain interest and focus on the sport.
The BHA said in a statement today (17 March) all racing in Britain is suspended from tomorrow to the end of April. This follows last night’s announcement the 2020 Randox Health Grand National Festival (2-4 April) was cancelled. Two race meetings remain scheduled to take place today behind closed doors at Wetherby and Taunton.
“The BHA took the decision to protect essential emergency services and the health and welfare of staff working in the racing industry,” said the statement.
“Racecourses and racing have obligations to ensure the safety of participants and provide medical cover which clearly cannot be fulfilled in these circumstances. This follows the new advice issued by government yesterday to combat the spread of the virus.”
BHA chief executive Nick Rust added the situation is a “national emergency” of which most have never seen before.
“We’re a sport that is proud of its connection to rural communities and to the local businesses that support our industry. But our first duty is to the health of the public, our customers and to racing industry participants and staff so we have decided to suspend racing following the government’s latest advice.
“Racing is a family and I know we will pull together over the coming days, weeks and months and support each other. By stopping racing, we can free up medical resources, doctors and ambulances, be they private sector or NHS, to assist in the national effort to fight this virus. And we can support industry participants and staff as they face personal challenges ahead and care for their own families.”
Mr Rust added there will be “difficult months” ahead for many.
“We need to focus now on ensuring that we can continue to look after our horses as the virus affects the thousands of participants and staff who dedicate their lives to caring for animals. We need to do what we can to support businesses inside and outside racing and the many people whose livelihoods depend upon this four billion pound industry,” he said.
The Point-to-Point Authority (PPA) announced today (17 March) the 2019/2020 season is now closed.
“This was a very difficult decision to make, recognising that many people’s livelihoods are involved,” said the statement.
“However the Prime Minister’s words made clear everyone should minimise social contact and non-essential travel. Furthermore our sport creates some medical burden, both on the course and potentially at the hospitals, where it would be unwelcome under the current circumstances.”
The statement added the PPA would like to thank everyone who has worked to keep this season going “so successfully” until now.
“We will be working on preparations to ensure we start next autumn in the same successful manner as last, and will soon be in touch with many of you for your thoughts and ideas,” said the statement.
A statement by the Hunting Office was issued to all masters and chairmen announcing all hunting would cease until further notice.
“This follows from the statement made by the Prime Minister yesterday. I realise that for many still hunting that this will not be a popular decision but hunting cannot be seen to carry on when all other social, cultural and sporting activities have been cancelled,” said a Hunting Office spokesman.
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While cancellations continue to be announced across the UK, good news came from the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) where riding schools are planned to re-open this week.
“Beas River, Tuen Mun, and Pokfula riding schools will open on 19 March (Thursday),” said the HKJC statement.
“In order to ensure the on-going safety of all and to mitigate the risk of spreading infection, special measures will be in place until further notice. We thank you for your continued support and understand at this challenging time.”
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Royal Windsor Horse Show has become the latest casualty of the coronavirus pandemic – as riders are urged to take the stance that “life must take priority over business”.
Organisers of the show, which was due to run from 13 to 17 May, incorporating showjumping, dressage, endurance, showing and driving, as well as an Edwardian pageant, announced this morning (19 March) it would not go ahead.
Show director Simon Brooks-Ward said: “Following government guidelines stating that mass gatherings will not be supported by emergency services and recent announcements regarding social distancing, it is with enormous regret that we have reluctantly taken the decision to cancel Royal Windsor Horse Show, Royal Windsor Endurance and the Edwardian Pageant.
“The health of competitors, tradestand holders, sponsors, officials, volunteers and visiting public is our top priority. We would like to thank everyone associated with the event for their continued support, and we are already planning a bumper show in 2021 to compensate for this year’s disappointment.”
Anyone who has entered or bought tickets will be refunded. Next year’s show is due to run from 12 to 16 May 2021.
The news came as the director of the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) Eleonora Ottaviani reflected on the situation.
“The rapidity of the spread and ease of contagion, but above all the dangerous nature of a virus with no known cure, must induce serious reflection,” she said.
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“In northern Italy, where healthcare is very well organised, hospitals are still overcrowded, doctors and health workers are pushed to the limits. There are not enough medical devices to save all the people who come to the emergency room with the consequences that can be imagined and these medical devices are no longer available on the market.
“Life must take priority over business. All of us are also responsible for the health of the others; it is time to be aware of this danger and act accordingly, strictly respecting the provisions of the authorities. Stay at home.”
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Lucinda Freedman’s prolific show hunter Mr Mick has been put down at the age of 16.
The gelding, who was known for his incredible gallop, had an stellar career, winning many county line-ups.
His career highlights included standing supreme hunter twice at the Hickstead Derby meeting, a well as taking the amateur lightweight title on two occasions at the Royal International Horse Show. At the hunter championships, he also stood amateur hunter of the year twice and later added the open lightweight hunter title.
Lucinda first spotted Mr Mick (Grassland Spirits x Chancy Chalice) as a six-year-old out hunting with the Tedworth with his breeder Diana Burgess. She liked him so much, she called her to see if she could buy him.
“I thought he would make a great lightweight show hunter and [producer] Richard [Ramsay] and I went to look at him. He didn’t look much like a show horse but we just had that feeling,” Lucinda told H&H.
“He was exceptional,” she added. “I used to event and I took up showing again and I had some lovely horses, but he took me from that stage of being purely an amateur to being at the top with the big boys. Everybody loved him.”
Mr Mick was shown and produced by Lucinda for five years, with Richard producing him for his final two years on the circuit. Despite an phenomenal track record at county shows over the years — with wins including Bath and West, New Forest, Devon, Rutland and Kent — the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) title eluded him.
“He qualified five times but he hated HOYS, inside a small ring he couldn’t do his big gallop but at Hickstead he really shone,” Lucinda said. “I only wish I had taken him to the Great Yorkshire as he would have loved it there.”
Despite being a dream ride, with his jockey being able to pull him up from his “fantastic” gallop “on your little finger” he could have his moments.
“He could be quite sharp, like the good horses often are, and if he had woken up in one of his funny bad moods then you were best to just call it a day,” Lucinda said.
“He did manage to dump me once at HOYS in the side-saddle when he whipped round but fortunately that was the same year Simon Charles fell off in the supreme, so that took the focus off me a bit!”
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Anne Dunham and Teddy Edwards
Credit: David Miller
‘He was a horse no one expected anything from, but he gave everything’
LUHMUEHLEN, GERMANY - JUNE 14: Sacha Louise Pemble of Ireland on I've Been Dun in action during the Cross Country CCI**** of the HSBC FEI Classics Series on June 14, 2008 in Luhmuehlen, about 40 kilometers south of Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images for HSBC)
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After he retired from the show ring, Mr Mick went on to event for a couple of seasons with Hannah Horton, then went to Julia Ratcliffe in Leicestershire to hunt with the Fernie.
He hunted last season but then began to have some soundness problems behind and was put to sleep on Tuesday (17 March).
“We always said when the moment came we would do the right thing, you can’t have them in a field looking miserable when they have been the kingpin all their life, they are an amazing part of our life and deserve to go out with dignity,” Lucinda said.
“We’ve been completely devastated but I’ve had a lot of kind messages — he really was a much, much loved horse with a huge following.”
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It’s sad that Brightwells auctioneers is closing its equine sales department. This will have a big impact on the many breeders who have used these events to showcase stock to many UK and overseas buyers for some 66 years. Where else in the UK can you see so many animals, many potentially top class, offered for sale under one roof?
Simon is a leading show rider who has won numerous championships at top level. He has won at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) on several occasions and took the supreme with Hallmark IX in 2013. He has also won the supreme at Great Yorkshire twice.
The North Of England Summer Horse Show
Saturday 5th July
Arena UK, Allington Lane, Allington, Grantham. NG32 2EF
The Kellythorpes Moulin Rouge Supreme Ridden Show Horse Championship
Reserve Champion
845
HALLMARK IX
R: Simon Reynolds
As a producer I take it upon myself to get to know each horse I have inside and out. As good as your staff may be, it’s your responsibility as a trainer and rider to get to know each horse.
Once, this was put to the test when my dad and sister had gone to the sales and left instructions for my brother Crock and I to work the horses. The instructions then said to ride “the grey horse”. Now, there were two grey horses and unfortunately for us we didn’t pick the right one.
The legendary lightweight hunter Dunbeacon has died aged 20 after suffering from inoperable colic.
The bay gelding was known for his victories with leading show horse producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable.
Katie and Dunbeacon’s most successful time was between 2011 and 2012. In the former, he was overall hunter champion at Royal Windsor and won both ladies and lightweight classes at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) before taking the supreme horse title. The following season he reclaimed his Windsor crown and was also supreme horse at the Royal International.
“He was a tricky young horse,” said Katie. “He was cold-backed and if he was in a situation where he wasn’t happy, the next minute he’d be sat on the floor. Because of this he was only lightly shown in his younger years.”
It was only when she lost her prolific hunter Azarax that Katie decided it was time for Dunbeacon to step up.
“I was heartbroken when I suddently lost Azarax, but it was this time when I said to DB ‘it’s your time to grow up now and do the job now’,” she said.
“I decided to try him side-saddle and before long he’d won his first qualifier and was heading to HOYS. He’d absolutely needed that time to mature in his brain.
“He was a difficult horse but we adored each other. Because we’d worked so hard to build trust in each other we became best mates.”
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Katie remembered his RIHS supreme victory: “He had a ‘DB freak-out’ and went into stress mode outside the main arena. I was panicking a bit but as soon as he stepped into the ring he just rose to the occasion. He knew he was the main man. He had the biggest gallop and he did the most beautiful show in the Hickstead main arena. That was a pheanomal day.”
Dunbeacon was bought by Katie as a three-year-old and he retired from the show ring in 2014. He lived out his days at Katie’s Essex base.
“He was never going to leave home; he’d given me everything. He was a major part of our yard and all the staff loved him. He was still reguarly ridden and pampered, and it wasn’t his time to go but there was nothing anyone could do. But it doesn’t make saying goodbye to your best friend any easier.”
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The Hickstead Derby meeting could be moved to September owing to the coronavirus pandemic.
The All England Jumping Course announced today (25 March) that the event due to run from 24 to 28 June would be postponed. Organisers are hoping to combine it with its national show, the Science Supplements All England Jumping Championships (1-6 September), pending British Showjumping and FEI approval.
“The intention will be to merge classes from both events to include a number of age jumping championships alongside the Science Supplements Speed Derby and the 60th running of the Al Shira’aa Derby,” a Hickstead spokesman said.
“The showing schedule will remain the same; classes running on the same days from Thursday to Sunday. A full schedule will be issued in due course.
“The popular Charles Owen Shopping Village will also relocate to the 3 to 6 September.”
The Hickstead office is closed but trade exhibitors and those who have bought tickets or booked hospitality will be emailed, and offered the chance to transfer to the new dates or be given refunds.
“At present, we are continuing with preparations for the Longines Royal International Horse Show still planned for 21 to 26 July 2020,” said the spokesman.
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“We will of course continue to monitor all sources of information. There will be some complications [with regards to] qualified horses, but we may well run it along similar lines to the foot-and-mouth year of 2001. Basically, those already qualified will be accepted and then the classes will be opened up, with non-qualified entrants paying an increased entry fee.
“We wish to thank all of our sponsors, trade exhibitors, competitors and stakeholders for their continued support during this unprecedented time. We ask that you remain patient, and we will update you further when we have more information.”
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