Hickstead’s popular Royal International Horse Show and Derby Meeting have been cancelled owing to Covid-19.
The directors of the All England Jumping Course announced the cancellations in a statement today (28 April).
“Following further government advice, it is with regret we have had to make the difficult decision to cancel both of our international events for this year, the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby originally scheduled for 24-28 June and the FEI Jumping Nations Cup at the Longines Royal International Horse Show from 21-26 July,” read the statement.
“At this time the health of our staff, competitors, officials, sponsors, trade exhibitors and visiting public is our top priority.”
While the Hickstead Derby will not be going ahead, it is “still the intention” to run the four-day national show.
“We are currently working with the relevant showing societies to ensure that qualification where possible will be carried over to the 2021 Longines Royal International Horse Show,” added the statement.
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“We wish to thank all our partners and stakeholders for their continued support during these unprecedented times. We look forward to welcoming you back to Hickstead in the future.”
The Hickstead office remains closed but all stakeholders will be contacted directly by email about refunds in due course, while competition prizes and gift vouchers will be valid for the corresponding day next year.
We continue to publish Horse & Hound magazine weekly during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as keeping horseandhound.co.uk up to date with all the breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions (six issues for £6) and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.
It’s heartening to see the ways in which horse owners cope in these strange times. I’m so sorry for those unable to see their horses, but the overwhelming feeling is that we must plan, be positive and encourage each other as much as possible.
Riding schools and livery yards face enormous challenges, and the determination and initiative some businesses show is inspiring. I’m determined to stay positive, not least for the sake of the staff with us in self-isolation and for the clients trusting me to look after their horses.
As winner of scores of top-class championships, David Tatlow followed his father to become one of the most revered showmen of his generation – and he was pretty successful outside showing, too, as Tricia Johnson discovers
David Tatlow and Redemption Ground, winners of heavyweight Hunter class, Moreton In Marsh Show 7-9-13
True showing legends are few and far between, but hunter specialist David Tatlow certainly ranks as one of them.
During a career in the ring spanning some 60 years, he notched up more than 40 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) wins and championships, numerous Royal Windsor and Royal International (RIHS) titles, countless championship show triumphs, and pretty much every major county show tricolour not once but several times.
The boy who grew up on a farm in Warwickshire was certainly bred for the job – his father Harry was one of the most revered showmen of his era, at the top of the tree with both hacks and hunters.
“With my brother Roy taking over the farm, showing seemed the natural thing for me to do,” recalls David, 80. “I remember being at the old White City for the Royal International when I was about nine or 10 and watching Dad win the Moscow Cup for the best hack, which he did several times in his career. I was tearful with pride and said to myself then that I wanted to do the same.”
The month of May is always a busy one for the showing community, and while we can’t get out and about to any shows for the foreseeable due to the Coronavirus lockdown, H&H takes a look back at its May 2019 showing reports to bring you our favourite stories, most memorable quotes, stand out horses and some top tips…
Quotes that stuck…
“We know each other inside out” — Imogen Trice on her hack Royal Engagement (Nemo), who was crowned supreme horse at BSPS Area 13A.
“Poppy loves this pony to bits. She has ridden him all the way through and he is the ideal ride to finish ponies on” — producer Katy Carter after watching daughter Poppy take the RIHS show pony title and members’ championship with Basford Black Prince at BSPS Area 2A.
“We’ve never been to the RIHS before, so I cried when we won” — Sarah Paice when she led her daughter Florence and Dartmoor pony Falfield Bright Eyes to win their lead rein qualifier at BSPS Area 13B.
Stories we loved…
At the BSPS winter championships, the importance of pulling out all the stops in a championship was demonstrated when two working hunter pony class runners-up stood winter novice champion and reserve respectively. Emily Gaynor-Smith gained the top spot with her 153cm Rachan Westcountry Too ahead of Alasdair Prickett and his six-year-old intermediate runner-up Redshaw Out Of The Balou. “The championship is always a separate class and these two went the best,” said judge Pat Pattinson.
At Keysoe Spring show, Lady Caroline Tyrrell watched Allister Hood and her cob of a lifetime, Our Cashel Blue, take their RIHS ticket and cob championship. In September 2018, Blue was diagnosed with cancer after a lump appeared on his offside shoulder. He was operated on at the Royal Veterinary College at Potter’s Bar and, after a long recuperation, was given the all-clear. This was his return to the ring. “I feel very emotional,” said Allister.
A new name came to the fore in novice hunter ranks at Windsor, when debutant Harry Scanlan and Harry’s Hunter (pictured) headed the heavyweights and stood reserve. Harry bought the five-year-old pure-bred Irish Draught unbroken seven months before Windsor. “This was only his third-ever show, so I’m thrilled with this result,” said Harry.
The chairman of Tattersalls clinched his first-ever RIHS ticket at South Suffolk show. Edmond Mahony, chairman of the oldest bloodstock auctioneers in the world, partnered his own DSL Jackaroo to win the working hunter qualifier. “I’m very much a weekend rider, so definitely an amateur,” said Edmond.
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Tips we took home…
In the BSHA Northern Spring Show report, we met show secretary and successful show horse competitor Sarah Carey. Her most successful exhibit has been the legendary hack Pearly King. “As a secretary I aim to have a good working relationship with the venue owner and a rapport with our generous sponsors,” said Sarah. “Competitors constantly ringing to ask starting times and numbers entered is a pet hate of mine. Also, seeing non-qualifying sections but nevertheless equally important novice and amateur classes poorly supported.”
The horses we wanted in our stables…
Paulette Cooper’s scopey working hunter MJM Laszlo started his stellar season with a bang, after securing a HOYS ticket and the final supreme honours at the Northern Ireland Showing Festival. The Classic Vision gelding had wintered with his owner Paulette and had followed the Quorn hounds with stable jockey Damian Curran before returning to Louise’s Kilkenny base five weeks before the show.
The Highland stallion Highland Chief Of Talisker (Junior) was champion at the first round of mountain and moorland (M&M) HOYS qualifiers at the NPS Spring Festival with his owner/rider Amber Thorpe. Junior went onto stand supreme M&M at the RIHS later in the season. “Junior isn’t a precious pony,” said Amber at the time. “We’ve done three shows so far this year and now have our RIHS qualifications and HOYS ticket.”
A traditional coloured pony purchased from a trekking centre won her first ever RIHS class at Devon county. Miss Amelia Rose, owned by Dawn Eggleton, was sent to rider Charlotte Harlow to prepare her for a ridden career. “She came to me for schooling,” said Charlotte. “To go in her first qualifier and win was absolutely amazing.”
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We miss watching our favourite horses during the Covid-19 lockdown, so we’re finding out more about some of the stars we can’t wait to see once competition returns. Alex Robinson learns all about a classy horse with a cheeky streak who’s won on Royal turf
Riding Horse Championship Winner
Times Square ridden by Isabella Mears and Owned by Guy Mears
During the Royal Windsor Horse Show held in the private grounds of Windsor Castle in Berkshire in the UK between on 8th-12th May 2019
Times Square III
Age: seven Breeding: Willowcroft Regal Bronze x Still Time Left Owners: Guy and Isabella Mears Rider: Danielle Heath Breeder: June Dent Greatest achievements: lightly shown as a hack in 2018, where he was novice champion at North of England spring, BSPS Area 1B and White Rose county. His debut season as a small riding horse the following year saw him win the novice riding horses and overall section championship at Royal Windsor. He also qualified for both Horse of the Year Show and the Royal International, where he stood fifth and seventh, respectively.
Producer/rider Danielle Heath
“I’ve ridden ‘Monkey’ since he was a newly backed four-year-old. He started his showing career as a hack and, having matured, took to riding horse ranks last season. He won his novice class in HM The Queen’s back garden at Royal Windsor and went on to secure the section title.
Top show producer Aimee Devane (pictured) reveals how she uses shoulder-fore to improve flexion and engagement, while maintaining impulsion and power.
Aim
Ensuring that show horses and ponies are able, and willing, to flex and bend correctly is something to perfect before you get in the ring. At home, I spend a lot of time working on suppleness with the natives I have in. Mountain and moorlands can be strong to ride and some breeds have a tendency to lean on the forehand. Therefore, practising exercises like the shoulder-fore helps the rider establish greater flexion and control, which is especially useful when you’re on a go-round with more than 40 other ponies in the class.
The exercise
1. It’s best to introduce the shoulder-fore in walk and work towards completing it in working trot, sitting or rising. When you have perfected this then you can work up to canter, but not in the same session.
2 Starting on the right rein, come on to the long side of the arena and turn as if you’re going to ride a 10-metre circle in the corner.
3. As your horse takes that first step on to the circle, half-halt and ride straight down the long side. Your outside (left) rein supports the horse’s outside shoulder. You may need to adjust the contact on this rein to make it firmer. Use the outside leg to stop the quarters swinging out by placing the thigh, knee and lower leg behind the girth. This leg should remain passive and simply act as a support for the horse. The inside (right) rein keeps the angle and controls the amount of bend — do this by gently opening the hand and softly squeezing the contact — while the inside leg needs to be on the girth to actively push the horse forward and sideways. Note that in the shoulder-fore position, the horse should move the shoulders in off the track, while the hindquarters remain where they are.
4. Make sure you position your body correctly with your seat weighted slightly to the inside and your inside hip forward. Look between the horse’s ears and keep your shoulders parallel with the horse’s shoulders. You must maintain impulsion, self-carriage and tempo, meaning that the horse should feel more uphill.
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Tips and pitfalls
Bear in mind that you don’t have to keep the movement for the entire length of the arena, but aim for a few good steps then come round and try again.
Try not to have too little or too much bend. Make sure you provide enough outside rein contact and don’t have too much inside rein tension, as this causes too much bend in the neck.
Don’t make the angle to the inside track too sharp as this then almost becomes a leg-yield. The angle should be about half that of the shoulder-in, so 15°.
If the hindquarters drift out, your thigh, knee and lower leg are not supporting the horse enough. Check your outside leg is positioned correctly behind the girth and against the side of your horse.
If the horse is young or green, then this form of exercise will initially take a lot of energy and brainpower so take walk breaks in between.
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A legendary Welsh section A stallion who was a champion in-hand, under saddle and over fences has died aged 22.
Waitwith Westwind (Rambo) was owned by Debbie Barr for the duration of his illustrious career. Debbie also led him to win the Cuddy in-hand final at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 2006. Rambo was the first pony to qualify for both the Royal International (RIHS) and HOYS on the flat and in working hunter classes as well as Olympia in the same year.
Debbie bought a two-year-old Rambo on the basis of a photo, from Gill Farrow.
“I was looking for a future stallion to use on my mares,” said Debbie, who breeds under the Firle prefix. “Rambo started his showing career in-hand. In 2006 he qualified for the Cuddy and went on to win the final at HOYS.
“Both of my daughters, Isabel and Alice, rode him in the ring. He qualified for HOYS both on the flat and in workers and also went to Olympia and was best of breed several times.”
When he was outgrown Rambo went to the Shephard family before heading off on loan to Gemma Pallett who had him for four seasons. During his time with Gemma, Rambo was overall M&M working hunter pony of the year at HOYS.
“He was always a pleasure to have around,” said Debbie. “He wasn’t just a superstar in the ring but was an absolute dream to have on the yard. He was so kind to everyone who had the pleasure of riding and handling him, and was 100 percent safe for anyone to do in the stable; he was always a happy pony.
“He would always come out of the lorry bouncing to let everyone know he had arrived at a show.”
As well as countless titles, Rambo gave his connections some memorable moments, such as when he refused to go in the water at the RIHS so he was eliminated.
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“Water splashes were not his thing,” said Debbie. “Also, if he ever said no he meant no.”
Rambo retired from the show ring after HOYS in 2016 and had since has been running with mares. Debbie has retained two of his daughters and one of his sons.
“He was a true showman in every way and he always stood out from the crowd,” she said. “He was a one and only, never forgotten and for ever missed.”
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Looking for golden nuggets to improve your pony’s success in these popular showing classes? We ask top judges what is key to a winning performance and what common mistakes riders make to throw away a class, plus all the essential info you need to know if you’re just starting out...
Stambrook Pavarotti was a top 14hh working hunter pony with part-bred Welsh breeding.
The working hunter pony (WHP) classes are some of the most popular on the showing circuit today. They are an all-round test of both pony and rider, with the judges assessing not only type, suitability, conformation, paces and manners, but also accurate and stylish jumping ability.
How did WHP classes begin?
WHP classes began at local shows and gymkhanas in the 1960s, and as they gained popularity, they came under the umbrella of societies such as the British Show Pony Society (BSPS), who first published rules to regulate the section in 1970.
“The WHP class evolved from replicating a day’s hunting, when you would arrive at the meet well turned-out and on a smart animal that is mannerly in company,” says judge and BSPS WHP team chef d’equipe Philip Hilton. “The pony should have good conformation — a major factor leading to a long and useful life as a hunter with minimal days off through injury — and most importantly, it should be able to jump a range of natural jumps cleanly, in an efficient and comfortable manner.”
The Ryder-Phillips’ Young Dragonara was an incredibly successful 15hh working hunter pony of his era.
This blueprint hasn’t changed down the years and the section has also proved a major “launchpad” for WHP riders who have gone on to star in racing, show jumping, eventing and other disciplines at the highest levels.
Nowadays, separate WHP classes exist for plaited and native ponies, but pure and part-bred animals — particularly Welsh section B, New Forest and Connemara — often double up and compete successfully in both sections.
The gelding counted wins at the Royal International Horse Show and Horse of the Year Show among his top accolades
Sarah Lears riding PORTPHILIP CE for Sarah Lears in the Cuddy WH Class No. 24 at the Horse of the Year Show at the N. E. C. Birmingham, UK between 8th -12th October 2014
The highs, the lows and everything in between, H&H’s team of showing reporters have seen it all.
But which show ring moments from their careers stand out the most?
1. ‘He wondered what all the fuss was about’
“One win that sticks in my mind was at Keysoe Spring in 2019. Leading names were out in force and you could have heard a pin drop when Allister Hood rode into the indoor arena on the lightweight cob Our Cashel Blue.
“Lady Caroline Tyrell’s 2017 HOYS supreme champion was diagnosed with cancer of the shoulder in September 2018 and after a tricky operation and a long recuperation, this was his return to the ring. That’s not to mention the fact that Allister had not been in the best of health and had recovered from a heart attack.
“They put on a magical performance to win their class and the championship and left the ring to a huge round of applause from their defeated rivals.
“This sporting reaction from many of Britain’s top producers left Allister in tears, Lady Caroline was totally overcome and I have to admit that even the reporter had to get the hanky out.
“And what about Our Cashel Blue? He wondered what all the fuss was about and mugged everyone for treats.”
Penny Richardson
2. ‘You could have heard a pin drop’
“When Liz Walkinshaw’s stunning riding horse Broadstone Dee came out of line to do her Winston Churchill supreme show at RIHS in 2002 with producer Jo Bates, you could have heard a pin drop.
“The pair floated off around Hickstead’s magical international arena, gliding on oiled wheels from one pace to another with seamless elegance, and the resulting applause when the judges’ marks were displayed fully reflected what we had been privileged to witness.”
Tricia Johnson
3. ‘The oldest person ever to run a horse at the show’
“At the Royal Welsh show, 2015, the 83-year-old breeder, Dr Wynne Davies MBE, leapt into the record books.
To roars of approval from the grandstand crowd, he completed a full-length of the main ring at the halter of Ceulan Calon Lan, reserve supreme equine champion and Cuddy qualifier. At the end of his run, he handed Calon Lan back to his owner (Bethan Donati), took off his Harris Tweed Grouse hat and gave a bow before returning to his seat in the grandstand
“In doing so he became the oldest person ever to run a horse at the show in its 111-year history, and a record which he still holds.”
Owen Griffiths
4. ‘He literally took my breath away’
“One of the most memorable moments at the Royal International (RIHS) was when Susie Eddis and 13hh worker Beat The Boss took the 2015 supreme pony title.
“Beat The Boss — who used to be dressed up as Rudolph and pull Santa’s Sleigh in Ireland — was only the second working hunter pony to take the title.
“I was privileged to be one of the supreme judges that day and although I had seen him jump a brilliant clear in his performance round, it was only in the international arena supreme championship that we could properly see his brilliant paces, self-carriage, great gallop and wonderful manners. When he trotted out past me, he literally took my breath away.”
Margaret Shaw
5.‘The scene soon resembled an episode from Holby City’
“One of the most memorable days of reporting I’ve ever experienced, was when an explosion and disqualification occurred within minutes of each other at NPS Area 4’s show in 2012.
“There was high drama during the Olympia championship presentation in the main ring when a burger van near the secretary’s pavilion became engulfed in flames following two gas explosions, injuring the staff inside and customers in the queue. Paramedics were on hand immediately, shortly followed by the main emergency services. The scene soon resembled an episode from Holby City.
“The direct Olympia qualification was also made null and void after one of the judges, Martin Jones alerted Kerry Humble, the rider of the champion Walstead Cartier, to the fact that he had a previous connection with the pony on discovering her pony’s name.
“Consequently Jonathan Steven’s Dales stallion Waterside Black Prince was promoted to champion and took the Olympia ticket .
“On a happier note – no one was seriously injured in the blast and Walstead Cartier made the long return journey north to Harrogate several weeks later to qualify for Olympia at the Countryside Live event.”
Stuart Hollings
6. ‘It was positive and motivational to see a quality mare come up’
“Natives hold a special place in my heart so watching the top ponies of the season come together for the overall Mountain and Moorland (M&M) championship at HOYS is definitely one of my season highlights.
“One of the most memorable winners was the Connemara mare Skargaardens Delicious Love who claimed the overall crown in 2017 with Kelly Jones. Her movement was simply breathtaking and despite only being a five-year-old at the time, she was just impeccable. As stallions often make up the majority of the native classes, it was positive and motivational to see a quality mare come up to beat the boys.
“I have also enjoyed watching Emma Boardman’s Welsh section D gelding Dyffryngwy Sir Picasso over his career for similar reasons; he’s a pony who has proved that a good gelding can win at top level. He is such a lovely example of the breed, always gives a stand out performance and has such a great partnership with Emma. To watch them win HOYS two years on the trot was a lovely.”
Alex Robinson
7. ‘A super-competitive, nailbiting ride-off’
“The hairs on the back of my neck stood up again in September 2015, when a consummately professional — and ambitious — show earned Jordan Cook his first supreme title at the British Show Horse Association National Championships.
“He won with his beloved hack, Fleetwater Xecutive, after a super-competitive, nailbiting ride-off against Simon Charlesworth and the cob, Fait Acobbli. The supportive audience caught the mood too, and a packed house almost raised the roof with cheers and applause, even before the marks were known.”
Tricia Johnson
8. ‘Hardly a dry eye in the house’
“A great come-back memory was in 2010 when Robert Walker suffered a debilitating brain virus at the beginning of the season.
Barely riding until the end of the year, Robert and Lucy Smith-Crallan’s four-year-old large riding horse Holtess D Day took the novice riding horse championship at the BSHA championships at Addington. Everyone knew Robert was very weak, and you could have heard a pin drop as he was riding. But when he halted and doffed his cap, tumultuous applause followed and D Day stood like a rock. Hardly a dry eye in the house.”
Margaret Shaw
9. ‘Her unshod action was breathtaking’
“Having won at the Royal Welsh show under David Blair (Waxwing stud) as a yearling in 1999, Synod Lady Lilian made a return trip in 2013 as a 15-year-old broodmare with a filly foal at foot to be crowned overall section C, and overall equine champion under nobody other than Carl Hester MBE.
“In the intervening time she had exchanged hands and sold by her breeders, Cerdin and Doreen Jones, to the Williams family of the Ringside stud in Cardiff. Lady Lilian went on to stand Cuddy Supreme in-hand champion at HOYS that year. This was the thirteenth occasion for a Synod bred pony to clinch the Lady Chetwynd cup for champion section C at the Royal Welsh show – a record which they hold to this day.
“Her unshod action was breathtaking coupled with presence and beauty. She will be one of the most captivating section C mares to grace the Royal Welsh show field.”
Owen Griffiths
10. ‘Her smile was a joy’
“One of my favourite and most emotional showing moments was at Derbyshire Festival when 12-year-old Maddy Turner was called forward to win a huge HOYS junior ridden mountain and moorland large breeds class with Dales gelding Carrock King Kenny.
“Maddy suffers from an auto immune disease and undergoes weekly chemotherapy sessions. Maddy, from Radcliffe near Bolton, was then called forward to take the championship.
“Even the judge, Kerry Wainwright, was emotional. Maddy was tiny on her pony but rode him to perfection. Nobody round the ringside knew until after the championship, so it was very emotional. ‘She really thought about her show and her smile was a joy.’ said Kerry at the time. ‘I had no idea about her medical condition until afterwards as neither Jill nor I had judged her before.’”
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11. ‘Help flushing out a flasher’
“One of the funniest moments when a request went far beyond the remit of a reporter was at Ribble Valley riding club show.
“My local Riding Club, where myself and my brother Nigel first started competing, received last minute RIHS qualifiers during the FMD crisis and so I was commissioned to report the show.
“While standing at the ringside making notes for the report, I was approached by an irate couple asking if I was in charge of the show. I told them that I was writing for a leading equestrian magazine and duly pointed them in the direction of the secretary’s tent.
“Apparently and not for the first time, they thought I looked like a show official but on this occasion wanted some help flushing out a flasher in the nearby rhododendron bushes!
“When later relating the story to the showing editor, she chided me for not saying the leading equestrian magazine – Horse and Hound!”
Stuart Hollings
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It seems strange not to be talking to you about shows, judging and results. Instead, the pressure of shows seem to have faded into insignificance, and I am actually really enjoying my horses during this time. I’m sure I’m not alone in living in my own little world at home – it is a chance to escape from reality and some of the horrors that are unfolding outside my yard gates.
No doubt the novelty of isolation will wear off eventually. In the coming months, we will start to miss the buzz of competing. But currently I am carrying on fairly normally day to day and I feel pretty calm and reflective.
Justine is a professional show rider and producer who has won at all major shows including Horse of the Year Show, where she was supreme in 2003 with the working hunter Zin Zan. She is known for her achievements both in worker ranks and in flat classes, most recently with the middleweight Carlingfords King.
What was the last book you read?
The Beekeeper’s Cottage by Emma Davies. It had loads of complex twists and storylines; I loved it. I don’t get the chance to read very often but I took this one with me on holiday to Tenerife.
What are your favourite tunes for a road-trip?
I usually have the radio on but if we go to a show the kids plug their iPhones in and we listen to all the chart music. It gets our spirits up.
1. A horse and dog show was held at Windsor in 1943 during “Wings for Victory week” to help the war effort. It was the idea of Geoffrey Cross, who had been invalided out of the army, and Count Robert Orssich, a showing producer living near Windsor.
2. It took place on Wednesday, 26 May and helped raise £391,197 — enough money to buy 78 Typhoon fighter aircraft.
3. There were a few early blunders. “We even had the grandstand, such as it was, with its back to the castle,” said Geoffrey. “And the dog show, it was such a shambles that I determined never to have another dog on the showground.”
4. But by November 1943, after that first show, the Royal Windsor Horse Show Club had been founded, with King George VI as patron — and the date was set for the first Royal Windsor Horse Show on 27 May 1944.
5. In the line-up were gymkhana classes, showing, jumping and driving — with a top prize of £15 for the jumping. This year, the winner of the Rolex grand prix will take home €75,000 (around £65,640).
6. When The King and Queen made an appearance in Home Park in 1944, it was the first time the public had seen His Majesty not in his uniform since the outbreak of war.
7. There was early success for a young Princess Elizabeth who, with her sister, was making her debut competing in public at the show in 1944 (pictured, above). She drove the Norwegian pony Hans to take the single private driving class title, with Princess Margaret as a passenger.
8. Despite the wartime travel difficulties, more than 8,000 spectators turned out to watch in 1944. Today, the show expects crowds of 55,000 over the five days.
9. That year was particularly memorable for two Red Cross nurses, according to Alan Smith in his 1977 book The Royal Windsor Horse Show. Having managed to hitch a lift with the Duke of Beaufort, they were struggling to find a bed in town for the night. On the Duke mentioning their enthusiasm for the show — and accommodation dilemma — to The King and Queen, beds were swiftly found for them in the castle.
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Winning at Royal Windsor Horse Show is no mean feat, and the novice classes are some of the most highly anticipated sections of the show, providing new faces with a chance to shine. A win in one of the competitive classes can raise an animal’s profile and many of the past victors have gone on to achieve great things in the show ring.
Here are eight novice Windsor winners who shot to stardom following their Royal lap of honours…
1. Lowmoor Edward
Carol Bardo’s hunter was a winner and section champion in 2005 ridden by Jayne Webber, who we now know as Jayne Ross. The gelding ended up standing second at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) as a middleweight in 2006.
2. Royal Angel
In 2004, Rina Gambazza’s hack scooped a novice win on Royal Turf. The large contender went onto have several successful seasons, even standing hack of the year at HOYS in 2010 with Michaela Wood at the helm.
3. Derwent Mr Worldly Wise
The then four-year-old hack burst onto the scene in 2002. Out of Julia Topham-Barnes’ prolific mare Royal Mile, Wordly Wise went on to take the hack championship at Windsor the following year and was also small hack of the year at the NEC.
4. Hollowmarsh Oliver
The 2009 novice show pony spoils went to Kim Smith’s 143cm gelding and Lizzie Smith. In 2011, this combination won at the Royal International (RIHS) before standing section reserve. Oliver has been an ultra-consistent riding pony over his career, taking several different jockeys to the top.
5. Over The Rainbow
Jill Day’s grey hunter was reserve novice champion in 2010 to another from the Walker string, lightweight Ballard Bouncer. This was the third year running Rob Walker had taken the novice tricolours at Windsor. Both horses went onto book their places at HOYS and the RIHS.
6. Chinook Easter Magic
The 2008 novice show pony tricolours went to the Jago and Carvosso team with this big-moving 128cm mare, who was just four at the time. She had a prolific career under saddle attaining joint top marks at HOYS twice and standing champion at BSPS championships on several occasions.
7. Holtess D-Day
Winning the riding horses in 2010 was Lucy Smith-Crallan’s then four-year-old riding horse with Robert Walker. Later in the season the duo stood supreme at the BSHA National Championships. D Day is still winning in the ring and was a RIHS finalist last year.
Windsor was also the first time we saw Annabel Jenks’ multi-garlanded Diamonds Are Forever when he clinched the riding horse championship, but another from the Team Hood stables also captured the novice riding horse accolade here. Caroline Tyrell’s palomino gelding Chainmail — who was five at the time — scored a win in 2018. He has ably stepped up to open ranks and won his section title at the RIHS last year.
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While the much-loved annual event — a favourite of The Queen — has been cancelled owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, organisers have ensured that the show will go on, online.
The livestream of showing classes started yesterday (13 May), launching a full schedule that includes Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) classes, coloureds, seniors, Arabs, hunters, Iberians, heavy horses, Halflingers, polo ponies, appaloosas and mountain and moorlands.
The event is being brought to life with commentary from the familiar voice of Nick Brooks-Ward, who will interview judges Nigel Hollings, John Peacock, Linda Lawrance, Antony Fanshawe and Lord Charles Beresford. They will be joined by special guest judges Alan Titchmarsh MBE and Annabel Brooks-Ward MFH.
Show director Simon Brooks-Ward said: “The organising team has done a tremendous job to put on what we believe will be a spectacular virtual show week. I have already seen some very strong entries from all around the world, so the judges are certainly going to have a tough job on their hands.
“Though the show could not go ahead in its usual format, virtual Windsor 2020 has really shown how exceptional the equestrian community is and I would like to thank all those that have supported us and got involved.”
As well as the action in the virtual ring, there will be “shopping fix” clips, messages from stewards and Royal Windsor Horse Show supporters, as well as footage from previous years’ events.
Viewers can re-live highlights including the 2018 and 2019 Rolex grands prix, last year’s hotly contested CSI5* Falcon stakes, the Al Shira’aa grand prix freestyle to music and the Land Rover international driving grand prix. There will also be broadcasts of the memorable displays from the Household Cavalry musical ride and the Royal Horse Artillery.
Saturday (16 May) will be pageant night, when viewers can re-watch last year’s acclaimed Victorian pageant, which features the voices of Academy Award winner Olivia Colman CBE as well as Simon Callow CBE and Alan Titchmarsh MBE, accompanied by music from British score writer Debbie Wiseman OBE. The display will be screened as a watch party.
‘This is a dreadful thing that’s happening but we’re all in it together, we’re all in the same boat’
The virtual competition will conclude on Sunday with the show championship sponsored by Rosettes Direct. Prizes have been donated by RWHS exhibitors, with the champion receiving a Voltaire Design bridle, and a magnum of wine from the Magnum Company going to the winning owner. Holland Cooper has also supported the championships, presenting a jacket to the best turned out.
The show has also created an interactive map where virtual visitors can trawl their favourite stalls. The map features all the shops usually found at Windsor in their usual places on the showground.
The free-to-view content will begin at 11.30am each day and be available on Facebook, YouTube, and the Virtual Windsor 2020 website.
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Life is undoubtedly strange at the moment, and the current situation will have affected people in numerous ways. While I am used to working from home, I’m now struggling with the fact that I’ve not laid eyes on a pony since lockdown began and I am definitely starting to get withdrawal symptoms.
It soon became apparent that my affinity for riding a bike in a bid to get outdoors and keep fit is no replacement for my usual four-legged mount.
Show producer Craig Elenor (pictured) uses a simple leading exercise for preparing a horse for in-hand showing by improving the walk and encouraging self-carriage
Aim
The walk is the most important gait for me and it’s vital that you have it in place before you start to trot. I like to see a horse with a nice swinging, relaxed walk. One of my pet hates is seeing a horse curled around the handler and not working straight.
If the horse is going on to a ridden career, it’s important the correct groundwork is put in place while they’re young. Straightness is vital for them to carry themselves correctly.
The walk is often overlooked in training — but it’s the first and last pace a judge sees. I use the following in-hand exercise on our long driveway, but a quiet road or forest track is also a good option.
The exercise
1. Find a suitable place to lead (as mentioned above). I tend to do this on a hard surface, not a manège, as it teaches the horse to walk properly. They are also less likely to bounce about on the hard, too. I start all my youngsters in a Parelli halter, with a bridle underneath. Once they have mastered the exercise and are walking correctly, I use a coupling straight to the bit but not before, as you don’t want to be pulling on their mouths — they need to be soft to your hand.
2. I position myself next to the horse’s shoulder on the nearside and use a fence or hedge to keep him straight. I hold the lead eight to 10 inches from the clip, loose with an open hand. I encourage the horse to walk at his natural pace, not hanging behind or too fast on his forehand — I want him to walk in natural self-carriage, not overbending, and I don’t like to do this exercise in side reins. The horse needs to learn to stretch and walk naturally. I ask him to walk in his own space, not pushing on to me, but if he does, I correct him instantly by nudging him on the shoulder to ask him to move back into his own space.
3. I walk to the end of the drive then ask the horse to turn, making sure he’s still in his relaxed walk — I ensure he keeps stepping under and tracking up. His head must stay straight and round so he is soft through his back with his hindleg engaged, so when you ask for trot the power is there.
4. The first few times I do this exercise I walk back. Once the horse has mastered this, I ask him to trot back once he has turned and walked a couple of straight, relaxed strides. The trot needs to follow all the rules of the walk, but I would hold them closer to the bit and steer with a finger on the coupling as you would with a rein. The trot shouldn’t be attempted until the walk is correct.
Make sure you alternate walking and trotting back after the turn, so that the horse doesn’t anticipate and shorten his walk.
Try to apply this exercise in everyday life, such as when you are walking the horse to the paddock.
Don’t over-practise. It’s important to keep the horse fresh and enjoying work.
Handlers interfering with the horse’s mouth too much or being heavy with their hands can ruin a youngster’s walk. Ensure you are being soft.
If you have a horse who curls round in front of you, I would do this exercise leading from the offside.
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A delightful Connemara took the overall supreme at the 2019 Virtual Royal Windsor Horse Show, topping 24 other class winners who were crowned from more than 4,200 international entries.
Emma James’ dun gelding Glenmore Gwennic (Glen) was judge Nigel Hollings’ choice for both the mountain and moorland (M&M) open ridden and working hunter pony classes. With two different photographs, Glen displayed versatility as well as breed type to remain unbeaten throughout the week.
“I promise you, I did not know this was the same pony that had won the working hunter pony, too,” said chief judge Nigel. “I could see this pony in the main ring at Windsor on its lap of honour.
“The minute I opened that photograph it made my heart sing, and it made me smile all day.”
Commentator Nick Brooks-Ward said Glen was a “clear winner” in the supreme reckoning.
“This pony jumped off the screen when I first saw it, and it went straight down at the top of the list,” added championship co-judge John Peacock.
The winning duo received a Voltaire Design bridle and a Holland Cooper jacket alongside their championship rosettes.
“I didn’t really know anything about virtual showing all when I entered having never done anything like this before,” said Emma. “The whole thing has been so professional and well thought out. We were very surprised to win not just one class, but two and a supreme. I’m also overwhelmed with the generosity of the sponsorship; we’ve won some fantastic items.”
Reserve supreme was Ella Pybus and show hunter pony victor Just Murphy II.
“You could make this pony into a bigger version and still have a true stamp of a show hunter,” said Nigel. “Its movement and energy are remarkable, and it’s such an amazing photograph with atmospheric background.”
Second reserve champion and best turned out was Tony Munt’s driving outfit with horses Achilles, Hektor, Rossi and Zenda. “They are beautifully turned out and going so well,” said John. “It’s so difficult putting something like this in among all these wonderful ponies, but that’s where it deserves to be.”
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In this week’s young rider special (21 May), H&H meets the Moore family, a show team headed up by brothers Jack and Harry, two talented horse producers cementing their names in the showing world:
Here are 10 things you might not know about the Cheshire-based stars:
1. They both have university degrees
While Jack, 23, now works full time on the yard alongside mum, Nicky, Harry, 21, is still studying at Chester University, where Jack also gained his degree. Both chose to study equine science and sports performance.
2. Horses are in their blood
As well as competing in team chasing, in the show ring and on the event field, mother Nicky — whose parents used to break-in and deal horses — also competed in tetrathlons. She also produced ponies for some time before helping Jack and Harry with running the show horses.
3. They had some top ponies before taking to horses
Both Jack and Harry had ponies with showing legend Julie Templeton for a couple of seasons before Nicky produced the ponies from home. One of their best rides was 13hh hunter pony Maybrock Fast Forward, who took both brothers and younger sister Georgie to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) several times.
4. Jack started in horse classes when he was 17
While most young riders stay in intermediates until they are 25, Jack took to hack ranks on his prolific mare She’s The One (Maddy) at just 17. In their first season together they were fourth at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) and the following year they were in the final line-up at HOYS.
5. Harry’s HOYS win in 2016 was unexpected
In 2016, Harry rode Beverley Hood’s gelding Caegarw Cococabana (Coco) to win the non-native pony of the year final at HOYS.
“He came to us to be broken initially,” says Nicky. “He was a happy hacker for a few years before Beverley approached us about having him for a season.”
Coco and Harry did one show before winning their first HOYS qualifier.
“He went out of his skin at the final,” says Harry. “He couldn’t have gone any better; there was no ears plugs or calmer. It was a very unexpected but great day. Coco is now showjumping.”
6. They have only been at their base for 12 months
Their yard in Cheshire is in the process of being developed and is providing the perfect base to start their careers as show producers. At present, they have a 25x40m all-weather outdoor arena, just under 10 acres of land, a canter track and 22 stables.
7. Mondays are for down time
“Even though it’s hard during show season, we try and be strict and have Mondays off,” says Jack. “The horses need a day off, too, esspecially if they’ve been out showing. Our girlfriends don’t live close by either, so we try and make sure we have some time to recover; showing can get pretty hectic!”
8. They are tactical with schooling
“We like to give the babies a novice season,” says Jack. “And we like to make sure they can be ridden by anyone at home so when the ride judge gets on they just go. They go on farm rides and do plenty of hacking, too; we make sure they are kept like horses and not just show animals.”
“We like to use different techniques and do pole work with each horse,” adds Harry. “Putting jump wings in the corners of the school helps them to bend and we teach them how to rein back; it keeps them fresh.”
9. They can get mistaken for each other
“When I first started in horses it wasn’t such a big jump,” says Harry, who made his hunter debut last term with middleweight Homegrown Pheonix. “Because when I’m in my riding clothes everyone always thinks I’m Jack anyway!”
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The Queen enjoyed showing success at Windsor this May as normal – despite the fact the show was cancelled.
Her Majesty was one of thousands of people who had horses entered Virtual Windsor 2020, the event run online as Royal Windsor Horse Show, which had been due to run from 13 to 17 May, was lost to the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 4,200 entries were made for the various online showing classes, including a number involving The Queen’s horses.
Organisers said the real show normally attracts some 2,800 entries, “illustrating how the equestrian community has come together to make Virtual Windsor 2020 a larger success than ever envisioned”.
More than 250,000 people watched online, with more than a million people engaging on social media.
“The numbers surpassed all expectations and organisers were particularly delighted by the number of viewers from overseas, with more than 90 countries getting involved,” a spokesman for the show said.
Over the five-day event, which also featured streaming of top-level dressage and showjumping from previous shows, as well as displays and competitions unique to Royal Windsor, 24 showing classes were held.
The Queen had two winners among her six showing entries: Wyevale Harry ridden by Matthew Powers in the Cleveland Bay class (pictured), and Stardust ridden by Katie Jerram-Hunnable in the side-saddle class.
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Show director Simon Brooks-Ward ended the event by thanking all involved and hoping to see everyone again – in the flesh – next year.
“We’ve been delighted by the response we’ve had to Virtual Windsor 2020. It’s been fantastic to see the show’s community getting together to keep the show going – whether they are competitors, shop holders, sponsors, stewards, judges and officials or visitors – everyone has been engaged,” he said.
“I think it demonstrates how important the show is for all and how close it is to their hearts.”
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The successful ladies’ hunter Star Parade has been put down at the grand age of 30.
The 18hh gelding, who had “manners to burn”, took many county wins, as well as qualifying for both Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the Royal International.
Owned by Kenny Moore and the late Hilary Green, he was competed under side saddle by Louise Graham throughout the 2000s.
“I first discovered him when Hilary was showing him in a hunter class at our local agricultural show, where I was judging,” Louise said.
“Alan Edmonds was judging the hunters and I was judging the riding horses. He had Star Parade (Arry) top and I had another horse and we needed to pick our champion, so Alan suggested we ride each other’s choices.
“I stood at the side of him and said ‘how will I get up there?’ Hilary was smaller than I am, and I’m 5’5”, and I thought ‘how ridiculous this woman has such an enormous horse when she’s so tiny’.
“They said ‘we’ll get you up madam’ and I popped up; within 30 seconds, I was gliding round the ring and I thought ‘this could be a side-saddle horse’, he was so comfortable, well schooled and lovely.
“The next opportunity I had, when I saw them a few months later at another show, I asked them if I could ride him side saddle said they said yes. We had a fantastic time.”
The combination got together in 2001, although missed much of that season because of foot and mouth, but took their first big win at Staffordshire County Show the next year. They were runners-up in the Sir Lancelot concours at the national side saddle show and also won twice at Ponies UK.
The Irish-bred gelding, by I Am A Star, finished fifth at the Royal International and took many county wins including Derby and Leicestershire.
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“He shone pretty much anywhere as long as he couldn’t see a motorway, he used to get transfixed, which was most strange,” Louise said. “One of his favourites was at Ponies UK in Peterborough; with the lights on and the audience he’d really rise to the occasion and used to look amazing.”
After his retirement from high-level showing, Arry dabbled in some veterans’ classes with his co-owner Kenny, with whom he spent his final years.
He also played a central role at Hilary’s funeral in 2015, where he and his companion Eros, who Hilary also owned, were led by Kenny during the procession.
“He was an all-round horse and he had a bash at eventing and showjumping, though he just wasn’t athletic enough to go to the higher levels. He did do lightweights, but wasn’t really right for it, so the ladies’ job was absolutely his thing. It was opportune that I fell in love with him,” Louise said.
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