Latest from Horse & Hound in Jonty-evans

‘We’ll give it our best shot’: Jonty Evans turns to para dressage with his Olympic event horse

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 15:55:51 +0000

Olympic eventer Jonty Evans said that, as ever, his aim is to do his horse justice, as he and Cooley Rorkes Drift turn to para dressage this month.

The partnership, who finished ninth individually at the 2016 Games, are to compete in para classes at a British Dressage show at Solihull on 30 March. Jonty told H&H his crowd-funded superstar “Art”, who is 17 this year, is in top form.

“You can’t say he’s showing any kind of age!” he said. “He’s really well. I want to be careful not to paint him as a dressage diva but he’s really quite enjoying doing more flatwork. And not just for him but for both of us, to have something to focus on, so it’s interesting.”

Jonty has evented and showjumped since the cross-country fall in 2018 in which he was seriously injured. He said the mental process involved in coming to this decision to compete in para dressage was not smooth.

“But I’ve always said that in any attempt to return to eventing, level wasn’t the biggest thing for me, doing it properly was,” he said. “And the trouble is, I’ve really struggled to do it properly, and I didn’t realise how much I missed doing something half-decently. My dressage needs a lot of work but it’s a way of focusing my efforts in one direction.”

Jonty said he has struggled with, for example, being clear about the stride he was approaching a fence on, with knowing from a distance whether he was going to be deep, or whether to adjust the canter.

“It felt like a huge amount of my intricacy had left the building and I was struggling to get that back,” he said. “It’s not like I’ve made a rash decision; I’ve worked a long time to get things better. Little things do get better, all the time, and they feel big things to me. Someone said that all the margins add up to a whole page.”

Jonty and Art will compete in two grade IV para tests next week.

“The most important thing is to do my horse justice,” Jonty said. “I don’t want to get on my horse or horses and let them down. Everyone says I haven’t, and everyone’s been very supportive, but I don’t need anyone else to say it, I need to know in my heart I haven’t let them down.

“I want to walk away and feel proud of myself and that means not letting the horse down. He’s my partner and that’s why I’m here.”

Jonty said Art, who he has described as his “best mate”, has changed during Jonty’s recovery.

“It’s quite funny because as I’ve got better; he’s never ‘naughty’ but he’s been more willing to do the odd thing, whereas at the beginning he was very careful with me. Now he’s more willing to be a horse again. He definitely knows.”

Jonty added that he and Art will keep doing their thing and enjoying it, as he aims to perform to the best of his horse’s ability.

“I’m passionate about that,” he said. “I don’t really care about level, I just want to come out and feel ‘I did all right’. That’s all I want, and to be honest, it’s all I’ve ever wanted.

“Every now and again, if I’m feeling down, I have to be stern with myself: ‘Just belt up, as there but for the grace of God, you could be dead’. We will give this our best shot.”

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(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘He carries my world’: Jonty Evans pays tribute to Art as he ‘feels proud for the first time since the accident’

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘It’s where I’m meant to be’: Jonty Evans back on board Art

The Irish eventer has been hacking out on his Rio Olympic ride

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

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Swapping four legs for two: Olympians among riders taking on London Marathon

Lucy Elder — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 06:18:44 +0000

Tom McEwen, Jonty Evans and Olli Fletcher are among the elite riders swapping boots for trainers on Sunday as they take on the TCS London Marathon (2 October).

It’s a rapid turn-around for Tokyo Olympic eventing team gold and individual silver medallist Tom, who has two young horses in the three-day classes at Osberton this week before hot-footing it to the capital for the London Marathon tomorrow (Sunday).

The five-star winner has been spotted marathon training at major internationals this year, and is running the 26.2 miles to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK in support of his granny.

Visit Tom’s London Marathon fundraising page

Multiple youth medal-winning showjumper Olli Fletcher is running this year’s marathon for World Horse Welfare.

Olli, 19, joins seven other runners supporting World Horse Welfare this year and he is close to achieving his £3,000 target.

Visit Olli’s London Marathon fundraising page

Irish Olympic event rider Jonty Evans is running alongside his friend, Michael Knighty, and Hartpury’s associate professor and equine therapy centre manager Dr Kathryn Nankervis.

Jonty sustained a traumatic brain injury in a fall at Tattersalls in 2018 and the trio are running for Headway, a UK-wide brain injury support charity.

Running has formed part of Jonty’s recovery and he has been assisted by the Hartpury Sports Academy.

To support Headway, visit Jonty’s London Marathon fundraising page

Presenter Rosie Tapner is taking on the marathon for Wellbeing of Women, a charity that focuses on women’s health and wellbeing through research and education.

Rosie, who the eventing fans will recognise for her appearances on Burghley TV among other presenting work in the horse world, has already raised more than £3,200 for the charity.

Find out more about the charity’s work visit Rosie’s fundraising page

Many equine and equestrian-connected charities also have runners in this year’s London Marathon. Find out more about the Racing Welfare team, Countryside Alliance Foundation runners and those supporting The Donkey Sanctuary.

‘He carries my world’: Jonty Evans pays tribute to Art as he ‘feels proud for the first time since the accident’

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 19:54:54 +0000

“Art was bought for a lot of money by a lot of people, as a competition horse. But what he’s done for me is so, so much more than that. He carries my world on his shoulders.”

Jonty Evans and his Olympic ride Cooley Rorkes Drift (Art) have been back in competition since April 2019, some 10 months after he suffered serious head injuries in a cross-country fall. But their showjumping round this week (15 December) was, Jonty said, “the first time I’ve felt proud since the accident”.

Jonty told H&H he felt in that round something he had not felt for years.

“I had the feeling I call ‘pull’,” he said. “People think you mustn’t have a pulling horse but I want the horse to take me to and over the fence and away from it, it needs to be consistent. That was the first time since the accident I’d had a feeling like that; of commitment. From him — but I’m the driver.”

Jonty explained that if he rides Art well, the horse jumps well.

“But if I ride like a wally, he goes like a wally,” he said. “There have been times he’s looked after me maybe a bit too well; times we’ve had a stop at a fence, for example, and he’s done that because he’s been looking after me, he knows I’m not quite right.

“That’s probably why I was so emotional on Wednesday; I couldn’t believe I could get that feeling again. I jumped the last fence and could have cried.”

Jonty paid tribute to the horse he has described as his “best mate”, explaining that when he says the 15-year-old carries his world, “that doesn’t say enough”.

“He’s been dragging me back, bit by bit,” he said. “Of course, he wouldn’t do things if I wasn’t saying ‘Do that’, but he’s definitely pulling me back there.”

Art is a world-class eventer, who finished ninth individually with Jonty at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and Jonty said his fellow top rider Andrew Nicholson had a word of warning.

“He said to be careful of riding a top horse you’ve got a partnership with, because he won’t know you’re different — but he has known,” Jonty said, adding that he does not think about what would have happened had his crowdfunding not been successful.

“I can’t tell you how grateful I am to everyone who got involved,” he said. “I feel that’s my life, that’s what’s given me a chance again.

“That’s at whatever level; I’m not interested in that, and not saying I’m going to be going high or low, I just badly wanted to be able to come out of the ring and feel proud, and I could on Wednesday. I just wanted to be able to hold my head up high again.”

Jonty is to keep competing and “see what happens”. He also has the “fabulous” four-year-old Ballymalone Dancer, who is out of an Old Vic mare and by King of Diamonds son Flagmount Diamond, and for whom he has high hopes.

“After the feeling I got on Wednesday, I came straight home and rode my four-year-old, who’s a lovely horse, and I got the same feeling from him, because I’d just got it from Art,” he said. “It’s how I’ve trained my horses since the year dot, it’s so ingrained, and it’s taken so long but now, for whatever reason, it’s back. I took Malone to arena hire the next day and I could ask for that feel, and got it, it’s given me and him so much more confidence.

“I don’t want to be held to this but when I got taken round that course on Wednesday, I thought ‘f****ing hell. This could really go somewhere’.”

Police horses, celebrity riders and a giant advent calendar: 33 pictures you need to see from the H&H Awards

Pippa Roome — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 12:24:27 +0000

The 2019 H&H Awards in partnership with NAF took place on Wednesday, 4 December, at Cheltenham Racecourse. With 320 guests and 24,000 votes from readers, this fourth renewal of the H&H Awards was the biggest one yet.

Eleven worthy winners were crowned on the night and guests enjoyed champagne and a three-course meal before dancing the night away to a live band.

General View / Incidental (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Two police horses from the mounted unit of the Gloucestershire Constabulary greeted guests on arrival.

Nicola and Alistair Wilson during the Horse & Hound Awards (Sponsored by NAF) held at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham in Gloucestershire In the UK, on the 4th December 2019on (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Multi-medalled event rider Nicola Wilson and her husband Alastair travelled from Yorkshire for the evening.

Lucinda Green (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Six-time Badminton winner Lucinda Green chats to Marcus Rich, CEO of H&H’s parent company TI Media.

Katy Malone and Emily Skerrett (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

We were here! H&H livery yard blogger Katy Malone and Emily Skerrett grab a selfie.

Jennifer Donald with Rupert Bell and Sam Lloyd (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

H&H showjumping editor Jennifer Donald with Rupert Bell and Sam Lloyd of Lloyd Bell Productions.

Avail McKinley, Tara Tapperden and Joanne Heep during the Horse & Hound Awards (Sponsored by NAF) held at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham in Gloucestershire In the UK, on the 4th December 2019 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Avail McKinley, Tara Tapperden and Joanne Heep, who represented short-listed club Ulverston and District Equine Club.

Trevor Dickens (Owner of Vanir Kamira) (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Trevor Dickens, whose Vanir Kamira — the Badminton winner with Piggy French — was named Horseware Horse of the Year.

Robert Walker, Natalie Reynolds, Stuart Hollings, Simon Reynolds and Sarah Walker during the Horse & Hound Awards (Sponsored by NAF) held at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham in Gloucestershire In the UK, on the 4th December 2019 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Showing royalty: Robert Walker, Natalie Reynolds, Stuart Hollings, Simon Reynolds and Sarah Walker prepare for a fun night.

BHS chair David Sheerin (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Former British Horse Society chair and chief coach at Wellington Riding David Sheerin.

Robert Meluin and Charis McComishie-Grey during the Horse & Hound Awards (Sponsored by NAF) held at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham in Gloucestershire In the UK, on the 4th December 2019 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Rob Melvin, who was shortlisted for the NAF Five Star Groom of the Year award, and his employer Charis McCormiskie-Gray.

Adam Harvey (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Event rider Adam Harvey, who took home the trophy in the Pikeur Amateur Rider of the Year category.

Pam and Brain Hutton during the Horse & Hound Awards (Sponsored by NAF) held at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham in Gloucestershire In the UK, on the 4th December 2019 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

H&H dressage columnist Pammy Hutton and her husband Brian.

Pippa Roome Kitty and Ben King (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

H&H magazine and eventing editor Pippa Roome with Kitty King — best of the Brits at this year’s eventing European Championships — and her husband Ben.

Robert and Anime Joppe during the Horse & Hound Awards (Sponsored by NAF) held at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham in Gloucestershire In the UK, on the 4th December 2019 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Annie Joppe, who has ridden for Britain at championship level in endurance and who is an H&H blogger, with her husband Robert.

Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Awards presenter Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes.

Simon Healy, Ellie Healy, Finn Healy and Sarah Healy during the Horse & Hound Awards (Sponsored by NAF) held at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham in Gloucestershire In the UK, on the 4th December 2019on (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Simon Healy, Ellie Healy, Finn Healy and Sarah Healy — Finn won the Saracen Young Rider of the Year award, having taken double gold at the pony European Championships on his sister Ellie’s Midnight Dancer II.

Floss Bish-Jones, Laura Stockade, Joe Stockade and Rose Williamson during the Horse & Hound Awards (Sponsored by NAF) held at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham in Gloucestershire In the UK, on the 4th December 2019on (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Floss Bish-Jones, Laura Stockdale, Joe Stockdale — who collected the Absorbine Inspiration of the Year award — and Rose Williamson.

Jay Halim and Edwards Jackson (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Jay Halim — who presented the first award on behalf of NAF — with Edward Jackson.

Hugh and Mandy Thomas during the Horse & Hound Awards (Sponsored by NAF) held at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham in Gloucestershire In the UK, on the 4th December 2019on (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Hugh Thomas, who stepped down as director of Badminton Horse Trials in May this year, and his wife Mandy.

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Irish event rider Susie Berry, Amy Phillips (winner of the NAF Five Star Groom of the Year award), Amy Culler and Sam Merry.

Maria Eilberg, Lucas Eilberg, Marion Rigal and Thomas Bolois during the Horse & Hound Awards (Sponsored by NAF) held at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham in Gloucestershire In the UK, on the 4th December 2019on (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Dressage rider Maria Eilberg with Lucas Eilberg, Marion Rigal and Thomas Bolois.

Lucy Higginson (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Former H&H editor Lucy Higginson with Ceris Burns (red dress), sponsor of the Ceris Burns Equestrian Professional Rider of the Year award, which went to Piggy French.

Mollie Sumerland and Joss Riley during the Horse & Hound Awards (Sponsored by NAF) held at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham in Gloucestershire In the UK, on the 4th December 2019on (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Mollie Summerland — who has had an excellent eventing season this year — with Joss Riley.

David Ingle (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

David Ingle, chairman of The Showing Council.

Mark Phillips and Lauren Hough during the Horse & Hound Awards (Sponsored by NAF) held at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham in Gloucestershire In the UK, on the 4th December 2019on (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Mark Phillips, who won the H&H Lifetime Achievement Award last year, and his partner, US showjumper Lauren Hough.

General View / Incidental evening meal (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

H&H showjumping editor Jennifer Donald (left, blue dress) hosts a table including commentator Stevie Wilde (opposite in glasses) and British showjumping performance manager Di Lampard (right, green dress).

General View / Incidental auction Russ Williams (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Russ Williams conducts the auction in aid of World Horse Welfare.

Jess Croft, Corel Keen and Pippa Holisfield during the Horse & Hound Awards (Sponsored by NAF) held at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham in Gloucestershire In the UK, on the 4th December 2019on (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Event rider and H&H blogger Coral Keen (centre) is flanked by Jess Crofts and Pippa Hawksfield.

H&H Advent calendar (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Twenty-four lucky guests found a golden envelope in their goodie bag and were invited to open a door on the giant advent calendar. Here Kitty King’s husband Ben claims his prize.

Article continues below…

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Simon Grieve, Kitty King and James Horswell during the Horse & Hound Awards (Sponsored by NAF) held at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham in Gloucestershire In the UK, on the 4th December 2019on (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

H&H blogger Simon Grieve with Kitty King and James Horswell.

Jonathan & Jane Clark and Pippa Roome (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Jane and Jonathan Clarke (left), who own Pippa Funnell’s Burghley-winning ride MGH Grafton Street and collected the Horserail Moment of the Year award on behalf of Pippa, with World Horse Welfare’s Roly Owers and H&H magazine and eventing editor Pippa Roome.

General View / Incidental evening meal (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

H&H Editor-in-Chief Sarah Jenkins (right, red dress) hosts a table including BE CEO Jude Matthews (opposite), event rider Nicola Wilson (right, blue dress) and her husband Alastair (on Nicola’s right), Kitty King (left, blue dress) and Lucinda Green (green jacket, back to camera).

Pictures by Peter Nixon and Lucy Merrell

Read more about the fourth H&H Awards in next week’s magazine, out Thursday 12 December.

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Hovis’ star turn with Jonty Evans jeopardised after thieves steal tack

Becky Murray — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:39:17 +0000

Horse & Hound’s popular equine blogger and fundraiser for Bransby Horses, Hovis, was left without his essential personal wardrobe when thieves stole his tack from a vehicle on Saturday evening.

The 16-year-old part-bred Clydesdale had been due to make a special guest appearance as Jonty Evan’s “new event horse” at Your Horse Live on Sunday (10 November), but the theft put that in jeopardy.

Owner Karen Thompson told H&H the entire contents of husband, Brian’s, truck was stolen at the Premier Inn, Coventry at 8.20pm on Saturday (9 November).

“It happened within an hour and a half of us getting back to the hotel. It’s not what you need when you’re trying to do a charitable thing,” said Karen.

“Hovis has an extremely large bridle and his saddle that we spent months trying to fit is gone – they’ve taken the lot. His tack had been altered specially to fit him, they’re not going to readily fit another horse.”

Hovis’ bridle was an extra-full size made from dark havana leather with a Cheltenham gag bit and no strap on the flash noseband loop. The saddle, a Jeffries extra-wide dark havana leather with red Jeffries’ saddle cover, included Sprenger stirrups with a blue base.

Karen said people “rallied round” with offers of help to enable the display to go ahead, which instead took place in-hand.

“I can’t thank people enough and we tried valiantly to make things work but we couldn’t ask Jonty to get on a horse he’s never ridden, on tack that hasn’t been tried on that horse and ask them to go in a main arena from a safety perspective,” she said.

“Jonty carried on like a trooper, but it was devastating because it was a big surprise and we were all so excited to do it. Both Jonty and Hovis have had horrendous injuries and come back – it was going to be the meeting of two Irish gentlemen who have had one hell of a fight back.”

Karen said the theft has had an emotional impact on her.

“The saddle was hugely expensive, but he has had that bridle since he was young – it’s part of him. It wasn’t massively expensive but it was his and I’ve lost it. He wore the bridle when Mary King and Geoff Billington rode him – it’s got huge memories and someone has walked away with it,” she said.

“People have been massively supportive, we’ve had so many offers of help and his fans have shared the information far and wide trying to make the tack too hot to handle. People have been incredibly kind and generous.”

Article continued below…

(Image credit: Karen Thompson)

Bransby Horses in ‘crisis’ following life-changing floods

Director of equine welfare Emma Carter said the charity is facing “extreme times” and needs all the support it can

(Image credit: Karen Thompson)

Hovis’ Friday diary: operation ‘from feral to fabulous’ is well underway

Hovis is undergoing a makeover ahead of a public appearance

(Image credit: Karen Thompson)

Karen added the theft is being dealt with by West Midlands Police who have been provided with CCTV imagery from the hotel.

“Hovis goes into hospital next Monday for a foot operation so the display was going to be his last hurrah beforehand and the last time someone rode him for a little while,” she said.

“We still had a good weekend, it was about raising money and awareness for Bransby Horses. They’ve had a hell of a weekend because of the flooding, so when you put it into context the charity we do so much for is equally having a really awful time of it.”

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

Jonty Evans to inspire other as a speaker, a year after leaving hospital

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 11:50:38 +0000

Jonty Evans is to “share his remarkable story of resilience and determination with audiences”, having signed up to a speaker agency a year to the day after he was discharged from hospital.

The Irish eventer has joined Speaker Buzz, an agency that focuses on mental health and wellbeing, as an inspirational speaker. He joins some 20 others who are “passionate about making a difference in society and inspiring others to achieve their goals”.

The Olympic eventer was in a coma for six weeks after he sustained a serious head injury in a fall from his crowd-funded Rio Olympic ride Cooley Rorkes Drift (Art) at Tattersalls last June.

He has since undergone extensive rehabilitation and, although it was thought he might not ride again, returned to the saddle in January and has been eventing on Art this summer.

Jonty cites a positive mindset as a major factor in his recovery.

“He will now share his remarkable story with audiences through his work as an inspirational speaker,” a spokesman for Speaker Buzz said.

“Jonty’s story is one of utter resilience and determination to fight back from a potentially life-ending injury.”

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

‘This can’t be the end for me’: rider defies cancer and life-changing surgery to take on eventing challenge

‘As soon as my bottom hit that saddle, I cried, because I felt like me again. I’d been in a

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

‘It’s where I’m meant to be’: Jonty Evans back on board Art

The Irish eventer has been hacking out on his Rio Olympic ride

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

Jonty said that since the fall, his life has changed in many ways.

“I had to learn how to walk and talk all over again like a toddler. I’ve also had to accept that life is going to look different,” he said.

“I believe my positive mindset and that of those around me has helped me hugely in facing these many challenges during my recovery. Speaker Buzz is dedicated to inspiring others to overcome challenges and achieve their goals and that is an ethos I understand and respect. I am looking forward to telling my story and helping to inspire others.”

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

Jonty Evans makes his eventing comeback at Smiths Lawn: ‘I was lucky to ride Art, he loved it’

Pippa Roome — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 14:43:52 +0000

Jonty Evans, the Irish rider who suffered a serious head injury in a cross-country fall last June, competed in the open novice section at the British Eventing horse trials at Smiths Lawn, Berkshire, today (Monday, 5 August).

“Event organiser Tissie Reason, British Eventing and Eventing Ireland have been amazing,” Jonty told H&H. “I saw Yogi Breisner a while ago and and he assessed my riding. I entered the event, but Tissie was good enough to keep it on the quiet.”

Jonty’s entry was therefore not shown on the entries website bdwp, although he does now appear on the results.

The first two phases went well for Jonty and Cooley Rorkes Drift (“Art”), his 2016 Olympic horse on whom he secured the ride through crowdfunding the year before his accident. The pair scored 28.3 in the dressage and showjumped clear.

“I was pretty rusty being back in a dressage arena, but it went well,” said Jonty. “He helped me out in the jumping, I rode forward and he jumped round.”

Unfortunately the fairytale ended there when Jonty had a fall at fence 14, the water, across country. Neither Jonty nor Art was injured.

“We jumped in and he spooked at the water and I lost a stirrup,” he explained. “We jumped out and I lost balance, so I pulled up to halt and slid off the side. I tried really hard to stay on!”

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Top mare takes British open championship: ‘Gatcombe is her cup of tea’

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Although annoyed by the result, Jonty said he “very much enjoyed” the round as far as he went.

“I was lucky to be riding Art — he was great and was loving it. It was good fun,” he said.

Jonty thinks he will enter another event.

“It’s difficult to say — I want a little while to think about it and how it feels,” he said. “But I feel like there was enough to be positive about.”

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

Jonty Evans completes triathlon — and aims for Great North Run

Catherine Austen — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 16:07:32 +0000

Eventer Jonty Evans has tackled another impressive goal in his bid to make a full recovery from the serious head injury he suffered last year.

On Sunday (21 July) he completed the Heythrop Hunt Triathlon at Eyford House, Stow-on-the-Wold – a 400m open water swim, 20km cycle and 5km cross-country run held to raise money for the Midlands Air Ambulance – alongside his great friend Michael Knight.

Jonty said: “My brother-in-law does triathlons, and I thought, ‘why can’t I?’ I hadn’t done one before, but he came down from Manchester and took me open water swimming at the Cotswold Water Park; I’ve got a bike, and I’ve always done lots of running.

“It was the perfect one to do because I felt comfortable doing it – I knew most of the people there [Jonty has acted as field master for the Cotswold, a neighbouring hunt to the Heythrop] and it was fun and very friendly.”

A photo posted by on

Jonty said he was surprised he was not exhausted by the swim, in the lake at Eyford House which is home to Serena and Rupert Prest and Serena’s mother Charlotte Heber-Percy.

“I did go quite slowly, but I couldn’t go any faster,” he said. “Then I was gobsmacked when I got off the bike that my legs wouldn’t straighten up to run – they seemed to be stuck in a cycling position!

“I enjoyed the cycling phase, round the lovely Heythrop Saturday hunting country, and then the run got better as I went along – I felt better and better as my legs got moving. I think it was more difficult because it took place on fields, rather than the completely level surface of a road.”

Jonty, who was in a coma for six weeks last year after his fall from his crowd-funded top ride Cooley Rorkes Drift, explained that, while he does not find the “physicality” of running difficult, the locomotion is hard.

“I am having a lot of help from Hartpury College, and they have an anti-gravity treadmill on which you can reduce your weight setting to allow you to train without overloading while you recover from injury,” he said. “I started at 40% of my bodyweight and am now at 85%.”

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(Image credit: Sarah Farsnworth)

Jonty Evans regains consciousness after serious head injury

The rider's family has thanked the eventing community for its support and good wishes

(Image credit: Sarah Farsnworth)

Runaway Shetland Mildred joins in with 10km race

The unusually hairy competitor kept up with runners from the 7km to the 9km marker, where she was eventually caught

(Image credit: Sarah Farsnworth)

Jonty is aiming to do the Great North Run on 8 September, alongside Michael Knight and Kathryn Nankervis from Hartpury College. Each of the three has chosen a charity for which they are running – Headway, the David Foster Injured Riders’ Fund and Alzheimers UK.

“Something good has got to come out of my accident, and if it is raising money for worthy causes, so be it,” said Jonty. “Claire Lomas is a great friend of mine and if she can do it, so can I. We are going to wear green tops and are currently looking for really good running tops that we can print names on to, if anyone has any ideas!”

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

Jonty and Art: the film — a ‘story of love and determination’

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 11:42:33 +0000

Jonty and Art could become stars of the big screen if a film project currently in the early stages comes to fruition.

A film company is interested in the story of the Irish eventer and his crowd-funded Olympic horse Cooley Rorkes Drift, and those behind the project have set up a crowdfunding page to raise the initial budget.

The idea came about after a post in the Art’s Amazing Family Facebook group, members of which are those who contributed to Jonty’s securing Art in 2017, in April, suggesting a film be made.

Jan Birley, who has worked closely with a film company on an adaptation of a book she wrote about eventing, saw the post.

“I’ve done quite a bit with the film company so I put up a post saying it was possible, and what would need to happen,” she told H&H.

“Jonty and Steve Nesbit, of the film company Studio KS1, met to make sure they were on the same page and could work together – and it’s gone on from there.”

The crowdfunding page is now live, aiming to raise the £100,000 development funding needed for aspects such as writing the script and editing.

Should the film go forward, this money would be returned, and Jan said it would be split between the David Foster Injured Riders Fund, the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund, Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony Charity and the Nichols Spinal Injury Foundation, in the name of former eventer Claire Lomas.

“So it’s not guaranteed to come back but they wouldn’t pick up a project they didn’t think would go to completion,” Jan said.

As soon as the fund starts to build, Steve will start writing the script, and there will be 55 days to raise the money from yesterday (Tuesday).

Donors will be given rewards depending on the amount contributed, from a personalised, signed thank-you to their names included in the film, to meeting Jonty and Steve.

The film will cover the crowdfunding and Jonty’s injury and recovery, while events in his personal life will be dramatised to minimise intrusion.

“The story is the epitome of someone who was about to have his life force taken away; he lived for that horse and loved him,” Jan said. “It’s a story of pure love and determination and to show that having that, you can overcome anything.”

It is not clear whether the film would be released in cinemas, go straight to DVD or possibly be commissioned by a company such as Amazon or Netflix.

And Jan thinks although it will be an equestrian story, it will have a wider appeal.

“Not many people will have had that level of struggle to get back on track, but parts of the story will resonate with and inspire others facing difficult times,” she said.

“It’s a story about an equestrian but the challenges he’s faced aren’t about that, it’s very much mainstream.”

Jonty told H&H he “can’t really believe it’s going to happen”.

“I can’t really think anyone would be interested in making a film about my life!” he said. “But when I asked Jan for a percentage on how likely it would happen, she said without hesitation, 85%, I was expecting her to say 25%.

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(Image credit: Sarah Farsnworth)

‘I just can’t believe it’: Jonty Evans secures Olympic horse through crowd-funding

The Irish Olympian will head to the European Championships next week, having raised £500,000 through a four-week crowd-funding campaign

(Image credit: Sarah Farsnworth)

Jonty Evans and Art reunited as Jonty continues his rehabilitation after brain injury

The Irish event rider, who suffered a serious brain injury in June, has been reunited with his top horse, the

(Image credit: Sarah Farsnworth)

“But it’ll be good for the sport. Ultimately, I’d hope it would reach a bigger audience if it goes ahead, and it’s about getting horses and the sport on the screen.”

Jonty said he hoped Art would appear in the film – and joked that he would have to appear on the red carpet and that all of Art’s Amazing Family would be invited to the premiere.

And asked who he thought might play him?

“George Clooney, obviously!” he said. Who else?

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

Jonty Evans’ 8 top tips on how to approach a jump

Emily Bevan — Wed, 29 May 2019 11:24:44 +0000

How much thought do you give your approach to a jump? Jonty Evans was keen to stress the importance of riding a straight, accurate line to a fence to the riders he taught at an arena cross-country clinic which took place at Lincomb Equestrian Centre in Worcestershire earlier this month.

“Every single fence is on a line, it may be a dodgy line and it could be short, long or angled, but it’s a line and the line you take is very important,” explained the Irish Olympic event rider. “The line you take to a fence is the rider’s own choice, the horse is not responsible for the line you have taken, make sure you bear that in mind when you are jumping.”

Throughout the session, Jonty ensured his pupils jumped cross-country fences on various different lines, highlighting the following key points:

1. A rider’s job is to choose the line, the horse’s job is to jump the fence

The rider should decide when to turn on or off the line and how accurate the line is. Don’t let the horse dictate how you get to the fence and the line you take to get over it.

2. Don’t be late getting onto your line

Turn onto your line as early as possible and once on it focus on nothing changing. There should be no wobbles, just a straight approach.

3. Be accurate

Remember you are in charge of where you are jumping and how you approach the fence. Skinny fences shouldn’t be a problem if you are always accurate in your training. There may be less of the fence to jump, but if the horse is used to jumping over the middle of the jump, it shouldn’t matter.

4. Look straight ahead

Find something beyond the jump to look at and aim towards it. Doing this will help you stay on your line and ride straight.

5. Focus

Focusing on an object directly beyond the jump will also mean you are less likely to miss your stride as you are concentrating on what’s ahead rather than whether or not you have the right stride. While every fence is on a line, not every fence is on a stride.

6. Aim

Aiming your hands and legs at the jump will help you to approach it in a straight line.

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7. Legs, hands, eyes

Use your legs to keep you and your horse on the right line. Keep your hands soft and your eyes up.

8. Forward but sensible

Keep riding forward but wait for the fence to come to you, don’t chase your horse into it.

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

‘I can’t wait’: Jonty Evans to return to Tattersalls

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 02 May 2019 06:01:50 +0000

Jonty Evans says he “can’t wait” to return to Tattersalls International Horse Trials, a year after his fall.

The Irish eventer is to return to the Co Meath event (29 May to 2 June), and has signed up to do the commentary on the live stream of the event.

It will be less than a year since Jonty suffered serious head injuries in a fall from Cooley Rorkes Drift (Art) on the CCI3* (now CCI4*-L) cross-country at the same event, which left him in a coma for six weeks.

“I’m coming to Tattersalls because it’s one of my favourite events of the year, I feel really at home there,” he said. “I actually only have good memories of last year because my horses had all gone really well and I had my son Charlie was with me, so until I actually had the accident I had a great time. I don’t remember anything after it happened!”

Jonty told H&H Tattersalls event director Jean Mitchell was one of the first people to ring him after he regained consciousness last summer, and that she and Tattersalls event secretary Dora Beacom had been “so kind to me, it’s untrue”.

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(Image credit: creditUnknown)

#WearGreenForJonty: 48 fabulous photos of the equestrian world supporting Jonty Evans

Check out riders and their connections around the world as they #WearGreenForJonty to show support for injured event rider Jonty

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‘He will love being back’: Jonty Evans and Art to return to Badminton

‘Ever since I was a little boy I have been obsessed with Badminton so to be asked to come back

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Between them, they run the eventing forum at Hartpury and they insisted I came along,” he said. “They were so good to me and I think their insistence I got involved with things really helped me.

“I’m looking forward to Tattersalls now. I’ll be able to see and thank people, be it organisers, officials or riders – everyone, I think. I can see them and thank them for helping me.

“I will be having a good look round the trade stands, the fair rides, definitely walking the cross-country courses and have signed myself up for commentary of the live streaming. I can’t wait!”

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

Jonty and Art make winning return to competition

Sarah Radford — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 06:09:28 +0000

Jonty Evans and his Olympic partner Cooley Rorkes Drift have made their first competitive appearance since the 2018 fall that left Jonty in a six-week coma.

In a successful dressage outing at Hunters Equestrian, near Cirencester, Jonty and “Art” won both their advanced medium tests.

“Admittedly I won the second test by absolute fluke as I was only one in it — I did the wrong test even though it was being called, as I hadn’t learnt it properly — but he did a really good first test, listened to me and did what I asked of him and scored 68.8%,” said Jonty, who has made remarkable progress since getting back on board Art for the first time last December.

Jonty praised the 13-year-old gelding — who he bought after a £500,000 crowd funding campaign in 2017 — saying his temperament and rideability made returning to competition at this standard achievable.

“He does everything, he does really good changes and really good half-pass, and because he’s quite chilled he just lets me get on and ride him,” he said, adding that the test also called for some moves less familiar to eventers.

“It also asked for a volte and I didn’t know what that was, but Pammy [Hutton] told me it was just a small circle!”

Jonty revealed that Art, who has made one public appearance at Belton since the fall at Tattersalls in June 2018, seemed pleased to be back out competing.

“Pammy was there and said she was watching his face as he walked into the warm up and his ears went forward as if to say ‘oh my God, I’m at a show’; it was great to feel him like that,” he said, adding that his own competitive instincts also appeared to be alive and well.

“I was really keen to do it,” he said. “It was interesting because I got into the warm-up — and they have white boards in the warm-up at Hunters — and I thought I could really sense a difference in how I started riding, I instantly sat up and I rode proper circles.

“In the test, I thought we weren’t staying in the corners well enough, and I was pleased that my arena craft kicked in. I would have liked his way of going to be a bit better, so I definitely haven’t lost striving to improve!”

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(Image credit: Sarah Farsnworth)

‘He will love being back’: Jonty Evans and Art to return to Badminton

‘Ever since I was a little boy I have been obsessed with Badminton so to be asked to come back

(Image credit: Sarah Farsnworth)

Jonty Evans does dressage without horse for charity

Irish event rider Jonty Evans will perform the CCI*** dressage test without his horse at Punchestown Horse Trials to raise

(Image credit: Sarah Farsnworth)

Jonty and Art will be making their next public appearance at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials next week, where they will be appearing in Pammy’s dressage demos on Thursday and Friday.

“He will absolutely love being at Badminton and being watched by people who love him and it will give me a chance to give something back to the people that have been so good to me,” he added.

He told H&H that beyond that he had “no firm plans” for Art but that he would be focusing on teaching and taking clinics.

“I’ve been really enjoying the teaching, it’s been something to get my teeth stuck into,” he said.

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

‘He will love being back’: Jonty Evans and Art to return to Badminton

Lucy Elder — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 13:45:44 +0000

Jonty Evans and his Olympic ride Cooley Rorkes Drift are to return to the main arena at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (1 to 5 May).

Jonty, who sustained a serious head injury in a cross-country fall 11 months ago, will be taking part in the dressage demonstration compered by Pammy Hutton on 3 May.

“Ever since I was a little boy I have been obsessed with Badminton so to be asked to come back now is absolutely great,” said Jonty, who has been back in the saddle for several months.

“I watched my heroes here, Ian Stark, Ginny Leng and lots more, so it has always been an exceptional event to be part of.”

Jonty and “Art” made their first public appearance since the accident, in the CIC3* (now CCI4*-L) at Tattersalls, at Belton on 30 March — one year on from their 2018 Grantham Cup victory at the horse trials.

Badminton final scores

Jonty told crowds at the time that what people have done for him is “off the scale”.

The Irishman has competed at three Badmintons, with his best result at the Gloucestershire eventing coming with a top-20 finish in 2017.

The dressage demonstrations on the Thursday and Friday of Badminton are an annual event, taking place at 12.30pm on both days.

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(Image credit: Sarah Farsnworth)

Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift delight crowds with Belton appearance

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This year’s focus will be on why riding in several disciplines can help you make the most out of your career in the saddle. There will also be a freestyle performance and a demonstration from a para dressage European medallist.

The horses chosen will also show the different types who take part at elite level dressage.

“In his eyes Art is just going to think everyone is there especially to watch him, he will love being back at Badminton so much,” said Jonty of his crowd-funded superstar.

Pammy will also be continuing her popular Badminton radio dressage commentary, along with co-host top dressage judge Peter Storr.

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

Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift delight crowds with Belton appearance

Lucy Elder — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 09:04:19 +0000

Jonty Evans was welcomed back to Belton International Horse Trials by a cheering crowd to ride in public for the first time since his serious accident last summer.

Jonty and Cooley Rorkes Drift (“Art”), who are the reigning Lycetts Grantham Cup CIC3* (now CCI4*-S) champions, returned to the Lincolnshire event on Saturday (30 March).

This was the first time the Irishman has ridden in a public arena since his cross-country fall at Tattersalls in June 2018, which resulted in a serious brain injury and left him in a coma for six weeks.

The pair were flanked by their Rio Olympic team mates, Austin O’Connor and Padraig McCarthy, to parade in the Cottages.com arena.

A photo posted by on

Jonty and Art then continued solo, enjoying a canter around the four-star dressage arena and putting in a couple of beautiful jumps over a fence, to the delight of the crowd.

“It was very good not to miss [at the fence], because Padraig and Austin wouldn’t have let me forget it!” laughed Jonty.

When asked what has really driven him, Jonty replied “I’m sitting on him”.

“What people have done for me is off the scale,” Jonty told the crowd.

“People have been incredibly kind [so] the determination was easy to get hold of, it was the drive from everybody who got involved, everybody who wore green for Jonty, it means so much – I want to thank everybody very much.”

He added the biggest thanks was to his children.

“Mia and Charlie were absolutely amazing throughout all this,” he said.

“Mia absolutely wouldn’t have it that I wouldn’t wake up, she just wouldn’t entertain that idea.

“What [they] mean to me is enormous.”

Jonty was then joined for photos by his family and key supporters, before inviting fans into the arena to join him and the crowd-funded superstar, Art, for more pictures.

The Grantham Cup concludes today (31 March), with Izzy Taylor and Monkeying Around currently holding the lead on a dressage of 26.2.

‘I can’t wait’: Jonty Evans and Art to return to Belton

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 16:53:24 +0000

Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift are to be reunited in public for the first time since Jonty’s fall, at Belton International Horse Trials next month.

On Saturday, 30 March, Jonty and “Art” will return to the Lincolnshire event’s main arena, where they won the CIC3* Lycetts Grantham Cup last year.

Jonty, who jumped cross-country fences on Art last weekend for the first time since he fell at Tattersalls last June, said he “can’t wait”.

“Apart from anything else, Art loves a crowd; I want him to see people,” he told H&H.

“I’ve ridden horses who react to the crowd, and not in a good way, but he loves them; he’s better when people are watching.”

Stuart Buntine, managing director of Belton organiser Bede Events, ran a fundraiser for Jonty’s treatment at Osberton International Horse Trials, which the team also runs, last year.

“Stuart and his team have been absolutely amazing,” Jonty said. “What they did for me at Osberton was enormous.”

Jonty had recovered enough from the injury he sustained last June to attend the Osberton fundraiser, An EQuestion of Sport, which raised over £10,000 for his rehabilitation. Jonty now raises money for the David Foster Injured Riders Fund.

Article continues below…

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘I just can’t believe it’: Jonty Evans secures Olympic horse through crowd-funding

The Irish Olympian will head to the European Championships next week, having raised £500,000 through a four-week crowd-funding campaign

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Carl Hester announces Olympic ride’s competition comeback

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“Jonty is a true legend and we are delighted that he has made such a remarkable recovery,” Stuart said. “We are looking forward to seeing him back at Belton.

“Eventing is a thrilling, but dangerous sport. We aim is to ensure we have provision set up for when accidents such as Jonty’s occur.”

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

In this week’s edition (28 February) you will find our show directory special part one, with a free British Showjumping ticket to ride, an interview with eventer Tom Jackson and details of Hannah Francis’s legacy.

‘I’m very lucky’: Jonty and Art jump first cross-country fences since accident

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 17:07:46 +0000

Irish Olympian Jonty Evans has sung the praises of his Rio 2016 ride Cooley Rorkes Drift, on whom he has jumped cross-country fences for the first time since his fall.

Jonty, who spent six weeks in a coma last summer, was filmed popping “Art” over some logs at Brian and Pammy Hutton’s Tallands centre last Friday (22 February).

Jonty told H&H Brian had suggested “having a canter round” in the field.

“He didn’t say anything about jumping!” Jonty said.

“A few people have asked, ‘were you nervous or anxious’ and I wasn’t at all.

“When I jumped my first showjump, I wasn’t that excited – but when I jumped this first cross-country jump, it was really exciting.”

Posted by Jonty Evans on Saturday, February 23, 2019

In an interview last September, Jonty said his aim was to ride again, although that was “not meant to be part of the conversation”.

Three months later, he was hacking out on Art and in early February, he jumped his first fence on a surface.

Asked what the plan is now, he said: “The plan is that there isn’t a plan. I want to keep going, and getting better, and for Art to keep listening to me and getting better.

“I was doing flatwork this morning (27 February) in the same field and he was absolutely brilliant; I can’t tell you how good.

“I think the big thing to remember is that life’s going to be very different – there’s no getting away from that – but different doesn’t mean worse.”

Jonty paid tribute to his horse, whom he secured through a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2017.

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(Image credit: creditUnknown)

‘The aim is to ride again’: Jonty Evans talks rehab and his ‘remarkable’ progress

Jonty said he is grateful to the public for all the support, good wishes and donations to his family’s chosen

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Jonty Evans jumps for first time since cross-country accident

The Irish Olympic event rider was full of praise for his horse, Cooley Rorkes Drift, as well as Brian and

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I think his intelligence is what allowed him to do so well in Rio [the combination finished ninth],” he said.

“He can go to Rio, have a look round and do the job, and he can be back here and have me flopping around, and do the job; he just gets on with it. I’m very, very lucky to have him; what he does for me is incredible.”

Jonty believes that had the horse still belonged to an owner, he might have lost the ride by now.

“That doesn’t bear thinking about, that I wouldn’t have been with him,” he said.

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

Jonty Evans jumps for first time since cross-country accident

Lucy Elder — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 06:44:14 +0000

Jonty Evans has returned to jumping aboard his crowdfunded superstar Cooley Rorkes Drift.

The Irish Olympic eventer spent six weeks in a coma last summer following a cross-country fall at Tattersalls in June.

Jonty posted videos of him jumping “Art” at Talland School of Equitation last week (9 February), which have been liked close to 6,000 times and received a combined total of more than 120,000 views.

“I’ve been going to Talland quite often and they have been really good — Pammy is great, as are the rest of the team,” Jonty told H&H.

“They are all really kind, which makes so much difference, and they understand — they have probably seen the same sort of thing before.”

In the last few weeks someone has come good on her promise. That promise was made a long time ago when I came around…Posted by Jonty Evans on Saturday, February 9, 2019

Jonty was full of praise for the horse and for Brian, Pammy and the team at Talland, adding that returning to jumping felt natural.

“Other people have also asked me to say how did it feel, expecting me to say it felt amazing, and it just felt normal,” he said.

“I’ve been trying to think ‘did it feel amazing?’ Obviously it is very nice to be jumping him, but it does just feel normal.”

He added that Art’s incredible temperament means the horse is as able to “just get on with it”, whether that is the Rio Olympics or helping Jonty in his return to the saddle.

“I rode him today and jumped him and I did think how incredibly lucky I am to have a horse like Art, he is incredibly forgiving,” said Jonty on Wednesday (13 February).

“It is just great being back on him again and we will see what the future will hold.”

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(Image credit: Sarah Farnsworth)

‘It’s where I’m meant to be’: Jonty Evans back on board Art

The Irish eventer has been hacking out on his Rio Olympic ride

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Huge support for Jonty Evans as he attends Horse & Hound Awards

The injured event rider received a huge round of applause from all those in attendence

In his post on Facebook, Jonty said Pammy and Brian made a promise to him and have done “exactly that”.

“Together with their incredible team at Talland, the care, attention to detail and simple plain old humanity has been incredible,” he said.

“It has resulted in a few things, but obviously most interesting is can Art and I still leave the floor and come down together!

“Due to the support, horses, and the staff at Talland it appears we can. Remember everyone this is just the start. Thank you Pammy and everyone.”

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

‘It’s where I’m meant to be’: Jonty Evans back on board Art

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 13:46:31 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Jonty Evans is back in the saddle of his Olympic ride Cooley Rorkes Drift (Art) – which he says is “where I’m meant to be”.

The Irish eventer told H&H he rode two other horses before he was reunited with his crowdfunded top ride this week.

“The other horses were known for being quiet and well-behaved – but I got slightly fed up with having to kick,” he said.

“I had been being a bit precious about Art but when I got fed up, I went for a hack on him, and it was amazing.

“It’s as if sitting in his saddle is where I’m meant to be.”

Jonty was in a coma for six weeks following a cross-country fall from Art in June, in which he sustained a serious head injury, and has since been undergoing intensive rehabilitation.

“I haven’t been in the school on Art yet; it’s about being a bit precious again as everything he’s ever done in the school has been good and I don’t want to make that any different at the moment,” he said.

“Art’s so good; even if he spooks, he warns you beforehand. The other day, he spooked at a gate on the floor but he let me know he was going to do it about 10 strides earlier, so I was ready for it and he was fine.”

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(Image credit: Sarah Farnsworth)

Jonty Evans regains consciousness after serious head injury

The rider's family has thanked the eventing community for its support and good wishes

(Image credit: Sarah Farnsworth)

Jonty Evans and Art reunited as Jonty continues his rehabilitation after brain injury

The Irish event rider, who suffered a serious brain injury in June, has been reunited with his top horse, the

(Image credit: Sarah Farnsworth)

Jonty said he has been trotting while hacking, and although he has been “tempted” by an inviting grassy verge, has not yet cantered, or jumped, and does not have a fixed plan as to his progression with riding.

“I have never been very good at this but now I’m literally just going to take each day as it comes, one at a time,” he said.

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

Jonty Evans and Art reunited as Jonty continues his rehabilitation after brain injury

Pippa Roome — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 06:57:42 +0000

Jonty Evans and his top horse Cooley Rorkes Drift (Art) have been reunited.

The Irish event rider suffered a serious brain injury in a fall from Art at Tattersalls on 3 June this year. Despite a bleak prognosis, he regained consciousness after seven weeks in a coma.

Art was moved to event rider Andrew Downes’ yard to be kept in work in July, but returned home to Jonty’s base on Wednesday 21 November.

“Andrew Downes has done a great job,” said Jonty, who explained that for now Art will be ridden by his head girl Jane Felton, who was recently voted Horseware Groom of the Year at the H&H Awards.

“He might have a quiet couple of weeks and then Jane will keep him ticking along. The feeling really is to get him back into the sort of role he was in before, except that I won’t be riding him. Jane will be working him on the lunge and hacking him out and so on.”

Art and Jonty finished ninth at the Rio Olympics and last year Jonty raised £500,000 through a crowdfunding campaign to secure the ride on the horse after his owners decided to sell him.

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Huge support for Jonty Evans as he attends Horse & Hound Awards

The injured event rider received a huge round of applause from all those in attendence

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Jonty Evans regains consciousness after serious head injury

The rider's family has thanked the eventing community for its support and good wishes

Jonty is currently undergoing rehabilitation under the auspices of Hobbs Rehabilitation’s programme at Oaksey House, the Injured Jockeys Fund’s centre in Lambourn. His treatment is funded by the David Foster Injured Riders Fund.

“I can walk unaided, I can talk, I can run — badly,” he said. “The rehab has consisted of going in a gym and going in a swimming pool. I would hate to say I enjoy it, but I actually do, I quite enjoy the work.

“I feel ok for what I’ve been through. I think it’s possibly sinking in a little bit what I’ve actually been through, because believe it or not, I was asleep so I didn’t know. I think everybody else had a far harder time than me.”

Jonty paid tribute to his family, friends and fans for their support: “My Mum Maggie Evans was with me when I was in hospital in Ireland and my sister Hannah was to and fro. They tried to convey the level of support. I just didn’t believe it — people have been incredible.”

Read our full exclusive interview with Jonty to find out more about his rehabilitation and what the future holds in this week’s H&H (out Thursday, 6 December).

Huge support for Jonty Evans as he attends Horse & Hound Awards

Carol Phillips — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 13:34:29 +0000

Attendees at the Horse & Hound Awards were delighted that injured event rider Jonty Evans was able to join them for the prestigious ceremony.

The great and the good of the equestrian world flocked to Cheltenham racecourse on Thursday 8 November for the glitzy evening event.

The crowd gave a massive round of applause when presenter Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes announced that Jonty was in the room, prior to the awards getting underway.

Jonty was in attendance to see his groom, Jane Felton, win the award for the Horseware Groom of the Year.

Jane has been keeping Jonty’s yard running while he undergoes intensive rehabilitation and recovers from a serious brain injury that occurred in a fall from Cooley Rorkes Drift (“Art”) at Tattersalls on Sunday 3 June.

Jonty was admitted to intensive care after the fall and remained in a coma for six weeks before regaining consciousness. Jonty’s therapists have described his recovery to date as “remarkable”.

“Jane is exceptional. She has been the most incredible friend through the hardest time of my life,” said Jonty. “Jane has been amazing, she has run my yard in my absence and kept my business afloat.”

Jane described the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio among the highlights of her time working for Jonty.

Jane said: “It’s been a long year — but it was a hell of a team effort. I couldn’t have done it on my own; everyone pulled together, plus the support from the public and other professionals — it’s been incredible.

“It’s a massive thing to win this award, it’s very humbling.”

Continued below…

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Four-star winners, amazing uniforms and super-grooms: H&H Awards in pictures

Check out who was at the third H&H Awards — and what they were wearing

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Jonty Evans walks into his own fundraiser: eventing fans amazed

‘Raising funds to support Jonty in his recovery was close to all our hearts and for him to be able

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Jonty and Art first came to public attention when they finished ninth at the Rio Olympics in 2016. They followed this up with an eye-catching dressage test at Badminton the following spring, although a run-out across country put paid to a top placing.

In July that year, H&H broke the news that the partnership was under threat. Jonty had secured some funding towards the horse’s purchase and decided to start a crowd-funding campaign to attempt to make up the shortfall. He set up a website, jontyandart.com, through which people could donate.

Four weeks after H&H’s first online story, the £500,000 target was raised, helped by two lump sums of £100,000 and £150,000 being donated.

Full report from the H&H Awards in this week’s magazine, on sale Thursday 15 November

Jonty Evans walks into his own fundraiser: eventing fans amazed

Lucy Elder — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 05:46:00 +0000

Eventing fans were shocked and delighted when Jonty Evans made a surprise appearance at a fundraiser held in aid of his recovery.

The Irish Olympian was the guest of honour at Osberton International Horse Trials’ Equestrian of Sport evening on 28 September.

He was met with emotional cheers and a standing ovation as he walked into the marquee.

The quiz, supported by Investec, raised £7,120 towards his rehabilitation costs.

What a night we have had! Equestrian of Sport 2018 in aid of Jonty Evans Eventing rehabilitation and we raised a huge…Posted by BEDE Events on Friday, September 28, 2018

“My long term goal is to ensure we have provision set up for when accidents such as Jonty’s occur. We operate in a dangerous sport and we must do all we can to support our athletes,” BEDE Events director Stuart Buntine told H&H.

“Raising funds to support Jonty in his recovery was close to all our hearts and for him to be able to attend the night was exceptional!

“The community was so generous and the team at BEDE Events would like to thank all that gave so generously and the participants in Equestrian of Sport for doing so with such enthusiasm.”

Captaining this year’s GB team was Matt Heath, who was joined by Ginny Howe and Harry Dzenis. They faced opposition from “the rest of the world”, headed by Austin O’Connor and joined by Lucy Jackson and Padraig McCarthy.

However the sides proved to be equally matched with the quiz finishing in a dead heat with 354 points each.

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(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Jonty Evans talking as he returns to UK to continue rehabilitation

The Irish eventer’s long-term outlook is ‘encouraging’ as he says he is ‘by no means out of the woods’

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘The aim is to ride again’: Jonty Evans talks rehab and his ‘remarkable’ progress

Jonty said he is grateful to the public for all the support, good wishes and donations to his family’s chosen

Jonty is recovering from a head injury that he sustained in a cross-country fall from Cooley Rorkes Drift at Tattersalls CIC3* in June.

He spent six weeks in a coma at Beaumont and Connolly hospitals in Ireland and returned to the UK in August to continue his rehabilitation.

“All the therapists say I’m doing remarkably well; they’re incredibly impressed with my improvement but they say it’s very definitely one step at a time. It’s biting off bite-sized chunks out of a big pie,” Jonty told BBC Radio Gloucester in an interview last month.

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

‘The aim is to ride again’: Jonty Evans talks rehab and his ‘remarkable’ progress

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 11:24:20 +0000

Jonty Evans is making “remarkable” progress in his rehabilitation – and his aim is to get back on a horse again.

Jonty, who regained consciousness in late July following a serious brain injury he suffered in a cross-country fall on 3 June, has been undergoing intensive treatment including physio and speech and language therapy.

He spoke to DJ Mark Cummings in an interview broadcast on BBC Radio Gloucestershire last week (14 September).

Playback Mark’s show: Jonty’s interview starts at 1.25.08

“I’m very well,” Jonty told Mark. “I’m surprised I’m quite as well as I am because the doctors in Ireland said I was probably not going to wake up.”

Jonty was injured in a fall from Cooley Rorkes Drift at Tattersalls in Ireland and was initially treated at Connolly Hospital, moving on to Beaumont Hospital where he spent weeks in intensive care.

On 19 August, he was passed fit to travel back to the UK, where he has been receiving further treatment.

“I was in a coma for six weeks – I’m probably very lucky to be here,” Jonty said. “But the horse is well, I’m well and with a little bit of luck, I’ll learn to walk again properly and unaided, and we’ll get going, if we can.”

Jonty agreed with Mark that the outlook initially was “grim”.

“My sister rang the Beaumont yesterday and they couldn’t believe I was up and walking and awake,:” he said. “They refused point-blank to believe it.

“My rehab now is a step up from where we were in Ireland; there’s a possibility that in a month or so I might go to a place in Lambourn, then it’ll go up another gear; the whole idea of the physio is that it gets more and more intense the fitter you get.”

Jonty said that although he remembers the course in detail, including the minute markers, he has no recollection of the fence at which he fell, which was three from home.

He thanked the public for their support, good wishes and “incredible generosity” in raising £35,000 for the David Foster Injured Riders’ Fund, his family’s chosen charity, adding: “I’m so grateful to the people who have cared about me… it’s meant a huge amount that people have cared.”

And asked whether he can imagine riding again, or whether that is “not part of the conversation”, Jonty said: “It’s not meant to be part of the conversation – but I’m not very good at that bit!

“All the therapists say I’m doing remarkably well; they’re incredibly impressed with my improvement but they say it’s very definitely one step at a time. It’s biting off bite-sized chunks out of a big pie. The aim is to get a big pie and the aim is to ride again, possibly, but it’s mend the little things first.”

Dawn Harper, who also spoke on the programme, said that as a doctor who had worked in intensive care, she had not thought Jonty’s situation would have a positive outcome.

“I think it’s all credit to the teams who have looked after him, but we have to admit he’s where he is today because of his determination. You can never underestimate the human will to survive.

Continues below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Jonty Evans talking as he returns to UK to continue rehabilitation

The Irish eventer’s long-term outlook is ‘encouraging’ as he says he is ‘by no means out of the woods’

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Cooley Rorkes Drift moves to new yard to be kept in work while Jonty Evans is injured

Jonty Evans’ top horse has moved to a new yard while the Irish Olympian remains in hospital after a serious

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

‘I just can’t believe it’: Jonty Evans secures Olympic horse through crowd-funding

The Irish Olympian will head to the European Championships next week, having raised £500,000 through a four-week crowd-funding campaign

“He got to where he was because he’s a very determined and positive person.

“Who else could get people to pay £500,000 for a horse; who else could spend six weeks in a coma and come back?

“I’m going to put my money on the table – that man will ride again.”

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

Jonty Evans talking as he returns to UK to continue rehabilitation

Lucy Elder — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 11:25:53 +0000

Irish eventer Jonty Evans is back in the UK and talking as he continues his recovery from a serious head injury.

The Olympic rider has been receiving treatment in Irish hospitals for his injuries, sustained in a cross-country fall from Cooley Rorkes Drift at Tattersalls CIC3* on 3 June.

He has returned to the UK to continue his rehabilitation.

“I am humbled by all the support I have received and all the help I have been given by the staff at the Beaumont and Connolly Hospitals,” said Jonty.

“I would especially like to mention Ciaran and Emily Glynn at Killossery, and my family Maggie Evans, Arthur Griffiths and Hannah Evans for their support.

“I am by no means out of the woods, but intend to keep trying.”

The statement, released today (23 August) by Horse Sport Ireland on behalf of Jonty and his family, added that Jonty has made “good progress” over the past four weeks.

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Jonty Evans regains consciousness after serious head injury

The rider's family has thanked the eventing community for its support and good wishes

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Cooley Rorkes Drift moves to new yard to be kept in work while Jonty Evans is injured

Jonty Evans’ top horse has moved to a new yard while the Irish Olympian remains in hospital after a serious

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Four-star eventer urges riders to support injured Jonty Evans: #WearGreenForJonty

Riders and supporters are encouraged to wear something green from this weekend onwards to show support for Jonty Evans, who

“He continued to receive physiotherapy and rehabilitation support from the medical teams at the Connolly Hospital, Dublin who were delighted at his rate of progress,” said the statement.

“Jonty was passed fit to make the journey to the UK and on Monday he moved to continue his rehabilitation at a specialist neuro unit that is best suited to his needs at this time.

“The medical team continues to advise that Jonty remain in a quiet and calm environment, and to keep visitors strictly to a minimum.

“His recovery will take a significant period of time, but the long term outlook is encouraging.

“Jonty and his family are extremely grateful for all the medical treatment and care he has received from all the wonderful Staff at the Beaumont and Connolly Hospitals, the support from the David Foster Injured Riders Fund, as well as the continued best wishes from all his friends, colleagues and supporters.”

This is the first update since 23 July, when Jonty’s family revealed that he had regained consciousness and was “interacting positively” with medics and his family.

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

Jonty Evans regains consciousness after serious head injury

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 12:14:31 +0000

Jonty Evans has regained consciousness and is “interacting positively” with medics and his family.

A statement released today (20 July) on behalf of the Irish event rider’s family said that his condition has continued to improve in recent days.

Jonty had been unconscious since he suffered a serious brain injury in a cross-country fall from Cooley Rorkes Drift at Tattersalls on 3 June.

But today’s statement read: “We are pleased to report that over the past 10 days Jonty’s condition has continued to slowly improve. Jonty has now regained consciousness and is beginning to interact positively with the medical team and his family.”

The rider is undergoing physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions, which will continue for the “foreseeable future” as his injury improves.

“Due to the need for Jonty to remain in a quiet and calm environment for a significant period of time, and to continue his recovery as privately as possible, the medical team have advised the family to keep visitors strictly to a minimum,” the statement added.

“The family deeply appreciate all the actions, support and kind words Jonty has received over the past weeks from the eventing community — they have found this a great source of strength.”

Riders have been showing their support for Jonty by wearing green, his trademark cross-country colours, as part of the #WearGreenForJonty campaign, and donating to his family’s chosen charity, the David Foster Injured Riders Fund.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Cooley Rorkes Drift moves to new yard to be kept in work while Jonty Evans is injured

Jonty Evans’ top horse has moved to a new yard while the Irish Olympian remains in hospital after a serious

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

#WearGreenForJonty: 48 fabulous photos of the equestrian world supporting Jonty Evans

Check out riders and their connections around the world as they #WearGreenForJonty to show support for injured event rider Jonty

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‘I just can’t believe it’: Jonty Evans secures Olympic horse through crowd-funding

The Irish Olympian will head to the European Championships next week, having raised £500,000 through a four-week crowd-funding campaign

“Jonty’s family thanks everybody for their kind thoughts, continued support and best wishes,” said the statement.

“Please respect the hospital request that no calls regarding an update should be made directly to the Connolly Hospital. It is not expected that a further update will be provided during the next few weeks, unless there is a significant change in Jonty’s condition.”

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

Cooley Rorkes Drift moves to new yard to be kept in work while Jonty Evans is injured

Pippa Roome — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 10:34:04 +0000

Cooley Rorkes Drift (“Art”), the horse who Jonty Evans secured the ride on through crowd-funding and who he fell from last month, incurring a serious brain injury, has moved to Andrew Downes’ yard to be kept in work.

The news was announced in a post supposedly from Art in the Facebook group Art’s Amazing Family, a group set up for the people who donated to the crowd-funding campaign (the group is currently closed to new members as the necessary checks for admission cannot be made without Jonty’s input).

“Since Jonty fell off me back in June I have been working on my tan in the field at home. I must say it’s been going rather well! You guys are amazing because I’ve also had an endless supply of Polos! This is all very good news but Jonty would not be happy to see the size of my tummy,” read the post.

“So in the last week I’ve been on a small road trip up to Staffordshire (where they all talk funny)! I’m up here to be with an experienced rider called Andrew Downes.

“Jonty knows and respects Andrew as an eventer and my team believe that Jonty would back this decision. I am not here to be competed but to be kept in work until Jonty is better. Andrew has a very nice yard and I’ve started making some new friends already.

“The plan will always be to get back home with Jonty and the team but until then this is the best place for me. Andrew is going to be super busy looking after me so please continue to monitor this Facebook page for updates on me.”

Art also asked everyone to support the #WearGreenForJonty campaign.

“I really do miss him! You guys are an incredible family and I can’t wait to see you all at events again,” he concluded.

The Art’s Amazing Family Facebook group is currently not accepting any requests from people wanting to join it — the administrators tried to include everyone who had donated after the campaign last year, but issues with email addresses meant not everyone could be found. At present Jonty is not in a position to look through all the requests that are coming in to the page, so the group is closed until he is well enough to do so.

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Jonty Evans showing ‘early signs of progress’ following brain injury

The Olympic eventer has shown some early signs of progress in regaining consciousness after sustaining a serious brain injury in

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#WearGreenForJonty: 48 fabulous photos of the equestrian world supporting Jonty Evans

Check out riders and their connections around the world as they #WearGreenForJonty to show support for injured event rider Jonty

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‘I just can’t believe it’: Jonty Evans secures Olympic horse through crowd-funding

The Irish Olympian will head to the European Championships next week, having raised £500,000 through a four-week crowd-funding campaign

Jonty was injured in a fall from Art on the cross-country course at at Tattersalls on Sunday 3 June. Art was uninjured, but Jonty incurred a serious brain injury and is stable but unconscious in hospital in Ireland, although the latest update said he is showing “early signs of progress in regaining consciousness”.

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

Jonty Evans showing ‘early signs of progress’ following brain injury

Lucy Elder — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 16:17:16 +0000

Irish eventer Jonty Evans has shown “early signs of progress” towards regaining consciousness, it has been announced.

The Olympic rider sustained a serious head injury in a cross-country fall from Cooley Rorkes Drift in the CIC3* at Tattersalls on 3 June.

Horse Sport Ireland has today (11 July) released an update on his condition.

“Jonty remains in a very serious but stable condition and has recently shown some early signs of progress in regaining consciousness,” said the statement.

“However, he remains very seriously ill having suffered a significant brain injury in his fall and any recovery will take an indefinite period of time.

“Jonty continues to receive expert medical treatment and rehabilitation from the staff at the Connolly Hospital.

“We are especially grateful to the nursing teams for all their wonderful care and treatment. We are also, very grateful for the support Jonty has received from the David Foster Injured Riders Fund.

“The family has requested that rather than send flowers or cards, donations to the David Foster Injured Riders Fund would be welcomed. www.davidfosterinjuredridersfund.ie

“Jonty’s family thank everybody for their kind thoughts, continued support and best wishes.”

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#WearGreenForJonty: 48 fabulous photos of the equestrian world supporting Jonty Evans

Check out riders and their connections around the world as they #WearGreenForJonty to show support for injured event rider Jonty

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Four-star eventer urges riders to support injured Jonty Evans: #WearGreenForJonty

Riders and supporters are encouraged to wear something green from this weekend onwards to show support for Jonty Evans, who

Jonty was initially taken to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, following the fall at the main water complex on the three-star course. Cooley Rorkes Drift was uninjured.

He was then transferred to the neuro intensive care unit at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, before being moved to a high dependency ward in the Connolly Hospital.

Riders have been showing their support for Jonty by wearing green, his trademark cross-country colours, and raising money for the David Foster Injured Riders Fund.

On the announcement of the Irish eventing squad selected for the 2018 World Equestrian Games, team manager Sally Corscadden said Jonty is “always in their thoughts”.

“The thoughts and prayers of all the team remain with Jonty Evans following his fall,” she said. “He is always in our thoughts and we will definitely be ‘wearing green for Jonty’.”

In this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, out on Thursday 12 July 2018, don’t miss our ‘Rider fitness’ special including what top riders eat, fitness for across the disciplines and more.

Plus, read our interview with Royal Ascot-winning trainer Eve Johnson Houghton and in this week’s ‘Vet clinic’ we take a look at bacterial meningitis in horses. We also have reports from eventing action at Barbury, racing from Sandown Park and much more.

Irish eventing squad named for WEG — ‘Jonty Evans is in our thoughts’

Pippa Roome — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 10:01:15 +0000

The Irish eventing squad for the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Tryon, USA, in September has been named:

Padraig McCarthy with Mr Chunky, owned by Christopher and Sarita Perkins, Huw Lloyd and Padraig’s wife Lucy Wiegersma
Aoife Clark with Fernhill Adventure, owned by Richard Last and his rider
Cathal Daniels with Rioghan Rua, owned by Margaret Kinsella
Sarah Ennis with Horseware Stellor Rebound, owned by Horseware Products Ltd, Niki Potterton and Orla Ennis
Sam Watson and Horseware Ardagh Highlight, owned by Belinda Keir

Five reserves have also been named in the following order:

First: Tim Bourke with Luckaun Quality

Second: Patricia Ryan with Dunrath Eclipse

Third: Joseph Murphy with Sportsfield Othello

Fourth: Ciaran Glynn with November Night

Fifth: Clare Abbott with Euro Prince

All combinations are required to maintain their current form and soundness to remain on the squad for the championships.

Team manager Sally Corscadden said: “It is very exciting to be travelling with a squad that has achieved competitive individual performances at four-star and championship level. Our job is to progress this into a competitive team result and a qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Our eventing squads have consistently produced top class results at a broad range of three and four-star internationals this spring, including a podium finish in the Nations Cup at Houghton Hall, and three riders finishing in the top 10 at four-star level.

“It has been the most successful start to the year for Team Ireland on the competition front, however the thoughts and prayers of all the team remain with Jonty Evans following his fall. He is always in our thoughts and we will definitely be ‘wearing green for Jonty’.”

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8 things we learnt at a scorching Barbury — tack malfunctions, #WearGreenForJonty and dressage eliminations

It was a glorious weekend of sunshine and sport at Barbury Horse Trials. Here are eight things we learnt at

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Sally added: “We would like to thank our coaches, the squad members, their owners and supporters for all their hard work behind the scenes. We would also like to thank everyone who supported us at our fundraising demo nights and race and also all our Team Ireland Equestrian sponsors. It is a huge benefit to be able to send the team with the proper training, support and preparations in place to help them to perform to the best of their ability and make Ireland proud.”

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

8 things we learnt at a scorching Barbury — tack malfunctions, #WearGreenForJonty and dressage eliminations

Pippa Roome — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 07:25:36 +0000

It was a glorious weekend of sunshine and sport at the St James’s Place Barbury Horse Trials. Here are eight things we learnt at the Wiltshire event…

1. Upsilon is still gorgeous. We fell in love with the grey stallion when he and Tom Carlile won the Event Rider Masters (ERM) at Barbury last year and it was a huge thrill to see this incredible jumper back to his best on British soil last weekend after a turbulent time since things went a bit wrong at the Europeans last year.

Thomas Carlile riding UPSILON in CIC*** ERM Section A during the cross country phase of the Barbury International Horse Trials held on the Barbury Castle Estate in the village of Rockley near Marlborough in the county of Wiltshire in the UK on 8th July 2018 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

2. Top riders are getting into #WearGreenForJonty, the initiative to show support for Irish eventer Jonty Evans, who recently suffered a serious brain injury in a fall at Tattersalls.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

China’s Alex Hua Tian swaps a red base layer for a green one as he pilots Don Geniro across country (pictured above).

Warren Lamperd riding SILVIA in CIC*** ERM Section A during the cross country phase of the Barbury International Horse Trials held on the Barbury Castle Estate in the village of Rockley near Marlborough in the county of Wiltshire in the UK on 8th July 2018 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Green arms for Australian four-star combination Warren Lamperd and Silvia.

Blyth Tait riding LEO DISTINCTION in CIC*** Section B during the cross country phase of the Barbury International Horse Trials held on the Barbury Castle Estate in the village of Rockley near Marlborough in the county of Wiltshire in the UK on 8th July 2018 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

New Zealand’s former world and Olympic champion Blyth Tait — who also designed the novice cross-country course — riding Leo Distinction.

3. One can get eliminated at any time. Izzy Taylor suffered the misfortune of her competition ending in the dressage in the ERM section when Director General took exception to the big screen and wouldn’t co-operate.

4. Broken tack doesn’t have to be the end of your competition. Toby Piggott suffered a broken martingale across country on Golden Forever, but still put in a fast cross-country round to finish 11th in the ERM.

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Toby Pigott riding GOLDEN FOREVER in CIC*** ERM Section A during the cross country phase of the Barbury International Horse Trials held on the Barbury Castle Estate in the village of Rockley near Marlborough in the county of Wiltshire in the UK on 8th July 2018 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

5. Barbury is beautiful, whatever way you look at it. With the sun beating down and bathing the surrounding hills in glorious light, it may have been a sweaty weekend, but it was also a feast for the eyes — and H&H photographer Peter Nixon even captured an unusual angle…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

6. When the temperature is around 30°C, champagne is a welcome cooler… as demonstrated by the ERM top three of Tom Carlile, Gemma Tattersall and Chris Burton.

1st Thomas Carlile riding UPSILON, 2nd Gemma Tattersall riding PAMERO 4 and 3rd Christopher Burton riding POLYSTAR I during prize giving of the CIC*** ERM Section A during Barbury International Horse Trials held on the Barbury Castle Estate in the village of Rockley near Marlborough in the county of Wiltshire in the UK on 8th July 2018 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

7. Sometimes, genes will out. We’re not sure we recommend taking off this far away from fences, but if your dam is triple four-star winner Headley Britannia and your sire is Jaguar Mail, who showjumped at the Olympics, it’s clearly possible. Lucinda Fredericks’ stallion Britannias Mail and his rider Libby Seed went on to record a clear round in the CIC2*.

Libby Seed riding BRITANNIAS MAIL in CIC ** Section C during the cross country phase of the Barbury International Horse Trials held on the Barbury Castle Estate in the village of Rockley near Marlborough in the county of Wiltshire in the UK on 7th July 2018 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

8. Sun cream is your friend. Yes, we know we sound like your mother, but we saw a few lobster red bodies over the weekend. Ouch!

Pictures by Peter Nixon

Full report from Barbury in H&H magazine this Thursday (issue dated 12 July).

Brain injury survivor to run marathon: ‘Jonty Evans’ fall made me want to help’

Pippa Roome — Sat, 07 Jul 2018 10:09:48 +0000

Sophie McCormack, who suffered a serious brain injury in an eventing fall in 2015, is running the Paris marathon next year to raise money for the centres which helped with her rehabilitation.

“A year after I got out of hospital I did the Blenheim Palace Triathlon, to raise money for the two places that helped me. I recorded an awful time as I was still recovering,” Sophie told H&H. “I always had it in the back of my mind that when I was fully recovered I’d do something where I was able to really push myself and raise money for them while in full health.”

The recent serious brain injury suffered by Irish event rider Jonty Evans, who is still unconscious more than a month after his accident, has acted as a spur for Sophie.

“Like everyone else, I was horrified by the news of Jonty’s fall and reading about it really affected me as there is a lot of crossover between what happened to me and him,” she explained. “Seeing how horrible it is for his family made me think what it was like for everyone when I was in the same situation, with nothing to report day to day.

“I feel incredibly lucky to have made the recovery I have. It’s taken a long time and a lot of different people have helped. I still feel indebted to them and I wanted to do something. I feel obligated to raise money to build on the services that helped me, so they can help other people.”

Sophie’s accident was a rotational fall while competing in the novice at Rockingham in May 2015. She was in an induced coma for a week and suffered a diffuse axonal brain injury, multiple broken bones and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression.

After her initial spell in hospital, Sophie spent seven weeks in the Central England Rehabilitation Unit in Leamington, where she went from being bed-bound, unable to speak, talk or eat, to walking out of hospital.

The other centre Sophie is raising money for is the Injured Jockeys Fund’s Oaksey House, where she regained her coordination, strength and stamina, so she could return to sport after her injury.

Sophie, 23, has just finished her final year at Exeter University, where she was studying history and politics. She has now applied for the strategy and security services masters at the same university.

“I joined the triathlon club as a way to get my fitness up to scratch and I’ve run a couple of half marathons, at the end of which I’ve thought you have to be an absolute idiot to run a marathon,” she admitted. “But then I thought I’m probably the fittest I’ve ever been, so why not? I googled ‘flat marathons’ and Paris came up. I’ve never been to Paris or done a marathon.”

Sophie will be aiming to run the marathon, on 14 April 2019, in less than four hours and she hopes to raise £2,000 in total so that the Central England Rehabilitation Unit and Oaksey House each receive £1,000.

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#WearGreenForJonty: 48 fabulous photos of the equestrian world supporting Jonty Evans

Check out riders and their connections around the world as they #WearGreenForJonty to show support for injured event rider Jonty

Olympian’s stepdaughter making ‘incredible progress’ after traumatic brain injury

The Rio individual medallist’s stepdaughter will stay away from home or the hospital for the first time since her injury

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Jonty Evans moves hospitals but remains unconscious

The rider suffered a significant brain injury in a cross-country fall on 3 June

Sophie’s horse As You Like It IV (“Pete”) was put down as a result of the injuries he suffered in the fall and while she evented again last year, she says she is not planning to do so again this year.

“Riding is a huge part of me, but I’m leaving it alone for now,” she said. “I’ve proved to myself and everyone that I am fine as everyone said I must be petrified, but I have no memory of the accident so I’m not scared. But now I’d rather wait and do it on my terms — everything that happened was not on my terms, I’ve struggled with PTSD and I never really think about my accident or eventing.

“It does made me quite sad still and whenever I sat on any horse I always likened it to Pete. Because I have no memory of losing him, I have a lot to contend with, so I’d rather wait until I really want to do it and it’ll be happy rather than sad.

“It’s been nice being able to take up a sport that’s filled the void that eventing has left — running is very competitive, you’re pushing yourself hard and training crazy hours, so I’ve found some overlap with eventing and found it really helpful.”

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

#WearGreenForJonty: 48 fabulous photos of the equestrian world supporting Jonty Evans

Pippa Roome — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 16:05:03 +0000

It’s a month today since Irish Olympic event rider Jonty Evans suffered a serious brain injury when he had a fall at Tattersalls riding Cooley Rorkes Drift (Art) — the horse he secured through crowd-funding. With Jonty still unconscious, four-star rider Alice Dunsdon had the idea of riders and connections wearing green — Jonty’s cross-country colours — to show their support for him and so, with website Eventing Worldwide leading the campaign, #WearGreenForJonty was born.

Riders, friends, parents and people connected to equestrianism in every way got into the green spirit last weekend. Here are some of your photos of #WearGreenForJonty…

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Linda Robertson’s daughter, Flossie, stencilled green stars on her pony, Ricky

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Dot Dot Dash competing with Alison Cartwright at Eland Lodge

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Stasi Grosvenor sent in these pictures of her nieces in Australia. On the left is 11-year-old Seanna New at her weekly lesson, while on the right is Shaye Peters, 16, and Grumby the Brumby. Stasi says: “Shaye has autism and only wears purple. I told her the story of Jonty and at her weekly lesson and at pony camp this month in Young Australia she joined in with #WearGreenForJonty”

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Andrea Moxey watches her daughter Maddie at Area 9 Horse Trials at West Wilts

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Brenda Gallacher’s Cinnamon. Brenda says: “From a good Scots lad to a good Irish lad. We want to see these Irish eyes smiling again”

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Eleanor Lunn and Galahad join in the spirit while schooling at home. Eleanor says she’ll definitely be wearing green next time she competes

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Emilie Lyons riding Varo Two Chips (Coco)

Pippa Dixon wearing green cross country colours for the "wear green for Jonty Evans" campaign while riding BARNADARRIG BOY in CIC* Section A during the Great Witchingham International (2) at Blackwater Farm in the village of Great Witchingham near Norwich in the county of Norfolk in the UK on 30th June 2018 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Pippa Dixon and Barnadarrig Boy competing in the CIC* at Great Witchingham. Picture by Peter Nixon

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Emma Wallace rides at Glaslough, Ireland, with a borrowed green numnah

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Estelle Turner and Archie enjoy the sun in Frodsham, Cheshire

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Frankie Zatouroff on Foxi at Holkham Beach, with her sister, Ella, sporting her Willberry Wonder Pony T-shirt in the background on Pebbles

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#WearGreenForJonty details — Nicola Watson’s nails, done by The Beauty Lodge, Julia McQuigg’s shamrock, Janice Hawes’ shirt, Cathy Tapp’s pony, made by a friend, and Alison Coldicott’s wristband

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Grania Haigh shows her support with a green T-shirt

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Hayley Ward trades pink for green riding a young ex-racehorse at home in Hitchin

Indie Vaughan-Jones wearing a green ribbon for the "wear green for Jonty Evans" campaign while riding ARROWMANDS DIAMOND in CIC* Section A during the Great Witchingham International (2) at Blackwater Farm in the village of Great Witchingham near Norwich in the county of Norfolk in the UK on 30th June 2018 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Indie Vaughan-Jones and Arrrowmands Diamond on the way to sixth in the CIC* at Great Witchingham. Picture by Peter Nixon

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The start team at Offchurch Bury: Janice Hawes, Sue Trim and Jean Jennedy

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Jessica Leroy and her Irish thoroughbred Baz at Priory Court Farm taking part in jump cross

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Zoe Harris and Fudge head out cross-country schooling

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Natalie O’Donnell, 12, sent us this picture of Team Quest team The Island Fling wearing green for Jonty in Stornoway, in the Isle of Lewis

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Julia Whittle and Kobito contest the BE80(T) at Offchurch Bury

Katie Barber wearing green cross country colours for the "wear green for Jonty Evans" campaign while riding DIAMOND MINE in CIC* Section A during the Great Witchingham International (2) at Blackwater Farm in the village of Great Witchingham near Norwich in the county of Norfolk in the UK on 30th June 2018 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Katie Barber and Diamond Mine on the way to 10th in the CIC* at Great Witchingham

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Thomas Goffe giving Sedgemoor Crispin a kiss before the start of their first one-day event together, Near Dursley in Gloucestershire. Plus here are Rosie Goffe, Thomas Goffe and Daisy Johnson Jones all aboard Stan the Man in Warwickshire

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Anna White, 12, at Glaslough Horse Trials in Ireland on Jimmy. “Her contribution to the crowdfunding for Art was Anna’s 12th birthday present, and he is her absolute hero,” says Anna’s mother Lisa

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Dom Watson, Albie and mum Lorene Watson at Pony Club Area 13 dressage qualifiers at Eashing, Surrey

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Hints of green with team colours at a riding club area qualifier for Louiz Hughes

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Lucy Turner says: “Get Ready Freddy (Fred to his friends!) looking distinctly not ready, having a snooze in the shade prior to the BE105 cross-country at Offchurch Bury Horse Trials. But he does have a little green bow to support his buddies Jonty and Art!”

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Event rider Clare Chamberlayne is “off games” at the moment, but she took my green painted fingernails to Sparsholt Dressage Festival, where she was acting as dressage commentator for the first time. She was also delighted that her youngest pupil — whose mother lent her the nail polish — not only won her first ever championship but also picked up a green sash!

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Marcia Fairless and Melanie Watson fence judging at Chepstow

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Nicki Robinson and Gartsherrie before their clear cross-country round in the BE100 at Brightling

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Phil Howell and Fence Judgeberry score collecting at West Wilts

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Ricki Wischmann and her pony Keira about to go out on a hack in the forest in the the USA. “Jonty is one of my favorite event riders — I wish for his recovery every day,” says Ricki

Samantha Hobbs wearing a green ribbon for the "wear green for Jonty Evans" campaign during the Great Witchingham International (2) at Blackwater Farm in the village of Great Witchingham near Norwich in the county of Norfolk in the UK on 30th June 2018 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Samantha Hobbs sports a green headband at Great Witchingham. Picture by Peter Nixon

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Sarah Johnstone and her youngster Hugo at Hopetoun in Scotland. Sarah says: “I love the campaign and it’s bringing to light how caring the eventing community really is!I usually wear burgundy so swapped for white with a green hat silk.” Picture by Dave Cameron Photography

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Helpers at Chepstow Horse Trials get into the spirit: Elin Stenberg, the pole team, Berry ponies at the fence judge briefing, Jennie Smith, Kevin and Harvey, plus Jack Myszkowski

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Sarah Godwin’s family ready for stewarding at the Beaufort branch of the Pony Club mini one-day event

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Jemima Gray wearing her signature lime green

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Clare Kavanagh in her green cross-country colours

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Tory Robbins and Silver Skywalker at Offchurch Bury, competing in their first BE105

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Sofia Guarnieri rides Bally Lennon Lola. “Jonty wished me luck for my first one-day event on the Facebook page for Art’s Amazing Family the day he had the accident,” says Sofia.

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Susan Williams sent in this picture, saying: “My son was on the Pony Club Talent Pathway Camp at Solihull Riding Club at the weekend and they asked everyone to wear green for Jonty.”

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Jonty’s goddaughter Bibi Zijlmans and her family, at showjumping at Moores Farm

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Natalie Ireland and her mother Jackie Ireland out on Jackie’s first ever fun ride. Jackie rides 22-year-old Cherokee Brave (number 43), who events and, says Natalie, “donated his four-leaf clover that we found to Jonty and Art last year at Kelsall Hill where they were second in the open intermediate”. Natalie is on her five-year-old Clearbeck Elgar, who was also at his first fun ride

Tamsin Miall wearing green cross country colours for the "wear green for Jonty Evans" campaign while riding GLORIA III in CIC* Section A during the Great Witchingham International (2) at Blackwater Farm in the village of Great Witchingham near Norwich in the county of Norfolk in the UK on 30th June 2018 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Tamsin Miall and Gloria III head to a cross-country clear inside the time in the CIC* at Great Witchingham. Picture by Peter Nixon

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Una Morris and her horse Guiness from Dublin, Ireland. “He is 18 years old, I’ve owned him for 14 of those. Needless to say he will stay with me for the rest of his life too, says Una. “Guin is my Art, that special horse you come across once in your life.”

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Aisling Hayes 17, riding John Steadman’s four-year-old Loughehoe Starboy in his first cross-country at Fernhill Sport Horses Kilguilkey International Horse Trials in Co Cork, Ireland. “He doesn’t much like dressage but he completed a test for the first time and was a total rock star over his fences,” says Una Hayes.

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Jackie Harvey-Knight, Stephanie Knight and five-year-0ld Elle Harvey-Knight (complete with green hair) at Chepstow

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Emma Golding and Lilly in Co Kildare, Ireland. “We’ll be Team Ireland’s representatives at the para World Championships in August,” says Emma. “I met Jonty’s mum Maggie at Cirencester last year when she and Jonty’s stepfather Arthur were there with the Griff tradestand. It was my first British Championships and she was so lovely asking how we got on after each phase. I’m thinking of the whole family.”

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Finally, Jonty’s daughter Mia sent us this picture of her and her father — his original green cross-country colours the inspiration for the #WearGreenForJonty campaign. Picture by Lucy Hall

Four-star eventer urges riders to support injured Jonty Evans: #WearGreenForJonty

Pippa Roome — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 15:34:23 +0000

Four-star rider Alice Dunsdon is urging the equestrian world to #WearGreenForJonty to show their support for the Irish eventer Jonty Evans, who is in a stable but unconscious state after incurring a significant brain injury in a cross-country fall at Tattersalls on Sunday 3 June.

“I got back from Luhmühlen [14-17 June] and heard the update that Jonty was still in same condition,” Alice told H&H. “Everyone felt so powerless and I was wondering what we could do to try to show his family that the whole eventing family are behind him, still thinking of him and still fighting for him.”

Alice was out hacking when she thought of Hannah Francis, the teenage eventer who died of bone cancer in 2016, but whose spirit lives on through the charity Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony and the soft toy ponies which eventers carry on their backs when riding across country.

Alice continued: “I wondered if we could wear something and suddenly thought of Jonty’s cross-colours — the famous bright green — and thought maybe we could start wearing green cross-country colours or something green. The fence judges would have nightmares distinguishing riders if we all wore all green, but then I thought we could wear just a little green something, such as green ear covers, gloves or numnahs.

“And I thought if people put photos on social media, that would show the family our support and that we’re all thinking of him.”

Alice contacted the team at website Eventing Worldwide, which is now leading the #WearGreenForJonty campaign. Riders and supporters are urged to wear something green from this Saturday (30 June) and throughout July.

“It would be wonderful if the whole equestrian world — from dressage to eventing, showjumping, endurance, racing and showing, as well as supporters — got behind Jonty and wore green,” said Alice. “I just wanted to show Jonty and his family how much we all care and this is us fighting for him.”

Alice is riding Sambo III on the British team at the Nations Cup in Strzegom, Poland, this weekend and hopes to wear something green with the blessing of team management. She said her fellow squad members Coral Keen, Wills Oakden and James Sommerville are also keen to be involved.

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Jonty Evans moves hospitals but remains unconscious

The rider suffered a significant brain injury in a cross-country fall on 3 June

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Jonty Evans suffered ‘a significant brain injury’ in Tattersalls fall

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Eventing Worldwide has launched official #WearGreenForJonty wristbands and T-shirts, with all profit going to Jonty’s family’s chosen charity, the David Foster Injured Riders Fund, which was set up in the name of the Irish Olympian who was killed eventing in 1998.

“It’s very important all the profit goes to the charity chosen by Jonty’s family,” said Alice.

Jonty Evans moves hospitals but remains unconscious

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 17:03:37 +0000

Jonty Evans remains stable in hospital, with no change to his condition, according to Eventing Ireland (EI).

EI released a statement today (20 June) confirming that the popular event rider has not regained consciousness since his fall at Tattersalls on 3 June.

Jonty and Cooley Rorkes Drift (Art) were competing in the CIC3* when the rider fell at the main water feature on the cross-country course.

He was taken to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, and then transferred to the neuro intensive care unit at Beaumont Hospital.

“Jonty remains in a stable but serious condition in hospital,” read the statement.

“Jonty has now been moved from intensive care at the Beaumont Hospital to a high dependency ward in the Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, west Dublin.

“Unfortunately, there is no change to report in his condition from the most recent update. Jonty remains unconscious, with a very serious head injury.”

In the previous update, which was issued last Monday (11 June), Horse Sport Ireland said tests had shown Jonty had suffered a serious brain injury and that it “may take him many months to recover”.

It also emphasised that all cases are treated individually, and that people’s recovery rates vary from case to case. It also asked well-wishers not to call the hospital for updates.

Continues below…

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Jonty Evans suffered ‘a significant brain injury’ in Tattersalls fall

The latest update has confirmed that the popular Irish rider has not recovered consciousness since his fall eight days ago

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Jonty Evans in intensive care after cross-country fall from Cooley Rorkes Drift at Tattersalls

The popular Irish rider suffered a fall from Cooley Rorkes Drift in the CIC3* and, after initial evaluation, has been

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Jonty Evans still ‘stable’ in hospital as fans asked not to call for updates

Jonty's family and the Irish horse sport governing bodies have thanked everyone for their support, but asked supporters not to

Today’s statement added: “The family deeply appreciate all the care for Jonty from the Beaumont Hospital staff and the support and messages from all his family and friends.

“Further updates will be issued if there is a change in Jonty’s condition.”

Cooley Rorkes Drift was not injured in the fall and is back home at Jonty’s Gloucestershire yard.

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

In this week’s edition (14 June), don’t miss our Hickstead Derby preview, Poldark’s equine secrets and more.

Jonty Evans suffered ‘a significant brain injury’ in Tattersalls fall

Pippa Roome — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 16:35:49 +0000

Jonty Evans is still unconscious after his fall on the cross-country course at Tattersalls on Sunday, 3 June and has a significant brain injury.

The latest update from Horse Sport Ireland says: “The family appreciate that people do wish to understand the nature of Jonty’s head injury and we can confirm that Jonty has not yet recovered consciousness after his fall. Although [he is] no longer under heavy sedation, further tests in the past few days have shown that it is a significant brain injury and it may take Jonty many months to recover. The Beaumont Hospital medical team continue to emphasise that every case has to be treated individually and people’s recovery rates vary case by case.”

The statement also confirms that Jonty is still in a stable condition in intensive care at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, under the care of the hospital’s neurological team.

“Jonty’s family would like to express their thanks to the wonderful staff at the hospital and for all the best wishes and kind messages of support that have poured in over the past days,” says the statement. “Once again, please do not contact the hospital for information, if there are any changes in Jonty’s condition, further updates will be issued in due course through Horse Sport Ireland.”

Jonty and Cooley Rorkes Drift (Art) — the horse he secured the ride on last year by crowdfunding to raise £500,000 — were competing in the CIC3* at Tattersalls last Sunday when the rider suffered a fall at fence 19b, the second element of the Horse Sport Ireland Water Complex, the main water feature on the cross-country.

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Jonty Evans in intensive care after cross-country fall from Cooley Rorkes Drift at Tattersalls

The popular Irish rider suffered a fall from Cooley Rorkes Drift in the CIC3* and, after initial evaluation, has been

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Jonty Evans still ‘stable’ in hospital as fans asked not to call for updates

Jonty's family and the Irish horse sport governing bodies have thanked everyone for their support, but asked supporters not to

Jonty was initially taken to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, and was then transferred to the neuro intensive care unit at Beaumont Hospital.

Cooley Rorkes Drift was not injured in the fall and is safely back at Jonty’s Gloucestershire yard.

Jonty Evans still ‘stable’ in hospital as fans asked not to call for updates

Pippa Roome — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 09:35:53 +0000

The public have been asked not to ring Beaumont Hospital seeking updates on Irish event rider Jonty Evans, who suffered a serious fall at Tattersalls last Sunday (3 June). The hospital has been “inundated” with calls and this is “interfering with the day-to-day running of the hospital”.

Meanwhile Jonty is “in a stable condition and is receiving the best possible care and treatment,” said a statement from Eventing Ireland. “We will advise of any changes in due course.”

“The organisers of Tattersalls International Horse Trials, Horse Sport Ireland [HSI] and Eventing Ireland [EI] would like to thank everyone for their support following Jonty’s fall on Sunday,” read the statement, adding that Tattersalls, HSI and EI are liaising closely with Jonty’s family, “who have requested privacy at this time” .

“We would like to thank everyone who has sent messages of support from all over the world, which is of great comfort to his family and friends.”

The first part of the fence was a large drop into water, which was followed by an offset skinny brush in the water off a right-hand bend. H&H’s Tattersalls reporter Sue Polley, who saw the fall on CCTV, said the pair appeared to be lined up for the brush, but Art caught the flag with his off fore and Jonty was pitched off his left-hand side.

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Jonty Evans in intensive care after cross-country fall from Cooley Rorkes Drift at Tattersalls

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Jonty was initially taken to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, and was transferred to the neuro intensive care unit at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin.

Cooley Rorkes Drift was not injured in the fall and is safely back at Jonty’s Gloucestershire yard.

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

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Jonty Evans in intensive care after cross-country fall from Cooley Rorkes Drift at Tattersalls

Pippa Roome — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 08:13:10 +0000

Popular Irish event rider Jonty Evans is in hospital in Dublin after a fall at Tattersalls yesterday (Sunday, 3 June).

Jonty and Cooley Rorkes Drift (“Art”) — the horse he secured the ride on last year by crowd-funding to raise £500,000 — were lying second after dressage and showjumping in the CIC3* at the Irish event.

But the rider fell at fence 19b, the second element of the Horse Sport Ireland Water Complex, the main water feature on the cross-country. The first part of the fence was a large drop into water, which was followed by an offset skinny brush in the water off a right-hand bend. H&H’s Tattersalls reporter Sue Polley, who saw the fall on CCTV, said that the pair appeared to be lined up for the brush, but Art caught the flag with his off fore and Jonty was pitched off his left-hand side.

A statement from the event at 9.07pm last night said: “Irish eventing rider Jonty Evans, who fell at fence 19b, the second element of the water complex in the CIC3* competition at Tattersalls International Horse Trials, was transferred to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, for further evaluation.

“Cooley Rorkes Drift was uninjured in the fall.

“Following initial evaluation in Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Jonty Evans is being transferred to Beaumont Hospital for further treatment.”

The Team Ireland Equestrian Facebook page gave similar information yesterday evening, adding that Jonty “remains in a stable condition”.

A further update from Tattersalls this morning said: “Following further evaluation at Beaumont Hospital, Jonty Evans is in the neuro intensive care unit and his condition is being monitored and treated.”

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Jonty and Art first came to public attention when they finished ninth at the Rio Olympics in 2016. They followed this up with an eye-catching dressage test at Badminton the following spring, although a run-out across country put paid to a top placing.

In July that year, H&H broke the news that the partnership was under threat — interest from buyers, particularly in America, had led to the horse’s owner, Fiona Elliott, considering selling him.

Jonty had secured some funding towards the horse’s purchase and decided to start a crowd-funding campaign to attempt to make up the shortfall. He set up a website, jontyandart.com, through which people could donate.

Four weeks after H&H’s first online story, the £500,000 target was raised, helped by two lump sums of £100,000 and £150,000 being donated.

The pair have had a slightly chequered time in competition since the horse’s purchase, but fans hoped a win in The Grantham Cup CIC3* at Belton this spring marked a change of fortune. The pair were at Tattersalls for a preparation run ahead of Luhmühlen CCI4* next week, a re-route put in place after the pair were eliminated across country at Badminton.

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

Luhmühlen entries: who are the key players heading to Germany?

Pippa Roome — Thu, 17 May 2018 16:18:06 +0000

A strong field of horses and riders make up the Luhmühlen entries for Germany’s sole four-star competition (14-17 June).

For Britain, Nicola Wilson will lead the charge on Bulana, with whom she finished second last year before claiming team gold and individual bronze at the European Championships.

Tina Cook has three horses entered — her European team gold medallist Billy The Red, plus Calvino II and Star Witness. She is likely only to start on two of them and will decide which nearer the time.

Mr Bass will make his four-star debut under Laura Collett, having been withdrawn from Badminton as she felt he was insufficiently prepared due to the bad weather this spring.

Piggy French has entered her recent Chatsworth Event Rider Master (ERM) winner, Quarrycrest Echo.

Ros Canter, third at Badminton, will line up on Zenshera, while Pippa Funnell brings forward four-star first-timer MGH Grafton Street, her Rio Olympic horse Billy The Biz and Billy Beware, who she pulled up at Badminton, having had an early run-out. Billy The Biz’s team Olympic team-mate Ceylor LAN is entered with Kitty King, having missed most of last season.

Danielle Dunn (Zocarla BLH) and Harry Dzenis (Xam) will look to put falls at Badminton behind them, while Izzy Taylor will want to make amends for an early run-out at the Gloucestershire four-star on Perfect Stranger.

The other British riders heading to the four-star are: Rose Carnegie (Landine), Tom Crisp (Liberty And Glory), Alice Dunsdon (Cool Investment), Matt Heath (One Of A Kind), Serena McGregor (Parc Diamond Lux), Willa Newton (Chance Remark), Katie Preston (Templar Justice), Franky Reid-Warrilow (Dolley Whisper), Rachel Robinson (MJI Limmerick Bell), Julie Tew (Simply Sox) and Ben Way (Galley Light).

A big Irish contingent heads to Germany, including Chatsworth ERM runner-up Sarah Ennis on Horseware Stellor Rebound, Chatsworth CIC3* winner Cathal Daniels (Rioghan Rua), Aoife Clark (Master Rory) and Sam Watson with Horseware Ardagh Highlight.

Jonty Evans is also entered on Cooley Rorkes Drift, “The People’s Horse ” who he secured through crowd funding last year. They too will want to put Badminton behind them — they jumped into the middle of an oxer on the cross-country following a good dressage score.

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Other notable entries include France’s Tom Carlile with the smart stallion Upsilon, Badminton winner Jonelle Price — this time on Faerie Dianimo — and her husband Tim on Xavier Faer, third at Badminton last year. Will Coleman starts for the USA on OBOS O’Reilly, another who put in a strong dressage at Badminton but was pulled up across country.

Most of the top German riders will start in the CIC3* rather than the CCI4*, although the four-star list does include former winner Andreas Dibowski, this time on FRH Llanero, and the experienced Marina Köhncke on four-star first-timer Let’s Dance. Michael Jung is not entered in either class.

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Badminton dressage scores: why have they changed and what do riders think?

Lucy Elder — Fri, 04 May 2018 21:59:09 +0000

Riders have welcomed the changes to the dressage scoring system at the first Mitsubishi Badminton Horse Trials since the new rules came into force.

The co-efficient — where dressage marks at international events were multiplied by 1.5 to give a wider spread of scores — was abolished from 1 January this year under FEI rules.

This means combinations’ dressage penalties are now much closer together, giving more influence to the jumping phases.

After the first phase, less than eight penalties separate the top 25 riders.

Jonty Evans, who is lying in fourth after dressage with Cooley Rorkes Drift, said he wondered whether halving the co-efficient would have worked.

Badminton final scores

“Now horses doing a particularly good test are no longer far away,” he added.

“I think it is going to make for very exciting jumping phases.”

Former winner Sam Griffiths, who took the Badminton title in 2014, added the new scoring system is going to make a “really exciting competition”.

“It’s an irony that they’ve changed it just as I have got a whole lot better at the dressage, but having said that I’m on a proper jumper,” he said.

“Tomorrow will be a real challenge, but if I’m on my toes and give Paulank Brockagh the best ride, I know she will do it.”

William Fox-Pitt said it will make the time more influential and both time-faults and showjumping poles more expensive.

“I think there’s much less room for error with this new scoring, it takes the weight away from the dressage,” he added.

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Jonelle Price said it will be an advantage to some horses and a disadvantage to others.

“I’m hoping Classic Moet will be one it advantages as she is a quick horse across country,” she said.

At the end of day press conference, dressage leader Oliver Townend, said the first real test of the new system was at Kentucky last week.

“I think it is a good thing, as long as the dressage judges are brave and use the full range of marks,” he said.

“I just don’t want to see a mediocre dressage score winning a four-star.”

Watch riders’ thoughts on their tests below

Read an interview with Badminton first-timer Will Furlong in the current issue of H&H (dated 3 May), plus Badminton predictions from equestrian data experts EquiRatings.

Our bumper 24-page Badminton report will be in our 10 May issue, including opinion from Oliver Townend, Mark Phillips and Peter Storr.

Britain holds Badminton lead with Ireland close behind after personal best from Jonty Evans

Lucy Elder — Fri, 04 May 2018 12:37:00 +0000

Ireland’s Jonty Evans and his crowdfunded stable star Cooley Rorkes Drift posted the highest score of Badminton’s Friday morning dressage session to slot into second place.

The pair are 0.2 penalties behind overnight leaders Ros Canter and Allstar B, performing a personal four-star best of 24.1 at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.

Australia’s Paul Tapner and Bonza King Of Rouges performed a smooth test to take provisional third, pushing Michael Jung and La Biosthetique-Sam FBW into fourth.

“I’m really pleased with him,” said Jonty.

“There’s a certain amount of expectation coming back here because of the brilliant test he did last year, but he has done it again for me.

Badminton final scores

“The one thing that I can totally rely on is that Art will go in and enjoy being in there.”

Jonty Evans (IRL) riding Cooley Rorkes Drift during the dressage phase of The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in South Gloucestershire, UK on 4th May 2018 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Jonty’s mark is also the best ever Irish dressage score at a CCI4*, according to equestrian data company EquiRatings.

Paul, who won here aboard Inonothing in 2010, told H&H he was “really pleased” with Bonza King Of Rouges.

“There was one mistake that probably cost me the lead, but I can’t be unhappy with that,” said Paul.

“The one error we made [in the rein-back] was the only fragile part of that test for him, so those few movements strung together was always slightly going to be damage limitation — other than that it was super.”

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Find out which British combination knocked Michael Jung off the top spot on the first day of dressage at Badminton

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First big win for Jonty and the ‘people’s horse’

Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift took their first international win in the feature class at Belton Horse Trials, the

Ros told H&H yesterday she was “shocked” to have gone into the lead.

“It was hard work in there and I had no idea about the marks until I had finished,” she added.

Just two penalties separate the top-10, with plenty of strong contenders still to go this afternoon.

Yesterday’s lunchtime leader Oliver Townend — who is lying in 10th with Cooley SRS on a score of 25.9 — brings forward his second ride, 2017 Burghley winner Ballaghmor Class at 4.36pm.

Sam Griffiths and his 2014 winner Paulank Brockagh will enter the arena at 3.12pm, with Piggy French, Harry Meade, Gemma Tattersall, Caroline Powell and Mark Todd among the others drawn to start this afternoon.

Read an interview with Badminton first-timer Will Furlong in the current issue of H&H (dated 3 May), plus Badminton predictions from equestrian data experts EquiRatings.

Our bumper 24-page Badminton report will be in our 10 May issue, including opinion from Oliver Townend, Mark Phillips and Peter Storr.

First big win for Jonty and the ‘people’s horse’

Lucy Elder — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 10:22:26 +0000

Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift have won their first major title.

The pair won the Lycetts Grantham Cup CIC3* at Belton International Horse Trials in Lincolnshire yesterday (15 April).

Their victory comes eight months after £500,000 was raised to buy the horse in a successful crowdfunding campaign.

An emotional Jonty invited co-owner Jane Moss on stage with him to receive the trophy before extending the invitation to anyone in the crowd who had helped secure the “people’s horse”.

Jonty and “Art” scored a competitive 28.8 in the dressage to put them in contention in the 103-strong section.

They followed this with a clear showjumping and a fluid cross-country round over Stuart Buntine’s influential track, finishing in one of the fastest times of the day to add just 3.6 time faults to their score.

Piggy French and her 2017 Burghley runner-up Vanir Kamira finished 1.3 penalties behind to take second, with Gemma Tattersall and Pamero 4 in third.

“He was on it,” said Jonty, adding it was “fantastic to have everybody’s support”.

“We have had a really good weekend, all the horses have been great, we had two others in the CIC3* this morning who have never done a three-star and they both jumped round really well and it just seemed to set the tone.”

Jonty also praised the organisers, course-builders and designer for the weekend of competition.

“I would be happy to criticise when criticism was necessary, but what Stuart has achieved this weekend is probably slightly short of a miracle — a lot of us on Wednesday and Thursday didn’t think we would be coming.

“The ground has been exceptional and the courses were brilliant.

“I think it will have sharpened up the older horses and the riders, probably given the younger horses a lot of confidence, so I hope everyone has had a great weekend.”

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‘I just can’t believe it’: Jonty Evans secures Olympic horse through crowd-funding

The Irish Olympian will head to the European Championships next week, having raised £500,000 through a four-week crowd-funding campaign

Jonty, who finished ninth individually aboard Art in the 2016 Rio Olympics, started a crowdfunding campaign to buy the horse after his former owner, Fiona Elliott, expressed an interest in selling him.

After securing some private funding, he started a campaign to make up the shortfall, which raised £500,000 in four weeks.

Don’t miss the full report from Belton in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound — out Thursday, 19 April

Horse & Hound’s star-studded awards ceremony: who can you spot?

Pippa Roome — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 17:05:11 +0000

The second Horse & Hound Awards took place on Thursday, 2 November. The great and the good of the horse world gathered at Ascot Racecourse to celebrate the year in equestrianism — and show off their posh frocks

Pictures by Peter Nixon and Jon Stroud Media

Jonty and Art set to compete at Blenheim

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 10:14:27 +0000

Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift are to make their first competitive appearance in England since their future as a combination was secured.

The Irish rider and “Art” will compete in the CCI3* at the SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials (13-17 September).

“I’m delighted to be riding Cooley Rorkes Drift at Blenheim this year,” said Jonty. “It’s a stunning venue and will be a fantastic competition. We are particularly excited as it will give ‘Art’ a chance to meet so many of the people who kindly contributed to his purchase.”

Jonty managed to raise £500,000 to buy his Rio Olympic ride in an amazingly successful crowd-funding campaign, launched after interest from potential buyers had led to Art’s owner Fiona Elliott considering a sale.

The campaign reached its fundraising target on 9 August but the pair did not compete at last weekend’s European Eventing Championships owing to complications related to the transfer of payment and ownership of Art, and also the impact the fund-raising had had on their preparations.

International competition

As well as the CCI3*, the weekend features the final of the Event Rider Masters series and a CIC3* for eight- and nine-year-olds.

Among the other big names entered are Zara Tindall, who has a horse in each of the three international classes, Pippa Funnell and William Fox-Pitt, who has won here five times. Pippa has four horses entered in the three classes, while William is due to bring two.

Mark Todd, Blyth Tait, Andrew Hoy, Tina Cook, Ros Canter, Oliver Townend and Gemma Tattersall are all also due to compete.

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘I just can’t believe it’: Jonty Evans secures Olympic horse through crowd-funding

The Irish Olympian will head to the European

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Jonty Evans to miss European Championships with his crowd-funded eventing star

The Irish rider will not travel to Poland,

Event director Mandy Hervieu said: “We have absolutely outstanding entries this year, proving what a world-class event SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials is. The stage is set for three very exciting competitions – and, with two days of cross-country (Saturday and Sunday, 16 and 17 September), it should be a real feast of top-class sport for spectators.”

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

Jonty Evans to miss European Championships with his crowd-funded eventing star

Pippa Roome — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 19:31:39 +0000

Jonty Evans will not ride at next week’s European Eventing Championships, despite securing the ride on his top horse Cooley Rorkes Drift (“Art”) by raising £500,000 through crowd-funding.

Jonty had set the deadline of last Thursday (10 August) to complete his campaign because of needing to travel to Strzegom, Poland for the event and the counter on the jontyandart.com website ticked over the £500,000 target just after 10am on Wednesday.

But this evening (Saturday 12 August) Jonty announced that he will not be competing at the event due to complications related to the transfer of payment and ownership of Art, and also the impact that the fund-raising has had on their preparations.

In a statement released by Horse Sport Ireland, Jonty said: “Unfortunately, however much Art and I want to go and challenge in Poland, time will not allow. The physical issue of paying for him is complex and will not be completed in time.

“I have spoken at length with Sally Corscadden, our high performance director, and she agrees that our preparation has been hampered due to the extreme efforts we had to go to in securing Art. I feel concerned that I might be seen to be letting my team mates down, but I have to look at the bigger picture, Art’s welfare and the impact on those around me. We have staged an exhausting campaign and are somewhat shocked that we have succeeded.

“In everyone’s interest, I feel that the best course of action is to take a little time to get used to things, to communicate with people and to plan what we do.”

Jonty started his crowd-funding campaign because his eye-catching performances with Art — including ninth at the Rio Olympics — had led to owner Fiona Elliott receiving huge offers for the horse from the USA. He secured some funding to buy the horse at a preferential rate, but was left with a huge shortfall, so set up a crowd-funding website to attempt to raise the balance.

The equestrian world took the cause to its heart and Jonty also captured the attention of the mainstream media. Helped by two lump sum donations of £150,000 and £100,000, Jonty defied expectations and managed to raise the target of £500,000 courtesy of donations from more than 6,700 individuals.

Horse Sport Ireland eventing high performance director Sally Corscadden said: “On behalf of Horse Sport Ireland we would like to thank all the amazing people who have given so generously to keep Jonty and Art together. They are a fantastic combination who have already made Ireland proud with their performance in Rio.

“It is inspiring to know that Jonty and Art are now secured for future teams and can aim for Tokyo. With this in mind we have agreed that the best course of action is for them not to travel to Poland, but to complete the deal to secure Art and put in place a suitable plan to qualify for the World Equestrian Games in 2018.”

Ireland only nominated six combinations for the European Eventing Championships (17-20 August) so the Irish cannot substitute a reserve and will only field five pairs in Poland next week.

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The remaining members of the Irish squad are Sarah Ennis (Horseware Stellor Rebound), Joseph Murphy (Sportsfield Othello), Michael Ryan (Dunlough Striker), Patricia Ryan (Dunrath Eclipse) and Austin O’Connor (Kilpatrick Knight).

Full preview of the eventing, dressage, showjumping and para European Championships in H&H magazine next week (issue dated 17 August).

‘I just can’t believe it’: Jonty Evans secures Olympic horse through crowd-funding

Pippa Roome — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 10:02:30 +0000

Jonty Evans has secured the ride on his Rio Olympic horse, Cooley Rorkes Drift (“Art”), after raising £500,000 through an extraordinarily successful crowd-funding campaign.

“I’m lost for words and so, so grateful to everyone who donated,” Jonty told H&H tearfully this morning (9 August). “I just can’t believe it. Radio Gloucestershire rang for a radio interview this morning and I couldn’t keep from blubbing on radio.”

H&H broke the news four weeks ago today that interest from buyers, particularly in America, had led to Cooley Rorkes Drift’s owner Fiona Elliott considering selling the 11-year-old, with whom Jonty finished ninth and best of the Irish at the Rio Olympics last year.

Jonty had secured some funding towards the horse’s purchase and decided to start a crowd-funding campaign to attempt to make up the shortfall, with the aim of raising £500,000. He set up a website, jontyandart.com, through which people could donate.

Just after 10am this morning the counter on the website ticked over the £500,000 target. It was a case of just in time as Jonty had set the end of tomorrow (10 August) as the deadline for the fundraising as he needs to depart for next week’s European Eventing Championships in Strzegom, Poland as part of the Irish squad and he could not go with the horse’s ownership unresolved.

Two large lump sums were donated as part of the campaign, one of £150,000 and another of £100,000, which came in on Monday this week.

“Without the two big donors, we wouldn’t have done it,” Jonty acknowledged. “Without the second donation I don’t think the momentum would picked up again. The response from the crowd-fund was unreal.”

The campaign has moved in spurts — £63,000 was raised in the first 24 hours and £100,000 in the first week, but momentum then slowed. However, the total kept growing and the final £60,000 was raised in less than 24 hours. At midnight last night the total was still over £10,000, but by 7.30am this morning that had dropped to just over £4,000.

Jonty admitted today he didn’t think the campaign would really work at the outset.

“There’s no point hiding it that it was a last-ditch attempt — I had approached people to buy chunks of him or all of him,” he said. “This was my last and final choice and I didn’t really think it could be done. The momentum in the first 24 or 48 hours was unreal, and I thought ‘Christ, can this happen?’ Then of course it slowed a bit, then there were the two larger donations and we crossed the line. It’s unreal.”

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An online auction — with lots including a lesson with Badminton winner Andrew Nicholson, two days’ dressage training with Ruth Edge and a vetting and X-rays with Team Ireland vet Marcus Swail — also contributed £37,390 to the total.

The idea of “The People’s Horse” caught the imagination of both the equestrian public and the mainstream media, with Jonty receiving coverage on the BBC and as far afield as the USA.

Full European Championships preview in next week’s H&H magazine (dated 17 August).

£100k boost but £63k still to go for Jonty Evans’ Olympic horse crowd-funder

Lucy Elder — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 17:46:10 +0000

Jonty Evans has had a further £100,000 boost in his crowd-funding campaign to keep his Rio Olympic ride — but still has £63,000 to raise by the end of this Thursday (10 August).

The Irish Olympian started the campaign to keep Cooley Rourkes Drift (“Art”) last month after revealing the horse’s owner, Fiona Elliott, was considering selling him.

Jonty and Art finished ninth and best of the Irish eventers at Rio 2016 and 20th at this year’s Badminton.

They have been selected for the Irish eventing team for the 2017 FEI European Eventing Championships (17-20 August) in Strezgom, Poland, but they will not be able to compete unless the horse is bought to remain in Jonty’s stable by around 11 August.

“I can’t believe how much people have got behind us — they are amazing,” Jonty told H&H today (7 August).

“I have had it suggested to me by one or two riders that it is going to be a lot of pressure to ride for so many people — but I don’t see it like that, it feels like it is an honour.”

He added it would be amazing to take Art to Badminton next spring and to think that a large proportion of the crowd cheering for the horse would be his owners.

An online auction is under way to raise extra funds, with lots ranging from training days, a vetting and clothing, to exotic holidays.

A hunting trip to Ireland and a stay at a holiday house in Hawaii are set to be added to the auction today.

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Jonty added the people who have kindly made the £100,000 donation had seen his story and “totally understand” the situation and the connection between him and the horse.

Jonty and Art went “live” on Facebook this morning to make the announcement. While Art was most interested in the grass under his rider’s feet, Jonty thanked everyone who has donated.

Posted by Jonty Evans on Monday, August 7, 2017

“With your help we have managed to raise £333,400 — your response has been amazing in trying to keep Art with us and keep the dream alive as it were,” said Jonty.

“We have had some really exciting news this morning — we have had confirmation that a private individual is going to add £100,000 to the fund, so we have a new total now which is £433,400.”

By 6.30pm on Monday (7 August), that total had risen to £436,966.

He added: “I cannot thank you all enough — thank you very, very much and please keep helping us.”

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

Irish squad named for European Eventing Championships

Pippa Roome — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 13:15:58 +0000

The Irish team has been named for the European Eventing Championships in Strzegom, Poland (17-20 August).

Sarah Ennis and Horseware Stellor Rebound, owned by Horseware Products LTD, Niki Potterton and Orla Ennis
Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift, owned by Fiona Elliott
Joseph Murphy and Sportsfield Othello, owned by the rider’s wife Jill, Alison Schmutz and Andrew Tinkler
Michael Ryan and Dunlough Striker, owned by Carol and Tom Henry
Patricia Ryan and Dunrath Eclipse, owned by Carol and Tom Henry
Austin O’Connor and Kilpatrick Knight, owned by Eugene McKenna and Wendie Foster

Ireland has only nominated these six combinations for the championship, so if one of them drops out for whatever reason, they will not be replaced.

Jonty Evans’ participation is in doubt because his horse, Cooley Rorkes Drift (“Art”), is for sale and unless he can be bought to remain in Jonty’s stable by around 11 August, he will not be able to go to Poland.

H&H broke the news on 12 July that interest from buyers, particularly in America, had led to Art’s current owner Fiona Elliott considering selling the 11-year-old.

Jonty has secured some funding towards the horse’s purchase so he can keep the ride and decided to start a crowd-funding campaign to attempt to make up the shortfall. He is aiming to raise £500,000.

So far, he has raised £283,501.60, with a substantial £150,000 added to the total on Sunday.

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If they are able to compete, Jonty and Art would be Ireland’s best hope of a medal at the European Eventing Championships — they finished ninth in the Olympics in Rio last year and have shown improvement in the dressage phase since then.

Riders from 19 nations have been nominated to ride in Strzegom. A maximum of 81 riders will take part, with up to 15 countries fielding a team (three or four riders, with best three scores to count).

Don’t miss H&H’s full preview of the eventing, showjumping, dressage and para dressage European Championships in the magazine dated 17 August.

Jonty Evans’ crowd-funding campaign boosted by £150k with two weeks to go

Pippa Roome — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 11:32:52 +0000

Jonty Evans’ crowd-funding campaign to secure the ride on his Rio horse has received a boost with a £150,000 donation from a private donor, but the Irish rider still needs to raise over £200,000 in the next two weeks if he is to ride at the European Eventing Championships.

H&H broke the news on 12 July that interest from buyers, particularly in America, had led to Cooley Rorkes Drift’s current owner Fiona Elliott considering selling the 11-year-old.

So far, he has raised £283,501.60 towards the purchase of “Art”, with a substantial £150,000 added to the total on Sunday.

“It’s a private donation and the person would then own the horse along with the crowd-fund — if the crowd-fund umbrella was called The Friends of Art or similar, the horse would be owned by this person and the Friends of Art,” Jonty told H&H.

Jonty has plans for fundraising at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe this weekend and an online auction has been launched to garner extra funds. There are 15 lots including a lesson with Badminton winner Andrew Nicholson — who Jonty previously worked for — a straw of semen from Art’s sire Courage II and a two-night stay in the Rorke’s Drift Hotel in South Africa. So far £6,030 has been raised via the auction.

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Jonty needs to raise the total by around 11 August or he will not be able to ride at the European Championships in Strzegom, Poland (17-20 August). The pair finished ninth at the Rio Olympics last year and would have serious individual medal hopes for the Europeans if they can compete.

“My preparation for Rio last year was as smooth as baby’s bottom. There was no glitch and everything worked really well,” said Jonty. “My preparation for Poland is hardly that, but of course if I get the money I’ll give my best shot. The horse feels amazing and is working really well.”

Jonty Evans’ crowd-funding campaign tops £100k: ‘People are taking it to their hearts’

Pippa Roome — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 13:25:01 +0000

Jonty Evans has now raised over £100,000 through his crowd-funding campaign aimed at securing him the ride on Cooley Rorkes Drift (“Art”), the horse he rode on the Irish team at the Rio Olympics.

H&H broke the news last Wednesday evening that interest from buyers, particularly in America, had led to Cooley Rorkes Drift’s current owner Fiona Elliott considering selling the 11-year-old.

The total donated through the website jontyandart.com went over £100,000 this morning.

“I’m at Dauntsey today and people are so kind and so supportive,” Jonty told H&H today. “The word is definitely spreading. I’ve got an interview in the US tomorrow with Glenn Herbert [of the Horse Radio Network] thanks to John Kyle [Irish commentator who is working at a horse trials in Montana this week] and people really seem to be taking it to their hearts.

“My aim would be to make him the people’s horse and then win something big — and then we will have a massive party to celebrate!”

Jonty and Art have also been on BBC local news this week.

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Travel company Zara’s Planet Ireland are supporting the cause, having been persuaded by their sponsored rider Elizabeth Hayden, a young rider and junior medallist for Ireland in eventing. The company has pledged to give Jonty €50 for every booking deposit that comes in through their Irish business in Dublin for the remainder of July and August, excluding short weekend breaks.

Jonty and Art have already been selected for Ireland’s European Championship squad, but Art will not be able to go if the ownership situation is not sorted out before the event, which runs 17-20 August.

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

Jonty Evans ‘overwhelmed’ as fans donate £63k in first 24 hours

Pippa Roome — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 17:04:13 +0000

Irish event rider Jonty Evans has described himself as “overwhelmed” after £63,259.99 was donated in the first 24 hours of his crowd-funding campaign, which aims to secure the purchase of his Rio Olympic ride Cooley Rorkes Drift (“Art”).

H&H broke the news on Wednesday evening that interest from buyers, particularly in America, had led to Cooley Rorkes Drift’s current owner Fiona Elliott considering selling the 11-year-old.

Jonty, who finished ninth at Rio last year with Art, has secured some funding towards the horse’s purchase so he can keep the ride and decided to start a crowd-funding campaign to attempt to make up the shortfall. He is aiming to raise £550,000.

The website www.jontyandart.com went live at 6pm yesterday (Thursday, 13 July) and £63,259.99 has been donated since.

“I am overwhelmed by the reaction to our campaign,” Jonty told H&H. “The equestrian community is incredible — the kindness shown means so much to Art and I. We had one little girl of 10 years old from Ireland sending her pocket money because she loves Art.

“If we can now keep the word out there and maybe get some celebrities and companies interested in getting involved, then maybe we can get this over the line. I am so, so grateful to everyone — I wish I could reply to you all. Thank you.”

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Jonty has produced Art since he was five, first meeting Fiona when her lorry broke down and he stopped to help.

“I’ve always produced him with the idea that he’d be a big-time horse and always tried to be careful with him, so it’s gut-wrenching that he’s coming into his prime and I feel like maybe I can win a medal or be at the top end of a four-star — and all of a sudden that might get taken away,” he said.

“I hope and pray that people around the world will appreciate that Art and I are partners — we have come through life so far together and I hope that we can finish our journey together. At 11 years old he is entering his prime. This year’s European Championships in Poland, Badminton, next year’s World Equestrian Games in Tryon and of course the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 are all potential medal events for Art and I — but only if we can stay together.”

Jonty Evans crowd-funds to buy his Rio horse: ‘It’d be gut-wrenching to lose him’

Pippa Roome — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 18:03:49 +0000

Jonty Evans is launching a crowd-funding campaign with the aim of raising several hundred thousand pounds to secure the ride on Cooley Rorkes Drift, with whom he finished ninth and best of the Irish eventers at the Rio Olympics last year.

The 11-year-old “Art” is currently owned by Fiona Elliott, with involvement from her mother Ann Nobbs.

“Because the horse has publicly done well, it was inevitable there was going to be interest in him, but I was pretty naive — it didn’t even cross my mind,” Jonty told H&H. “We’ve had interest, primarily from America, and the owner has two young children — I totally understand her need to accept an offer.

“As you can imagine, from my point of view, selling my best mate had never entered my head. It has been an horrific few months wondering if he will be sold, and praying that a solution might be found. The owners have given me time to try and raise the funds, and have agreed that I can buy him at a preferential price. We have some funding pledged, but we are short of the goal — the only solution we have left is to try a crowd-funding campaign.

“Owning an event horse has always been the privilege of the wealthy, but I hope it might appeal to people to get involved. Anybody can donate and so anybody can get involved in supporting Art’s journey. We are hoping to have T-shirts and photos printed to offer to people, so that they can feel part of the family that will own Art.”

Jonty plans to launch the crowdfunding website www.jontyandart.com in the next few days.

“We hope that Art can become The People’s Horse. If, and I know it’s a huge if, 5,000 people around the world could see their way to donating £100 each, we could afford to buy him — and the beauty of the plan is that, he would never again be under threat of being sold. This is a one-off thing and if we can buy him once then he and I can stay together for good.”

“We are also giving companies a chance to get involved — by donating to the fund, the company will be able to use Art and I as part of their marketing (by agreement) and so benefit by association with both a successful partnership and a fairytale ending to a difficult story.”

Jonty has produced Art since he was five, first meeting Fiona when her lorry broke down and he stopped to help.

Jonty and Art have already been selected for Ireland’s European Championship squad.

“If the ownership issue is not sorted out, I will not be able to go,” said Jonty.

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The Irish rider added that Art is his “best friend”.

“I’m not a massively experienced four-star rider with hundreds of horse and I’ve pointed him at the biggest fences in the world and he’s never let me down, which says so much about his brain,” said Jonty, who was third after dressage at Badminton this year, dropping down the order to 20th due to a cross-country run-out. “The mistake at Badminton was mine, not his.

“The phase he’s had to work hardest at is the dressage — for an 11-year-old horse at his first Badminton and my first competitive Badminton, to go in and do a 37 test, says so much about him and our partnership and how much effort has gone into the dressage. His work ethic is unreal — he comes out every day and puts his heart out there.”

Jonty Evans makes winning return to eventing

Sophia Heath — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 13:56:20 +0000

A four-star event rider was who was left partially paralysed after a fall has made a winning return to competition less than two-months later.

Jonty Evans broke three vertebrae and suffered a brain haemorrhage in an accident while schooling at home on 27 June.

“My right leg wouldn’t work for about five days,” Jonty told H&H. “I had feeling but no movement at all.

“The doctors wouldn’t say whether it [the feeling] was going to come back or not because they didn’t know.

“I am quite good in that situation as I just get monumentally pig-headed. But it wasn’t very nice for my wife and family not knowing whether I was going to be able to walk again.”

The movement in Jonty’s leg did return and his fractures healed “quicker than expected”.

Jonty competed three horses at Bicton this weekend (16-17 August) finishing ninth in the open intermediate with Double Dutch (pictured competing at Luhmuhlen earlier this year) and winning a five-year-old class with A Chance Affair.

“It was amazing to be back competing again. I rode Double Dutch on the Saturday and he was so appallingly behaved in the dressage I had to close my eyes. He was so excited to be out again.

“He jumped three feet higher than all the showjumps and then it was so lovely to have a run cross-country. I was smiling and giggling the whole way round.”

The fall has prompted Jonty to recondiser the kind of horses he takes on.

“I have always earned my living riding whatever came along and breaking horses in.

“But now I have got some lovely horses and some fabulous owners and I am not going to do it any longer. I have got some good lads who can do [the breaking] for me. I don’t bounce like I used to!”