Latest from Horse & Hound in British-riding-clubs

Championships among events to cancel as dry conditions affect ground preparation

Becky Murray — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:03:03 +0000

The British Riding Clubs (BRC) national championships have been cancelled, as the dry conditions in England take their toll.

The BRC team announced with “great disappointment” that the championships, due to take place in Lincolnshire on 5-6 September, are off. The competition had been due to run dressage and showjumping. The BRC horse trials championships at Swalcliffe went ahead on 1-2 August.

“The recent dry and hot conditions have meant that the ground cannot be prepared to a suitable standard for competition to take place. The weather forecast for the weeks leading up to the championship show no significant rainfall, so we have no other choice but to cancel the event,” said a BRC spokesperson.

“Every effort has gone into finding an alternative date or venue, but postponing or relocating an event the size of the national championships is just not feasible given the timescales we are working to.”

The spokesperson added that BRC “knows this will be very disappointing for those that have qualified for what is a real highlight of the calendar”.

“We are currently working through our abandonment insurance process and will release more information on refunds due as soon as we are able. Please bear with us during this time and we will be in touch with team managers directly,” he said.

The https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/tag/british-eventing fixture at West Wilts (18-19 August) is off owing to "unprecedented drought conditions”.

“The welfare of horses, riders, and the long-term condition of the ground must remain the highest priority,” said a BE spokesperson.

“Unfortunately, despite every effort and careful consideration, the current conditions do not allow the organisers to provide the safe and consistent going that competitors rightly expect.”

West Wilts organiser Pete Collins confirmed the 5-6 September fixture is still due to run and “conditions will be closely monitored over the coming weeks”.

“We are committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure the ground conditions are suitable and safe for competition. As part of this, we plan to aerate the ground ahead of the September event to improve the going and encourage any available moisture to penetrate the soil,” he said.

“Should we continue to experience dry conditions, we may have to reseed the affected areas after the event to aid recovery and protect the long-term quality of the course.

Mr Collins thanked all the competitors, officials, volunteers and supporters for their understanding and continued support. The venue is running arena eventing combined training on 16 and 18 August, on surfaces.

The PRB Horseboxes Cotswold Cup qualifiers have also been affected; the Ascott under Wychwood competition on 5-6 September is off and the Eland Lodge event on 16 August will run under a revised format.

“It is with real sadness that the team at Ascott under Wychwood have unfortunately made the decision that they will not be able to prepare the ground to a sufficient standard to host their Cotswold Cup qualifier,” said a spokesperson for the series.

“This was such a tough decision and they have held off as long as possible to make it, praying for some rain, but in light of the current conditions on the site they have made an early decision to enable competitors to re-route. We fully support them with both horse and human welfare at the forefront of their decision.”

The Eland Lodge fixture will run under an “arena eventing format”. Competitors will do dressage on grass and showjumping and cross-country in an all-weather arena.

“With the exceptionally dry ground preventing the team from preparing the cross-country course to the standard they would like, the team at Eland Lodge has gone above and beyond to ensure competitors can still enjoy a high-class Cotswold Cup qualifier,” the spokesperson said.

“The revised format reflects Eland Lodge’s commitment to horse welfare, rider safety and delivering a top-quality competition, despite the challenges presented by the current weather. Entry fees will be slightly reduced, and all competitors who have already entered will automatically receive a refund for the difference in entry fees.”

BE fixture Chepstow at Howick (2) has cancelled its 21-22 September event, but this is due to “farming commitments”.

“We are unable to provide the flexibility needed to run the event to the standard we expect, and so we have made the difficult decision to cancel this fixture,” said the organisers.

“We are truly sorry for any disappointment this may cause, especially after such a fantastic event in July. We were delighted with the wonderful feedback from so many, and we would like to thank all our competitors, owners, volunteers, officials, sponsors, and supporters for helping make it such a success.

“We look forward to welcoming you back to Howick horse trials in 2027, when we’re excited to introduce our brand-new water complex alongside another fantastic event.”

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Everything you need to know about body protector standards –and what’s accepted for your discipline

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 09:07:37 +0000

Body protectors are designed to absorb impact from a fall, a kick or being stepped on by a horse, and certain body protector standards are compulsory for competitions under the rules of governing bodies.

The body protector standards were originally developed by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), with the help of riding organisations, doctors, riders, manufacturers and retailers. In 2000, the new BETA standard superseded all previous standards, but it has been revised twice since – in 2009 and 2018.

As of 1 January 2024, major governing bodies only accept body protectors that meet the latest BETA level 3 (2018) version of the standard, so if you plan to compete and your body protector is not up to standard, you’ll need to buy one of the best up-to-standard body protectors for horse riding or best body protectors for children.

What are the current body protector standards?

There are three levels of protection – and the vast majority of horse riders should look for BETA level 3, which is the highest standard of protection on offer.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

BETA level 3 (2018)

This is the latest version of the BETA level 3 standard and it is marked with a blue label. It’s the standard you need to look for if your governing body or rider organisation – for example, The Pony Club, British Eventing, British Riding Clubs or BSPS – requires you to wear a body protector.

All of the body protectors we’ve featured in our buying guides are currently accepted by all major governing bodies.

What about BETA level 3 (2009)?

The 2009 version of the BETA level 3 standard (with a purple label) ceased manufacturing in 2018 and it’s unlikely that you’ll see any of these purple-labelled body protectors in stores or online.

Governing bodies and rider organisations that require a body protector no longer recognise the purple 2009 label, with most ceasing to accept this on 31 December 2023. They can still be worn if you’re competing at British Dressage or British Showjumping as a body protector is optional and no guidance for a standard is given – or, indeed, if you’re not competing at all. However, it’s recommended that you replace your body protector every three to five years and the BETA level 3 (2018) standard offers the highest level of protection.

CE marks

A CE mark which, although not a quality mark, shows that a product is fit for purpose as outlined in personal protective equipment guidelines.

Body protectors that are CE marked to EN 13158:2018 (the European standard for equestrian body protectors) are annually retested to the BETA 2018 standard, which means they consistently meet the very latest in safety standards.

What are the different levels of body protector?

There are three levels of the 2018 revision, each designed for different activities and denoted by a colour-coded label on the garment.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Level 1 (green label) provides the lowest level of protection that is only considered appropriate for licensed jockeys while racing.
Level 2 (orange label) is only considered suitable for low-risk situations, which does not include jumping, riding on the road, riding young or excitable horses or riding while inexperienced.
Level 3 (blue label) is considered appropriate for general riding and competing. Level 3 body protectors should prevent minor injuries, including bruising that would have produced stiffness and pain, reduce soft tissue injuries and prevent some rib fractures.

Shoulder protection standards

There is also a BETA Standard for shoulder protectors. Shoulder pads that are sold to be worn with a particular body protector, such as the Racesafe Motion 3.0 shoulder pads, will have been tested to the same level as the body protector. Research into falls onto the shoulder during eventing competitions has shown that wearing adequate shoulder protection reduces the risk of breaking the collarbone by up to 80%.

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Voice aids allowed in dressage in ‘a positive step’ for the sport

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:54:20 +0000

Moves to allow voice aids in dressage competition, made after rider feedback, have been welcomed as a positive step by competitors.

From January, British Dressage (BD) and British Riding Clubs (BRC) will allow “discreet” use of vocal aids, including tongue clicking, during tests. BRC has also ruled that nosebands will no longer be compulsory in dressage.

“Throughout all BRC competitive opportunities, we always strive to make sure the best practices are followed to support everyone involved,” head of BRC Rachael Hollely-Thompson told H&H. “The welfare and safety of both the horse and rider is always the most important thing for us to consider and for that reason, we regularly review the rules we have in place.

“Going forward, riders can now use discreet vocal aids in their dressage tests to support their natural riding aids, such as tongue clicking. However, the use of the voice must remain unobtrusive and must not cause distraction or interference to other riders, horses and officials.”

Ms Hollely-Thompson said BRC has already had “very positive” feedback to the new rule.

“Comments include: ‘This is great news as my horse is used to hearing my voice when we’re riding and finds it reassuring,’” she said.

“In addition to this, the revised BRC handbook states that the requirement of nosebands will no longer be compulsory in dressage. We believe both revisions will play a key role in supporting all those involved in BRC events and activities, and look forward to rolling them out.”

BD CEO Jason Brautigam told H&H that after BD outlined its equine welfare action plan in 2024, members got in touch with “constructive suggestions about how we could potentially improve our sport, in terms of the rules and regulations”.

“One of these ideas was to allow the use of the voice as an aid, in particular to support the progression of young and inexperienced horses,” he said. “This was discussed by the board and our technical committees, with unanimous support for this rule change.

“Providing use of the voice is discreet and unobtrusive, and does not disturb riders in adjacent arenas, we all agreed that this would be a positive move.”

All regular competition

Mr Brautigam said the rule applies to all regular competition, including young horse and pony classes, but not at championship level; regionals, Area Festivals, winter, national, Quest, combined training and associated championships and Quest semi-finals. BD is to communicate details to members, and the rules will be published on 1 December.

The voice has long been considered one of the “natural aids” in riding, with the legs, seat and hands, as an auxiliary aid to reinforce other cues.

Olympic dressage rider and trainer Richard Davison told H&H the change is a positive one.

“It’s a really good thing from a horse learning angle,” he said. “Everybody knows the voice is, mostly, an acceptable way to influence the horse – and we’ve all used a ‘whoa’ or a click in the arena for years, but careful not to where the judge could overhear!”

Richard pointed out that this “levels the playing field”, as although judges “huddled in a box” at a wet, windy outdoor show might not have heard voice aids, those indoors would be more likely to.

“From an ethical training point of view, it’s a step in the right direction,” he added. “Of course, as with any aid, if it’s used constantly it’ll be less effective so it should be a measured tool but it’s a good thing.”

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‘Not the best 12 months!’ Rider who broke neck in fall – then amputated thumb in stable door – comes back to win national title

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 11:21:08 +0000

A rider who missed the British Riding Clubs (BRC) winter championships as she amputated her thumb in a stable door – 13 weeks after she broke her neck in a fall – has had a “hectic” few months.

But Suzannah Engelmann was back in the saddle and in great form at the SEIB BRC combined championships (27-28 September), winning the senior 80 challenge with Lissin Rocket, successfully defending their 2024 title.

Suzannah told H&H she “smashed” a vertebra in her neck in a fall from her young horse in January, a few weeks after she was made redundant at work.

“It’s not been the best 12 months,” she said. “I broke my wrist last year too, when the young horse bucked me off!”

Suzannah had to wear a neck brace for eight weeks after the January fall, but was determined to be back in the saddle in time for the BRC winter showjumping championships in March, five weeks after the brace came off. And she got there, but did not ride.

“Because I chopped my thumb off the day before,” she said. “I was all psyched for it as we’d won our title two years running, but when I was going to exercise him, he got his reins caught on the stable door. I went to free them at the exact moment he decided to pull back, and my thumb got caught in the door.

“Everyone said I was very quiet, didn’t make any noise, but just said ‘My finger’s gone’ and walked off across the car park.”

Suzannah went to see paramedics and told them what had happened.

“I said ‘I’ve amputated my thumb’ and they said ‘I don’t think you have’,” she said. “I was thinking ‘I know the thumb isn’t there but you carry on’. One of them looked at my hand, the other in my glove, where my thumb was, and they said ‘Ah; hospital for you’!”

Suzannah spent four days in hospital, then four weeks with her hand sewn to her hip to create a skin flap to reconstruct her thumb.

“When they suggested it, I said ‘That’s a no’, but it seemed to be the best chance of a good result,” she said. “They sold it to me as three weeks, then as I was being wheeled off to surgery it was ‘… or maybe four’! Thanks. It wasn’t the best recuperation; sleep wasn’t great, especially as my neck was stiff from being broken.”

But Suzannah got through it, and back on board “Rocky”, a 21-year-old Irish-bred gelding she has owned for 12 years, aiming for the September championship at Aston le Walls, where they secured their 12th individual BRC championship title together.

“He’s just awesome,” Suzannah said. “I got him because he was scaring the living daylights out of the last owner, who had bought him for their child, as he did have a habit of leaping in the air a bit; he was slightly dangerous but that’s my kind of horse.

“I have to hold the reins differently now as I can’t have my thumb on top and I have reduced grip and adjustability, but it seems to be working. I had everything going for the championships as we’d won that class last year, and I’d come second by almost nothing in the arena eventing at Lincoln so I really wanted the win – then as I finished, the commentator said ‘It looks like we’ve saved the best till last’, and it was the biggest relief. He’s an absolute superstar.”

Suzannah added that she has not yet been back on board her young horse, but is planning her comeback.

“The doctor said I wasn’t allowed to fall off for a year, so I’ve got three more months before I give that another go!” she said.

Read the full report from the championships in next week’s H&H magazine, out 9 October.

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A ‘massive step’ as new whip and spur rules are making a difference

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 14:21:03 +0000

Whip and spur rules brought in across disciplines are having an effect – in making riders consider their use as much as the use itself.

Those competing under British Showjumping (BS) rules join The Pony Club and British Riding Clubs (BRC) riders in that whips may only be used to back up leg aids, never as discipline or punishment of the horse.

The Pony Club rules on spurs now apply from this month; riders who want to use them must either have passed their C+ test or an assessment showing that they understand spurs’ use and have a stable enough lower leg to wear them appropriately. Coaches and officials may remove spurs if at any time they feel they are being used incorrectly.

Leading physiotherapist Gillian Tabor was stewarding at an Eggesford Hunt branch mini showjumping competition in early January, and she told H&H the rules are making a difference.

“It was amazing,” she said. “All the kids had their tack checked as they came into the warm-up and anyone carrying a whip, I asked if they knew the rules and they all did. I don’t know if there were fewer children carrying them, but we didn’t have to pull anyone up [for misuse].”

Dr Tabor pointed out that using a whip on a horse who has refused a fence “doesn’t make sense” in light of what we know about horses’ learning processes and cognition, so it is ineffective as a punishment anyway.

She said the spur rule is a “massive step forward”.

“There were a handful wearing them at the show and I’m sure there would have been a lot more previously,” she said. “One member usually wore them; she took them off and there was no difference to how her pony went. These are steps in the right direction.”

The Pony Club CEO Marcus Capel told H&H that the club’s responsibility is to help young riders and their parents improve understanding and foster the mindset of putting the horse’s interests first at all times.

“We’ve got people talking, which is good. I’m so pleased people are talking about it and about The Pony Club,” he said. “All-round horsemanship is what we’re teaching. We’re getting back to where we should be as the source of knowledge for young riders and their parents.”

The new BS rule applied from 1 January; the padded baton, which replaced the whip in 2020, “may only be used as an aid to support the natural aids in encouraging the horse forward; [it] may be used to support the shoulder to encourage the horse in the desired direction.

“The padded baton must not be used to discipline or punish the horse/pony nor to vent an athlete’s temper,” the rules add. “Such use is always excessive.”

BS CEO Iain Graham told H&H there had been no negative reaction to the new rule.

“It’s not a rule where it’s been hard to get the message across to members about why it’s come in,” he said. “I think they understand the need to change, to show we’re treating and training horses in the correct way.”

BRC brought in similar whip rules last year and, from 2025, may be used a maximum of twice per incident. Any mark means excessive use. Spurs will only be allowed for prelim level dressage and above at BRC qualifiers and championships.

“Spurs must only be used to enhance the normal leg aids and allow for better communication from rider to horse,” the rule states. “Spurs must never be used to vent a rider’s temper or to reprimand a horse; any use for such a reason is automatically excessive.”

Head of BRC Rachael Hollely-Thompson told H&H: “Throughout all BRC competitive opportunities, the welfare of the horse is of paramount importance. To make sure the best practices are followed, we regularly review the rules we have.

“We believe these revisions will play a key role in supporting all those involved in BRC events and activities, helping us to continue to uphold the highest level of horse welfare.”

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Five-year-old rider has ‘wonderful time’ as ‘youngest ever’ to compete at national championships

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 14:27:16 +0000

A tiny rider who at five is thought to be the youngest ever to have competed at the British Riding Clubs (BRC) winter novice championships did herself and her pony proud – and wants to do it again.

Henrietta Henton and Winneydene Countryman (Frank) qualified to represent Saxon Dressage Group and BRC area nine at Arena UK last weekend.

“We’re very lucky to have Frank; they’ve got a really good bond together,” Henrietta’s mother Laura told H&H. “They work hard on their dressage and jumping, and go hacking and generally have fun.”

Laura, who was on a British junior eventing team in 2002, said Henrietta first sat on a horse aged one and has not looked back. She first rode a Shetland and then moved on to 12hh Welsh section A Frank when she was three.

The pair also compete in showjumping, with the Pony Club and the National Schools Equestrian Association, but she cannot compete in affiliated dressage until she turns six this June.

“With BRC they allow them to compete on the lead rein,” Laura said. “She really enjoys both the dressage and jumping, and it’s such a lovely sport for children to be able to do. BRC has been so supportive and welcoming. Saxon does lead-rein dressage for under-10s so she’s been able to get into the arena and have fun from a young age – she did her first dressage aged two.”

Henrietta and Frank earned their ticket to the championships at Caron Roberts Equestrian, at intro level.

“We were astonished and thrilled when she qualified and we had the opportunity to go to the national championships,” Laura said. “We did wonder as it’s such a big occasion but had a lot of encouragement from BRC, who said ‘You’ve qualified, come and enjoy it’, so we did.”

The family travelled to Arena UK the day before and stabled Frank there overnight, to Henrietta’s excitement.

“She had the most wonderful time,” Laura said. “Frank was full of the joys and a bit more on his toes than normal but our goal was to complete the test. Just to be there, and to be able to ride a test, at that age was a challenge, let alone in that environment, so we thought we’d go and have fun and learn, and we did.

“She was very excited about going; she was desperate to go and had been practising her test and drawing it out – we called the two half-circles ‘the binoculars’ so she could visualise them – and she was thrilled to be there and really enjoyed it.”

Laura paid tribute to the “absolutely fantastic” Sarah Stewart, who trains Henrietta and, Laura said, inspires her, but also everyone who made the event possible.

“We wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support and encouragement of BRC, and all the stewards and officials, everyone behind the scenes, who were really happy to have her there,” she said.

“She had the most wonderful time and what she said afterwards was ‘I want to do it again!’”

Laura said Henrietta will keep going, and aim to compete with British Dressage once she is old enough.

“Sometimes you reflect on these moments in the equestrian world,” she said. “It’s so wonderful, for so many reasons, and it’s so nice to be part of it, and have the support of all those who work so hard in the background as without them, it wouldn’t be possible. And creating memories along the way.”

Head of BRC Rachael Hollely-Thompson told H&H: “We’re thrilled to be able to offer riding opportunities to people of all ages, and at all levels. You only have to read Henrietta’s story to see how truly important creating an inclusive setting is, as well the unique horse/human bond.

“At the heart of British Riding Clubs, we aim to provide training, competition but most importantly a fun and supportive team environment. We’re so pleased to be a part of people creating treasured memories with their ponies.”

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Ban on using whips after refusals, elimination and ‘out of temper’ in competition

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 20:21:38 +0000

A new British Riding Clubs (BRC) rule on whip use has been introduced to help educate riders and improve horse welfare.

BRC’s 2023 rules state that the whip must only be used to support the rider’s natural aids, and never when a horse or pony has turned away after a refusal, or after elimination. Use behind the rider’s leg or on the shoulder is allowed but never on the horse’s head or neck.

Head of BRC Rachael Hollely-Thompson told H&H the organisation, which is part of the British Horse Society (BHS), “takes horse welfare incredibly seriously”.

“Horse welfare is something we talk about every day; it’s always at the forefront of our minds,” she said. “The BHS is in a unique position as it has great links with other welfare organisations continually doing studies and research on whip use.

“We reflected on what we’d like members to be doing and the crux was that the whip has to back up natural aids, but it shouldn’t be used to punish.”

The rules state that appropriate whip use can be to help encourage a horse or pony to go forward, or to stay straight on the approach to a fence. “It must never be used to vent a rider’s temper; any use for such a reason is automatically excessive.”

“As an aid, the appropriate time is when the pony/horse is reluctant to go forward under natural aids i.e. seat and legs,” the BRC rulebook states. “Its use, for instance, after a refusal when a pony/horse has turned away, is excessive. Its use after elimination is excessive.”

Whips must also always be carried in the forehand position, with the handle pointing upwards, rather than backhand.

“To see over-use or the whip used in temper is not something that’s tolerated by the BHS or BRC,” Ms Hollely-Thompson said. “And unless we put that in the rules, we’re not able to educate when people do the wrong thing.”

Ms Hollely-Thompson referenced scientific studies on the way horses learn, “when a horse is in an anxious or stressed state, it reduces learning capacity, and using the whip as punishment isn’t effective”.

“It doesn’t help the horse learn so if it’s not effective, why are we allowing it?” she asked. “We have a huge variety of members, from grassroots to very competitive riders, and some riders need support for their natural aids, and some horses respond better to supportive use of the whip, but it has to be used at the appropriate time.”

If a horse has refused once and is approaching a fence a second time, the whip may be used as back-up to the legs if needed; it is encouragement, not punishment, that is acceptable. Misuse of the whip can mean up to 25 penalties or disqualification.

“It doesn’t look good, it’s not helpful to the horse and probably not helpful to the rider,” Ms Hollely-Thompson said. “And it’s probably out of temper rather than what’s best for the horse. Sometimes, I think people carry things on through habit but if a rule’s been there a long time, it doesn’t mean it’s still correct and relevant, and if not, it’s doing something about it.”

Turning kilos to sterling to support equine welfare charity, plus more partnership news

Lucy Elder — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 19:19:22 +0000

Baileys Horse Feeds marks its 21st consecutive year of supporting British Eventing (BE) by becoming the organisation’s official feed partner through the British Eventing Business Partnership.

The feed company is BE’s longest-standing sponsor and as part of the new partnership it will deliver nutritional advice and guidance via The Howden Way regional academies.

Baileys Horse Feeds marketing manager Jane Buchan said: “As long-term supporters of British Eventing, we’re excited to embark on this new partnership and are looking forward to the opportunities it brings, in particular working with a wider range of members, as we deliver nutritional advice through our new role as official feed partner.”

Maria Haig, head of commercial and marketing at BE, added: “Baileys Horse Feeds brings a mine of accessible information and nutritional expertise and we couldn’t be happier to have them as our official feed partner.

“They have been keen supporters of eventing for many years now and this new partnership will allow them to support and be of benefit to our membership across all levels.”

In other BE sponsorship news, Harry Hall One Club is revealed as title sponsor of the ACE [Anyone Can Enter] series and championships, which will carry the brand’s prefix.

The ACE series, launched in October, is an arena eventing-style competition, culminating in a final at Aintree in June 2023.

“We are absolutely delighted to be supporting British Eventing’s fantastic new initiative, the ACE series and the championship finals at Aintree in June next year,” said Liz Hopper, chief executive of Harry Hall International Limited.

“We’re horse owners and riders too and we understand that this is a lifestyle, not a hobby. That’s why we created the One Club where our members benefit from our mission to make horse ownership more affordable. We’ve been helping horse owners for over 100 years and we’re delighted to be encouraging today’s riders to go eventing with the Harry Hall One Club ACE Championships. We’re really looking forward to Aintree in June where we’ll be celebrating everyone’s achievements.”

Ms Haig added: “We are looking forward to working alongside the team at Harry Hall who are just as enthusiastic about the new ACE Championships as we are at British Eventing.

“The Harry Hall One Club brand is a perfect fit with ACE and we couldn’t be more delighted to be aligning with them in this way”.

Spillers support Redwings

Feed merchants Spillers donated £5,000 to Redwings Horse Sanctuary in return for horse owners joining Spillers’ “Kilos to £££” weight loss project last year.

The project, which was designed to help overweight horses slim down, involved owners registering the number of kilos their horses or ponies lost. These lost kilos were then converted to sterling, resulting in the five-figure donation to the equine welfare charity.

“We are thrilled to be able to start the new year with such a good news story,” said Sarah Nelson, product manager at Spillers. “Our £5,000 donation is not only supporting our favourite charity’s vital equine welfare work, but the project has also helped to draw attention to the risks posed by equine obesity and has supported and encouraged safe, sustainable weight loss for many overweight horses and ponies in the UK.”

Redwings chief executive Lynn Cutress said: “This is a fantastic way to start 2023. We are very grateful to Spillers for supporting us through this important campaign.

“Redwings is a charity 100% funded by donations, and we could not do the work we do, caring for over 1,500 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules every day and rescuing hundreds more, without donations like this.”

Nicola Jarvis, head of veterinary services at Redwings, added: “Fat has long been regarded as just an innocent way to store excess calories, but we now know fat produces chemicals that negatively affect our horses’ metabolism and health, as it does in humans.

“By helping our horses safely reach an ideal body condition score we decrease their risk of laminitis and the agony and suffering this condition brings. At Redwings we empathise with the challenges of managing weight, especially in our cobs, Welsh ponies and Shetlands, but getting an honest opinion as to whether your horse is overweight is essential. Don’t wait for laminitis to strike before seeking advice.”

British Riding Clubs signs new deal

Ri-Dry Clothing is confirmed as the new sponsor for British Riding Clubs’ (BRC) Ri-Dry Clothing Intermediate Winter Championships.

The championships feature dressage and showjumping for juniors and seniors. Qualifiers are being held in 20 BRC areas with a final in April at Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre in Warwickshire.

“Ri-Dry are delighted to sponsor the BRC Winter Championships 2022/23. Like so many BRC members, we understand what it means to ride in all weathers and the dedication that it takes to prepare and compete at the qualifiers, and hopefully the finals,” said Ri-Dry managing director Daniel Watt.

Italian saddle manufacturer Prestige Italia is continuing its support of British Showjumping’s Big Star Championship, following a successful three-year term as title sponsor.

Formerly known as the National Six-Year-Old Championship, the event was renamed Big Star Championship in recognition of the 2009 winner Big Star, who went on to win team gold at London 2012 and individual gold at Rio 2016 with Nick Skelton.

“We are really proud to support British Showjumping again and be part of this amazing event. We look forward to working with them and doing big things together!” said Prestige Italia’s Caroline Rossi.

BS commercial manager Jess Bowling added: “We are delighted to head into 2023 with the support of Prestige Italia.

“They epitomise the reason we run these young horse classes; to carefully produce and showcase future superstars. Their support to British Showjumping is invaluable, we look forward to once again working alongside them in the years to come.”

Lycetts renews Charlie Deutsch deal

Insurance broker Lycetts has renewed its sponsorship deal with National Hunt jockey Charlie Deutsch, who it has been supporting since 2017.

“I’m delighted not only by Lycetts’ continued support, but by its long-standing dedication to the world of racing, especially during these challenging times,” said Charlie.

“The support that Lycetts gives to me and my fellow jockeys is tremendously important. Being backed by them is a real demonstration of confidence.”

Lycetts regional director William McCarter added: “Support for Charlie, and our other jockeys, is important to help them reach the heights their talent deserves. We are delighted to invest in their careers.

“Lycetts also recognises all the hard work and commitment from the wider industry – beyond race day – which is why we are proud of our leadership and team champions awards. Launched in 2017, these recognise and reward the most outstanding racehorse training yards in Britain.”

Festive support for World Horse Welfare

Haygain revealed last month that two percent of all sales from 6 to 31 December would be donated to World Horse Welfare.

“We greatly admire the work World Horse Welfare does for individual horses at their four facilities in the UK, for horses throughout the world and in promoting responsible horse-human partnerships in all types of equestrian activities,” said Haygain chief executive Edzo Wisman. “World Horse Welfare’s mission is very close to our heart.”

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(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Governing body allows dark breeches in competition, in ‘important and significant’ change

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 16:22:59 +0000

Riders are now allowed to wear black or navy breeches in British Riding Clubs (BRC) competition, in an “important and significant” move.

The national organisation, which represents more than 28,000 people, is changing its rules across all disciplines with immediate effect, and it expects that other governing bodies may soon follow suit.

“White, cream and beige are still accepted but the addition of black and navy as permitted colours is intended to help female competitors feel more comfortable and confident to perform at their highest level while they are on their periods,” a BRC spokesman said.

It follows a US Equestrian rule change last year that allowed dark breeches to be worn in dressage, to give riders “more choices and flexibility, and making the dress code more welcoming to many riders, including those new to the sport”.

Head of British Riding Clubs Rachael Hollely-Thompson said: “As an equitable organisation that exists to support its membership, changing the rules around the colour of breeches to be worn in competitions is an important and significant move as more sports look to adapt to be more relevant and more inclusive.

“We expect more equine organisations to follow suit on this change over the coming months especially as the movement gathers momentum across all sports with people like Judy Murray and the Manchester City women’s football team championing the cause to ditch mandatory white sportswear.”

What do you think of this decision; should others follow suit? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, and nearest town and county, for possible inclusion on our letters page.

Generation game: grandmother, mother and son all qualify for national championships on the same day

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 15:57:41 +0000

Three generations of the same family are to compete at the British Riding Clubs national eventing championships, as grandmother, mother and son all qualified on the same day.

Louis Stokes won the individual 90cm junior class at the area 12 qualifier held at Pontispool Equestrian Centre on 4 June, on RMS Mont Blanc. Mum Becki Stokes, on Riffeylands Romeo, was on the winning team in the 100cm class and grandmother Denise West, on Emo, was on the team that won the 80cm class.

Becki told H&H this is the first time all three of them have qualified for the championships, although she and Denise have both competed there before.

“It’s an amazing event. We’re just trying to work out the logistics of how we’re all going to get there!” she said.

“My sister [Hannah Payne] rides too so we all go off competing together; Mum usually does the 80cm, my sister and Lewis are on younger horses and do the 90cm and I do the 100 or 100+ so we’re often there from 8am until 7pm, but we all support each other and do all our training together.”

Becki said her mother, who is now 74, started riding when she met Becki’s father, who no longer rides or carriage drives, in which he also competed, but “still helps look after the horses and offers advice!”

Becki and Hannah grew up riding, as did Louis, who is now 16.

She said Louis has had eight-year-old Irish sport horse “Monty” for just over two years, and that the Covid lockdowns were the ideal opportunity for Louis to adjust to his first horse, having come off ponies.

She bought her own horse unseen, from Ireland, as a five-year-old.

“I’d been made redundant and thought I’d buy a project with my redundancy money and sell him on,” she said. “Six years later, he’s still here! He’s absolutely brilliant; we love him to bits.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Romeo has also been competed by Louis, and Becki’s elder son William, and her mother’s ride Emo was also originally her horse.

“I bought Emo for something to ride out with the children and Mum had a pony that kept stopping, and she was falling off,” she said. “I said ‘Ride Emo and get your confidence back’, and he’s never returned! Louis has qualified him in arena eventing, and William for the showjumping championships, Mum’s done the BE80(T) regional finals; she says he’s her horse of a lifetime and she wouldn’t do it without him.”

Becki added that she had not intended to take part last week but when she and ? were coordinating the teams, they realised they needed another combination in the 100cm class.

“She said ‘You’re doing it’!” Becki said. “We weren’t expecting all to qualify, I didn’t expect to as I hadn’t done any dressage training since August, but my boy jumped double clear, Mum had a very successful day and Louis had a 29 dressage, then just one down showjumping. That’s the first time he’d done a sub-30 dressage, which was his aim, and we’re very proud.”

Once the logistics are worked out, the family will be on site at the NAF Five Star National Horse Trials Championships from 5-7 August, representing Quantock Riding Club.

“A friend’s coming with a camper van, and the prosecco, of course!” she said. “It’s an amazing achievement that we’re all going together.”

The only non-horsey member of the family is proud father Paul Stokes — who asked Becki to speak to H&H rather than himself, saying: “That’s probably best as they’ll ask me horsey questions”!

“Most of the time it’s ‘Bloody horses’ and I think he sometimes wonders where he is in the pecking order, but he’s really proud of what we do,” Becki said.

Competition hat rules: find out what’s changing in 2022 and 2023

Lucy Elder — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 11:53:36 +0000

New competition riding hat rules have come into force for British Showjumping (BS) for 2022, with other organisations set to update their accepted helmet standards from next year.

The 2022 BS rulebook clarifies its existing rule on protective headgear, and removes a couple of the older standards.

The previous rule stated that a riding hat “designed to provide protection” must be worn at all times when mounted, with a properly adjusted and fastened harness, and that competitors must wear “protective headwear” to an approved standard when jumping, including warming up. The 2022 rule goes further, so an up-to-standard hat must be worn at all times when mounted.

“Protective headgear must be worn at all times when mounted by anyone, whether or not a competitor, which complies to the below standards at any British Showjumping competition or activity. Harnesses must be properly adjusted and fastened at all times when mounted,” it states.

BS has also retired a couple of the older hat standards. PAS 015 (1998) and Snell E2001 are no longer approved. But PAS 015 (2011), with kitemark, and Snell E2016 remain on the approved list.

British Eventing (BE), the Pony Club (PC) and British Riding Clubs (BRC) are all updating their accepted standards in a similar way from 1 January 2023.

The three organisations unified their standards in 2018, so a single colour of hat tag can be fastened to the harness to indicate a rider is wearing a helmet of an approved standard.

“In order to ensure riders are wearing the most up-to-date riding hats, please note that from 1 January 2023, the following hat standards will not be accepted, due to the age of hats made to these standards: PAS 015 1998 [and] Snell 2001,” states the 2022 BE rulebook, with similar notices appearing in the PC and BRC rulebooks

“To manage this change, a new colour of hat tag will be required for all BE, PC and BRC activities from 1 January 2023.”

Competition riding hat rules for 2022 and 2023

British Showjumping hat standards 2022

British and European: PAS 015 (2001), VG1 provided they are BSI Kitemarked
American: All SEI ASTM F1163 04a onwards and Snell E2001 and Snell E2016.
Australian and New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards

British Eventing, Pony Club and British Riding Club hat standards 2022

British and European: PAS 015 (1998 or 2011) and VG1, all with BSI Kitemark
American: ASTM F1163: 2004a onwards with SEI mark, Snell E2001 onwards with the official Snell label and number
Australia and New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards with SAI Global mark

British Eventing, Pony Club and British Riding Club hat standards 2023

British and European: PAS 015 (2011) and VG1, all with BSI Kitemark
American: ASTM F1163: 2004a onwards with SEI mark, Snell E2016
Australia and New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards with SAI Global mark

Horse makes comeback after major stifle operation to land two national titles

Martha Terry — Thu, 13 May 2021 12:24:34 +0000

A horse returning from a major stifle operation has landed two championships at British Riding Clubs’ (BRC) first national virtual dressage championships (26 April to 2 May).

The BRC SEIB Novice Winter Dressage Championships and the BRC HorseHage & Mollichaff Intermediate Winter Dressage Championships were staged online for qualified combinations for the 2020 and 2021 championships, after both were cancelled owing to pandemic restrictions.

Kate Heap’s San Francisco PR had surgery on his stifle 18 months ago, but was back to his best to top the medium D25 and the overall individual mixed pick-a-test for 2021.

“His recovery was very slow and then Covid struck, so we haven’t really had an opportunity to test how [he’d cope] until these championships,” said Kate, of Billericay & District RC.

“I found the experience of taking part in an online test to be very different to the norm. ‘Cisco’ is a laid-back horse and I rely on the atmosphere and the other horses to give him that razzle-dazzle we all strive for in competition. But it was lovely to have the excuse to get him all dressed up and in show attire, it gave us real purpose and a boost to our daily training.”

Davinia Kickham (Atherstone & District RC) headed the senior novice 2020 with a score of 75.25%, riding Divine San Siro. Davinia was able to benefit from previous virtual competition experience.

“As I competed in the BRC Christmas Cracker event last year, my partner is now a seasoned professional at videoing,” she said. “Getting all dressed up and plaited, and even remembering the test, created the nerves.”

Lilly Tailby was the overall winner of the junior novice 2020 championship, thanks to “two amazing tests from my lovely boy Humbug”. She won a Saddlers Company bridle as well as rosettes and sashes. This is Lilly’s first year as part of BRC and she has been delighted with the competition provision during lockdowns.

“Thanks to BRC for all its hard work to enable us all to keep competing during the tough times,” she said. “I’m looking forward to many more BRC activities now that things are moving again.”

Overall 2020 junior novice winner Lilly Tailby with her pony Humbug. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Rother Valley RC junior monopolised the team competition, finishing first and third in the junior intermediate winter championships 2020. Team manager Caroline Morris was relieved that the “phenomenal work collating paperwork and YouTube links” paid off.

“As lovely as it is to represent your club at a championships in any form, the virtual route takes away the team camaraderie, the excitement of a road trip and there were no chips, cake or gin for the team manager!” she said. “I consider myself incredibly lucky to work with a great bunch of supportive parents and hard-working and talented riders, and to have the backing of a great club and committee.”

The newly formed Flitch Way RC won the 2021 junior novice winter title, at the club’s second championships since it was founded last year.

“The team – Ruby Mae Morgan, Imogen Pohl, Poppy and Mia McDonald – all rode superb tests to produce brilliant scores,” said team manager Rosie Bates.

In the seniors, a busy cohort from Saffron Walden & District (SWDRC) were victorious in the senior novice dressage 2021. The club had lost a few of its usual campaigners owing to lack of access to arenas during lockdown, meaning other members were filming three or four different tests for the two championship years.

“I thought it was going to be an administrative nightmare,” said team manager Claire Engelmann, “but credit to all SWDRC team members, everything was submitted to me as requested, which meant I could send one cohesive document to BRC with all the links in one go.”

Continues below…

(Image credit: www.sarahfarnsworth.co.uk)

Coronavirus: eventing start delayed and championships off

“We understand our members cannot wait to get out eventing, and we are confident that with our protocols in place

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In the week we invite you to nominate a club for the Horse Dialog Equestrian Club of the Year, we

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BRC believes this dual championships is one of the largest virtual equestrian competitions ever staged, with more than 14 hours of competition streamed on the BRC Facebook page.

There were 1,250 entries, 29 judges, 58 arenas and 174 dressage tests from intro to advanced medium, in junior and senior teams and individual. The videos have been viewed more than 6,600 times.

“This has been a huge undertaking and the whole team worked incredibly well to ensure a seamless production for our riding club members,” said BRC head Rachael Hollely-Thompson. “We are thrilled to have been able to run this competition for those riders who had already qualified and hope that everyone enjoyed taking part, we saw some fabulous arenas and backdrops which we would not normally get to see.”

Full results can be found on the BRC website, and all top three arena videos can be viewed on the BRC YouTube channel.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Coronavirus: eventing start delayed and championships off

Becky Murray — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 18:20:13 +0000

The British Eventing (BE) season will not begin before 26 March, it has been confirmed – and two British Riding Club (BRC) championships have been cancelled.

The BE season had been due to start at the beginning of March with three fixtures; Epworth, South Yorkshire, Poplar Park, Suffolk, and Aston-le-Walls, Northants, scheduled to run on 6-7 March. Following the announcement of the latest lockdown BE had hoped for the season to begin in mid-March.

In a statement today (14 January) BE said it continued to work closely with event organisers to ensure BE is ready to start sport as soon as restrictions allow.

“In consultation with our organisers due to host events in early March, we have made the decision that competitive sport will not resume before 26 March,” read the statement.

“Subject to Government guidance we will continue to look at alternatives permitted under a tier system and will resume a full competitive sport as soon as regulation permits us to do so.”

The announcement means that Tweseldown, Hampshire, and Oasby, Lincolnshire, (11-14 March), Lincolnshire, (19-21 March), and Moreton, Dorset (20-21 March) are off. On 1 January organisers of Swalcliffe Park announced the cancellation of its 20-21 March event, and on 8 January organisers of Millfield, Somerset, cancelled their 15-16 May fixture, both stating this was owing to the ongoing uncertainty around Covid.

“We understand our members cannot wait to get out eventing, and we are confident that with our protocols in place we will be able to resume sport quickly once Government guidance allows us to,” said BE chief executive Jude Matthews.

“When sport resumed in July 2020, we demonstrated that with the support of our hard-working organisers and our army of able volunteers, high-quality events could be prepared quickly. We were able to shorten the timescale for taking entries for events, and react to demand by adding extra days of competition where required. Work will continue to ensure we offer members the full calendar of competition they require as we restart, and throughout the season.”

Ms Matthews added that BE is in continual conversation with early season event organisers and is discussing potential alternative formats such as training competitions to ease members’ transition into the full season, subject to restrictions in place.

“In addition, we are reviewing the qualification criteria and timescales for our championships to help ensure members are able to gain their qualifications,” she said.

Rachael Faulkner, chair of the British Event Organisers Association, said the organisation “fully supports” the decision not to start the season until the latter part of March.

“With current restrictions in place, and deadlines to book contractors, pay deposits and secure volunteers fast approaching, we agree that pushing back the start of the season is a sensible choice. We all look forward to welcoming the eventing community to our events as soon as possible,“ she said.

“As we move closer to a season restart, we continue to work with our organisers to ensure there are sufficient events for members and this may include rescheduling some of the lost early season events later in the season. We will keep members up to date with any changes to the 2021 fixtures calendar.”

In a statement today BRC said that following an advisory committee meeting yesterday (13 January) it was with “great disappointment” that further cancellations had to be made to BRC’s calendar.

Article continued below…

(Image credit: www.sarahfarnsworth.co.uk)

Work under way for sport resumption after lockdown halts competition

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Covid testing centre to open at Hickstead

The drive-through centre will be in the car park of the All England Jumping Course

(Image credit: www.sarahfarnsworth.co.uk)

The BRC arena eventing championships (13-14 March) have been postponed to 22-23 May and will now take place at Aston le Walls. The novice winter championships, incorporating the rescheduled 2020 and 2021 novice and intermediate championships (26-29 March) have been cancelled. The intermediate winter championships (23-25 April) and the combined training championships (22-23 May) are also off. All dressage classes from the novice and intermediate winter championships will run as an online competition with further details to follow.

The horse trials championships (6-8 August) will go ahead, but will run as a short-format competition with no roads and tracks or steeplechase. All classes will run as one-day events.

A BRC spokesman said the organisation is “monitoring the situation closely” with regard to the national championships (4-5 September) and dressage to music championships incorporating quadrille (date and venue still to be confirmed), and an update will be issued in spring.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Training opportunities not to be sniffed at — and more reasons to join a riding club or Pony Club ASAP

Becky Murray — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 11:24:20 +0000

In the week we invite you to nominate a club for the Horse Dialog Equestrian Club of the Year, we take a look at why you should get involved with your local club...

1. On your doorstep

With hundreds of riding clubs and Pony Clubs situated around Britain you are certain to find a club for you and your horse without having to travel too far.

2. It won’t break the bank

While joining affiliated bodies can be costly, especially if you want to participate in more than one discipline, British Riding Clubs offer membership from around £30 annually, while Pony Club Centre membership starts from £36.

Continued below…

Nominate your club for the Horse Dialog Equestrian Club of the Year 2020

This has been an extraordinary year, with so much changing in the face of Covid-19. But we are thrilled to announce the H&H Awards, again in partnership with NAF, are back, and nominations are now open. One of the categories is the Horse Dialog Equestrian Club of the Year 2020. This award is to celebrate the  organisations that bring riders together  and best supports them in achieving  their goals – changing riders’ experiences  for the better. If you know of a club that you would like to nominate for this award, put them forward here.

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3. Move out of your comfort zone

Joining a club gives you access to a whole host of different disciplines from showjumping, dressage and eventing to activities you perhaps haven’t had the opportunity to try previously including endurance and style jumping.

4. Save the pennies

Membership offers discounted training sessions run by your local club and often discounted entry fees for local competitions allowing you to train and compete as much as you like.

5. Grants are available

Furthermore your local area representative can apply for two fantastic Area Training Grants every year benefiting riding clubs and members in the area. These grants previously have been used for training clinics, demo evenings and team building days.

6. Get in the competition zone

With a variety of Area Qualifiers across the country you and your team might be aiming for one of the many national championships on offer. And for the really ambitious there is the European CCI3*-L Championships for the best of the riding club event riders.

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7. Access to top trainers

There are opportunities across both riding club and Pony Club to train with some of the world’s best riders and trainers. And what’s more, sessions often cost less than you might think, offering fantastic value for money.

8. Stay involved — without getting or owning on a horse

Perhaps competing isn’t on your agenda and you just want to enjoy the sport from the ground. There is also the British Riding Club Volunteers’ Club offering a huge range of benefits and rewards for those much appreciated volunteers to help out at the British Riding Club events and championships. While the Pony Club offers centre membership, which means you don’t have to have your own pony to join; you can simply join one of their linked riding schools where you can do your Pony Club activities.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

How to win the British Riding Clubs quadrille from a woman who knows… H&H Plus

Helen Triggs — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 07:23:20 +0000

Clare Chapman from Cornwall Trec Group explains how she masterminded a daring reveal for last year’s quadrille champions’ costumes, and why she needs a patient equine mannequin...

Cornwall Trec Group (CTG) have entered the British Riding Clubs quadrille championships every year since 2012 and have qualified for the finals seven times out of eight.

Each year we raise funds for the quadrille at our gala night to pay for the costs of transporting four horses and riders to Bedfordshire for the weekend. I was inspired by watching the 2015 team and put my name down to participate with my supercob Cokey.

I’ve been to riding club dressage championships at novice level, but this was something different which required huge imagination and, most importantly, teamwork.

Each team has to choose a theme and “act out” a story with a music soundtrack and appropriate programme, with matching costumes for the riders and horses.

In 2017 I was a member of the Mary Poppins team which landed a first-ever win for CTG. I took on the role of producer and costume maker last year for the first time, to the amazement of my family who knew I had no previous crafting skills at all.

The club runs tryouts in the spring and the team chosen was Cokey and me (pictured, in blue), Sprite and Emily Dunstan, Bill and Alice McKinnon. Jamie-Lee Ball rode Reggie for selection and her mother, Claire Tegg, took over for the final as Jamie was pregnant.

We met weekly to discuss ideas and once we had a plan we introduced it to the horses to see what worked best. The horses have to enjoy the pampering and getting dressed up. Ours certainly do!

The routine has an intro, beginning, middle and end. We try to pick moves we enjoy performing, then fit them around our story and music. You have to love your song choices as you’ll get to know them extremely well.

Fellow CTG member Cathy Craddock produced our music. She’s passionate about quadrille, and being a perfectionist would tweak the music to exactly what we were after. It’s important to learn the cues and know your routine down to the second.

Emily came up with a Moulin Rouge theme and I was driving past a convent and remembered the Sister Act film. Light bulb moment! Could we strip? The plan was to enter as nuns and then strip to become cancan girls and go into a Moulin Rouge routine.

I wanted big, bold, colourful bling for the reveal, but had to ensure this was covered as much as possible with the nuns’ habits. I designed a rough costume to see if it was feasible. After weeks of thought and tweaking, I settled with a design that covered us all well, but was easy to remove quickly with one hand. Cokey was a very patient horse mannequin for my experiments. My priorities had to be safety, freedom of movement and comfort for the horses.

It took nearly 30 metres of black material to make the horses’ habits with fastenings of tiny poppers and Velcro in only the optimal places. It took me a whole day to iron and pack our costumes for the 600-mile round trip.

Fortunately, I only work part-time and was able to commandeer space above my husband’s business as a craft room. The horses wore wimples on their heads and then revealed feather plumes on top of their bridles. These were attached with a spring and had lain flat under the nun’s habit. The horses had two pieces to strip off and the riders one piece and a hat. I took it on as a challenge and loved it!

It was definitely a gamble having two costumes. Each needed to be authentic but also stay in place. I felt hugely responsible for it to work.

An unbelievable amount of work and dedication goes into quadrille, but the whole experience has been so much fun with amazing teamwork between us all. We’ve made memories to treasure and I’m so proud of our winning performance at the final. That lap of honour has to be the best feeling in the world.

H&H 20 August 2020

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Rider who died following cross-country fall named

Lucy Elder — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 16:02:52 +0000

The rider who died following a cross-country fall at a riding club horse trials has been named as Clare Bedford.

Mrs Bedford, 31, from Rugby in Warwickshire, died on Saturday (13 July) as a result of a fall while competing in a 100cm section at the Solihull Riding Club one-day-event.

The horse she was riding was unharmed.

“Our thoughts are with Clare’s family and friends at this difficult time,” said the latest statement from Solihull Riding Club on 17 July.

“British Riding Clubs is carrying out an investigation into the incident and assisting the local authority with their usual inquiry.”

Mrs Bedford was first attended to by paramedics, who were on site as part of the event organisation.

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service told H&H on Monday (15 July) that staff attended Solihull Riding Club at 4.35pm on Saturday following reports a woman had fallen from her horse and was in cardiac arrest.

Two ambulances, a paramedic officer, a British Assoication for Immediate Care emergency doctor and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire air ambulance were also sent to the scene.

“On arrival, ambulance staff found people at the scene carrying out CPR on the woman,” said the spokesman. “Ambulance staff took over but sadly it was not possible to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

How to ride at Blenheim Horse Trials (if you’re not a three-star eventer…)

Madeleine Silver — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 14:39:57 +0000

Some of the world’s top eventers will be vying for the CIC3*, Event Rider Masters and CCI3* titles at this weekend’s SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials (13-17 September 2017). But head over to the Bladon and Hensington Arenas and there will be equally hotly contested competitions in action.

Here’s all you need to know about the Riding Club and Pony Club Team Eventer Challenges…

What are the Riding Club and Pony Club Team Eventer Challenges?

The popular 90cm and 100cm Riding Club and Pony Club Team Eventer Challenges, sponsored by Dodson & Horrell, are grass arena-based competitions. They take place over a testing course of showjumps and cross-country fences with an optimum time for completion. The team with the lowest cumulative score are the winners, and there is also an award for the most stylish rider. Due to the popularity of the eventer challenge classes at Blenheim, horses and riders are only allowed to compete in one competition.

When and where do they take place?

The highly charged action takes place in the Bladon and Hensington Arenas during Blenheim Horse Trials, with the Riding Club team eventer challenge taking place on Thursday 14 September and the Pony Club team eventer challenge on Friday 15 September.

Where do the horses stay for the event?

Teams from across the country take part in this competition — and so for those that are travelling from afar, Blenehim provides a list of convenient places where horses can be stabled, nearby to the event.

Continued below…

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(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Enjoy a glimpse of topless eventers at Blenheim Horse Trials this weekend

All eyes might be on the three-star eventing

Can I still take part this year?

Unfortunately entries are now closed for the 2017 event, but you can be added to the mailing list for the 2018 competition by emailing admin@blenheimhorse.co.uk.

Who are the reigning champions?

In 2016 Stansted & District Riding Club took the 100cm title, and Atherstone & District were the winners of the 90cm class in the Riding Club challenge. For the Pony Club challenge, Oakley Hunt West (pictured above) were the winners of the 100cm class, and the Wylye Valley took the 90cm title.

Find out who is in the line-up for 2017 by visiting blenheimhorse.co.uk/RCPCEC

Don’t miss our full report from the SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials in the 21 September 2017 issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

Bollywood theme secures riding school place in national quadrille finals

Sarah Radford — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 12:51:18 +0000

An inner city riding school has produced one of the top quadrille teams in the country, qualifying for this month’s national finals at Bury Farm (22 October).

Wimbledon-based Deen City Farm finished as runners up in the selection trials for the event, just 0.5 marks away from winners Saffron Walden Riding Club.

All four of Deen City’s riders take part on school horses that are based at the centre, which is host to an inner city charity as well as a being BHS-approved riding school.

“Practicing has been incredibly difficult to fit in around the riding school commitments of the horses and ponies, but they have behaved impeccably and taken everything in their stride. We only have 11 school horses, so when four go off on a Saturday it does have an impact,” said Deen City Farm’s Joanna Henbry, who also rode in the squad this year.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Two of the members of the team are clients who ride in a group lesson and we try and work it round that. It’s a huge amount of work to prepare, it takes us about nine months as we make everything ourselves.”

The team — who this year consisted of Jo, Katherine Whybrow, Gabby Herman and Sarah Clifford — missed out on qualification last year, so came up with a vivid Bollywood theme to get the attention of the judges.

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“After two previous unsuccessful attempts at selection, our Bollywood theme was conceived on our late evening drive home from the event in 2015,” Joanna said. “We just tried to come up with brightest, most theatrical idea we could think of.”

Other themes at this year’s SEIB Inurance Brokers’ selection trial, which also took place at Bury Farm on October 1, included Camelot, Ghostbusters, sailors and Alice in Wonderland.

Judge, Gaynor Colbourn said; “To be asked to judge the SEIB Quadrille Selection Trial was both very exciting and an honor for me. I was incredibly impressed by the costumes, stories and the music each Riding Club had created. The dedication these teams put into their quadrilles was outstanding.”

Deen City Farm and Saffron Walden will be joined at the final — which formerly took place at Olympia — by Cornwall TREC Group and Witheridge RC.

£200 ‘pony of a lifetime’ wipes the floor at national championships

Lucy Elder — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 14:45:31 +0000

A pony bought for £200 as a companion swept the board at the British Riding Club’s (BRC) National Championships, winning three individual and two team titles.

Melanie Lustead and her 17-year-old 13.2hh Keeshen Jazmine took home three winners’ rugs, seven sashes and rosettes, £140 in NAF vouchers and a selection of trophies from the finals at Lincolnshire Showground (10-11 September).

They scored wins in their riding test arena; the 75cm style jumping; team of six dressage, and their individual arena, team and overall for prelim dressage.

“I bought her as a two-year-old from a local breeder,” Melanie told H&H.

“She was only ever meant to be a companion to my other pony, Sydney, the intention was never to ride her.”

Jazmine as a two-year-old (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Melanie, who works as a freelance groom, decided to break the Welsh section C in as a four-year-old.

“She is very, very naughty — she has been extremely naughty over the years — but she is talented and has turned into a bit of a superstar,” she added.

“It had been a dream of mine to win one individual title.

“Last year we qualified for the championships and I was placed in the top four in everything we did.

“To win three individual titles like that is unbelievable really — it takes a while for it to sink in that we have actually done it.”

Melanie and her “pony of a lifetime” have enjoyed a successful year, with top-four placings at the BRC novice and intermediate winter championships, Festival of the Horse and horse trials championships.

“I absolutely worship her, I really do — I worship the ground she walks on. She is not everybody’s cup of tea but I absolutely love her to bits,” added Melanie.

“She is such an ordinary little pony and yet she does these extraordinary things.”

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She said the Elstead Riding Club, of which she has been a member for “many years”, is “so supportive” and “caters for everybody at every level”.

The 44-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 and had her final operation in November last year.

“Being ill has had a positive impact on my life as it has really given me that extra drive to do my absolute best in everything and live life to the full,” she said.

What is it like riding as part of a team?

Horse & Hound — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 16:21:05 +0000

There has been a distinct buzz in the air with the eagerly anticipated team announcement of Britain’s Rio selection for dressage, showjumping and eventing, as well as the Paralympic squad. We are, after all, a country fiercely proud of our teams.

With British Riding Club’s Animalife National Horse Trials Championships just around the corner (5-7 August 2016), Becky Murray caught up with one qualifying senior team, Findon Riding Club, to find out exactly what it means to be part of a team…

Introducing: Keely Gordon riding Thunder VII (Thunder); Shona Kinnear riding Best Kept Secret II (Diva); David Lawson riding Silken Chique (Friday) and Kara-Louise Milne riding BMJ Franki (Fifi), who as a team will be making the long journey down to Swalcliffe Park Equestrian in Banbury from Aberdeenshire to compete in the Senior BRC90 class.

1. What does it feel like being part of a team qualifying for such a big championship?

David: I am delighted. Everybody had a really good run at the qualifier and all the horses seem to be on good form. I can’t wait to go.

Shona: It’s great — but scary. Diva hasn’t competed much, and I haven’t for many years due to usually having young horses. I’m sure the others will keep me right…

2. What are your team strengths?

Keely: I think we all bring different things to the table. Although we take the competition seriously we don’t take ourselves too seriously.

Kara-Louise: We’re all very game and hardworking — and competitive when it comes down to it.

3. How do you train together as a team?

Kara-Louise: With difficulty! Most of us work full time but we all know each other and have trained at various camps and lessons before, so we are far from strangers.

David: We all have such busy lives, and with so many competitions on it’s difficult to find a convenient time to see everybody. We do have a lot of banter and give each other support on a daily online group chat. We will have some team training sessions before the championships though.

4. Before a big competition such as the championships, what difficulties have you faced as a team and how have you overcome them?

Shona: I have found facilities to train quite hard to come by. I have been boxing up and going places but getting the time is hard.

David: Our main issue is cost. It’s a 1000 mile round trip and we will need stabling both on the way and the way back in addition to the stabling at the championships. However, some very generous local businesses have sponsored us to cover costs which is a big relief.

5. Are there individual team members that you view as stronger in one area and how do you balance this out?

Keely: David and Kara-Louise have a lot of experience which I’m hoping rubs off. I’m probably the dressage diva!

David: Kara-Louise and I have more experience but then we are both riding inexperienced horses. I am the only one old enough to have experienced roads and tracks and steeplechase — being the wrong side of 40 has some advantages! I will be able to help the other team members with those phases.

6. When things don’t go to plan, how do you keep the team spirit up?

Keely: This is my first experience of such a high profile team competition, so in all honesty I’ve no idea! We are all in it to win it but also just for the experience. I think we’re going to have a great time regardless of the result.

Shona: This is also my first time in an event team so I hope that if it goes wrong, then we can still see the things that have gone right and focus on them.

7. What does the word ‘teamwork’ mean to you?

Kara-Louise: Teamwork to me is not just about the team setup. It’s about the team that is you and your horse. I’m fiercely protective of my horses and believe 110% that every time I go in the start box it’s my aim to come home clear, mainly to improve the horse’s confidence and education and so they don’t lose trust.

Keely: Teamwork in a way is added pressure — the worry that you could let the team down. But you also get the comfort in the knowledge that they have your back. I think we will head down to the championships as friends and return as teammates. It’s once you’re in the moment and the pressure is on that the true meaning of “team” kicks in.

8. What makes a good ‘team player’?

Shona: I think team players need to know when to put the pressure on and when not to. Sometimes it’s a fine line and the right kind of support is needed.

Kara-Louise: Different personalities! Responding and sometimes adapting to different people and situations for a positive outcome. Some people may suffer nerves, others will have a joke in the warm up but we love it and we are privileged to do what we do.

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9. What would you say to anyone interested in joining a team in equestrian sport?

Keely: I think it’s important to compete as part of a team at some point in your life. It brings a different outlook and is extremely worthwhile. It brings a bit of selflessness to the sport.

Kara-Louise: Be a part of a team! We all dare to have dreams and ambitions with our horses whether it’s doing a dressage test without your mind going blank, getting round clear cross-country or competing at Badminton. Having a team and support around you makes all the difference and pushes you to places you may not have gone alone.

Don’t miss the full report from the Animalife National Horse Trials Championships in the 18 August issue of Horse & Hound magazine

Major reshuffle of British Riding Clubs’ organisational structure

Lucy Elder — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 07:25:47 +0000

A major reshuffle of the British Riding Clubs’ (BRC) organisational structure has taken place.

However, the British Horse Society (BHS) is keen to reassure BRC members that the changes will not directly affect them.

The national executive committee, which used to make the decisions in the organisation, has been disbanded. This committee was made up of elected area representatives from across the UK.

It has been replaced by the “BRC advisory committee”, meaning that the BHS, to which the BRC is affiliated, will now have the final say on decisions.

This new advisory group will comprise delegates from British Eventing (BE), British Showjumping (BS) and British Dressage (BD), the head of BRC, the BRC competitions manager, plus six volunteer roles to be filled by BRC area representatives.

A BHS spokesman said this was part of a wider “period of change” that has been taking place during the past two years.

“Nothing will change for members,” said a BHS spokesman. “Every club will have its own rules and continue to elect their own committee.”

“There will be no change to the payment structure and members will still continue to join the club of their choice.”

He added that members were not consulted because the changes were part of a broad review by the BHS of its committees and their structures.

The area structure will also stay in place.

Elspeth Carr, a committee member of the Vyrnwy Valley Riding Club, said she was “shocked” at the lack of consultation.

“Maybe it’s time for riding clubs to become an independent organisation,” she said. “If we decided to leave the BHS no doubt there would be many difficulties, but we have an army of talented people who are committed to the movement.”

She added that she fears the BRC will become just another department in the BHS.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

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Hickstead unveils new all-weather facilities

Caroline Bankes — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 07:55:18 +0000

Hickstead is broadening events, boosting participation and extending its season with new all-weather competition and training facilities unveiled earlier this month (Friday 5 September).

New hard-standing for lorry and car parks, an orbital road around the site and flood lighting has been installed.

A fourth ring has also been built with the same Andrew Bowens arena surface used in Greenwich at the Olympic games.

Funding for the new facilities came from a £85,000 Hoof capital award and the Bunn family.

Hoof capital funding grants are awarded by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) to projects that deliver increased participation in equestrianism.

“The Hoof Capital Funding award will ensure that many more people will be able to benefit from access to these wonderful facilities and enjoy the enduring legacy left to the sport by my father [Hickstead founder Douglads Bunn],” said Hickstead director Lizzie Bunn.

Hickstead wants to grow its activities beyond top-level competition to offer training and competitions for the Pony Club and British Riding Clubs. It also plans to run school and university training days.

The Sport England-funded award will also help Hickstead bid more strongly for major championships in dressage, para dressage and showjumping.

“The improvements at Hickstead will provide the BEF with excellent facilities to support the development of athletes leading up to Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020,” says the BEF’s Alex Copeland.

The new facility, he added, “will also help the Federation meet its Sport England participation targets by getting more riders taking part in equestrianism at least once a week.”

For more information visit www.hickstead.co.uk

Warning to horse owners as worm counts are forgotten

Caroline Bankes — Sat, 14 Jun 2014 12:00:45 +0000

How often do you take a worm count for your horse? For a worrying number of owners the answer to this is never.

A new survey has revealed a third of horse owners never conduct a faecal worm egg count.

The British Riding Clubs Horse Health online survey, commissioned by animal health company Zoetis, was completed by 559 horse owners this year.

“The survey results are worrying, indicating that a high number of owners are still unaware of the most efficient way to control worms,” said Zoetis vet Wendy Talbot.

Horses should have their weight calculated before being wormed. Worm egg counts should cost less than £10 per horse, with bulk discounts negotiable. They should be done every couple of months.

“It makes sense to discuss how often to carry out worm counts for your horse with your own vet, who knows your yard,” said H&H vet Karen Coumbe.

“The frequency can be reduced for horses showing consistently low egg shedding levels. It should become routine procedure for responsible owners.”

The counts should be combined with daily poo-picking to keep grazing as clean and worm-free as possible.

“Even though tapeworm, encysted small redworm or bots will not be identified by a standard count, it is still worth doing,” added Karen.

For more information visit: www.wormingyourhorse.info

This article was first published in Horse & Hound on 12 June 2014

The UK equestrian sponsorship round-up

Nicola Nelson — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 15:00:48 +0000

Equestrian magazine EQ Life is the new title sponsor of Burnham Market International and Houghton International Horse Trials this year.

“We have worked closely with EQ Life’s publishers in the past so are looking forward to furthering our working relationship through a closer association,” said Alec Lohore from Musketeer Event Management who organise the horse trials.

Land Rover has extended its sponsorship of Burghley Horse Trials until the end of 2017.

“We are very pleased to be continuing our long standing partnership with Burghley Horse Trials,” said Jeremy Hicks, managing director at Jaguar Land Rover UK. “Our commitment to equestrian sport is well established and will certainly continue into the future as Land Rover enhances its range of family suited vehicles, bringing versatility and capability to customers and competitors alike.”

HorseHage is to sponsor the British Riding Clubs’ (BRC) Volunteers Club. The BRC represents more than 33,000 horse owners in hundreds of clubs and centres affiliated to the British Horse Society (BHS).

“We are very happy to be able to sponsor the BRC Volunteers Club,” said Chris Tar from HorseHage. “Many top riders will have started out as members of their local riding club and so it is important that we can encourage volunteers to help out at the many shows and events that take part throughout the year to enable grass roots riders and owners, young and old, to further their knowledge and take part in competitions.”

JCB will continue sponsoring the Triumph Hurdle race at The Cheltenham Festival for another 6 years.

“To have JCB extend its contract of the sponsorship of the Triumph Hurdle for a further 6 years is great news,” said Ian Renton, regional director of the Jockey Club Racecourses in the South West. “JCB is one of the most recognisable brands in its industry worldwide and the partnership with an event like The Festival is a great brand fit for both Cheltenham Racecourse and JCB.”

Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary in Oxfordshire has secured sponsorship from HorseHage. The feed manufacturer will provide Mollichaff Donkey for the 120 donkeys in the sanctuary’s care.

“Many people don’t realise the commitment required when they take on a donkey. They can live for around 50 years which is a commitment in itself, but they are also very different to horses and ponies, and require a different type of diet and management,” said John McLaren who set up Island Farm. “We are thrilled to receive this support from Mollichaff Donkey as the financial commitment for caring for these donkeys is huge and we also have 6 paid staff working here alongside our valued volunteers.”

Ascott-under-Wychwood horse trials (May 31 – June) has announced increased prize-money thanks to its sponsors this year. Cross Roads Garage, NFU Witney and Savills will supply the winners of each BE90 and BE100 with a cheque for £100 on top of the usual prize money. Devoucoux will also give £100 voucher and a numnah to the best dressage score in each BE100 section and a numnah to the best dressage score in each section of the BE90.

“It is so important to support the riders and owners, and we have worked really hard to get extra sponsorship in the form of this fabulously enhanced prize package — we are extremely grateful to our wonderful sponsors for their on-going support,” said event organiser Chris Badger.

Saffron Walden & District Riding Club wins Olympia quadrille [VIDEO]

Horse & Hound — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 17:00:07 +0000

Saffron Walden & District Riding Club were once again victorious in the SEIB/British Riding Clubs Quadrille of the Year at Olympia, this time with a clown-themed routine.

H&H spoke to them and second-placed Bath Riding Club to find out the secrets behind their success.

The Saffron Walden riders told H&H: “It felt amazing. It was a new experience for me because it was my first year. My pony’s a jumping pony so it’s a bit of a shock for him, but he coped very well. All the ponies were great. We had a few little moments where we thought it wasn’t going to work out, but overall it was really good.”

When asked where the theme of their display came from they answered: “Because we are all on ponies and some of us can vault, we thought we wanted to do something fun and colourful where we could utilise the ponies’ cheeky nature.”

And is it difficult to fit training around work? “Two of us work with horses and one of us has an office job so we tend to work around her, but otherwise we practise at weekends in a friend’s outdoor arena. We don’t have an indoor school so we are out in all the elements – rain or hail – we have to practise in daylight as well.”

When asked how they got started in quadrille, they explained: “I did my first quadrille in 1995 and we found ourselves at Olympia! Ever since then we’ve been coming back.”

Second-placed Bath Riding Club explained how they decided on their costumes and routine for this year’s show: “We decided in the car on the way home from Olympia last year. It’s just a case of brainstorming between us what we think will be bright and colourful.

“The routine starts with toy trains sat on a carpet for endless hours. We’ve also been known to be seen running [through the routine on foot] around my street!”

New eventing series for British Riding Club members

Horse & Hound — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:25:41 +0000

British Eventing(BE) and British Riding Clubs(BRC) have collaborated to provide an eventing series for BRC members.

The series will be part of the existing BE calendar, culminating in the first ever championship for grassroots BRC members.

BRC riders who participate will get a taste of BE affiliated eventing and gain access to more competitions.

Every section of the BE’s BE80 series from March to September 2011 will be a qualifier for the BRC BE80 Championship.

BRC members have to become a BE member to take part, or buy a £10 horse and rider training ticket from the BE website.

Horse and rider must be eligible to compete in BE80(T) classes

The two highest place BRC members who achieve a clear cross country round at each BE section will qualify for the inaugural championship, held at Brooksby College, Leicestershire in late September.

Visit: www.britisheventing.com for event list, training ticket form and BE80(T) criteria

William and Pippa Funnell give demo at BRC forum

Horse & Hound — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:48:52 +0000

Show jumper William Funnell and his wife, event rider Pippa Funnell, will headline at the British Riding Clubs National Equine Forum next month.

The forum — at Hartpury College on 22 November — will feature demonstrations, lectures and information sessions.

William and Pippa Funnell will give a lecture demo that will include putting riding club members — and their horses — through their paces.

The forum will also feature a “how to” guide to dressage to music, a demonstration on how a horse’s musculoskeletal system works, as well as clipping, feeding and shoeing advice sessions.

Tickets to the British Riding Clubs National Equine Forum cost £10 for BRC members, and £12 for non-members.

• To book, call 01926 707767 or email l.wager@bhs.org.uk

WEG trip for British Riding Club winners

Charlotte White — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:59:57 +0000

Winners of the 2010 AmTrust Equine RWHS British Riding Clubs championships will each win a 5-day trip to the Royal Windsor Horse Show (12-16 May 2010).

Next year the six section winners will also win a trip to WEG (25 September-10 October) and receive their trophies in a special presentation during the event. Junior winners can take a parent or guardian to WEG at no extra charge.

Perdie Reid of AmTrust Equine Insurance said: “We are thrilled to put our name to a championship that offers our customers the chance to compete in the same arena as their idols at Royal Windsor and experience the excitement of international competition in Kentucky.”

And the event director of the Royal Windsor Horse Show, Simon Brooks-Ward added: “We were extremely pleased with the way this brand new competition took off in its first year and are delighted to run it again.”

Qualifications for the 2010 championships are already underway.

For more information go to www.amtrustequine.co.uk or www.rwhs.co.uk.

British Riding Clubs chairman Laurie Punett dies aged 61

Charlotte White — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:48:32 +0000

The chairman of British Riding Clubs Laurie Punnett died on Thursday, 23 July after an illness. He was 61.

Mr Punnett was also chairman of Gower Riding Club in south Wales, where he lived.

British Horse Society (BHS) chairman Patrick Print said: “Whether it was as a trustee of the BHS, chairman of the BRC NEC or chairman of Gower Riding Club, Laurie’s commitment was total.

“Hee put his heart into the riding club movement, earning the respect and affection of all those who reaped the benefit.”

His funeral takes place tomorrow (29 July) at St Michael’s Church, Pontardulais, near Swansea.

Riding Club Championship results, 6-7 September

Horse & Hound — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:28:34 +0000

RIDING CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS, Lincolnshire showground, 6-7 September

Jnr nov team show jumping.— 1, Downshire; 2, Taunton; 3, Rearsby Lodge. jnr open team show jumping.— 1, Cropthorne and Evesham Vale RC; 2, Sunniside RC; 3, Macclesfield & District RC. do, ind.— 1, Trefeinon Galazy (R Willetts); 2, Bake Burn Piper (A Stock); 3, Stroller (O Arrowsmith). jnr style team show jumping.— 1, Huntingdon & District RC; 2, Elstead RC; 3, Cropthorne and Evesham Vale RC. do, ind.— 1, Picasso (L Faulkner); 2, Amber Gold (K Withers); 3, The Stig (K Pressler). snr int team show jumping.— 1, Shrewsbury & District RC; 2, Downshire RC; 3, Rugby RC. do, ind.— 1, Charlie Tee (L Simpson); 2, Savannah (M Lee); 3, Taranaki (H Tate). snr open team show jumping.— 1, Rochdale & District RC; 2, Nantwich RC; 3, South Western Dressage Group. do, ind.— 1, Ratisbon (C Nicholas); 2, Tirana (S Finney); 3, Hugo (H Williams). snr nov team show jumping.— 1, Polnoon Castle Riders Association; 2, Rochdale & District RC; 3, Malton & District RC. do, ind.— 1, Billy Whizz II (H Simmons); 2, Tommy Too II (K MacGillvray); 3, Tango Land (N Cullen). snr team style jumping.— 1, Worcester & District RC; 2, Horsham & District RC; 3, Nantwich RC. do, ind.— 1, Johnny Hero (N Schofield); 2, Woodfarm Dunwoody (S Miller); 3, Lady Of Athenrye (V Hancox). jnr pairs dressage.— 1, Atherstone & District RC; 2, Cropthorne and Evesham Vale Riding Club; 3, Elstead RC. jnr team dressage.— 1, Wokingham & Bearwood RC; 2, Holme Valley RC; 3, Rochdale & District RC Rascals. jnr team riding test.— 1, Rochdale & District RC Rascals; 2, Frampton Family RC; 3, Nantwich RC. do, ind.— 1, Orlando (J Hall). rural riders team dressage.— 1, Elstead RC; 2, New Forest Pony Enthusiasts RC; 3, Rochdale & District RC. snr med dressage.— 1, The Paper Marionette (L Davis); 2, Prussian Prinz (M Hoare); 3, Mario (S Turner). snr nov team dressage.— 1, Berkshire County RC; 2, South Devon RC; 3, Horsham & District RC. do, ind.— 1, About Time III (E Cartledge). snr open team dressage.— 1, New Forest Pony Enthusiasts RC; 2, Elstead RC; 3, Northern Dressage Group. do, ind.— 1, Master Ferdinand (C Steward). snr pairs dressage.— 1, New Forest Pony Enthusiasts; 2, South Durham Saddle Club; 3, Ettrick Forest Riders Association. snr team riding test.— 1, New Forest Pony Enthusiasts RC; 2, Horsham & District RC; 3, Lakes RC. do, ind.— 1, Mister Gee (N Garner); 2, Norwich Lad (G Sayers); 3, Mr Micawber (K Sanders). Evergreen Horse.— 1, Red Monarch (G Jones); 2, Mollies Son (C Punter); 3, Penny Black Lass (J Whipp). snr team of four dressage.— 1, Elstead RC; 2, East Cheshire Training Group; 3, North East RC.

British Riding Clubs Horse Trials championship results, 8-10 August

Horse & Hound — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:58:55 +0000

BRC HORSE TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIPS, Offchurch Bury, Warwickshire, 8-10 August

Open team.— 1, Holme Valley RC, 172.0; 2, South Oxfordshire RC, 185.6; 3, Longton RC, 220.5. do individual.—1, Royal Highness (L West). inter team.— 1, Newlands Corner RC, 132.3; 2, Swindon and District RC, 147.5; 3, High Wycombe RC, 153.6. do individual.— 1, Norton Renee (G Bell). novice team.— 1, Horsham & District RC, 101.2; 2, Buckingham RC, 107.3; 3, Saffron Walden & District RC, 111.0. do individual.—1, Maid In Holland (Amy Dixon). junior team.— 1, Frampton Family RC, 96.1; 2, Wilmslow RC, 125.3; 3, Ardingly RC, 128.6. do individual.— 1, Jack The Lad (S Henderson).

KBIS Festival of the Hunter results, 31 May-1 June

Horse & Hound — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:43:10 +0000

KBIS FESTIVAL OF THE HUNTER, Aston-le-Walls, Oxfordshire, 31 May-1 June

cross-country: senior open team. — 1, Abinger Forest Riding Club; 2, Huntingdon and District RC; 3, Evenlode RC. senior open individual. — 1, What A Prize (R Jones); 2, Baldungan (M Seldon-Truss); 3, Ratisbon (C Nicholas). senior novice team. — 1, High Wycombe RC; 2, Ardingly RC; 3, Frampton Family RC. senior novice individual. — 1, Secret Service (A Jones); 2, Mr Chubbs (S Engelmann); 3, Franco (K Lewis). senior pairs. — 1, Blue Revenge (L Fiddes) and Toby (G Brundle); 2, The Golden Eye (H Smith) and Jacob (C Watson); 3, Secret Service (A Jones) and Aragorn Seefin (S Jeans). junior open team. — 1, Nantwich RC; 2, Huntingdon and District RC; 3, Welton and District RC. junior open individual. — 1, Fortunes Enigma (C Clewlow); 2, Mellows Moonstone (S Holmes); 3, Respectable (G Wingrove). junior pairs. — 1, Max (D Wheeler) and Shannon (A Stock); 2, Lowhill Clover (S Holmes) and Neyyed Dubonnet (J Vanassche); 3, Conker (H Walker) and Kenny (J Watson). junior novice team. — 1, Cambridge and District RC; 2, Wokingham and Bearwood RC; 3, Renfrewshire RC. junior novice individual. — 1, Nickle And Dime (H Watson); 2, Josh (V Hurry); 3, Pinky (C Horne). showing: ridden heavyweight hunter. — 1, and best in show, Finnegan (L Moulson); 2, Fred (H Holland); 3, The Lacken Pride (R Harvie). do, middleweight. — 1, Millenium Cruiser (C Baglin); 2, Pentaran Special Edition (V Forwood); 3, Four Leaf Clover (S Page). do, lightweight. — 1, Rosscarberry’s Royal Flus (M Glasgow); 2, Stormy Hill Road (R Harvie); 3, Snapdragon (A Roberts). do, novice. — 1, Finnegan (L Moulson); 2, Millenium Cruiser (C Baglin); 3, Snapdragon III (A Roberts). do, working. — 1, Master Of Disguise (TA Light); 2, Anna Curtis (B Barford); 3, Lady Of Athenrye (V Hancox). WHP. — 1, Forest Breeze (C Moreton); 2, Woody Bee (J Ashmore); 3, Wayland Loganberry (C Saker). ridden cob. — 1, and reserve best in show, Phoenix Park II (L Stutter); 2, Just Timmy (K Gillam); 3, McGinty II (J Saxby). do, working. — 1, Bristol Blue (K Botting); 2, Murphy (G Milne); 3, Llansantffraed Medwyn (S Cullen).

British Riding Clubs dressage to music championship

Horse & Hound — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 13:50:02 +0000

Every point counted towards the top honours in some highly competitive dressage to music finals and the quadrille selection trial, staged by British Riding Clubs at Addington (6-7 October).

The senior novice class for competitors with British Dressage (BD) points was won by 20-year-old Charlotte Baillie and Mr Deep (South Western Dressage Group). Finishing just one point in arrears were Alison Moorhouse and Ben (South Devon).

The senior elementary section was also closely fought with Pamela Walker and Thompson (ISIS Dressage) taking the title by two points from Horsham’s Marilyn Turner on Copperfield Graffiti.

The Sid and Otter Valley Riding Club emerged victorious in the senior pairs, with Heidi Rose (Foxtrot) and Joanna Lee (Adamant) scoring four points more than Amanda Pidgley and Dawn Vear with their black ponies (New Forest Pony Enthusiasts).

Melanie Richards head the 26-strong senior novice class (no BD points) on the 14.2hh Mandalara Valentine. Beatrice Robinson rode Wattlemead Norman into second place for the Antrobus club.

Seventeen teams contested the quadrille selection trial, with the qualifying spots going to Worlington, Southerndown, Moat View and New Forest Pony Enthusiasts.

Smaller but quality fields contested the junior classes. In the section for those with BD points, Helen Turner from Woking and Bearwood Riding Club claimed victory aboard Marbon Musk, while in the no BD points section, the winner was Hykeham’s Annabelle Jepson, riding Berberry’s Blaze.

Read this report in full, including great photographs, in the current Horse & Hound (18 October, ’07)

Visit the British Riding Club’s website

New BRC scheme for riding centres

Horse & Hound — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 15:45:18 +0000

A new scheme is to give riders at riding centres the advantages of the valuable training, examinations, competitions and social benefits offered by being part of the British Riding Clubs movement.

It is intended to offer BHS-approved riding schools the chance to give their clients the added benefits of being able to join a British Riding Club. The individual riding school becomes a BRC affiliated to the British Horse Society.

The first establishment to trial this opportunity is Lavant House Stables, in Chichester, West Sussex.

Laurie Punnett, chairman of the BRC Executive Committee, said: “This is an excellent new way to give non-horse owners the opportunity to take part in the valuable training, examination, competition, and social activities of the BRC movement.”

Lucy Thomson, proprietor of the BHS-approved Lavant House Stables, said: “I cannot thank BRC enough for taking the initiative and creating such a marvellous opportunity for all approved riding schools and their adult clients.

“As a past chairperson of an affiliated riding club, I was very keen to be able to offer riding club activities to our adult client base in a similar vein to our successful Pony Club Centre Membership, which has given so many of our non-pony owning children the chance to participate.”

All members who sign up can benefit from improving their riding and horse care knowledge through BRC examinations and competitions in all the riding disciplines. They can also enjoy a fun and supportive club atmosphere with a wide range of social activities. Members receive discounts and the BRC’S quarterly magazine Rider.

The Riding Club Centre Membership Scheme will be rolled out from January 2007 to BHS-approved riding schools in the UK.

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“We’re very lucky to have Frank; they’ve got a really good bond together,” Henrietta’s mother Laura told H&H. “They work hard on their dressage and jumping, and go hacking and generally have fun.”

Henrietta and Frank earned their ticket to the championships at Caron Roberts Equestrian, at intro level.

“We were astonished and thrilled when she qualified and we had the opportunity to go to the national championships,” Laura said. “We did wonder as it’s such a big occasion but had a lot of encouragement from BRC, who said ‘You’ve qualified, come and enjoy it’, so we did.”

The family travelled to Arena UK the day before and stabled Frank there overnight, to Henrietta’s excitement.

“She was very excited about going; she was desperate to go and had been practising her test and drawing it out – we called the two half-circles ‘the binoculars’ so she could visualise them – and she was thrilled to be there and really enjoyed it.”

Laura paid tribute to the “absolutely fantastic” Sarah Stewart, who trains Henrietta and, Laura said, inspires her, but also everyone who made the event possible.

“We wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support and encouragement of BRC, and all the stewards and officials, everyone behind the scenes, who were really happy to have her there,” she said.

“She had the most wonderful time and what she said afterwards was ‘I want to do it again!’”

Head of BRC Rachael Hollely-Thompson told H&H: “We’re thrilled to be able to offer riding opportunities to people of all ages, and at all levels. You only have to read Henrietta’s story to see how truly important creating an inclusive setting is, as well the unique horse/human bond.

“At the heart of British Riding Clubs, we aim to provide training, competition but most importantly a fun and supportive team environment. We’re so pleased to be a part of people creating treasured memories with their ponies.”

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Ban on using whips after refusals, elimination and ‘out of temper’ in competition

“Horse welfare is something we talk about every day; it’s always at the forefront of our minds,” she said. “The BHS is in a unique position as it has great links with other welfare organisations continually doing studies and research on whip use.

“We reflected on what we’d like members to be doing and the crux was that the whip has to back up natural aids, but it shouldn’t be used to punish.”

The rules state that appropriate whip use can be to help encourage a horse or pony to go forward, or to stay straight on the approach to a fence. “It must never be used to vent a rider’s temper; any use for such a reason is automatically excessive.”

“As an aid, the appropriate time is when the pony/horse is reluctant to go forward under natural aids i.e. seat and legs,” the BRC rulebook states. “Its use, for instance, after a refusal when a pony/horse has turned away, is excessive. Its use after elimination is excessive.”

Whips must also always be carried in the forehand position, with the handle pointing upwards, rather than backhand.

“To see over-use or the whip used in temper is not something that’s tolerated by the BHS or BRC,” Ms Hollely-Thompson said. “And unless we put that in the rules, we’re not able to educate when people do the wrong thing.”

Ms Hollely-Thompson referenced scientific studies on the way horses learn, “when a horse is in an anxious or stressed state, it reduces learning capacity, and using the whip as punishment isn’t effective”.

If a horse has refused once and is approaching a fence a second time, the whip may be used as back-up to the legs if needed; it is encouragement, not punishment, that is acceptable. Misuse of the whip can mean up to 25 penalties or disqualification.

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Becki told H&H this is the first time all three of them have qualified for the championships, although she and Denise have both competed there before.

“It’s an amazing event. We’re just trying to work out the logistics of how we’re all going to get there!” she said.

“My sister [Hannah Payne] rides too so we all go off competing together; Mum usually does the 80cm, my sister and Lewis are on younger horses and do the 90cm and I do the 100 or 100+ so we’re often there from 8am until 7pm, but we all support each other and do all our training together.”

Becki said her mother, who is now 74, started riding when she met Becki’s father, who no longer rides or carriage drives, in which he also competed, but “still helps look after the horses and offers advice!”

Becki and Hannah grew up riding, as did Louis, who is now 16.

She bought her own horse unseen, from Ireland, as a five-year-old.

“I’d been made redundant and thought I’d buy a project with my redundancy money and sell him on,” she said. “Six years later, he’s still here! He’s absolutely brilliant; we love him to bits.”

Romeo has also been competed by Louis, and Becki’s elder son William, and her mother’s ride Emo was also originally her horse.

Becki added that she had not intended to take part last week but when she and ? were coordinating the teams, they realised they needed another combination in the 100cm class.

“A friend’s coming with a camper van, and the prosecco, of course!” she said. “It’s an amazing achievement that we’re all going together.”

The only non-horsey member of the family is proud father Paul Stokes — who asked Becki to speak to H&H rather than himself, saying: “That’s probably best as they’ll ask me horsey questions”!

“Most of the time it’s ‘Bloody horses’ and I think he sometimes wonders where he is in the pecking order, but he’s really proud of what we do,” Becki said.

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Training opportunities not to be sniffed at — and more reasons to join a riding club or Pony Club ASAP

1. On your doorstep

2. It won’t break the bank

Nominate your club for the Horse Dialog Equestrian Club of the Year 2020

3. Move out of your comfort zone

4. Save the pennies

5. Grants are available

6. Get in the competition zone

With a variety of Area Qualifiers across the country you and your team might be aiming for one of the many national championships on offer. And for the really ambitious there is the European CCI3*-L Championships for the best of the riding club event riders.

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