A horse who had to be rescued by emergency services as he was stuck in deep mud may have collapsed after his legs got tangled in his rug straps, it is believed.

Firefighters, vets and the RSPCA worked together to free the cob, who was found stuck in a field in Edenbridge, Kent, on 25 January. The RSPCA had had reports of a horse who was stuck and unable to stand.

RSPCA inspector Cora Peeters and animal rescue officer (ARO) Chloe Wilson found the 12-year-old cob in an area of the field that was “extremely boggy with mud higher than ankle-deep”.

“Other horses in the field were happily grazing in other parts of the field that were not as muddy,” an RSPCA spokesperson said, adding that the horse, nicknamed Albert, could not stand. A vet from Lingfield Equine Veterinary Practice was called but the three were unable to get Albert to his feet.

“Poor Albert was really weak and the vet was growing increasingly concerned for his condition and suspected him to be struggling with hypothermia, so it was vital we got him to his feet as soon as we could,” said Chloe. “Luckily, Kent Fire and Rescue Service was able to spare its technical rescue crew to support us in the rescue, for which we were incredibly grateful.”

The team managed to get Albert on to a board and pulled him out of the mud.

“Away from the mud, Albert was able to sit up a little, and he started to chew on some hay which was a really promising sign, but he was still too weak to get on his feet, so the firefighters used their specialist equipment to lift him to standing,” Chloe said. “It was fantastic they were able to spare some time to help us rescue Albert, as we couldn’t have done it without their special expertise and equipment. It’s a wonderful example of how we can all work together to help animals when they really need us.”

The RSPCA pair and the vet rubbed Albert all over with towels to help warm him. Once he was able to stand on his own, he was taken to the Lingfield hospital.

Practice director Rachel Atherton said: “Albert is showing a really promising sign of recovery at the moment, and we’re treating him with pain relief for his muscles and stiffness, caused by the ordeal.

“We suspect his legs had become trapped in the straps on his rug which is how he came to be collapsed, and that he was then unable to get himself up because the mud was so thick and deep.

“Albert has become a firm favourite with our staff at the hospital, who are making sure he is very spoiled, and enjoying a cosy, warm bed out of the wind and rain and mud whilst he recovers. We often work alongside the RSPCA and are really glad to be able to play a big part in Albert’s rescue.”

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Here is a lovely equestrian set-up ideal for the owner with one or two mounts. Located in the heart of the Kentish countryside, this place could be yours.

The Barn is positioned within the quiet hamlet of Broad Street, which lies just minutes from the village of Hollingbourne. While in a rural location, the M20 is no more than a few minutes’ drive from the front door.

You will be slap bang in the middle of some great horsey country and equestrian centres in the local area include: Duckhurst Farm (10 miles), Blue Barn EC (20 miles), Chelsfield EC (29 miles) and Willow Farm Equestrian (12 miles).

Train insane at one of the local cross-country courses in the area which include: Bonfleur XC (10 miles), Chilham Park (18 miles) or Lodge Farm (45 miles).

Saddlesdane Equestrian Supplies is 15 miles away and Eaglesfield Equestrian Events is 20 miles. Both host a range of fixtures across disciplines all season long.

Charing Racecourse is 10 miles from the doorstep.

If you fancy heading out hunting, go with either the West Kent or the Ashford Valley.

Sign up to BSPS Area 14 for a range of local showing fixtures in the area.

Fine & Country are offering this one and it’s currently priced at a slither under the £1m bracket at £900,000.

This one’s sure to be a hit with the working rider with a small team…

The grounds are made up of a half-acre paddock where the current owners keep their horse and donkey.

The on-site equestrian facilities comprise of two very tidy wooden stables and a tack room…

There is also two hay stores and an equipment shed. The whole set-up benefits from full power and light.

The picturesque house is a former granary which dates from the 19th century and it has accommodation set over two levels.

The lounge has French doors opening to the rear terrace and there is an exposed brick fireplace with log burner and characterful beams.

There is also this dining room on the ground floor which leads into a guest suite.

Check out this kitchen. The definition of classic, country chic.

On the first floor are three further bedrooms, all with fitted wardrobes and two have en-suite bath/shower rooms.

Outside, is an attractive garden.

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A Kentish property set in 4.2 acres and surrounded by luscious countryside has come on the market and is waiting for a new horsey buyer to call it home.

Kippings Cross Oast is nestled in a rural yet convenient location with access onto the A21 and to Tunbridge Wells (4.3 miles), Tonbridge (6.8 miles) and Paddock Wood (2.7 miles). The local village of Matfield is approximately 2.5 miles away.

Equestrian centres just a stones throw away include: Duckhurst Farm (12 miles), Blue Barn EC (24 miles), Chelsfield EC (23 miles) and Willow Farm Equestrian (33 miles).

Saddlesdane Equestrian Supplies is 30 miles away and hosts a range of fixtures across the season. You are also a 45 minute drive from Charing Racecourse.

If you fancy heading out hunting, go with either the West Kent hunt or the Ashford Valley hunt.

Up the pace of training at one of the local cross-country courses in the area which include: Bonfleur XC (12 miles), Chilham Park (33 miles) or Lodge Farm (12 miles).

Sign up to BSPS Area 14 for a range of local showing fixtures in the area.

The property is advertised at a guide price of £1m — £1.1m and is being offered for sale by Batcheller Monkhouse.

Let’s have a snoop…

The property is approached by double opening electric gates and wooden gates lead into a parking area for trailers and horse boxes, leading onto the stable yard.

There is an American style barn which has eight spacious loose boxes, a tack room, kitchen, wash area and solarium.

There is a further timber block of five stables and a separate hay store. The dressage arena measures 30x40m and there is a Claydon horse walker available by negotiation.

The house is a detached oast and barn conversion with an additional detached barn with scope for conversion.

The classic country decor is intertwined throughout the home. Check out this kitchen/breakfast room complete with cupboards and granite worktops with an Alpha range cooker and a stable door.

The two roundels as seen above both have doors to the outside are currently house a dining room and a family room.

The master bedroom is set into one roundel and has an en suite shower room. The guest bedroom in the second roundel has stairs to a mezzanine office/study area. There are three further bedrooms.

The gardens have a paved terrace and a summer house as well as trees and hedges to either side. Do we spy a hot tub?

Is this the home for you?

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If you’re fancying something a little bit special for your next place of residence, then look no further than this Kent equestrian haven, compete with four bedroom house and dreamy facilities for your four-legged friends.

Named Suva, it is believed the house name derives from the capital of Fiji and was built by the Foreign Ambassador to Fiji in the 1930s.

Situated in the rural village of Harvel, the community is served by main line railway station from both Borough Green and Meopham.

The A2 and M20 motorways are of an easy access providing links to both Gatwick and Heathrow airprort, London and channel ports.

Local equestrian centres in the area include: Chelsfield Equestrian Centre (19.5 miles), Felbridge Show Ground (33 miles), Eaglesfield Equestrian Events (6 miles) and Duckhurst Farm (22 miles).

You will be an hour’s drive from the legendary All England Jumping Course at Hickstead.

Cross-country courses within easy reach include: Bonfleur (18 miles) and Bigberry Farm (38 miles).

If you like to show, sign up to BSPS Area 14 for a range of winter fixtures.

Head out with local hunts including the Coakham Bloodhounds or the Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds.

Offered for sale by Fine & Country, the property is currently priced at £1.65m.

Prepare to be amazed…

The contained property is entered through a sweeping drive where there is ample parking space as well as a separate lorry barn.

There are 14 stables in total with a tack room and a WC.

Opposite the stables is the outdoor school area which is fenced with post and rail…

… and there is also a substantial barn for storage (Note, bowtop is not included in the price but you should probably snap one up to complement the rustic set-up).

There is 10 acres of land which is currently used for grazing.

The main house has four-bedrooms and extends to 2,000 sq ft…

Ground floor features include two reception rooms, a study, a reception hallway and kitchen with Aga.

The festive season will be perfect time to show off your new games room complete with bar and hot tub.

There is also a covered barbeque house which overlooks the lake.

The perfect property for the quirky show off!

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Described as an ‘absolute jewel’ by the agents, this heavenly horsey set up located in the heart of Kent is looking for a new owner to call it a home.

Hensill House is hidden on the edge of the village of Hawkhurst and is surrounded by ring-fenced farmland. It is situated in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

There is access to Bedgebury Forest from the property and its network of riding routes extend to over 3000 acres. Bedgebury National Pinetum is located within the forest. The south coast and all it has to offer is just 20 miles away, so you will never be short of fun rides on the weekends.

Equestrian centres in the area include Chelsfield EC (33 miles) and Squirrells riding school (23.5 miles).

Lodge Farm cross-country course, offering 90 fences, is 12 miles away and there is a 120-fence course available at Bonfleur cross-country course, which is 15 miles away.

If showjumping is your thing, regular BSJA affiliated fixtures are held at Duckhurst Farm (11 miles) and Blue Barn EC (18.9 miles).

Head out on the hunt field with the The Old Surrey and Burstow West Kent Hunt (kennels are located in Felbridge, just under 30 miles away) or the East Kent Hunt with West Street (includes all of Kent east of a line that runs from Whitstable to Canterbury, then Ashford and down to New Romney.)

Showing societies you should be signing up to are BSPS Area 14 and NPS Area 20.

Offered for sale by Strutt & Parker, the property is currently offered at a guide price of £3.6m.

Introducing you to Hensill House…

There are several equestrian buildings nestled around the property. They include a former milking parlour which has been converted into stables, a two bay open-fronted cart shed and a small brick and stone building with a tiled roof, currently used for storage.

With 98 acres of arable land and 18 acres of woodland, you never need worry about where you will put your ever expanding collection of steeds…

At the heart of the estate is Hensall House, a late Georgian manor house constructed in 1805 and Listed Grade II. It is built of local stone under a slate roof with large sash windows giving views in all directions over the land.

The main rooms include the drawing room, morning room and dining room, all with good proportions and high ceilings.

The home has seven bedrooms all located on the first floor. On the second level are two attic rooms which could make additional bedrooms.

Hensill Farmhouse lies within the estate and boasts three bedrooms, a sitting room, a dining room and a kitchen.

Hands up if this is the country estate for you.

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Bag your place in a corner of Kent with our pick of horsey homes

1. Shepherds Oast, Hunton, near Maidstone

For you: a detached single roundel oast conversion set at the end of a no-through lane in a small enclave of houses. There are three bedrooms, plus an open- plan loft area with options to adapt as further accommodation (subject to permission), and a detached garage with a first-floor home office. Outside are well-kept gardens with wide lawns giving an open outlook, and a vine-covered terrace ideal for alfresco dining.

For the horses: currently there are no equestrian facilities at the property, but there is ample space to add stabling and a riding arena within the immediate grounds and paddock to the front of the house (subject to permission). The property is approached from a gravelled drive into a spacious parking area that will accommodate several vehicles and a horsebox. There are also lots of bridleways in the vicinity, as well as Bon Fleur Cross Country Course. Set in 12.68 acres.

USP: there’s a brick-and-timber building under a tiled pitched roof, insulated, with power, windows and a concrete, wide ramp, well suited as a studio.

What’s the damage? £795,000

Agent: Equus Country and Property

Telephone number: 01829 829014

Visit: equusproperty.co.uk 

2. Greenlands, Stick Hill, near Edenbridge

For you: a spacious family home in a semi-rural location. There’s a hall, drawing room, dining room, fitted kitchen/ breakfast room, study and cloakroom. Taking the turned staircase to the first floor, there are four bedrooms, with a master bedroom complete with an en suite shower room and walk-in wardrobe. Outside, the landscaped gardens extend to about 2.5 acres with a pond, greenhouse, covered terrace with a pergola draped in wisteria, a variety of trees, flowering plants and a vegetable garden. There is a detached double garage with a workshop and outside there’s a loo, plus ample parking.

For the horses: there are five stables, a hay barn and tack room, an outdoor manège and just under two acres of grazing land divided into two paddocks.

USP: it’s only two miles from Edenbridge — which has a park, Waitrose and Tesco Express supermarkets, leisure centre with swimming and squash courts, pubs, doctors’ surgery and optician, plus two mainline railway stations, with services to Victoria and London Bridge.

What’s the damage? £1.16M

Agent: Howard Cundey

Telephone number: 01732 862381

Visit: howardcundey.com 

3. The Grange, Plaxtol, near Sevenoaks

For you: a Grade II-listed country house, located in the heart of the Kent Weald with impressive views over the adjacent countryside. It has nine bedrooms, five reception rooms that are well suited to entertaining and five bedrooms, with a number of period features, including panelling. There is an impressive galleried reception hall and the kitchen has an Aga. Plus there’s a cinema room and games room. Outside the gardens are well maintained and there’s a tennis court and swimming pool. Central London is only 31 miles away and takes 30 minutes from Sevenoaks (six miles away) to London Charing Cross by train.

For the horses: a stable yard with three looseboxes, a tack room, outbuildings and an all- weather arena. There are three large paddocks, set in 43 acres.

What’s the damage? £4.35m

Agent: Sotheby’s

Telephone number: 01932 860537

Visit: sothebysrealty.co.uk 

Next week: Properties located in Hertfordshire

Ref: Horse & Hound; 25 January 2018

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An injured mare who was found running loose on a road with a carriage attached is recovering at a local vets — while police appeal for her owner to come forward.

The coloured standardbred is thought to have collided with a vehicle during an incident in Barn End Lane, Wilmington near Dartford on Wednesday (April 5).

Kent police were called to the scene at 6.09pm, where they found the mare attached to the red sulky but with no driver in sight.

She had sustained a large wound to her off-fore shoulder, as well as other cuts and abrasions, and was taken to Bell Equine Hospital for treatment.

A practice reported that the horse was “doing fine” and was being kept comfortable.

Article continues below…

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“She has quite a few superficial wounds and a large wound that we’re managing. She was a bit shaken but otherwise is in very good condition.

“She’s on pain relief and seems quite happy with some comfortable bedding and hay. She’s a sweet horse who seems to be taking everything as it comes.”

The mare, who is described as a “chunky” standardbred-type of around 15.2hh, was microchipped but the chip wasn’t registered and police have so far been unable to trace the owner.

Kent Police spokesman Martin Very said that officers had attended the scene along with a local vet. It’s thought that several cars were damaged in the incident.

“The animal’s owner has not been traced at this stage and officers are now asking for anybody who recognises the horse to contact them on 101 quoting reference 5-1095,” he said.

It is thought an equine charity has been lined up to take on the mare if no owner comes forward.

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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Four people have been banned from keeping equines after sick horses were found living in the same field as a rotting carcass and ragwort.

Harry Dunn, Tommy Tucker Dunn, Matthew Dunn and Christine Chambers were found guilty of offences under the Animal Welfare Act and sentenced on Monday (6 Febrary) at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court following a two-day trial.

The offences related to seven horses kept on South Ash Road in Sevenoaks, Kent.

These were a Shetland pony and foal, who were both “very thin and riddled with worms”; two other foals who had an untreated respiratory condition; a thin skewbald pony with a worm burden; a thin mare and a colt with poor hooves.

*Warning: very graphic image*

“It’s shocking to think that between the Dunn family and Chambers, none of them provided adequate care for their horses,” said Deborah Pert following the sentencing.

“I was shocked at the conditions not only of the field, which was atrocious, but the horses themselves, they were in a terrible state.

“I could see the carcass of a dead horse rotting in one part of the field and there was poisonous ragwort growing all over the place. It was a completely unacceptable way to keep horses.”

Police took in the equines in February last year, following months of welfare work by the RSPCA, the British Horse Society, Redwings Horse Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare.

Inspector Pert added this is a “great example” of successful multi-agency work.

“We are experiencing a very serious spate of horse welfare cases in Kent at the moment,” she said.

“This case sends out a clear message that between all the organisations involved, we are doing everything we can to tackle this crisis.”

All four defendants, who declined to be interviewed by the RSPCA, were ordered to relinquish ownership of all their horses in line with their disqualification orders, and their full charges and sentences are as follows:

• Harry Dunn, 66, of South Ash Road in Sevenoaks, was found guilty of two offences of causing unnecessary suffering and one of keeping animals in an unsuitable environment. He was banned from keeping horses for one year and ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge, £400 costs and £550 fine.
• Matthew Dunn, 27, son of Harry Dunn, also of South Ash Road in Sevenoaks, was also found guilty of two offences of causing unnecessary suffering and two section 9 offences relating to the unsuitable environment the horses were kept in. He was banned from keeping horses for two years and ordered to pay a £40 victim surcharge, £400 costs and £400 fine.
• Tommy Tucker Dunn, 27, Harry Dunn’s nephew, again of South Ash Road in Sevenoaks, was found guilty of one offence of causing unnecessary suffering and one section 9 offence. He was banned from keeping horses for two years and ordered to pay a £40 victim surcharge, £400 costs and £400 fine.
• Family friend Christine Chambers, 60, of Porchester Close, was found guilty of one offence of causing unnecessary suffering and two welfare offences related to the conditions the horses were kept in. She was banned from keeping horses for two years and ordered to pay a £40 victim surcharge, £400 costs and £400 fine.

It is understood that Chambers believed there was nothing wrong with the site or the horses.

Untraceable owners

Officers from Kent County Council and Kent Police were also involved in the multi-agency operation and a further 29 unclaimed horses, whose owners were not traceable, were removed.

These were taken in by the RSPCA, with four moved to World Horse Welfare.

“When the four ponies came into our care, it was clear that none of them had been receiving the care they needed by their previous owners,” said Claire Phillips, manager of World Horse Welfare’s Glenda Spooner Farm rescue and rehoming centre.

“All of the ponies were underweight, covered in muck and filth, and suffering from overgrown feet.

“Some were unhandled and nervous of human contact but over time they have learned to trust the grooms caring for them and are unrecognisable from the quiet, lethargic ponies who arrived.

“We are delighted that Jaffa has already found a loving home where he is enjoying his role as a loyal companion, Echo recently joined our rehoming scheme and is looking for his ideal home, whilst Cocoa is having a fantastic time with the other youngsters at the farm as she continues her rehabilitation.

She added that Clippy has become “something of a celebrity” as he has inspired the charity’s garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

“We are so glad to see all of the four ponies putting their difficult past behind them and facing a bright future,” said Ms Phillips.

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

If you fancy the idea of living in the “Garden of England” (with your horse of course), take a look at these great equestrian homes in Kent.

1. Lodge House, Kent

For you: a five-bedroom Grade II listed country house, complete with a two-bedroom oast house, one-bedroom annexe, cellar and tennis court.

For the horses: 12 loose boxes, a tack room, 20x60m all-weather arena, feed shed and railed paddocks. Set in 23 acres.

What’s the damage? £2.8m

Agent: Strutt & Parker

Telephone number: 01227 807016

Visit: www.struttandparker.com

2. Mount Pleasant Farm, Kent

For you: a five-bedroom Grade II listed period property, with two driveways plus outbuildings, including a three-room studio.

For the horses: seven loose boxes, a tack room, feed room, hay barn, 20x60m arena and scope to incorporate a cross-country course around the estate, which boasts two small lakes. Set in 39 acres.

What’s the damage? £2.2m

Agent: Equus Country & Equestrian

Telephone number: 01892 829014

Visit: www.equusproperty.co.uk

3. The Horseshoes, Kent

For you: a four-bedroom Grade II listed property with a wealth of period features including exposed wall and ceiling timbers, wooden floors and leaded-light windows, plus an annexe, home office and landscaped gardens.

For the horses: a stable yard with two loose boxes, a tack room, feed store and outbuilding providing a hay store. Set in 3.15 acres.

What’s the damage? £975,000

Agent: Batcheller Monkhouse

Telephone number: 01892 512020

Visit: www.batchellermonkhouse.com

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4. Dale Farm, Kent

For you: a Grade II listed family house with five bedrooms, a one-bedroom annexe and impressive views over the garden, grounds and countryside beyond. Character features include exposed wall and ceiling timbers and awood-burning stove set within an inglenook fireplace.

For the horses: three stables and a tack/feed room, set in 5.2 acres.

What’s the damage? £1.9955m

Agent: Savills

Telephone number: 01732 789700

Visit: www.savills.co.uk

Next week: Equestrian properties inear Cheltenham racecourse

Ref: Horse & Hound; 3 March 2016

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The RPSCA is warning of a “horse crisis” in Kent following a spate of calls regarding horses across the county during the past two months.

Since 15 November, the charity’s officers have attended 21 equine-related call outs involving 25 horses who were either dead, dying or in poor condition.

Nine of these had to be put down, 14 were dead on arrival and only two have survived and are recovering.

“These horses appear to have been transported in vans or pick-up trucks to quiet locations where they are callously dumped, some while they are only just still alive, which is quite simply barbaric,” said inspector Caroline Doe.

“These horses have been dumped in driveways, fields, on private and public land with complete disregard for both the animals and the public.

“We are seeing a spate of dumped horses in the county at the moment, which is extremely shocking and distressing and needs to stop.”

Last year the RSPCA received calls about 98 dead horses in Kent compared to 68 in 2014.

“This is pushing our inspectors to their limits and putting a strain on resources,” added inspector Doe.

“We are asking the public to remember that we have finite resources and must always act within the law.”

The charity has already had more than 300 calls from concerned members of the public about horses in Kent since the start of 2016.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a £20,000 fine.

A spokesman for the charity said that they believe the two main reasons for the ongoing crisis are the recession and overbreeding.

“Owners who are struggling to care for their horses are urged to contact the RSPCA or other horse welfare charities for advice and assistance rather than dump their animals in a dying state,” he added.

The charity is also urging the public to be vigilant and report any animal welfare concerns to them on 0300 1234 999.

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

The Hunting Office has applauded the decision of the West Street Tickham to disband, dividing its country between the Ashford Valley and the East Kent.

Hunt secretary Sarah Leggat said the move – which will take effect for the 2013 season – should strengthen hunting in mid and east Kent.

“It is very sad – but it’s about the future of hunting,” she said.

Mrs Leggat said the hunt was facing financial challenges and lacked sufficient country during the shooting season – so looked to their neighbours for a solution.

“The Ashford Valley have been very welcoming and are going to take on the Tickham name [becoming the Ashford Valley Tickham],” she said.

“We’re looking for draft homes for our hounds and we hope that Paul [Saunders] will find a new position within hunt service, because he’s a cracking huntsman.

He gives us some very good days, despite the obvious constraints of railways and motorways,” she added.

A number of H&H forum users went online to say it was a “sad day for hunting“.

But Tim Easby, director of the Hunting Office, said hunts need to consider their long-term viability.

“This is excellent progress and the hunts are to be commended on the mature way that this has been dealt with,” he said.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (3 August 2012)

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

So after last weekend, I was really looking forward to a nice quiet one with only Kent County to take the ponies out to.

After a ridiculously busy week at work, which involved a great opening night for one of the West End shows I am looking after, I couldn’t wait to go to Kent on Saturday and I didn’t have to leave for the show until 11am. What a lie in! Well that is to say that it would have been if I didn’t have to work the others before heading off to the show.

I love going to Kent County as it is my ‘local’ and I always bump into people I haven’t seen for a while. It reminds me of when I was younger and it was the one big show we did and always looked forward to.

We met Claire at the showground, who had brought Spud, Major and Jacob along for the Olympia qualifiers, and we could definitely tell Jacob was on board! Having not been out for a good few weeks, I think he was fed up of watching the others go out to play while he was stuck at home. It certainly was a good job we decided to get him out before the Royal International!

I got straight on to give Jacob a spin as his class followed Spuds so I wouldn’t have any time to warm him up. He was certainly pleased to be back out and after his first 15mins of excitement, he had worn himself out and was ready to go back to the lorry.

Major was up first and after last weeks poor performance I was hoping he would buck his ideas up. After a few little blips on the go round (he wasn’t keen on the loud motorbikes) we were pulled in fourth. Then he went out and gave a fabulous show — 100 times better than last week. I was really thrilled and quite surprised to be pulled all the way up to first place after the final walk around.

Although I thought he had done a lovely show you can never be sure what it looks like to everyone else and it takes a brave judge to pull someone up that far, so I was really pleased. Sophie, who loans Major, had also come to watch him so it was nice for her to see him pull it out of the bag.

Then it was on to work Spud in, while Sophie got on Jacob and walked him round until his class. It’s been a long time since Sophie has ridden after breaking her arm as her cast has only just come off. Spud was fifth in a very strong Connie/New Forest class and managed to not buck this time!

I then jumped onto Jacob, who was ready to strut his stuff — and he certainly did that. He was so pleased to be back out, he forgot how to walk or canter — he just wanted to show everyone our flashy big trot! We were initially pulled in fourth.

He came out and did a nice show, leaving potential for him to move up the line, but knowing Jacob like I do, I knew it was asking a lot for him to behave in the final walk round in his current mood. Sure enough, he decided to show how pretty he looked on two legs instead. We stayed fourth as he did eventually get over himself and remember how to walk. The judge commented that we would have been a lot higher if he wasn’t quite so ‘exuberant’!! I was just pleased to have him back out and strutting his stuff.

Then it was back on Major for the Olympia championship. It was a great championship and although he went well, we didn’t get placed. It did mean however that he has now qualified for the wild card class at NPS champs.

Although we didn’t qualify, we ended the day with a glass of bubbly as we thought it was a result worth celebrating!

‘Til next time,

Chloe

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A second horse has died in the Ashford area of Kent, following the death of a 22-year-old horse on Saturday.

Police have reported that a loose horse — that is thought to have escaped from a field — was hit by a car at 5.32am this morning.

Officers were called to the scene of a road traffic collision between a car and a horse on the A20 at Hothfield.

A rugged chestnut mare, which had been reported as missing earlier, died at the scene.

The driver of the car, a 33-year-old woman was not injured.

A spokesman for Kent Police has also confirmed that a female rider was taken to hospital on Saturday with back injuries following a road accident which killed her horse.

A second rider and horse were injured at the scene.

Police have not confirmed if any charges will be pressed against the young male driver.

The police are warning drivers to be alert when overtaking horses, not to drive close up behind them or sound horns, and to drive past them slowly given them a wide berth.

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TONY WAREHAM realised a lifetime’s ambition for breeder Val Scouller when her home-bred hunter mare, Bonheur, earned the Cuddy in-hand Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) ticket at Kent County (11-13 July).

“I’ve been showing for her for 40 years and, as Val’s not in the best of health, I’m absolutely delighted to be able to make this phone call,” said Tony.

The mare, by the show jumping stallion Earl Cottage, had previously been reserve twice in Cuddy qualifiers, after standing champion at Devon, Royal Cornwall and Three Counties.

On her only other outing this term, the seven-year-old won her small broodmare class at the Royal. And here, as an added bonus, her foal — by Deltic — was also champion.

Judge Guy Landau — in unaccustomed role — was thorough in his inspection of all 16 finalists, but had little hesitation in awarding reserve to Anna Ash’s Welsh section A mare, Loxwell Pippa. This was totally unexpected by the family and Anna could hardly speak.

“We bought her from Hay-on-Wye sales,” she said through the tears. “Never in our wildest dreams did we think she would do so well — we’ve never even been in a Cuddy qualifier before.”

Read H&H’s full report on all the show ring action from Kent County in the current issue of Horse & Hound (24 July, ’08)

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A Kent horse trader who describes himself as the “Robin Hood of the horse game” has been found guilty of seven charges under the Trade Descriptions Act and one horse passport offence.

The charges came about after an undercover operation by BBC investigative reporters in 2005 into the business dealings of Tom Bonner.

Sue Edmonds of Kent Trading Standards (KTS) said: “This is a trader who seems to have serially broken the law. We are very grateful to have brought this one home. The BBC’s evidence was very important.”

Journalists from BBC South East Today posed as a couple wanting to buy a horse suitable for a novice. They bought a horse, whom they named Oscar, for £1,095 from Bonner’s yard in Darenth Hill, Darenth, which Bonner described as being an Irish hunter, aged nine or 10, and in good general condition. But vets who examined the horse after the purchase said he was nearer 21 years old and not fit to ride, as he had a large wound in his mouth.

The BBC investigation, along with the experiences of three other customers of Bonner, formed the KTS case against him that concluded at Gravesend County Court on Friday (11 January).

The trade descriptions act charges against Bonner were that he falsely described a horse called Rosie as being between six and eight years old when she was closer to 12; described another horse — Baby — as being nine years old when she was at least 15; stated Oscar was nine or 10 when he was at least 18, and told another buyer that the horse she had bought was seven or eight when it was closer to 12. He was also found guilty of selling a horse without a horse passport.

Graham Frid of KTS explained why Bonner’s action contravened the Trade Descriptions Act.

“It’s like a car dealer who is ‘clocking’ the cars,” he said. “People buy the horses thinking they are going to get X number of years believing the horse to be 10, but if it is 20 they don’t get the same value.”

The BBC challenged Bonner at London’s Southall market in 2005 after he declined to be interviewed. He told them that he was the “Robin Hood of the horse game” and “the best there is”.

Oscar was given to the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) but has since been put down. Between them, the RSPCA and the ILPH told the BBC they had received more than 100 complaints about Bonner.

Ted Barnes of the ILPH said: “The conviction of Mr Bonner is an exceptionally good outcome.

“I hope it serves as a wake-up call to people who buy horses from these unscrupulous dealers. It has always been a case of buyer beware, but buyers need to be more choosy about where they take their business.”

The case at Gravesend was adjourned and Bonner will be sentenced on 28 February.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (17 January, ’08)

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