Latest from Horse & Hound in British-showjumping

‘The thirst for the sport is there’: hopes efforts to promote para showjumping will encourage more riders

Becky Murray — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 08:15:00 +0000

Efforts are being made to promote and grow para showjumping, as concerns are raised by riders that there has been a decline in opportunities since the pandemic.

British Showjumping (BS) said para showjumping has had “a significant boost this year with the introduction of a revised competition structure and dedicated calendar”. This includes five multi-day competitions, culminating in the BS national championships at Stoneleigh and a season finale at Arena UK in September.

Open sections have been introduced alongside existing graded classes. BS said this provides “greater flexibility” by enabling riders to compete within their grades – in which they accumulate points towards the para leagues – and in open sections at different heights.

A two-day camp was held last month at the national training centre in Leicestershire, aimed at introducing riders to the sport.

“The training provides a great opportunity for riders to get together socially as well as benefiting from training sessions and unmounted workshops on a variety of topics,” said coach Sarah Tubbs.

Para competitors have welcomed the opportunities and hope more riders will become involved – but have raised concerns over whether more can still be done.

Rider Claire Pope told H&H that since the pandemic there has been an overall decline in para showjumping opportunities.

“Since Covid some riders have stopped competing or have lost horses, and we’ve just not been able to get more people involved,” she said.

“We’ve lost shows like Bramham, which was a big showcase for us. We’ve asked for more shows and we understand that we’re a very small minority, but the communication needs to be better.”

Anna Hilton did not know about para showjumping until after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

“I was trying to hammer myself around able-bodied classes, but it just wasn’t working because I don’t have the strength any more. I started Googling and that’s when I discovered para showjumping. I hadn’t seen it advertised anywhere, so I think that’s been the problem, that people just don’t know it’s an option,” she told H&H.

“Unfortunately, because there’s only a few of us in each class, some places don’t want to run para – and you can see it from their point of view. But we need more venues to get on board with putting the shows on and publicising it.

“We all joke that you have to be a little bonkers to jump with a disability, but we just love it – and that’s why we don’t want to lose it.”

Deena Webster once competed in para shows abroad through BS – but said in recent years opportunities have dropped off. She believes BS joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, as British Dressage has, could be a way to get more riders involved. Dressage riders can wear a sunflower armband or lanyard, which aims to raise awareness that they have a non-visible disability.

“The thirst for the sport is there. I’m pleased to see there are more opportunities this year but I think the whole para structure needs looking at to give people more,” Deena told H&H.

BS national director of sport Stephanie Toogood told H&H para showjumping “continues to go from strength to strength with increasing opportunities for riders to train, compete and be part of a supportive community”.

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Farewell to steward who was a ‘favourite figure at showgrounds across the country’

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 12:32:12 +0000

John Taylor, the British Showjumping (BS) chief stipendiary steward died on 16 June aged 71, after a long illness.

The former City of London Police mounted officer and huge supporter of showjumping was a familiar and favourite figure at showgrounds and events across the country. He was known for his smile, his patience and fairness – and his voice, which was heard before John was seen, and earned him the nickname Boomer.

John joined the police force in his late teens and in 1977, the opportunity to join the mounted branch came up and he seized it. He trained police officers for the mounted branch, and also competed in tent pegging and showjumping, including the services jumping at Horse of the Year Show.

When he retired from the police, his horse Another Jackson was tricky, so John bought him for his son Will, who took him from 90cm BS classes to the young showjumper award at Olympia.

“When I was showing interest in competing, he said he wasn’t just going to buy me a horse; his words were: ‘Horses start with a broom.’” Will said.

“That was one of his great sayings, I had to learn to muck out and do all the stable work before I got to ride.

“He loved the sport. He had all the shows planned and last week, when he went into hospital, he said, ‘Call Iain Graham and tell him I won’t be at Hickstead on Wednesday,’ as in his mind he was still going. He loved it there.”

BS stipendiary stewards historically always come from the police force, so John’s progression was natural. He trained with Frank Grunnill, working with Frank and Mike Henwood.

“He became a favourite on the circuit and the go-to for competitors to ask advice,” a BS spokesperson said.

“His calm approach and manner put people at ease. At first a friendly warning instead of a harsh approach worked well and endeared riders and connections alike. The rules were always applied, but in a way that resentment didn’t raise its head. John was later honoured to be made steward general.”

John loved the county circuit as well as the major shows. He also gave much of his time to supporting the Chigwell Riding Trust, his local branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), including loading horses on the Taylors’ horsebox and taking them to events.

“He enjoyed it,” Will said. “He always made sure he knew when it was and he’d be there.

“He was always firm but fair, and a larger-than-life character. He loved a joke and to talk; he was fun. I saw the serious side – and probably some in showjumping did too when they were in trouble – but he was a very social person.

“He loved horses, loved the sport. He loved his time in the police but didn’t really deem it police work; he prided himself that he hadn’t arrested anyone since the age of 21, from the back of a horse. It became ceremonial and he travelled all over the country, meeting people and making friends.”

BS said John will be sadly missed by the whole community.

CEO Iain Graham said: “He was someone who loved being around shows and horses, meeting people and helping ensure that whilst rules needed to be observed that he was there to help and assist members enjoyment of the sport.

“John was always happy to give his time to assist others starting out as officials and the number of messages we have received from his colleagues shows the respect and friendship they shared.”

John is survived by his wife Liz, children Will and Sarah, and four grandchildren.

His funeral will be on 16 July at 11am at All Saints Church, Essex; family and close friends at the crematorium. This will be followed by a wake at Hainault Golf Club, Chigwell.

The family has asked for people to share stories and celebrate his wonderful life. All are welcome.

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‘Fantastic opportunity’ as third arena means new national championship for amateur riders

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:22:21 +0000

Grassroots showjumpers have a new national final to aim for at the British Showjumping National Championships.

As a third surfaced arena has been created, the new national 95cm championship will be included at this year’s event, which runs at Stoneleigh Park from 4 to 9 August. This and the 1.05m and 1.25m championships, which were introduced two years ago, will run over three days including preliminary rounds and a championship or consolation final.

“We are always looking for ways to enhance the national championships experience for our members, and the addition of the additional arena has given us a fantastic opportunity to do just that,” said British Showjumping (BS) national director of sport Stephanie Toogood.

“Introducing the national 95cm championship allows us to welcome even more combinations to compete for a national title and provides another important stepping stone within our championship pathway.”

To qualify, combinations must have jumped four double clears at 90cm or above, between 1 January and 30 June this year. It is restricted to combinations who are eligible for the bronze league.

“The introduction of the national 95cm championship reflects British Showjumping’s continued commitment to creating opportunities for members at all levels of the sport, recognising the importance of grassroots competition and providing clear progression pathways for riders and horses,” a BS spokesperson said.

The teams and para championships will also run in the new arena, and the Andrews Bowen surfaces on the two existing rings has been refreshed.

Emma Williams, event director at championship organiser Grandstand Media, said: “As organisers, we are committed to improving the national championships experience and have made significant investments in the venue’s infrastructure.

“We’re proud to have introduced a third arena, creating opportunities to expand the programme. It’s fantastic to see this investment enable British Showjumping to launch the new national 95cm championship and welcome even more riders to compete for a national title.”

More details on issues including final qualification criteria and schedules will be announced in the near future.

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‘We need better conversations and a riders’ committee,’ says showjumper Chris Smith

Sarah Radford — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:32:24 +0000

Chris Smith, an international showjumper as well as a producer of young horses and a highly respected coach, suggests some changes that could help British Showjumping keep riders on side

I was at Wales and West earlier this month and David Broome reminded me how, 49 years ago, he helped found the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC), which represents showjumpers’ interests to the FEI.

If there’s one thing I think British Showjumping (BS) would really benefit from at the moment, it’s a riders’ committee.

This year’s tack rule changes generated bad feeling because a lack of conversation and explanation gets people’s backs up.

Currently, we are told we can direct questions via the AGM, but those need to be submitted in advance, so it’s not what you would term a discussion.

It’s very easy to put half a dozen people in the same room via the internet, so there shouldn’t be too many barriers to setting up a committee. It would help us to work with each other, rather than against.

When you don’t understand the logic behind a rule change, it’s harder for everyone to interpret. Often, the only reason I know the rules is by breaking them and I don’t break them on purpose! They’re just not communicated clearly.

Where are the stewards?

I don’t believe there was a single steward at Wales and West and that’s not the show’s fault – they’re assigned by BS.

It was a busy bank holiday, with the international at Wellington as well as three county shows, but Wales had three Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers, so what would have happened if a rider had broken a tack rule by accident? Someone could have objected and a HOYS ticket might have been lost.

With so many new rules emerging, there should always be a steward at an important show to provide clarity and guidance.

Our HOYS qualifiers have been a regular subject of debate and at Wales the talent seekers, which incorporates the former seven-year-old final, definitely showed it needs review. There were 96 combinations entered and only six clears, and 22 retired. After walking it, I decided not to jump my seven-year-old, as it had the technicality of a rankings class.

Course-builder Raf Suarez took a bit of a hit for it, but what was he supposed to do? How do you build for seven-year-olds and more experienced horses with those numbers? It’s a class that doesn’t make sense. While it might attract fewer entries, would a seven- and eight-year-old handicap be a better idea?

How to avoid a big divide

It’s my belief that if we’re not careful, we’re heading for a big divide between our federation and riders. Riders are what keep the federation moving, from grassroots members who generate the bulk of the income, to professionals making a living from the sport.

You only have to look at the number of low-level weekday shows that are being cancelled, because of lack of entries, to see how BS is potentially missing the boat. While affiliated entries have fallen, the number of private training shows has increased dramatically.

These are often organised via WhatsApp groups and cost less money – maybe £15 for two rounds at 1.40m, compared to £50 BS – and they help you to produce a horse properly with no pressure and nothing going on its record.

When you’re trying to sell a horse, the first thing people do is type its name into ClipMyHorse and if they don’t understand why a horse has made a mistake, it can easily put them off. With training shows, a horse can learn without that risk.

Lier is a world-class facility and it runs two training shows every week, and they are absolutely rammed. You enter on Equipe and it’s their biggest earner, as there are no judges or overheads. Some people now are only doing training shows and internationals – it seems to be the way the sport is heading.

We definitely need to have much better conversations going forward. BS wouldn’t be a federation without show centres and competitors and at the end of the day, most of us want the same result: to produce horses to their best, enjoy good sport and earn a living.

● What changes would help keep riders engaged with BS? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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‘Nobody knows who is making up these rules, on what evidence, or why,’ says Carmen Edwards on new tack regulations

Carmen Edwards — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 10:37:12 +0000

International rider Carmen Edwards shares his thoughts on the handling of the recent tack rule changes by British Showjumping, buying horses at auction and whether an app could solve some of the issues when moving horses to and from Europe

If there’s one thing the recent chaos over tack rule changes has shown, it’s that British Showjumping (BS) needs to communicate better.

It’s a difficult task trying to create rules for a membership that encompasses everybody from 70cm riders to those jumping grands prix, but if our governing body could be a bit more talkative, we could work together to improve the sport.

I can’t see how these new guidelines improve the sport in any way. Nobody knows who is making up these rules, on what evidence, or why.

The use of several bits, including gags, combination bits and hackamores, has been impacted but it is hard to see the logic behind the decision. Some rules make sense – I understand the banning of bit clips, in case they break – but others are mystifying.

BS has a paying membership but seems to be dictating what happens without consultation. You can never please everybody, but the organisation needs to be more democratic.

At the moment, rules are changed with no apparent consideration for their impact and competitors are given no time to prepare. Should we be going straight to banning tack, or should we take a different approach and have stronger measures for reporting misuse?

Breeding for success

I’m currently out in Spain on my favourite tour at Oliva Nova. It’s perfect for bringing on the young horses and it’s a shame we can’t replicate it at home. Even if you don’t make a sale here, you can come home with videos from lots of different arenas that you can send on to potential buyers, and show a horse’s progress.

Since we left the EU, there are fewer continental buyers sourcing horses from the UK. This is despite the fact our breeding has improved greatly in recent years, helped by advancements like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Twemlows do a great job, also offering semen from some very nice stallions, and they’ve recently started sponsoring the British Performance Horse (BPH) auction, run by James Wilson, Danny Dunne and Jake Saywell. Twemlows foal and look after hundreds of horses, so it should be an exciting collaboration for British breeding.

Auctions can be very expensive but BPH offers some value-for-money options for horses to bring on and produce. We have had a couple of really nice horses from there.

Historically, auctions haven’t always worked in the UK – we lost Brightwells, and while the Billy Stud auctions have been a success, the horses are from the one breeding programme. I like that BPH is overseen by James, Danny and Jake together, as three heads are better than one.

It would be fantastic if BPH can promote British breeding, and aim for 90% of their catalogue to be bred here.

An app to solve travel woes?

In my last column, I spoke about the horse welfare issues stemming from delays at the ports. The more I’ve thought about it, the more I am convinced that an app is the way forward. If this takes off then I’d also like my share of the profits!

If we can have an app for the NHS, and if domestic pets can travel simply on passports, then why can’t our carnets, blood results and health paperwork all be stored digitally?

Even if using a “carnet” app required a restriction on travel time, say between 7am and 7pm, to make sure vets were present, it would be preferable to the current arrangement.

At the moment, once a trip is complete, all the paperwork goes in the bin, which can’t be great for the environment either.

Vets not having to drop health papers off will also save them time and us a call-out fee.

Progress with this has to start soon – the problems can’t be allowed to persist indefinitely.

● What did you think of British Showjumping’s recent rule changes regarding tack and bitting? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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11-year-old rider enjoys instant success in step up from 128cms to horses: ‘We didn’t plan it, they just gelled’

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:33:38 +0000

Exceptional young showjumper Anya Dewey Clarke has been enjoying an unprecedented run of success recently, taking the 128cm circuit by storm.

But followingly a hugely successful 2025, in which she claimed a full house of 128cm titles, the 11-year-old rider has just won her first championship of 2026 – this time riding horses.

At the British Showjumping Winter Championships at Arena UK, Lincs (18-22 March) Anya topped the winter children-on-horses final with 12-year-old Dutch-bred gelding Jewelino, formerly ridden by Michaela Whitaker and owned by Michaela’s father Martin Wood.

A winning international debut

Anya Dewey Clarke started riding Jewelino in January and their competitive partnership has been an instant success, with six victories in six shows.

Anya even made her international debut in the CSI1* at Gassin-St Tropez last month, where she and Jewelino won three out of the four classes they jumped, including two 1.15m grands prix.

“I’ve known Michaela Whitaker for a while through showing – her daughter Gracie has got Anya’s old first ridden pony that she won at HOYS [Horse of the Year Show] and the Royal International on,” Anya’s mother Anna said.

“She offered Anya the ride for a bit as she had never ridden a horse and we thought it would be a good experience – we didn’t really get him with the plan to do children on horses but they just gelled.”

Anya Dewey Clarke: “I wanted a clear, not to try to win”

Three made the jump-off of this close children on horses final at Arena UK, all of whom jumped clear less than 1sec apart. Cheska Kirby finished runner-up with Magic Chianti, while Charlie Barker was third with Acarno B.

“I mainly wanted a clear, not to try to go in to win, but I knew that he’s got a nice big stride – he’s fluent and covers the ground, so I just stayed forward. He’s a lovely horse,” Anya said.

Read the full report from the British Showjumping Winter Championships in Thursday’s Horse & Hound magazine, in the shops 26 March.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Riders raise concerns over unexpected new tack rules

Becky Murray — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 13:33:01 +0000

New tack rules in British Showjumping (BS) have caused debate among riders.

On 6 March the governing body announced that following a recent national sports committee meeting, amendments had been made to the tack and equipment rules. Cheltenham gags with roundings and Stephens continental hackamores are no longer permitted with immediate effect – and other bits including the Beris Mullen Comfort Tandem, hammerhead spurs and bridle clips, are among items to be banned from 1 April.

The announcement generated discussion on social media around the notice period – and the reasoning behind the changes. Some riders said they had recently bought bridles with clips or bits that are no longer permitted; others raised concerns about having to find a new bit to suit a particular horse at short notice.

Rider Derek Morton told H&H he believes riders should have more input into rule changes.

“There doesn’t seem to be any sort of discussion with the membership, we don’t know where the root of these changes is coming from. If it’s welfare related, that’s fair enough and would give us a bit more of an understanding, but it just seems to be random things coming out of the blue,” he said.

“It’s like with everything, spurs and bits can be as soft or hard as you want depending who is using them – with a Cheltenham gag, it’s softer with the roundings than having two reins, so I don’t understand where these ideas have come from. Then if you look at FEI competition, it’s a completely different set of rules.”

Shirley Light of Brendon Stud questioned why certain bits have been banned

“I’m not a lover of bridle clips because I’ve seen too many horses put their heads down to rub their head on their front leg and undo the clip – but when it comes to the bits, some of the ones listed are very well made, with good materials and mechanisms, and I can’t understand why they’ve banned them,” Shirley told H&H.

“I’ve got a six-year-old that goes beautifully in the Bomber Happy Tongue Hybrid, and now I have two weeks to find a different bit for him. Unless there’s an extreme reason behind it, rules should be brought on 1 January.”

On 13 March BS issued “clarification”, stating that members are “encouraged to review the clarification” to ensure they are fully up to date with the latest guidance before competing.

In this update, BS confirmed that rope nosebands are not permitted, only one noseband may be worn in competition, and horses may compete without a noseband. The document states that any bit with adjustable mechanisms is not permitted, clips are not allowed on a bridle, with the exception of the throatlash – and further information has been provided around hackamores; this includes that no metal may be inserted in the nose piece, padding or sheepskin, cheeks may not exceed 17cm and the back strap of the hackamore must be made of leather.

H&H has contacted BS for comment.

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Information shared in new showjumping concussion suspension rule: ‘We have to protect riders’

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 17:24:18 +0000

Any rider who is taken to hospital from or suspected to have sustained concussion at a British Showjumping (BS) competition will be suspended for three weeks – and that information will be shared with other British Equestrian (BEF) governing bodies.

BS has brought in the 21-day suspension rule for 2026 to prevent competitors returning to competition during a time when suffering a second brain injury could have catastrophic effects. The criteria for suspension are if a rider is taken directly to hospital from a show or when medics, officials or organisers suspect a concussion.

BS will also alert other BEF member bodies, not of medical information but of suspension dates. To request the period be shortened, a rider must provide a hospital discharge sheet or doctor’s report clearing them to compete.

British Showjumping concussion rule

“We’re not trying to spoil anyone’s fun but we need to help educate people – especially those responsible for young people in the sport – about the dangers of a second head injury in that time period,” BS chief executive Iain Graham told H&H.

“You may feel you need to get back on and keep competing but the main thing is the long-term effects. The long term is one of the great things in our sport; you can keep competing till you’re 70+ at the top level so we have a long time to enjoy it and missing a couple of weeks of competition isn’t the end of the world.”

BS’s emailing other governing bodies is aimed at preventing riders who have suffered concussion competing in other disciplines during the crucial period. Suffering a second injury before the brain has fully healed can cause significant swelling, potentially leading to permanent disability, or death. The NHS states that anyone suffering from concussion should avoid contact sports for at least three weeks.

“We have been doing this – the BEF is developing a system to share information securely with a requirement that all member bodies share this suspension information, which we have been told should be operational in the next month – and everyone affected has accepted it’s to protect them,” Mr Graham said. “We have to do all we can as a governing body to protect people in our sport.

“We don’t know what happens at home but hopefully we can get more people talking and thinking about head injuries; we have seen a real change in the last 10 to 15 years and people do understand you have to protect your head.”

What do you think about the rule? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

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10 competition legal whips in a variety of styles for every discipline

Franchesca Slack — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:41:04 +0000

If you carry a whip for jumping, you’ll need to get your hands on a competition legal whip ahead of the season. Now that the majority of governing bodies require riders to carry a baton-style whip, it’s not as simple as finding one that catches your eye – it needs to conform to the rules. We’ve rounded up a selection of competition legal whips that are suitable for a range of disciplines in this guide.

British Show Pony Society (BSPS) are the latest body to bring in the rule that only baton whips will be permitted in certain classes. This rule already stands in British Showjumping, British Eventing, Pony Club and British Riding Club competitions. Each whip in this guide is listed with the length options so that you can ensure it’s legal for your discipline.

Competition legal whips: what are your options?

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Woof Wear Stealth Jump Bat

This smart jump bat features a compression tested foam strike pad with a branded gun metal end cap. Smart enough for use in the show ring.

Colours:: Black, chocolate, grey or navy | Length:: 60cm

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Shires ProCush Showjumping Whip

This whip has a shock absorbing padded end and a rubber grip handle that provides a secure and comfortable grip.

Colours:: Red/black, pink/blue or black | Length:: 63cm

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LeMieux Pro Baton Whip

This whip has a shock-absorbing gel pad that is covered in suede for a sleek look and a generous, comfortable grip. The 50cm size is perfect for junior riders or those who prefer a shorter whip.

Colours:: Black or navy | Length:: 60cm (adult) or 50cm (junior)

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KM Elite Cush Grip Jump Bat Whip

Available in three sizes this whip has a cushioned handle and is available in a selection of colours. If have have small hands or struggle with holding the reins and a padded whip look out for the Slimline jump bat it has a slimmer handle making it easier to hold.

Colours:: Black, white, green, red, blue or purple | Lengths:: 65cm (standard), 60cm (slimline) or 50cm (junior)

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Woof Wear Jump Bat Full Grip

This bat is available in three sizes and has a TPR rubber grip and a metallic spiral on the shaft and padded shock absorbing end. If you have small hands and find some whips too bulky you may be better off with the slim grip bat from Woof Wear the handle is less bulky.

Colours:: Black | Lengths:: 65cm (full), 60cm (slim) or 50cm (junior)

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Fleck Delta Pro Jockey Bat

The Delta Pro Jockey Bat from Fleck is a classic bat handmade by experts to the highest standards from the finest materials. The Delta Pro Jockey Bat from Fleck is designed with a fibreglass core, long soft cushion flap and a Delta Pro textured grip. The slim ergonomically shaped and unbeatable grip is designed in a triangular shape to enable optimum hold and handling.

Colours:: Black or blue | Length:: 60cm

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Elico Crystal Jumping Whip

This is a great budget friendly whip with a rubber handle and diamanté braiding on the shaft.

Colours:: Black | Length:: 50cm

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Coldstream Next Generation Hadden Jumping Bat

This comfortable and colour coordinated grip handle is easy to hold with a shock absorbing pad. Available in two sizes.

Colours:: Black, grey, navy or burgundy | Length:: 50cm or 66cm

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LeMieux LeBaton Whip

A stylish whip with a shock absorbing gel end pad covered with soft PU leather. Featuring a generous grooved rubber grip handle.

Colours:: Black, burgundy, grey or navy | Length:: 57cm

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Woof Wear Resolute Jump Bat

This bat is specifically designed to provide a tactile no-compromise grip. Features a compression-tested foam strike area. Finished with a sleek silver metal end cap.

Colours:: Grey/silver, navy/silver or black/silver | Length:: 60cm

What are the BE/BS whip rules?

British Showjumping bought in the padded baton rule in 2020 and state that “no rider may carry, use or permit to be used a whip other than those detailed below in the arena, the collecting ring or anywhere on or in the immediate vicinity of the showground”.

British Eventing state that, when jumping, riders can carry one whip that complies with the details below.

Whips must comply with the following rules:

Whips must be no less than 45cm and no more than 70cm (for BS) or 75cm (for BE) in length
There must be no binding within 17cm of the end of the pad
The minimum diameter of the shaft, which must run through the entirety of the whip, is 1cm
The overall weight of the whip must not exceed 160g and must be evenly distributed throughout the length of the whip
The contact area, which is considered to be 2/5 of the overall length, must be covered with a pad
The pad must be smooth, with no protrusion or raised surface (such as embellishment or embroidery)
The pad must be made of shock-absorbing material throughout its circumference, giving a compression factor of at least 6mm
There must not feature wording, advertising or personalisation

What are the BSPS whip rules?

In 2026, the British Show Pony Society announced a change to its whip rules for working hunter and working sports pony classes. Under the new rules, the maximum length of baton allowed is 75cm.

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‘I want her dream to stay at the forefront’: team behind new equestrian centre carries on late founder’s vision

Becky Murray — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:05:58 +0000

An equestrian centre founder has left a lasting legacy, as her memory lives on in the success of the venue she established 18 months ago.

Family-run Bogenraith Equestrian, Aberdeenshire, was the vision of Marion Dreelan, who wanted to “put Scotland back on the map” – and provide top-class facilities for professional and grassroots riders, in an atmosphere that made everyone feel welcome. The plans were made in 2018 and the centre opened in January 2024.

Marion died on 14 January 2025 from cancer, but her dream and vision is being carried on by the Bogenraith team, including Marion’s husband Ciaran, daughters Orla and Emer, son Liam and events manager Jemma Docherty.

Last weekend Bogenraith held its first category three British Showjumping competition, the Granite City Festival (3–6 July), bringing Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers to the northeast of Scotland and welcoming riders from as far as Essex.

Ciaran Dreelan told H&H the success of the show meant a huge amount to the Bogenraith team.

“This was Marion’s vision, it was her dream,” said Ciaran. “It’s overwhelming the support we’ve had, and the teamwork is huge. There’s probably been about 50 people working here, from the show stables, livery and catering to all the officials.

“To have that standard of jumping, the number of entries, how far people have travelled, you don’t really see that in the northeast. I think we are now proving ourselves, and we will be pushing. We want the big shows and the qualifiers, forget the postcode.”

In an H&H interview in August 2024, Marion said the ethos of the centre was to be welcoming and inviting to everybody, whether they are horsey or not – and the Granite City Festival attracted non-horsey spectators; the centre’s Fern Restaurant and Horseshoe Bar is open to all.

Pictured: Marion at the Ros Canter clinic held at Bogenraith Equestrian in 2024. (Image credit: Stephen Hammond Photography)

“The atmosphere here each night with music playing and competitors coming together, it’s those fun stories. For Marion all along it was about having a destination. We want to hold competitions, but we want that fun,” said Ciaran, adding that fun aside, the team’s intention is to provide professional facilities and make things simple for those travelling from afar.

“When riders arrive they don’t have to bed stables or do hay, it’s done for them before they get here. They don’t need to bring mucking-out tools, and we have Norvite feed shop on site, so they can pre-order their feed and it’s here waiting for them. They can arrive, take their horses off the lorry and it’s job done, there’s no hassle.”

Riders were full of praise for Bogenraith. Angel Tough, who travelled from Manchester and won the Events Through a Lens talent seeker class with Nicole IV, said she “would definitely be back”.

“All the staff were lovely, they couldn’t do more for you,” she said.

Alex Bishop and Thomascourt Emirates won the Marion Dreelan 1.40m grand prix at the Granite City Festival. (Image credit: George Walker Jnr)

Alex Bishop travelled 15 hours from Essex with his partner Ronnie Lee Jones. Alex won the Marion Dreelan 1.40m grand prix with Thomascourt Emirates, and secured a ticket to HOYS in the talent seeker qualifier. Ronnie was runner-up and qualified for HOYS in the Redpost Equestrian Foxhunter second round with Ultimo N Z.

“Bogenraith is amazing, I want it to move closer to home,” said Alex. “They offer ad-lib hay or haylage and straw, there’s water right outside your stable, there’s hand-grazing, a beautiful indoor and the staff are unbelievable,” he said, and Ronnie gavie Bogenraith “10 out of 10”.

Nigel Springer, winner of the newcomers second round with Annyalla Silverado, said “these facilities could be anywhere in the country”.

Ciaran said the team “couldn’t ask for more” in the feedback they have received.

“But we’ll still do what we do after every show; we’ll sit down and discuss what can be better,” he said.

Investment into Bogenraith is continuing; the centre plans to add a third outdoor arena for derby jumping and arena eventing, five accommodation units and a cross-country course – with the goal of hosting British Eventing competition in the future. Bogenraith has had the green light to host British Dressage winter regionals and it hopes to hold more category three BS shows and Pony Premier shows in the future – as well as continuing its grassroots competitions, fun shows for children, clinics and training.

Events manager Jemma Docherty told H&H: “We’ve shown everybody what we can do.”

“We’ve achieved a lot in 18 months, and we couldn’t do it without the team we’ve got. Everybody really feels part of it and goes the extra mile, and we all want it to succeed. I’ve never been part of something as magical as that, it really is a family,” she said.

“What we’re doing is bringing everyone together – and that’s what Marion always wanted, for it to be a place of inclusivity. Whether you were jumping 30cm or a grand prix, she wanted everyone to come and to be treated the same.”

Ciarian added that he wants to “keep Marion’s story alive”.

“We’d always said it was my job to build the centre and her job to run it, so it’s a bit bittersweet in a sense. I don’t want people to ever forget about Marion’s vision, and I want her dream to stay at the forefront of everything we do,” he said.

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Disappointment as hard ground and low entries cause havoc for events

Becky Murray — Thu, 29 May 2025 16:52:49 +0000

Hard ground and low entries have been blamed for the cancellation of a number of spring competitions.

British Eventing (BE) fixtures Ascott under Wychwood (2) (31 May to 1 June), Nunney International (13-15 June), and Catton Park International (14-15 June) have all been cancelled, as have the British Showjumping (BS) classes at the Rutland Show (1 June).

Ascott under Wychwood organisers said they did not have enough entries to make it financially viable to “prepare the site and run the event to the standard we want” and this was the case even if they dropped down to one day. Ascott’s first fixture ran on 12-14 April.

“We never take these decisions lightly and always try our utmost to provide the best courses and going within our power,” said a statement from the team, adding that the event’s going was measured earlier this year by Mark Lucey, a retired vet and former member of BE’s risk management committee earlier this year.

“With next to no rain since February the gods this year have gone against us in the opposite direction to last year. Our going was measured by Mark earlier this year as ‘good’ which was obtained by relentless work. We do not have the ability to water as there are no water sources at the top of a hill, so this is never an option for us.”

Nunney International was due to run classes from BE100 to CCI3*-S level. The event’s committee said after “much deliberation, and budget reviews” they were disappointed to cancel because of insufficient entries.

Catton Park was forced to abandon its 2024 fixture owing to wet weather – this year’s has been cancelled owing to insufficient entries.

BEDE Events’ Stuart Buntine, Catton Park event director, said it was a “very difficult decision”.

“We very much wanted to make Catton Park a summer showcase event, with revised layout and new features. Like in 2024 the weather is not something we can control, and it is slightly incomprehensible that last year we had to abandon due to extreme wet and this year we are cancelling due to reduced entry numbers that are being seen across the country due to the continued lack of rain and concern over hard ground,” he said.

“Like many events we’re grateful to British Eventing for the complimentary use of the Aggravator and Equivator that helps us prepare the ground to the highest standards. These machines will be in use at BE fixture Berkshire College of Agriculture (7-8 June), which despite its lower entries than we had hoped for, will run as planned due to the permanent facilities and different model of operation.”

Mr Buntine thanked competitors and owners who had made their entry before the Catton ballot date.

“This is such an important date for all organisers as it helps us make these financial decisions. It enables us to push the green light and crack on with the extensive event preparations, or it helps us make those difficult decisions to pull an event and mitigate financial disaster, which ultimately helps to safeguard eventing venues for the future,” he said, adding that he wants to assure those entered for Berkshire College of Agriculture (BCA) that this event is going ahead.

“We are currently slightly below where we would like to be in terms of entry numbers,” he said. “However, in previous years we have added over 200 entries post-ballot. Entries will remain open until classes/sections are filled. Fence preparation is already well under way, and we do benefit from several permanent facilities at BCA.”

BE chief executive Rosie Williams said BE is “closely monitoring entries and working proactively with organisers to ensure everything is in place for successful and enjoyable events”.

“However, timing is crucial. Once organisers reach a certain stage in their preparations, they begin to incur significant costs – ranging from laying out courses to arranging tents, toilets and catering. At this point, they need confidence that these costs will be covered, and for most, that assurance comes from the volume of entries,” she said.

“So far this year, entry numbers have been very encouraging, and while some areas of the ground are firm, overall conditions are excellent. We are continuing to do everything we can to provide the best possible footing. Ultimately, though, it is up to our members to support events by getting their entries in on time and help us keep the geographical spread of brilliant events we have.”

BS had been due to run at the Rutland Show on Sunday but this has been called off over ground concerns.

“Due to the prolonged dry weather and no rainfall for over eight weeks, the ground conditions have been assessed as too dangerous for jumping. The safety of horses and riders is our top priority,” said a statement from the show.

“We’re incredibly grateful for your understanding and support, and we look forward to welcoming you back for next year’s show on 31 May 2026.”

Refunds for all the above events are being processed.

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Want to look the part out showjumping? Here’s what to wear…

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 16:30:02 +0000

Whether you’re thinking about entering your first showjumping event or you’ve just affiliated with British Showjumping, one of your first questions will be what to wear. There are strict rules on dress code in affiliated competitions, but for unaffiliated shows, the guidelines tend to be less stringent.

You can skip down to read about what to wear at affiliated showjumping events.

What to wear for showjumping

Compared to dress codes for eventing and what you should wear for dressage, the guidelines for showjumping are simpler as there’s no difference between the levels. In short, you’ll need the following items, but we’ve got lots more information on the specific rules below:

riding hat – this must comply with the correct safety standards. (See our guide to the best riding hats)
riding boots – long boots, in black, brown or navy, or short boots in the same colours with matching leather gaiters. (See our guides to the best long boots and best jodhpur boots)
breeches – must be white, pale yellow, beige, grey, fawn, navy or black in colour. (See our guide to the best competition breeches)
show jacket – both traditional-style tailored jackets and new-styled jackets are permitted. (See our guides to the best show jackets and best tweed jackets)
show shirt – long- or short-sleeved with a white collar. (See our guide to the best show shirts)
stock or tie – if you don’t have a high white collar, you’ll need to wear either a stock or tie (stocks are more common and tradition suggests to wear a white stock with black/navy jacket but coloured with tweed)
gloves – optional. (See our guide to the best riding gloves)

Other important tips

Long hair should be tidy and secured appropriately
Competitors are advised to remove jewellery

What to wear at an unaffiliated showjumping competition

You won’t go wrong if you adhere to the affiliated rulebook, as described below. However, the dress code tends to be more lenient at local unaffiliated shows. For example, adults will often be permitted to wear jodhpur boots with half chaps rather than a traditional long riding boot.

Whatever the level of show, you’ll want to be smartly turned out in jacket, light-coloured jodhpurs/breeches and stock or tie if you don’t have a shirt with a high white collar. If you want to wear something different, contact the show secretary to check that it is permitted.

One item which is essential whatever the code, is protective headgear to the appropriate safety standard:

British: All PAS (2011), VG1 – provided they are BSI Kitemarked.
European: VG1 – provided they are BSI Kitemarked.
American: all SEI ASTM F1163 04a onwards and SNELL E2016.
Australian and New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards.

What to wear for affiliated showjumping competitions

Competitors must be dressed in correct riding clothes, including jackets, whenever they enter the arena.

Jackets

Competitors may wear traditional-style tailored jackets, including hacking jackets, or new-styled jackets, with the exception of British team colours (dark blue with red collar and white piping, Union Flag on the breast pocket area).

New style jackets are subject to various regulations:

– they must be fully zipped up in competition.
– up to three sponsor logos can appear on the right sleeve, all three contained within 6x14cm, and one logo on the breast pocket (3x4cm)
– riders’ names may appear on the back of the jacket in upper and lower case letters, using the type face Cosmos Light or Arial, with letters 4cm in height.
Members of the armed forces or police force may wear their uniforms.
In hot weather, riders may be allowed to compete without jackets at the judges’ discretion, wearing shirts with either long or short sleeves, and ties firmly secured.

Shirts

May have short or long sleeves, and must be done up properly
Shirts must have white collars, and long sleeves must have white cuffs
To be worn with ties or hunting stocks
Ladies may wear shirts with high white collars, and without a tie or stock
Coloured ties or stocks may be worn with hacking jackets
Junior members who are also Pony Club members may wear the Pony Club tie regardless of jacket colour

Breeches/jodhpurs

Must be white, pale yellow, beige, grey, fawn, navy or black in colour

Boots

Traditional style riding boots, either long or short, but short boots must be worn with leather gaiters.

Permitted colours are:

– Plain black, or black with mahogany or patent tops.
– Plain brown, or brown with patent tops.
– Plain navy, or navy with mahogany or patent tops.
For juniors, traditional style leather jodhpur boots in plain black, brown or navy may be worn with leather gaiters cut in the traditional riding boot style, or half chaps.

Gloves

Optional

Body protectors

Optional, with no specific standard required
Air jackets can be worn without a body protector

Not permitted

Polo necks
Chaps
Half chaps, except for junior riders (as detailed above).
Video recording or camera equipment is not permitted to be worn anywhere on the horse/pony or rider when mounted anywhere on the showground.

Hats

Protective headgear must be worn at all times when riding, with the harness securely fastened.

Hats must meet one of the following standards:

– British: All PAS 015 (2011), VG1 – provided they are BSI Kitemarked.
– European: VG1 – provided they are BSI Kitemarked.
– American: all SEI ASTM F1163 2004a onwards and SNELL E2016.
– Australian and New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards.

Spurs

No spurs of excessively severe design
Only dummy, rollerball, impulse, rowelled, hammerhead or Prince of Wales spurs are permitted
Rowelled spurs if worn, must have smooth rowels, with a diameter of no less than 1cm and no greater than 2cm, with a minimum width of 1.8mm. The rowels must sit in the vertical plane; horizontal rowels are not allowed. Rowels are not permitted for ponies
No spurs with interchangeable/removable shanks
No spurs necks set on the inside of the heel
No spurs with roughened or cutting edges
No serrated spurs
Overall length of spur should not exceed 4cm (measured from back of boot to end of spur). For ponies, this should not exceed 2.5cm
Spurs should be of smooth material (metal or plastic)
Shank must be blunt and point only towards the rear
Only one pair of spurs should be worn, traditionally fitted with the curve of the neck of the spur pointing downwards
For pony classes, spurs with necks must not exceed 2cms long, and they are not to be pointed, sharp or rowelled

Whips/padded batons

In December 2024, Horse & Hound reported changes to the use of padded batons, which replaced whips in British Showjumping competitions five years ago. You can read about the new British showjumping whip rules, which came into force on 1 January 2025, here.

In affiliated showjumping, competitors at all levels may carry a padded baton:

Between 45cm and 70cm in length with a shaft of minimum 1cm diameter and not exceeding 160g
That has a contact area (the part of the padded baton that will or has the potential to contact the horse) two fifths of the padded baton’s overall length
With a pad covering the contact area that is smooth, with no protrusion or raised surface, wording, advertising or personalisation. The pad must be made from shock-absorbing material that gives a compression factor of at least 6mm and there must be no binding within 17cm of the end of the pad

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‘I’m pinching the ride!’: 12-year-old borrows his dad’s horse (who’s won with John Whitaker) to win national title

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 15:47:46 +0000

At last year’s British Showjumping Spring Championships, Paul Barker won the 1.35m title with the 13-year-old son of Luidam, Green Grass. This year, the chestnut stallion was back at Arena UK (21-24 March) but with Paul’s 12-year-old son Charlie at the helm, heading the winter children-on-horses final in tremendous style.

Charlie launched a five-horse jump-off with a pathfinding round on Strides Maureen, before snatching the win from Honey Bowes (Lagrandessa W) with a smooth and neat round from final draw on their quality home-bred.

“Charlie started riding Green Grass in November and he’s ticked away over the winter with him,” said Paul. “He jumped one 1.30m with him at Stainsby Grange last week but this is the first time he’s gone properly against the clock.

“I just told him to get a good canter and keep a nice rhythm, the turnbacks today suited him.”

Charlie Barker on Green Grass: “I’m pinching the ride now!”

Paul Barker has previously loaned the ride on Green Grass to John Whitaker, who has competed him at five-star shows including at the London International, Spruce Meadows and on the Longines Global Champions Tour, even clearing 1.95m to win a six-bar at the CSIO5* of Rome in 2023.

“He’s a sensible stallion and has been easy for Charlie to get used to,” said Paul. “We’ll aim him [for the viewing trials] at Pony Of The Year Show now, in a few weeks’ time.”

Paul may find his days with Green Grass are now numbered if Charlie has his way.

“He’s pretty easy for a stallion and gives me a good feeling, I’m pinching the ride now!” said Charlie.

Read the full report from the British Showjumping Spring Championships at Arena UK in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, in the shops Thursday 27 March.

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Are you looking for a showjumping championship target? Plan your 2025 season with our helpful guide

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 08:30:43 +0000

Whether you’re competing in British Showjumping, or choosing the unaffiliated route, showjumpers who like to have a championship goal have a number of different options to consider in 2025. Whether you’re aiming for a prestigious qualifier or just looking to rack up points, there’s no shortage of showjumping championship opportunities to test your skills, whatever your level. Here’s a taste of what you could target – or enjoy from the stands – this season.

Showjumping championships to aim for in 2025

Blue Chip Winter Showjumping Championships

Addington Equestrian, Bucks

8–13 April

Level: from novice to JA ponies (80cm–1.20m) and novice to grade A horses (90cm–1.30m). There are 16 championship finals.

Qualification

Top eight horses (subject to clear round) in each of the 280 qualifying classes through the winter go through to championships. There are a handful of qualifiers left in late February/early March, but make it an aim for spring 2026, with qualifiers starting again in October.

Visit: bluechipchamps.co.uk/qualifiers/

British Showjumping National Championships (BSNC)

Stoneleigh Park, Warks

5–10 August

Level: more than 40 classes to qualify for in junior, senior and para categories. From 90cm up to 1.40m.

Qualification (not an exhaustive list)

1.15m Members Cup championship (for riders not listed in gold league): two double clears between 1 June–31 May.
National 1.30m open, 1.40m open and national B&C handicap championships: two double clears at the level qualify between July–June.
Redpost Equestrian senior Foxhunter, senior newcomers, Nupafeed Supplements discovery championship and British novice championship – for horses who have won up to 700 (Foxhunter), 375 (newcomers), 225 (discovery) or 125 (British novice) points. First round qualifiers run between 1 May–30 April, with four double clears qualifying for second round. Second rounds run April to July. Top five plus treble clears (Foxhunter and newcomers) or dependent on placing per number of starters plus treble clears (discovery and British novice)
National 1.05m championship (bronze league combinations): three double clears at 1m or above between 1 January–30 June.
National 1.25m championship (silver league combinations): three double clears at 1.20m or above between 1 January–30 June.
Pony bronze and silver league finals: the top 10 combinations in the regional leagues in each height category will be invited to the championships.
STX-UK pony Foxhunter and Blue Chip Pony newcomers masters, for ponies who have won up to 700 and 500 points respectively: first round qualifiers as for horses. Second rounds run April to July with the top eight qualifying, and all treble clears.
Pony discovery and STX-UK Pony British novice championship, for ponies who have won up to 300 and 150 points respectively: First round qualifiers as above. Second rounds run April to July with the top 10 qualifying, and all treble clears.
Para classes (grade I–IV/70–90cm): open to all registered BS para equestrians (club and national). Riders must have competed in a para competition or attended BS para jumping training in the 12 months prior to BSNC. Riders may only compete in their graded height unless they request in writing to jump up a grade.

Visit: bsnationalchampionships.co.uk/

Horse of the Year Show (HOYS)

NEC, Birmingham

8–12 October

Levels: bronze and silver leagues, grade C, newcomers, talent seekers, Foxhunter, 128cm 138cm and 148cm

Qualification

NAF bronze and silver league: eight regional leagues accrue points in classes; between 85cm and 1.10m for bronze and 1.10-1.30m for silver. League periods are 1 April–20 September and 1 October–31 March. The top 15 combinations in each, plus the top three in each of eight direct qualifiers, will go to the semi-finals; seven from each qualify for the respective final. For more details on these qualifiers visit: britishshowjumping.co.uk
HOYS grade C: qualifiers run April to September yearly. Top three qualify.
Events Through A Lens talent seeker incorporating seven-year-old final: qualifiers run April to September yearly. Top four qualify to HOYS including highest-placed seven-year-old.
Redpost Equestrian Foxhunter and senior newcomers championship: first rounds as above. Second rounds run April–July with the top two horses qualifying for the final. The top four in the Foxhunter and newcomers masters at BSNC also qualify.
128cm, 138cm and 148cm (pony showjumper of the year) qualifiers run May–July yearly, riders must have obtained two double clears at 1m, 1.10m or 1.20m or above respectively to jump qualifiers. Top four combinations qualify to final; must jump clear in first round.
STX-UK Pony Foxhunter and pony newcomers championship: first round qualifiers run 1 May–30 April, four double clears qualifying for second rounds. Second rounds run April to July with the top four qualifying for final.

Scope Festival

South View EC, Cheshire

Seniors: 17–19 August

Juniors: 21–23 August

Level: from 85m to 1.40m; horses and ponies

Qualification

For the majority of classes, combinations or horses (dependent on class) need to record one double clear at qualifiers between 1 January–31 July.
Qualifiers are listed at: britishshowjumping.co.uk

The All England September Tour

All England Showground, Hickstead, West Sussex

27–31 August and 3-7 September

Level: 90cm to 1.40m grand prix

Multiple rings run throughout the show, with chances to qualify for finals in the International Arena.

The Arena UK Major Showjumping Championships

Arena UK, Lincs

15–21 September

Level: British novice to 1.40m

A full range of national classes, with riders competing throughout the week to qualify for the finals, with the 1.40m grand prix the highlight on the Saturday night. Also runs puissance, six-bar, ride-and-drive plus entertainment and hospitality.

Amateurs

National Amateur & Veteran Championships

Aintree International EC, Merseyside

November, exact date TBC

Level: 85cm, 95cm, 1.05m, 1.10m, minor veteran riders and major veteran riders

Qualification

For amateur and over-45yo riders who are not on the BS gold league, or silver league as horse/rider combination. Cannot have competed on any senior team in past 10 years or youth team in past five.
Amateurs need to jump five double clears in any of the classes between 1 September to 31 August for direct qualification. You can qualify for second rounds with one double clear and then need to finish in top eight with an initial clear. Veteran championships by direct entry.

Sunshine Tour Championships

All England Showground, Hickstead, W Sussex

11–14 September

Level: fun championships series for novice, amateur and unaffiliated, with finals in dressage showing, showjumping and eventers’ challenge.

Qualification

Combinations must be registered with the Sunshine Tour.
Finish first to third in an open, unaffiliated showjumping or dressage class at a registered centre or club, from 1 January and 31 July.
Finish first to fourth in an open, unaffiliated showing or eventers’ challenge from 1 November to 31 December at any centre or club; and from 1 January to 31 July at a registered centre or club. Submit evidence of results within one month of qualifying competition. Entries open 10 August.

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Fancy trying affiliated showjumping? Here’s what you need to know…

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 08:30:00 +0000

If you’re competing successfully at unaffiliated shows and are interested in taking on a new challenge, then you may want to know how to get started in affiliated showjumping competitions, which are run by British Showjumping (BS), the governing body of showjumping in Britain.

What is the difference between affiliated and unaffiliated showjumping? Many riders start their showjumping careers at unaffiliated shows and there are no rules to prevent riders from swapping between the two levels of competition. However, affiliated shows have to comply with BS rules and you can be confident that they are structured to promote fair competition. You can also build up a record of results at BS shows which will enable you to qualify for championships.

What to expect: Although some unaffiliated showjumping competitions are run under BS rules, with a registered course builder/designer and judge, if you affiliate you’ll be getting consistency across all the competitions you enter. Note that you may face extra rules which don’t apply at unaffiliated level, so it is worth spending time familiarising yourself with the BS rule book before you start competing. If you’re unsure about kit and clothing, here’s a breakdown of what to wear for affiliated showjumping.

How much does it cost? There are a range of annual membership options available, starting at £30 for BS club membership. It costs £155 to be a full senior jumping member, while horse registration starts from £62 for six months for a single horse at Grade C. In addition, you will have to pay entry fees for each class you wish to jump.

How high do I need to jump? British Showjumping’s club membership is designed for riders who are jumping between 60cm and 1m, who have no registered results at national amateur 85cm, British novice, stepping stones, pony British novice or above during the past three years. Club competitions are run for league points rather than prize money, and there is no age limit on riders competing ponies at club shows. Alternatively, if you are a national member, then you can compete to win prize money in national BS shows, starting at 85cm.

Can I compete in affiliated showjumping without British Showjumping membership? Non-members of BS can purchase a day ticket from the British Showjumping website that makes them eligible to compete. They cost £5 and must be used within 12 months from purchase. Each Day Ticket to Ride applies to only one horse/rider combination per day and will allow for either a registered or non-registered rider to compete the non-registered horse or pony for the day. However, you won’t receive any prize money if you’re placed.

Affiliated showjumping competition structure: Classes you can expect to see at most affiliated national shows include British novice, discovery, newcomers and Foxhunter. These classes offer the chance to qualify for second rounds, then a final, with horses progressing from one class to the next, based on their points record. The emphasis is on combinations jumping consistently rather than racing against the clock, and you need to achieve four double clears in each category to qualify. You then earn three chances to compete at a second round competition and try for a place in the final. Open classes typically run alongside these classes, allowing horses that are not eligible on points to compete at the various heights. There are also classes for amateur riders, starting at 85cm, with a national amateur championships, plus other championships such as the Blue Chips and the bronze and silver league finals at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) to aim for.

Horse grading: Affiliated horses are classed under three categories, depending on how many points they have won:

Grade C: 0-999 points
Grade B: 1,000-1,999 points
Grade A: 2,000 points or more

Guide to British showjumping competition levels

British novice: Aimed at the novice horse, this class is open to Grade C horses who have won less than 125 points. The start height is a maximum height of 0.90m (2ft 11in) in a British novice class. If you qualify for the second round, the start height goes up to 1m (3ft 3in).
Discovery: Open to registered horses who have won less than 225 points. The maximum start height is 1m (3ft 3in), going up to 1.05m (3ft 5in) in second round classes.
Newcomers: For horses who have won less than 375 points. The start height in the first round will be a maximum of 1.10m (3ft 7in) and 1.25m (4ft 1in) in second round competitions.
Foxhunter: To be eligible for this prestigious competition, horses must have won less than 700 points. Maximum start height in the first round is 1.20m (3ft 11in), while you’ll be jumping 1.30m (4ft 3in) if you qualify for the second round.

The British novice and discovery finals take place at the BS national championships, the newcomer and Foxhunter finals at HOYS.

Find out more: Contact BS – email: office@britishshowjumping.co.uk, phone: 0247669 8800) or visit: www.britishshowjumping.co.uk

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‘We’re a hairy cob and an old woman’: championship legends show others what’s possible

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 19:51:46 +0000

A 65-year-old rider and her 15hh cob who have become legends of Aintree International Equestrian Centre hope their success will inspire others as to what is possible.

Sue Evans bought Belle Isle Conor to do some hacking, hunting and low-level competition – which they do. But having taken up British Showjumping (BS) competition a few years ago, they have now become an annual and major part of the National Amateur & Veteran Championships, held at Aintree every November and billed as “the greatest show”.

Conor and Sue have been there every year since their 2017 debut, excluding the Covid year, contesting the national 85cm final – but also famously flying the 1.20m joker fence in the accumulator class.

Their picture has been used by Clipmyhorse as the thumbnail for its coverage of the event, and their picture displayed at Aintree. Not only that, new championship sponsor Equiyd is sponsoring them, and funding their costs at this year’s finals.

“I couldn’t believe it when they got in touch,” Sue told H&H. “I’m not a great rider, we don’t win or get placed in the big classes. But I think it’s his exuberance – people can see that he just loves it.”

Sue said she was born a “city girl”, to non-equestrian parents, but always dreamed of having a horse. She started helping at a local riding school, riding ponies bareback to the field and “falling off a lot – I didn’t have a clue”. Later she managed to fund lessons every now and then.

“I was just besotted,” she said.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Sue lived in the Emirates for years, where she got more riding in, then the family, by this time with three children, moved back to the UK, and about 11 years ago, she bought Conor.

“I had a lovely mare who got arthritis in her knees,” she said. “I loaned her out to a friend, who loves her and hacks her out, but was in the market for another one. I didn’t have much money as I’d loaned her and was looking for cobs as I thought they’d suit me; something simple and quiet to hack round on and do some low-level stuff.”

Sue spotted Conor advertised, and noticed that his ad stayed on the dealer’s website for some time, so she asked her husband Gary, a farrier, to check him out when he went to the yard.

“He said ‘They all look the same to me, I just look at their feet’!” she said. “So I went to see him, and wasn’t very impressed. He was a bit skinny and looked like a cow.

“But they had a little arena with woodchip and a few things to jump – he couldn’t canter, but boy, could he jump! I thought ‘Hmm’.

“Athena had been really spooky so I asked if I could put my coat by the jump to see what he’d do and he jumped about the height of the wings; ‘I’m not going to touch it but I am going to jump it’. I asked if I could take him for the weekend and to a little competition, and if he behaved, I wouldn’t take him back. You know the rest!”

For the first few years, Conor and Sue went hunting – which mainly involved Sue apologising profusely as she was carted past the master – and hacked, and did some BS Club competitions. Then a friend told her about the amateur championships, and Sue thought they sounded good.

Watch Conor and Sue conquer the joker

“But she said you had to be a full BS member and I said ‘No chance, we’re just not capable’,” Sue said. “But she said no, they started at what we were jumping anyway, so I said we’d give it a go.”

They qualified, and turned up at Aintree the first year “exhausted” from the long journey in the trailer, Sue said, and with “no clue what to do or where to go”, but the staff and other riders were hugely helpful and welcoming.

“I didn’t come anywhere but it was so much fun and so exciting,” she said. “I’ve been going ever since. I love it there and Conor adores it; he knows exactly where he is.”

Sue said 2023 was their best year, when they came ninth in the hugely popular accumulator, as well as sixth in the equally well contested, and warp-speed, pairs class.

“That’s incredible for a little 153cm cob, against these brilliant horses and riders,” she said. “The accumulator is his class. When I did it the first time, I saw it was 80cm start height and thought fine, but it gets bigger all the way and the joker is 1.20m. I was bricking it! We had a couple of poles but he jumped the joker and no one could believe it. Last year, I managed to fall off before we got to it but he knew; he was looking for it.”

Sue said the Equiyd sponsorship offer came “out of the blue”, and she could not believe it was true at first. The company, an online horse management service, has not only offered her horse and rider wear but also her stable and entries at Aintree this year.

“It was unbelievable; a little hairy cob and an old woman getting this,” she said. “But a lot of people have said I’m the epitome of the amateur rider, with my little cob and my trailer, working hard, and looking like we’re having fun – which we always are. Every time I remember the course, it’a a bonus! But there’s Conor with his mane and feather flying, head up, sights on the jump, and ‘I’ve got this’. He just loves it and so do I.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Aintree International manager Carly Sage said it is always a pleasure to have Conor and Sue; they featured them in a video interview last year, and in a picture on display.

“They’re great fun, and they show people anyone can showjump, this is a show for everyone,” she told H&H. “He comes alive at Aintree; he absolutely loves it here and she’s great fun. He is a superstar, and can seriously jump!”

Do you know of a super cob? Share your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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Going showjumping? Here’s what you need to know about the new whip rules…

Carol Phillips — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 16:30:57 +0000

If you’re planning to compete in affiliated showjumping competitions this year, you need to make sure you fully understand the new British Showjumping whip rules for 2025.

As previously, anyone competing under British Showjumping (BS) rules can carry a “padded baton” as an aid to help encourage the horse to maintain an appropriate pace to jump the fences safely and in good form, but the rules about how it can be used have been updated, with horse welfare in mind.

Is your whip BS legal?

Firstly, you need to ensure your choice of whip, which is described as a padded baton by BS, complies with the rules.

The correct dimensions of the padded baton are between 45cm and 70cm in length and it must not weigh more than 160g. The shaft must have a minimum diameter of 1cm and this must run throughout the length of the baton. Two fifths of the baton must be covered by the pad, which must be smooth, with no protrusion or raised surface, and made of shock-absorbing material. There must be no binding to secure the pad to the shaft within 17cms of the end of the pad, which must not have any wording, advertising or personalisation on it.

The rules about the type of whip allowed have been in place since 2020, but if you’re unsure about whether your whip is legal, check with the BS steward before you start warming up.

What are the new BS whip rules?

The new British Showjumping whip rules state under what circumstances the padded baton can be used, and how it should be applied.

“The aim is to clarify how the padded baton should be used,” BS CEO Iain Graham told H&H, adding that equine welfare is the driver for the changes. “The aim is for people to use them to back up the leg aid, not for punishment.”

It is important that you understand what is acceptable use as the rules state that “any misuse of the padded baton in the arena, practice arena or anywhere on the show ground will result in disciplinary action being taken”.

So what is permitted use of the whip?

The rules state that the padded baton can be used in two places on the horse; behind the rider’s leg to encourage the horse forward, and on the shoulder to encourage the horse to move in a particular direction.

The whip can be used up to a maximum of three times while in the competition arena.

If used on the horse’s shoulder, the rider must keep both hands on the reins while making contact or applying direct pressure.

What is deemed excessive use?

The rider must not raise their arm above the shoulder to use the padded baton.

When using the baton on the horse’s shoulder, both hands should remain on the reins.

The whip must not be used more than three times in total while in the competition arena.

The baton must not be used to discipline or punish the horse/pony, nor to vent an athlete’s temper.

It should not be used immediately after a refusal, run-out or case of elimination in either the competition or the practice arena.

If a horse’s skin is broken or marked, as a result of the use of the baton, this is always considered excessive.

What happens if you use the whip incorrectly?

If you use your whip in a manner that it not in line with the rules at a BS show, or a show run under BS rules, then you may be called to the judges’ box. Depending on how serious the error is, you could be fined or even banned from competition for a period.

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Storm Éowyn causes cancellations of equestrian competitions

Becky Murray — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 12:15:13 +0000

A number of equestrian competitions have been cancelled owing to the arrival of Storm Éowyn.

Yesterday (23 January) the Met Office issued multiple weather warnings as the UK’s first named storm of 2025 brings “disruptive winds, heavy rain, and snow for some”.

A red warning, reserved for the most severe weather with a danger to life, has been issued in northern Ireland and the central belt of Scotland, and amber warnings for wind are in place for north Scotland and northeast England. Yellow warnings for wind are in place around the east and west midlands, the east, southeast and west and London. A yellow warning for snow is in place for north and central Scotland.

A number of equestrian venues that had been due to run competitions today (24 January) and over the weekend (25-26 January) have announced cancellations including Kelsall Hill, Cheshire, which had been due to run British Dressage (BD) today.

“Following the extreme weather warnings issued by the Met Office for Friday 24 January, BD has been in consultation with those venues located in the yellow, amber and red zones,” said a BD spokesperson.

“In the interest of both rider safety and horse welfare, all venues likely to be adversely affected by Storm Éowyn have been advised to either postpone or reschedule their shows.”

The spokesperson added that the High Profile event at Vale View Equestrian Centre (24-26 January) will be continuing as planned, as the majority of competitors [are] already on site.

British Showjumping shows at Leyland Court (24 January), Beacons Equestrian and Colraine Equestrian (26 January) have been cancelled. Today’s classes at the Aintree International Winter Classic (23-26 January) are off, and further updates will be provided throughout the day.

“We currently have 165 horses stabled on site and our priority is to keep horses, grooms and riders safe until the storm dies down this evening,” said an Aintree spokesperson.

A Met Office spokesperson said the worst of the winds from Storm Éowyn will ease today, but after a “brief calmer spell”, further strong winds and heavy rain are expected on Sunday.

“The strongest winds will be focussed in western parts, while the wettest conditions will likely be across Wales, central and southern England. This low pressure will not be as powerful as Storm Éowyn but it could hamper the recovery efforts of responders in some of the impacted areas from Friday’s storm,” he said.

“Warnings could be updated through the weekend and into next week, so keep up to date with the forecast.”

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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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‘I never dreamt I’d be jumping 1.60m – now I want to go higher and faster!’: young rider surprises herself on the path to stardom

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 16:30:25 +0000

Young showjumper Ella Dalton has long been an exciting talent on the national circuit, grabbing the headlines with her 2022 victory in the Hickstead speed Derby. But in a breakthrough year for the 22-year-old, she’s stepped up impressively to jumping 1.60m tracks, surprising even herself in the process.

“It’s been crazy, I didn’t think I’d ever be able to jump 1.60m – I didn’t even know if I wanted to, to be honest – but here we are!” says Ella, who credits her brilliant new partner Hurricane VDL for giving her the belief to step up.

“With him, I don’t think any jump or course could ever look too big, it’s bizarre,” she says of the 12-year-old gelding. “I walked the course for the Cock o’the North at the Great Yorkshire, my first 1.60m, and thought actually this is possible. I never used to like jumping big at all! Hurricane was very cool.”

New beginnings for showjumper Ella Dalton

Ella teamed up with new owner Klodian Allajbeu a year ago and is now based in Suffolk where she has 10 horses in work.

“Our aim is to have a few younger ones to bring up through, too,” says Ella. “It’s been a bit of a changeover this year and a great opportunity, so you just have to see where it takes you.”

Hurricane VDL and Orya Van Koekenhuyze, AKA Rita, are among her impressive string of quality 1.50m horses.

“Hurricane is fun, he’s so brave and he makes you fearless,” she says. “He’s a strange character in that he wants to love you – and he does love you – but he doesn’t want to show it because he’s quite grumpy at times.

“The plan for next year is just to try to get more experience round the bigger tracks,” adds Ella, who has also been selected for British Showjumping’s gold development programme. “I think that will be really helpful. It’s a great way to brighten up your future, open your eyes to different things and offer you training. Which also means I don’t have to blame my mum anymore!”

Ella’s turning point in the sport

While Ella’s mum was a showjumper, her daughter’s passion for the sport wasn’t immediately obvious.

“When I was little, Mum took me to Hickstead to watch the 128cm jumping and she said, ‘You’d like to do this wouldn’t you?’ and I said ‘No, not at all – you’ll have to adopt a child if you want them to do that, it’s not for me!’

“The turning point was getting the ride on [speed Derby winner] Quality Rubies N Diamonds as she’s quite similar to Hurricane in that she will give you so much confidence,” says Ella.

“The problem is you see all the good riders jumping and they never seem to make mistakes, so you feel like you’re the only one that’s useless – I think you always feel worse than you are.

“I do look back and realise how much I’ve progressed, so I’d like to keep going until I’m up there with all the big names,” adds Ella, who looks up to Ben Maher and Marcus Ehning as her favourite riders.

Ella’s plan is to continue within the under-25 age bracket while she’s still eligible, and then?

“Then I’d just like to keep going higher and faster!” she says.

Watch this space.

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Scotland is producing plenty of exciting young showjumpers – meet its latest rising star

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 08:30:32 +0000

Flying the flag for Scotland in tremendous style is rising star young showjumper Fraser Reed.

The 23-year-old horseman has enjoyed plenty of success through ponies and into senior ranks but 2024 has been a year of exciting new opportunities and the talented young rider is grasping every chance he can.

Fraser joined the East Sussex yard of Matt Pike earlier this year, where he joined his friend and fellow Scottish showjumper Sandy McLean, and he qualified for the prestigious evoke under-25 British championship at the London International with his top horse Westbank Rio.

“Getting that qualification was really good,” says Fraser, who jumped round for just eight faults in the final last year with the same horse, owned by his mother Aileen.

Fraser qualified this time around at Morris Equestrian Centre, near Kilmarnock, after sharing the spoils with another brilliant young Scot, Emma Crawford (Dukes Of Hazzard).

“I missed the first qualifier, then I was there or thereabouts at the second, so I thought I might as well go for it at my third!” he says. “Rio also won the qualifier last year at Arena UK. I jumped at Olympia on ponies, too, but the under-25 British Championship is a great class to jump at an amazing show.”

Fraser Reed: born and bred in Fife

Showjumper Fraser Reed was born and grew up near St Andrews in Scotland, where his mother is a riding school instructor.

He started competing on ponies at the age of seven, qualifying for all the prestigious finals including Horse of the Year Show. At the age of 16, he and his pony Harry were part of Great Britain’s silver medal-winning team at the pony European Showjumping Championships in 2017.

A couple of years ago he left Fife and joined Irish showjumper Richard Howley at his base in Yorkshire for two years.

“My time at HK Horses with Richard and Morgan was my education really,” he says. “It’s where I learnt the trade, how to work the horses, how to get them prepared for the day. It was a really good place to learn and I value that so much. I really like his programme and the way he rides.”

Fraser is now based with Matt Pike, where he “can get stuck in”, building on all the foundations he’s laid.

“I did ponies with Sandy McLean, so I grew up with him, and he phoned me in the summer saying he needed a hand on the yard with Matt because they had plenty of horses to ride,” explains Fraser. “There’s two really promising five-year-olds and a few six-year-olds, then we’ve a seven-year-old called Bingo 55 who is jumping the 1.40m classes and Matt’s given him to me to run for a bit.

“We have so many lovely horses here, coming in and out all the time, but Matt is also striving for a better string of horses to stay in the yard – whether that’s one or two of the nicer five-year-olds or an older grand prix horse.”

“Westbank Rio and I have learnt together: he’s amazing”

Fraser describes his long-term ride Westbank Rio, an 11-year-old Irish-bred gelding by Riverland Roi x Douglas as his “faithful old partner”. They qualified for both the Grade C and Foxhunter finals at last year’s Horse of the Year Show and have stepped up consistently to international classes and the bigger tracks at home this year.

“I’ve had him for three and a half years now and we’ve learnt together. He’ll forgive me after a bad round and he’ll also help me out of a few bad places!” says Fraser. “He’s very careful, he has all the jump and he does a lot of clear rounds. He’s jumped clear in all these grands prix and four or five ranking classes this year. He’s been amazing for the start of my career.”

As for future ambitions, Fraser is maintaining a level head.

“We’ll head to Europe at the start of 2025 possibly to try to get a tour or two in, and try to pick up some good placings in the rankings classes then we’ll see where we are after that,” he says.

“I’d love to get on a three-star Nations Cup team next year if I still have Rio. That would be a great goal to work towards and would be a fantastic highlight if we could get there.”

It’s a marvellous era for young Scottish riders, with the likes of double Olympic gold medallist Scott Brash for the next generation to look up to and be inspired by.

“Scott and Richard Howley have been great role models for me to try to mould myself around,” says Fraser.

You can’t do better than that and showjumper Fraser Reed is definitely an exciting young talent who is really going places; keep him on your radar in 2025.

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Whips may not be used to discipline horses in new showjumping rules with a welfare focus

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:51:25 +0000

Padded whips may only be allowed to back up leg aids – and not to punish the horse – in British Showjumping (BS) from 1 January, in part of rule changes with a “strong focus on equine welfare”.

BS revisions to come into force in 2025 include changes to use of the padded batons, which replaced whips in BS competition five years ago.

“As everyone will be aware there is a strong focus on equine welfare and it is the responsibility of everyone who rides, trains or cares for horses to ensure that they are always treated correctly,” a BS spokesperson said.

From 1 January, the padded baton “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.”

The baton may not be used more than three times in total while in the arena, nor may it be used immediately after elimination, or a refusal, run-out in the competition or practice arena.

The rider’s arm may not come above the shoulder, and the baton should make contact with the horse behind the rider’s leg.

If used to support the horse’s shoulder, the rider must keep both hands on the reins. If the horse’s skin is broken or masked as a result of baton use, this is “always considered excessive”. Misuse of the baton anywhere on the showground will result in disciplinary action.

In another change, members will only be allowed to use equipment allowed in the competition arena for the jumping warm-up. This means draw reins are not allowed to be used for warming up on the flat in the same arena as the jumping warm-up takes place. If there is a separate warm-up area for riding on the flat then they can be used there, and they are allowed to be worn in prizegivings.

An additional provision has been added for riders with hidden disabilities, after it was highlighted by the BS equality, diversity and inclusion group

“We are pleased to confirm that it has been agreed to allow members to have a caller at Club and Just for Schools competitions/classes if the athlete dispensation panel has granted dispensation that this member has sufficient medical needs to permit the use of a caller in competition,” the spokesperson said.

“The caller will stand with the course-designer in the arena, and they will only be able to give directions to the rider, no other guidance or instructions will be allowed.

“It has been agreed that a British Showjumping yellow ribbon in the horses tail will be offered for those who have been granted a dispensation, this should alert other riders to give the horse/rider more space in the practice arena.”

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‘She tried her heart out’: farewell to 30-year-old pony who took a host of riders to the top

Becky Murray — Fri, 24 May 2024 12:04:35 +0000

Catherston Nutsafe, the superstar pony who won multiple medals and shone across disciplines, has died in retirement aged 30.

“Snoopy” was bred in 1995 by Catherston Stud, by Catherston Nightsafe and out of Catherston Dauntless. As a six-year-old, she joined the Baird family in Aberdeen, where she was produced by Harriet (now Harriet Allen), her sister Tabitha and their mum Catie.

“In the early days she was pretty sharp, and tried a lot of tricks! We did a lot of Pony Club, and in 2005 won the Urky Newton bursary for our cross-country round at the national championships,” Harriet told H&H.

“Another big highlight was taking her to Ballindenisk that year where we were second in the British Eventing pony trial.”

Snoopy also turned her hooves to showing, winning a working hunter final at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 2006, following a spur-of-the-moment decision to enter her in a qualifying class.

“At the last minute we registered Snoopy for a class, and we won it. I didn’t know it was a qualifier, then my mum told me ‘You’ve qualified for HOYS!’” said Harriet.

“The plan had been to do a couple more working hunters before the final but we didn’t get round to it as we were busy with eventing, so we just went to HOYS – and we won.”

As it was Harriet’s last year on ponies, Snoopy went on to the McEwen family and became a prominent name on the pony eventing circuit. She was ridden by Tom in his final year on ponies, then by his sister Ella, then 14, who enjoyed much success in pony trials with her. Ella and Snoopy won team silver at the 2008 pony Europeans in Avenches, Switzerland, and were part of the silver medal-winning team at the 2009 Europeans at Moorsele, Belgium.

In 2010 Snoopy was sold to the Ecroyd family for 13-year-old Sam. The pair clocked up seven wins in their first season and won team gold at the pony Europeans at Bishop Burton. Snoopy then went on to continued success with Chelsea Pearce, and later Molly Faulkner.

“We took a long time to produce her so she understood everything, and it was amazing to watch her go on with all those riders and do what she did. She was a princess when she arrived with us, and was still a princess when she left but a bit more of a hardcore princess!” said Harriet.

“She just tried her heart out. She had a heart of gold and did everything for you that she possibly could. She loved her job and once she understood what the question was, that was it.”

Snoopy retired from eventing in 2016 and continued in showjumping with Molly Faulkner, before the late Kenneth Pritchard bought her for Kathleen Doyle in 2018.

“We did HOYS and Hickstead qualifiers, JC/JA classes, and took her to Home Pony shows. She took me to the top, she was such a great pony,” Kathleen told H&H.

“She would be quiet in the warm-up then at the gate waiting to go into the ring she’d be bouncing on the spot with excitement. She just loved it, she acted like a six-year-old.”

Snoopy retired sound from competition in 2020 aged 26, and continued to enjoy hacking. She died in her field from natural causes on 19 May aged 30.

“She was my best friend and we had so much fun together,” said Kathleen.

“She meant an awful lot to our family, especially because Ken passed not long after he bought her for me, she really was so special.”

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Meet the part-Clydesdale showjumper ‘living his best life’ aged 30

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 18:51:54 +0000

Meet Wilson, the half-Clydesdale who is “living his best life” as he continues to showjump his enthusiastic way across Scotland aged 30.

Jonathan Bagg, who has owned the 17.1hh half-thoroughbred gelding for 25 years, told H&H he has been pulled up by British Showjumping (BS) judges as they struggle to believe how old Wilson is.

“I’ve been pulled in twice to check his age as they couldn’t believe what they were seeing,” he said. “They said they needed to check he was the right horse as he looked amazing.”

Jonathan only registered Wilson, formally Wilson II, with BS five years ago.

“I work in the industry; I’m international sales manager for NAF and in this and previous jobs in the industry I’ve travelled extensively so he wasn’t ridden to his full potential for a long time; we did unaffiliated and riding club,” Jonathan said. “My first year doing BS, we aimed for the Aintree amateur and veteran championships, which is a phenomenal show, and we’ve been chasing that dream ever since. He just wants to keep going.”

Jonathan and Wilson are under the guidance of Fiona Flynn, his instructor of over 30 years whose family ran the riding school Jonathan rode at before that.

Fiona sang Jonathan’s praises for his dedication to Wilson, citing the time and effort he puts in, early in the morning and late at night to ensure his horse is happy and healthy. She sent H&H pictures she had taken of the pair, which “show Wilson’s joy”.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“When he goes ‘up the gears’, to the untrained eye there’s no difference, but although the rhythm stays the same, the power Wilson puts in makes a huge difference,” she said.

“We both laugh because, at Wilson’s age, he has earned the right to be a little cheeky and so full of enthusiasm and excitement, we just contain it enough to keep him safe. In Wilson’s mind he is still 10-ish and we want him to continue to feel and think like that for as long as possible, but we protect him from his own enthusiasm!”

Jonathan agreed, adding: “He’s extremely enthusiastic. He hates flatwork with a passion; as soon as the poles have gone, he’s ‘I’m really not interested any more’.

“He’s always been on a joint and a muscle supplement – I work for NAF so I’m a great believer – and he’s only got about three teeth left so he has lots of hard food but he’s ok with grass and goes out for 10 to 12 hours a day.”

Jonathan said he sticks to jumping 85-90cm “and he only gets to do one class” a day, in deference to Wilson’s years, but added that were Wilson asked to jump bigger tracks, “I might be scared, but he would certainly do it!”

“We were jumping on Friday and Saturday last weekend, then hacked on Monday,” he said. “We were with two horses 20 years younger than him, and he out-walked them.

“He’s reliving his youth; we didn’t really do it when he was younger, and when we did go to shows I had no transport so we hacked there and back. Very old-fashioned but it seems to have worked. And as soon as he doesn’t want to do it any more, that’ll be him finished. He’s never been ridden in spurs, he’s always taken me to a fence, but if he felt halfway through a class that he’d had enough, I’d retire him there and then. It’s completely on his terms; it usually is on his terms, although that’s about trying to slow him down!”

Jonathan described Wilson as “one of the kindest horses you’ll ever meet”, who is “amenable to everything” and adored by the woman in her mid to late 60s who looks after him in Jonathan’s absence.

“I’m 47 now and I know everyone says it but he is literally the horse of my lifetime, and he’s been there as my friend all that time,” he said. “I’m exceptionally lucky; he owes me nothing and I owe him everything.

“One BS judge announced at the end of his round: ‘Wilson is living his best life’, and that sums him up’.”

‘She’s grafted all her life’: Olympic rider’s teenage daughter wins championship on mum’s horse

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:42:16 +0000

One of the stars of last week’s British Showjumping (BS) Spring Championships at Arena UK, Lincs (21-24 March) was talented teenager Rosie Smith.

The 13-year-old daughter of Olympic showjumper Holly Smith made a winning debut in the children-on-horses classes with her mother’s familiar showjumping rides Azolette and Fruselli, finishing with a one-two in the show’s opener, and repeating the feat to be crowned children-on-horses champion.

Rising star Rosie had only ridden Tania Wareham’s 11-year-old mare Azolette and TJ Hall’s 14-year-old stallion Fruselli once at home before the show, but delivered two out of three first-round clears in Sunday’s 1.25m final.

They were joined in the jump-off by Ted Bastion Mason with Alex Bishop’s lovely stallion RS Chacco Bay and all three left the fences standing, with Rosie pipping her pathfinding round on Fruselli by 0.44sec to take the title on Azolette.

“They are horses I have jumped to a good level and Rosie is incredibly grateful to their owners for the chance to compete on them,” said Holly. “She’s grafted away all her life on a lot of different horses and ponies and I thought I’d give her a shot on some good ones.

“Azolette is very straightforward and a really forward going mare who is good against the clock — it says a lot about her that a 13-year-old can get straight on her and jump these kinds of courses.”

Rosie said: “Mum told me to keep them both forward and in a nice rhythm and that made it quite easy. They are very different horses; Azolette likes herself and is quite opinionated, but Fruselli is quiet, sleepy and friendly.”

Holly, who represented Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympics and 2018 World Equestrian Games, and won team bronze at the 2019 European Championships, recently returned the chestnut Royal Windsor five-star and La Baule Derby winner Fruselli (by Zambesi TN) to the ring after nearly a year off following an injury. The pair rapidly found form with 1.45m wins in Vejer De Frontera at the beginning of March, including in the CSI2* grand prix.

“Rosie hadn’t had a chance to ride the horses as I was away with Fruse, and Azolette was at home with her owners, so we came here as a warm-up for the viewing trials at Pony of the Year Show,” explained Holly.

“At Fruse’s age, it’s nice to keep him out jumping and enjoying it — it’s fun for him and experience for Rosie.”

You can read the full report from the BS Spring Championships in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, in the shops Thursday 28 March.

‘These training methods have no place in our sport’: British rider suspended over horse welfare concerns

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 11:58:43 +0000

Showjumper James Smith has been immediately suspended as a result of horse welfare concerns.

British Showjumping (BS) announced on Saturday (16 March) that the British rider may not compete at any international or national events. The suspension relates to photos that “appear to have been taken at a recent FEI event”.

BS said in a statement it was “liaising closely with British Equestrian [BEF] and the FEI” on the issue. It added that a block has also been put in place to prevent the groom, Nicola Park, from renewing her BS membership while the investigation is under way.

“The training methods depicted in the images have no place in our sport, are against our regulations and will not be tolerated,” the BS statement reads. “Horse welfare is the highest priority for British Showjumping, the BEF and the FEI, and we will continue to work closely together to ensure our rules and regulations concerning equine welfare and wellbeing are both respected and enforced.”

The FEI has also provisionally suspended James, which means he cannot enter, compete or train riders or horses at any FEI or national event “until further notice while the images and circumstances of the incident are being investigated”.

The 31-year-old rider, who won three pony European Championships medals for Britain and has made two senior Nations Cup appearances, was competing in Valencia in February and March this year, then Oliva. His most recent result was 27th place in a 1.45m CSI3* class, on 15 March.

James was unavailable for comment. Nicola could not be reached for comment.

‘She looked like a Welsh mountain pony’: 18-year-old broodmare makes winning international comeback

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 12:51:07 +0000

At the recent CSI2* at Kelsall Hall EC in Cheshire, showjumper Ronnie Lee Jones maintained his prolific winning ways, but this time with a pair of broodmares, both of whom returned to the competition ring as they were otherwise standing in doing nothing over the winter.

The Essex rider had bought 18-year-old mare Areeb OL and 15-year-old Abeer II OL from Old Lodge Stud, owned by the late Prince Torki.

“We bought them as broodmares to breed from, in November,” explained Ronnie. “They’ve not jumped in the ring for years, we got them straight out the field, manes and tails to the floor – you’d never think they were the same horses, they looked like Welsh mountain ponies.

“While the weather was bad they were stood in, so we thought we may as well play around with them before March, when we start the reproduction side of things,” he added. “They are both fantastic and very sound.”

Former King George V Gold Cup contender

Between them, Areeb OL and Abeer II OL claimed a hat-trick of bronze classes at Kelsall Hill’s inaugural international show with Ronnie in the saddle, including the Synovium Horse Health & Incrediwear UK CSI* 1.20m final.

Areeb OL (Cornet Obolensky x Spartan) was hugely successful for long-time partner Nicole Pavitt and later Mark Armstrong, jumping at Horse of the Year Show and the King George V Gold Cup at the Royal International Horse Show. Areeb’s daughter Troo Contest, by former Old Lodge stallion Super Trooper De Ness jumped up to 1.40m with Sian Edwards.

Abeer II OL (Berlin x Cardino) was ridden by Steven Franks, then Louise Whitaker, and had been out of the ring since 2017.

Ronnie Lee Jones: “She goes in a little snaffle with no martingale“

“Areeb used to jump 1.60m and is very hot – you have to be quiet with her and we don’t ride her much at home, we lead her through the forest off the other one, but she’s very fast.

“Abeer is so lovely, like an old pro, she goes in a little snaffle with no martingale and is usually ridden by my partner, Alex, but I prised her away for this show!“

New measuring system for ponies ‘cannot be challenged by third parties’

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 14:13:43 +0000

New guidelines are being introduced this year for measuring showjumping ponies, to bring the national process in line with international policy.

British Showjumping (BS) is bringing in a national measuring system for all ponies who need a height certificate to compete. Those who have an FEI lifetime certificate, a valid FEI interim height certificate or a Joint Measurement Board (JMB) full height certificate will not need to be measured again to compete in national classes.

Ponies with an annual JMB certificate will need either a lifetime or an interim BS certificate. BS said there will be a “temporary relaxation of the requirements to have a valid measurement certificate until 1 April 2024 by which point the new British Showjumping measuring process will be in place”.

“Following the introduction of the FEI pony measuring system, British Showjumping has been monitoring the advantages and the opportunity to align a national measuring process that mirrors the international system,” a BS spokesman said.

“There are several advantages of following the FEI system: due to the measurement being carried out by two vets, once a certificate is issued it cannot be challenged by third parties, and there is a tolerance in the height allowed so that ponies can be presented for measuring with shoes on.”

BS said it will accept JMB measurements, annual and life height, for ponies who have been booked in for a JMB measure before 5pm today (5 January), but not those booked after this date. The measurement may be after this date but the booking must have been made before the deadline.

There will be at least one approved measuring facility in each BS region, the spokesman said, and sessions will be available from March. Annual JMB certificates will no longer be needed.

‘This year was incredible’: meet an exciting young combination, who jump bridleless at home

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 18:30:39 +0000

Serena Kullich, 23, is one of the most eye-catching young showjumpers on the circuit but she is also producing one of this country’s most talented young horses in seven-year-old Benfields Victory.

Serena and Benji (Billy Congo x Pauldary’s Romeo) sealed a marvellous year when contesting the prestigious Yeti Under 25 British Showjumping Championship at the London International Horse Show in December, where they finished with just four faults in round one.

“That was a dream come true to qualify for that class, especially with him only being seven,” says Serena, who rode the youngest horse in the field by three years. “It’s a show I’ve wanted to do for many, many years – it was an amazingly fun atmosphere, and an incredible show to compete at.”

In September, they jumped at the world seven-year-old finals at the FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championships for Young Horses at Lanaken.

Serena has about 10 horses at home, but Benji is the stable star.

“I’ve got quite a few four-, five- and six-year-olds coming through that I’m producing through the levels and hopefully they might qualify for Lanaken next year,” she says. “If they’re as good as Benji I’ll be delighted. But I love producing them and watching them grow, and I’ve had Benji since he was five. He’d done a few shows when I got him, but really I’ve done everything with him and produced him, so when he was best British-bred seven-year-old, that meant a lot. He was also the only seven-year-old to jump clear every day at Bolesworth.”

The pair have formed a remarkable partnership in the ring, but away from competition Serena says she’ll happily jump Benji without a bridle at home.

“I’ve worked with [Applied Horsemanship trainer] Sean Coleman for three years now,” she says. “When we got Benji, he was very distracted, just about everything around him, so it was all about working with him to focus and now we have such a great partnership that I can school him and jump him at home without a bridle.”

Serena Kullich: from eventing to showjumping

Serena has ridden all her life and showjumped on ponies before competing up to three-star level eventing.

“But I’ve always had a love for showjumping,” she explains. “Even when I was eventing, I missed the showjumping. Then I slowly ended up moving back into showjumping and now it’s just showjumping again.”

The talented young rider has also been selected for the British Showjumping gold development programme and attended the first coaching camp in early December.

“I didn’t realise they give you such rounded support, from all aspects – not just training – so sport psychology, fitness, and advice on shows and pressure in the sport, that kind of thing,” she says. “That’s so invaluable and not something you do or know that much about without an opportunity like this.

‘There will be three more camps through the spring, then they help you at an international show in the summer. They help you with your goals but it’s also exciting just to progress through the sport.”

Serena’s goal for 2024 is to step up the lovely Benji to ranking classes in his eight-year-old year.

“One day I’d love to be selected for Nations Cup teams,” she says. “Then with the young ones I hope to keep producing them through the age classes and maybe qualify for Lanaken again.

“The Olympics would definitely be the goal one day, but I’m taking it step by step and we’ll see how far we can go. Everything Benji has done this year has just been incredible, so I’d love to keep going with him and see where it takes us.”

‘Next year will be his year’: meet showjumping’s rising star, with Queen’s Cup the goal

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 13:00:34 +0000

2024 looks set to be an exciting year for 25-year-old showjumper Alex Somerville-Cotton. She was recently selected for the British Showjumping, in conjunction with Sport England, 2023/2024 gold development programme and, with a really promising string of horses that she’s been producing herself, the future is looking bright for this ambitious and talented young rider.

Alex comes from a non-horsey family but she and her mother have been breeding some super youngsters in recent years and her current top horse, the 11-year-old Conan Doyle, aka Henry, has recently returned from colic surgeries and has stepped up impressively to rankings classes.

Alex caught the showjumping bug at school and decided while completing her A-levels that she would work full-time with horses instead of going to university – and she hasn’t looked back since.

She was previously selected for British Showjumping’s Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) and is now embarking on the gold programme for riders aiming to establish themselves at the 1.40-1.50m level, and those that are bidding for the world class performance pathway programme. She is excited at the opportunities it presents to her, including camps with lead coaches Matt Lanni and Nicola McLeish and sessions with saddlers, farriers, equine physiotherapists and coaching in rider strength and conditioning.

“It’s amazing. I’ve known Matt for ages and he’s brilliant,” says Alex. “They’ve really tried so hard to help the people coming through the sport to have the best head-start.”

Alex says she wouldn’t be where she is today without a horse called Summer – “the best thing that ever happened to me” – who was bought by her late father from Matt Lanni, and is now a very successful broodmare.

“I’ve bred too many horses now!” says Alex. “I have about 12 in work, all the young ones I do myself and the oldest one that I started is eight, my grey Kevin [Amazing-K Van’t Kattenheye Z]. I started him as a three-year-old and he’s now jumping rankings which is really exciting. He’s a complete lunatic, but he loves to jump so it’s really rewarding.”

Alex Somerville-Cotton says her goal for 2024 is to jump the Queen’s Cup at Hickstead‘s Royal International with Henry, having missed it last year owing to his colic surgeries.

“I think next year will be his year,” she says, planning to head to Sentower and Riesenbeck at the start of February. “I know everyone wants to jump on a team and that would be amazing, but to just keep establishing myself at ranking level and being competitive and seeing how we get on, that would be fantastic.”

‘We are part of the family, not just a groom’: behind the scenes with Harry Charles’ groom Georgia Ellwood

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 16:32:01 +0000

High-flying British showjumper Harry Charles’ groom Georgia Ellwood has been part of the hugely successful Heathcroft Farm team for four years. As show groom, she has established herself as a key part of Harry’s success at some of the biggest shows on the international circuit, travelling to the likes of the Tokyo Olympics, the Rolex Majors, European and World Championships, and World Cups.

Georgia, who was recognised at last month’s British Showjumping awards as groom of the year, took some time out of her busy schedule to chat about her role looking after nine horses in Harry’s string.

“They are all different ages and have different levels of experience,” Georgia explains of her charges. “Romeo 88 and Balou Du Reventon are our older and more experienced horses. Balou du Reventon is an absolute gem – he is the yard’s favourite at the moment. He is a stallion but does not act so at all – he is so sweet. We call him the old grandpa of the yard.

“On the other hand, Romeo 88 is more of a handful than Balou. He is quite grumpy but can also be very affectionate at the same time. He wants the attention, then once he has it he changes his mind.”

According to Georgia, one of her favourite younger horses is rising star Sherlock, a Belgium-bred 10-year-old son of Bisquet Balou VD Mispelaere.

“He is the most lovable little thing that you could ever come across,” she reveals. “He is cheeky and very sweet, and he gives everything when he is in the ring which is so nice to see. I am sure that Harry would agree with me that he is a little trooper.”

She describes Malcolm Pyrah’s home-bred eight-year-old Dunroe Quality, known at home as Bandit, as “very special”.

“He is incredibly scopey – he is like a spring,” she says. “He is very cool but comes with some challenges. He loves to test me on the ground, but he becomes a different horse when Harry rides him. He is one of the best young horses that I have ever seen. I am hoping that in the future he will continue to develop, and I really think he will be something very special to the sport of showjumping.

“All the horses have different characteristics; you definitely have to spend some one-on-one time with them to get to know them.”

Georgia Ellwood: ‘A lovely yard to be a part of’

Georgia describes being part of Harry Charles’s hugely successful team, based at Heathcroft Farm in Hampshire, as “truly exciting”.

“At Heathcroft Farm we are part of the family, not just a groom,” she says. “Peter Charles trusts us and that means a lot to us. He is extremely involved in the yard but at the same time, he likes us to have our independence. It is a lovely yard to be a part of. The family is amazing to us, which helps us love our jobs. They are just so nice to be around.”

During her time as Harry Charles’ groom, Georgia has accompanied the world’s leading under-25 rider to some of the biggest competitions in the world, including flying the British flag at the Rolex Majors, Tokyo Olympics, European and World Championships, Nations Cups and World Cups.

“I have noticed a significant difference in his riding,” she says. “He is such a chilled person to be around. At the same time, when he is at the bigger shows, he wants to do well and so he sometimes places pressure on himself. I try to remain calm and quiet to help him out.

“Harry is a perfectionist and after working here it is clear to me how hard he works. He is one of the hardest-working riders that I have ever seen. He wants it so much.”

Georgia describes being recognised by British Showjumping as groom of the year as “amazing”.

“It was great to be recognised – we all put in so much hard work and the hours are long, so having that recognition meant the world to me,” she says.

“When I first started in the sport, there was a division between the riders and grooms. Whenever a rider won a class, the spotlight was placed on the rider, the horse, and the owner. But in the past year or two, the grooms have come to be recognised. This is great and makes a difference.

“We work so hard behind the scenes,” she adds. “There are so many people in the teams behind each of the riders and their horses, including trainers, farriers, vets, and business managers, and everyone’s role is vital, as we work in a team sport.”

Georgia has always been interested in horses and competed through her childhood.

“As I got older, I began to recognise that I was probably not as good as some of the other young riders, so I decided to switch to grooming and I got a job when I was 15 mucking out stables,” she says. “It escalated quite quickly for me to my first full-time job as a show groom.

“I enjoyed the fact that I was still part of a team and got to ride,” she adds. “Being around a rider who competes at the top shows definitely gives you a buzz. My advice for the younger generation is that being a groom is hard work and it is tiring. But when something clicks and goes right, it is just an unimaginable feeling. Just keep working hard and the results will show.”

Georgia Elwood with Harry Charles’ Aralyn Blue. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Life as Harry Charles’ groom: ‘I was immensely proud’

The best parts of the job, says Georgia, are winning, and working with and learning about new horses, “watching them develop”.

“When they get older and they jump in their first grand prix, it’s a lovely feeling,” she says. “I definitely feel proud to be part of this.

“I really enjoy attending the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping Majors as they are so well organised,” adds Georgia. “They have not just thought of the riders, but they also focus on the wellbeing of the horses. As a groom, this is so important for us. The grooms are treated and viewed the same way as riders, and that is one of the nicest things. The atmosphere at the Majors is incredible. CHIO Aachen is one of my favourite shows to attend. The Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping Majors are definitely some of the best shows in the world.”

Georgia underlines the “significant effect” the Rolex Grand Slam has had on the sport.

“It has opened doors for young riders and grooms, and provided access to different types of venues,” she says of the “amazing” events, which have “raised the level” of the sport.

“They are so well organised and hosted in great locations. The Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping Majors have had a significant impact on the grooms – they have really recognised us and enabled us to have a say on things.”

Looking back on the past few years, Georgia says she has so many proud memories, but Harry’s bronze medal-winning performance at last year’s world showjumping championships stands out.

“Harry jumped an amazing clear round on the final day to secure the medal,” remembers Georgia. “Another highlight was the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on the first day when Harry jumped clear. I was immensely proud.”

Georgia describes the grooms’ community as “extremely close”.

“We are a big friendship group,” she says. “We see each other week in and week out so you form great friendships. It is a nice community of people.

“It is a very supportive atmosphere as well – if you need help or are struggling, someone will come and help you,” she adds. “There is not a bad person in the grooming community. We are all very lucky that we have one another and that we support each other as it can get slightly overwhelming at some points.”

With thanks to Rolex Grand Slam.

Joe Trunkfield: ‘Surely our loud appeals for change can’t fall on deaf ears?’

Joe Trunkfield — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 09:18:52 +0000

There’s been much debate on the circuit and social media about the senior championships at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), namely the eligibility rules and qualification system for the newcomers, Foxhunter, talent seekers and grade C finals. Each jump-off was exciting in all four finals, but I don’t think the current qualification and class rules are working.

One ongoing debate is that six- and seven-year-olds are competing against “more experienced” horses. It’s not always fair, but it stems from a poor ruling that allows any horse who is within the correct points eligibility to compete in each class – irrespective of age or level – so of course competitors are going to target the most prestigious finals.

Therefore, we can’t complain when a nine-year-old beats a seven-year-old, but we can appeal loudly and consistently to our federation with ideas towards improving the national finals at one of the biggest shows of the year. Surely this opinion cannot fall on deaf ears? Communicate, run a poll and get feedback.

Calls for a more level playing field

From a field of 21, 15 seven-year-olds and two six-year-olds contested the newcomers final, with young future stars filling nine of the top 10 places. A six-year-old won and, despite hundreds campaigning the second rounds, the newcomers does tend to end up as a true young horse final – so why not make it one? As Britain’s prestigious six-year-old final, it would be a great target for producers and commercial buyers.

From the 24 Foxhunter starters, 14 were aged from eight to 14, just 10 were seven-year-olds. This spoils a final that has such a fantastic strike rate of previous winners going on to achieve great things. I’m all for giving horses time, but surely at the age of nine they’re already going places.

Another poor ruling allows older horses to have qualified with four double clears up to 17 months before the final (British Showjumping rule 310.6 stated the qualifying period for 2024 begins in May 2023). I’d like to see the rule amended so only double clears gained in the year of the final count, creating a more level playing field.

Or let’s rebrand this historic class as Britain’s prestigious seven-year-old final, then hold it on Saturday night before the puissance in front of a full house for better publicity and atmosphere.

The most talked about class is the talent seekers – a class with this label should not be open to accomplished horses jumping Longines world-ranking 1.45m classes or 1.50m area trials, competing for a spot against a seven-year-old, sometimes over consecutive years.

If we had six- and seven-year-old finals, a revamped version would make a super eight- and nine-year-old handicap. The previous year’s Foxhunter champion could automatically qualify, with the top 20 most consistent eight- and nine-year-olds competing in Britain at 1.40m-plus throughout the season for an exciting final.

The grade C works well; horses are established enough to qualify at mostly county shows on grass rings, and it’s a nice class for green seven- to nine-year-olds still in that grade due to low mileage.

Appalling timing for bronze and silver league finals

The timing of the bronze and silver league finals is appalling. Members invest in their hobby all year, chasing qualifiers to jump in front of empty seats at 7.30am before the show has even started. This year, despite buying tickets, friends, family and support teams couldn’t access the arena and queued outside as their loved ones competed.

There were many empty seats on the Wednesday and Thursday evenings. I understand the high costs of running a show at the NEC, but organisers should take note from Lanaken’s world breeding championships, where access is free and there’s a buzzing atmosphere.

These finals have been a hot topic this year and hopefully we can work with the powers that be to upgrade and improve the system, leading to prestigious national finals and motivating British producers to campaign and showcase stars of the future on home soil.

● Do you agree with Joe’s thoughts on the HOYS showjumping finals? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future edition of Horse & Hound magazine

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 26 October, 2023

Christmas-present pony goes from ‘spooky and green’ to national champs winner

Sarah Radford — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 14:35:00 +0000

A pony bought as a Christmas present exceeded expectations to win the Blue Chip pony newcomers masters at the British Showjumping national championships, collecting a ticket for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in the process.

Michael Mccolm had been riding Legend Scais for a local family last year and “fell in love with him”, so his parents bought him as a surprise.

“Michael’s sister is 17, so she’d got her first wee car for Christmas. Michael had gone out to sit in the car with her on Christmas morning, and it was parked right outside Legend’s stable,” his mum Natasha said.

“We said ‘we’ve got you a lovely present as well’ and pointed at Legend. We were all crying.”

The very talented 148cm was an embryo transfer foal, who ended up being a twin, so never grew to be full height. Bred to jump, he is by Emilion out of a Zirocco Blue mare who is a full sister to Scott Brash’s great five-star partner Ursula.

“He’s very striking to watch and his temperament is lovely, he’s not like a normal pony, he’s like a big dog in the stable,” Natasha said. “When he sees Michael coming through the gate home from school, he broncs and circles in the stable, he gets so excited.”

As Legend is only seven, it was anticipated that he would be one for the future, and the plan was just to “have a play” with him this year and see how he got on.

“Recently he’s become so brave and bold that we’ve just cracked on with him,” Natasha said.

“We didn’t expect to jump newcomers second rounds this year. At the beginning of the year he was quite a wuss and very spooky and green, he would try to not jump the first fence.

“Then we went to the Highland show and I was nervous about him jumping there as there was no warm-up class and he had to go straight into a 1.10m. He came out so brave, it was like something clicked and completely changed, as if he got a taste for it.

“Now he’ll take anything on and doesn’t spook at anything, I’ve never seen such a complete change happen in one week.”

Michael was the fastest of five double clears in a seven-strong jump off in the newcomers masters, where the top four combinations all qualified for the pony newcomers final at HOYS.

Sophie Coward Talbott and Kohinoor Come On Annie took reserve, ahead of Lexie Corcoran (Dowdstown) and Flynn Baker (Vinura Bobby).

Meet the 1.20m showjumper turned dressage star who is now excelling in a side-saddle

Alex Robinson — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 17:32:40 +0000

We’re usually satisfied if a horse has a successful career in one sphere during their lifetime, let alone three. The over-achieving Oldenburg Ashleys Lanchello is making a name for himself on the side-saddle scene at the age of 19, after successful stints as both a showjumper and a dressage horse.

Ashleys Lanchello (Cello) is owned by Vanessa Jensen and Linda Pollock, and he’s currently on loan to side saddle specialist Liz Rogers. He’s in his second season in side saddle classes, and his current tally includes wins at Hope Show, Royal Three Counties and Side Saddle Association fixtures.

The gelding, who stands at 16.1hh, began his career as a showjumper, competing regularly up to 1.20m and producing multiple double clears.

“We bought Cello seven years ago for my former business partner and good friend Vanessa, who was on the hunt for a schoolmaster,” says Linda, who has owned multiple horses with Vanessa over the years. “We bought him from Megan Bristow, and while he hadn’t competed for a long time, he had an impressive showjumping CV.”

On getting him home, Linda and Vanessa believed in Cello’s potential for the dressage arena, so they began to dip their toes into the scene.

“He really took to it, and despite the odd diva moment, he competed up to medium and qualified for the dressage to music finals at the British Dressage regionals,” adds Linda, who notes that Cello has been under the guidance of many trainers, including Richard Hayward and Michael Eilberg, over the years. “Cello definitely did act like a showjumper at times, though, often spooking when he’d see a table covered with a white cloth over it. Richard said to me that if that table had been presented as a jump, he would have cleared it with no questions asked!

“When we felt Cello had gone as far as he could go in the dressage arena, we decided that he needed a retirement home of sorts, but that he wasn’t ready to give up competition completely. He’s a really good looking horse, so we approached Liz to see if she was possibly looking for a horse to show.”

Liz took up Cello’s reins last year and with help from side saddle instructor Fran Penn, Cello was introduced to being ridden sideways.

“He was brought on very slowly, and they took their time with him,” explains Linda. “He’s got a huge team around him, and he’s had a lot of help along the way. He still looks so divine, and despite being a challenging horse, we’ve found the key to him now; ahead of him going into the ring he has to be worked like he’s about to do a dressage test. He’s trotted around to get him focused and put straight into the class without giving him time to think or have a chat to any other horses. We’re delighted with his results, and we’re now looking ahead to the National Side Saddle Association championships later in the season.

“Results aside, he’s a lovely horse to have around and he’s completely trustworthy. While he’s definitely not a novice ride, he’ll always give you that extra inch of effort, and if he has the right rider sitting on him, he’s the ultimate schoolmaster.”

‘He brightened up the day’: farewell to British Showjumping judge who served for 45 years

Becky Murray — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 18:33:19 +0000

By Richard Tesh

Tony Hackett, the long-standing British Showjumping (BS) judge died on 24 June, aged 87.

Mr Hackett was a familiar figure at shows across Worcestershire and neighbouring counties. He had been a BS judge for 45 years and officiated at a range of other events including British Eventing horse trials, Pony and riding clubs, and many unaffiliated shows.

He was the BS Area 33 (Hereford and Worcester) representative for some 15 years from the late 1990s. Mr Hackett and the committee organised many shows, grassroots training and an annual awards scheme.

For a large number of years Mr Hackett and Ron Notley were an unmistakable pair in the judges’ box and would talk to the competitors while walking the course and setting up the timing equipment. When Mr Notley died 10 years ago, Richard Tesh took up the role of frequently judging with Mr Hackett. Their aim was always to ensure that everyone at the show had an enjoyable time while Mr Hackett helped to make the day pass quickly with plenty of light-hearted banter.

In more recent years mobility issues meant Mr Hackett was restricted to a limited number of local shows. He was due to judge at Feckenham but had to pull out a few weeks earlier. He died peacefully in his sleep in hospital in Redditch following a short illness, on the day of the Feckenham show. His funeral will be held at 2pm on Wednesday 26 July, at Redditch Crematorium, B97 6RR.

“We thank Tony for all he did for our sport, the memories and the good times,” said Richard Tesh.

A British Showjumping spokesman said Mr Hackett was a “fair and respected judge”, and dedicated area representative.

“He brightened up the day with his light-hearted banter and always found the time to listen and chat to all showjumping enthusiasts of any age. He will be much missed.”

‘Sooner or later the ponies will say no’: debate over set distances in pony showjumping

Becky Murray — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:12:18 +0000

Combination distances in pony showjumping have come under the spotlight, with calls to alter distances based on pony heights.

Questions have been raised about whether small ponies should be asked to jump doubles on distances set for bigger ponies and horses. In Pony Club, where horses and ponies compete together, courses are built on horse distances, and in British Showjumping (BS), pony open classes are set on 148cm distances – but there are height-specific classes, with set distances.

Laura Lane told H&H that when her daughter Lexi competed in Pony Club on 128cms, ponies could make up combination distances “quite nicely”, but when she moved on to 138cms, Laura noticed striding was an “issue” .

“You would see 138cms going through doubles on two-and-a-half strides, and it wasn’t right. Sooner or later the ponies will say no and that doesn’t do anyone any favours,” she said.

Laura said others shared her concerns, and she spoke to the Pony Club about altering distances for different heights of ponies. Following this, at the Pony Club Spring Festival at Morris Equestrian in April the striding was altered for the 1.10m grand prix, which featured horses and ponies. Laura’s daughter won on her 138cm, but she said she would not have entered had the distances not been changed as she has safety concerns. For this reason she only jumps height-specific classes in BS.

Caroline Timmins told H&H that when her daughter Sophie competed on 138cms she turned down the opportunity for her to ride on a Pony Club team as the course was built on horse distances.

“There’s a safety element; you see ponies try to go on the correct stride and it’s not really there and they tip over the second part. It doesn’t happen very often, but it has happened,” said Caroline.

Mark McGowan, senior national BS and FEI level three course-designer, wrote to BS and Pony Club about distances. He said that at Pony Club competitions that there can be “no reason to ask ponies which are sometimes barely 128cm or 138cm, to negotiate a double built to solely accommodate horses”. He said altering distances ensures ponies and riders are “developed correctly, but most importantly safely”.

“Ponies should not have to ‘cope’. It really frustrates me when I see little kids having to gallop through doubles because they’re on a 128cm and the double is on two strides and three feet longer. It’s not safe,” Mark told H&H.

Mark, who led the course-designing team at the Pony Club Spring Festival, said altering the distances was a “major step forward”, and took minimal time.

“I’d like this brought in across the board at Pony Club and BS. You want to educate kids to ride nicely through combinations. Distances should be what they are – they shouldn’t be asked to jump doubles that are too long for them.”

Pony Club CEO Marcus Capel told H&H the showjumping committee had “a robust discussion” on rules, including adjusting distances in open classes. He said there is another meeting this month to plan 2024 rules, adding that the Pony Club is in regular discussion with BS and seeks to be “as consistent as possible” across the sports.

“For clarity, showjumping under current rules is not unsafe. However, we always seek to improve where we can and are focused on horse welfare,” he said.

“As a training organisation, we also seek to educate members to ride according to conditions and be able to shorten and lengthen strides as needed. This is a skill we want riders to learn as they will not always make the perfect approach to a jump and need to be thinking riders, able to adjust appropriately.”

BS CEO Iain Graham told H&H that in second rounds and finals, such as British novice and discovery, combinations are adjusted according to pony height.

“When we get to the higher levels, sections are split into 128cm, 138cm, and 148cm. At the lower levels, combination distances are not adjusted,” he said.

Teenager finds ‘self belief’ thanks to riding racehorses – and qualifies for national final

Becky Murray — Sun, 28 May 2023 19:51:53 +0000

A 16-year-old rider who has autism and struggles with anxiety has found new confidence thanks to riding out racehorses – and qualified for the British Showjumping national championships on his first attempt.

Toby Clapham jumped three clears on Shanaclough Phantom to win the 38-strong senior British novice second round at Allens Hill, Worcestershire, on 21 May, and secure their ticket to the final at Stoneleigh in August.

Toby’s mother Annabell told H&H Toby only moved onto horses from 148cms at the beginning of this year after turning 16 in December. They bought six-year-old 17hh gelding “Simba” as a blank canvas in February, and Toby started competing him in April. Within four weeks the pair had four double clears at British novice, and Allen Hill was their first attempt at the second rounds.

“Toby was over the moon to win. It was a really big course, and for such a big horse Simba tried so hard to get round those corners, but they won by more than four seconds. Toby is very competitive and thinks he’s still on 148cms,” said Annabell.

“Simba is still green, but he’s a very kind horse. The plan is to put some more schooling in before the final, and we’re going to go to Hickstead and do some classes at the Royal International to get some more experience at the stayaways. We also hope to get Toby’s twin Charlie qualified for the nationals too.”

Annabell said Toby was diagnosed with autism last year, and has struggled with confidence issues and bullying. Toby attended school with Jonno Balding, son of racehorse trainer Andrew Balding, and when Toby dropped out of school, the Baldings offered Toby an opportunity to ride out for them. Toby has now been riding out three days a week for 10 weeks, and discussions are taking place about a potential apprenticeship next year.

“The Baldings scooped Toby up and have given him a new outlook on life. The routine really helps him and the opportunity has given him such a confidence boost in so many ways,” said Annabell.

“He didn’t really talk to anyone before, but being at such a big yard with lots of lads and staff, he’s now communicating and chatting. He’s really enjoying working with the young horses and is totally unfazed, he’s got a real connection with horses. I’m so grateful for the opportunity he’s been given, it’s amazing to watch how far he’s come. He’s got his self belief back.”

‘I was very rusty!’ Mother makes showjumping comeback – and wins 1.55m six-bar

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 19:21:03 +0000

A young showjumper’s mother came out of retirement to make a rare appearance in the ring at Morris Equestrian Centre’s Hogmanay Show and ended up finishing equal first in the mini six-bar, having cleared a lofty 1.55m.

Ayrshire-based Fiona Holohan, whose teenage son Fergal is a regular competitor on the national circuit, and in action at the show, made the last-minute decision to take the reins on the 10-year-old mare Kan Annie, whom she bred and backed but who has been ridden by her son in recent years.

“I was very rusty – I didn’t even have my own boots any more, I had to use a spare pair of Fergal’s out of the lorry, so it was all very unrehearsed – but I know the mare very well, she’s like my second skin,” said Fiona, who couldn’t remember when she last made a competitive appearance. “It’s been a very long time.

“It was so much fun – although I did go in at the deep end! But she does it so nice, completely casual and she had a bit of room to spare.”

Fiona shared top honours on her showjumping comeback with Maia Loia riding Hiro Della Rivabella when both cleared the 1.55m final fence. She describes Kan Annie as a “very genuine sort who is lovely to have around”.

“She was born with gigantic ears, honest big lugs that are always pointing in the right direction, and she’s always trying to please,” said Fiona.

“Fergal started taking the ride off me when he was about 12. I was walking a course somewhere and he asked if he could do it, so I let him. Then when he was 14 he begged me to let him jump her round a 1.35m at the Royal Highland and he went clear and finished sixth, so at that point I couldn’t justify taking the ride back!

“He said I could go back into retirement now though!” she added.

Fergal, a big winner at last year’s Royal International, was at one of his first shows since finishing his pony career and had a strong run, taking top places in the grands prix, including three of the top six places in the 1.20m.

“He has a nice string with some nice owners and we just need to go out and attract a few more rides now,” said Fiona.

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)

‘It’s a money can’t buy opportunity’: showjumper embarks on amazing journey – riders to watch for 2023

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 13:02:16 +0000

One showjumper for whom 2023 could be very exciting is 30-year-old Joss Williams. The Leicestershire rider has been selected for the British Showjumping gold development programme and is already benefiting from its rich programme of training, which he hopes will help to take him to the next level in the sport.

Joss is based in Willoughby-on-the-Wolds near Loughborough, with 12 horses in his stable, and it is thanks to one of his owners Joy Rushton that he was offered this life-changing opportunity.

“Joy saw the release on the BS website that they were running the gold development programme again for the first time after Covid and she said ‘Here’s a fantastic opportunity, let’s go for it’,” explains Joss, who found out in November that he’d been selected. “Then it was all systems go, because the horses were on a bit of a holiday!

“Our first training camp took place at the beginning of December at the National Training Centre, which is stunning.”

Joss took two horses with him, the eight-year-old Fantas Gold and the six-year-old mare Tankardstown No Diggity.

“We were split into groups and we each had an interview with the coaches who will stick with us now – Nicola McLeish and Matt Lanni, who are our ‘Gods’ and on call if we need them,” reveals Joss. “We then worked with the team physio, team farrier, heard about anti-doping, strength and conditioning, gym work and so on. We trained each horse on the flat and did gymnastics over fences. The physios saw the horses and the farriers watched them and studied them, and we all received feedback on what we were doing right, what needed to change.

“They offer so much and for people like me these are things that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to get access to. I was knackered by the end of it – it was like going back to school! But from the minute I got there, I learned so much.”

Joss Williams: motivation and direction

Joss Williams will return for more training camps in January and February, then again when everyone returns from the foreign jumping tours in the spring. A group of riders on the programme will then be picked to compete at some international shows.

“It’s a money-can’t-buy opportunity,” he says.

Talking about the horses he’s most excited about over the coming months he names Fantas Gold, who he’s had for two years and who has just started jumping some grands prix and Joy’s six-year-old Tankardstown No Diggity.

“I think a lot of her – her seven-year-old year is going to be the hardest and most competitive, so for her to be in this situation [with the gold development programme] is going to help us no end.

“I’ve another horse who I’ve not had long called Lordy, who evented to a very decent level with Fiona Davidson.”

So where does Joss see himself in the future?

“I was always hoping to keep stepping up in the sport but the gold development programme could be that kick up the backside I need – not to work harder, because I do work really hard, but to give me that added incentive,” he says.

“Just knowing I have someone on the end of the phone if I need them is amazing, because it is hard and I can’t afford to go for training week in week out. This is just giving me a bit more motivation and direction.”

‘Everything they do is for their ponies’: determined young showjumpers reign supreme at championships

Becky Murray — Sat, 20 Aug 2022 11:03:17 +0000

Four determined young showjumpers flew the flag for their county to win a prestigious team competition.

The “Kent Mini Marvels” made up of Kent Junior Academy riders Alfie Bailey, Scarlett Braidford, Olivia Lewington and Tayli Rae Owen won the mini teams 70cm final at the British Showjumping Academy Championships at Stoneleigh on 11 August.

All four riders produced clear rounds across both days of the team competition featuring more than 150 starters. Olivia was fourth individually on My Blue Eyed Boy, Scarlett was 10th individually on Ivoryheights Tuxcedo, Alfie was 13th on Buddy II and Tayli Rae Owen was 14th on Rockbury Faccination.

Kent Academy chef d’equipe and coach Katy Ford said she is “very proud” of the young riders.

“The mini team work so hard, they’re always training and wanting to improve – and they are so competitive. They are such great characters too, all four of them are really nice, polite children,” she said.

“They work so well as a team; Alfie is the youngest aged eight, and the oldest is Scarlett aged 12. They’re always encouraging each other on and off their ponies. They just really want it.”

Kate said the mini team has had a great season, winning almost all of their competitions. The children train as a team monthly and will compete again next month in Somerset.

“It’s not always the same riders, but they all work so well together. And they are all very dignified – they know that sometimes they’re going to have bad days, and they know to enjoy the good days. They take it on the chin and learn their lessons,” she said.

“From a coach’s perspective, to see that progress, hard work, and competitive spirit is brilliant – and they totally love their ponies, everything they do is for their ponies. And that’s how it should be, you’ve got to love the pony first and I really believe all of them do.”

Alfie’s mum Annie Bailey told H&H her son started riding at a young age, getting his first pony for Christmas at six months old, and is a very determined rider.

“He was drawn first to go for the team and he knew it was important for him to go clear so he had all that pressure, but he loves it,” she said, adding that Alfie had to collect his rosette on his other pony Tilly, as 23-year-old Buddy finds laps of honour a bit “too exciting”.

“Next year Alfie hopes to take his ponies back to the national championships and aim for the stepping stones and bronze league finals, and do some more team competitions. He also wants to do the mini major qualifiers, and after that he has aspirations to jump the 128cm Horse of the Year Show qualifiers, but at the moment I don’t know if my nerves can take that!”

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Elation and exciting times ahead: ‘I’ve never witnessed a championship like it’

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 17:41:10 +0000

“I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a championship like it.”

British Showjumping performance manager Di Lampard, home after a wonderful week in which team bronze, and qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics was achieved at the first opportunity, spoke to H&H about the dramas of the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships last week.

Di was on the British team that last won a medal, and Olympic qualification, at a World Championships, on her superstar Abbervail Dream in 1998.

Asked what she would have said if someone had told her then the next time this was achieved, she would be the chef d’equipe, she said: “I’d have said no chance! It’s just amazing to think it’s been 24 years.

“It was a week of highs and lows but I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a championship like it. Top competition as always, but with the excitement and drama of the last team round; it was amazing.”

The live scoring system was down during the team final on Friday night (12 August) and with so many teams in contention for medals, other than clear winners Sweden, and with faults coming everywhere, it was very hard to keep track of who was where.

“When you look at the last lines of riders; the Swedes were clear and then [Peder Fredricson] had 12, the Dutch did best to get two and clear, we had a clear, which was brilliant, but then Scott came out with eight,” Di said.

“It just went crazy. The Irish had five and then a retirement, Germany an elimination and and four, France eight and 12, Brazil nine and a withdrawal, and these are the best riders; it was drama right to the finish.

“I was trying to keep score, which isn’t easy, and I had our worst scenario down if all the final riders had gone clear – at one point, I said ‘We’re going to struggle to qualify for Paris’ to Ben Maher, and he said ‘What?’. Then I looked at what the other teams had done and we were in bronze position, and it was just elation.”

Di said the goal had always been that top-five position to secure an Olympic place, as well as a medal, and that achieving this takes away the pressure of having to qualify at the last minute, as was the case at the 2019 Europeans where Britain also won bronze.

“[In that case], throughout the year you’re sparing horses, and your heart’s in your mouth when you ride the top horses,” she said. “Now we can make proper plans into the next year, and give everyone equal opportunities. We’ve given plenty this year and can do even more next year, and hopefully give someone the chance to make their championship debut at the Europeans.”

Di said she is always trying to build more depth into the British squad, and to do so, riders and horses need to be in those top environments, adding: “With the talented riders we have, hopefully we can get some more owners to get behind them. We’ve got so many young, talented riders who we haven’t even talked about – Rob Murphy, Joe Fernyhough, Jodie Hall McAteer; super talents, Lily Atwood; this is how strong we are with the youth, and we just need to give them experience.

“We’ve no excuses now; there’s enough time to plan towards Paris.”

Di said she believes there is now more detail going into planning for championships, citing the example set by Nick Skelton, who planned Big Star’s campaign for Rio to perfection.

“When you get a top horse, you really have to look after it as they’re few and far between,” she said. “You have to compete them sparingly, make a plan and be bold enough to say ‘That’s my goal, and these are my SMART goals en route to it’, and not over-jump them.”

Di gave full credit to Ben Maher, who finished a pole off the podium in fourth, on Faltic HB who was subbed in for Explosion W at the last minute, and whom he has been riding less than a year.

“He’s been the spearhead of my teams since I’ve been in place, and when that man’s on the team it gives such a lift to everyone else,” she said. “He’s an absolutely fantastic rider; he’s Olympic champion and that’s not through luck, and Faltic was a fantastic partner. I can’t thank his owners enough for allowing him to go at such short notice.”

Di paid tribute to all the support from the British Equestrian World Class programme, as well as the support teams, at home and at the championships.

“These are exciting times for British showjumping,” she said.

Red weather warning: more shows take action, including cancellations and postponements

Becky Murray — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 15:39:22 +0000

As temperatures soar and parts of England prepare for highs of up to 40C tomorrow, a number of competitions have been cancelled or postponed.

Last week, for the first time ever, the Met Office issued a red “exceptional heat” warning for today (18 July) and tomorrow (19 July) for parts of central, northern, eastern and southeastern England. An amber warning is in place for Cornwall, west Wales and parts of southern Scotland.

Yesterday British Eventing (BE) announced that competition at Dauntsey Park in Wiltshire tomorrow has been abandoned owing to the weather warning and Government advice. The second day of competition on Wednesday (20 July) – when temperatures are forecast to be cooler – remains unaffected.

Classes that had been due to run on Tuesday – including the BE90 and BE100 – will now take place on Thursday after organisers “moved heaven and earth” to reschedule.

“To ensure the best possible going, watering has begun on the cross-country and showjumping and the aggravator will be used on the dressage and other areas that require it,” said a BE spokesman yesterday.

A number of British Showjumping competitions scheduled for tomorrow have also been cancelled. Venues that have so far announced they will not run are Chard Equestrian in Somerset, Speetley Equestrian in Derbyshire, Onley Grounds Equestrian in Warwickshire, and Codham Park Equestrian Centre in Essex.

British Dressage scheduled to take place today at Witham Villa, Leicester, and tomorrow at Manor Grange, West Yorkshire, and Arena UK in Lincolnshire, is cancelled. The show at Felbridge Showground on Tuesday has been rescheduled to Thursday (21 July). Last week it was announced that the BD Petplan equine Area Festival at Wellington Riding tomorrow would be rescheduled to Friday (22 July).

In racing, meetings at Beverley and Windsor today, and tomorrow’s fixtures at Chelmsford City, Southwell, and Wolverhampton have been abandoned.

The Festival of Hunting

The Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show and the Festival of Hunting at the East of England Showground is going ahead on Wednesday and organisers have said a “comprehensive” animal welfare policy is in place, with vets on site.

“There will be ample water available with access to shade in and around the hound rings and the collecting ring for the inter-hunt relay,” the organisers said.

“In consultation with the chief veterinary officer and chief medical officer, the organisers of the event will be prepared to modify any classes they see fit if the weather conditions on the day dictate that there would otherwise be an unacceptable level of risk to the welfare of the animals exhibiting, or their handlers.”

Shows take steps to support competitors and horses, as Met Office issues ‘extreme heat’ warning

Becky Murray — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 16:02:13 +0000

Event organisers are taking extra steps to support horses and riders, as the Met Office issues an amber “extreme heat” warning for the weekend.

The Met Office has issued the warning in England and Wales for Sunday (17 July) and Monday, as temperatures are expected to reach over 35C in the southwest, and more widely around 32C in other areas. Further north, and in Scotland, temperatures are expected to be in the mid- to high 20s.

With equestrian sport scheduled across the disciplines this week organisers and venues have been taking steps to help riders and horses stay cool.

Lauren Fogg of Arena UK, which is running a four-day British Showjumping competition from tomorrow (13 July) incorporating second-round classes, told H&H they have sold 500 stables but some competitors based further afield have withdrawn. The centre has announced measures including early starts, revised timetables, and extra staff on hand to make course changes quicker.

“We are starting at 7am every day and making sure there is plenty of water everywhere for horses as they need it. We’re trying to make things quicker for everyone, and we’re also allowing people to arrive earlier than usual and we won’t close until 11pm, to allow people to travel at slightly cooler times,” she said, adding riders can compete without jackets but must have their shoulders covered for all classes – except for Horse of the Year Show qualifiers, which will be decided by the judges on the day.

“We are a bit concerned about the heat but we want to do everything we possibly can to make sure it runs smoothly.”

Extra watering has been taking place at Oxfordshire’s Upton House ahead of its British Eventing fixture tomorrow and Thursday.

Joint organiser Jessica Thomas told H&H the ground is “amazingly good” despite the hot weather, and that it is not forecast to be as hot on either day as it is at the weekend.

“Dave Thornton, who runs the farm at Upton Estate, has made a huge effort getting the ground how we wanted it, and it wasn’t as hard as it has been in the past when we started work on it [earlier in the year] so that was really good,” she said.

“There will be extra water provision at the end of the cross-country, but it’s important that we still need people to bring their own.”

There will be donation buckets around Upton for anyone who wishes to contribute to the additional course-watering costs.

A spokesman for the Cotswold Cup, taking place at Barbury Castle (16-17 July), said they are working closely with Barbury organisers Musketeer Events to monitor the weather and put additional provisions in place “as and when the need for them arises”.

Jenny Meiklejohn of Musketeer told H&H they have “slightly adjusted” the cross-country course to make more use of flatter ground.

“We’re not sending them up the hills as much and we have upped the amount of water provision, in the lorry park, and at the start and finish, so there will be huge amounts of cold water for people to cool their horses. We are also going to have ‘mobile water’, with people like cross-country stewards and the fence repair team so if anyone gets stuck on course, there will be water available for both horse and rider.”

Jenny added they are also advising competitors to bring their own water and to make sure they “manage their own horses’ welfare”.

“It’s conditions that are unusual in this country, but horse sport is carried on around the world in much hotter temperatures, so it’s probably something we all find a bit shocking but if you’re an event rider in Australia it’s very common practice to be riding in temperatures like this. It’s not that humid so we don’t have to deal with that. People just have to be sensible and look after their horses,” she said.

Show cancellations and postponements

The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) national championships at Hartpury will now only run two days, from 15-16 July, instead of three.

An RDA spokesman said in light of the Met Office weather warning for Sunday, the difficult decision had been taken to suspend competition that day.

“For those RDA groups and competitors due to compete on Sunday, this will obviously be a huge disappointment, but we feel it would be reckless to ignore the specific amber weather warning of extreme heat across Gloucestershire and expose both horses and people to unnecessary risk,” he said.

“The event will continue exactly as planned on Friday, with extra provision made to help ensure both horses and people can take part safely. On Saturday, changes have been made to some specific classes to help avoid the forecasted highest temperatures of the day.”

The spokesman added that the site will remain open on Saturday evening and into Sunday morning to enable groups to stayover on Saturday if they had planned to do so, and leave a time that “best suits the welfare of the horses and teams”.

Sunday entry fees will be refunded, and all accommodation fees for Saturday night will be refunded even if they decide to stay, to “allow everyone to make the best possible decision” about their leaving times.

Gloucestershire-based Rectory Farm has cancelled its BS category one show on Sunday.

“As disappointed as we are to have made this decision, as always horse welfare and safety is paramount and with the expected extreme heat we believe that the correct decision was to cancel the day’s competition,” read a statement.

“We are very sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment this may have caused and we have refunded all competitors previously entered.”

The Rectory Farm BS show scheduled on Thursday (14 July) is still going ahead.

The Malvern Highland Pony show, which was to take place on 16-17 July at Three Counties Showground, has been postponed until 3-4 September.

The British Dressage classes that were going to take place on Tuesday 19 July at the Wellington Riding Petplan Equine Area Festival have been rescheduled for Friday 22 July.

Tips for horse owners

The British Horse Society has issued a number of tips for horse owners including ensuring a constant supply of clean and fresh water is available – and reminded that horses can drink up to 50 litres per day in hot weather.

“Be aware that buckets of water in the stable can become warm and possibly unpalatable if left to stand for too long, so you may need to change them more regularly than usual to keep them fresh,” said the spokesman.

“It is ideal to have more than one water source available in the field so that certain herd members aren’t prevented from drinking, or chased away by others. Keeping the water source away from a corner will help prevent a horse being cornered into a small area by another horse.”

The spokesman said when travelling, to go as early or as late as possible to avoid the hottest part of the day and to take more water than you think you will need.

“Some horses are fussy about drinking water away from home, so it could be essential to have a familiar supply. Carrying plenty of water is also a vital part of being prepared if your vehicle were to break down with your horses on board. You could be stuck at the side of the road waiting for a recovery crew so water will be vital to help keep your horse cool and hydrated,” he said.

The spokesman added that riders should ensure horses are cooled effectively after exercise.

“This can be achieved by continuously pouring cold water all over the horse’s body. Not scraping the water off the horse does not cause the skin temperature to rise,” he said.

Horse sport takes steps to support competitors during cost of living crisis

Becky Murray — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 08:03:19 +0000

More measures have been announced by horse sport governing bodies to help provide financial support during the cost of living crisis.

H&H reported concerns around low entries, riders having to choose between training or competing, and volunteers and judges having to offer their services less owing to high fuel costs (news, 5 May). Last week, fuel prices hit another record high, despite the 5p per litre fuel duty cut in March, with prices above £2 per litre in some areas.

British Dressage (BD) has announced measures to be implemented from 1 July, including the removal of all minimum starter levy payments for venues, and a reduction in the competition starter levy from £2 to £1.50 for 12 months. Judge payments will increase from £1 to £1.50 per starter for List 1 to 4 judges, and from £1 to £1.25 for List 5 and 6.

The BD board has also pledged to maintain membership fees at current levels “if possible”, when fees are reviewed at the end of the year – but this will be dependent on its budget.

BD chief executive Jason Brautigam said BD had a stronger than anticipated recovery from the pandemic, which has allowed it to use some of the surplus generated last year to support these initiatives and “help to safeguard the future of the sport”.

“It is in everyone’s interests to ensure shows remain viable and offer attractive propositions for our members, organisers and officials. With more than 18,000 members, the sport is in good health currently, but there is no room for complacency, and we will continue to monitor participation numbers closely,” he said.

British Eventing (BE) has announced initiatives to help competitors, including the launch of “Go BE”, which allows riders to take part in affiliated competitions from 80cm to 100cm without the need for a BE membership – and with entry fees set at the lower limit. Results will be unpublished, qualifications will not count and there will be no prize money.

BE has also reduced the cost of its pay-as-you-go membership by 50% from £30 to £15 per category, with a £10 run fee.

“With the spiralling cost of fuel and rapid rise in inflation, we very much wanted to help in any way we could to minimise the pressure on our members,” said BE chief executive Helen West.

British Showjumping (BS) chief executive Iain Graham told H&H that BS has recognised the financial pressures for venues for a number of years and has taken steps to ensure the costs of affiliating and running BS shows are kept within viable levels.

“To that end, we have held show affiliation fees at the same amount for the last 12 years; 80p per senior rider up to a maximum of £100 per day at a category one show, £150 for category two and £200 for category three,” he said.

“We also subsidise the costs of training, assessing and providing CPD [continuing professional development] for the officials required at a BS show, as well as providing access to hire showjumps at competitive rates.”

Tipping point

The British Horse Society (BHS) said the large financial commitment of owning a horse has been “magnified” in recent months, and rising living costs combined with the continued effects of the pandemic could be the “tipping point” in terms of owners’ abilities to keep their horses.

“It is vital to look ahead and budget as effectively as possible, in a way that doesn’t compromise horse health and welfare,” said BHS welfare education manager Emmeline Hannelly. “Consider clubbing together to save money, fuel and time; discuss opportunities for reduced rates on bulk supplies of feed, or group visits by vets, farriers and other professionals.”

Owners seeking advice and support can contact the BHS horse care and welfare helpline.

Compete or train? How the cost of living is having an impact on the horse world

Becky Murray — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 18:03:14 +0000

More riders are having to make the choice between competing or training – while some events are being forced to cancel, as the cost of living takes hold of the equestrian competition season.

Concerns have been shared across the board as costs continue to rise, which are being met by reports of low entries, event cancellations, and riders having to make difficult choices on what to spend their money on. H&H has spoken to people from across the industry about the impact.

Herefordshire-based amateur rider Verity Daughtrey, who events and showjumps, told H&H increased fuel costs mean she is having to compete less and alternate which of her two horses she takes out.

“Recently I went for a cross-country training session, and the 120-mile round trip cost me more than £80 in fuel,” she said. “When I compete I want to do well so I have to pay for more training, so it’s a case of spending every penny that I can on lessons then maybe having one trip out a month. At the moment I’m trying to stick to fairly local competitions to keep fuel costs down.

“I was a British Eventing (BE) member for six years but when my membership was up for renewal in August I looked at it and thought, ‘I can’t afford to renew this and the money is needed elsewhere.’ Another thing was the abandonment insurance; while I know some events are doing their own, I can’t possibly pay more than £100 for an event that might get abandoned and I don’t get a penny back.”

Research by the Institute for Government said the “cost of living crisis” refers to the fall in “real income” that the UK has experienced since late 2021, and is caused by a combination of high inflation outstripping wage increases and upcoming tax increases that have squeezed incomes for many households. The report adds that the crisis is “expected to worsen” when planned tax increases come in from this month.

Fuel and energy costs have risen significantly this year. According to the AA, in March the average UK fuel costs were 163.8p for petrol and 173.8p for diesel. In March 2021, the average cost was 125.3p per litre for unleaded petrol and 128.2p for diesel.

The energy price cap increased on 1 April, and Ofgem reported customers on default tariffs paying by direct debit would see an increase of £693 per year. Changes to National Insurance rates were also brought this month, with contributions increasing by 1.25%.

British Horse Society (BHS) accredited professional coach Claire Light told H&H she has noticed more riders are having to choose between competing and having lessons, and this is having an impact on her own competition plans.

“Normally I would event but I’m having to look to the future and think, ‘Do I compete next month, or keep that money in the bank just in case?’” she said.

“I don’t necessarily think we will see a massive hit this summer with it being the first real summer after Covid, but when September comes and people are putting their heating back on I think we’ll notice a big crash across the equestrian industry.”

In BE, a pattern of riders holding off on entering until after the ballot date has been reported, and some events have been forced to cancel owing to entry numbers. Swalcliffe Park (1) (19–20 March) cancelled as entries were “significantly” short at ballot date and organisers were unable to take the “gamble” to see if entries came in. Bovington (1) (15–16 April) cancelled as wet weather had made course preparation difficult combined with “poor” entry levels at its ballot date, and Broadway (1) (7–8 May) has cancelled owing to a lack of entries.

BE chief executive Helen West told H&H there is “no doubt that members are more mindful of costs”.

“Members are understandably hanging on to their money for longer, so we are seeing a pattern of entries coming in later which undoubtedly causes challenges for organisers. That said, the events that have run so far have, in the main, been well supported,” she said.

Great Witchingham (1) (25–26 March) dropped to two days of competition instead of its scheduled three, owing to low entries. The event’s organiser Robert Sayer told H&H they received 411 entries, compared to 710 in 2020, before it was cancelled by the Covid lockdown.

“There are various driving factors; we are a peripheral event in Norfolk – and there’s been a declining BE membership in the east of England – the increase in costs of entries and the lack of abandonment insurance, ” he said.

“When it got to our ballot date the price of fuel rocketed courtesy of what is going on in Ukraine and the cost of filling up your lorry went up by 20-30% literally overnight. It became very expensive to get to a peripheral event running national classes. Competitors don’t really vote with their seat, they vote with their pocket.”

Jenny Meiklejohn of Musketeer Events, which organises fixtures including Cirencester Park, Burnham Market and Cholmondeley Castle, told H&H she believes the increase in living costs is affecting grassroots riders more than professional or elite. Cirencester Park added an extra day to its first fixture, which had classes up to advanced intermediate (26–28 March), and its second fixture, which includes international sections (30 April–1 May), currently has a waitlist.

“At Burnham Market (14–16 April) we had a really light day on the first day – we were probably 100 entries down at the lower end. But on the flip side we had nearly 200 advanced horses across the four-star and advanced classes. There are definitely issues at the grassroots end and we will no doubtedly see that when we open entries for Burnham (2) or Cholmondeley,” she said.

“We also run a series of unaffiliated events so it will be interesting to see how that market reacts and whether it is as affected.”

Discussing the wider impact, Ms Meiklejohn said she believes the struggle to find volunteers will be “exacerbated” by rising fuel costs, but said the problem in finding volunteers is “not a new one”.

“As much as we completely rely on volunteers, I believe as a sport we should be looking at how we can adapt and move in ways that other countries have, for example events in the US don’t have three fence judges at every jump. We should be looking at the positioning of volunteers and things like making more use of cameras.”

The impact is also being felt in the other disciplines. Zara Pawley, a British Dressage (BD), showing and FEI eventing judge, told H&H she will be doing less judging this year owing to rising costs.

“I pay a full BD membership whether I judge or not, to stay on the list. I have to pay for my own training and if a convention is further away then I have my accommodation overnight,” she said.

“For BD judging I get 45p mileage, but there isn’t a set mileage for showing. I live in Norfolk and a tank of diesel is now costing me nearly £80 and I just can’t afford to do it – and I’m not the only judge feeling like this.”

BD chief executive Jason Brautigam told H&H the organisation is “very mindful” how the rise in the cost of living will “inevitably have an impact” on the dressage community.

“Not just competitors, but our organisers, venues, officials and volunteers too. This is on the agenda for further discussion at our finance and business development committee and board meetings this month, to consider how we can best support all of our stakeholder groups and ensure that the sport remains financially viable.

“We currently have record numbers of members and horses competing with BD, with 18,350 active members at the end of March, resulting in higher than forecast starters in each of the first three months this year. However, there is no room for complacency, especially with the impact of inflation, fuel costs and National Insurance rises not fully hitting until April onwards, so we are continuing to monitor the situation closely.”

British Showjumping (BS) chief executive Iain Graham told H&H multi-day shows continue to be well supported, with the Blue Chip championships and the Pony of the Year Show this month receiving good entries. BS has kept its affiliation fees for centres the same since 2010 in an effort to help centres with costs.

“I think people are looking to minimise mileage by attending a show for three or four days,” he said.

“But if fuel prices stay at current levels the peripheral venues and single-day shows will probably notice people travelling a bit less and if this continues for an extended period of time into years I’m sure it will have an impact on people’s ability to spend money on their hobbies.”

Jane Gregory, manager of Chard Equestrian, which runs British Showjumping and BD, told H&H shows have been well supported, but competitors are trying to save money where they can.

“This week we have people competing on Wednesday evening, and they are staying on for our weekend show to save on fuel costs rather than making two trips,” she said.

Early mornings and late nights: lawyer wins winter jumping title at spring championships

Alex Robinson — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 16:38:09 +0000

A full-time lawyer successfully switched one high pressure job for another at the 2022 British Showjumping Spring Championships (24—27 March), as her gelding soared to the top of the NAF Five Star winter silver league championship final.

Rebecca Marsh and her dad Adrian Marsh’s 14-year-old Adorus (Andy) were second last to go in the eight-strong jump-off. Only the previous combination, Emily Morris and her speedy mare Bean Cruising, had gone clear, so the pressure was on for Rebecca and Andy, her ride of just over a year, to leave all the fences up.

“Andy is easy to adjust; you can always go more forward or add a stride if you need,” said Rebecca. “Plus, he’s quite careful.”

The jump-off required a forward rhythm, plenty of pace and accuracy on the turns. Rebecca rode a quiet round on ultra-focused Andy, asking enough of the big-striding gelding but ensuring she let him get on with the job before him.

“I jumped my other horse, Stevie G, in the jump-off first so I knew where I was going,” she continued. “I knew I had to keep Andy in his rhythm and just ride him properly to go clear.”

Earlier in his career, Andy was sold to a client in America before returning to the Marsh’s Heathcroft Stud here in the UK.

“Andy can be a bit grumpy and he likes his food, though he’s pretty willing to do anything when you’re on him,” said Rebecca.

Rebecca fits jumping in between the demands of working as a lawyer.

“I work during the week but I was off from Wednesday [of this week] so I came and jumped the clear round the classes which were being held here at Northcote,” explained Rebecca, who said that the venue is one of her locals. “I brought Andy along for this winter silver league final as he’d already qualified through points, so he didn’t need to jump a qualifier.

“I juggle horses around work with lots of early mornings and late nights. Horses are a nice break from work; they’re good for the soul.”

Paul Barker continues Northcote reign by bagging winter Grade C title at British Showjumping Spring Championships

Alex Robinson — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 11:22:36 +0000

Paul Barker had Ria Ginley’s Kannan nine-year-old Indekann HK (Dennis) right on the money to claim the leading spot in the penultimate class, the winter Grade C championship final, of the 2022 British Showjumping Spring Championships (24—27 March).

Paul and Dennis finished their winter Grade C championship jump-off on a time of 36.38, over 1.5 seconds faster than eventual second, last night’s 1.35m championship winner Robert Murphy, who was on board Chawton.

Ria bought Dennis as a fresh-faced five-year-old and she handed the reins over to Paul just under a year ago.

“Richard Howley and Morgan Kent from HK Horses bred him,” explained Ria, who only lives a few miles away from Paul in North Yorkshire. “I took him through novice level right up to 1.30m level, and then Paul took over the ride to jump the big stuff.”

“He’s a scopey and capable horse,” said Paul who has found favour on Northcote turf before, including in January when he scored a hat-trick of wins at the venue’s winter classic. “Today I tried to keep the horse level and tried to ride good turns back to the oxers.

“He had a double clear and stood fifth in the Grand Prix at Morris EC last week, so we thought he’d have a reasonable chance today.

“I’ll jump him alongside my other horse, home-bred Green Grass, for the rest of the season and they’ll both hopefully jump a few 2* classes.”

At home Dennis is fondly known as “Dennis the Menace.”

“He’s lovely, but he looks for trouble,” added Ria. “He jumps in and out of the field regularly; he’s a true athlete, but is a really nice person.”

Young rider nets second title within 24 hours at British Showjumping Spring Championships

Alex Robinson — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 09:38:49 +0000

Three riders of the future battled it out in the winter children on horses championship final on the closing day of the 2022 British Showjumping Spring Championships held at Northcote Stud (24—27 March).

15-year-old Jessica Cunnington zipped to the title aboard Samantha Hemsley’s nine-year-old stallion Iminko 5.

Jessica was continuing a stellar British Showjumping Spring Championships run; less than 24 hours earlier she had jumped young gelding Aredis Cicero to the five-year-old winter championship, and on Friday she’d also reigned in the winter children on horses direct qualifier with Iminko.

“We bought him as an unbroken five-year-old,” said Jessica, of Kannan-sired Iminko who she has produced from British Novice up to 1.30m level which he is currently jumping with consistency. “He’s really cool. He can be sensitive to the leg but if you know how to ride him he’s fine.”

This is Jessica’s first full year contesting horse classes.

“I love riding the horses; I think I ride them much better than ponies,” she noted

Jessica and Iminko tapped a single pole during their round, but their score left plenty of room between them and nearest rivals, Mia Grey and Fenix, who finished with 12 penalties.

“Iminko was on it today,” said Jessica. “I knew I had to just aim for a nice clear or have a fence to win it, but he actually jumped really well for me. He’s a really sane horse; you wouldn’t know he’s a stallion and at home he just lives a normal life. ”

Jessica will now aim Iminko towards a Horse of the Year Show qualification.

“I’m hoping to get onto some European teams, too.”

‘This is just the start of this horse’: Robert Murphy rides flawless jump-off round to land winter 1.35cm championship

Alex Robinson — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 22:06:54 +0000

Despite being second last to perform in the jump-off, 22-year-old local rider Robert Murphy and Julie Andrews’ How Easy kept their cool to triumph in the winter 1.35cm championship final at the 2022 British Showjumping Spring Championships held at Northcote Stud (24—27 March).

The Talan 10-year-old bay gelding manoeuvred impressively tight turns while searching for long strides with Lancashire showjumper Robert in perfect harmony. After watching earlier combinations role the last fence, Robert knew how to tackle this specific jump-off situation:

“It was a fairly long course so I tried to stay calculated as I went round,” said Robert, who is a regular face at Northcote Stud. “There were a lot of tight turns to technical jumps so I tried to keep it neat and tidy while keeping things quick. Some of the earlier riders went fast and had the last down, so I tried to keep my head as best I could on the approach to this fence by keeping the turns smooth.

“Easy has loads of ability; this is just the start of this horse. He could go on to jump much bigger things in the future, and he really tries to keep the fences up for me.”

Robert took over the ride on Easy at the end of 2021:

“He’s been jumping consistent clears at 1.40m,” Robert added. “But he’s still a bit green at this level so we’ve been getting him out as much as we can to prepare for the summer season.”

Robert has enjoyed a superb run at the British Showjumping Spring Championships this week, including taking second spot in the five-year-old winter final on his family’s Billy Earp earlier in the day.

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