A new showing society for rescued horses and ponies is being set up to encourage people to consider taking on a rescued equine, while showcasing how horses and ponies who have suffered from cruelty and neglect can go on to lead happy, healthy and active lives and excel in many equestrian disciplines.

Rescue Equine Showing Society (RESS) founder Cathy Hyde, who has worked in frontline animal welfare since 2001, said: “We really want RESS to give these rescues the opportunity to shine and to demonstrate how successful they can be, while highlighting the work of the rescuers and those that take on the task of rehabilitating the equines that have been subjected to cruelty and neglect.

“Ideally, it will also encourage people to consider adopting from the equine charities – for every equine that is rehomed, this makes space for another to be brought into a rescue charity where it can undergo rehabilitation and go on to find a kind and loving home.”

RESS will have its official launch event at Equifest on 3 August 2024. Qualifiers for the RESS Rescue horse and pony of the year championship at Equifest will take place throughout the season. Classes for in-hand and ridden rescues have been held at Equifest since 2012.

“I had the pleasure of judging at Equifest on a couple of occasions and the show seemed to be the perfect event for these classes,” Cathy said. “And since their inception, the classes have grown in numbers and popularity.”

RESS will also be looking to provide training and bursaries for members from 2025, and a series of competitions culminating in the championships at Equifest. There is no membership required for 2024 and no affiliation fees for shows that want to run classes.

Showing commentator Carey Knox who was commentated at all major shows including Horse of the Year Show and London International is the society president. She added: “Through the first-hand experience of seeing and reading horrific stories, I really want to help highlight what has gone and is going on, and also encourage people to look into perhaps owning and loving a rescue horse or pony.”

A rescue village will also be held at Equifest, supported by NEDZ Beds, where leading equine charities will bring horses and ponies to the show.

Further information including a full list of qualifying shows, rosettes for which are being provided by Luke Rees at Hand Tailored Rosettes, can be found on the Rescue Equine Showing Society website.

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The awarding of special prizes to the most harmonious horse and rider combinations at Equifest is just the start, it is hoped, in a positive change for the equestrian industry.

Four awards were given out on Saturday, 5 August, to the most suitable combinations. These were those who were not only an ideal match in terms of horse or pony and rider size, but also those about whom “everything just looked right”.

Amanda Stoddart-West is livestock and entries coordinator for the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS), which has for years enforced a strict rider weight limit everywhere on the showground. She was approached about the idea by Equifest show director Betsy Branyan, who she had helped with a similar rule at the Royal Three Counties show this summer.

Amanda and experienced steward Frank Grunnill spent the day talking to and assessing combinations on the showground.

“We picked those combinations that really stood out,” Mrs Stoddart-West told H&H. “The animals were in healthy condition, the rider suitable size, the rider was empathetic – not necessarily perfect or out to win rosettes, but we were looking for harmonious relationships, where everything looked right. The horses were happy and the whole picture was right.”

Mrs Stoddart-West said they picked four combinations; not necessarily the showiest or flashiest animals, but “really nice combinations”, and empathetic riders who gelled with their horses.

The overall winners were Jessica Paige Davies on Blue. Jessica said she was “absolutely amazed she was selected, let alone won”.

Another combination to win the award was Katie Lewis and Dublin Lass.

Katie said: “I really love the idea of it and it got a good conversation going about it on social media, with people saying more shows need to do something similar.

“I’ve had my mare 17 years and in lockdown I put a stone on. I didn’t ride her until I lost it again because I thought at 22, she didn’t need me adding more weight to her load as she got older.”

Georgie Lewis-Roberts was “over the moon” to be selected for an award with Fulford Mickey, and Jessica Lye said winning one with Duchers was “better than a first place”.

“I was nervous and excited about going in the main arena, but it is something I have always dreamt of and to go in there to collect an award of such importance was a dream come true,” she said.

Mrs Stoddart-West said other shows have been in touch about hosting the awards.

“My plan is to find a sponsor and take it further next year,” she said. “Now is our opportunity; the whole movement seems to have stepped up. We’ve been on this [at the GYS] since 2016, but suddenly people are more interested and awareness is growing. The more we can push this, hopefully it will become the norm and we won’t see any more poor combinations. These were happy horses, which is what we want – we’ve started the ball rolling, let’s keep it going.”

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The organisers of the showing fixture Equifest have announced that the show will move to a new venue in 2023.

After the closure of the East of England showground this year, Equifest’s base for 15 years, the popular championship show was left without a home.

In 2023, Equifest will be held at Arena UK in Lincolnshire from 2 — 5 August.

The decision was made after Equifest’s organisers posted a public questionnaire, which competitors were encouraged to answer with their venue suggestions. Arena UK was “by far the venue of choice.”

Equifest 2023 will host eight surface rings and six grass rings alongside the main indoor arena, where the evening performances, Equifest’s trademark, will take place.

“Equifest is very grateful to the East of England Agricultural Society for their support and generosity over the years and helping in the transitional phase to Arena UK,” announced Equifest. “We are now planning Equifest 2023 with some new classes and championships which we will share with you very soon.”

Betsy Bryan of Equifest told H&H: “We knew for around a year that our 2022 show was going to be the last Equifest due to the fact East of England had been sold. Therefore, we had to bring the show to an end or restart at a new venue. We sent out a questionnaire to competitors asking a variety of questions, including where they were based in the country, how long they were willing to travel to a show and what facilities were important to them as well as a list of different venues. Arena UK came out in front.

“Most people wanted the show to stay in the east of the country, and most people are willing to travel a maximum of between two and three hours, unless they’re located in the far extremes of the country and are used to travelling long distances to compete.”

There was some concern from competitors on social media about the dates of Equifest clashing with other major fixtures, including the National Pony Society (NPS) summer championships (1-3 August), the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association Traditional of the Year Show (2-5 August) and the National Side-Saddle Show (4-6 August).

Equifest responded, stating that they will work with the relevant societies to minimise clashes between timetables, including running novice and training classes without an evening performance on the first day of competition, and hosting the mountain and moorland classes on days that do not class with the NPS summer championships.

“We’re looking to stay firmly in our roots, providing for the home-producer, amateur and restricted competitor,” said Betsy. “Unfortunately, we do clash with other shows but as we’re a joint venture with Arena UK we have to fit within their calendar. We’re working very closely with the societies to try to fit our timetable with those of the championship shows; we’ll be doing everything we can to avoid big clashes.

“The move does mean that we can hopefully welcome some of our Scottish competitors who haven’t been for a while back to Equifest as the journey is much easier and we run earlier in the season.”

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Emotions ran high as the iconic East of England showground hosted Equifest 2022 last week (17 to 20 August), the final equestrian event to be held at the Peterborough venue. The gates have now closed for good to make way for a new housing development.

Memories flooded back last week, taking in the glory days of the ground-breaking Ponies of Britain, Ponies (UK) and British Show Pony Society (BSPS) championships held here, as well as the once-mighty East of England show — for many years one of the premier events in the country, which moved to this permanent site in the mid-1960s.

Equifest was first staged in 2008 by the East of England Agricultural Society and run largely by the indefatigable Betsy Branyan and her team. The new unaffiliated annual spectacular rapidly cemented its place in the calendar, bucking the national trend by mushrooming in popularity each year.

Last week, a supercharged atmosphere reigned for the grand finale, and a heartfelt, torchlit rendition of Sweet Caroline in and around the grandstand reduced many officials — as well as spectators and competitors — to tears.

Equifest supreme judge Katy Carter, who remembers competing at the Ponies (UK) summer championships at East of England showground on a first ridden pony in 1979, was equally emotional.

“It really is the end of an era,” she said. “I also remember being supreme here at both Ponies (UK) and British Show Pony Society (BSPS) championships in 1989 on a pony called Courtland Cottage Fair, and it was just magical.

“Things that also stick out in my memory are the main ring with the water jump and the flags, and the big grandstand, which gives an echo. I used to get goosebumps just driving on to the showground.”

Betsy’s own links with the showground date back to the late 1990s when she worked with Ponies (UK) and its supremo, the legendary, much-missed Davina Whiteman, whose ashes were scattered on the site of the original tower commentary box from which she ruled the summer championships for so many years. As a final farewell on Saturday night, a toast to her innovative ideas and inspired leadership was raised on that very spot.

“It’s been a sad and emotional day,” said Betsy.

Commentator Carey Knox, whose association with Ponies UK and the showground spans almost 30 years, was another who admitted to welling up.

“I’ve met so many fantastic people over the years — some of whom are sadly no longer with us,” she said. “I had a very heartfelt sadness when driving away from there knowing I will never visit or see it again; however my memories will live on.”

The all-pervading spirit of the moment was summed up by regular competitor Georgie Roberts, who said: “This was the best Equifest I’ve ever been to, because everyone was enjoying each moment and not taking the experience for granted. The showing camaraderie and friendship was there in force — it was what showing is supposed to be about.”

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The East of England Showground is best known in equestrian circles for being the home of Equifest (18–20 August 2022). Finding hotels near East of England Showground will help you make the most of your visit to the venue, whether you’re there to spectate, support or compete.

We’ve included a great selection of accommodation by type – not just hotels near East of England Showground, but apartments and holiday lets, too, so you can easily find what you’re looking for. Distances are calculated in driving distance to the venue (PE2 6XE).

• Hotels near East of England Showground
• Holiday lets and apartments near East of England Showground

Hotels near East of England Showground

Holiday Inn Express Peterborough

Distance to East of England Showground: < ½ mile | Type: Hotel | Trip Advisor rating: 4/5 |

View at booking.com

Peterborough Marriott Hotel

Distance to East of England Showground: < ½ mile | Type: Hotel | Trip Advisor rating: 3½/5 |

View at booking.com

Premier Inn Peterborough (Ferry Meadows)

Distance to East of England Showground: 1.5 miles | Type: Hotel | Trip Advisor rating: 4½/5 |

View at premierinn.com

Orton Hall Hotel & Spa, Orton Longueville

Distance to East of England Showground: 2.3 miles | Type: Hotel | Trip Advisor rating: 4/5 |

View at booking.com

Days Inn Peterborough

Distance to East of England Showground: 2.5 miles | Type: Hotel | Trip Advisor rating: 3½/5 |

View at booking.com

Holiday Inn Peterborough West

Distance to East of England Showground: 3.2 miles | Type: Hotel | Trip Advisor rating: 4/5 |

View at booking.com

Travelodge Peterborough Alwalton

Distance to East of England Showground: 3.3 miles | Type: Hotel | Trip Advisor rating: 4/5 |

View at travelodge.co.uk

The Crown Inn, Elton

Distance to East of England Showground: 3.9 miles | Type: Hotel | Trip Advisor rating: 4½/5 |

View at booking.com

Dragonfly Hotel Peterborough

Distance to East of England Showground: 3.9 miles | Type: Hotel | Trip Advisor rating: 3/5 |

View at booking.com

Premier Inn Peterborough City Centre

Distance to East of England Showground: 4.1 miles | Type: Hotel | Trip Advisor rating: 4½/5 |

View at premierinn.com

Premier Inn Peterborough (Hampton)

Distance to East of England Showground: 4.3 miles | Type: Hotel | Trip Advisor rating: 4/5 |

View at premierinn.com

Travelodge Peterborough Central

Distance to East of England Showground: 4.9 miles | Type: Hotel | Trip Advisor rating: 4/5 |

View at travelodge.co.uk

The Sibson Inn Hotel, Stibbington

Distance to East of England Showground: 5.2 miles | Type: Hotel | Trip Advisor rating: 4/5 |

View at booking.com

Holiday lets and apartments near East of England Showground

Kelburn Road House, Alwalton

Distance to East of England Showground: 0.6 miles | Type: 3-bed house |

View at booking.com

Bushfield House Apartments, Orton Goldhay

Distance to East of England Showground: 1.3 miles | Type: 1-bed apartments |

View at booking.com

Chandlers House Apartment, Orton Brimbles

Distance to East of England Showground: 1.4 miles | Type: 3-bed apartments |

View at booking.com

Clayton House, Orton Malborne

Distance to East of England Showground: 1.4 miles | Type: 6-bed house |

View at booking.com

River Nene Cottages, Water Newton

Distance to East of England Showground: 2.4 miles | Type: 1-bed and 2-bed house |

View at booking.com

Hargate Way House, Hampton Hargate

Distance to East of England Showground: 3.2 miles | Type: 4-bed house |

View at booking.com

Freshwater Road House, Hampton Vale

Distance to East of England Showground: 3.4 miles | Type: 4-bed house |

View at booking.com

Boleyn Avenue House, Peterborough

Distance to East of England Showground: 3.5 miles | Type: 4-bed house |

View at booking.com

Four Chimneys House, Hampton Vale

Distance to East of England Showground: 3.5 miles | Type: 4-bed house |

View at booking.com

Kennedy Street House, Hampton Vale

Distance to East of England Showground: 3.5 miles | Type: 6-bed house |

View at booking.com

Stonewort Avenue House, Hampton Vale

Distance to East of England Showground: 3.5 miles | Type: 3-bed house |

View at booking.com

Eldern Apartments, Orton Malborne

Distance to East of England Showground: 3.8 miles | Type: 2-bed apartments |

View at booking.com

Bluebird House, Hampton

Distance to East of England Showground: 4 miles | Type: 5-bed house |

View at booking.com

The Sunny House, Hampton

Distance to East of England Showground: 4.2 miles | Type: 4-bed house |

View at booking.com

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The well-attended Equifest boasted typically atmospheric evening performances at East of England Showground, as amateurs dominated and a show pony stood supreme

A FOOT-PERFECT show pony lead-rein contender stole the hearts of the crowds and the judges to clinch her first Equifest supreme accolade.

The hugely popular show saw mammoth entries across the horse and pony sections, with double figures witnessed in most classes.

Reigning supreme of them all was Tash and Philip Cooper’s beautiful six-year-old lead-rein pony, Barkway Blackberry, ridden by their daughter, Emily, also six. Judge John Harvey, no stranger to his own success with mini ponies, gave them the nod in the supreme.

Producers Team Hillyard have had Blackberry, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) bound in October, on their yard since she was a three-year-old. In her first season under saddle, the Barkway Bubbling Fun daughter stood second at the Royal International.

Usually, Philip takes the lead on the pair, but as he was busy with work commitments, Emily’s cousin Katie White took the rein.

“She’s a sweet little character,” said Lindsey Hillyard, who has watched Emily and Blackberry enjoy wins at both the Scottish Horse Show and British Show Pony Society Area 16 this term. “It was very electric in that main ring, but she went in without ear plugs and was a good girl.”

Tash added: “It was Emily’s first time in an evening performance so she was excited.”

One of the future

THE SK Wilson Groundworks supreme ridden novice accolade went to the dual novice hack and open intermediate champion, Ladies Man (George), ridden by Poppy Carter. This fresh-faced combination also returned on Saturday to take reserve in the overall supreme championship. The five-year-old by Tiger Attack was bred by Danni Radford, who still produces him.

“Poppy had the ride on a horse I was producing in 2019 and we had a really great relationship,” said Danni. “So I asked her if she’d like the ride on George for the season. Up until now, he’s been on the back-burner due to being busy with clients’ horses, but we’re getting really excited about him. He’s definitely one for the future.”

Not to be outshone by his stablemate, Emma Vince’s upstanding coloured Rhyfel Saxon Prince dominated in the Black Country Saddles hunter championship after winning the smalls, with Danni on board.

The popular combination of Katy Marks and her own Welsh section D stallion Thorneyside The Guardsman (Douglas) achieved three championships over the course of the show, coming home with home-produced, amateur and open mountain and moorland (M&M) titles. They also headed the Snow Family home-produced ridden supreme.

The charismatic Thorneyside The Saracen chestnut, nine, was maintaining form, as he also picked up his first HOYS place at Stoneleigh the week before.

“He’s the kindest horse and he loves to be the centre of attention,” said Katy, who bought Douglas as an unbroken four-year-old. “When he’s on top form, I can only compare him to a Ferrari. His trot is to die for; I call him my ginger Valegro.”

Home-producer Katy hails from a non-horsey family and usually trots off to shows on her own with Douglas in tow.

“It’s a credit to his brilliant personality,” confirmed Katy.

Another home-produced combination took top billing in the SK Wilson Groundworks supreme ridden amateur championship. This was Felicity Vaughan aboard her stunning eight-year-old grey hunter Kingsman (Marley). The Irish Sport Horse is usually found in the working hunter arena, but here he reigned on the flat on only his third attempt.

“We’ve qualified for HOYS in the SEIB Search For A Star hunters, so I thought we’d better start doing some flat classes,” said Felicity, who enjoyed placings over sticks at Equifest, too. Felicity has owned Marley for three years.

“I absolutely love this show,” she added. “It’s so fun and Marley loved the atmosphere of the evening performance.”

After a stellar run at the National Pony Society summer championships, which included a reserve spot in the Price Family in-hand supreme crowning, the Pipers’ palomino Welsh section B colt Cadlanvalley Golden Voyager returned to the spotlight to lift the Intack Stud supreme in-hand title with Chris Piper.

The two-year-old is completely home-produced by the family, who run an online equestrian tack shop and also breed Chihuahuas.

Poignant victory

LINDSEY HEWITT and Sophie Clohessy’s elegant bay part-bred Arab mare Menedh Mary Rose – who had shone in novice ridden ranks earlier in the day – captured the non-native in-hand supreme with stand-in handler Joe Shaw.

By Royalview Splendour out of Pendley Blue Charm, the eight-year-old has been with the Lancashire-based pair for a year. The win was made even more poignant, as Mary’s breeder, Duncan Mackenzie-Tolhurst, passed away in December after contracting Covid.

“It’s gutting he’s not here to see her,” confirmed Lindsey, who said that her fiancée Sophie, who produces the in-handers, was “face palming” that she was busy in another ring while Mary’s class was running. Luckily, Joe was on hand and had packed his running shoes.

“Mary’s only done a couple of shows under saddle, so hopefully she’ll do a few qualifiers next year,” Lindsey added. “And of course, we hope to have some nice foals from her in the future. We have her full-brother at home, too.”

“We really needed this”

AFTER a traumatic few weeks at home, Jo Rose was delighted that Orla Smyth-Kinane’s seven-year-old Connemara stallion Gentle Knight clinched the Spillers supreme M&M title at what was his first championship show, lifting spirits in the process.

“Flurry”, by Glencarrig Knight out of Gentle Kate, was flawless throughout, displaying exemplary manners and all the breed characteristics of a future ridden champion, despite just coming to Equifest for “the trip out”.

“He came to me as a freshly backed four-year-old to be brought on and produced, but we’ve given him lots of time to mature; prior to Equifest, he’d only done three small shows,” explained Jo, who home-produces her ponies alongside her parents, Danny and Janis Rose.

Three weeks ago, Jo’s other stallion was bit by a motorbike while out hacking.

“The bike just came at us,” said Jo. “Thankfully, the pony has pulled through, but it was touch and go for a while as he ruptured three arteries and was in intensive care.

“We really needed this,” she added. “Flurry was just coming for the experience, but it’s been a well-needed boost. He’ll hopefully breed in the future, too.”

• This report will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 26 August

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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. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A pony who was transformed from “skin and bones” to a high-profile show winner has found a new home.

Buttercup was “touch and go” when she arrived at World Horse Welfare in 2018. To everyone’s surprise, she gave birth to a filly days later.

The foal, named Freida, had to be hand-reared as Buttercup was to weak to care for her. She thrived and has since been rehomed.

Buttercup made such good progress that she won the rescue class at last year’s Equifest.

Her story’s happy ending continues and she has now left the charity’s care for a new life as a companion pony.

“It is wonderful to see Buttercup leaving for her new home although we will miss her a lot, she was a real favourite here at Penny Farm,” said Karen Wright, World Horse Welfare Penny Farm assistant centre manager.

“The difference in her from when she arrived is simply incredible and she has the sweetest temperament.

“Buttercup loaded on the lorry happily and we delivered her to her rehomer, so that social distancing could be adhered to, something that we are obviously having to consider with each rehoming, but being able to rehome our horses again is enabling us to offer help for other horses in need.”

A spokesman for World Horse Welfare added that Buttercup generated “a lot of interest” from potential rehomers due to her “good looks, lovely easy-going temperament and her high-profile show win”.

Article continues below…

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Her new home is just 15 minutes from Penny Farm and she will be companion to her rehomer’s other horse, Tilly.

“Once the match was made, Buttercup joined the growing number of horses and ponies World Horse Welfare has been able to rehome since restrictions have eased slightly and rehoming could begin again,” he said.

“Each animal rehomed frees up space in the charity’s rescue and rehoming centres for other horses in desperate need.

“Rehoming the large number of horses and ponies currently in the centres who are ready for this next step in their lives is a priority as there are horses still coming into the care of the charity and all the centres are at capacity.”

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Hartpury has cancelled its major 2020 equestrian events including the young rider and junior European dressage and eventing championships as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Gloucestershire venue has abandoned hopes of running the NAF Hartpury Festival of Dressage (1 to 5 July), NAF Hartpury Showjumping Spectacular (14 to 16 July) and the NAF International Hartpury Horse Trials (12 to 16 August).

The FEI dressage and eventing European Championships for young riders and juniors (27 July to 2 August) have also been cancelled. Hartpury is working with the FEI to establish whether it can host the championships in future years.

“While we are extremely disappointed not to be running any of these competitions in 2020, we feel this is a necessary decision to make in the current circumstances,” said Hartpury’s equine director, Phillip Cheetham.

“The health of staff, volunteers, officials, competitors and visitors to Hartpury remains our top priority as well as reducing any unnecessary pressure on our local NHS services.

“So much work has gone into the preparation for the FEI championships, and we’ll continue to work hard with the FEI to find a way to run the competition bigger and better in future.

“We’d like to thank all our long-standing supporters and sponsors, NAF in particular, who have done so much to help prepare for our 2020 events, and we look forward to working with them again in future. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for celebrations beside the international arena when these challenging times are behind us.”

Hartpury has pledged to refund all tickets and accommodation in the coming weeks.

Provisional dates for next year’s Festival of Dressage are 7 to 11 July 2021, with the horse trials provisionally scheduled for 11 to 15 August 2021.

Article continues below…

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2021 European Championships cancelled: ‘The focus should be on Tokyo’

The eventing, showjumping, dressage and paradressage European Championships will not take place in 2021 due to the clash with the

Dressage and showjumping’s plans to restart their sports

‘While it is important to stress that this will only be when it’s safe to do so and in line

Equifest is among the other major events to cancel owing to the pandemic.

The event was due to be held at the East of England Showground from 19 to 23 August.

“Following the guidelines which have been set out by the government for the forthcoming months it will not be possible for us to hold the event this year,” said a statement from the organisers.

“Our paramount concern is for the health and wellbeing of our competitors, exhibitors, judges and stewards during this time. It would not therefore be possible to plan and run an event of this scale while Covid-19 is still prominent throughout the country, and we hope for your support on this decision.

“This is an unprecedented and challenging time for everyone and with Equifest being the largest amateur horse show in the UK, health and safety has to remain our number one priority.”

Organisers have said they will refund online entries and cashed cheques, and destroy any cheques they have not yet paid in. Booked exhibitors will also be refunded.

Next year’s Equifest will take place from 18 to 22 August 2021.

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The owner of a ‘quirky’ Friesian horse transformed from being unable to canter with a rider to a showing sensation has said her dreams have come true.

Katie Yeo bought eight-year-old Jeorgeo from Ebony Stud in January after he was found to be unsuitable as a driving horse — and he went on to stand champion at Equifest (29 August to 1 September).

“I broke Jeorgeo to drive as a three-year-old for the stud and he was a very sensitive little man,” Katie told H&H.

“He was never supposed to be a ridden horse so he was only taught walk and trot but the driving didn’t work out because he could be very highly strung.

“The stud didn’t want to sell him but he needed a job. I retired my Welsh cob Tino last year due to injury and did some work for the stud with Jeorgeo and I was asked if I wanted to buy him so I took a chance on him.”

Katie said she quickly bonded with Jeorgeo.

“He couldn’t canter or go on a circle so I had to spend a lot of time teaching him everything but he was so willing. He needed to trust someone and be a one-person horse – he’s very clingy,” she said.

“People said to me I’d never bond with a horse the way I did with Tino because I’ve owned him 17 years, but I have. A month after buying Jeorgeo I did cross-country at the livery yard bareback because my saddle was away being reflocked – I can do anything with him.”

Katie said she was talked into taking Jeorgeo to Equifest by Rebecca Jayne Rawlinson, who designs side-saddle costumes. Katie and Jeorgeo won six classes, including side-saddle and astride ridden classes, and was crowned open world breeds supreme ridden champion.

“Rebeccca said Jeorgeo would look amazing in a costume and planted the seed. I thought we would go, let him see a bit of the world and treat it as a training show. He’d only been to three small shows before, never a big show in a big arena,” she said.

“I couldn’t believe we won the championship, it was a dream come true. He has a very bouncy exuberant trot and one of the judges said what a showman he is.”

Article continued below…

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Katie said she plans to continue Jeorgeo’s education and is aiming for the side-saddle national championships in 2020.

“He’s proven Friesians can do a bit of everything. We are going to try some hunter trials and do some showjumping and dressage over winter but I never wanted to put pressure on him because he’s still young,” she said.

“It hasn’t sunk in what he’s achieved in such a short time, he’s a proper gentleman who always tries his heart out.”

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Two rescue ponies, one among the “worst cases” charity staff have ever seen, have been transformed into showing champions.

Buttercup, a 13-year-old 12hh mare, was awarded champion rescue pony, and 15-year-old 12.3hh gelding Clyde reserve champion rescue pony, at Equifest (29 August to 1 September).

A spokesman for World Horse Welfare said Buttercup arrived into the charity’s care pregnant and emaciated in June 2018 and was among the worst cases staff at Penny Farm rescue and rehoming centre had ever seen.

Penny Farm yard supervisor Karen Wright said: “It’s incredible that Buttercup and her foal both survived given the terrible condition that Buttercup was in. She needed urgent treatment and was far too weak to care for her foal herself so the team had to hand-rear the foal, Frieda.

“It took months of dedicated care from the team to get Buttercup strong enough to even be turned out in the field, but she’s gone from strength to strength since then. She’s really blossomed this summer and loves attention so we thought she should have a trip to Equifest to take part in the rescue classes.”

Clyde arrived in the charity’s care in May 2018, severely emcated and with overgrown chipped feet.

“He was covered in lice and had chunks of hair missing from his coat where he had tried to rub to ease the irritation. Clyde was very lethargic when he arrived with sunken eyes and no real will to survive,” said the spokesman.

“The team at Penny Farm worked hard to make him more comfortable, treating his skin condition and using a duvet under his stable rug so that his protruding bones didn’t rub and create sores.”

Article continued below…

‘He has given me more than any horse’: rehomed star named horse of the year

The gelding, who helped his rehomer through serious illness, has been named as World Horse Welfare’s rehomed horse of the

Abandoned foal turned eventer inspires sculpture trail

Lucas, found in a freezing field with his pregnant mother, has become a successful sport horse

Karen added that Clyde was in such poor condition it took weeks of dedicated care and attention before he started to become interested in his surroundings and respond to treatment.

“He’s comes on in leaps and bounds since then and although he can still be a bit wary of new people, his confidence is growing fast. He’s turned into a very handsome pony and we were really proud to show him off at Equifest,” said Karen.

“For Buttercup and Clyde to be transformed into showing champions in just over a year is a great tribute to the team’s hard work given how poorly they were on arrival. We’re very proud of both ponies and Buttercup is doing really well with learning to drive, so we hope that she will be ready to rehome very soon.”

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A foal who was found almost “frozen to death” is to compete at Royal Windsor four years after he was rescued.

Frodo was rescued by World Horse Welfare in October 2014 when field officer Rachel Andrews discovered him in freezing temperatures and “incredibly weak”, lying in a pile of mouldy hay with a lice and parasite infestation.

Within a few months of Frodo’s arrival at the World Horse Welfare’s Penny Farm he was “enjoying life” and he was then rehomed by one of the charity’s regular youngster handlers, Jan Mather. Jan spent three years teaching Frodo “lovely” manners and he returned to Penny Farm to be backed last year.

A spokesman for World Horse Welfare, Royal Windsor’s charity of the year, said Jan recognised Frodo had potential, and once he settled back in at Penny Farm it became clear he had all the qualities to shine in the show ring.

In August 2018 Frodo “wowed ” the judges at Equifest and was crowned the RSPCA PRP rescue pony champion ridden by World Horse Welfare groom Nicolle Walmsley, eight weeks after he was backed. The combination are to compete at the Royal Windsor Horse Show (Wednesday 8 to Sunday 12 May) in the ridden coloured horse class on Thursday (9 May).

Nicolle said: “Frodo’s success at Equifest was a dream come true so it’s fantastic to have the opportunity for him to show off his paces again at Royal Windsor.

“Regardless of whether he takes home a rosette, we’re all incredibly proud of him and his incredible transformation from the tiny, weak foal who came into World Horse Welfare Penny Farm just over four years ago.

“He’s an amazing ambassador for World Horse Welfare, showing everyone just what rescue horses and ponies are capable of achieving – despite their often difficult pasts.”

Continued below…

Frozen rescue foal becomes Equifest champion

Frodo was found in a pile of mouldy hay unable to stand, but has now become a showing champion

Abandoned foal turned eventer inspires sculpture trail

Lucas, found in a freezing field with his pregnant mother, has become a successful sport horse

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The charity’s spokesman said Frodo will be at the show from Wednesday (8 May) to Saturday (11 May) meeting his fans in a special stable in the shopping village. Visitors can also see Frodo’s sculpture as part of World Horse Trail ‘The Show Trail’ launching at the event.

“Frodo’s story will be brought to life through one of 10 sculptures on the charity’s trail, giving Royal Windsor Horse Show visitors the chance to follow the trail and find all 10 horses. The sculptures are all modelled on a maquette sculpted by acclaimed artist Judy Boyt, with each one designed by a different artist or celebrity,” said the spokesman.

“Frodo’s story has been turned into a stunning design by artist, Jennifer Bell, and sees his sculpture covered in a stunning array of patchwork quilts and blankets to ensure the ‘frozen foal’ is never cold again.”

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Which combinations shined under the lights of the Equifest evening performances?

1. Pillgrim

Amy Hunter rode her own 15-year-old gelding to claim the amateur supreme followed by overall reserve.

2. Ellister Islay Spruce

The Cuddy-bound Highland stallion was led out by Ross Keys for owner Julie Barton en-route to the M&M in-hand supreme sash.

3. Chiddock Bed Time

The promising 14hh show hunter pony and Bradley Dogan trotted off with the four, five and six-year-old honours.

4. Silverwoods

Labelled as “one to watch for the future” by cob judge Nathan Arnolds, Suzie Hibbard’s classy lightweight went onto take the restricted supreme with Jessica Ely.

5. Bybeck Kingfisher

Amateur M&M champion was the Fell stallion Bybeck Kingfisher and Lauren Nichols.

6. Bracklinn Travis

Also doing it for the Fell ponies was Sam Woolstencroft and Hayley Reynold’s novice stallion Bracklinn Travis, who picked up the rare breeds supreme title.

7. Bee Bye Ely

Leanne Smith rode Bee Bye Ely to land the riding club/Pony Club supreme.

8. Hollycreek Sir Benson

Leading rider was Bronte Hatton and the large hack Hollycreek Sir Benson, who has also qualified for HOYS.

9. Remember Rossmore

Diane Brash gave a flawless gallop with her hunter Remember Rossmore, to net the home-produced supreme.

10. Brindlebrook Little Scoundrel

Not to be out done by her sister, Rebecca Ely was crowned non-native supreme on the 11-year-old gelding who is off to HOYS in the intermediate ranks.

11. Stanley Grange Gilt Edge

Anthony Palmer led Stanley Grange Gilt Edge to be reserve non-native supreme.

12. Lotuspoint Cassius

Despite only been gelded a few months ago, this mannerly Shetland took his rider Olivia Brightmore to claim the novice, M&M and overall supreme of show titles.

13. Anchor Gooseberry

Anchor Gooseberry — who has booked her HOYS place as an open pony — was lead-rein champion with Archie Nicoll in the saddle.

14. Malby Mahyong

Brooke Pickering was certainly one of the most consistent riders of the show as she landed both M&M and plaited working hunter sashes. Pictured here is her M&M victor, the Welsh section A Malby Mahyong.

15. Pendancer Micky Bricks

Hayley Dolby scored a tidy £500 prize when she won the first ever Equifest bitless bridle championship with the working hunter classes winner, her own Welsh cob gelding Pendancer Mickey Bricks.

(Photos by Squidge Photography)

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday. In 23 August issue, see the full report from Equifest 2018 as well as the Burghley preview including exclusive interview with Paul Tapner. 

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If these heart-warming snaps of rescue ponies strutting their stuff in the show ring doesn’t give you all the warm and fuzzy feelings we don’t know what will.

Equifest, held at the East Of England show ground from 8 — 12 August, hosted its annual rescue pony class, and the World Horse Welfare (WHW) went with a strong contingency of gorgeous steeds from their Penny Farm base, who all stole the hearts of the spectators and judges alike.

Landing the crown was Frodo, who was discovered by World Horse Welfare officer Rachel Andrews when he was a foal.

Take a look at these six photos of rescue ponies from the WHW competing at Equifest:

1. Frodo

Winner of the in-hand traditional rescue class and ridden traditional/native rescue class. He was shown by groom, Nicolle Walmsley.

2. Archie

Archie won overall rescue best condition with re-homer, Lisa Stone.

3. Pixie

Shown by groom Mandy Davidson, Pixie came 2nd in the in-hand one-, two- and three-year-old rescue class and 10th in the in-hand traditional/native rescue class.

4. Tornado

Tornado won the in-hand one-, two- and three-year-old rescue class and came fifth in the in-hand traditional/native rescue class. He was shown by yard supervisor, Karen Wright.

5. Tor

Welsh section A Tor was well placed in the lead rein class with his rehomer Carla Wraith at the bridle and his young jockey Jessica Wraith in the saddle.

6. Frodo, Nellie, Pixie and Tornado

The World Horse Welfare dream team pose for a group shot.

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In the current edition (16 August) don’t miss our feature on giving young riders the best start in the early stages of their careers, full reports from Horse of the Year Show qualifiers, Aston-Le-Walls eventing and Honiton hound show, as well as much more.

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Owners of horses and ponies ridden in bitless showing bridles will have the opportunity to compete for £500 in their very own classes this summer, as show Equifest (8-12 August) becomes the first UK championships to provide bitless-only flat and working hunter classes.

Sheffield-based Rachel Stock, owner and found of Bitless Showing UK, has been in talks with several showing societies about the possibility of allowing bitless competitors and is delighted that Equifest has agreed to add two bitless ridden classes to their 2018 schedule.

Rachel’s own bitless journey began several years ago, when she had a string of horses who were unable to take a bit.

“I had an Arab who developed a benign lump on his tongue which meant he couldn’t be bitted, so I decided to try a bitless bridle and it solved our problem,” she said. “We then had a hack who had bad teeth, and also preferred the bitless approach.

“We had managed to get permissions from smaller shows and in 2014, we approached Equifest to see if we could take compete our hack there, and they agreed.”

“In 2015, I started Bitless Showing UK and ever since I’ve been working with show societies to try and get bitless combinations the necessary permissions to compete — it’s been a struggle as it’s hard to cement the thinking that we’re not about hackamores or rope halters at all — it’s traditional showing, just with no bit.

“We use traditional leather bridles, which from a distance, look like normal cavessons and blend in with the rest of the tack.”

The classes will run on the Friday (10 August) at the annual show, on the East of England showground and each winner will receive £500. Both are to be judged like normal open showing classes, and will be run under the Bitless Showing UK rules, as below:

• No English or German hackamores
• No Bosals
• No rope halters/rope bridles
• No chains, spikes, or pulley systems
• No crank nosebands
• No long shanks
• No bridles with rings on the front of the noseband
• No Micklems (for 2018)
• No bulky leather/synthetic treeless saddles that aren’t intended for showing
• Thorn, Zoe Snape etc pads acceptable as are other traditional-looking treeless saddles
• No hoof boots. Either barefoot or shod
• No remedial shoes
• The same tack to be used in the class as used in the warm-up
• No training aids or gadgets to be used on the showground
• Traditional turnout of horse and rider, to breed or type
• Traditional looking tack only

Rachel added: “We’ve had to provide good prize money and sashes to try and drum up the interest — we want top quality show horses to come forward and compete.

“The reason behind these classes is to provide an outlet for show horses who don’t like a bit — lots of super horses end up turned away if they can’t go in one, but sponsorship will hopefully get some established show riders and top-class horses on board, who will compete bitless for the prizes. We hope this will prove we’re not about hoof boots, treeless saddles and clunky tack.”

Betsy Branyan, Equifest’s show director said: “I was approached by Rachel asking if we could consider hosting bitless classes, and as Equifest is keen to put on new events, we decided to trial it this year. Bitless brides are growing in popularity and with all the new bits and gadgets on the market today, we thought it would be interesting to go the other way, and see if riders would give it a go — perhaps they may find that it can all be done without a strong bit.

“It’s early days, but the reception on social media has been really positive, so we’re excited to see how it goes.”

For more information visit the Equifest website.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday.

Also inside this week’s edition (3 May), 75 years of Royal Windsor Horse Show magic, ‘big dreamer’ sets up eventing grand slam bid and investment sparks debate over grass versus surfaces.

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A pony found crawling with maggots and a yearling who lost her mother when she was months old are among those due to represent World Horse Welfare at Equifest this week (9-13 August).

The four ponies, who have all made “amazing recoveries” since they were taken in by the charity, will take part in the rescued equines’ classes on Saturday (12 August).

Among those preparing to strut their stuff at the East of England Showground is Buggy (pictured when he was found, above), who hit the headlines last summer. He was months old when he was found, being “eaten alive” by maggots and so weak he could barely stand.

“Thanks to the amazing care of the World Horse Welfare team he is now unrecognisable from the listless, emaciated pony he was,” said a spokesman for the charity.

Buggy will be joined by Floss, who was found “weak and neglected” at less than a year old but is now “flourishing in her ridden work”, and Charlie, who was found underweight and riddled with parasites but is now a “very handsome ridden pony who is brimming with confidence”.

Completing the line-up is Hope, who came into World Horse Welfare’s care as a foal last September. Her mother was in “such a terrible state”, she had to be put down but Hope is a “beautiful yearling who has flourished and has a bright future”.

All four will be aimed at winning a place in the evening championship, where one will be crowned Equifest rescue pony champion.

World Horse Welfare Penny Farm manager Fran Williamson said: “We are all so proud of the amazing recoveries these four ponies have made and I am very excited to see them perform at Equifest.

“Whatever placings they do or don’t receive, we will be celebrating what they have achieved.

Lice-ridden pony found ‘eaten alive’ by maggots *warning: graphic images*

A World Horse Welfare officer described it as

Pony found ‘being eaten alive’ making good progress after rescue

The youngster was very thin and suffering from

Emaciated pony found with urine burns wins national vote

Bessie was 'shockingly thin' when she was brought

“On top of this, they are great ambassadors for World Horse Welfare and the high quality of horses and ponies we have ready for rehoming so I would ask anyone attending Equifest to make sure to give them the big round of applause they deserve.”

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Victory at Equifest was particularly sweet for showing campaigner Angela Hesketh, whose season in the show ring nearly ground to a halt when her horsebox burst into flames.

Firefighters were called to Angela’s Staffordshire yard to put out the blaze in the early hours of Thursday 9 June, but the lorry was destroyed.

“The whole thing burnt to the ground in front of my eyes,” said Angela.

“It was caused by an electrical fault — we had been driving it two hours earlier but fortunately there were no people or horses inside when it caught fire.”

Angela, a business development consultant for a health and safety solutions company, had bought the lorry three months earlier and recently installed a new living area. She was also saving to have the vehicle repainted.

She was due to travel to an Northern Counties Pony Association show the following day and had packed all her tack, equipment and show gear in preparation.

“Gutted is not the word — I lost everything. Thirty years of memories, all my hand-made jackets, hats, boots, rugs, lucky tie and much more. None of the contents were covered by insurance.”

The mother-of-one was still able to take her six-year-old mare, Fielding Fairytale, who was home-bred by Angela’s mother May, to Equifest (17-21 August) in a lorry borrowed from a friend.

“The fire was devastating — I loved my lorry — but I looked forward to having a fun time at Equifest. I never dreamed of the results my wonderful mare achieved,” Angela said.

Her mare’s prize haul included six firsts, two championships and standing reserve overall part-bred champion, as well as overall supreme champion in The Showing Register section.

“She’s in her first season and totally home-produced; I work very hard to get everything and do it all myself,” Angela said.

Related articles:

• ‘I can’t believe how lucky we were’: family survives horsebox fire
• Dressage rider qualifies for nationals a day after lorry accident
• Crutches no barrier to in-hand showing competitor

Her good friend, Jenna Goodwin, set up a donation page to help fund replacing the items Angela lost in the fire.

“The support was overwhelming,” Angela said. “My friend’s raised over £200, which bought me a new hat, jacket and tie-pin. Although I was very upset by the fire, I have been so touched by the support and messages.”

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A horse was “terrified” after the roof of a temporary stable at Equifest was ripped off by strong winds.

11-year-old coloured gelding Raskel was being stabled at the competition last week (17-21 August) when the showground was hit by stormy weather.

Raskel’s owner Denise Smith has been regularly checking him due to the strong winds on Saturday (20 August).

On one of her checks she arrived to find the roof gone and Raskel nowhere to be seen.

“The roof had lifted off and there was a metal bar in his stable that had fallen off the roof canvas,” said Ms Smith’s friend Jen Lightfoot, who had travelled to the show with her own horse.

“We found out another competitor had lifted out the roof and got him out before putting him in another stable.

“The canvas had been wrapped around his head.”

The stable was one of a number that had been damaged by the extreme weather.

Ms Lightfoot said Raskel was “beside himself”.

“Thankfully he wasn’t injured,” added Ms Lightfoot.

Related articles:

• Rescue filly abandoned with ‘horrific’ burns wins at Equifest
• Foal found dying on road side crowned champion at Equifest *VIDEO*
• Complaints about thefts and anti-social behaviour at Equifest

A spokesman for Equifest said the show was hit by very strong gusts of wind on Saturday afternoon.

“During this time, roofs were torn off several of the stewards’ huts as well as some of the temporary stables, plus many of the trade stand marquees were destroyed,” he said.

“Luckily, there were no injuries to either humans or to horses.”

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A filly found with “horrific” burns to her legs earlier this year has been crowned rescue pony of the year at Equifest (17-21 August).

Yearling Elsa was found abandoned on a country lane in Tyne and Wear in January.

She had severe wounds on her hind legs, which were “enormous and so severe that even her muscles were exposed”.

(Click here to Elsa’s wounds in January — warning: very graphic image).

She was rescued by the RSPCA and over the last eight months has made a full recovery.

At the weekend (20 August), Elsa was awarded the title, in an emotional class which left audience members and judges in tears.

“We just couldn’t be prouder of Elsa, the whole show was emotional for us, but to hear Elsa’s name announced in the main arena at Equifest, as the rescue pony of the year, was just wonderful,” said the RSPCA’S Lisa Paulin, who handled Elsa in the class.

“Elsa’s road to recovery has been long and tough, but the team and I can’t put into words how proud we are to show the world just how far she’s come.”

The tough job of choosing the winner was down to judges Julie Templeton, Daniel Park, Adam Pike, Linda Lodge, Sandra Lawrence and Jo Jefferson.

The six judges also praised reserve champion Crackerjack, a pony also rescued by the RSPCA and rehomed from Equifest three years ago to Thomas Marshall.

This year was the fifth rescue horse/pony of the year competition.

It attracted 75 entries, more than ever before, for the six in-hand and ridden qualifying classes.

Other entrants came from equine charities and sanctuaries including Blue Cross, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, British Horse Society, and World Horse Welfare.

The horses and ponies were judged on their stories of survival as well as their transformation.

Champion Elsa will soon be looking for a new home.

“It won’t be long before Elsa will be ready to be adopted,” added Ms Paulin.

“Whoever gives her a forever home will be a very lucky person.”

New homes found at Equifest

Several RSPCA horses and ponies found new homes at this year’s show.

Horses from the RSPCA’s Felledge Equine Centre, Millbrook Animal Centre and Lockwood Centre for Horses and Donkeys were taken along to the event to meet members of the public.

Seven were reserved, with the majority going directly from Equifest to their new owners as home checks were completed during the week of the show.

“What a wonderful Equifest show this has been,” said RSPCA chief inspector Cathy Hyde.

“From rehoming seven ponies and seeing more reserved, to watching the wonderful Elsa be crowned rescue pony of the year, it’s been fantastic.

Related articles:

• Foal found dying on road side crowned champion at Equifest *VIDEO*
• Cob rescued from railway line heads to HOYS
• Pony found ‘being eaten alive’ making good progress after rescue

“Equifest is such a great way to celebrate the work of charities, sanctuaries and new owners as well as showcase horses and ponies who need new homes.

“We are so proud of Elsa and Crackerjack, they are a shining example of the work we do here at the RSPCA.

“I’d like to thank all of our generous sponsors and the organisers of Equifest. Without them this increasingly popular competition would not be possible.”

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A foal found dying on the side of the road has been crowned the RSPCA’s rescue horse of the year.

Piebald colt Gizmo was abandoned in Halstead, Essex, earlier this year (17 February), unable to stand with no mother in sight.

But against all the odds, the pony made a winning debut in the show ring at Equifest this weekend (15 August).

Gizmo was found aged just four months old, riddled with lice, hypothermic, dehydrated and suffering from pneumonia.

He was taken into the care of Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic and has since gone from strength to strength.

Earlier this month (4 August) he was permanently adopted by the Halstead veterinary clinic.

Gizmo won both his youngstock RSPCA class and the championship on Saturday (15 August) at Equifest.

“We still can’t quite b

elieve it’s happened. He was so good,” Carolyn Wyse, veterinary surgeon at Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic told H&H.

“We didn’t even think he would win his class, let alone win the championship — all the horses were so beautiful.

“It was so emotional — we’re all on a high.”

Gizmo had a huge fan base at the show and enjoyed lots of fuss from his supporters.

“The moment he got there he was loving it,” said Carolyn.

“We thought that it was probably just our little bubble, but when we walked him out on the first morning there were so many people coming over to see him.”

Carolyn said that the judges were touched by Gizmo’s story.

“It was really funny — they didn’t spend any time on him in the first class, but they were taking to Louise Miller [who was handling him] in the evening and the judge explained she was so emotional she was afraid she would cry if she spoke about Gizmo,” she added.

“I thought one judge was laughing in the championship but he was sobbing. They all came up and said congratulations.”

Gizmo returned safely back to Catley Cross yesterday (Sunday 16 August).

“He slept all the way home and is having a very well deserved morning in the field,” added Carolyn.

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A foal found dying on the side of the road has a bright future, and possibly even a showing career, after being permanently adopted by the vets who originally took him into their care.

Six months ago (17 February) the RSPCA were called to the then four-month-old foal — now known as Gizmo. He was discovered without his mother near Ridgewell Caravan Park in Halstead, Essex.

Gizmo, who was riddled with lice, hypothermic, dehydrated and suffering from pneumonia, was taken into the care of Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic in Halstead.

The piebald foal was fighting for his life but has since gone from strength to strength.

“We all love him and have decided to keep him,” Carolyn Wyse, veterinary surgeon at Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic told H&H.

“He’s doing so well and has gained 89% of his body weight.

“Everything is fixed and he has no problems from his past.

“He’s such a character and is becoming quite the looker.”

Gizmo will be making his showing debut at Equifest (12-16 August) where he will be taking part in the RSPCA youngstock class and parade.

“He’s not that fussed about anything and he adores people,” added Carolyn.

“He responds to the name darling — he puts his head over the door and winnies.

“This has earned him the passport name Catley’s Painted Peppermint Darling.”

The clinic held an open day on 26 July to thank the public for their continued support.

“He had people doting on him all day and he loved all the attention,” said Carolyn.

“More than 700 people came and some people travelled down from Scotland to see him.

“There were a couple of really sweet ladies who burst into tears when they saw him.”

Lara finds a new home

Another pony taken in by the veterinary clinic has also recently found a new home.

Lara was found too weak to stand on an Essex hillside earlier this year (14 April).

She was rescued by the RSPCA and recovered at the clinic before being taken on by new owners.

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Does your equine companion have what it takes to be rescue horse or pony of the year?

The RSPCA and PRP rescue horse/pony of the year competition will be held at this year’s Equifest (12-16 August).

The increasingly popular classes are now in their fourth year and will take place on Saturday 15 August at the Peterborough show.

“This competition is a celebration of the rescue horses and ponies who have been through incredibly tough times but survived and flourished thanks to the brilliant work of equine charities and sanctuaries,” said Cathy Hyde, who heads the RSPCA’s specialist equine team.

“It is a testament to those who have rescued and rehabilitated them and those who have given them forever homes, that they go on to recover and have happy, successful lives.”

The classes are open to rescue horses and ponies from all charities and equine rescue organisations.

Last year’s competition included entries from Blue Cross, the Horse and Pony Protection Association (HAPPA), Redwings and World Horse Welfare.

“When it comes to the judging of the classes, the horses and ponies receive marks allocated in relation to performance. However, more importantly competitors are asked to provide a written rescue history including before and after photographs which count for 30% of the marks,” said Ms Hyde.

“Previous winner’s stories have shown amazing transformations. From collapsed, emaciated or abandoned — these are the worst cases of neglect and are often so moving they have everyone in floods of tears.”

There will be six in-hand and ridden classes for rescue horses and ponies. The top horses and ponies in each class will win a place in the championship class in the evening with the chance to be named rescue horse/pony of the year.

All winners will receive rosettes and prize money donated by main sponsor PRP Horsebox Rescue, as well as products and vouchers from Equine Essential Oils, Carr Day & Martin and Classic Collection Jewellery. The overall champion will also be presented with a bronze statue donated by RSPCA Bolton Branch.

Entries for this year’s competition close on 27 July.

Give a horse a home

The five-day event is also an opportunity for members of the public to meet horses and ponies who are currently looking for new owners.

“I’d encourage anyone thinking of getting a horse or pony to look at adopting one, there are hundreds waiting for new homes, of all shapes, sizes and breeds,” added Ms Hyde.

“We encourage visitors and competitors to Equifest to come along and meet some of our horses available for rehoming, who will be making a special trip to the event.”

A new display ring at the show will feature demos and parades, including a chance to learn about the ‘before and after’ lives of RSPCA rescue horses and ponies.

C&C Horse Transport, Boothroydan Transport and Victor Gache Horse Transport will be providing transport for the RSPCA horses to and from the event.

For more information visit: http://www.equifest.org.uk

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When is an amateur not an amateur? That question is again rearing its head and sparking off some heated opinions.

The answer is quite simple: it’s whatever definition appears in the relevant rulebook. If a rider isn’t breaking the rules, then there’s nothing to complain about — and if you don’t like the rule, bring it up for discussion at the association or society’s annual meeting.

As I write, the British Show Horse Association is due to review its amateur status rule. Members were asked to submit suggestions and it was due to be discussed at the national championships by the rules sub-committee earlier this week (8 September). Watch this space.

The general definition of an amateur — which I have no problem with — is someone who does not derive an income from horses. Some riders think that anyone who is legitimately an amateur but also judges, or who once gained an income from horses but no longer does so, should be classed permanently as a professional.

Why? Circumstances change and you can’t penalise someone for gaining expertise. There are amateurs out there with professional standards and some do very well.

As for insisting that judges are automatically professionals — that’s absurd. Many judges are professionals, including me. Judging is a way of putting something back into the sport I love. But to be a judge, you have to prove that you can assess and/or ride horses; it has nothing to do with the way you earn your living.

It’s hard enough to get people to become judges, so don’t make it more difficult. I’ve heard riders claim that judges shouldn’t compete, but if that were the case, the showing circuit would collapse because there wouldn’t be enough judges.

High Equifest standards

It was a shame to hear, yet again, complaints that professionals should not have been at Equifest. As the concept of the show was to attract amateur riders and any competitors wanting to give novice horses experience, where does this argument come from?

When those who do are not breaking the rules, what is there to complain about?

There was plenty to be positive about at Equifest. I saw some lovely animals who were beautifully ridden as well as some who, with more experience and finesse, could hold their own in most rings.

It was a pleasure to run training classes again and to see riders who had progressed from last year. There is so much enthusiasm for these classes and often it’s a case of pointing out small changes which can bring big improvements.

Lock up your lorries

I was sad to hear of incidents of vandalism and theft, and horrified to learn that someone could stoop so low as to cut off a horse’s forelock. Then again, how stupid do you have to be to believe that a judge could be influenced by the presence or absence of forelock hair?

Thousands visited Equifest and the East of England showground became a small town. It’s impossible for show organisers to have foolproof security, so I’m afraid that to a large extent, it’s down to owners to look after their property.

Equifest isn’t alone. Earlier this year, thieves took rugs from horses’ backs, headcollars and even shavings from stables at Royal Norfolk. It’s sad, but organisers can’t police everyone who comes to a showground and I’m sure there are people with no connection to competitors who come purely to steal.

I feel sorry for the person who posted on social media that she left her horsebox unattended for 5min, but had her handbag stolen. Unfortunately, I’m not surprised.

The answer is, of course, to secure your horsebox. We wouldn’t leave our cars unlocked in a supermarket car park and be surprised if the contents were stolen and we have to take the same attitude to our horseboxes and towing vehicles.

Can I suggest looking at code-operated locks? The code can be shared on a “need to know” basis and changed at intervals. When you add up the cost of a show lorry’s contents, it is a small price to pay.

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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

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We are less than a week away from Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the nights and mornings are already dark.

The past few weeks went by in a blur, with a week-long stint at Equifest. Highlights were Windy finally breaking his run of seconditis by winning the 4- to 6-year-old class on the final day. He went champion, which meant I had to stay on to compete in the age group supreme that evening.

It was great to be riding back in Peterborough’s main arena. Windy was by far the smallest, with the closest size to him being a 153cm show hunter pony, so I didn’t expect anything in the championship — even though we managed to outgallop all the others.

After finally breaking our curse, Windy was on a roll — he was called forward as supreme. I was so thrilled and it made staying all the more worth it.

Being champion in the evening at Equifest is great, as the atmosphere is so buzzy. What made it even better was that the prize was presented by Windy’s owner Lynda Calcutt, joint sponsor of that championship. It was a brilliant night, as my friend Lauren Kingston won the open Equifest final on the young Fell Banksgate Tamlin. That night after Windy’s big win, I watched Lauren and Tamlin stand overall champion and go down the centre line.

Although Windy managed to break his seconditis there, we gained it back at Monmouth, runners-up and again just missing our HOYS ticket. But for a young pony who has competed for a season and half, a sixth at HOYS last year and a fourth at the Royal International (RIHS), 2013 is a year to be very proud of and I still wouldn’t swap him for anything. I just need to hope he can keep his roll of seconds going for the Olympia semi-final at the BSPS Heritage Championships later this month, when the top 3 qualify!

I took home an extra pony from Equifest in the shape of Pop — Popsters Debutante, who has come back to me for a few weeks. Jacob is slowly getting used to him and my aim is to take him to the semis as well. I am trying not to get to attached again as Pop needs to find a new home, but it is extremely hard.

At the BSPS Summer Championships — still my favourite show — I was judging the HOYS show pony qualifiers with Daniel Park, with whom I had a fantastic time. We put through some lovely ponies for HOYS and I wish them all the best of luck. I believe we may have sent forward the first coloured show pony in the 138cm section.

I always love judging at the championship shows and this year was no exception. There were some beautiful novices in the intermediate sections, which remain so strong. Every time Mum and I go to BSPS, we come away wishing we still had a plaited pony!

So while everyone is gearing up for HOYS, I sort of am — but it is always slightly strange when the pony you are riding is the other end of the country. I have only ridden him at 3 shows this year, one more than last season. Hopefully, we can give a good account of ourselves at Birmingham.

This will be the 3rd year Chief will have been to HOYS and he has been in the top 10 both the 2 previous years, so I am hoping we can keep up the tradition. I am really looking forward to it now.

Picture courtesy of Equinational

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This year’s Equifest (14-18 August) was marred for many by vandalism, thefts and anti-social behaviour, which meant several people were escorted off the East of England showground.

Numerous competitors and spectators took to Facebook to vent their frustration.

“Really disappointed to find my six-man tent ruined, suitcases raided and money stolen,” said Natalie Hughes.

“One of our tents has been broken into and our food stolen,” said Suzie Swires. “Thankfully, we had locked our big things up.”

Others complained of loud, drunken behaviour in the early hours and of owners failing to pick up after their dogs.

Becky Godfrey-Faussett said: There were too many people allowing dogs to roam and, worse still, not clearing up after them. Stricter rules would be appreciated.”

There were also reports of a man exposing himself to children and a couple having sex next to one of the rings.

The show’s organiser Betsy Branyan was praised for dealing efficiently with a number of incidents. Halfway through the show (16 August), she organised for security to be stepped up.

“The problems were caused by [some] young people without parental supervision and, sadly, several had to be escorted off the showground,” she told H&H.

“Alcohol-fuelled incidents, theft and vandalism were the biggest problems we had to deal with and more measures will be put in place next year.”

Many voiced their support for the organisers of this popular event, which is often treated as a holiday by competitors and spectators.

“At any show, there will always be some who want to ruin it for others and push their ‘fun’ too far,” said Sophia Bell.

“Considering the amount of people and horses that were there, I think everyone did a very good job.”

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A Dartmoor pony rescued from a former judge and breeder and a cob from Spindles Farm stood champion and reserve at the first RSPCA and PRP Rescue Services rescue horse/pony of the year class, held at Equifest (18 August).

Bay gelding Little Ted was found collapsed and emaciated in Kiplingcotes, East Yorks, in March 2010. He had to be placed on a drip at the scene and was taken away from his owner by RSPCA inspectors.

His former owner was banned from keeping horses in September 2011 after admitting causing the pony to suffer.

Cheshire-based Sharon Harris adopted him in July.

Reserve at Equifest was Sundae, a chestnut mare who was among more than 100 horses rescued from Spindles Farm, Amersham, in 2008.

Sundae is now a schoolmistress at the RSPCA’s Felledge Equine Centre in Co Durham.

“I was surprised by the

[[ strong.amazing condition the ponies and horses were in ]] after they had all had such bad starts in life,” said judge John Bourne.

“The standards were far higher than I expected.”

Co-judge Clare Frost added: “This was one of the most heart-wrenching but fulfilling experiences I have had as a judge.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (30 August 2012)

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MORE than 2,500 entries turned up for the inaugural Equifest showing show — part of an equine extravaganza that runs from 15 August to 7 September — at the East of England Showground, Peterborough.

The show, which had classes for mountain and moorlands, coloureds, hunters, hacks, riding horses, cobs, competition/sport horses and ponies, show and working hunter ponies and show ponies as well as driving, included two evening gala performances, last Friday and Saturday.

“It’s only possible to put something like this on because we’ve got a great team of people working for us and a great team of volunteers, too,” said Andrew Mercer, chief executive officer of East of England and shows director of this first event.

“There were some teething problems on Friday, but the gala performance on Saturday evening went much more smoothly. We’ve taken on board constructive criticism and have built on it. We’ve received some excellent feedback.”

The supremes were judged on the Saturday evening, in front of an knowledgeable — and vocal — crowd, both in the grandstand and around the indoor arena, part of the £8 million refurb of the Peterborough facilities.

Ridden mountain and moorland competition classes proved popular, attracting large entries, to the extent that the large breeds section had to be split on the night. The first division went to Darrenvale Delilah, the Struszczak family’s typey Fell, while the second was headed by Debbie Spears’ Highland, Lochlands Banjo. The small breeds champion was Carrwood Olympian.

The competition pony championship went to the Fell — a popular choice — with the Highland reserve.

Katy Marriot-Payne took the ridden M&M supreme with another Highland, Gissings Mori Earl, over Charlotte Alford riding Waxwing Paint Box.

A former Hickstead supreme horse and HOYS riding horse of the came through via the riding horse classes to head first the non-native supreme and then the overall accolade. Kate Marfleet’s large riding horse Captain Hastings, supreme at the Royal International 2006 and Birmingham winner the same year, was shown to perfection by Oliver Hood, a real chip off the old block of father Allister. Oliver turned 21 earlier this season and is already shaping up to be a superb showman.

But the Equifest leading rider championship — judged by dressage supremo Dane Rawlins — went to young Jamie Ryder-Phillips, a superlative horseman and a joy to watch.

The enthusiastic crowd enjoyed every second of the Saturday night performance, particularly the moment when Gary Stone proposed to girlfriend Charise Broad, a panel judge and daughter of steward Richard, in the arena. And they went wild when Charise said “yes”.

Is this is the first showring proposal?

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