Latest from Horse & Hound in Dublin-horse-show

‘It would be totally the icing on the cake’: young horse producer on what makes Dublin a show like no other

Bethan Simons — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:04:42 +0000

With Dublin Horse Show this week (5-9 August), Ballynahinch-based showing producer Rachel Moore Rooney’s schedule has been jam-packed with preparations.

But she found time to speak to H&H showing editor Bethan Simons for episode 179 of The Horse & Hound podcast, sponsored by Clip My Horse TV, about preparing young horses for Dublin and the incredibly buzzy atmosphere.

Rachel concedes that “it is a big ask” for young horses.

“I don't think anyone understands like how buzzy it is until you're in that ring. So it's a big ask for them,” says Rachel.

“Our four and five-year-olds have to do three shows before they're actually allowed to compete at Dublin Horse Show, which is good. It gives the ride judge a little bit of reassurance that they've seen a bit and done a bit because it is a massive atmosphere.”

To prepare for the show, Rachel prefers to take her youngsters to quieter fixtures.

“I like to just do a few quieter shows with them, and I don't like to expose them to a massive atmosphere, because it can sometimes send them the other way,” she explains.

“We try to do a lot of local shows and just keep everything nice and calm, and just hope. A lot of them won't take the atmosphere, so you kind of gauge their temperament at home and what they're going to be like. Not everything will cope with Dublin.”

Winning at Dublin

Over the years, Rachel has enjoyed considerable success at Dublin, including a shock win in the working hunter championship, something she considers a career highlight.

“We’d had a long, long week. It had been an okay week, but you know when you're just kind of deflated? And you had high hopes for a horse, and one thing and another happened?” she says of the build-up to that win.

The workers plays out on the show’s final day, and having been there for a week, Rachel felt she’d rather go home.

“I was like, ‘Do you know what? We’ll just pack up and we’ll go home’.”

To add to the week’s pressure’s, Rachel was set to marry now husband Kyle four days later. Luckily, Kyle and her parents felt she should go for her last class of the week.

“My mum threw the plaits in with bands – she never plaits with bands – but the class was starting. So she was plaiting him, and one of the girls was studding, and they let me walk the course. I was like, ‘it's quite a quite a steep track’, but I knew my horse was more than capable and thought ‘I'm just gonna go in, and whatever happens, that'll keep everyone happy if nothing else’.”

It was a good thing she stayed.

“We went in, and he jumped the most perfect round, and he rode just amazing for the judge, and he won, and then he was champion. You couldn't have written it. It just was meant to be. We’d had him since a foal so it was a long old road, and he just was such a special horse. That was my last show with him. He then was sold. It was lovely.”

Looking ahead, it’s the hunter championship that Rachel has her eye on:

“I think everyone says the same, but my goal would be to win the hunter championship at Dublin. It would just be totally the icing on the cake. But I guess every single person on this side of the water would all say the same.

“That will be the dream to win that supreme on a Saturday morning in the main arena. But we'll keep giving it a go and keep trying, and maybe one day it'll happen, and maybe it won't. But that's okay; it can still be my goal and we can keep chasing it.”

Judging at HOYS

Beyond Dublin, Rachel has an exciting judging appointment: Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). She’s named as one of the pool of judges who will be allocated classes the night before the class.

“It is really exciting. I'm really looking forward to it. It'll be great. I go most years so it'll be a weird one not competing, but definitely it's a privilege to be asked.”

In the face of speculation that appointed judges do know what they are judging but are sworn to secrecy, Rachel is clear: “No, I genuinely do not know what I'm judging.

“I could be as shocked as everyone else, so I'm just gonna take it and see what comes. It's gonna be a surprise for me as well as everyone else.”

In the podcast, Rachel goes on to elaborate on the trials it poses when it comes to packing her outfit for judging.

“I think we're going to have to overpack and just be prepared to do anything.”

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‘It’s where we aim for from one August to the next’: meet Dublin Horse Show’s leading rider James Smyth

Bethan Simons — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 15:30:29 +0000

Producer James Smyth – based just outside Belfast – has just been crowned Dublin Horse Show leading rider for the fourth time on the bounce, which is no mean feat.

With 26 horses in their stable, James and his partner Ryan Anderson fielded 22 of these at Dublin. They brought a fine array of wins and championships between them, which led to James being crowned Dublin Horse Show leading rider once again.

James gives us the lowdown on competing at Dublin Horse Show…

How James became Dublin Horse Show leading rider for the fourth time

The award is based on placings accumulated during the week. James – who enjoyed his first Dublin win aboard Colorado in the intermediate hunter type – started his 2025 campaign in the riding horse classes. He secured a space in the championship for both Debbie Harrod’s large runner-up King Of Clubs II, and small winner Glenkeeran The Last Dace (Sid). “Shire queen” Emma Green took Crosstown Dancer five-year-old Sid’s reins in the championship to finish reserve.

James and Glenkeeran The Last Dance top the small riding horse division (Image credit: creditUnknown)

There was more luck for James in the cob and hunter ranks: Hilary Gibson’s Highview Forthriver won the lightweight cobs, Hilary and Mark Morrow’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS)-bound Mr Venture Elm was middleweight hunter champion, and Debbie Harrod’s winner of the six-year-old and over lightweight hunter class, Bannside Dancer (Toddi), was lightweight champion.

Ryan brought a share of success to the yard, too, most notably securing a further tricolour in the coloured section astride Knockroe Flash, a type James describes as “hard to find nowadays with the bone and substance to be a show hunter – he’s a real middleweight.”

What Dublin Horse Show means to James, 2025 leading rider

“As a producer here, Dublin means everything to me,” said James. “It’s where we aim for from one August to the next. And winning this feels like confirmation you’re doing a good job – that your horses look and go well.”

James’ tips for a Dublin first-timer

“Make sure you give your horse enough work and time to get used to the atmosphere. It’s electric there and it’s hard to prepare for that,” explains James.

“Because it’s in the middle of the city, there’s more of an echo than at normal shows, and you never know what’s going to happen; there could be trolleys going past from the trade stands or kids kicking the banners, and down in the bottom of ring two you have the bandstand…

“Then there’s Ladies Day on a Thursday and Friday is Aga Khan day. If an Irish horse jumps clear in the Aga Khan, the cheer in the main arena goes up and you cannot prepare for it. You don’t know when it’s going to happen or anything.”

If James could take any horse bar his own to Dublin, it would be…

“It would have to be Bloomfield Excelsior,” says James. “He was initially with Jane Bradbury and then with Jayne Ross while I was working there for a while.

“He was a true heavyweight hunter and a very good horse to gallop so he would have suited the big ring at Dublin.”

As four-time Dublin Horse Show leading rider, would he rather enter the ring favourite or the underdog?

“That depends on the judges,” quips James with a wry smile. “No, in all honesty, I think it depends on the horse. I’d generally rather enter the ring on a favourite and feel confident, but if it was a sharp or tricky horse, then maybe it’s easier to enter as underdog without the pressure of expectation.”

Dublin is known for being a shop window for young horses. In a young show horse, James looks for…

“First and foremost, good basic conformation,” says James. “It’s always the most important thing to me. People talk about a finding ‘a Dublin horse’ or ‘a Balmoral horse’, but for me it doesn’t matter – all show horses should have correct conformation and be the correct type for the class.

“I like to buy horses as three year olds, not broken, and take them slowly.”

If James were to seek advice from anyone, it would be…

“For advice on horses I would probably speak to Desi Gibson, because he is very good at what he does and sourcing young horses, and he can see things that probably I can’t,” says James.

James on his horse of a lifetime…

James admits that though he’s “had a lot of superb horses through the yard” during his career, he’d have to choose Toddi.

He explains: “My grandfather Samuel Smyth bred him, and he’s named Toddi after my great uncle.”

This was the seven-year-old’s third win here; he was reserve four-year-old champion and has stood reserve lightweight twice before.

“He’s a real yard favourite; a real good character. When you ride him, wherever you want him to go he’ll go, and he’s a good horse to gallop,” continues James. “He also has so many Dublin winners in his pedigree on the dam side – Seefin Lady and Hunter’s Jewel, his great granddam and granddam were both Dublin winners.

And finally, with Dublin over for 2025, what about the ideal weekend away from showing?

“Going to a horse sale,” James laughs.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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British gold medallist, 20, is first woman in 61 years to win Dublin puissance: ‘He’s an unbelievable horse’

Pippa Roome — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 11:08:46 +0000

Britain’s Rachel Proudley became the first woman in 61 years to win the Dublin Horse Show puissance; her fourth victory in this type of class in nine months with Graham Ward’s Easy Boy De Laubry Z.

The 20-year-old, who was recently crowned young rider European champion, won over the wall at the London Horse Show last year, then shared victory at Bolesworth and won Mullingar, where the aim was to qualify for this Dublin debut. The combination made their puissance debut at Horse of the Year Show last year, having practised over a wall made from bales of shavings.

Fourteen went to post over the 1.80m starter wall in the Defender Dublin Horse Show puissance, but only two cleared the 2.10m third-round challenge. Paddy O’Connell’s dapple grey Kilcorig Elysium hooked up his back legs on the wall at this height and somehow got away without bringing down a brick, although the Irishman nearly fell off.

Paddy sensibly elected not to jump again, which meant Rachel could have won by simply going through the start in the fourth round and then retiring, but she sportingly gave the crowd a show and it never looked in doubt that Easy Boy De Laubry Z would clear 2.15m.

“I was quietly confident and he jumped very good in the last few rounds, but the last round was his best,” said Rachel. “He’s so brave and has such a good attitude. He gets a little bit excited in the atmosphere, but he’s an unbelievable horse and you can trust him all the way. He loves his job.”

The rider described the 11-year-old as “very chilled out” at home and she doesn’t practise over a wall; hacking and hunting is his main preparation. He paraded hounds at the Great Yorkshire Show last month with Rachel’s boyfriend, Hurworth huntsman Stevie Cook, and was out hunting on Boxing Day with her father Paul after winning at London.

The last time a female rider won this class was 1964, when Britain’s Pat Moss-Carlsson, sister of Formula 1 driver Stirling Moss and a successful rally driver herself, shared victory with Johnny Kidd.

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Laura Kraut wins unusual Dublin grand prix: ‘I was sick to my stomach watching’

Pippa Roome — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 20:22:46 +0000

Laura Kraut claimed victory in a highly unusual Rolex grand prix at the RDS Dublin Horse Show today (10 August) when she won with the only clear round in the class.

“Dublin is one of those that’s on your bucket list of classes to win – I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to win this today,” said the 59-year-old US rider, whose last five-star grand prix win was over two years ago.

Laura and Cherry Knoll Farm Inc’s Bisquetta were the penultimate combination to tackle Alan Wade’s track. When they entered the arena, 11 pairs had finished the course with four faults and it looked as though they would have to jump off to decide the honours.

But Laura showed all her class and experience when she piloted the 11-year-old mare round with both determination and precision to record the only fault-free performance of the class and ultimately take the top spot. It was all over when final pair Trevor Breen and Highland President hit the oxer into the Rolex treble at fence 4a and then retired further round.

“I expected a good class, but didn’t think I’d get a great class. You don’t expect one clear to win it and I didn’t aim for that,” said course-designer Alan Wade.

“I thought there would be six or eight clears, but there were 11 on four faults and all of them would have probably gone clear if they’d been given a second chance. At this level, you’re building for the top level, you have spread, you have height, you have good material here in Dublin.

“I don’t think I’d have done anything different. The time was comfortable and you couldn’t say we were forcing them into mistakes. Maybe some will think we should have had 10 in the jump-off, but with lighter material you can get softer faults. Sometimes you get one or two go clear, or I’ve had it go all the way up to 17. It’s not an exact science and you have to be fair to the horses and the occasion.”

Alan joked that he blamed Shane Sweetnam, who went in second with James Kann Cruz and ended up third with just the orange oxer over a water tray at fence three down.

“When I did 12.2hh pony qualifiers, you needed someone to settle the rest and if he’d gone clear, we’d have had eight or nine in the jump-off!”

Laura Kraut: ‘Bisquetta is terrified of other horses’ tails’

Laura said: “Thanks to Alan for building a course that suited my horse perfectly! He’s right, we were not settled – I was sick to my stomach watching each horse go.

“I had a plan from when I walked it and I stuck to it. She’s very careful, very brave. This year she has really stepped up a level so I had confidence it wasn’t going to be too much for her, but I didn’t expect she’d do it as easily as she did. She rode perfectly and I cannot tell you how good she is.”

Laura’s partner Nick Skelton has won this grand prix five times. Asked if he put the pressure on her, Laura said: “He was great but he did say about halfway through, ‘This is the perfect class, you get in there and be the only clear, don’t worry about it.’”

Laura said Bisquetta has a lot of quirks, but doesn’t show them when you’re riding her.

“She’s terrified of other horses – mostly she’s terrified of their tails. If they swish their tails, she likes to run away! She’s actually very sweet in the stable, but she doesn’t like people or other horses and she’s becoming more and more of a princess.”

Laura Kraut and Bisquetta jump the only clear in the grand prix at Dublin 2025. (Image credit: picture courtesy of Rolex series)

Dublin grand prix: faults well spread

There was no particular bogey fence, faults were well spread. One of the favourites, Ireland’s Seamus Hughes Kennedy on ESI Rocky, had the first and last down, others faulted at the line of the Rolex wall (fence six), six strides to the water and then seven or eight strides to a delicate Rolex upright, which was topped with a thin yellow plank.

Tom Wachman (Tabasco De Toxandria Z), the other rider besides Seamus who jumped a double clear for Ireland in Friday’s Nations Cup, was among those who faulted when he went to the plank on seven strides.

Laura said she didn’t change a great deal from what she planned when she walked the course, but she did confirm her approach to the “very technical and careful” final line, triple bar to delicate double to oxer.

“The one part of the course that worried me was the vertical at fence 11 with the rollback to the triple bar,” she said. “I didn’t want to count a number of strides there because it’s not something I like to do, but as I watched it looked like the best option was to drop in and go on eight, so you had momentum to get five strides to the double.”

On the podium

Rodrigo Pessoa and Major Tom take second in the 2025 Dublin grand prix. (Image credit: picture courtesy of Rolex series)

Rodrigo Pessoa finished second for Brazil on Major Tom with the fastest four-fault round. With a late draw, he pressed on after he had fence 4b down, a mistake he blamed on himself, saying he came in “a bit hot” to the treble and ran out of room.

“In the beginning I was bummed about having the fence down, but when I saw my time I was rooting for Laura to jump clear as I’d rather be second than have to jump off against 10 others,” he said.

Third-placed Shane Sweetnam said his day was “weird” as he had assumed he was out of the running after his four faults, then he got excited as the class went on.

He said: “I was perhaps a bit tight back to fence three – when I walked the course I thought whatever you do, don’t have a time-fault as I had one last year, so that was in my head and I made a mistake, but the horse jumped great. Laura jumped an immaculate round and deserved her win.”

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Riders put pre-class falls behind them to claim podium spots in Dublin Nations Cup

Pippa Roome — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 18:39:38 +0000

Riders from the top two teams had falls today (8 August) before the Dublin Nations Cup, but they fought back to stand on the podium in this prestigious class.

The Dutch lifted the Aga Khan Trophy for the third time, claiming their first win in this Nations Cup at the RDS Dublin Horse Show since 2010.

Pathfinder Frank Schuttert took a fall when his mare, Isis, slipped on the way back from the pre-class parade.

He explained: “My horse was just a bit fresh and it was quite slippery for horses with their shoes on – it wasn’t her fault, just a thing that happened. I’m actually still recovering from an injury; four months ago I broke my hip and I fell on the exact same spot today.”

Frank went on to have 12 faults in the first round and eight in the second, but his team-mates – Kevin Jochems (Camilla Van De Helle), Willem Greve (Grandorado TN NOP) and Harrie Smolders (Mr Tac) – all delivered double clears to secure victory for the Netherlands.

“We kept fighting,” said Frank. “I was disappointed with my riding, I think I was maybe a little bit too much in my head and my horse is inexperienced. She did great and I had a lot of confidence in my team-mates. They did a fantastic job and it was a joy to watch them. Next time personally, I will fight back. But congratulations to the rest of the team and it was a great result.”

Germany took second in today’s Dublin Nations Cup, their effort spearheaded by a double clear from Sandra Auffarth and Quirici H. Sandra’s effort was particularly impressive as she had a fall in the warm-up for the first round. She was permitted to take a little extra time to recover, so jumped a couple of horses later than the original running order.

Sandra is a former eventing world champion and a multi-medallist in that discipline, most recently taking team silver and individual bronze at the 2023 European Championships on Viamant Du Matz, but she has not evented internationally this year and has been focusing on showjumping. She won a five-star grand prix at Falsterbo with Quirici H last year.

Sandra was backed up today by Christian Ahlmann (Blueberry), Marco Kutscher (Catelly) and new European champion Richard Vogel (Cloudio), who all jumped one clear round and had four or eight faults in their other performance.

Ireland took third, with double clears from young talents Tom Wachman (Tabasco De Toxandria Z) and Seamus Hughes-Kennedy (ESI Rocky) drawing huge cheers from the home crowd.

Britain finished fifth, with Joe Stockdale on Ebanking, Matt Sampson riding Daniel and Donald Whitaker with Millfield Colette all delivering one clear round and one four- or eight-fault round. Adrian Whiteway and Chacco Volo had one down on each showing.

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Julie Templeton: ‘Shows in England could learn a lot from Dublin’

Julie Templeton — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 07:28:37 +0000

Julie Templeton on our Irish neighbours’ prize pots and packed-out crowds at ringside

I’ve just returned home from judging at the Royal Dublin Horse Show for the first time and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the prestigious fixture.

It did help that the weather was incredibly kind to us, however the show itself was fabulous. I feel that some of the shows in England could learn a lot of lessons from the Dublin format. As well as top-class showing, there were amazing tradestands and an abundance of food and drink options for all to enjoy. The rings were fantastic and the layout of the show led to a great atmosphere.

I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed arenas where the grandstands were completely full and spectators were standing five deep around the remainder of the perimeter. This was the norm for nearly every single class. This could be in part down to the well-priced entry tickets and the very generous allocation given to competitors. Our county shows could definitely learn a lesson here.

While the average British showing enthusiast would think the class entry fees ranging from €275 to upwards of €400 per class are eye-watering, I’m sure they’d be surprised and impressed by the prize money on offer.

In standard showing classes at Dublin, first place typically takes home at least a few-hundred euros in some pony sections, and even into the thousands for the highest-placed Irish Draught stallion. Even competitors in fifth place still earned a respectable sum. It makes our brown envelopes with £15 for first seem farcical.

While it has been widely publicised that we are facing challenges here with dwindling numbers in our breeding classes, this was not the case in Dublin. The prize pots were spectacular with some in-hand classes offering upwards of €500 for first place and a huge €3,000 for the best foal.

An equally brilliant initiative was that the breeder of every winning animal across all youngstock classes was awarded €150; what a fabulous way to acknowledge breeders.

All in all, if Dublin can make this format work and have all classes with at least 20 competitors in them, then perhaps it’s about time we looked at the structure in England and re-evaluate in order to regenerate interest in our sport.

Safety first always

Lastly, my thoughts and best wishes are with Sarah Walker who had a terrible accident recently at the Sports Horse Breeding of Great Britain hunter championship show while working in. While she had to undergo surgery, the doctors said that she had been very lucky in the circumstances.

This just goes to prove that accidents can occur at any time on any animal.

While this incident took place in the warm-up I believe those competing in the ring should also be aware of possible dangers and risks.

All competitors should be wearing the correct standard of hat at all times and there should no longer be a place for classes where other headgear is acceptable. Health and wellbeing is worth more than vanity.

● What do you think shows in England could learn from Dublin? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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‘A lion in the ring, but the sweetest horse’: Hickstead Derby winner bows out for happy retirement

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 19:21:46 +0000

The 2019 Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby winner has been retired sound, happy and still at the top of his game, after a joint win in the Dublin Horse Show Defender puissance.

Mikey Pender and Hearton Du Bois Halleux shared the win with Joe Trunkfield and Cruze on 17 August, and Mikey announced that the Nonstop stallion would bow out of competition aged 17.

Mikey told H&H the idea of retiring “Harold” had been “half in the back of my mind”.

“And there was no better way to do it,” he said. “I wanted to do it when he was still healthy and in good form, and that felt like the perfect time.”

Mikey took on Paul van den Bosch’s stallion in 2018, just over a year before their famous Hickstead win, when Mikey at 19 became the youngest ever winner of the class. They also won eight puissances together, including three at Dublin.

“It’s so special [winning on home soil] and he’s done it three times; it’s amazing what he’s done,” Mikey said, adding that he had no idea when he first took the reins how much Harold would achieve.

“I had to try to work out the controls and it took a bit of time to get to know him, and for him to get to know me. But when it clicked, we got on very good and it all went from there.

“There were a good few highlights but I think in one year we won Hickstead, Dublin, Olympia and Bolesworth and that’s unreal.”

Mikey said Harold was “like a bit of a lion” in the ring.

“But he was the sweetest horse in the stable,” he said. “Anyone could ride him at home, he’s so kind-natured. I wanted him to have a good retirement, I didn’t want to push it so it felt very right to do it.

“He’ll stay with me, at home in his field, close to my house, so I can still see him as much as possible.”

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‘Half winging it!’ – combination reunited days before joint puissance win

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 12:47:38 +0000

Joe Trunkfield made his brief reunion with Cruze a successful one as he jumped to a joint win in the Dublin Horse Show Defender puissance, sharing the spoils with Mikey Pender and Hearton Du Bois Halleux.

Joe said he was “half winging it” on the big grey 13-year-old, who was sold last autumn and he only rode again on the Friday before the puissance. He had ridden the Crusador stallion in puissances for former owner and rider James Ingham but he was sold after Horse of the Year Show last year to Gracie Johnson.

“It was lovely to get back on Cruze and all the buttons were in the same place,” said Joe. “The atmosphere throughout was incredible, and the warm-up was electric!”

There were eight starters in the puissance and three made it to round four, also including Elliott Smith and Flamboyant III, who bowed out at that point. Joe had already had a dramatic moment when Cruze pulled off a shoe as he landed in the second round, but they and the 2019 Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby winners went in to face the wall at 2.20m in the last round. Jumping clear would have meant Joe and Cruze won outright but Joe said it was nice to share with Mikey and “Harold”, who was retired straight afterwards.

“It all worked out in the end,” said Joe. “It was a big old jump at 2.20m and great to win alongside a combination like Mikey and Harold, and it was a lovely touch being in the prize-giving for his announcement of retiring him.

“When the invite came through for Dublin, knowing he was based in Ireland I thought I’d try my luck and luckily, Gracie was game and brought him to the show on Thursday, while I flew out with James on Friday and had my first sit on him.

“You could say it was an Irish way of doing it, I was half winging it, but he’d been going well with Gracie all week and he obviously knows what he’s doing with the wall.

“It was the first time I’ve jumped a puissance on grass, but he definitely got a good bounce off the Irish turf! All credit to Gracie and I’m grateful she was on board to do the show.

“I’ll leave it in her hands, but if Gracie’s game for another one to come, I’ll just hop on at the show!”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Paralympic Games, Burghley, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Andrew Nicholson: ‘Dublin is a show with so much history’

Andrew Nicholson — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 09:28:12 +0000

Andrew Nicholson on his first trip to Dublin Horse Show, judging the young event horses

Last week I paid my first-ever visit to Dublin Horse Show, to judge the four- and five-year-old young event horse classes alongside Laura Collett and Annabel Scrimgeour. I also judged the ridden Connemara performance hunter class to warm me up.

You could tell why competing at Dublin is such a highlight for many Irish riders, particularly young ones. There is a great buzz everywhere, it appears to be heaving with people, there’s stacks of pony jumping and loads of classes of all sorts.

When I arrived and walked over to look at the main arena, I asked the gentleman showing me around if they played rugby there by any chance, because I recognised it. Yes, it is the home of the Leinster rugby team, although I think they are moving for next season because work is starting immediately after the show on a brand-new, very expensive grandstand.

The standard in the young event horse classes was very high, and what they are asked to do is quite a step up from what is asked of the equivalent classes at Burghley. On the first day they do a dressage test – with just letters, no arena boards – and then jump five showjumps and move straight on to the conformation judging element, which was my job.

On the second day, they tackled a course in the main arena involving a water jump, banks, a double of ditches and so on – proper stuff, with the added distraction of the big screens facing them. I was impressed with how well prepared and well trained they were, particularly the four-year-olds. The three of us judged that bit together, and we were all happy with the eventual winners.

All the elements of the competition were fast-moving and slick. We each had a steward with a laptop who put in our marks straight away and they were immediately visible on the show app, I think – I did check the exits in case I needed to make a quick getaway!

It was a fascinating experience, especially as I judged the Burghley young event horse final last year. I know it wouldn’t be easy, but it would be interesting to move Burghley’s classes to somewhere like the cross-country warm-up, as the ring there is tight and more space would make the whole thing flow better.

It was lovely to see a showground with so much history in the heart of Dublin, with all the competitions on grass – quite something these days. And of course the Irish are so good at looking after visitors and giving them a good time.

Three is exciting

The Olympics, where I was cross-country coach to the Swiss team, were a big success and very exciting competition. It proved you don’t need a big cross-country track if it is designed in the right way to suit that competition and the time is difficult to get.

Three members with three scores to count makes it exciting; two of your riders have gone well but there’s no let-up in tension – your last one must be fast and get to the finish.

The fact that the Japanese substituted a horse before the showjumping for 20 penalties – five poles, which they pegged back to win a much-deserved medal – made me think the system, and the scoring, works.

Championships need a new plan

It was very good of Hartpury to step in so late and put on the British Championships, but I wonder if they would have been better off not to have done so.

To be British open champion and win £400, and British intermediate champion for £300, is pretty shocking. And cramming those championship classes into Hartpury’s existing timetable of international classes meant that the cross-country ran late into the evening – not ideal for horses, nor anyone else.

I’m not having a go at Hartpury, but I hope that British Eventing has a proper plan for its important national championships for the future.

● How do you think the British Eventing national championships should evolve? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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€10,000 in grooms’ prizes offered at major show, for ‘expert and vital work’

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 22 Jun 2024 18:51:00 +0000

Grooms at the 2024 RDS Dublin Horse Show have the chance to win cash prizes of €10,000 (£8,457) in total, in recognition of their “expert and vital work”.

Irish Olympic medallist Cian O’Connor’s Karlswood base is sponsoring the competition, for international grooms, at the CSIO5* event (14-18 August).

“The RDS is delighted to facilitate the novel and generous initiative, which highlights the important role that grooms play within the industry,” a spokesperson for the society said.

Former international grooms Jimmy Doyle and Marie Yorke will assess the turnout of horses competing in the Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes, the Nations Cup and the Dublin Stakes. There will be €5,000 for the winner, €3,000 for second place and €1,000 for third.

Cian said: “This competition is about ensuring good horsemanship remains at the core of everything we do and rewarding those who do it best. Finding good quality staff is one of the major challenges facing our industry presently.

“Grooms who excel at their work must be acknowledged and rewarded and there is no place better to do it than at the RDS Dublin Horse Show. While it is undoubtedly a very fulfilling profession for those with a passion for horses, grooming also offers many possibilities for those with a good work ethic and who are interested in professional progression. Our two judges are a case in point, they both dedicated many years and excelled in the profession.”

Show director Pat Hanly said the RDS is delighted to welcome the initiative.

“It highlights the importance of the groom in the success of any rider or stable,” he said.

“It is the grooms, and the background team who provide the detailed care and ensure the day-to-day wellbeing of the horses. For many it is a labour of love, the hours can be long, the work is physical and the attention to detail required is vital.

“It is the riders and horses that most often get the limelight and the glory, so it’s wonderful to see the grooms rewarded for a job well done.”

The presentation to the winning grooms will take place at 2pm in the main arena on the Sunday of the show.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Subscribe today and enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus unlimited website access and digital versions of the magazine dating back to September 2012.

‘When you finally do it – it’s relief, surprise and delight… the whole lot’: Shane Breen on the ride of his life

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 13:00:57 +0000

When everything goes right, when there is total harmony and a horse gives his all – those precious moments are what a partnership is all about. Eleanor Jones finds out about one unforgettable ride...

The one ride that really stands out for Shane Breen is his win on Z7 Ipswich in the Dublin Horse Show grand prix in 2019 – more so than his Hickstead Derby win with Can Ya Makan in 2022.

“Dublin feels like home turf, it’s one I’d always wanted to win,” he says. “You do all the pony classes, and win every division, you come close, come second, and when you finally get to do it – it’s relief, surprise and delight… the whole lot.”

Shane went into the class thinking, “I didn’t have a chance.”

“It had proven to be quite a difficult track, without many clears,” he says. “But he warmed up well, and he does like that arena, and you always think, ‘Maybe, maybe there is a chance.’ As we went round, he did feel he was jumping incredibly well, but you just have to go from jump to jump.

“I think the more you’re enjoying it, they keep jumping that well. But if you think, ‘they’re jumping great, I’ve got a chance’, that can be when you tighten up, change something for a split second, and end up having a fence down. You must not overthink it, but stick to your plan.”

A clear was in the bag, and the jump-off was still to come.

“There are partnerships with horses, when you know each other so well, and know their strengths and weaknesses,” Shane says. “He’s naturally quick and there were options on the course but I didn’t take them all.

“It worked out, and there’s relief when you go into the lead, but Scott Brash was behind me and he’s quick, so I didn’t let myself think I’d done it. I didn’t watch him, but heard the crowd shouting and thought he had me. Then I saw my wife Chloe and some friends spin round, jumping up and down, and I thought, ‘Perfect. I’ve done it.’

Shane Breen on his Hickstead Derby win

“There are big days like the Hickstead Derby, too,” says Shane Breen. “I live there and walk round the arena and I’ve been second, or had a fence, or gone clear and felt I threw it away in the jump-off, and there was that eerie feeling of, ‘Will I ever do it?’

“I had [eventual winner] Can Ya Makan and Golden Hawk last year. If you’d asked me, I’d have said Golden Hawk was the favourite. They’re great horses and it didn’t make a difference to me which one won because they’re both special to me. It was a great feeling.”

Now, when Shane walks round the main arena at Hickstead, his one thought is “Can I do it again?”

“It’s days like those that keep us going,” he says. “There are plenty of times you get beat and wonder when it’ll be your day. I suppose that’s why you appreciate these good days even more. You’ve got to enjoy it, as that’s what it’s all about.”

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

Robert Walker: ‘What makes Dublin Horse Show so special and unique?’

Robert Walker — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 09:36:32 +0000

Robert Walker on finding young horses in Ireland, whether dope testing processes need to change and ex-racehorse rules at HOYS

We have recently returned from Dublin Horse Show, which is undoubtedly one of the highlights of our year. It’s a fun time for us to catch up with Irish friends and the breeders of many of our current horses.

This year, class numbers appeared to be up and the quality of horses was stronger than I have seen for a while. Spectators at the ringside were 10 deep for some classes and the show of young animals was exceptional.

Young horses are specifically aimed at Dublin and if you’re on the hunt for something for the future, this is the place to shop. You don’t necessarily have to look at the top of the lines. The eventing market takes a lot of youngsters over to their side, but if you have a root around you can find something special, even if the animal isn’t quite furnished enough for the show ring on the day.

We purchased a raw young horse who didn’t go through the card on this occasion, but we are thrilled and can’t wait to start working with him.

While many of us are there to find our next stars, the social aspect of the show also makes it a memorable time. The atmosphere of Dublin cannot be replicated. I’m not quite sure what makes it so special and unique – perhaps the fact it’s a celebration of everything Irish, or the location being right in the middle of the city.

“No easy job”

I am pleased to hear that dope testing is becoming more commonplace at shows. We have been subject to two tests this year and it’s something I support as it keeps the sport clean and fair. There is a theory that the top horses never get tested but this isn’t true, and I think societies need to publicise the negative results, as well as the positives, where they can to prove this.

Dope testing is not an easy job, but I wonder if it could be made easier and more transparent if we followed a similar format to what I’ve heard has been used in other countries on occasions.

The steward in the ring is presented with a bag full of numbered balls. A ball is picked out of the bag by the steward, and the number on the ball is representative of the horse in the line who is to be dope tested. For example, if ball three is removed, the third-placed horse is tested; it’s similar to a lottery.

This would ensure that everyone knows the process is completely random. It would also act as a further deterrent to those who may consider cheating; I have been to shows where people load up and go home once they have spotted the dope tester on site!

Plus, if we only test the winners of classes at the bigger shows, then during one season many of the same horses would be repeatedly getting tested. It would also take the pressure off those who are doing the testing as they can’t be accused of selecting certain animals for a test. I’ve always been pro dope testing, but a tweak to the process would make it more random by removing the subjective element.

Let them return

Finally, I wonder if it’s time for a change to the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse rules, which specify that any horse that has placed first in any previous Racehorse to Riding Horse final at HOYS is ineligible to compete in future years.

These horses have found a new life in a different sphere, and it seems restrictive to prevent the best ones from being able to compete at the most famous and prestigious show of the year. Some horses also might not have what it takes to compete in other classes due to not being of a certain type, so this ruling effectively stunts them. The racehorse class is the only section for some, so it’s a shame that they can’t go back.

● Do you agree with Robert? 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 7 September, 2023

Nick Skelton: ‘It was a tragedy not to send a British team to Dublin Horse Show’

Nick Skelton — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 09:35:15 +0000

Double Olympic gold medallist Nick Skelton discusses the return of Dublin Horse Show – and a key absence from the Nations Cup

Dublin Horse Show is one of the five great shows of the season and, after a three-year break owing to Covid, it was fantastic to be back there last week.

It’s a truly historic show with a wonderful arena, and the passionate crowds always make for a unique atmosphere, but it felt extra-special this year and I believe this year’s attendance was one of the biggest on record.

Every day from Thursday onwards, the crowds filled the showground and it was great to see the return of five-star showjumping to Ireland.

The Aga Khan Cup, presented to the winners of Friday’s Nations Cup team competition, is one of the biggest, most famous and most coveted prizes in Ireland – it’s the one the host nation wants to win more than any other.

But there has always been a fierce rivalry between the Irish and the British teams over the years – it really is one of the most hard-fought legs in the Nations Cup series.

I remember back in the day getting a taxi from the airport to the show and the taxi driver asking, “Who is going to win this week, the British or the Irish?” It’s a huge part of both countries’ showjumping heritage.

A historic first

This year’s contest came down to a thrilling jump-off between the Irish and French teams and the stands erupted when Conor Swail won it for his home crowd.

It brought back memories of the year Carlo and I gave Ireland’s Billy Twomey on Tinka’s Serenade a thumping against the clock to help Great Britain lift the trophy in 2011. I was the most hated man in Dublin that day, but they always take it in good spirits… eventually!

So the question I got asked a hundred times this year was, “Why didn’t Great Britain send a Nations Cup team for this year’s Aga Khan Cup?”

Unusually Dublin, traditionally the final leg in the European division one series, wasn’t chosen by Great Britain as one of its point-scoring rounds this season, so we were not able to send a team.

I understand that this year’s show also came less than a week after the World Showjumping Championships in Herning, Denmark, which would have ruled out some of our leading horse and rider combinations. But what an unforgettable experience it could have been for a quartet of four young British riders.

An unfortunate clash

There was also an unfortunate and unprecedented clash between Dublin Horse Show and the London leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour this year, two key five-star shows that have historically been run one after another. It is such a pity that two events in such close proximity have been allowed to fall on the same dates in the showjumping calendar.

But on that note, funnily enough the FEI’s “own” show, the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona at the end of September, doesn’t clash with anything of any consequence – the only other shows in Europe that weekend are at three-star level and below.

There should have been a British team in action in Dublin and it’s a tragedy that there wasn’t – no matter what the reasons were. We were very sorely missed.

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 1 September

Why Burghley cancelled, plus another Nations Cup leg lost H&H Plus

Lucy Elder — Mon, 10 May 2021 16:49:07 +0000

H&H speaks to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials director about the reasons behind this year’s cancellation, and gets the rider view, as well as investigating what the loss of Dublin Horse Show 2021 means for the Nations Cup series

BRITAIN has lost both CCI5* events for a second year as Covid uncertainty and no available pandemic insurance forced the 2021 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials to cancel.

Organisers of the event (2–5 September) said on 8 May there “have been and remain too many variables and uncertainties owing to the pandemic to deliver this much-loved international event”.

Burghley director Elizabeth Inman told H&H the costs and set-up of the event made the financial risk unviable.

“All events start from a different perspective about their basic infrastructure, whether they have permanent facilities or, as we are, a greenfield site, and that alters cost significantly,” she said, adding costs would be “well in excess of £1m” to set up to run, even behind closed doors.

“Under FEI rules, there are minimum prize money requirements, TV costs are significant, as are costs before you even start on a greenfield site – there are a lot of extras when it comes to running a five-star that would be different to many other events.

Added to which, Burghley Horse Trials is owned by the Burghley Estate, which comes under the overarching body of the Burghley House Preservation Trust that has charitable status.”

She said this status means it is unable to underwrite or subsidise the significant financial and reputational risk that would come with a sudden and late cancellation. Other events in Burghley Park this year are significantly smaller than the horse trials and independently run, so shoulder their liability.

“We did explore crowdfunding, and spoke to many riders, among other bodies, and received masses of support. It’s sadly not just about that and the estate has other considerations, such as the local area, how it affects people who live locally, the perception of running behind closed doors; it’s a bigger picture and we must acknowledge we are here by invitation of the landowners, Burghley House Preservation Trust, who are our hosts,” she said.

She added that while many national events can have hundreds of competitors to bring in funds from entries, Burghley is limited to 80 and as the weeks go by, the pre-event costs increase. A late cancellation would risk more than just this year’s event; it could “jeopardise” the fixture’s future.

“The support we’ve had from riders and bodies has been phenomenal and we understand the huge disappointment; as well as riders there are owners, sponsors, horses getting older, and we share that,” she said.

Tim Price, who won Burghley in 2018 on Ringwood Sky Boy, told H&H he had intended to retire the horse there last year.

“He came into work super this year, aged 18, and I was really excited about trying to repeat the dream,” he said. “It’s really difficult for owners too as they’re starting to question what they’re investing in.

“It seems surprising, when so many things are going on, that there wasn’t an alternative. Most of the country will be vaccinated by then, there seem lots of reasons it would be doable; stadiums and malls are filling up, but we can’t hold an outdoor event.”

Tim said not knowing the full reasoning makes it harder to understand the decision.

“[Jonelle and I] would pay thousands; no one’s asked us to but we’d pay £4,000 to enter instead of the £600 or so if that’s what it took,” he said. “Last year, they seemed more open to running behind closed doors, which in my opinion could work really well, as the whole world is desperate for the sport.

“Maybe they have tried different things and failed, we’re not privy to it, but it’s very disappointing.”

Nations Cup question mark

IT has been a mixed week for equestrian sport. While Royal Windsor and Horse of the Year Show announcements are cause for optimism, uncertainty and cancellations elsewhere have tempered celebrations.

Dublin Horse Show organisers the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) pulled the plug on 6 May, but will instead host some showing and showjumping classes at a RDS National Championships (18–22 August).

“Preparations for a typical Dublin Horse Show take many months of planning and organisation, and this has not been possible this year with the levels of uncertainty that still exist for the re-opening of Irish society,” said an RDS statement.

The blow also has knock-on consequences for the FEI’s prestigious Nations Cup series and the FEI is considering what action to take. Hickstead announced in April that an amended Royal International Horse Show would go ahead (20–25 July), without the Nations Cup leg or the King George V Gold Cup.

Dublin’s cancellation means the European division one calendar has now lost back-to-back Nations Cup fixtures.

Each nation is allocated four fixtures where they can collect points and Britain, Ireland and Italy were all set to collect points at both Hickstead and Dublin. Should a leg be cancelled, there is provision in the rulebook for points to be allocated to a nation based on their other performances in the series, but the cancellation of two legs has led to a rethink.

An FEI spokesman told H&H on 8 May that the jumping committee is “closely monitoring the situation” for the Nations Cup series.

“[The committee] has proactively considered potential additional Covid-19 by-laws for the 2021 season in light of the continued impact of Covid-19,” she said.

“Further to the extraordinary circumstances that have now led to the cancellation of another qualifier prior to the start of the division one season, the jumping committee will shortly formalise a proposal to be presented to the FEI board.”

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Dublin Horse Show cancelled owing to Covid uncertainty

Lucy Elder — Thu, 06 May 2021 14:48:52 +0000

The 2021 Dublin Horse Show has been cancelled owing to uncertainty around the Covid-19 pandemic.

This is the second consecutive year the show has been lost, owing to coronavirus.

Organisers Royal Dublin Society (RDS) announced today (6 May) that the Dublin Horse Show would not be going ahead; instead, the society is planning to hold a RDS National Championships for selected national showing and showjumping competitions from 18-22 August.

“The RDS has been monitoring the evolving situation regarding Covid-19, including the vaccination rates and the latest Government advice,” said the statement.

“In the current circumstances it has been decided that it will not be possible to operate a Dublin Horse Show this year.

The decision is also a further blow to the FEI Nations Cup calendar. The Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead, which was the leg before Dublin in the series calendar, has pulled a number of major classes this year including the Nations Cup.

This leaves questions over what this means for the nations who would have collected points at these fixtures, but FEI rules state: “In the case of a qualifying competition being cancelled in any region or division where teams are allocated events counting for points the following procedure applies. Teams whose result would have counted for points at the cancelled competition are distributed points for the cancelled competition, based on the total number of points obtained at their other allocated events divided by the number of Events at which they have participated for points. This calculation is carried out at the end of the season.”

The RDS statement added that the society plans for the replacement national event in August to be behind closed doors, restricted to equestrian competitors for the day of their competition only.

“The RDS is mindful of acting responsibly during these times and the event will only proceed on foot of Government approval, which is currently being sought,” it adds

“Our desire to host the RDS National Championships, despite the exceptionally challenging circumstances, is motivated by our commitment to support the sport horse industry during this very difficult time.

“We would like to acknowledge and thank the ongoing support of our sponsors, who are crucial to the viability of the Dublin Horse Show, as well as the understanding of the equestrian community for whom the Show is a yearly highlight.

“We look forward to hosting the Dublin Horse Show in 2022 and welcoming tens of thousands of visitors back each day to a summer staple that people have known and loved for generations.”

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#TBT: What a crazy bunch! Watch two hunts battle it out for the hunt chase crown at Dublin Horse Show

With Dublin Horse Show, which was meant to take place this week (15-19 July) cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic,

Details of qualifiers for the national championships are expected shortly, and the classes planned are as follows:

Showing

Wednesday, 18 August

Yearlings
Two-year-olds
Three-year-olds (in hand)
Young horse championships
Three-year-old potential event horses

Thursday, 19 August

Irish draught mares and foals
Breeders’ championship
Show hunter championships
Three-year-old loose performance

Showjumping

Friday, 20 August

148cm six- and seven-year-old ponies
148cm ponies
138cm ponies
128cm ponies
Children on horses

Saturday, 21 August

Amateurs
Young riders (1.10m – 1.15m)
Young riders (1.25m – 1.30m)
Young riders (1.35m – 1.40m)
Four-year-old horses

Sunday, 22 August

Five-year-old horses
Six-year-old horses
Seven-year-old horses
Eight- and nine-year-old horses

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

#TBT: What a crazy bunch! Watch two hunts battle it out for the hunt chase crown at Dublin Horse Show

Alex Robinson — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 11:24:17 +0000

With Dublin Horse Show, which was meant to take place this week (15-19 July) cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, we take a look back through the archives to bring you a memory from the 2018 running of the event that will definitely get your heart racing!

NB: Please wait while the video loads below… if the video does not appear, click here to watch

2018 Hunt Chase FinalThe traditional Hunt Chase, sponsored by Diageo, brought the curtain down on the 2018 Dublin Horse Show, the Killinick's fight out an exciting finish with the Wexford's.Posted by Dublin Horse Show on Sunday, August 12, 2018

It’s one of Ireland’s premier equestrian events and the final run of the nail biting Diageo hunt chase competition made for a thrilling end to the 2018 Dublin Horse Show (DHS), which was held in Ballsbridge (8 — 12 August).

Battling it out for the crown were the Killinick Harriers and the Wexfords who ensured it was all to play for in the final of this traditional inter-hunt relay event. However it was the Killinicks who just had the edge, storming their way to victory and taking home the coveted Thady Ryan perpetual challenge trophy.

The two teams chosen to participate in the 2018 hunt chase competition were selected by a draw held on Saturday 28 July. The draw was open to teams who have competed in 10 of the listed hunt chase league events.

The Killnicks took a slight lead from the get go, with their first rider making a few lengths headway down the long side.

DHS rules state the following team members have to ride in this set order:

1^st – fourth member (who must be 35-years-old or over)

2^nd – official member

3^rd – lady rider (preferably riding side-saddle)

4^th – heavy weight male (12.5 stone or over in hunting gear, any lead must be in a lead cloth/bag)

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The fence which caused the most problems was number eight, an upright plank which was strategically placed as the second part of a combination. Every rider knocked it down and was therefore required to jump it a second time.

The Wexfords managed to gain some ground in the final pass over when a slight fumble from the Killinicks meant they lost a few seconds, but it was ultimately them who came back to win by a few strides.

Substantial prize money was awarded, with the winning team taking home a healthy pot of €2,230.

Would you fancy giving this a go?We are continuing to produce Horse & Hound as a weekly magazine during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as to keep our website at horseandhound.co.uk up to date with breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

Dublin Horse Show memories: The fastest jump-off in history? Watch pony and his tiny rider smash their competition

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 15:24:17 +0000

With Dublin Horse Show, which was meant to take place this week (15-19 July) cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, we thought we would take a look back through the archives to bring you one of our recent highlights from the Irish equine bonanza — hold onto your hats!

NB: Please wait while the video loads below… if the video does not appear, click here to watch

Mickybo Wins At DublinSenan Reape & Mickybo brought the curtain down on day three of the Show as they won the 128cm National ChampionshipPosted by Dublin Horse Show on Friday, August 10, 2018

Watch out Ruby Walsh, hold on to your hat Shane Breen, because a seriously speedy — and stylish — new jockey has hit the turf.

While the senior showjumping stars of the Stena Line Dublin Horse Show were battling it out for the big-money prizes, the undoubted hero of the 2018 event (8-12 August) was nine-year-old Senan Reape and his whizzy pony Mickybo.

Together this dynamic duo won the prestigious 128cm national championship — and the hearts of the nation. The video of their winning round has been shared all around the world, already approaching some one million views.

Eighteen young hopefuls lined up for the championship in Dublin’s main arena, where seven pairs jumped clear to contest a hugely competitive jump-off. But only two could produce faultless rounds against the clock and it was Senan and the 18-year-old Mickybo who pelted round in superb style — to huge cheers from the stands — to finish some 2.5sec faster than their nearest rivals, Jack Conlon Gateau riding the appropriately name Blaengwen Kato Star in a racing finish that brought the curtain down on the third day of the show.

“We tried to be a bit confident going in to the final as they’d been jumping well, but to pull it off was an unbelievable achievement for Senan,” his father Jonathan Reape told H&H. “To win the 128cm championship at Dublin really is the Olympic Games for kids their age.”

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The Reape family run Ard Chuain Equestrian Centre in Co. Mayo and were out in force to support Senan, and his brother Paddy, who also made it to the final but picked up eight faults in round one on Heartbreaker. The previous week, Paddy had jumped double clear for Ireland at the Welsh Home Pony show and elder sister Amy won the 138cm championship at Dublin two years ago with Youghal Paddy.

The family offered their gratitude to Mickybo’s owner Anita Duffy, whose daughter Orla also won the 128cm championship on the gelding at Dublin in 2015 when she was nine. The 18-year-old gelding is a 10-time visitor to the show as he has carried numerous young jockeys expertly round the coloured poles.

“He’s 18 but like a five-year-old and a real character around the yard,” said Jonathan. “He had a couple of days off after Dublin and has just got back from a hack now. Senan absolutely loves him to bits.”

With Senan’s competitive spirit, the sympathetic encouragement he gave this legendary schoolmaster over the fences and his effortlessly stylish riding, nine-year-old Senan undoubtedly has all the core ingredients to make it to the top of his profession, should he so choose.

Ireland’s superstar showjumper Bertram Allen, now 24, won Dublin’s 128cm championship at the age of 11 riding Magic Shadow, and if his stratospheric rise to the upper echelons of the sport is anything to go by, Senan Reape is a name to remember — he is surely going places.

We are continuing to produce Horse & Hound as a weekly magazine during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as to keep our website at horseandhound.co.uk up to date with breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

Dublin Horse Show latest to cancel – as five-star event reviews its options

Becky Murray — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 13:24:14 +0000

Dublin Horse Show (15-19 July) is the latest event to cancel owing to the coronavirus pandemic – as the organisers of Luhmühlen Horse Trials (18-21 June) review their options.

In a statement the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) said it was with “great regret” the show, which hosts an FEI Jumping Nations Cup leg, would not go ahead. The society said it had constantly monitored the situation and followed guidance from the Irish government and health service.

“The health and safety of those who come together for the show has been a priority for the RDS in making this decision,” said the statement.

“This includes visitors from Ireland and from around the world, competitors, volunteers, trade exhibitors, RDS members, staff, partners, contractors and suppliers. The RDS’s responsibility to contribute to the national effort in controlling the virus in Ireland was an important factor in this decision.”

The statement said preparations for the show, which attracts more than 100,000 visitors, begin months in in advance, with horses in training for the national competitions – and qualifiers scheduled to begin this month are unable to proceed in the current circumstances.

“The decision to cancel followed detailed deliberation of all these factors. The importance of the show to the sport horse industry was also part of the considerations,” continued the statement.

“The decision reached was that cancellation of this year’s show was in the best interests of public health and safety and that providing certainty at this early stage would be beneficial to everyone involved, from the visiting public to the sport horse industry, to key partners of the show.”

RDS chief executive Michael Duffy said the society did not come to the decision lightly, and only after detailed considerations of all the factors involved.

“We believe it is the most responsible decision we can make in the best interests of public health and safety,” he said.

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“We understand this will disappoint many members of the public and that it will have implications for many horse breeders and producers around the country. However, we trust everyone will understand and support a decision made in the national interest. It is incumbent on all of us to do everything we can to support the measures introduced by the government.

“We are in discussion with the FEI in relation to the dates for the 2021 show and we will announce these dates when they are confirmed to us.”

Organisers of Luhmühlen Horse Trials, which runs four- and five-star competition and was due to take place in mid-June, said last week (17 April) they were reviewing options for the event. The statement followed chancellor Angela Merkel’s announcement of plans to partially reopen shops and schools in the coming weeks, although major events such as concerts and beer festivals will remain banned until the end of August. In a statement, the event’s organisers said they will continue to follow authorities’ guidance and will provide updates as soon as possible.

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Three foreign shows every Brit should visit — and they’re all just a short journey away

Pippa Roome — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 16:24:35 +0000

There are certain events every fan of the Olympic equestrian sports should go to at least once in their lives — and here in Britain, we’re lucky that several of them are just a short journey away.

Save your pennies, grab your passport, book a flight, a ferry or a train and we promise you won’t regret a trip to any of these destinations…

1. Aachen

It’s worth going to the German mega centre just to walk around the showground — filled with statues, fountains and perfectly manicured hedges, it’s like taking a stroll round an upmarket garden centre. Dressage, showjumping and eventing all take place here and much more besides. Make sure you find the hall of fame, with legendary horses’ shoes set into the paving stones, and watch the concluding grand prix in the huge grass arena (pictured). The city is charming too, with lots of lovely restaurants and a historic cathedral.

2. Le Lion d’Angers

The French venue hosts the eventing young horse World Championships, so you can see stars of tomorrow competing. Le Lion boasts perhaps the most beautifully decorated cross-country course in the world, with spiders and violins among past features.

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3. Dublin

The hallowed turf of Irish horse sport, Dublin Horse Show is steeped in history, with the crème de la crème of showjumping and showing coming together. Friday’s Nations Cup — for the Aga Khan Trophy — is conducted with plenty of pomp and ceremony, including stewards in full morning dress, and has been fought over since 1926. Every Irish child who has ever sat on a pony wants to win here — last year’s winner Shane Breen said: “For me, this is as good as a medal — it means everything.”

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Irish eventer beats the world’s best show jumpers in her five-star debut

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 10:02:56 +0000

“I can’t believe it,” said Irish eventer Elizabeth “Esib” Power after claiming victory in a five-star showjumping speed class at Dublin Horse Show on Saturday (10 August). “I won once in the main arena in ponies when I was 15 or 16.”

Esib, 34, was riding her former eventer, the 18-year-old Doonaveeragh O One (High Roller x Diamond Lad) to claim a much coveted victory in the Theraplate Ireland Royal Dublin Society Stakes, worth €8,250 to the winner.

This first CSI5* win was extra special for the daughter of Con Power, who was a member of the Irish team that famously won the Aga Khan trophy in the Nations Cup three times in a row in the late 1970s. The same four riders competed in all three years from 1977 — Con Power, Paul Darragh, James Kernan and Eddie Macken.

“There’s no ring in the world like this in my Dad’s eyes — for him, this is it,” said Esib, whose brother Robbie is a leading National Hunt jockey.

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Esib was ninth at Burghley last year but is no stranger to the showjumping arena, having partnered Doonaveeragh O One to compete in the Hickstead Derby four consecutive times, finishing sixth in 2019.

However, this was her first appearance in a top level five-star show and she beat Sweden’s Angelie von Essen (Tiger) into the runner-up spot with the world number five McLain Ward in third riding Up Des Chaines. The likes of the world’s leading rider Steve Guerdat, Gerco Schroder and Great Britain’s team rider Holly Smith all struggled to match Esib’s pace on the gelding — she finished half a second quicker than her nearest rivals.

“He loves his job, that’s why he’s still doing it,” said Esib.

Read the full report from Dublin Horse Show in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound, out Thursday 15 August.

‘My mum was looking down on me at that fence’: Irish rider on home grand prix win

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 06:02:03 +0000

Hickstead-based Irishman Shane Breen won the Longines grand prix at Dublin Horse Show on Sunday (11 August) with the 11-year-old Ipswich Van De Wolfsakker as the quickest of just three double clears after a seven-way jump-off.

But it could have been a very different story, after he escaped with a lucky rub of a rail as he headed for home.

“My mum passed away about six years ago — I gave the third to last fence a decent rub, but when it stayed put I knew she was looking down on me,” said 44-year-old Shane, who was second in this prestigious class in 2016.

“I’ve been knocking on the door, but you do wonder when you’ll ever get it done,” added Shane. “For me, this is as good as a medal — it means everything.”

This was the first time since 2014 that a home rider has lifted the grand prix trophy — which comes with a staggering €115,500 (£106,760) first prize — in Dublin.

The runner-up spot went to Scott Brash riding the 10-year-old Hello Jefferson, with whom the British rider had jumped double clear in Friday’s Nations Cup to help his country lift the Aga Khan trophy for the first time since 2013.

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Italy claimed third on the grand prix podium courtesy of Lorenzo de Luca riding Dinky Toy V. Kranenburg, who produced the slowest of the double clears.

All the remaining jump-off riders — Susan Fitzpatrick (Fellow Castlefield), Richard Howley (Chinook), Ben Maher (Tic Tac) and Steve Guerdat (Venard De Cerisy) — set times quicker than Shane Breen but each came home on four faults. Unusually at this level, Ben and Steve recorded the exact same time against the clock to share sixth place honours.

Don’t miss the full report from Dublin Horse Show in this week’s Horse & Hound, out Thursday 15 August.

Brilliant Brits win Dublin Nations Cup and secure final qualification: ‘We were confident and delivered’

Pippa Roome — Fri, 09 Aug 2019 18:07:04 +0000

Britain won the Longines FEI Nations Cup at the Stena Line Dublin Horse Show today (Friday 9 August), a brilliant result which secured qualification for the final at Barcelona in October.

Team GB went into this afternoon’s competition, the last in the series, sitting at the bottom of the division one rankings. Only the top seven teams out of 10 qualify for the Nations Cup final.

The pressure was on, but Britain’s quartet responded with aplomb, finishing on a score of one while their nearest rivals were on 12 faults. This is the 27th time Britain has won the Aga Khan Trophy.

“I was very confident with my team and they delivered, they were fantastic this afternoon,” said chef d’equipe Di Lampard. “We were here to win and qualify for Barcelona and they did so in style.”

In the first round, pathfinder Ben Maher had a single fence down with Jane Forbes Clark and Poden Farm’s nine-year-old Concona, but he followed up with just a time-fault in round two.

“She’s one of the youngest in the class, so I’m very happy. I rode a bit slow in the second round, but she jumped a fantastic clear,” said Ben.

Scott Brash put in a foot-perfect double clear with Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham’s Hello Jefferson.

“We are privileged to ride in Dublin in front of such an amazing crowd,” he said, also praising the ground, which held up brilliantly after heavy overnight rain.

Scott’s performance was matched by five-star Nations Cup debutante Emily Moffitt, with Poden Farm’s Winning Good.

“I’m so excited and happy — I couldn’t have asked for any more,” said Emily.

Holly Smith pulled off a first-round clear on her own and TJ Hall Limited’s Hearts Destiny and did not need to jump in the second barrage as Britain had already secured victory.

She said: “I’ve been confident all week — we had a great team and the horse is in fantastic form. It panned out as I thought it would and it’s not often that happens. ”

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The other teams who have qualified for Barcelona from Europe division one are Switzerland, Italy, Ireland, France, Belgium and Sweden.

Italy claimed second today on 12 faults, while the home side landed third on 16, helped by a double clear from Paul O’Shea and Skara Glen’s Machu Picchu.

Full report on the showing and showjumping from Dublin in Horse & Hound magazine next week (dated 15 August).

6 reasons Dublin Horse Show should be on your bucket list

Pippa Roome — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 15:32:22 +0000

The Stena Line Dublin Horse Show takes place this week (7-11 August) and if you’ve never been to this premier Irish show, you really should put it on your bucket list.

Here’s why a visit to Dublin is just so special…

1. The Friday of Dublin is Longines Nations Cup day, when countries compete for the Aga Khan Trophy, and it’s one of the glistening jewels in the annual worldwide calendar of horse sport. The class has a long history stretching back to 1926, when the late Aga Khan donated the magnificent trophy in appreciation of all the pleasures he had had at previous horse shows and in gratitude to his Irish tutor, Mr Kenny.

Initially, any country winning the trophy three times — not necessarily in succession — won it outright. This changed in 1930, after Switzerland won the first trophy and the Aga Khan provided a new one, so countries now have to triumph three times in succession to claim the trophy. The present trophy is the sixth in the series. Such is the prestige of winning the Aga Khan that in 1975 Britain missed the European Championships in order to send a strong team to Dublin and win the cup outright.

The Nations Cup is preceded by an hour’s build-up — the arrival of the president of Ireland and the parade of teams, with a band — and the crackle around the arena as the anticipation grows is second to none. The main arena stewards wear morning dress on Aga Khan day, come rain or a heatwave.

Just to add to the drama, Dublin is usually the last Nations Cup before the final, so it’s down to the wire as teams try to secure a place at the series finale.

The rolls of honour on the wall of “the pocket” — the famous rider’s bar — display each year’s winners of the Nations Cup, Saturday night’s puissance and Sunday’s grand prix and are a physical manifestation of a special piece of history.

2. The show really is in the city centre, so you can easily fly to Dublin, take a bus to the showground and book a hotel nearby (if you get in early) so you don’t need a hire car. You can wander out of the showground and be in a restaurant in sections.

3. The showing classes at Dublin are also hugely prestigious, with every producer wanting to take home the champion’s sash. And you can get involved — every day there is a public judging competition in selected classes, with a €1,000 prize-fund. If you fancy yourself as a judge of horse flesh, you can put your money where your mouth is…

4. The organisers always lay on super masterclasses, with Mark Todd, Laura Kraut and Christoph Hess on the menu this year. There are also displays, with Santi Serra bringing dogs and birds of prey as well as horses for his display this time.

5. The show is threaded through the history of Irish equestrianism, with a strong family to family tradition. Irish kids grow up here riding 12.2hh ponies — whether showing or showjumping — and dream of riding in the Aga Khan. For some of them, it comes true and there will be no prouder moment for them or their families.

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6. The showground is beautiful. The main arena is one of the very best grass rings in the world. On Aga Khan day, there isn’t a spare seat in the house and every inch of the ringside is crammed with spectators. Just behind the main arena, crowds line the ring boundaries to watch showing classes under the trees.

Across the road, there’s a whole other world, Simmonscourt, where jumping action and demos continue on an all-weather surface.

The show has everything, from classes for the very top professionals through to riding clubs, a Pony Club musical ride, a donkey display, combined training and a hunt scurry-style team competition. Oh — and there are lots of classes for Connemara ponies. Who doesn’t love a Connemara pony?

Some top ex-racehorses also usually appear in the racehorse to riding horse parade in the main arena on Saturday.

Full report on the showing and showjumping from Dublin in next week’s H&H magazine (dated 15 August).

Needle result for Britain at Dublin as fight for Nations Cup final qualification concludes

Pippa Roome — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 18:25:26 +0000

Britain has qualified for the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Finals in Barcelona in October. Team GBR finished sixth in the final leg, the Aga Khan at the Stena Line Dublin Horse Show, this afternoon (Friday, 10 August) to secure a spot at the final.

Holly Smith was Britain’s star performer riding Hearts Destiny, delivering a four-fault first round and then a clear in the second barrage. William Funnell and Billy Buckingham also put in a crucial second-round clear, albeit with one time-fault.

Amanda Derbyshire contributed in both rounds with eight and four faults on Roulette BH, while Alexandra Thornton’s first-round four faults on Cornetto K proved valuable.

Britain finished sixth of the 10 teams in Europe division 1. The top seven teams qualify for the final — the other teams who have made the cut are Belgium, Ireland, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands and Sweden.

Mexico scored its first win in the Aga Khan today, finishing on its first-round total of eight faults. Patricio Pabel (Babel) led the way with a double clear, while Eugenio Garza Perez (Victer Finn DH Z) and Enrique Gonzalez (Chacna) both delivered second-round clears. Federico Fernandez (Landpeter Do Feroleto) had four faults at each attempt, with his score counting for the team in the first round.

The Mexicans raise the Aga Khan trophy at Dublin 2018. Picture by Peter Nixon (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

“I’ve been doing the sport a long time and I don’t think I’ve ever had a win like this, with a team like this, in front of a crowd like this, at a show like this,” said Enrique, emphasising how knowledgable the Dublin spectators are. “It’s a real horse show and I don’t think all the other shows should be called horse shows.”

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Ireland tied for second place with Italy and France, with all three teams finishing on 12 faults.

It was a disappointing finish for the home side as they had led after round one on a zero score. But things did not go their way in round two, with Shane Sweetham (Main Road), Paul O’Shea (Skara Glen’s Machu Picchu) and Cameron Hanely (Quirex) all having four faults and Mark McAuley eliminated after Utchan De Belheme had two refusals.

“Congratulations to the Mexicans — they were the better team on the day,” said Mark.

Four pairs jumped a double clear in the Nations Cup today — Mexico’s Patricio Pabel (Babel), Italy’s Luca Marziani (Tokyo Du Soleil), France’s Alexandra Francart (Volnay Du Boisdeville) and the USA’s Laura Kraut (Zeremonie).

Full report on the showjumping and showing from Dublin in Horse & Hound on Thursday (16 August issue).

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Jason Webb’s blog: young horses, overproduction and gadgets

Jason Webb — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 09:55:43 +0000

In my last blog I alluded to a trip I was about to make, so here it is; I spent last week as a judge at the Dublin Horse Show. I received an email a few months ago asking if I would do the job and, once I realised they hadn’t made a mistake and did actually want me, I have been swotting up ever since!

My fellow judges for the young event horse classes were Lucinda Green and Leslie Law, so I felt very privileged to be working alongside such eventing royalty.

Before the competition commenced, there was lively debate around the dinner table about the direction eventing is taking and the type of horse required to be successful.

Being a Thoroughbred fan myself, it was pleasing to hear everyone, including judges, stewards and ringside spectators, all keen to see horses with “a lot of blood” in them come to the fore, the reasoning being that the Thoroughbred has the ability to gallop round the top four-star tracks without undue fatigue or strain on the body. However, the Olympics are run over a three-star track, so the dressage and showjumping phases have taken on more importance, which is where many warmbloods have an advantage over the Thoroughbred. This poses quite a conundrum for modern breeders of event horses, not to mention us as judges!

There was also a lot of talk on the production of young horses and how we wanted to see the horses go in the ring. We were judging the four and five year olds and the small eventers, and one thing we were all very clear on was that we would mark down any horses that showed over collection and would promote those that were ridden forward into a soft contact.

The competitions were run over two days, with the first day consisting of a flatwork phase, which I judged, showjumping, judged by Leslie, and an evaluation of their conformation, judged by Lucinda (who I’m pictured with top).

I was very impressed by the quality of horses and riding, and I awarded high marks to those horses that demonstrated relaxation, rhythm and willingness to go forward. I would forgive the odd spook, but signs of being overbent, tense or overproduced were marked down.

Although I really liked a number of horses, we waited until one of the last in the four year old class to be seriously “wowed”.

Brookfield Cavalier Cruise didn’t put a foot wrong and went into the lead overnight, and finished as the winner of his class.

Day two took us into the main arena to judge the cross-country and gallop phases of the competition. With a maximum of 15 marks from each judge, the crowd was kept entertained by us revealing our mark for each horse without prior discussion! Most of the time, we were pretty much in agreement but there was the odd horse that brought wildly varying opinions!

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Once again, the best rounds were by those whose riders sent their horses forward in a great rhythm. You could tell that some horses, including the five year old winner, Flemington Ruby, a lovely horse called Castle Howard Romeo, and one of the small event horses, Metalbridge Honey, absolutely loved their job, putting smiles on the faces of their riders and everyone watching.

The winner of the small event horse class was the beautifully produced Derg Masterpiece, and all three of us also loved the runner-up of this class, Mr Chocolate, who was a stunning dun Thoroughbred x Connemara.

I learnt so much from the whole experience and I was also delighted to come away with the feeling that the people behind the young event horse class at Dublin are really doing their best to promote sympathetic, “horse first” production of young competition horses. I would encourage any rider entering these competitions to bear this in mind and take part in them to give the horse a good experience and ride it to its age, rather than over training it for a win. I also loved it when a horse came into the ring without any “gadgets” and a plain bridle! You could do far worse than checking out how Colin Halliday and Nicola Ennis rode their horses in the competition; they really impressed me.

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My judging experience came to an end with the international performance Connemara class, and what fantastic ponies they were! All of them flew over a decent track that had the working hunter horses in the previous class struggling. It was a team competition between Ireland and England and Ireland just edged it this time.

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The show really has got an incredible atmosphere and the right mix between entertainment and serious competition. Lorenzo the Flying Frenchman was providing inter-competition entertainment and what an unbelievable horseman he is! The Irish just love their horses; I couldn’t believe the crowds around every outside ring for the showing classes and all the stands were packed out for the Puissance and international jumping classes. Any time we sat down at the show, in the hotel and the city, there was a passionate and knowledgeable horse person who wanted to “talk horse”. If you haven’t been before, make sure you make the trip in 2018!

Jason

Lucy Eddis’ showing blog: Dublin was a show like no other

Lucy Eddis — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 13:55:15 +0000

Our journey to Dublin Horse Show began in the ‘freight driver’s club’, meaning my mother and I were the only two girls in a room full of lorry drivers who had clearly never seen a female before (apart from a very unhappy looking waitress who’d dyed her hair orange, maybe to try and improve her mood although it appeared to have failed) who were eating a lunch which the mere sight of put us straight off our appetites. Despite our amused disappointment, only accentuated by the ‘Jubliee Restaurant’ and ‘Champagne Bar’, among others, which we had tantalising glimpses of as we passed them on our way to our designated canteen, excitement was high for the next four days.

Arriving with Cash in Dublin (Image credit: creditUnknown)

On our first day we had an insight into why so many people rave about Dublin Show. Imagine a mix of the shopping at Olympia with horses competing on grass parks in the middle of an historic city, walkways which are converted from roads, huge barns which contain the stables and which feel alive from dawn till dusk, every Irishman who’s ever met a horse, visitors from all over the world, top showjumpers and innumerable potential superstars, with the result being an atmosphere more exciting, intense and completely different to any I’ve ever been in before.

Me (right) with my Great British team mates (Image credit: creditUnknown)

That afternoon, a very urgent tannoy announcement to the entire showground instructed my mother to return to her stable immediately, and then, to be sure that the whole of Dublin had heard properly, repeated it as if announcing the outbreak of fire. Presuming of course, that something terrible had happened, we sprinted like Russian athletes only to find that, 10-minutes before it started, a rider was needed for a masterclass with the American, gold medal-winning event rider, Denny Emerson. This proved to be a fantastic opportunity with an incredible man, whose genius was proven when at the last minute someone lent him a five-year-old Connemara pony who went really quite beautifully for him, despite being warned that “by the way, it bucks”, just as he was walking into the ring.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Competing was equally memorable. I couldn’t believe how much more strongly you could feel the buzziness of the atmosphere really pressing down on you when you rode in the ring, as opposed to when you are just spectating.

Having been invited to go as part of the Great British team through Debbie Nickson of the British Connemara Society, who arranged the whole trip so brilliantly and worked incredibly hard for us all throughout the trip, we decided to also do the 153cm plaited working hunter pony class, where a casual pole proved extremely costly but I was thrilled with how Cash went and hopeful for the all-important team competition.

The following day we jumped a very inventive and testing course, which was also the biggest M&M we have seen, meaning clear rounds were at a premium. The whole team jumped brilliantly; with Amy Smith, Aimee White and Victoria Jones being the best teammates I could have wished for. Our supporters, from family and friends to Connemara devotees, to the breeders of our ponies, were also so fantastic and enthusiastic. To be announced as the winning team just perfected an already unforgettable few days, and to discover that my beloved pony, Cashel Bay JJ, had received the highest marks in each of the three phases of the class made me even more proud of him, particularly as his breeder, Robbie Fallon, was there to support him.

Cash with his breeder (Image credit: creditUnknown)

As BSPS members, last week we received a particularly rousing email from our chairman, Mrs Pattinson, talking about what an exciting time of year this is for our sport. After such a fantastic few days in Dublin, and now with Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) this week, we are really feeling this anticipation.

Cash on his lap of honour (Image credit: creditUnknown)

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I wish you all a fantastic time at RIHS, still my favourite ever show, although for us as a family it’s sadly only downhill, especially as my sister, Susie, who was supreme last year, has qualified but unexpectedly and most sadly will be unable to even compete this year. Nevertheless, it seems to be one of those remarkable places where you enjoy yourself whatever it brings and so I hope this will remain for everyone next week. Good luck!

Lucy

Stuart Hollings: Be careful what you wish for H&H VIP

Stuart Hollings — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 14:55:41 +0000

Last month I came across Master Horseman, the 1980 biography of the late showman Jack Gittins. Jack won many major awards, including six supreme hunter championships at Dublin with Mighty Atom, Mighty Fine and Work Of Art, to name but three. A fascinating read, which set the scene for my third trip to Dublin Horse Show shortly afterwards.

Every time you walk into the Ballsbridge showground, you can sense the history — and expect to see the cast from Downton Abbey. I recommend that every showing enthusiast should pay a visit at least once in their lifetime.

On the whole, two judges sort each section “the old fashioned way” — without marks.

It was a delight to watch them side by side — especially in the conformation phase — discussing each horse in detail and forming a result. I was reminded of the pony judging at the Royal International at Wembley when the two judges seemed joined at the hip throughout, and one felt that the classes had been thoroughly assessed.

Nowadays, with the marks system, one judge scuttles off into a designated area to assess conformation, while the other has no indication of what is happening, which can often throw up a result whereby neither judge is happy.

If there are disagreements at Dublin, a referee/reserve judge is waiting in the wings. This year the role was filled by English judge and former Olympic event rider Chris Hunnable, whose services were not required all week.

For some, it sounds like the ideal job — being paid for doing nothing. But this is not the case, according to referee judges I have spoken to over the years.

They have to be on standby from 8am-8pm every day, and theoretically be a fount of all knowledge regarding rules for the individual classes, from memorising dressage tests to being up to scratch with the various marking systems.

It was Chris’ sixth judging appointment at Dublin, but his first as a referee. “I love this show with its unique atmosphere as everyone has a common bond — the horse,” Chris said. “It was more tiring, however, waiting at the ringside than riding in the ring, which I prefer.”

A military operation

One lead-rein mother recently questioned why mini classes are usually held first thing in the morning, adding: “Do organisers realise the military operation involved when preparing an exuberant pony and half-asleep jockey for such early starts?”

Be careful what you wish for. At Dublin, the lead-rein ponies went in the ring at about 5pm and were subjected to the loud cheers coming from the Puissance competition in the main ring.

To quote the judge Clare McCullagh: “Manners were key in the decision-making.”

When is a ‘gallop’ an ‘extension’?

A typical example of bad communication between judges and stewards is when the former has asked for “a gallop” in the championship and the steward has ordered “an extension from the next corner” instead.

There is a distinct difference and championships have been unfairly lost as a consequence.

This seems unlikely at Dublin where galloping is automatically the order of the day. I doubt whether even the youngest jockeys competing there would comprehend the term “push on” — which is to their credit.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 27 August 2015

Horse found via Facebook wins Dublin puissance

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 16:25:49 +0000

An Irish teen came to the aid of an Egyptian showjumper last week, after answering a plea on Facebook.

Seapatrick Cruise Cavalier became the winner of the puissance at the Dublin Horse Show on Saturday (8 August), after his owner, Chris Megahey, responded to a call on social media for a horse.

At 17 Co. Antrim’s Chris Megahey was too young to compete in the class at the show, but when Egypt’s Sameh El Dahan needed a partner, Chris was quick to offer his star horse to the rider.

Chris, a former winner of the Emerald International Pussiance on the horse last year, was disappointed he was too young to take part.

However, when Joaane Sloan Allen at Sycamore Stables showjumping team put out the call ahead of the event, he was confident Seapatrick Cruise Cavalier could do it.

And Irish-bred horse, known as “Socks” because of his four white legs, was up for the job. The pair soared over 2m20 to take the top prize.

Sameh was the only competitor who successfully completed all five rounds of the puissance — and he had only ridden the horse twice before the main event.

“It was only the third time Socks had ever jumped a big wall. He jumped 1.85m with me on his first wall and 2.05 the second time,” Chris told H&H.

“it was a bit crazy to see Socks jump the wall as it was so high. I was standing directly in front of the jump and you couldn’t see the horse on the other side until he actually landed over. I knew he was jumping well though and thought that he could do it.

“The atmosphere in the arena was electric and Socks had never seen such a huge crowd. He looked a bit overwhelmed in the first round but every time he cleared the wall his confidence grew and he just got better and better – I think he loved the attention.”

Now back home in Templepatrick at the Megahey family’s Glenpatrick Competition Yard, there is great excitement about the future of Seapatrick Cruise Cavalier.

Socks was evented by Chris’s brother Harold at three-star level and was going to be sold before his younger brother started jumping him.

Chis plans to become an international showjumper and aims to compete Seapatrick Cruise Cavalier in the Dublin puissance next year, when he is 18.

He is currently competing on the Irish national circuit with a small string of young horses and Lenny (Rickamore Royal) his national grand prix partner

Last year H&H reported on Chris, when he cleared 2.05m in only his second ever puissance competition — the Emerald International — aged 16.

After winning that puissance, Chris had high hopes of going to Olympia — but feared his age might be a barrier.

Unfortunately for Chris, organisers told him the London competition was invitation only but that they would “keep an eye on him for future years.”

However, the teenager is undeterred and is keen to notch up more wins.

“I want to make showjumping my career which is why I left school so early, I just couldn’t really see myself going into further education and I wanted to focus on the horses,” Chris added.

Kent Farrington proves unbeatable in Dublin grand prix

Hannah Lemieux — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 18:31:48 +0000

USA’s Kent Farrington prevented an Irish whitewash by claiming the grand prix at Dublin Horse Show today (Sunday 9 August) riding 14-year-old Uceko.

Eight clear rounds went forward to the jump-off after Alan Wade’s 1.60m track saw penalties strewn across the class. Kent scooped the €66,000 winner’s prize fund after a well-judged final round in a time of 43.14 seconds, fending off American-based Irishmen Kevin Babington (Shorapur) and Conor Swail (Grand Cru V. Vijf Eiken).

“It was a competitive class – there were a lot of fast riders. My horse has been a mainstay of my stable for a while. I got him as a seven-year-old,” said Kent. “He seems to get better with age and is a special horse to me.”

Conor Swail, who was unable to hide his disappointment at not being chosen for Friday’s (7 August) winning Irish Nations Cup team, added: “Competing in America I come up against Kent a lot. He is a winning machine, who doesn’t know how to lose. It’s always dangerous when he’s in your class.”

Last year’s victor, 20-year-old Bertram Allen produced a flawless first round clear and looked set to give Kent a run for his money. He was up on the clock until an ambitious turn to the third-last fence didn’t pay off and his 17-year-old ride Romanov had a glance off.

Following their clear rounds during Friday’s Nations Cup, British hopes were pinned on Scott Brash (Hello M’Lady) and Robert Whitaker (Catwalk IV). However, grand prix glory was not to go their way after both riders had two poles down each. Ben Maher and Michael Whitaker also failed to make it through to the final round.

The most influential fence proved to be the upright planks at fence three, which was set on five strides after a substantial triple bar. It claimed 11 victims, including puissance winner, Egypt’s Sameh El Dahan, Irishman Dermott Lennon, and France’s Roger Yves Bost.

Don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine’s full report on all the action from Dublin, on sale Thursday 13 August

Ireland take Nation Cup honours on home turf

Hannah Lemieux — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 19:36:29 +0000

Much to the delight of a jubilant crowd, Ireland triumphed on home turf during an exciting Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup and lifted the prestigious Aga Khan Trophy at Dublin Horse Show.

The quartet comprising Bertram Allen (Romanov), Greg Broderick (MHS Going Global), Cian O’Connor (Good Luck) and Darragh Kenny (Sans Soucis Z) pretty much swept the floor with their rivals from the outset, producing three first-round clears. Pathfinder Bertram knocked a pole with the Billy Twomey-owned stallion but it did not change the team’s position at the top of the leaderboard throughout. They were the only team to finish on four faults after the second round, resulting in no jump off.

“My horse is experienced so it suited him to go first. I’ve done a lot of jumping all over the world but to win in front of a home crowd is a dream come true,” said 20-year-old Bertram.

Team mate Greg was making his debut appearance in the class and produced the team’s only double clear, riding the nine-year-old gelding.

“I’m on top of the world. He’s only a young horse but has a fantastic attitude – some horses shrink in that arena but he seemed to grow,”he said.

With the European Championships in Aachen now visible on the horizon, Ireland’s Chef d’Equipe Robert Splaine is in a somewhat envious position.

“I’m feeling good – we’ve been building to this day for a while. These Nations Cups are not easy to win at all, the boys definitely earned their dinner tonight,” he said. “We are very capable of being competitive at the Europeans and the Olympics if we qualify.”

The Dutch team settled for runner-up spot, finishing on eight faults, while the Swiss riders scooped the third podium position.

The British team looked to be in contention after a promising first round. Scott Brash and Robert Whitaker both pulled clears out of the bag, leaving the team in third going into the final second round. Scott and the nine-year-old mare Hello M’Lady went on to pick up four faults in the second round. Robert and Catwalk IV followed up their clear round with eight faults. Michael Whitaker (Cassionato) knocked a pole and picked up a time penalty in each round.Things didn’t go to plan for Spencer Roe, he collected a handful of penalties strewn out across the course with Wonder Why, resulting in him being the drop score. The team finish sixth with a combined 23 faults.

The Brits are currently sat third in the Nations Cup division one standings behind Belgium and Switzerland and are one of seven nations to have made the cut, qualifying for the final in Barcelona in September. The other nations include France, Ireland, Netherlands and Sweden.

Today’s result will certainly be food for thought for Chef d’Equipe Di Lampard, who will be announcing her team selection on Monday (10 August).

For a full report on Dublin Horse Show, don’t miss next week’s issue out on Thursday 13 August.

Row over young riders sponsorship at Dublin

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 13:55:51 +0000

The owner of Holmestead Saddlery told H&H he is “shocked and disappointed” after finding that the company is unable to sponsor the young riders class at Dublin Horse Show — despite sponsoring the qualifiers.

The company sponsored all four young riders qualifying classes and had agreed with Showjumping Ireland that it would be the sponsor for the final, held at the show next month (5-9 August).

However, Holmestead has now been told that it are unable to sponsor the final class at Dublin.

“We were told that it was Dublin and Dublin only who decided who the sponsors were, and that the sponsor wasn’t us,” Bill Holmes from Holmestead Saddlery told H&H.

“We stopped having a stand at the show as it was costing around €46,000, which wasn’t viable,” he added. “But we wanted to keep supporting the young riders class, so we agreed a three-year sponsorship deal with SJI as we have always done. It’s cost us a few thousand in terms of prizes.

“We’ve handed out all the prizes for the qualifiers and had already bought the prizes and rugs for the final. It’s very disappointing.”

When he found he said it was a “total shock” and that the company are “very disheartened”.

The confusion is estimated to be costing Showjumping Ireland around €30,000.

Gallagher/Meller E2 Show Jumpers will sponsor the young riders final.

A spokesman for Dublin Horse Show told H&H: “The Dublin Horse Show is in its 142nd year and is run annually on a not-for-profit basis by the RDS, a philanthropic society. The show relies heavily on revenue streams such as sponsorship to ensure its running each year. The main purpose of show and the aim of the society is to support the Irish Sport Horse breeder and producer by showcasing the best in Irish bred horses.

“For the past two years the RDS has been exclusively responsible for all sponsorships in relation to all competitions and classes at the horse show. During this time the RDS has had no negotiations with Holmestead Saddlery in relation to sponsorship.”

11 very good (horsey) reasons to celebrate St Patrick’s Day

Madeleine Silver — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:55:24 +0000

Ireland didn’t garner the title “Land of the horse” for nothing. Whether it’s this year’s Cheltenham maestro Willie Mullins, the versatile Connemara ponies or the action of the Dublin Horse Show, there’s a lot to love about the Emerald Isle.

And what better excuse do we need than it being St Patrick’s Day today (17 March) to celebrate all things Irish and equestrian?

So grab yourself a Guinness, don an emerald sweater and get jigging.

1. Willie Mullins

Willie Mullins’ fleet of lorries arriving at Cheltenham last week for the Festival showed everyone that he meant business. And he didn’t disappoint. On the first day alone, the County Carlow-based trainer took a whopping four titles — and by the end of the Festival he had secured a record eight.

2. AP McCoy (pictured above)

Will jump racing ever get better than the mighty AP McCoy? The 40-year-old might be retiring at the end of this season, but the National Hunt world certainly won’t forget him in a hurry. With over 4,300 wins to his name and 19 champion jockey titles, he’s not an easy act to follow.

3. Irish Draughts

We’ve got a lot to thank Irish Draughts for. They may have been developed in the early part of the 20th century for farmers who wanted a horse that could work the land in the week, go hunting all day Saturday and then be ready to bring the family trap to church on Sunday morning — but their blood can be found in sport top horses across the disciplines.

4. Aoife Clark

Thirty-three-year-old Aoife is just one of an exciting crop of Irish eventers, having taken individual seventh place at London 2012, the CCI3* title at Bramham in 2014 and the Blenheim CCI3* in 2013.

Continued below…

(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

12 ways hunting in Ireland differs from the UK

Aside from needing to top up your hip flask more frequently, H&H finds out how hunting in Ireland differs from

5. Punchestown

National Hunt devotees can be feeling flat post the Grand National — which is when the Punchestown Festival comes into play (28 April-2 May 2015). Five days of top class racing is the perfect remedy to cure jump racing withdrawal symptoms.

6. Ballindenisk

This year’s Ballindenisk Horse Trials (24-26 September 2015) is sure to attract eventing royalty — but the event had humble beginnings. The story goes that in the spring of 1974 Norman Van de Vater, master of the United Fox Hounds, was out hunting one Wednesday and whilst galloping across Ballindenisk, admiring the farm, he looked at Robert Fell and asked: “Robert, would it be okay to bring a few friends for a gallop around your farm?”

7. Guinness

You may well curse the drunken men who stumble into you, spilling Guinness down your carefully chosen tweed at the Cheltenham Festival, but what would it be without the Guinness tent? And we only have the Irish to thank for that.

8. Bertram Allen

The 19-year-old showjumping superstar may be based in Munster, Germany — but he wears his green jacket with pride. Bertram finished seventh individually at the World Equestrian Games last year and will make his debut in the World Cup final in Las Vegas in April.

9. Dublin Horse Show

First run in 1864, this show is a Dublin institution. This year it runs from 5-9 August 2015, and spectators can look forward to watching showing’s biggest names in action, the Nations Cup showjumping — as well as the eagerly anticipated puissance.

10. Connemara ponies

With their athleticism, versatility, good temperament and enviable jumping ability, any child has hit the jackpot if they can land themselves a Connemara pony to kick start their competition career.

11. Extreme hunting

Hip flasks need to be sizeable (and full) for hunting in Ireland — and there’s no shame in hopelessly clinging onto your neckstrap. Or having dirty breeches within the first 20 minutes of getting on board.

Katie Jerram: Smart grooms and what not to wear [H&H VIP]

Katie Jerram Hunnable — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 15:25:09 +0000

As I write this column, I’m at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show admiring the turnout of the grooms going into the ring. Many grooms at some of our UK shows, including the most prestigious competitions, could take note.

Even at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) there were grooms who could have stepped straight out of an episode of What Not To Wear. I hate to think what Trinny and Susannah would have made of the baseball caps.

Allister Hood, who claimed the RIHS supreme championship on hunter champion Hoppy Jumping, was also awarded the prize for the best turned-out groom in British Skewbald and Piebald Association (BSPA) classes. Full marks to Allister and to the BSPA for encouraging grooms to raise their standards.

Does it matter? Call me old-fashioned but yes, it does. Being well turned-out is a compliment to the show, the judges and your rider.

It adds an air of purposefulness and professionalism, whatever your status.

Scruffy grooms can be seen in the professional ranks too. It is hard to keep yourself smart around horses, especially when making sure your charges have every hair in place, but it can be done.

Fit for the job

The bouquet must go to the ride judges; those I saw did a fantastic job. The role is physically as well as mentally demanding and you need to be as fit as any competitor: I hear that David Froggatt not only achieved Superman status for coping with huge numbers on BSPA day, but impressed competitors with his sympathetic riding.

In other disciplines, rider fitness has become a science. Our eventers and showjumpers in particular have experts and resources to help them reach peak performance, as a tired rider will hinder a tired horse and heighten the risk of an accident.

The only way to get yourself riding-fit is to spend regular hours in the saddle. I sometimes hear ride judges without horses say they make up for it by going to the gym, but people, like horses, need to build discipline-specific fitness. Running on a treadmill or lifting weights will get you fit for running on a treadmill or lifting weights — perhaps others disagree!

Horse spotting

The period after the RIHS is intense, which is why I’m enjoying my few days in Dublin. I love the Irish sport horse and Dublin is a showcase for breeders and producers. It’s great to see so many quality young animals and, as Dublin is also a place where deals are struck, it’s fascinating to follow their progress.

We mark up our catalogue religiously and have done so for many years. Tracing the progress of horses is fascinating — or have I become the horse world’s equivalent of a train spotter?

The amateur debate

When I get back, I’ll be heading to Equifest to take a training class. This has become part of my showing calendar and is really rewarding — especially when a rider from the year before shows huge improvement.

For many amateur riders, Equifest is deservedly the highlight of the showing year. Betsy Branyan, who devised the concept, and her team do a great job. Last year, there was a lot of grumbling over whether professional riders should compete and debates on whether all those entered in amateur classes had a right to hold that status.

The answer to the first is that it is up to the individual. The answer to the second is that if a rider meets an organisation’s criteria, they have just as much right to compete as any other.

The usual basic definition of an amateur — check individual rule-books for clarification — is someone who doesn’t derive income from horses. If you are paid to produce, teach, keep horses at livery or even to shoe then, in general, you would not be classed as an amateur.

If you help someone without payment, or judge, you will probably meet amateur status criteria. It’s possible for an amateur to have professional standards — and funnily enough, it’s only those who win who seem to come under fire!

First published in Horse & Hound magazine on 21 August 2014

H&H content director Sarah Jenkins: Riders face a predicament

Sarah Jenkins — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 09:25:11 +0000

The Brits have done it again. Just when we thought all hopes were lost for Team GB to field a crack team for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) — they head off to Dublin, needing maximum points in the Nations Cup to avoid relegation, and achieve just that.

Team manager Rob Hoekstra took a chance, placing relative newcomer Spencer Roe (pictured) under that much pressure — Spencer being there to prove his worth on the WEG team in the process — and drew out a new superstar. Don’t miss H&H showjumping editor Jennifer Donald’s interview with Spencer in this week’s magazine (Thursday 14 August).

Showjumping, with worthwhile prize-money, is setting itself apart from all other disciplines, and more in line with the elitist likes of Formula One motor racing.

This does put riders into a predicament, though. Do you jump for the money, or save your best horse to represent your country? Which is the greater motivation?

Will our team manager continue to find enough talent and horsepower to service both? With Spencer and Joe Clee both being given their first crack at championship level, let’s hope he has found another Scott (Brash) and Ben (Maher).

Turning to the eventers acquitted of any wrongdoing, this outcome begs the question: does anybody actually know with 100% certainty what substances they are feeding their horse? And how far should riders reasonably be expected to go to make sure that they do? More of which next week…

This column was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (14 August, 2014 issue)

William Funnell: Job done in Dublin, but why did we leave it so late? [H&H VIP]

William Funnell — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 13:05:31 +0000

The guys did a great job in Dublin to ensure Great Britain wasn’t relegated from the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup “super league”. To do it, we needed the maximum points and, thanks to the winners USA being there on an invitation, it was job done.

Spencer Roe (pictured) is an old head on young shoulders and it is great to see how much he has grown in stature and confidence this year. With the pressure of jumping for a place on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) team, as well as super league qualification, he remained completely unfazed. I tried to think of some amusing stories to tell in this comment from the time he worked with us, but I’m afraid none of them were printable… But hopefully he’s done enough to secure a place as one of GB’s four riders who actually jump in the championships next month.

But the question remains, why did we end up in a situation where so much was determined by our performance in Dublin? A busy calendar dictated that of course riders were going to have split loyalties with Hickstead, Dublin, the London Global Champions Tour (GCT) and WEG coming in quick succession.

In hindsight, Rob Hoekstra should have used an earlier point-scoring round instead of Dublin because it made a complete debacle of Hickstead — not sending our best riders on their best horses to our home Nations Cup was a very poor decision if we’re trying to promote showjumping in this country.

Ten years ago, the turnout on Hickstead’s Nations Cup day was terrible — nobody wanted to watch it. But the Olympics changed that and we’ve since had a full house for the competition. But people should expect to see our best combinations, including Hello Sanctos and Cella, on home soil. By half-time, when it became obvious we couldn’t win, the crowds diminished. And I can’t blame them. It was a complete own goal for British showjumping.

Olympic qualification should be key

What is crucial at WEG is securing a top five placing to ensure qualification for the 2016 Olympics. Team jumping is all about consistency and, as reigning Olympic and European champions, and with Ben, Scott and Joe Clee, who hasn’t had a bad round all season, you’d think that was achievable. Anything can happen though — even a couple of bad rounds would be enough.

But getting that out the way would certainly leave the team hierarchy with one less thing to worry about. New blood can be brought in and get match practice instead of having to rely solely on the strongest members. Plan B — to qualify at the 2015 Europeans — will be a much tougher task, so getting our Olympic ticket this year should have been a bigger priority this year than staying in the super league.

What is interesting is how many lame horses we have at this stage in the season — and not just in this country. They do so much these days and require so much more athletic ability than in previous years, so of course they are more likely to get injured.

But Great Britain has fielded a team at every round of the super league and it’s taken its toll. We have simply run out of combinations. But then would Spencer have earned his place on the team if that hadn’t happened?

Roll up to see our future Nations Cup horses

The young horse championships take place at Addington this week. It’s an unfortunate clash with the London GCT so I’ll be commuting there when I can and hopefully competing in Sunday’s final.

It’s a fantastic shop window for British breeding so perhaps our own riders should pay a visit instead of traipsing round Europe trying to find the next big thing.

Congratulations to Keith Doyle who bred Bertram Allen’s Dublin grand prix winner Molly Malone V. This mare is another example of this country breeding the best in the world.

William’s column was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (14 August, 2014 issue)

Britain scrape through at final moment, again [H&H VIP]

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 12:00:19 +0000

Britain were once again forced to step up at the last minute to prevent relegation from the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup series.

Heading into the final leg in Dublin last Friday (8 August), Britain were lying in the relegation zone — sitting ninth in the overall standings.

Only the top seven teams from the 10 countries in the top division of the Western European league are eligible for the final in Barcelona in October.

Team GB needed to score maximum points to secure a spot in division one for next year. As it happened, despite finishing second, it was “job done”, as performance manager Rob Hoekstra put it.

Britain was saved from relegation as the winners, USA, were there on invitation and did not score points.

Britain’s Joe Clee (Utamaro D’Ecaussines), Spencer Roe (Wonder Why), Scott Brash (Hello Sanctos) and Ben Maher (Cella) put in a strong performance to ensure Britain ended the series in sixth place.

“They were under a lot of pressure, but they all gave great performances,” said Rob Hoekstra.

Joe Clee added: “We would have loved to have won, but if you’d said to me in the morning that we’d be saved from relegation, I’d have settled for that.”

Ukraine was the country to fall to division two. However, Ireland must now wait for the results of division two countries in the Barcelona final before learning its fate for 2015.

Just enough?

Riders and fans are asking how the British team were in this position — struggling to qualify — for the second year running.

“The question remains, why did we end up in a situation where so much was determined by our performance in Dublin?” asks William Funnell in his comment in this week’s issue on p48 (14 August).

“In hindsight, Rob Hoekstra should have used an earlier point-scoring round instead of Dublin because it made a complete debacle of Hickstead — to not send our best riders on their best horses to our home Nations Cup was a very poor decision if we’re trying to promote showjumping in this country.”

But Rob maintains that Britain does not have the strength in depth to consistently send out the top players.

“I don’t think it would have made a huge difference if we’d been relegated into division two — we’d still have had invitations to jump in the top league, you’ve always got to look at these things in a positive way,” he said.

“From our own point of view it’s nice to stay up. We’ve proved that we’re very strong when we field our best team, but I can’t use my strongest team all of the time or we’d have nothing left for the championships.”

A lack of horse power

Last year H&H asked whether showjumpers were turning their backs on the Nations Cup series, shunning it for the lucrative Global Champions Tour.

“There is so much more pressure from riders wanting to do the Global Champions Tour. The time has probably come when Britain must sit down and decide which it wants to be — a country of GCT riders, or Nations Cup riders?” Rob said at the time.

But this year the team manager cites the lack of horse power for poor performances.

Britain didn’t field a team at the prestigious Aachen show in July due to being “extremely short of championship horses”, said Rob, who said he was saving the top string for the World Equestrian Games (WEG).

“We’re still very short of horses so I have to be very careful about how many times I use the top guys,” he added. “The end of the season is when you need them to win prizes.”

Don’t miss the full Dublin Horse Show report, plus interview with Spencer Roe, in the current issue of H&H (14 August).

Team GB saved from Nations Cup relegation

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 19:42:11 +0000

Great Britain’s showjumpers rustled up a dazzling performance to finish second in the final leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in Dublin.

The team of Ben Maher (Cella), Joe Clee (Utamaro D’Ecaussines), Spencer Roe (Wonder Why) and Scott Brash (Hello Sanctos) just missed out on victory, with USA lifting the famous Aga Khan Trophy and winning their third Nations Cup in seven days.

But thanks in no small part to a double clear from youngest member, Spencer Roe, Team GB earned enough points to qualify for the Nations Cup final in Barcelona in October and avoid relegation to division two of the Furusiyya series.

“I’m very proud of the team — they were under a lot of pressure,” said GB performance manager Rob Hoekstra. France are the overall winners of division one of the FEI Nations Cup, with Great Britain sixth of the seven teams to qualify.

Results of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in Dublin

1. USA 4; 2. GBR 8; 3eq. UKR, FRA & SWE 16; 6eq. IRL & NED 20; 8. GER ELIM

Don’t miss the full report including all the reactions, pictures and an interview with GB hero Spencer Roe in next week’s issue of H&H (out 14 August).

Scott Brash heads British team in Dublin

Horse & Hound — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 16:10:10 +0000

World number one Scott Brash heads the British showjumping team for the Dublin leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup tomorrow (Friday 8 August).

The riders will be jumping in the eighth leg of the Nations Cup — the last of four competitions in the series in which Britain can collect league points to secure a place in the final and next year’s series.

Scott, with Hello Sanctos, is joined by world number two Ben Maher (Cella), Joe Clee (Utamaro d’Ecaussines) and Spencer Roe (Wondery Why).

But the pressure is on as Great Britain remains in the relegation zone after finishing equal sixth in the penultimate leg at Hickstead last week (Friday 2 August).

This leaves Britain ninth in the overall standings with only the top eight teams from the 10 countries in the Western European division one heading to the final in Barcelona in October.

“We haven’t performed well enough,” said British chef d’equipe Rob Hoekstra last week. “But our guys for Dublin cope well under pressure.”

Dublin Horse Show restricts show hunter classes to young horses

Martha Terry — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 13:00:39 +0000

The upper age limit in this summer’s show hunter classes at Dublin Horse Show (6-10 August) has been reduced to 8 years old from 10, with the intention to reduce this further to 7 years old in 2015.

The rule change is in response to consultation with industry experts from the UK and Ireland, as part of a greater strategic review of the show, and ensures that “the young horse holds centre stage”.

The decision is in line with the equestrian mission of the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) and the Dublin Horse Show to support the Irish breeder and producer.

“The Dublin Horse Show has always been a showcase for the best young horses that Irish breeders and producers can put forward,” RDS equestrian development manager Fiona Sheridan told H&H.

“In reducing the age limit, it was felt that it would encourage the production of more young horses and keep the section fresh and vibrant.”

But the move will have its detractors. At Horse of the Year Show last year, 66 of the 169 catalogued entries (39%) across 6 classes were aged 10 or over.

H&H showing reporter Margaret Shaw believed that although Dublin is a “shop window for young horse, the restriction will be unpopular” elsewhere.

“The 4- and 5-year-old classes which were once very popular at features shows like Cheshire County and Great Yorkshire have fizzled out in recent years because of lack of entries.”

Dublin’s show hunter classes are also restricted to Irish-bred horses only.

Ms Sheridan said that older horses are catered for in “riding horse classes, the sportsman (amateur hunter) and working hunters”.

Watch Irish hunters do battle in thrilling hunt chase at Dublin Horse Show

Carol Phillips — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 14:50:52 +0000

The final of the hunt chase at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show 2013 was hard fought between the Killinick Harriers and Westmeath Foxhounds.

The Killinick Harriers team (nearside on the video below) of John Roche, Benny Walsh, Kiera Walsh and Joe Codd triumphed over Westmeath Foxhounds’ Suzanne Macken, Niall Dunne, Ken Connell and Darren Weldon around the challenging course.

Eight Irish hunts took part in the exciting competition, which incorporated natural obstacles in the main arena. Each team included one member of hunt staff, one lady rider, a rider over the age of 35 and a male rider over 12.5stone. A hunting horn was used as a baton.

The course consisted of brush fences and mobile cross-country obstacles, plus fences on rising and falling ground, plus jumps in and out of water. The course for the two teams is designed so each route mirrors the other so spectators can clearly see who is in the lead and how close the riders are to each other.

As well as being excellent spectator events, hunt chases are designed to provide similar challenges for horses and riders to those they are likely to experience in the hunting field.

Watch showjumper clear 2.20m puissance wall at Dublin Horse Show

Carol Phillips — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 09:29:07 +0000

Colombian showjumper Daniel Bluman delighted the Irish crowds when clearing 2.20m to win the puissance class at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show on his grey stallion Clyde.

The win was all the more impressive as this was only Daniel’s 2nd ever attempt at a puissance class and he had never jumped higher than 2m.

As Daniel explains in the interview below, it was a last-minute decision to attend the show, but he loved the atmosphere, playing up to the crowd by pulling out an Irish flag after one of his successful jumps.

“With such a crowd and fantastic atmosphere, it was impossible to be scared!” he said.

Full report on showjumping and showing from Dublin in H&H magazine, out Thursday, 15 August.

Picture by Pixizone

Britain fights for a place in Nations Cup final

Horse & Hound — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 12:43:31 +0000

This afternoon (Friday 9 August) Team GBR will fight to remain in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup series and claim their place at the final in Barcelona (26-29 September).

Scott Brash (Hello Sanctos), Ben Maher (Cella), Nick Skelton (Big Star) and Robert Smith (Voila IV) will compete at Dublin Horse Show, Ireland.

But if Team GBR don’t finish in the top 4 there will be no final for them.

The competition starts at 3pm. Follow @Horseandhound on twitter for updates on the British challenge. Live video coverage is available on FEITV (subscription service) or on RTÉ One.

Nations Cup video interviews

Nick Skelton talks about his ride Big Star and the British team’s plans.

Ben Maher talks about his stable of horses and explains what his King George win at Hickstead means for Tripple X going forwards.

Preview of the final round of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in Dublin

Ireland wins Dublin’s Nations Cup with Britain taking third

Horse & Hound — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 19:57:33 +0000

Ireland’s riders delighted the crowd by winning the FEI Nations Cup at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show, the Aga Khan, this afternoon – the first time the home side has won since 2004.

“I’m over the moon, it’s fantastic,” said chef d’equipe Robert Splaine. “We wanted it so much for the crowd. We wanted to jump clears and give them something to cheer about.”

Clem McMahon led the effort, achieving two clears with his mother Maureen’s eight-year-old Pacino, while Richie Maloney had just one time-fault in the first round, but was otherwise fault-free on Ahorn Van De Zuuthoeve.

Darragh Kerins also provided a first-round clear and the team led at the halfway stage on a score of one, discarding four faults from anchorman Cian O’Connor, riding his London Olympic individual bronze medallist Blue Loyd 12.

In the second round, Cian was not required to jump again because Darragh’s four added to Clem and Richie’s zeros left Ireland out in front.

Many of these riders rode in 12.2hh classes at Dublin and admitted they were fulfilling a childhood dream by winning the Aga Khan.

France finished second, their assault spearheaded by a double clear from Roger Yves Bost (Nippon D’Elle), while Britain moved up from fourth after round one to take third.

Olympic reserve Tina Fletcher jumped two clears on Hello Sailor, while John Whitaker (Argento) and Nick Skelton (Carlo 273) both provided one. And Robert Smith gave a counting score in both rounds with a single fence down in each on Voila IV, plus a time-fault in the first.

Germany finished last in Dublin, but still won the 2012 FEI Nations Cup League. Ireland finished third and Britain fourth, both well out of the normal “relegation zone” of the bottom two teams, although the Nations Cup format is changing next year so this may not apply.

Full report on Dublin in H&H out next Thursday, 23 August.

Nick Skelton heads British Nations Cup team in Dublin

Horse & Hound — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 12:06:25 +0000

Olympic gold medal-winning showjumper Nick Skelton will be back in action this Friday (17 August) on the Nations Cup squad at Dublin.

The competition is the final in the Nations Cup series and will take place at Dublin Horse Show (15-19 August)

Nick has been put on the squad with Beverley Widdowson’s 11-year-old gelding Carlo 273. Ms Widdowson also owns Nick’s Olympic ride Big Star.

Joining Nick on the squad will be Olympic reserve Tina Fletcher and Hello Sailor, William Funnell and Billy Angelo, Robert Smith and Voila and John Whitaker and Argento. Four of the five will jump on the team.

The competition is the last of the eight five-star Nations Cup competition. Team GBR go into the final round in third place on the league table – behind Germany and France.

The Nations Cup will start at 3pm.

For more information visit: www.dublinhorseshow.com or watch the action online

Judge injured at Dublin Horse Show settles out of court

Flora Watkins — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:02:45 +0000

A ride judge who sued for damages after he was bucked off in the ring at the Dublin Horse Show has settled out of court.

John Chugg, a respected English panel judge, broke his back in the fall in 2004.

His action against the horse’s owner and the organisers of the show was due to be heard in the High Court in Dublin last Thursday (8 December). But the case was settled just before.

H&H understands that the payment amounted to â‚¬120,000 ( £101,000); â‚¬60,000 from each party’s insurers.

Mr Chugg’s solicitor Andrew Coonan told H&H: “The case has been settled to the satisfaction of my client.”

Mr Chugg, aged 60 at the time of the accident, was bucked off in the gallop in the middleweight hunter class at the Dublin in August 2004. He remounted but was bucked off again and broke his back.

The horse, owned by Canice Farrell of Portlaois, Co Laois, was ridden by Mr Farrell’s daughter-in-law, Liz Lane.

Ms Lane said: “This has taken over our lives. We are just relieved that our financial exposure has been limited.”

A spokesman for the Royal Dublin Society, which runs the Dublin show, said it was pleased the case had been brought to a conclusion.

When Mr Chugg began his legal action, there was some concern that it might have ramifications for ride judging.

But David Ingle, deputy chair of judges at the British Show Horse Association, told H&H that was unlikely – because of the attention given to health and safety in this country.

“All the horse and pony organisations are very proactive and our stewards and judges are well-informed,” he said.

“The day of the ride judge may well come to an end one day – but if it does, it will be because of health and safety regulations, not because of John Chugg.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (15 December 2011)

For all your insurance needs, contact KBIS

Great Britain wins FEI Nations Cup at Dublin Horse Show

Horse & Hound — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 20:41:46 +0000

Britain won the FEI Nations Cup at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show this afternoon after a jump-off with the host nation.

Britain were third equal with Belgium and Germany after the first round, but brilliant second-round clears from Nick Skelton (Carlo 273, pictured), Michael Whitaker (GIG Amai) and Robert Smith (Talan) put the team equal with Ireland, who had been second at the halfway stage.

Nick Skelton jumped-off for Britain, going clear in a fast time of 39.98sec. Ireland put Billy Twomey in to jump-off on Tinka’s Serenade, but when the chestnut hit the second fence, a red and green upright, Britain had secured the Aga Khan Trophy.

“All Nations Cup wins feel good, but today was very special for me,” said Nick, who was one of three riders in the contest to manage two clears, as well as his faultless jump-off performance. “To have a jump-off with Ireland in their own country was very exciting and it was a good competition, which the public enjoyed.

“I didn’t think we’d win — I thought we were too far behind after round one. I went and had a Bulmers [cider] during the second round.”

Scott Brash was Britain’s fourth team member, riding Intertoy Z, and improved from 12 faults in the first round to four in the second.

France, the leaders after one round, finished third equal with Belgium.

This result secures Britain’s place in the top league of the Nations Cup for 2012. Denmark finished last today and are sure to be relegated to the promotional league next year, while the USA, Belgium and France must fight it out to avoid the other relegation place at the final leg of the series in Rotterdam on 26 August.

Full report on showjumping and showing from Dublin in H&H next week, out 11 August.

New class at Dublin for 7 and 8-year-old showjumping horses

Charlotte White — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:31:49 +0000

A €20,000 new class for seven- and eight-year-old showjumping horses will be held at the 2010 Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show (4-8 August), in a bid to support the production of Irish sport horses.

The Royal Dublin Society (RDS), which runs the show, says the competition will highlight the progeny of foreign stallions that Irish breeders and producers may be interested in using, as well as showcasing Irish talent.

Twenty Irish riders will be given the opportunity to qualify for the class and all other countries represented at the show may nominate two horse and rider combinations.

A spokesman for the RDS said: “The class will identify the best of Ireland’s horses and benchmark them against their European counterparts.

“It will be a valuable opportunity for our riders as it gives them the chance to compete in an international competition against some of the world’s highest-ranked riders.”

Qualifiers will be held across Ireland from May.

For more details, contact the show team on 00353 1668 0866.

Owners go to court over horse competing at Dublin Horse Show

Horse & Hound — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:19:30 +0000

A dispute between the warring co-owners of an Irish show jumping horse had to be settled in the High Court in Belfast when one owner refused to allow the horse to compete at the Failte Dublin Horse Show (5-9 August).

But on 30 July a judge ruled the chestnut Irish Sports Horse mare Touchable should go to the show. The 16.1hh horse competed in the eight-year-old and over class on 5 August, finishing on four faults.

Jude Doherty, from County Down, was seeking an injunction to stop fellow owner Pamela Posnett entering Touchable, claiming it could jeopardise the value of the horse, who is due to be sold.

Mr Doherty also claimed Mrs Posnett’s daughter, 26-year old Suzanne, was not experienced enough a rider to cope with the Dublin course.

Speaking at the show on 6 August a delighted Mrs Posnett said: “I’m pleased that we won [the court case] but it was quite unnecessary.

“I bought into Touchable when she was a five-year-old. she went brilliantly yesterday.”

The horse went on to finish on eight faults in the eight years and over class on 7 August.

Mr Doherty declined to speak to H&H but during the court case said he wanted to prevent Touchable competing because although she had “unique quality and ability”, the horse lacked confidence and might refuse or get injured on the demanding Dublin course.

He was concerned that this would devalue the sale price.

Mrs Posnett, also from County Down, claimed the Dublin Horse Show was the perfect shop window for selling Touchable and that her daughter, who has her own yard, was perfectly competent.

John Sheridan, spokesman for the Show Jumping Association of Ireland said: “I’ve never come across a legal case like this before.

“I’ve seen Touchable jumping a couple of times and she’s very talented. Any horse jumping at that level is valuable to Irish show jumping.”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (13 August, ’09)

Britain finishes second in Meydan FEI Nations Cup in Dublin

Horse & Hound — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:01:52 +0000

Britain finished equal second in the final leg of the Meydan FEI Nations Cup, but confusion now reigns over whether this is sufficient to escape relegation from the top flight of Nations Cup competitions.

The competition was won by rank outsiders Italy, who had already been relegated from next year’s competition before the final leg got underway. They produced inspired performances under their new trainer and chef d’equipe Markus Fuchs to finish on 12 faults.

Britain and Switzerland both completed on 16 for second place, while Belgium finished on 28 faults in seventh place. This leaves Britain and Belgium on 22 points at the end of the series.

Rule 10 of the FEI Nations Cup Series rulebook, which refers to team classification at the end of the season, states: “In case of equality of points for any place on the overall Top League classification, teams are separated by giving preference to the team with the greater number of first place classifications; in case there is still a tie the number of second place classifications will count and if necessary the number of third place classifications and so on if the necessity arises.”

Neither Britain nor Belgium have won a leg, but Britain has an equal second while Belgium’s best result was an equal third, which suggest that Belgium will be relegated. However, rule 16, which refers specifically to the relegation process appears to contradict this as it states:

“The two last placed teams in the overall standings at the end of each season will be relegated to the FEI Nations Cup Promotional League. Teams tying on points for either of the last two places in the final classification of the Top League are separated by relegating the two teams with the greatest number of last places in the Top League competitions. If further ties exist the teams with the greatest number of second last places are relegated and so on until a tie no longer exists.”

On this basis it looks like Britain is the team to be relegated. Both Britain and Belgium have twice not made the second round of the competition, but Britain has finished eighth on one occasion, while Belgium’s next worse performance was seventh.

No official announcement confirming whether Britain or Belgium are to be relegated has been made.

Britain drawn second to jump in Dublin’s Nations Cup

Horse & Hound — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:51:38 +0000

It appears that fate is not looking too kindly on the British Nations Cup team, as they were drawn second to jump in tomorrow’s final leg of the 2009 Meydan FEI Nations Cup series in Dublin.

Britain will need to produce something spectacular tomorrow if they are to avoid the drop by swapping places with Belgium, who are currently in eighth place on 20 points.

The bottom two teams in the series — currently GB and Italy — will be relegated to the promotional league.

The drawn order for the first round is: 1, Italy; 2, Great Britain; 3, The Netherlands; 4, Sweden; 5, Switzerland; 6, Ireland; 7, France; 8, Belgium; 9, USA; 10, Germany.

British chef d’equipe Derek Ricketts knows that the British Nations Cup team of Ben Maher, Tim Stockdale, Peter Charles and Geoff Billington is facing a desperate battle for survival.

“My boys are very focused, they know what they have to do, and if we go down, then we’ll go down fighting,” he said determinedly.

Listen to interview with Derek Ricketts

Britain has a good record in Dublin, having more victories at the Irish venue than any other country. The British team has won 23 of the 76 Nations Cup competitions in the 136-year history of the show, including beating the Irish to the coveted Aga Khan Cup last year.

Current standings

1. France – 43.5

2. USA – 39.5

3. Germany – 36

=4. Switzerland – 28.5

=4. Netherlands – 28.5

6. Ireland – 27.5

7. Sweden – 23

8. Belgium – 20

9. Great Britain – 15.5

10. Italy – 4

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