Latest from Horse & Hound in Showjumping-opinion

‘It was hot hot hot at Bolesworth,’ says Carmen Edwards, who thanks the show for their efforts to keep horses cool

Carmen Edwards — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 09:30:38 +0000

Successful British showjumper Carmen Edwards praises organisers of Bolesworth International for upping their game in the heatwave

The recent heatwave, which coincided with the start of week one of the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth International, reminded us of the massive difference between what is required to run an agricultural show and an international horse show.

At the former, much of the livestock involved just needs a bit of shade, but at a dedicated horse show, you need a proper infrastructure.

Bolesworth’s organisation team did a really good job of accommodating for the heat. There were misting stations, large barrels of water available near the rings and the water pressure was decent, which is important when the first thing you want to be able to do is wash the horses off.

The stables were opened up early, so there was time to get things done out of the heat. Everyone had to bring their own fans but the show did everything they possibly could to optimise the horses’ welfare.

Bolesworth is a show that has continued to up its game and people’s confidence showed with only a small percentage changing their plans because of the extreme weather forecast.

Why back-to-back dates don’t work

If there is a downside to Bolesworth’s two-week tour, it’s that it runs back-to-back with another highlight of the summer calendar, Hickstead.

It’s not fair on competitors who have a horse to jump bigger classes, but can’t afford to go abroad, to compress the opportunity into three weeks. I don’t know why the dates can’t be allocated better.

Course-builders Colm Quinn and Raf Suarez did an excellent job with Sunday’s grand prix, it was a great watch. The two jumps that took the most jumping were the two that came down.

I was relaying information back to one of my best pals, Ollie Tuff, in the jump-off. I told him he needed to make sure he was careful jumping the double and the rollback – a lot of people were getting flat or dead shots off the turn to the vertical, and it was right in front of the crowd, so horses didn’t have their eye on the fence.

It was nice to see both Trevor and Shane Breen do so well, with Trevor taking the win and for him and for his brother to finish runner-up. It’s a position my brother Will and I would definitely like to be in!

A 1.35M puissance wall to start

I also watched the puissance at Bolesworth on Saturday night and thought the show did a good job encouraging entries. There weren’t many originally; it takes a certain type of horse and sometimes there’s a flurry of them, while in other years it’s quieter.

I don’t know if they needed to start the wall as low as they did – at 1.35m – but it worked out well. The puissance is always an opportunity for people to bring along their mum or dad or boyfriend or girlfriend who doesn’t understand the sport, and still be able to enjoy their evening.

I was watching the big classes from the sidelines this year as I don’t have a grand prix ride since selling Happy Valerie last year. I am building up a team of young horses at the moment and had three at the show. Like everyone, I’m working hard hoping that something like Val comes along again.

I have three of her babies at home – Happy Hour, Happy Valentino and Happy Valentina – so hopefully one of those will grow up to fill her shoes. With a bit of luck, one the magic number three will be our next superstar.

● Do you have any tips for dealing with your horses during soaring temperatures? Send your horsey hacks to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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‘I’m not completely sure it’s the right thing, but at least the FEI is making an effort,’ says William Funnell about changes to the five-year-old World Breeding Championships

William Funnell — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:28:18 +0000

Top British showjumper and UAE chef d’equipe William Funnell talks about the importance of aligning rules and pays tribute to “a fantastic human being”

It was with great sadness that we learnt last week that the great course-builder Bob Ellis had passed away. He brought on the art of course-building in this country in leaps and bounds, with his own style of loop-backs, and I know he was immensely proud of designing the courses for the London Olympics in 2012.

He was always there to help while we walked his courses and he was unfailingly constructive. What he did to help young course-designers was typical of the man – he was such a giver – and that next generation coming through is just a part of the huge legacy he leaves. He was a fantastic human being.

Back on grass

With the Hickstead Derby coming up this week and having been away on chef d’equipe duties for the UAE squad recently, I wanted to get some competition practice on grass. So it was lovely to find time to go to Suffolk County show.

It really brought to light just how great these shows are for educating young horses as well as providing an opportunity for crowds to watch our sport. We are the main ring entertainment, so British Showjumping (BS) needs to make sure these shows are better supported.

To do that, the classes need tweaking because the rules surrounding the height of the fences and the qualification of the horses in classes like the international stairway is proving too restrictive. The stairway started life as a route to being picked for a team and I’m not sure that’s the case anymore.

The ridiculous thing is that I’m preparing my horse for the international competitions at Hickstead this week, but I need to change its tack to compete in these national classes. This is because of some controversial and much-debated new BS rules regarding bitting, nosebands and certain rein attachments.

The FEI’s rules are all made with horse welfare as top priority, so there has to be a case for BS sticking to the same tack regulations as those in place for international competitors.

Helping with young horses

I brought up in a column last year what a disgrace the five-year-old championship jump-offs at the FEI WBFSH (World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses) Jumping World Breeding Championships have been over the past couple of years. Hopefully the introduction of an optimum time in Lanaken this year is a positive move.

I’m not completely sure it’s the right thing but the options are limited – style and performance can be controversial and tends to favour big, flashy horses on the day. So at least they’re making an effort and hopefully BS can implement the same FEI rules to the British young horse championships, which act as a selection for Lanaken.

All roads lead to Hickstead

I was in La Baule last week helping Joe Stockdale on the Nations Cup team that finished fourth. Britain’s chef d’equipe Di Lampard has done a great job trying to slot in a few new horses this season and it’s been super to see Adrian Whiteway and Chacco Volo doing so well ahead of the World Championships in Aachen in August.

Depending which horses Ben Maher and Scott Brash have available to them will make a massive difference to the strength of the British team, but once again we’re quite short of new up-and-coming partnerships.

I’m bringing the UAE riders to Hickstead this week as part of their build-up towards the Nations Cup there next month. With our young Billy Stud horses in action ahead of our summer auction on 23 June and preparing Dublon for another tilt at the Derby, it’s going to be busy!

● What classes would you like to see at county shows? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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‘Being able to access shows like Royal Windsor from another route is a godsend,’ says British showjumper Adrian Whiteway

Sarah Radford — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:19:45 +0000

Somerset-based Adrian Whiteway is an international rider who is making his mark on British teams and made his debut in the CSI5* classes at Royal Windsor. He shares his thoughts on achieving the unachievable and exciting new pairs on the jumping circuit.

I made my debut jumping in the CSI5* classes at Royal Windsor Horse Show this year and what a great experience it has been.

Initially, I wasn’t sure if I would get into the show, but for the first time this year organisers have used the same system as they do for the London International. If entries are taken solely from the world rankings list, I wouldn’t be high enough, but they also admitted some of us who had jumped on Nations Cup teams for Great Britain.

For someone like me who only has two or three horses at this level, it’s impossible to go to shows week in, week out to collect rankings points. It’s unachievable to put yourself in the top 10 when there are riders with far more depth to their string, so being able to access shows like this from another route is a godsend.

I took two horses to Windsor and it was a fantastic experience for them. BP Baxter, the younger one at 11 years old, was fifth in the King’s Cup. My Nations Cup horse Chacco Volo was clear with time-faults in Friday’s 1.55m, although it didn’t go our way in Sunday’s Rolex grand prix.

It was our first major show since the London International in December, so it was a big ask. I jumped the first fence and didn’t get it quite right, and he had one down – he doesn’t like having a fence, so it then sent him a bit too careful.

But we’ll be off to try again next week, as we are anticipating some more Nations Cups call-ups.

“A unique experience”

I’ve had an incredible 12 months, which began with competing at my first five-star show in Aachen last summer. I jumped the Rolex grands prix there and again at Dublin Horse Show, so this was actually my third.

It’s amazing to be able to do a five-star in your home country as it feels even more special when you have friends and family there, too.

Windsor is a lovely town and to be invited up to Windsor Castle on Thursday night for drinks, with Prince Edward in attendance, is a unique experience.

You just can’t fault the show – the going was perfect and the stables are big and in a nice location. The organisers can’t do enough for you. Everyone is helpful, right down to the volunteers manning the walkways.

Brits on form

The British riders had an exceptional week and Ben Maher was unlucky not to be quick enough to win the Rolex grand prix, in which Luxembourg rider Victor Bettendorf just pipped him to the post.

Grand prix winners Victor Bettendorf and Qwando Van De Rispen soak up Royal Windsor’s unique atmosphere. (Image credit: Elli Birch/BootsandHooves)

Jack Whitaker has a couple of lovely new horses and Matt Sampson’s grand prix partner, Un Secreto Z is fantastic. Matt has been ticking away with him for the past year and now he’s really stepped up.

They could be a real asset to the British team and hopefully they’ll have some opportunities coming their way. Matt is a class rider who really deserves a good horse.

Hopefully we have some strong combinations for this summer’s World Championships in Aachen and chef d’equipe Di Lampard will have a few options to choose from.

● Who would be your dream team to represent Britain at this year’s World Championships? Let us know your picks at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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‘I’m enjoying building back up,’ says John Whitaker as he returns to competing after surgery

John Whitaker — Thu, 07 May 2026 09:32:23 +0000

Legendary British showjumper John Whitaker on returning after his hernia operation, tight times in a two-star grand prix, and being caught out by British Showjumping’s national tack rules

This week has been a busy one for the family – my wife Clare has been in Italy with the young riders, having a very successful weekend, and son Rob is also out there in Montefalco. Last week he won the grand prix, and he was placed again this time.

I’ve been enjoying a fortnight in the West Country, starting with Chard, where I was lucky enough to win the grand prix, and then on to Chepstow.

It was my first time at Chard and I thought it was a really nice show, well organised and with a great atmosphere. Organisers have to jump through a few hoops to host an international – with extra stewards and security – so it’s appreciated that they go to the effort.

It’s nice when you can pick up a few ranking points without travelling too far.

Tricky time faults

Ben Townley was building the CSI2* grand prix course at Chard and he’s a very good course-builder. The time was a bit tight and should probably have been extended after the first few horses had jumped, as there were only three clears, but I can’t complain as it suited me!

The time allowed is becoming a big part of the game now, especially at these smaller shows. You still have talented horses and riders competing, but they can only build the fences so big when it’s a CSI2*. The times have to be tight, to stop too many clears getting through, but it’s a fine line.

I think it’s something that riders will have to get used to when jumping international-style tracks.

I was pleased with myself, as I used to be quite prone to getting time-faults. Clare would get annoyed with me, so I’d tell her I had one down, rather than a time-fault, to make my life easier! I can’t get away with that any more though, as everything is streamed.

Chard was my first show back after having a hernia operation at the end of February. I’d planned my shows around it, scheduling it after Hong Kong and Gothenburg – where I had a time-fault in the World Cup, while we’re on the subject!

Everything went to plan and I was in and out of hospital in a day. I probably started riding again sooner than I should have but I felt OK after three weeks. I more or less stuck to the doctor’s orders, which were, “Do what you feel you can do but don’t overdo it.” I’m terrible at sitting still and there’s always a lot to do when you have a busy yard with things breaking.

Equine America Unick Du Francport had been jumping really well before the break and my daughters Joanne and Louise kept him and the other horses fit for me. I’m enjoying building myself and the horses back up and getting going for summer – we’re looking forward to Royal Windsor Horse Show now.

Adopt FEI rules

I competed at a few national shows early on in the year, and I can understand why British Showjumping’s (BS) recent tack rule changes have caused some controversy.

Every week I did something wrong. On one occasion, I had two reins through the martingale, which is not allowed, and the next week I had the wrong noseband on. You have to be on it with the rule changes, and I don’t keep looking.

Although there have always been varied rules for national and international competition, at the moment they seem very different.

I think the simple solution is that BS adopt the FEI’s rules. Many riders are aiming towards a higher level of shows, or to compete internationally, so why not use that standard?

It can take a long time to find the right bit, with small adjustments and alterations to get it perfect, and then you suddenly have to change it. If we go with the FEI’s rules, then everyone knows where they stand.

● Have you had experience of returning to riding after a break? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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‘Twelve of the most stressful days of my life’: Graham Fletcher on top horses stuck in the Middle East while missiles flew overhead

Graham Fletcher — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:21:08 +0000

Former international showjumper Graham Fletcher on horses stuck in the Middle East and British Showjumping’s new tack rules

I should have been in the Middle East this week where son Olli was due to compete at the final five-star show of the Doha tour.

Everything about it had been top-class with perfect ground, excellent course-designers and unbelievable prize money. The friendly Qatari people, and their attention to every detail, made it very special.

But it all came to a dramatic end on 27 February.

Olli and I had flown home for a few days, intending to return for that last five-star show. There was no indication that in two days’ time war would break out in the region.

With five of Olli’s horses still there, the next 12 days were some of the most stressful and worrying I have ever had.

Guillaume Simon, who had been helping Olli with the horses in Doha, did a fantastic job of looking after them – as did all the stranded staff with their respective charges.

Olli would ring Guillaume four or five times a day to find out what was happening. He’d learn first-hand how many drones and missiles were being intercepted every night – one being just over the indoor school, which was incredibly frightening.

Abject anxiety as arrangements changed

The planes to take the horses home were arranged, then rearranged, to a point of abject anxiety.

Harry Charles also had horses in Doha, and his father Peter and I discussed ways of getting them out. Peter reckoned the only alternative to flying directly was to drive the horses 600 miles through the desert to Saudi Arabia, which meant a 20-hour road-trip before they even boarded a plane.

The thought of a horse getting colic, or travel sick, with no vets available was horrifying. So we agreed that route would be a last resort.

Fortunately, we got the horses on to the second plane to leave Doha with most of the others bound for Europe on 9 March – to our eternal relief and that of their owners. But as I write, some competition horses are still there as a third plane has not yet been able to take off.

Let’s hope, for everybody’s sake, that this dreadful war is soon resolved. It’s sad to think I was so recently made welcome in a country that, through no fault of its own, now has missiles and drones being fired at its people daily.

I’ve felt uncomfortable hearing American defence secretary Pete Hegseth announcing at his daily press conferences what they’d blown up and who they’d assassinated as though it was a gunfight in the Wild West.

I respect Americans’ patriotism and there’s no doubt that militarily, they’re the world’s best. But Iran is a tough target and the Americans have their work cut out if they’re not going to finish second in this war.

Align the rules

In times past, when things were more transparent, Liz Edgar was on our governing body’s rules committee for many years. Liz was a top-class rider who was admired and respected all over the world. I loved watching her ride.

When there was an impending rule change, riders could discuss it with Liz, who always considered it from a horsemanship point of view – and everyone concurred that she was right.

It’s a great shame that British Showjumping (BS) doesn’t have anybody like her now because the recent rule changes on bits and bridles are absolutely absurd.

Firstly, they don’t comply with FEI rules. Why not? Surely one set of rules is better for competitors and stewards alike?

I could understand if it was about horse welfare, but it’s the exact opposite! Take, for example, a running gag used with joiners. That makes it a lot less severe and is something the FEI rightly allows – yet BS has banned it.

BS owes its members an explanation of the new rules as so many are unhappy about them. And doesn’t BS realise that, despite the excessive cost, more British riders are opting to compete abroad?

So my advice to BS would be to align yourselves with the FEI – or find another Liz Edgar.

● Do you have a story of a groom doing a great job in extreme circumstances? Let us know by writing to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Breeding for success

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

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

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

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

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

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

An app to solve travel woes?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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‘Trouble can happen anywhere, but it’s an extra level of concern,’ says Jodie Hall-McAteer

Jodie Hall McAteer — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 08:30:39 +0000

British five-star showjumper Jodie Hall McAteer considers a modern renaissance of showjumping, and reflects on safe returns from the Middle East and other transport woes in her exclusive H&H column

I can only imagine how frightening it must have been for riders whose horses were stranded in the Middle East as a result of the conflict with Iran. In Doha, the Tour had a week’s break, and a lot of riders came home then found themselves unable to get flights back out.

They were separated from their horses who were stuck there, but thankfully a few cargo flights have meant the safe return of many horses and their teams over the past few days.

The sport has become truly global in recent years. A decade ago these Middle Eastern tours weren’t as popular but the prize pots and number of ranking classes have lured a lot of European riders into starting their seasons there. Showjumping has developed rapidly in those countries, and the facilities and standard of competition are on a par with the best in the world.

Trouble can happen anywhere, but when riders are so far from home, it’s an extra level of concern. Luckily many of those who were in the UAE finished a week earlier, and were home shortly before the conflict started.

Finding the right opportunities

Last year I only did one five-star show at Hickstead as I was rebuilding my string and producing a team of more inexperienced horses. At the back end of last year, I was ready for my horses to step up but the opportunities didn’t come; it is difficult trying to break back through to the top level.

I am not currently on a Global Champions League team, and as I am no longer a young rider, it can be a challenge to get into the bigger shows. However with many riders incentivised to go overseas – to Wellington, to Doha and to the UAE – there were some openings at the concluding World Cup events.

With countless shows on the calendar now you can question if traditional series such as the World Cups still carry the same level of prestige they used to. However they were incredible shows in fantastic atmospheres and I was more than happy to be there!

We seem to be finding ourselves in a modern renaissance of showjumping so it will be interesting to see how the sport continues to develop in the coming years. I started in Amsterdam, went on to Bordeaux and finished up in Gothenburg. For the first time in a while, I did consecutive bigger shows on the bounce.

I probably appreciate it a bit more now. When you have a good team, you think it will go on like that forever but horses get older and you have to step back and build up the next generation. It’s a cycle that happens time and time again in horse sport, but the advantage we have over other sports is that as riders as long as you have the horses, you can have a long career… just look at John Whitaker! After jumping for just a time-fault in the World Cup he joked in his interview that pensioners should be allowed extra time.

Further transport woes

Following on from Carmen Edwards’ column last month, I agree that something needs to be done to streamline the process of transporting horses to and

from Europe. My horses were held up in Dover on their way home from Gothenburg last week.

The health papers the show provided had only my horses’ FEI number, not their microchip number. It would have been easy enough just to verify it by

looking in their passports, but instead we were held for two hours while they tried to contact a vet in Sweden after 5pm on a Monday.

Some sort of automated process should be introduced to streamline the experience. Even if it doesn’t make it cheaper, it needs to be done for horses’ welfare.

What is the solution to border crossings? Share your thoughts with us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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Graham Fletcher: ‘Filling the grandstands is just as important as the VIP boxes’

Graham Fletcher — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:28:00 +0000

Graham Fletcher discusses the importance of getting bums on seats and wonders if our sport could learn something from football in this regard

Last year, I predicted that Scott Brash was going where he belongs – to world number one – and he’s certainly done it in style.

In recent weeks, I’ve been in Doha, where my son Olli has been competing, and to watch Scott scoop up grands prix on different horses has been mind-blowing. He’s got a great string and the way he places each horse or gives them an easier class before he targets a grand prix shows he’s so tactically astute.

The prize money at Doha is unbelievable; €10m over eight weeks. It’s exciting how our sport has grown so much in recent years. Jan Tops tells me that the Global Champions Tour is now televised in 56 different countries.

As a sport, however, we shouldn’t get too exclusive. Filling the grandstands is just as important as filling the executive boxes.

There’s no doubt that showjumping’s popularity of yesteryear owed a great deal to characters like Harvey Smith who appealed to all sections of society. Today, we should be striving to make it more available to all by getting people that aren’t horsey to follow the sport.

When I watch televised football matches, I see the players walk out with young children by their sides. Could the London International and Royal Windsor do likewise and invite local school children to look around the stable area and then be taken on a course-walk with some of our top riders?

Don’t get me wrong, we have a top-class sport and a lot to look forward to. But we get no public press whatsoever these days and for that to change we need to attract public interest.

As for me, I’m returning to Doha to enjoy the sunshine and see if we can win some of that lovely prize money.

Be careful what you wish for

When the tabloid media get their knives out, they are unrelenting. The BBC, and the scrapping of the licence fee, appears to be their latest target.

Like everyone else reading this, I wish the BBC showed more equestrianism like it did in years gone by. But, even so, it’s really the only mainstream broadcaster that showcases our sport – and did so brilliantly from last year’s London International.

Between my Doha visits, I escaped the pouring rain by watching the Winter Olympics, marvelling at the bravery and technique of the skiers and the artistry of the figure skating. Then for sheer entertainment, I really enjoyed The Night Manager. So be careful what you wish for – because we’ll miss the BBC when it’s gone.

“Shunted into irrelevance”

I wholeheartedly agree with Richard Sheane about the ridiculous situation regarding X-rays and scans at horse vettings.

The clinical vetting, including a flexion test and lungeing on a small circle, used to be the most important part of the examination – and, in my opinion, still is. But it now seems to have been shunted into irrelevance compared with the crystal ball carry-on where vets try to interpret how long a future a horse has.

I totally sympathise with vets who have a difficult task nowadays as some buyers adopt a President Trump-style threat to sue them if something goes wrong.

It’s also a tough one for the client to ignore a vet’s opinion. But for me, if it’s 50/50, then get another vet to re-examine it and see if they reach the same conclusion.

I would love to see the statistics of how many horses have “passed” a clinical examination yet “failed” through X-rays and scans. That would certainly give a sense of who got it right.

Having sold horses for more than 50 years, I’ve concluded that if one has competed for two years plus, and it passes the clinical with flying colours, then it might get injured (usually when you turn it out into a field!) or it might get a horrific colic. But you’re very, very unlucky if it goes lame.

● What are your views on vettings, either as a buyer or seller? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your thoughts to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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An innovative new jumping class could boost spectators and create a fresh market for 1.30m horses, suggests Carmen Edwards

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:32:41 +0000

International rider Carmen Edwards believes “innovation can enhance the sport” after experiencing a new 1.30m competition with a twist – and calls for more people to “act like the farmers” to raise awareness of the welfare risks involved with long delays when transporting competition horses into and out of the UK

It’s difficult to argue that showjumping hasn’t become elitist when the costs are so astronomical. If you wanted to start out in another sport, you could buy a pair of football boots or a cricket bat and spend under £1,000 a year.

For your average groom or rider, the sport doesn’t feel exclusive, but if you’re serious and want a 1.60m horse, being worth a few million isn’t enough. You need to be extremely wealthy or have secured the right owners and sponsors to get you there.

Consequently, we need to have different markets, so it was good to see the new JCL Insurance Brokers premier league showjumping class at Aintree International Equestrian Centre (25 January) land so well.

It attracted 1,500 spectators on a Saturday evening in mid-winter, so credit to Jane and Sam Chewins of JCL Insurance Brokers, and Aintree manager Carly Sage for the excellent promotion.

It might not be the pinnacle of the sport at 1.30m but the competition’s knock-out format was digestible and didn’t drag on, and everyone was trying to win.

It was easy for the audience to pick out a favourite – riders were given the spotlight, with coloured jumpers to wear and a good introduction.

It would be fabulous to turn this into a league – not to sit alongside existing formats, but to replace some of them – bolstering spectator interest while creating another market for horses.

At the moment, a 1.30m horse might suit a children-on-horses rider, or someone progressing, but you could double demand if this became a league people vied to win.

It could even be a future format for our 1.30m national title: 10 rounds of knock-outs, followed by a final at Stoneleigh.

While I risk contradicting myself – in my last column I argued that Britain already has too many “meaningless” championships – I think the takeaway is that innovative formats, and the use of technology, can enhance the sport for everyone. Smaller series can also help buffer showjumping from elitism.

Worthy of admiration

I don’t want to sound like someone who doesn’t want the top sport to succeed. I want to be there as much as the friends I’ve grown up with: the ones who have made it, like Harry Charles; Rob Murphy, who is working hard at Jos Lansink’s, or Joe Trunkfield and I, who are still getting there.

Scott Brash is certainly worthy of admiration. He doesn’t come from a starry background and his achievements are unprecedented. His dedication and talent have been shown in recent weeks – to win three five-stars on the bounce is almost unheard of.

So it’s a shame he doesn’t get the wider recognition he deserves. If someone scored three hat-tricks in the Champions League, it would be all over the news.

We need to act like the farmers

If there’s one area where we should definitely be making more use of technology, it’s travelling horses abroad. Making horses stand on a lorry for three hours at a port is a welfare issue. If we all published videos of how our vet checks went, it would be a disgrace.

Why can’t the paperwork be emailed ahead, accepted, and a 24-hour window granted to leave the country? So at Dover you scan a barcode, your carnet is on-screen and on you go?

The current expense makes it elitist just to leave the country and what are we paying the money for? It’s not one person’s job to change, we need to act like the farmers.

It won’t happen overnight, but the best time to plant a tree is always now.

● Are costs proving to be prohibitive to your enjoyment of equestrian sport? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your thoughts to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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William Funnell says: ‘The World Cup Final is no longer as enticing for riders with bigger prize funds to be won elsewhere’

William Funnell — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 10:28:07 +0000

Top British showjumper, breeder and UAE chef d’equipe William Funnell shares his thoughts on prize money disparity and a new British star rider

The showjumping here in the UAE is in full swing, with the tour having run since well before Christmas, the Nations Cup coming up this week and then there’s the Longines League of Nations (LLN) in mid-February.

I came out at the beginning of January making it my longest stint away from home, primarily in my role as UAE chef d’equipe but I’ve been competing here too. My wife Pippa has been moaning about the weather back home, so I don’t think I’m missing much!

With many leading riders currently based here and in Qatar, the Middle East has become the winter destination of choice and it’s not hard to see why.

Last week’s Al Shira’aa International (see report, p46 H&H magazine, 29 January 2026) is the latest venue in a series that now involves Hickstead, Bolesworth, Hamburg, Lisbon and Deauville, and the show gets better every year.

Although a four-star show, it carried five-star money and Shane Breen collected a rich prize of €80,000 (£70,000) for his grand prix win.

I was surprised the Doha tour, which has been running concurrently, hasn’t attracted more riders given the fantastic level of prize money on offer there, too, but they’re not short of quality. Scott Brash’s decision to miss the London International Horse Show has been justified as he’s won every grand prix except the first one, where he was beaten by his team-mate Harry Charles.

Scott has won on four different horses, three of them younger ones, which is exciting. While Kent Farrington is also going well in America, I can’t see him holding Scott off the world number one spot for long if Scott continues his form.

In the next wave of shows in Doha there’s €1m on offer and a €250,000 bonus for the leading rider. This week alone Scott pocketed nearly €100,000 for his five-star grand prix victory.

When you look at Sunday’s World Cup in Amsterdam where the top riders in Europe were competing for a first prize of barely half that, just €50,000, you can see why they’re struggling to attract the best competitors. The FEI World Cup Final used to be like a second championship every year but nowadays many riders simply aren’t interested in qualifying.

Adding to that, the Longines Global Champions Tour kicks off in Qatar immediately after the current tour concludes in a few weeks, making it a natural progression for riders involved in that.

I don’t know what the FEI can do to make the World Cup more enticing when there’s so much money on offer all around the world.

Team action is back

Fair play to the FEI though as the first LLN in Abu Dhabi will attract the best teams in the world, competing for €700,000 in prize money.

I’ve been working with the UAE riders to build up to that competition as well as this week’s four-star Nations Cup in Sharjah, both of which are so important being on home soil.

It’s been great to have this time to work with the lads and a couple of new horses.

It’ll be interesting to have Jessica Kürten joining as Ireland’s new chef d’equipe. Michael Blake did a great job but having been a top performer herself and trainer at the top level, I think Jessica will bring a good balance to the Irish squad.

Another winning Scot

Talking of Scotsmen winning a lot, 23-year-old Sandy McLean is making a big impression out here and he seems to be going from strength to strength with Shane Breen guiding him.

He’s solid and competitive and he has the right horsepower, including London Brilliance Horse auction purchase Calixte Heartbreaker Z, so I’m sure British chef d’equipe Di Lampard will be thrilled to have another up-and-coming rider to strengthen her hand.

Joe Stockdale will also be flying the flag for Great Britain and it was very moving for me to watch him win his first five-star grand prix out here a couple of weeks ago. He rode with his head and he and Ebanking jumped two super rounds and luckily it worked out for him. It was a very special day.

● Does the World Cup still carry the same prestige? What changes would you like to see in the global calendar? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your thoughts to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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‘The habits we form today will shape the success we enjoy tomorrow,’ says Adam Cromarty

Adam Cromarty — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 10:26:24 +0000

Commentator and broadcaster Adam Cromarty on New Year’s resolutions and how small choices, made continually, can change everything

As I write it’s that brief, magical time between the last mince pie of 2025 and the first show of 2026.

The tack room is spotless, rugs are clean and for a few glorious days, we actually go to the gym. We’re also approaching the date when most of us will abandon our New Year’s resolutions.

The grey skies and freezing temperatures don’t make it easy, but we must remember that the habits we form today will shape the success we enjoy tomorrow.

Studies have shown we have an autobiographical memory and that we reflect on our lives as a story – one that features chapter breaks of varying sizes. The fresh-start effect makes us more motivated to make a change at the beginning of each chapter. New year is a big one, but who’s ever started a diet at midday on a Thursday? It’s always a Monday, or at least the next day.

The good news is that when people continually eat the right food or always show up on time, this repeated good behaviour isn’t usually genetically gifted self-control; it’s simply a habit loop. Building habits is a great way to bring about change. We need to decide what we want the automatic behaviours in our life to be.

Pave the way to success

Resolutions relating to our sport tend to be results-focused and can be hugely ambitious. Who doesn’t want to win every class, move up the height and never miss a stride again?

Moving the focus onto establishing the habits that would help achieve the end goal gives a greater chance of success.

We know competition results come from the work that no one sees: the flatwork on dark nights after work, the polework exercises you do when you would rather be jumping and the fittening work to ensure you have enough left in the tank by the end of the round.

Planning is important, but it’s just as important to ride the horse and not the calendar. With two hearts involved, there’s always a chance that things won’t go exactly to plan. Setting up for success is often focused only on the horse. Their diet, tack and fitness are all hugely important, but it doesn’t mean that the human in the equation should be forgotten.

Self-care is usually last on the priority list, behind children, horses, work, finances and anything else that creeps in. Maybe this is the year it could be a focus.

For me, travelling abroad to shows so often has made it difficult to make healthy choices. Then last year, I discovered boxing as a way to keep fit. Getting into a routine and working with a personal trainer to provide accountability has brought about some manageable lifestyle changes and I’m feeling great.

Research suggests that if we tackle our goals alongside someone else, we are 30% more likely to stick to a new behaviour. If you’re having to ride after work and the cold, dark nights aren’t very appealing, why not agree to meet a friend to ride with? You’re much less likely to let them down than yourself.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

One change that should be at the top of our list is asking for help earlier. Showjumping can be a lonely sport and as a community, we’re not the best at asking for support.

Have an honest conversation with your coach about your goals and make sure you are open to building new connections. On average, we lose a percentage of our friends every seven years, so it’s easy to become isolated if we’re too busy to make new ones.

If you’ve often felt that you may be neurodivergent, why not make this the year to get a diagnosis and learn some coping mechanisms?

If you have periods when you feel low, put yourself first and find time to speak to someone and get the support you deserve. If you’re at a show and see someone on their own, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation – we’re all in this together.

It’s never too late to commit to how we want the year to look. Just remember to build in flexibility and stay positive when things don’t go to plan. If you can be just 1% better each time you ride, it soon adds up. Consistency always beats brilliance.

Enjoy the process, feel prepared when you hear the bell and remember that small choices, made continually, change everything. Start where you are, do what you can and let the season unfold.

Wishing you all the best for 2026!

● What are your equestrian New Year’s resolutions? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your thoughts to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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‘The crowd carried me round the course in the grand prix,’ says John Whitaker as he reflects on London International

John Whitaker — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 10:23:10 +0000

John Whitaker discusses a tight time allowed in the World Cup and a puzzling result that didn’t sit right with him during the fantastic festive show

The London International is always a good show; it would be whatever time of year it was, but Christmas makes it the icing on the cake. It would have been impossible to recreate Olympia at the Excel but the show works, they’ve kept the atmosphere the same, you get more people watching and you’re not unloading the horses on the street. Everything is easy.

Sunday’s World Cup was a good class. It was a big course and a tight time; for the size of the course, probably a bit too tight. Having said that, it’s difficult to get it perfect, and it was a good jump-off. If the time had been longer, there could easily have been 10 or 12 in the jump-off, instead of five. It’s a tough job to get right; you judge a course-builder on how often he gets it right, and Alan Wade doesn’t often get it wrong.

I knew the time was too tight for me, so I tried to get going early, then take it a bit easy nearer the end. The first three fences felt really good, then my first mistake was that we were going fast, jumped the triple bar and I just didn’t get Equine America Unick Du Francport back enough for fence four. That was tricky, and the other tricky line was the long five strides from eight to nine, going into the corner.

It goes against the grain for me to retire, but after I had the second fence down, I pulled up Unick to save him for the grand prix.

I thought my nephew Donald Whitaker had won it with his jump-off round; that mare’s naturally quick, and he went very fast, but Max Kühner took more chances and it paid off.

That put the pressure on and my son Robert was so unlucky, he was on the time and would have won it, but for having a rail down.

The result didn’t sit right with me

One thing that was odd this week was the six-bar. Sebastian Hughes and I both retired in the fourth round and Max pulled out before it, but they put us all equal first. I thought at first it must be a mistake but made enquiries and the powers that be said it’s a new FEI rule.

If two go for it and one pulls out, yet they’re all equal and share the same money, that doesn’t seem right to me.

The foreign riders were strong all week, even though some of the big names weren’t there this year due to the calendar being so busy. Victor Bettendorf is a very fast rider naturally, but put him on a fast horse and he’s practically unbeatable!

The crowd carried me round

The time allowed was a bit more forgiving for Monday’s grand prix, which worked in my favour – we just scraped through to the jump-off!

The atmosphere and the noise when I go in the ring is unbelievable, but I felt it more than ever this week. Luckily, it doesn’t bother Unick, although he’s quite a sensitive horse, and it’s really nice to hear. It’s just a pity when it goes wrong because everyone’s rooting for you!

But it really felt like the crowd carried me round the course in the grand prix. I knew the fence we had down in the jump-off would be my bogey fence and Unick just caught the wing as he turned. But to finish fourth and best of the Brits was a great way to end the year and hopefully it carries on in 2026!

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas.

● What was your experience of this year’s London International, either in person or from watching the live streaming? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your thoughts to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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14 unforgettable moments from the world of showjumping in 2025

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 08:30:21 +0000

There have been so many incredible moments from the sport of showjumping in 2025. With so many epic achievements, it’s fair to say we enter 2026 in a hugely positive place. From global successes to jaw-dropping high jump records and the horses who stole our hearts, here are just some of my highlights in a showjumping review of the year 2025.

My showjumping highlights from 2025

1. Pressure? What pressure? A resurgent British team

During one glorious, feel-good week in July, British showjumpers could do little wrong and we basked in their reflective joy throughout the European Showjumping Championships. With the British team taking the lead on day one, the nation held a collective breath as the drama unfolded.

Against the odds, the fab four of Scott Brash (Hello Folie), Ben Maher (Dallas Vegas Batilly), Donald Whitaker (Millfield Colette) and Matt Sampson (Medoc De Toxandria) emerged with the team silver medal, the culmination of weeks of hard work and an incredible team spirit. But the medals didn’t stop there.

Proving once again that pressure is for tyres, ice-cool Scott doubled up with a second silver medal and four British riders finished in the top 11. The resurgence of the British team continued with a first ever success in the Longines League of Nations Final and a historic success in the BMO Nations Cup of Spruce Meadows. With the world championships at Aachen just around the corner, this feels like the beginning of a golden era in the sport.

John Whitaker and Equine America Unick Du Francport soar into the runner-up spot in the CSI5* showjumping at the 2025 Royal Windsor Horse Show. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Boots And Hooves)

2. Showjumping GOAT turns 70

In what other sport, would we be celebrating one of the world’s leading athletes turning 70? Well the great and good of the equestrian world came out in force to pay tribute to the legendary John Whitaker as he celebrated his milestone birthday in August.

“He’s a man of few words, but when he says something listen because he always hits the nail on the head,” said his great friend Geoff Billington. “He may look like a 90-year-old when he walks but as soon as he’s on a horse he looks like his 23-year-old self again.”

Nick Skelton added: “He and I grew up riding together, jumped on countless teams together and he’s been a very great friend for many years. He’s so consistent, he never gives up and he deserves his status as a true legend of the sport.”

3. Who needs reins anyway?

It’s fair to say the European Showjumping Championships aren’t usually fodder for viral web content but even my non-horsey friends were talking about THAT heart-stopping moment when Scott Brash lost a rein on the turn to the triple combination during a crucial round for the team.

Displaying every ounce of trademark cool that has helped him win two Olympic gold medals, Scott and the ever-obliging Hello Folie kept their focus and the mare, who is feisty and forward and no easy ride, casually popped the towering fences like they were little more than cross-poles.

I had to watch the footage back several times to see where Scott deftly recaptured his rein – it’s utterly seamless. And what a horse! The modest Scotsman revealed he “felt like an amateur” but the rest of us were in awe and that, of course, is why he’s one of the best in the world.

Rachel Proudley and Easy Boy De Laubry Z, pictured at Dublin in 2025. (Image credit: Sportsfile via Getty Images)

4. Is there anything Rachel Proudley can’t do?

This year will certainly be one 20-year-old Rachel Proudley won’t forget in a hurry. Among her extraordinary list of achievements, the talented youngster won gold at the European young rider championships and became the first female rider in 61 years to win the puissance at Dublin Horse Show, adding a host of other high jump successes under her belt.

“Be more Rachel” is our new year’s resolution.

5. A record-breaking six bar

One of the most poignant and jaw-dropping successes of the year came when 25-year-old Joe Stockdale and It’s Confidential cleared a record-breaking 2.13m (more than 6ft 11in) to share the spoils in the six-bar competition at Spruce Meadows, Canada.

This was Joe’s first visit to the Calgary venue since watching his late father Tim Stockdale and Fresh Direct K2 win the class in 2011. Joe provided us with an epic night that none of us will forget.

Robert Whitaker wins the Hickstead Derby. (Image credit: Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves)

6. A fourth Whitaker adds his name to the Boomerang trophy

The Whitaker family and Hickstead go hand in hand, so it was fitting that the family should prove so successful at the venue this year with Robert Whitaker triumphant in both the King George V Gold Cup and the Hickstead Derby, while his cousin James landed the Queen’s Cup. Robert becoming the fourth member of his family to lift the world famous Boomerang trophy was truly special.

7. We all fell in love with a horse called Ping Pong

Coloured horses are relatively rare in the top level of the sport, which makes Gerit Nieberg’s brilliant partner, the 10-year-old Ping Pong Van De Lentamel (Emerald x Toulon) stand out from the crowd.

But he’s been causing a stir with his winning performances too, with this exceptional jumper also displaying a lightning turn of hoof as he’s stepped up to five-star level this year, including jumping double clear in the Rolex grand prix at Aachen and winning the Longines Global Champions Tour of Riesenbeck grand prix.

“He’s such a cool horse,” says Gerit, and we all agree.

Anya Dewey Clarke en route to winning the second leg of her HOYS double. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

8. A brilliant 10-year-old rider we’re in awe of

There are few better sights in the sport than the smallest showjumping ponies and their fearless jockeys flying round the ring and the recently turned 11-year-old Anya Dewey Clarke is one of our favourites with a string of titles to her name.

She’s accomplished beyond her years and hugely versatile too, as displayed by her Horse Of The Year Show double when she and the brilliant 17-year-old Jim whizzed to glory in the 128cm championship just hours after tasting glory in the 143cm working hunter pony of the year aboard Tullibards Silver Mine. There was no stopping her either, as she completed the full set of 128cm showjumping titles with victory at the London International, too.

“It’s the most incredible feeling I could ever had,” said Anya. Watch out Scott Brash, she’s coming for you!

9. Scott’s meteoric return to the top

This time last year, Scott Brash wasn’t even ranked in the top 50 in the world, having experienced an uncharacteristic dip in fortunes with five-star successes proving frustratingly elusive. But the victories started early in 2025 and never stopped, spearheaded by his superb victory in the richest showjumping prize in history on a momentous day at Spruce Meadows riding the utterly brilliant Hello Jefferson.

That was Scott at his brilliant best.

He finished the year with a dazzling performance riding Hello Chadora Lady to win the Rolex Top 10 Final in Geneva and we’ve been thrilled to see him soaring back up the world rankings as a result. The 40-year-old is now the number two showjumper in the world behind Kent Farrington. It can only be a matter of time before the hugely popular British showjumper rules the world once again.

10. A highly unusual grand prix result

We all know the showjumping formula – jump clear, jump-off, winner decided. But this year’s grand prix at the Dublin Horse Show proved anything but formulaic. As rider after rider in the first round accumulated faults, we began to wonder, “Will anyone actually jump a clear round?”

Well, you can always rely on USA rider Laura Kraut to show the world how it should be done and she and the brilliant Bisquetta, the penultimate pair to tackle Alan Wade’s track, showed why at the age of 60 she remains the greatest female rider in the world by clearing every single fence in perfect harmony.

When the final competitor, Trevor Breen and Highland President, rolled an oxer, it was all over and Laura was crowned the highly unusual victor. Laura Kraut, we salute you.

11. Harry Charles fills the tabloids

The British tabloids latched on to the “wedding of the year” as our very own Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallist Harry Charles married fellow showjumper Eve Jobs in the Cotswolds this summer. International news stories and column inches galore were devoted to the pair as a media frenzy surrounded their behind-closed-doors nuptials, attended by plenty of big names from the equestrian world.

Hopefully it was a relief for the newlyweds when normal service resumed at their next show and they were grilled by equestrian journalists about stride patterns and meaty oxers rather than A-list guest lists and floral arrangements.

Richard Vogel and United Touch S win gold at the European Showjumping Championships. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

12. The mega stallion with the ‘biggest stride in the world’

My jaw dropped the first time I saw huge-striding stallion United Touch S in action and his gold medal-winning performance under German rider Richard Vogel at the European Showjumping Championships displayed all his wonderful traits in the best light. The pair triumphed on a score of 0.01, having not touched a fence all week.

“I think everyone knew United Touch before, but now everyone saw how amazing he is,” said Richard, who has taught the stallion to use his body, adapt and adjust, not only to leave strides out, which he finds easy, but also to take on shorter distances. Another heroic horse we’d love to have in our stable.

13. The movie we’d all been waiting for

Forget Netflix and the countless other streaming channels, thousands of us were tempted back to the cinema this year for the release of the long-awaited film charting all-time-great Nick Skelton’s incredible life and career – Big Star: The Nick Skelton Movie. It proved a global hit and we’re now anxiously awaiting for some follow-up films on the likes of John and Michael Whitaker – surely another box office smash.

Trevor Breen and Kannoon Blue win The Astore & Sons 1.35m Open Championship. Credit Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves (Image credit: Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves)

14. A new star is born

Finally, we celebrate brilliant breeding. I’ve been a huge fan of Trevor Breen’s home-bred multi-winning Highland President for a long time, so my ears pricked up when I heard about Trevor’s next rising star, Kannoon Blue. The pair achieved the pinnacle at this year’s Horse of the Year Show, winning the leading showjumper of the year grand prix – no mean feat for a nine-year-old home-bred horse and a rider who just 17 months earlier had fractured his neck and back in a bad fall at Hamburg.

“Kannoon Blue is a phenomenal horse,” said Trevor. “This guy is really coming of age this year.”

What a year it was in the showjumping world. With 2026 just around the corner, we’re chomping at the bit to see how these stories continue to unfold. Watch this space.

What were your favourite moments in the 2025 showjumping season? Write to hhletters@futurenet.com for a chance to be published in Horse & Hound – please include your full address (town and county will be published).

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‘Why can’t our national showjumping champion have a crack at Hickstead’s King George,’ asks Carmen Edwards

Sarah Radford — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 10:30:25 +0000

International showjumper Carmen Edwards comes from a multi-generational showjumping family and runs Shropshire-based Edwards Equestrian with his younger brother Will. He has produced a string of exciting horses, including his Bolesworth two-star grand prix winner, Happy Valerie. He shares his opinion on how Britain’s show system is stuck in the past...

We are sticking too rigidly to tradition in the UK and falling short when it comes to making the best of our show system – for either competitors or spectators.

Graham Fletcher pitched some great ideas recently on ways we can revitalise our sport for spectators, such as having a GB versus Ireland “battle”.

These are the kinds of ideas showjumping needs to move forwards, but we’re facing organisation that is resisting change. For me, there should be far greater coherence in our system of qualifiers and finals.

Why do we jump our Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers outside, have to jump an open water then have to jump indoors at the final? Then have indoor qualifiers to jump outdoors at Hickstead? It probably made sense once, in the era before surfaces were the norm, but does it any more?

You wouldn’t catch a five-star rider jumping a World Cup qualifier to jump at Aachen. The Nations Cup Final isn’t held indoors. Sometimes you need different horses to do those different jobs.

Is it productive to train young horses in an open space all summer and then expect them to deal with flashing boards and the intense atmosphere of a major indoor show when they are not acclimatised to it? I love HOYS, but we do seem railroaded by history and I think that we need to move with the times.

Change is needed

Our calendar also has too many championships on offer and I think they are becoming meaningless.

Our national championships are our biggest disappointment. You become national champion and go to HOYS, a three-star show. Why can’t the winner have a crack at Hickstead’s King George, or even a golden ticket for all of the four- and five-star international grands prix on British soil?

Other European nations’ national championships have far more prestige. France’s is at Fontainebleau, Germany’s riders get to go to Aachen and Belgium’s national championships are combined with the World Young Horse Championship. FEI Sires of the World is there as well, bringing added attention and attraction. They’re shows people want to win.

Our winter classics are also well organised but lacking clarity. Why is there no meaningful end-of-series final for the grand prix?

The county circuit could also do with a shake-up, including renaming area trials – the classes haven’t lost their way, but the title is old-fashioned. The only county classes that have retained their prestige are the Cock O’ The North and the Royal Highland grand prix.

Why not cut the 21 area trials down to eight with £10,000 to the winner each time? The public can’t really relate to the current system; they need a clearer way of understanding who is “the best” each day of a show.

Ambition needed and new ideas

It’s not too long ago that everyone considered Nations Cups to be the pinnacle, but Jan Tops changed all that in founding the Global Champions Tour (GCT). Because of my upbringing, I would always prefer to jump a Nations Cup at Aachen or Calgary than a GCT, but ask many younger riders and it’s the podium of a GCT grand prix they’d want to be on.

There were times Jan was booed for it, but you have to acknowledge that he moved the sport on to another level and it’s the type of ambition our national sport should model.

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Graham Fletcher calls for a ‘new British-Irish championship’ to give riders in both countries ‘a much-needed boost’

Graham Fletcher — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:33:00 +0000

In his latest exclusive Horse & Hound column, Graham Fletcher shares an idea for an exciting concept and his favourite sporting moment of 2025

I recently criticised our national championships for being held in such a drab setting. However, the national title remains a great one that’s definitely worth keeping. Full marks to the current holder Rebecca Marsh who’s ridden really well all year.

I was lucky enough to win it a couple of times when it took place in the main ring at the Royal Show in front of massive crowds – and it deserves to be elevated into such a prestigious event once again.

The Irish currently decide their national title over a series of shows. But I’d love to see the British and Irish federations work together to run a three-day All-Ireland and British Championship.

It could alternate between the two nations each year. Ideally held in May or June, the overall winner would receive an invitation to compete at the Royal International at Hickstead and Dublin Horse Show.

I’d make the show’s middle night a fun night, opened with a speed class with a difference. The chefs d’equipe would pick five British and five Irish riders, but instead of adding their scores together, they’d go head-to-head in a penalty shoot-out format. The bookies might like that one…

I’d also get the ponies involved, and repeat the formula in 148cm ranks.

Irish enthusiasm for showjumping knows no bounds. At the recent youth show at Sentower in Belgium, no less than 42 Irish riders were competing – and for many that meant two sea crossings to get there.

The public and media would need to get involved to make a new-look dual-nation championships successful with the likes of really good hospitality, a live band and a bar as long as the one they used to have at Millstreet.

Then, as the Irish like to say, “the craic would be mighty”. They’d definitely bring a proper spark to the proceedings.

Other European countries make a real effort for their national showpieces. Belgium puts €100,000 (£88,000) into their final with €30,000 to the winner.

Prize money at the top five-star shows is now amazing, but the number of competitors is strictly limited. So for national riders, and young riders, it’s becoming increasingly hard to get a foothold and to give their owners a reason for keeping good horses with them.

A new and exciting British-Irish championship would give many riders in both countries a tangible and much-needed boost.

A truly memorable performance

What a fantastic year it’s been for Britain. In fact, our winning teams have never had a better one.

The number of horse/rider combinations that team managers Di Lampard and Stanny van Paesschen have been able to use has made it extra-positive.

However, the standout performer across teams and grands prix has to be Scott Brash. He’s been phenomenal and, as he inches back towards the world number one slot, it’s no more than what he deserves.

Scott Brash’s ice cool performances with the inexperienced Hello Folie secured two silver medals at the European Showjumping Championships 2025. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

All in all, it’s been quite a year for British equestrianism. There was Laura Collett’s European gold and Dan Skelton looking ever more masterful – I hope and think he will be champion trainer this year.

In fact, it’s to racing that I go for a truly memorable moment. It was the afternoon of Friday, 14 November and pouring with rain.

Olli was competing in Sentower while Will had taken eight horses to Addington. Although I’d always rather see the action live, I was quite content sitting at home as the rain lashed down outside, watching both shows on live stream with Cheltenham races on the big TV.

Surrounded by three screens I was certainly a dedicated follower of sport that afternoon.

What captivated me most was the 2.30pm at Cheltenham when Sean Bowen took the race on Wade Out through sheer will to win when all seemed lost. To keep the horse thereabouts and then cajole a burst of energy from him to take the race was unbelievable – and my favourite sporting moment of 2025.

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‘Showjumping courses in Europe encourage forward riding – why don’t builders do that here in the UK?‘ asks Joe Fernyhough

Joe Fernyhough — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:28:06 +0000

A rising star in international showjumping ranks, 24-year-old Joe Fernyhough competes and produces horses internationally and has been selected for the BS podium potential pathway

I’m currently competing at Oliva Nova in Spain and the differences between the course design here and at home are very apparent.

When I haven’t been abroad for a while, I find I need to walk a distance twice before I acclimatise to everything being two yards longer. It’s not that the distances are too long, it’s that the courses are designed to encourage forward riding.

Before coming to Spain, we took a lorryload of young horses to a local show. They have accommodating management and a great surface, but the courses weren’t really fit for purpose. Disjointed lines and backward distances were not the preparation I wanted for five- and six-year-olds approaching their first tour.

We seem to have accepted a culture where sometimes the only way to make the “measured distance” is to yank the horses back from the base of the fence. In contrast, courses abroad allow the horse extra room, encouraging less intervention from the rider’s hands. This allows horses to develop their own balance and self-adjust.

I have a particularly big-striding five-year-old out here, who’s very green but has huge potential. At home, I felt the rideability wasn’t good enough, as it was almost preferable to take a stride out than attempt a tight distance. Since being here, she’s jumped clear each day and the ride has consistently improved – not once have I felt the need to anchor her back to fit a stride in.

We have some great course-builders in the UK, who can rival the best in the world. But at local level/C2 weekday shows the standard is slipping too far.

I am not sure where the blame truly lies, whether it’s the training of our course-designers or if there’s less knowledge and horsemanship coming from the top down.

A potential eye-opener

To improve, a rider should immerse themselves in an environment of good riders at good shows, so should we apply this principle to our course-designing programmes? I think it would be an eye-opener if they had to visit Sentower in Belgium, or one of the Spanish tours, and observe where the standard sits.

We also need to rethink our top national level classes. Are they effective preparation for two-star grands prix and three-star Nations Cups?

This year’s national championship courses were a case in point. The international stairway series is the pinnacle of our national circuit, and a fair, up-to-height course was set. On paper this is a 1.50m jump-off class measured at 400mpm, so ideal for Di Lampard to scout for team selection.

But the course only included one related distance of any technicality – a vertical-to-oxer double, six strides, and a vertical double – which was responsible for the majority of faulters, myself included! The rest was level, seven- or eight-stride distances, which rode very nicely but could give you a false sense of what is expected in a two- or three-star grand prix.

“A shock for first-timers”

By comparison, the week one two-star grand prix in Oliva had nine related distances, and a much tighter time allowed. The fences were smaller than at the nationals, but far more technical. This is often a shock for people on their first trip abroad, who find each fence is linked and a mistake at the first can add up to 12 faults by the end.

We need to reassess what we are trying to achieve from our shows. C2 shows should be about educating young horses and area trials and stairways about preparing for two-star grands prix and above. There are a lot more tools at a course-builders’ disposal than just size.

● Are course-designers in Britain getting it right or wrong? Where have you experienced top-notch building? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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‘Britain once set the benchmark in top shows for others to follow, so what happened?’ asks Graham Fletcher

Graham Fletcher — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 10:36:56 +0000

Former international showjumper Graham Fletcher, who is now a highly-respected trainer, as well as a breeder and producer of young horses, looks back at past times at Britain’s great shows

As we look forward to the London International Horse Show, it must seem to many equestrians that it’s always been part of Christmas. But, in fact, few gave it any chance of success when it opened at Olympia in 1972.

The UK was entering a tough recession; inflation would peak at 24% in 1975 and interest rates climbed to close to 20% at the end of the decade. So who, in their right mind, would think of running a horse show in the capital just before Christmas?

Yet that’s exactly what the late, great impresario Raymond Brooks-Ward did. I rode at Olympia that year and saw first-hand how his positivity and enthusiasm made it work.

The ground in the main ring was too spongey to jump big fences on and many riders were thinking of going home. But Raymond got us all together and pleaded with us to start, which we did.

He went out onto the London streets himself to sell tickets, got Ted Edgar to ride the camels, and introduced a fancy dress pairs class for top international riders knowing it would be entertaining.

His idea for a pantomime with Father Christmas closing the show was professionally choreographed but nearly all the actors were the riders’ children and their families. He put the show into showjumping – what a man!

Horse of the Year Show, meanwhile, owes much of its development to Colonel Sir Mike Ansell. And what a show that was for decades, its popularity culminating in prime-time BBC TV coverage watched by millions.

At Hickstead, Douglas Bunn’s brainchild was what remains one of the best international arenas in the world. He constructed grandstands and restaurants from which the public could watch grands prix, Nations Cups and Derbies. His idea for hospitality boxes was probably borrowed from racing, but I’m sure it was a first for showjumping.

It fills me with despair, therefore, to hear grievances about our 2025 national championships being devoid of atmosphere with few facilities for owners. That’s so different from what I’ve seen at shows across Europe this year where all owners and connections are treated as important and afforded the pleasure of watching their horses in comfort.

So what’s happened to the movers and shakers in Britain in recent years?

I was talking to top international rider Geoff Luckett at the Global Champions Tour in Cannes earlier this year, and he asked: “Why in Britain do we now do so badly on things we used to do so well?” And he’s bang on. It seems inconceivable that we once set the benchmark in top shows for others to follow.

At least we can look forward to the London International, still brilliantly run by Simon Brooks-Ward. I know I speak for the likes of David Broome, Harvey Smith, Nick Skelton, John Whitaker and many more in celebrating the sport, the fun and the memories those three great men – Sir Mike Ansell, Douglas Bunn and Raymond Brooks-Ward – gave us.

Dial in

So the FEI is banning riders from using mobile phones while mounted in the warm-up. It’s surely a move aimed not so much at experienced competitors but to send a message to more novice and junior riders.

We’ve had some excellent staff working for us, but a couple of years ago I began to notice that after they’d worked a horse and were cooling it down, they were straight on their phones.

So I explained to them as a group that they wouldn’t be insured if they had a fall while using their mobiles.

The look I got was one of “Yeah, right… we’ll do as you say but once you drive off in your car…” Needless to say, the very next day I caught both my lads on their phones while riding.

All I did was shake my head and resign myself to being like King Canute trying to hold back the tide. No doubt those eagle-eyed FEI stewards will have more success than me!

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‘There is real camaraderie on the British circuit, but we need more premier winter shows,’ says showjumper Jodie Hall McAteer

Jodie Hall McAteer — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 09:20:47 +0000

British five-star showjumper Jodie Hall McAteer reflects on HOYS and producing young horses in Britain versus Europe in her exclusive H&H column

I cut short my time on the Sunshine Tour in favour of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) – I am pleased I made the decision as it’s such a cosy and familiar show. I love it and it’s always an enjoyable time.

There’s comfort in its constancy. While we were waiting to walk the course one day, Jack Whitaker said: “The curtains have changed colour. They’re a lighter purple.” That’s not something you’d notice at any other show!

In one of the international classes I picked up a fourth place rosette and it was identical to the one I was given when I jumped the 128cm final on Spring Disney back in 2010.

HOYS is always nostalgic and when you go back there, it puts everything into perspective. Foreign riders might not understand it but for riders like us, who have grown up there, it’s always rewarding to return.

It was also fantastic for my owners Ruth and Ian Dowie to watch their horse Key West jump there and place in Sunday night’s leading showjumper of the year. Being based back at home has given me more flexibility to have owners. I am extremely grateful for their trust and feel very fortunate to have such a talented horse in my string.

This summer I’ve attended more home shows than over the past four or five years and I have enjoyed being back on the national circuit. There’s a real camaraderie and community in British showjumping.

Solid jumping in the UK

Five years ago, when I was based in Britain, I was still a young rider, so I wasn’t under pressure to earn a living or ranking points, as I am now. That makes it a relief to see the breadth of internationals we have on the schedule now. I went to Chepstow twice, Chard CSI3*, Bolesworth CSI4* and Hickstead CSI5* as well as HOYS.

I also used the two-week show at Addington to get some young ones out and for the older ones to have a warm-up indoors before HOYS. It was well organised, the ground and courses were all excellent, and the delicious coffee and cakes in the café kept me fuelled for the long days!

It’s been invaluable to have opportunities to jump at a solid level in the UK. I’ve been able to produce a younger team of horses effectively in England over the past few months.

After being based in the Netherlands, where there were plenty of international shows to choose from down the road every week, it’s encouraging to know you can still make it work on the other side of the Channel.

I went on a two-week visit overseas in September to Sentower and Riesenbeck with three horses. I had a successful few weeks on the road, placing third in the grand prix and winning one of the qualifiers, and somehow only just about covered the cost of the trip.

I am now hopeful I can build this next stage in my career, and a life, in England. If Scott Brash and Ben Maher, who are among the best riders in the world, are still managing to be based here, there’s hope we can keep the next generation at home.

Post-HOYS, there is a bit of a gap, apart from London International Horse Show and a few winter classics. It definitely becomes a bigger challenge as we go indoors and there is certainly space in the calendar for a better British premier series over the winter months.

Nevertheless the sport is healthy, competitive and thriving in the UK; you only have to look at the success of Di Lampard’s team this summer to appreciate that; we can certainly hold our own!

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William Funnell on producing young horses: ‘The five-year-old world championships at Lanaken made uncomfortable viewing’

William Funnell — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:25:23 +0000

William Funnell questions whether racing five-year-olds against the clock at the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) World Breeding Championships is the best way to produce horses to become future stars of the international sport

We at The Billy Stud don’t tend to take many horses to the annual World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) World Breeding Championships for Young Horses at Lanaken and every time I arrive there, I think perhaps, as the largest breeders in the UK, we should really start having a bigger presence. But I left this year in no doubt that we’re doing the right thing.

I think, as they’re world championships, people lose sight of the fact we’re trying to produce our horses in the best way possible to reach the best of their abilities and this year’s five-year-old final made for uncomfortable viewing at times.

There has to be a better way to produce our five-year-olds within the sport than racing them round like that. Many lovely youngsters will have come away from that with a very negative experience. Judging five-year-olds on style and performance would be a far preferable option.

We had two horses in the six-year-old championship and they were jumping over very fair courses, although at 1.40m they were tough. However, because of the qualification system there, one horse that jumped double clear didn’t get into the final, whereas horses who went faster but with one fence down did.

People were going daft on the second day trying to qualify. Showjumping young horses is about achieving clear rounds, not going against the clock, so that’s poor management and it did leave a bitter taste.

As breeders, The Billy Stud is in the fortunate position of being well known enough – as well as having our own auctions – that we can sell our four- and five-year-olds without having to overdo them in the ring.

But for many breeders, these championships will be their only shop window and becomes the be-all and end-all. However, we must not lose sight of what we’re trying to achieve.

The seven-year-old finals do work well and successful horses in this age bracket go on to achieve greater success in the ring. Obviously, every horse is different, but few of the five- and six-year-olds we ever hear of again.

Success at home

In contrast to Lanaken, I thought our British young horse championships at Hickstead in August – which act as a qualifier for the world championships – were a massive success.

Because of the clear-round bonuses on offer, we didn’t see anything like the crazy jump-offs of Lanaken. With excellent course-building, too, this event is only going to grow in popularity, especially with the Horse of the Year Show young horse finals now a mish-mash of age groups and nothing to be proud of.

Several top horses that have been bred in this country were sold cheaply by their breeders, so the money isn’t going in their pockets. Hickstead’s location makes it easily accessible for foreign buyers, meaning it is an excellent shop window to help ensure British breeding can be commercial.

Making our national title something to be proud of

Lanaken also hosts Belgium’s national championship, contested by all their top riders and won this year by Jos Verlooy. I’m embarrassed to tell people that our national champion is decided over 1.40m, at a show nobody attends.

Could our national title be decided at the British young horse championships at Hickstead instead? Surely there’s a venue who could host it on a weekend and return it to the flagship status it once had?

Brits rule the world

What a performance from the British team to win the Longines League of Nations (LLN) Final. The unique format has made the LLN enthralling viewing and Scott Brash, Ben Maher and Harry Charles are the dream team, but there are many other combinations to be excited about, all of which is positive for the sport.

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‘Spruce Meadows Masters had so many perfect endings it was almost like it was following a script,’ says Adam Cromarty

Adam Cromarty — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 09:32:58 +0000

Commentator Adam Cromarty reflects on a week he will never forget at Spruce Meadows as the stars aligned for British riders

It’s not often you leave a show and wonder if the whole thing had been scripted. Surely the Spruce Meadows Masters couldn’t have had so many perfect endings by chance? The best came together in a venue like no other to celebrate its 50th anniversary and the results echoed around the world.

Friday is the Evening of the Horse. While it features a 1.60m jump-off competition, it also feels like a night of choreographed entertainment as the stadium transitions to being under lights for a fan favourite, the Atco Electric six bar.

Britain’s Joe Stockdale and Czechia rider Vaclav Stenek set a new Spruce Meadows record of 2.13m and if that wasn’t enough in the jubilee year, the last time Joe visited Calgary it was to watch his father, Tim, win this very competition. The fireworks that followed may just have been upstaged! Luckily, they had the band of the Household Cavalry to help.

Spruce Meadows has always had strong ties with Britain – from the initial advice they received from Douglas Bunn, to the names that are included on the trophy collection. Then there’s course-designer Pamela Carruthers, who made quite the impact and is still mentioned to this day.

Yet when it comes to team success, Britain had failed to lift the BMO trophy awarded to the winners of the Nations Cup for 29 years.

Saturday is known as British Day and this year the Duchess of Edinburgh was in attendance.

Eleven teams competed for the BMO Nations Cup. Twists and turns in the story brought about a final chapter in which Donald Whitaker rode through the clock tower carrying some pressure.

When commentating, I love telling a story and building a bit of drama, so the 25,000-strong crowd were more than aware that if Donald jumped clear, Britain would win and if he had a rail, we’d be going to a three-way jump-off.

You could hear a pin drop as Donald navigated the course. The applause as he crossed the finish was rapturous. For Britain to end their drought during the 50th celebrations was momentous.

Unique lines and new questions

The gravity of Sunday’s CPKC International grand prix was echoed when I walked the course. It’s a two-round competition with a jump-off. The round-one track had everything you’d expect. It also had unique lines, like a wide Liverpool on a related bending line to a narrower Liverpool.

A few riders agreed that clear rounds would be sparse. Course-designer Leopoldo Palacios thought he’d get six clears. I walked it with Linda Southern-Heathcott, Spruce Meadows’ president and CEO, and she guessed eight. We ended up with 11.

The second round brought its own challenges but it was world-class sport. After decades of building at the top, Leopoldo is still evolving and creating new questions.

No one would have complained about a double clear, but we must remember that the faults are cumulative in this format and at this level, I’d rather see two jump-off on four faults than eight jump off on a double clear.

The stars had aligned throughout the event, so it was fitting that 10 years after Scott Brash won the same competition to capture the Rolex Grand Slam title, he was back in the winner’s circle and now starts a new journey as the live Grand Slam contender.

It was a week I’ll never forget for so many reasons. I mean at what other show would Matt Sampson be handed a microphone by Michael Bublé for a quick rendition of Take Me Home, Country Roads?

● Too tough or pitched just right – what did you think about the courses set for the grand prix at Spruce Meadows this year? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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‘A big outlay richly rewarded’: Graham Fletcher on the disparity between prize money in showjumping

Graham Fletcher — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:32:47 +0000

Former international showjumper Graham Fletcher, now a highly-respected trainer, as well as a breeder and producer of young horses, shares his views on the disparity between pitiful and mega-money prizes in showjumping

A successful Chepstow Summer International was really encouraging to see. With classes for all, there were two ranking competitions. The first was won by Olli Fletcher with Trevor Breen second, but Trevor came back to claim the grand prix with a masterfully crafted round on Kannoon Blue.

It’s a big outlay for a CSI2* show to put on two ranking classes. But organiser Matt Broome was rewarded with their best international show yet. They even had to turn away some entries, he told me.

The unbelievable cost of travelling horses abroad since Brexit makes it impossible to cover costs unless you have a string capable of winning ranking classes or grands prix. Aiming for young horse classes or producing horses needing experience at 1.30m and 1.35m means some very high bills to pay.

So well done to the likes of Chepstow, Chard and Bolesworth; I’m pleased they got the support they deserve. But it’s not such good news on the national show front.

Firstly, don’t believe that old chestnut that entries at county shows are declining because younger riders dislike jumping on grass. Good going is important, but top five-star shows including the likes of Aachen, Calgary, Rome, Dublin and Hickstead all take place on grass.

No, it’s because travelling and stabling expenses can’t be justified to compete for a £1,000 prize – the same as it was in 1980 and what should be £5,480 today, factoring in inflation.

As we come into autumn, Shrewsbury, Henley, Bucks County and Newbury – shows where our sport has enjoyed tremendous support from riders and crowds alike – have dropped their showjumping. More will follow and we must ask why.

Years ago, I advocated for a British Showjumping committee of three or four riders and ex-riders to work with show organisers who might see hosting showjumping as problematic.

I know it works, having been co-opted onto the Great Yorkshire committee when their jumping lost its former glory and needed a revamp. At this year’s Yorkshire – with its full stands, superb competitions on good ground, a great atmosphere enhanced by excellent course-building and commentary – I felt proud of what we’d achieved.

The only comparable show is the Royal Highland, which Douglas Duffin tells me is likewise fantastic for riders. When I was riding and lived in Yorkshire, we had to travel south for the most lucrative prize money. It’s amazing that our two best national shows are now in the north of England and Scotland.

It would only take another two or three shows like the Yorkshire and Highland to transform the dynamics of the British season. Not only would it showcase the best of our sport to the public, but our up-and-coming riders would have the chance to make a living again.

“The realms of fantasy”

The Brits had a fantastic Spruce Meadows Masters in Calgary, winning the Nations Cup for the first time in 29 years ago with Scott Brash at his brilliant best to take the grand prix.

The C$5m (£2.7m) prize fund for the grand prix, watched by a packed crowd of 25,000, made it the richest one-day sporting event in Canadian history. To put it into perspective, the Derby at Epsom is worth £1.5m and the Cheltenham Gold Cup £625,000.

The British press has always been impressed by big purses so I was disappointed to find this remarkable achievement had no television or newspaper coverage.

More should be done or money spent to get the right person to address this in an era when sports need to push themselves to the media.

I rode on two winning Nations Cup teams in Calgary’s earlier days and spent time with its visionary creators Ron and Marg Southern. When they founded Spruce Meadows 50 years ago, you could tell by their enthusiasm and plans that this was always going to be a great show.

But even so, if you’d predicted a prize fund of C$5m for one competition, I’d have said you’re in the realms of fantasy.

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‘Some of the behaviour I’ve seen at recent pony showjumping shows is just not on’, warns Ronnie Lee Jones

Ronnie Lee Jones — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 09:28:11 +0000

Essex-based showjumper and trainer Ronnie Lee Jones calls out some unacceptable behaviour he’s experienced at recent shows and asks what impact it is having our junior riders

Ring etiquette and conduct at pony shows needs some serious thought.

Speak to anyone who has jumped a season on the junior British Showjumping circuit and you’ll hear enough stories to fill a book. What worries me is how it’s impacting junior riders.

Some of the behaviour I have witnessed – and recently been on the receiving end of – isn’t acceptable.

There are trainers openly speaking disrespectfully to other trainers, there is abusive language if it doesn’t go well, people refusing to go in for a mounted presentation when they’re unhappy with their placing, kids put under excessive pressure and jealousy towards other competitors.

Stewards and stipendiaries dish out reminders, but it’s becoming an everyday occurrence. To these kids, professional riders and trainers are idols and if we’re not careful, this behaviour will become normalised.

Kindness and good sportsmanship should always be paramount, along with prioritising your horse’s welfare. My partner Alex and I stress this to the group of juniors we teach and we’re proud that they are great little sportsmen and women. Healthy rivalry is fine but you always congratulate your fellow competitors.

They’re always present for prize-giving and win or lose, the ponies get a pat. Those small gestures matter but they’re easily forgotten.

Being glued to iPhones and social media has meant some old-fashioned values are slipping, so as trainers it’s our job to reinforce them, not behave in a way that’s influencing younger riders to become unprofessional.

Providing great role models

Back when I was jumping in junior ranks, some 18 years ago, I was competing as part of a great group of kids with some brilliant ponies. A good handful of my cohorts are now at the top of the sport, jumping at five-star level, and are great role models.

We need more of that.

Sarah Stoute, owner of Keysoe International, is launching the new EQUISS (Equestrian Industries Safeguarding & Standards) UK platform to support equestrians who have been mistreated in the industry. Sarah is a huge advocate for equality and this is a step that’s hugely positive for us.

In terms of mental health, our sport is tough enough and I’m really glad to see someone passionate to help others.

I’ll definitely be supporting Sarah in her endeavours.

A show centre leading the way

Scope and the British Showjumping National Championships have caused a stir this year and produced a lot of comments. I thought that Chris Smith’s views on the subject were spot on. These major championships are no different to your local mid-week show.

The current economic climate has meant we’ve departed from the good old days (which don’t seem that long ago) of Scope Festival being run at Stafford. It was always very well supported, and a good venue and crowd can make a show.

At a national championships, the format, schedule, entertainment and public offerings all need to change, as that’s what sets them apart from a run-of-the-mill event. When Scope was at Stafford, there was no other show like it all year, and that’s what brought people there – the excitement of something different.

Obviously, it all boils down to funding, but I would like to see someone really take control and make changes for the better.

The best show I’ve been to this year, where I could see they were trying to break away from the norm, was the Granite City Festival at Bogenraith Equestrian in Aberdeenshire. It was run by an amazing team dedicated to making it a special experience.

There were commentators live streaming interviews with competitors to put on social media, there were podium presentations with champagne showers and even welcome gifts.

Little things like that made a huge difference.

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Chris Smith: ‘There were more officials watching the speed class than spectators’

Chris Smith — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 09:28:24 +0000

British international showjumper, producer of young horses and highly respected coach, Chris Smith, ponders how to make the national championships in to a flagship event

Potentially, the British Showjumping (BS) National Championships could be an amazing show, it’s just lacking something. It is hard to put your finger on what that something is, but I think it needs a bit of a shake-up to make it successful.

Perhaps it’s the lack of atmosphere more than anything. Driving in is like arriving on a building site. They can’t help what’s going on around the show, but there’s no banner, or anything to say you’re at a national championship. It’s a shame as it should be our biggest national show of the year.

The speed class, which I won, finished at 7pm and I counted just eight people watching – there were more course-builders and judges than spectators.

I think holding the show at Bolesworth in 2020 highlighted some real issues, as Nina Barbour did a fantastic job there. Could the organisers listen to feedback then get together with BS chief executive Iain Graham – and I don’t think this is down to BS – to come up with a new concept?

I’ve been to some of the European national shows and they are spectacles. Our flagship event isn’t.

Conflicting schedules

The schedule could do with some tweaking because the juniors and seniors are pretty much separate shows now and the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) wild card series is held over three consecutive days, which is a lot of jumping.

On the first day, the 1.30m and 1.40m ran at the same time, but the same riders contest both classes, so they were calling Joe Trunkfield and put him on a three-minute warning, but he also had three horses to ride in the wild card. I think people got a bit fed up. The flagship class should be on a Saturday but it was on a Thursday afternoon, when everyone’s at work.

Scope Festival used to have something for everybody, with some of the best classes you’d ever jump and it was rammed; people had a good time.

We’re lucky to have shows like this, but we don’t make the most of them. We have some of the best facilities and the best riders in the world, we just need something to bring them in.

The national championships are never going to have prize money to match the Global Champions Tour, but other countries’ national championships attract their top riders.

Butlins for showjumpers

Perhaps organisers could involve someone who understands what riders and owners want – there was no one in hospitality, no parties and it was a ghost town by 8pm. That’s what made Scope work so well. You had the best riders there and it was like Butlins for the rest of them.

The courses at this year’s championships were good, the results were fair, the jumping was fantastic and Rebecca Marsh deserved the title. But there’s an opportunity for change, so let’s make it happen.

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Graham Fletcher: ‘Full marks for a fantastic European Showjumping Championship’

Graham Fletcher — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 09:32:57 +0000

H&H showjumping columnist Graham Fletcher on why the results in A Coruña resonate more than most

What a fantastic Longines FEI European Showjumping Championships this was! Brilliant courses by Santiago Varela tested the utter concentration of riders as well as the total athleticism and scope of the horses throughout the competition. Full marks to Spain and A Coruña for providing the backdrop, facilities and top-class going to produce such a spectacle.

There have been times when a European Championships can fall a bit flat when it follows all the euphoria and emotion of the Olympics. But that certainly wasn’t the case on this occasion. Indeed, many of the top riders had lightly competed their horses this year to have them spot on for these Europeans.

It was interesting to read an interview with world number one golfer Scottie Scheffler, who’s just won the British Open and collected more than £100m in prize money since 2022.

He said that players hardly have time to enjoy each victory because the next important tournament comes up so quickly. Meanwhile fellow golf pro Rory McIlroy describes the golf circuit as “the hamster wheel”.

Likewise, it’s been life-changing for top riders to have so many lucrative grands prix to aim for. However, with the exception of Aachen, these wins aren’t remembered for long.

That’s why the title of European champion – which stands for two years and resonates with a wider audience – has become so sought after.

“The Brits were unreal”

The British team were unreal with some amazing performances to claim team silver, being just pipped by the Belgians.

Chef d’equipe Di Lampard and technical advisor Stanny van Paesschen have had quite an exacting year with some of our best potential team horses being sold.

But anything is possible when you have two riders like Ben Maher and Scott Brash on your side. Although they have completely different styles, both are blessed with the genius quality.

Ben, always so impeccable and beautiful to watch, just missed an individual medal to finish fourth with Dallas Vegas Batilly.

The terrific partnership of Scott and Hello Folie won a really well-deserved silver. Folie’s agility and bravery are the properties that, to me, also define Scott as the top rider he is.

Donald Whitaker’s Millfield Colette, whom I always liked when the mare was produced by Laura Kennedy (née Robinson), has gone from strength to strength. This is now a really solid partnership with many more years of championship teams to come.

Belgium’s gold medal-winning team had two young riders in it who were as polished and professional as I’ve ever seen. Thibeau Spits with Impress-K Van’t Kattenheye Z and Gilles Thomas on the wonder-horse Ermitage Kalone didn’t have a fence down between them over the five rounds.

Their approach is all about marginal gains. They ride with fitness levels, slimness and positioning that can be achieved only with a finely tuned eye for detail.

Interestingly, Thibeau was young riders European champion in 2022. That title passed to Ireland’s Seamus Hughes Kennedy who, at 22 years old, rode at the top of his game here to finish fifth overall with ESI Rocky – the same horse on whom he’d won the young riders Europeans in 2023.

A chance for fifth riders to shine

It was a really good idea of the FEI’s to let the fifth rider from each team compete as an individual.

It’s all very well to say they are there to support the team, and I know they do just that. But for an ambitious rider to sit it out for the week makes it a very long one indeed.

Jessica Mendoza was our fifth rider and you could tell that she was 100% behind the team. But I’m sure she equally enjoyed competing – and rode exceptionally well to finish 11th individually with In The Air.

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Adam Cromarty: ‘This year’s Spruce Meadows Masters will set a new bar for our sport’

Adam Cromarty — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:31:30 +0000

Adam Cromarty celebrates Spruce Meadows willingness to innovate and improve, bringing equestrian sport to a wider audience than ever before

Can you think of a rider, horse or success that changed the history of the sport? For me, it was when Scott Brash won the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping at Spruce Meadows in 2015.

We often talk about the importance of consistency in our sport and the Grand Slam title is the embodiment of this. For Scott to win three majors in a row seemed almost impossible. It happened during my second year of commentating at the Calgary venue.

Scott and I are both from Scotland and I had watched him climb our national ranks. Now we were 4,000 miles away from home and at a venue that most see only on television.

In front of a capacity crowd, Scott was last to go in round two and as he entered the ring, I announced, “All he has to do is leave the fences up and come home within the time allowed. If he does that, he’ll make history, he’ll win the CP International and claim a €1m [around £867,000] Rolex Grand Slam bonus. No pressure.”

Everyone sat in silent awe until I excitedly announced, “He’s done it!”

This year, Spruce Meadows is celebrating its 50th anniversary. My first visit was in 2013 and it’s no exaggeration to say that there is nothing like it anywhere in the world. Each time you walk through the gates and down the flag-adorned driveway, you can feel the history and the dreams that have been realised.

Although tradition is evident throughout the venue, there is a continual evolution that is often lacking within our sport. I’m sure there were a few raised eyebrows when it was announced that one of the main jumping rings was to be repurposed and become a football (soccer) stadium.

It was a genius move; home team Cavalry FC is a part of the Canadian Premier League and new faces are continually included within the sell-out crowds. Opening in September will be Foxtrot, a year-round restaurant, museum and café that overlooks the International Ring.

A touch of Marvel

This year, during each week of the Summer Series, the entertainment offering was substantial. It no doubt made watching our sport attractive to a new audience.

There were outdoor movie nights as well as a new stage with local and national music artists. The demonstration ring featured everything from corgi racing to the Lord Strathcona Mounted Regiment musical ride.

There were also several sold-out concert nights with acclaimed names such as Grammy award-winning singer Leon Bridges, who also walked the course for the Atco Queen Elizabeth II Cup.

I don’t think any other venue has teamed up with a brand such as Marvel, but with a free comic featuring familiar characters on a Spruce Meadows adventure and collectable posters, younger fans were offered a new way to engage.

I love doing live course walks with Spruce Meadows president and CEO Linda Southern-Heathcott, who represented Canada at the 1996 Olympics. It’s a great opportunity to give fans some pre-competition insight. This summer, we were well protected with some “marvellous” heroes tagging along!

Spruce Meadows president Linda Southern-Heathcott and commentator Adam Cromarty are joined by Marvel heroes. (Image credit: Mette Holm)

“A global jewel”

There’s a reason that so many corporate partners have been supporting the venue for decades, some since its inception. It’s a global jewel in the crown of our sport but also a place that the local community can enjoy year-round. From being a place to take a stroll, to the world-class Christmas market or attending PetFest, there’s always something to enjoy.

The Masters Tournament in September is being talked about worldwide.

In keeping with the 50th celebrations, the CPKC International grand prix will have a prize fund of $5m, in addition to the potential Rolex Grand Slam bonuses. The Nations Cup will feature 10 teams from around the world. We’ll enjoy the usual festivities such as a six-bar under lights, followed by a firework display to a live orchestra.

Any year at the Masters is frankly amazing, but I have a feeling this year will set the bar of how our sport should be presented.

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Ronnie-Lee Jones: ‘Good to see that showjumping is still relevant’

Ronnie Lee Jones — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 09:28:30 +0000

Ronnie-Lee Jones shares his thoughts on Hickstead’s upgrades and has some advice for aspiring riders

It was great to see very large numbers of horses and riders competing at Hickstead, one of our best shows in the country. The improvements they have made are outstanding and the new international barn was faultless.

My partner Alex had his top horse in the CSI4* classes and although we had some very hot days, the international stables were at least 10°C cooler than outside. The thought that has gone into the layout and architecture, such as muck heaps and windows for horses, was admirable.

The stands were packed – it was good to see that showjumping is still relevant and attracting people for a day out. The footfall added to the atmosphere, which is vital for young horses to experience.

Even the VIP catering, which we were lucky enough to enjoy from the private viewing boxes, was fantastic. Every effort was made.

We had some great results over the week from top placings in a 1.45m to British novice and age classes, so we were able to take every horse in the yard and came home feeling well-accomplished.

Shaping up for an exciting HOYS

I’ve noticed a massive change this year in the standard of horses in our sport and the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers are definitely busier. In previous years I’ve competed in grade Cs with as few as 12 entries plus newcomers and Foxhunter regionals with a maximum of 40, but this year numbers have been huge.

Strong but considerate course-building has meant there have been 10-plus in the third round and every qualifier we’ve attended has been super-competitive. It’s shaping up to be a very exciting HOYS for 2025, showcasing the up-and-coming talent the UK has to offer.

Rowland Fernyhough’s column challenged the relevance of the current HOYS finals and fairness of the qualifying system. He made some valid points.

My feelings are that the system is the system and has been this way for years – although it wouldn’t hurt to have a shake-up of the rules to exclude older horses.

Horses need to be quality to be competitive over three rounds and the current format doesn’t detract from that. If anything, it highlights the talented younger horses that are still able to rise to the top of those classes.

Young and upcoming riders wanting a career in our industry can aspire to some of the results our top riders have achieved in this year’s qualifiers.

Laura Renwick has secured multiple tickets on home-breds while Holly Smith has almost 10 tickets to the various HOYS finals.

This sort of consistency is something the younger generation should look up to, as it only happens with huge amounts of hard work, knowledge and experience.

Exciting qualifiers with competitive jump-offs also make for great watching and are what we need to attract future investors to our sport.

TV coverage is a positive step

Coverage of the London Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) in August on ITVX will hopefully raise the profile of our great sport, highlighting both the lifestyle and top-class sportsmanship. It’s a positive step forward this year and I hope it continues.

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Rowland Fernyhough: ‘HOYS showjumping classes and qualifiers need to change’

Rowland Fernyhough — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 09:28:36 +0000

Former international showjumper turned horse producer Rowland Fernyhough shares his thoughts on the “mockery” of HOYS qualification and suggests a possible solution...

As I see it, the qualifiers for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) are an open invitation for people to manipulate the system.

The newcomers, Foxhunter, grade C and talent seekers finals are fundamentally aimed at the same cohort of young horses. But despite this, all ages of horse are permitted in all of those finals.

If the rules restricted the newcomers to seven-year-olds and under and Foxhunter to eight-year-olds and under, it would at least bring the classes somewhere in line.

It would also help to stop horses who have competed up to CSI2* abroad but don’t have the winnings on their records, which is making a mockery of the system.

Currently, advanced eventers are even eligible – it’s treading on a lot of young horses and giving them no chance.

The timescales for qualifying are also too long, meaning that some horses have got their double clears 18 months earlier and are way ahead of the class.

When you factor in the height of the fences in the second rounds, you end up with a competition that bears no resemblance to the spirit of newcomers and Foxhunter classes.

The format of the second rounds also makes little sense. It’s pointless to have three rounds when it still turns into a gallop to qualify. There are often 100-plus in the class competing for two HOYS tickets, which can take more than five hours to judge.

How is it fair on the horses? And if horses have to jump a newcomers and a Foxhunter second round, and maybe even a talent seekers at the same show, that’s eight rounds, which is too much.

HOYS qualifiers: a potential solution

Qualifiers should be cut to two rounds but with the numbers restricted by allowing horses one attempt at qualifying, instead of four, with three tickets available at each regional.

Three of the finals at HOYS are held over just two days, which is also asking too much of young horses who have qualified for multiple championships.

In addition, I don’t believe that the talent seekers and Foxhunter finals should be 9pm main-draw classes; they never were in my day.

As for the grade C final, should it even have a place at HOYS? We see a lot of older horses in both this class and the talent seekers.

If a 12-year-old horse still isn’t grade A, they’re either not a very talented horse or our points system is rather flawed.

Why not replace the grade C and talent seekers with a county show series for grade As, where three horses qualify for HOYS directly, creating a final made up of 24 horses?

I think that this would help to rejuvenate the county show circuit and increase the chances of getting more horse and rider combinations ready for Nations Cup contests and grands prix.

Good horses are being produced

The gold and stairway leagues are a route to the international classes at HOYS but the numbers that actually get to jump are miniscule. I believe that money put into this series and subsidising suitable combinations to go abroad would be a better use of this funding.

Good horses are being produced in this country, but this is in spite of the system not because of it. We need to have a system in place that improves the standards, rather than lowers them.

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Graham Fletcher: Millie Allen led a strong British fight back to qualify for Nations Cup semi-final

Graham Fletcher — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 09:43:53 +0000

Graham Fletcher has busy been watching Nations Cup action and shares a favourite story involving a canny Irishman...

My son Olli was back in British team action last weekend after a nasty injury had sidelined him for three months. We finished third out of 12 teams at Peelbergen in the Netherlands to qualify for the Nations Cup semi-final at Deauville.

It really was a game of two halves; at the end of the first half, we looked well and truly out of it. Taisie de Gruchy’s recent good form had got her into the team, but when La Presley CJS took an unusual exception to the water at fence four, it was game over for her as she became the drop score.

It’s always much harder when you’re playing with a team of three, but the Brits made a real fight back in the second round. Harry Charles was very unlucky to have the last fence down on Kannandillo, a relatively new ride for him.

Millie Allen produced a second wonderful clear on Clearround Il Mondo Z, while Olli and Hello William also jumped clear to secure third place for the team.

But the plaudits go to Millie. Although she won many medals at youth level, she was riding on her first senior Nations Cup team at 27 years old. And what a great job she did riding Karel Cox’s good horse, which she has brought on through the ranks. This looks like a top-class partnership.

Millie’s amazing week continued with second in the grand prix and winning the leading rider of the show award. I knew her grandfather, the late Dick Thorpe, very well and to say he would have been a very proud man would be an understatement.

Going full circle

There’s a saying that history keeps repeating itself. Even in my lifetime, I’ve seen it happen. When I first started travelling to continental shows, I found it fascinating that every country had its own character.

Although when competing at internationals you absolutely must focus on the job in hand, in my formative years overseas, shows were much longer than they are now. Most ran for a week and Aachen and Toronto went on for 10 days, so I usually found a bit of time to explore the surroundings.

In those days, it was striking how our European neighbours were much less prudish than us. I remember going for a sauna in Germany – to find it was mixed. As they all sat there in their birthday suits, I thought to myself how I’d never seen one of these in North Yorkshire!

At most of the shows back then, the loos were used by everyone – or gender neutral as they would be called now. So I suppose things have gone full circle.

But to switch on the news now and see the daily horrors of death and awful injuries in wars that shouldn’t be happening, then to hear people pontificating about who should use which loo – it’s just shameful.

Wit of the Irish

One of my favourite stories of the year so far concerns international Irish rider Sean Monaghan, who was catching a flight to Dublin with Ryanair.

As he went through the final boarding gate, a thrifty stewardess noticed Sean was carrying his rucksack plus a separate bag containing his riding hat.

“You’ll have to pay for the extra bag,” the firm-looking crew member called out.

As we all know, Ryanair might be a low-cost airline but extra add-ons are very expensive. So just as the stewardess was demanding the extra money, Sean took his riding hat out of the bag and put it on his head.

“You can’t do that, you know,” was the reprimand.

“But I have to,” said Sean, “I’m a very nervous flyer…”

Quite what the Irish owner of Ryanair and successful racehorse owner Mr Michael O’Leary would think of that, I don’t know. But I do know that the only person who can outwit a canny Irishman is another Irishman!

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Laura Kraut: ‘Royal Windsor retains all its magic – and we stayed dry!’

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 22 May 2025 09:26:23 +0000

US showjumper Laura Kraut reflects on an enjoyable Royal Windsor Horse Show and the new film looking back on her partner Nick Skelton’s incredible career

Royal Windsor Horse Show is a wonderful excuse to come to England, which is great because I love it here and I was sad when we had to leave.

My partner Nick Skelton and I used to be based here for half of the year, spending the other half in Wellington, USA, but since the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Brexit, we’ve moved to Holland.

England was always considered a bit of a hike by Continental riders and while other British international shows are probably suffering with a lack of foreign competitors, Windsor is an exception.

It has the draw of being not only a five-star but a very special atmosphere, and the top riders still make the journey, as they do for London in December. This year we’ve been blessed with wonderful weather – I think it’s the first time I have ever left with my shoes still dry!

Being based on the Continent saves on a lot of potential complications. The cost of transporting horses now is really shocking, so much so that we couldn’t find a way to make remaining in England make sense.

This week, there has been the added problem of the French vets’ strike. Some people have been stuck, unable to get out of England into France, but we’re lucky they conceded to let the horses from the show get home.

Having the showing classes and exhibitions makes Royal Windsor very different from a lot of other shows and we all enjoy jumping a five-star with this backdrop. The organisers continue to get it right and the riders appreciate the amount of effort that’s put in.

The town itself is special and then there’s the cocktail party in the castle to enjoy. I went to my 12th one this year, but it still feels magical walking through those gates.

A strong Rolex Grand Prix

This year’s Rolex grand prix was really well done and there was a strong group of horses and riders. It was nice to jump a course that wasn’t a killer, although you had to ride well and it remained technical enough.

The jump-off was exciting all the way to the end, which made for a great finale.

This is the first show I have jumped at since coming back from Florida and the horses have gone well, despite me going down with a 24-hour sickness bug during the show.

I was second in the first class and third in the morning class on Saturday, but I did feel a bit sorry for my horses the first day! By 5pm I was shivering in bed, but Nick went out to promote his new film, Big Star: The Nick Skelton Story.

It’s been six years in the making and we have been involved in the process the whole way through. In some ways that makes us a bit numb to it now, but you still find yourself taking a step back and thinking “his career really was extraordinary”.

I remember the confidence Nick had leading up to the 2016 Olympics – he said he was going for one reason and one reason only and that was for individual gold. He knew what he wanted and he was going to put everything into it. I have never had confidence like that, but that’s Nick’s personality.

I think I cried the entire day in Rio, every time he went clear, more out of relief than happiness!

It’s a great sports film and I don’t think you’ll need to be a horse person to enjoy it. I hope people are able to go and see it.

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Ronnie Lee Jones: ‘Horses need to see the world and have a bit of fun’

Ronnie Lee Jones — Fri, 09 May 2025 09:28:02 +0000

Ronnie Lee Jones reflects on different ways of producing horses – and young riders

These days, there is a lot of money in showjumping as a sport, but it doesn’t necessarily buy you experience or education.

When I was younger, I went to Pony Club, which is fantastic for children. There is so much focus on learning about management and anatomy, and I collected a jumper full of badges. I worry now that these routes into equestrian sport are dying a death.

I live in Essex, in Area 40, and when I was growing up, we also had the great fortune of British Showjumping academy training.

It was a National Lottery-funded initiative where you were invited to spend an entire day at a show centre with an accredited coach – such as Di Lampard or Alan Fazakerley. You’d have two lessons, one jumping and one flatwork, and a talk from a successful rider and a sports psychologist.

It was a step up from Pony Club, but this kind of education is no longer an option for today’s juniors – I believe the academy training petered out because of costs, although some still continues at a grassroots level.

I wonder how many trainers offer children insights into shoeing or therapy or management practices, not just a 45-minute lesson in a school?

I am in my 30s and still learning every day. We were recently on tour in Spain and had some fascinating conversations with the farriers over there that led

to some useful changes.

Everything these days is about management, as it’s a 24/7 job keeping horses on the road.

We’ve spent more time exploring therapies and have been impressed by the deep-tissue massage pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) machines. We’ve also used the cryotherapy unit at Kelsall, run by Richard Maxwell, and had fantastic results.

In some ways, we are quite old-fashioned and there’s no need to knock what’s always worked, but you do need to be open to new ideas to move with the times.

Britain vs Europe

People talk about how Europe is ahead of us, but I think Britain holds its own competitively and in terms of production, which we do very well if not better. We have the advantages of a variety of shows on grass, the county circuit and venues such as Hickstead.

But when it comes to breeding, Europe has the upper hand, with more knowledgeable breeders and stronger studbook standards.

It’s not in the interests of the sport when you see unsuitable stallion choices being recommended for amateur breeders on social media platforms, motivated by owners’ financial gain rather than an investment in the bigger picture.

Some of these “approved” stallions shouldn’t have been granted this status, given their lack of performance or approved offspring. Are we putting our best foot forward for British breeding by hopping onto Facebook and listening to random people’s opinions?

It’s another area where the UK would benefit from better education and we should be sticking to studbooks’ guidelines and taking advice from the experts.

One thing I do find is that horses imported from the Continent can have led a very military life from a young age and can take a long time to mature and develop. They might ride well and be very talented, but mentally they are behind.

Over Easter half term, we had some children for training and we took them out in the forest. I was getting off a young stallion, dragging branches along to jump.

Horses need to see the world and have a bit of fun. There are opportunities to take the old-fashioned way of doing things and use it to our advantage.

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Adam Cromarty: ‘Clear minds help with clear rounds’

Adam Cromarty — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 09:32:23 +0000

Showjumping commentator and broadcaster Adam Cromarty on why “getting on with it” is no longer a healthy mindset

Next month is the UK’s mental health awareness week (12–18 May). This year, the theme is community.

We’re lucky that the world of showjumping has a huge sense of community. Whether our sport takes you a few miles from home or around the world, you don’t have to look too far to find a friendly face. No matter the level of competition, no one is dismissive if you ask for an opinion about a line or a distance.

With the widely discussed social licence issues our sport faces, we need to protect our community. We all have our part to play, and I feel British Showjumping is ahead of other national federations when it comes to evolving rules with this in mind.

It’s widely accepted that social media is an incredible tool. At no other time in history could you press a button and have the potential to reach a global audience, free of charge.

For many reasons, it’s so important to be careful of what and where we post. Things can turn quickly from being a useful discussion to a less constructive blame game or witch-hunt. It can be detrimental to the sport and have the potential to damage individual careers or businesses.

Being kind and accountable should be a focus whether in person or online. The online disinhibition effect describes how people feel free and less restrained when interacting online. We are more likely to open up about issues and to offer help to strangers.

The lack of physical presence and, in some cases, a detachment from reality mean we can speak our mind without much thought about the consequences.

As someone who was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) during Covid, the brain has become a real hyper-focus for me. While no data exists, I think the horse world likely has a disproportionately high number of neurodivergent members. The mix of routine and variety is attractive to “neurospicy” minds.

Positive mental habits

“Just get on with it” was an equestrian mantra for decades. However, many top equestrian athletes are now working with sports psychologists to improve their performance. I think this number is only going to increase, and with very good reason.

For some riders, tackling one specific issue, such as fear, may be the motivation to explore sport-related mind coaching. This is probably one of the most common.

Although there is no magic wand, there is a set of skills to learn that can help you reframe nerves by building confidence through preparation, positive mental habits and knowing how to recover from a mistake without spiralling.

Something I’ve heard a lot of riders have success with is visualisation when walking the course. These masterful minds aren’t out there just walking, they are visualising (while walking).

Imagining what it will look and feel like to ride that perfect rollback turn. Picturing the feeling of closing their fingers around the reins to take a check down a distance. These vivid thoughts get the neurons firing and can be a useful preparation tool.

We’re stuck with the brain we have, and investing time into building a toolkit to help with our performance could be life-changing. No matter how important the competition, imagine standing at the in-gate being completely present in the moment, focused on the task in hand and able to cope with whatever happens in there.

Fuelling our brain is important too. It’s difficult when I’m at shows abroad, but when I’m home, I try to cook as much as I can from scratch. I know it sounds boring, but I do feel better.

I used to drink alcohol socially and although I don’t claim to have stopped altogether, I am mindful of my consumption. A new study in the journal Neurology suggests that eight alcoholic drinks per week can lead to an increased risk of brain injury.

For some this is a topic that raises a dismissive eyebrow. I may have been part of that group in the past. Now, I think that an athlete’s mind could be the difference between being on or off the podium.

Clear minds help with clear rounds. I may trademark this; anyone know a good T-shirt printer?

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John Whitaker: ‘Equine America Unick Du Francport is getting his air miles in!’

John Whitaker — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 09:24:46 +0000

John Whitaker, who has been one of the world’s leading showjumpers for more than four decades, on jet-setting horses, new rules and father-and-son moments

I’ve had a long, quiet winter in terms of big shows. Equine America Unick Du Francport was injured in September – nothing serious, just a niggle that needed to get sorted. I managed to do the London International in December, but I only had one horse, Sharid, for it.

So I started up again with Unick this year, competing at a few small shows in January and February, and his first big show was the five-star in Hong Kong. His second was in Mexico for the Longines Global Champions Tour, so he’s getting in his air miles – 23,000 to be precise – already this year!

Flying horses around the world is an everyday occurrence nowadays and they normally travel from Liege in Belgium. It’s a great hub that’s really well organised and they have all the facilities to look after the horses in transit.

I leapt at the invitation to compete in Hong Kong and while Unick travelled via Belgium, I enjoyed a direct flight from Heathrow on the same flight as the Shetland ponies competing in the show’s Shetland Pony Grand National!

I last competed in Hong Kong several years ago with Argento and for some reason the show dwindled away, but it made a welcome return this year. It has a very British feel, the prize money was excellent and, although there weren’t as many spectators as last time, there was a great atmosphere. I hope the show carries on because it has a lot of positives.

I’m representing Rome Gladiators in this year’s Global Champions League so it was on behalf of my new team that we then travelled to Mexico. So it was an unexpectedly long-haul start to the season but Unick is feeling fit and well once again, so we’re looking forward to the summer.

Another rule change to navigate

I don’t like complaining, but British Showjumping has implemented a new rule regarding the use of draw reins in the warm-up arena that varies from that issued by the FEI.

I got caught out while competing at a local show centre with Unick, where I was jumping him just to get him going after his lay-off.

While I was warming up, a steward told me I wasn’t allowed to use draw reins in any area where there’s a jump. So I could go outside to a different area where there were no jumps and use the draw reins, but I couldn’t use them where there were jumps. It was the first I knew about the new rule.

I tend not to use draw reins, but they serve a purpose in the right hands and we all have our own systems when it comes to warming up our horses. They help Unick because he’s scared of other horses and tends to throw his head back.

Not being allowed to use them at national shows means having to completely change the system we have with him so it would be a lot easier if national shows were allowed to stick with those set by the FEI. We’re all aiming towards the same goal, so why complicate things?

“Great viewing”

I’m just back from Basel where I was watching my son Robert and Vermento competing in the World Cup Final.

I know exactly how Willie Mullins must have felt on Saturday, watching his son Patrick win the Grand National – I’m always immensely proud seeing my children compete. It wasn’t Rob’s week but he rode well and Vermento jumped superbly.

The competition was wide open to the very end, which made for great viewing, and Ben Maher rode brilliantly to finish second to Julien Epaillard. It was a great result.

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Graham Fletcher: ‘A serious offer from serious people’ for a serious horse

Graham Fletcher — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 10:28:26 +0000

Graham Fletcher ponders Britain losing a championship horse and why dealing with disappointment is key in equestrian sport

The big story of the year so far is Britain’s Tim Gredley selling his best horse Imperial HBF to American rider McLain Ward.

It was “a serious offer from serious people” was how Tim put it when I spoke to him at Cheltenham, racing being another sport he’s passionate about.

Imperial is a top horse, and one that Tim has produced remarkably well. So much so that not only was this combination a definite for this year’s Europeans team, but they’d also have been in with a good chance of an individual medal.

Tim told me: “I have to keep the business sustainable and I’ve already invested in some very nice young horses. So, although I’ll have to take a step back from championship team duties, hopefully it won’t be too long before I’m right back again.

“I couldn’t be more pleased to sell Imperial to McLain,” he added, “and I’m sure it will be a very successful partnership.”

Well, in my book, that is a certainty.

Another day, another dawn

A really frustrating thing about our sport is that for all the work and planning you put in, you’re only in the ring for about two minutes; one mistake and it’s game over.

It’s unlike other sports in which competitors have time to fight back after a blunder or even have another go. In fact, I can’t think of another sport with showjumping’s “sudden death” element to it.

When my boys have a disappointment, I’ve always said they should first analyse what went wrong. But on the plus side, if horse and jockey are both sound, you’re soon back in the ring. Another day, another dawn. That said, Will’s and Olli’s fortunes at the start of this season are in complete contrast.

Will’s campaign has started really well. After some good placings in Hong Kong, including joint first in the puissance, he won his first four-star grand prix at Vejer de la Frontera in Spain on Iwalinde. I was really pleased with how he rode to beat the experienced French rider Pénélope Leprevost by a small margin.

Olli, on the other hand, is doing rehab after a nasty ankle injury. He’s being well looked after – and worked hard – at the very impressive Gloria Sports Arena clinic in Turkey.

It’s a top-class facility and ahead of its time in terms of honing athletic performance. Olli is lucky to be there, courtesy of the proprietor Tolga Cömertoglu who’s joint-patron of the Global Champions League team Istanbul Warriors and for whom Olli’s been riding.

I’m told Olli’s recovery is making good progress. He’s got a very good team of horses waiting, so hopefully he’ll soon be back in action.

From nightclub to retirement village

You can tell that you’re getting a bit older by the theme of the flyers that come through in the post.

Not so long ago, I was getting them for luxury world cruises. Now, I’ve never spoken to anybody who didn’t enjoy a cruise. However, I’d need some extreme willpower not to put on two stone!

More recently have come the flyers for retirement properties and care homes… yet it seems like only yesterday that I was going to nightclubs like Annabel’s in London, the Scotch Club in Aachen and 1,000 other such places around the world.

I’m sure care homes do a very good job for those who need them; but for me, “goodbye cruel world” would be a better option!

This morning, I received a flyer for cremations – so I’m hoping they don’t know something I’m not aware of!

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Jodie Hall McAteer: ‘While other industries struggle, showjumping is growing’

Jodie Hall McAteer — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 10:25:39 +0000

Jodie Hall McAteer shares her thoughts on making a living out of horses and the vetting debate

It’s unbelievable how healthy business is here on the Andalucía Sunshine Tour in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain, where I have been based since the start of February. Whether it’s young horses, amateur horses or ready produced horses, there are plenty of people looking to buy and willing to sell.

The Spanish tours have always been the best place in Europe for getting away from the cold winters and Vejer has grown so big, it’s become a great place to network.

Although a lot of industries are struggling in the current financial climate, our sport seems to be growing.

One thing I have noticed is how much the tours are investing in their facilities. Vejer now has a veterinary clinic, with its own team of vets on the showground and there are constantly vettings under way. For that reason, I was quite interested to read Rowland Fernyhough’s column on vettings.

Out here, most buyers are knowledgeable and aren’t expecting to eliminate all risk. Pre-purchase exams have certainly become more thorough and I think there is an increased onus on vets’ opinions these days – a vet can indirectly overrule a deal. However, the system is not all bad. A good vet should evaluate the point a horse is at in its career and what will be expected in its new home.

There’s an expanding client base behind these horse sales. New people are coming in, motivated by investment opportunities as well as the love of horses and the attraction of the lifestyle.

You only have to look at the show calendar to see how global showjumping has become. I was mindblown when I added up that there were 18 international events last week, four of which were at five-star level.

Growing up, there were probably one or two bigger international shows a week, so you can see how much opportunity there is in the sport, even though it has its challenges.

Now I am a little older, my attention has shifted more to the business side and my sister Ellie and I need to make it our focus to be financially viable. Going on tours has become hugely expensive, but you need to look at it as adding value to horses and take it on the chin – hopefully you win some money out here or sell some horses to help make it pay.

Polly Gredley has given me the ride on her exciting stallion Kingsborough Kasper, who has jumped CSIO3* Nations Cups with Louise Lovegrove. There’s such a range of classes here you can be competitive while also stepping horses up and giving the less experienced ones a bit more mileage.

A juggling act

The first time I ever came to Vejer was when I was 12 or 13. My parents had horses in action here and luckily enough, I went on to compete here while still in school. In hindsight, I don’t know how we did it. We would go to school from Monday to Wednesday, then jump in Spain till Sunday. We would continue in that same routine for eight weeks.

It was a great opportunity to experience riding such a variety of different horses at such a young age and it’s great to see other young riders having a similar experience now.

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Rowland Fernyhough: ‘Selling a horse may soon become impossible’

Rowland Fernyhough — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 10:28:23 +0000

Former international showjumper Rowland Fernyhough, who represented Britain on Nations Cups and at the Olympics, is now well known as a producer and now buys and sells competition horses. He shares his thoughts on pre-purchase vettings.

The process of modern vettings is becoming so unreasonable that we will soon reach the point where it is near-impossible to sell a horse. The odds have become so heavily stacked against the vendor that I think we should be charging purchasers a £250 fee to present a horse for a vetting, to cover the use of staff time.

Once, this would have been built into the selling price, but the chances of a horse failing the vet have become very high, when they used to be very low. There’s also no consistency. One vet fails a horse and then another passes it the next day or the next week.

Some of the horses I sold in the 1970s, 80s and 90s would probably fail a modern vetting, but in all these years I have never faced litigation from a purchaser or had any backlash over a horse sale.

The problem we now face is that, for anyone wishing to insure a horse, there are four parties who need satisfying by the pre-purchase vetting: the vendor, the purchaser, the vet and finally the insurance company – yet it’s the insurance companies who seem to set the criteria.

The full picture?

It has become the norm for up to 60 X-rays to be taken – and it can be the same X-rays whether it’s a £1m horse or one worth £10,000 – which takes up several hours of a working day.

Many years ago, we had a well-respected vet come to my yard to vet a horse and he had a student with him. I overheard him say to the student that it’s as important to vet the person selling the horse as the horse itself. That vetting only took 45 minutes.

If I’m not able to tell if a horse I am selling is clinically sound, I shouldn’t be doing this job, but common sense has gone out of the game.

Hours of X-rays aren’t just a problem for sellers, they are expensive for purchasers. We regularly see buyers who have spent £10,000 on three or four consecutive failed examinations.

X-rays were once used only if the vet was suspicious of something on the clinical exam. Now, no matter how sound a horse is clinically, it’s the scans and X-rays that hold sway.

Recognising risk

There are no guarantees with horses; a friend of mine spent £2,000 on a vetting and within a few months the horse was a total write-off.

All a vet can say is whether they believe a horse “might” have a problem in the future, and two vets can give differing opinions of the same thing, whether that be clinical or an X-ray. Some will consider it low risk, while some say high risk.

But as soon as the word “might” is involved, alarm bells ring with the insurance company and the purchaser gets nervous.

Vets seem to be terrified of being sued, and are trying to eliminate the risk, while the purchaser won’t buy the horse unless it’s able to be covered comprehensively by the insurance.

The only winners here, it appears to me, are the insurance companies.

I was educated by dealers in Ireland and they would say that when people buy a horse, they must realise that they are writing that money off. It’s like going on a holiday – you don’t take your holiday and then want the money back.

We’re living in a blame culture – which has been influenced by the American market – and it’s a difficult climate for vendors.

What’s changed is that it’s no longer accepted that buying horses has always come with an element of risk.

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William Funnell: ‘Hearing your national anthem never gets old’

William Funnell — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 12:57:18 +0000

William Funnell shares his thoughts on Nations Cup boycotts and course-design debates

Since my last column, I’ve been largely based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) training the country’s team riders in my chef d’equipe role. I’ve brought a couple of seven-year-olds and my older mare Equine America Billy Picador, all of whom have benefited from the tours here, but I certainly didn’t expect to be winning a Nations Cup with Great Britain.

The British squad was short of a rider for the recent competition at Sharjah so I ran it past the lads from the UAE and they were all for it, thinking it would egg them on as they wouldn’t want to get beaten by their trainer!

It seemed to work, although causing them to finish second in a Nations Cup by jumping a double clear myself definitely wasn’t in my contract. I haven’t been sacked yet and I hope I proved to them there’s life in this old dog yet!

I’ve jumped in many Nations Cups, but you always remember your double clears and hearing your national anthem never gets old. My team-mates Georgia Tame, Lily Attwood and Joe Stockdale jumped supremely well, and with Joe riding the up-and-coming Billy Santorini it was a proud day for The Billy Stud and especially Donal Barnwell.

The last time Joe and I jumped on a Nations Cup team together was in Sopot, Poland, in 2021. I got jumped off and broke my ankle, ruining my chance of going to the Olympics; Joe also didn’t have his finest moment.

So it shows how far Joe has come – I’ve had a lot of pleasure helping him over the years and he’s proved he’s the real deal. He has supportive owners behind him, is building up some nice horses and has all the credentials to be a top-10 rider.

Joe has been selected to ride for Great Britain again this week (15 February) at the opening round of the Longines League of Nations (LLN) at Abu Dhabi, UAE, where I’ll be swapping my breeches for a jacket and tie with my main focus back on the UAE team competing there as the home nation.

But what a mess the FEI has made, tinkering with the former Nations Cup Super League, held at many of the most historic and prestigious venues in the world that always draw a fantastic crowd, and turning it into a sterile four-event series with a final in Barcelona. I understand why Steve Guerdat and Martin Fuchs’ have boycotted it this year.

Nothing beats representing your country in Nations Cups but the really special ones are parading for the likes of Dublin – where you have people hanging off the balconies to watch – Rome, Hickstead and Aachen. How many people will be in the grandstand at the new LLN venue of Gassin-St Tropez in September? Only the third leg at Rotterdam retains any kind of equestrian history.

As much as I support having the opening leg in the UAE, it comes at a time when the showjumping calendar is already saturated with various tours, the Globals starting up again and the World Cup indoor circuit still in full swing. The conflict was seen last week when Great Britain couldn’t field two five-star riders to fill our allocation at the Bordeaux World Cup show.

In the past we regarded the World Cup as a championship in its own right, but where does it fit in now? Whichever way you look at it, there’s another FEI event losing its way.

Debate around doubles

The topic of conversation this week, off the back of Harry Charles’s fall in Florida, has been whether two-stride vertical to oxer combinations should be banned. Most of us have had a fall at some point when we’ve pushed for that back rail off two strides and the horse has picked up a stride too early.

Peter Charles was right when he asked what they actually brought to a course. They rarely add faults but they do bring danger, which we don’t want.

A popular podcast

While I’m in the UAE, my wife Pippa has been recording podcasts with various names in the equestrian industry alongside Made In Chelsea’s Tristan Phipps. They seem to be going down well and it’s proving an excellent way to expose our sports to a wider audience.

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Ronnie Lee Jones: ‘Why leasing showjumpers is becoming more popular’

Ronnie Lee Jones — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 10:34:57 +0000

Essex-based showjumper Ronnie Lee Jones, who is a successful and well-respected rider, producer and trainer, has his say on calendar clashes and the growing trend of leasing horses

Kelsall Hill’s winter classic was a great show where the organisers did everything right, but I wonder if British Showjumping (BS) needs to have a look at its scheduling so we can build up more excitement around these events. It wasn’t a quiet show – there were 40 in the grand prix, which offered £3,000 to the winner – but with that kind of prize money on offer, numbers could have been bigger.

Kelsall Hill organiser Mike Florence used to be chef d’equipe for young riders Nations Cup teams in the golden era and he’s very knowledgeable. He has put in a lot of effort: there were grooms’ prizes, an interviewer with a microphone working with the audience and riders, ClipMyHorse.TV in the warm-up and every class had a mounted prize-giving to add to the atmosphere.

Everyone I spoke to had something positive to say and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful. The temperature was well below freezing and when the hook-up on our lorry broke, they organised discounts for us at a local hotel.

There were other grands prix on the same weekend, although not for as much money, and I wonder if we had fewer shows on winter classic dates, whether it would create more of a focus. I would love to know BS’s thoughts behind its calendar as when there is a clash, show centres are up in arms. It affected Bury Farm’s winter classic, which was cancelled after being scheduled very close to the London International Horse Show.

Going on tour

It’s the time of year when people are busy preparing for foreign tours and we’re taking 12 horses to Spain in a couple of weeks. We are spending two or three hours a day making sure vet checks, passports and carnets are in order, as well as lorry MOTs, insurance and relevant driver courses. This year, there is also a new rule about digital tachos to get your head around.

If you compiled all the things we’ve learnt about exporting horses since Brexit, you could probably make a degree course out of it. It’s an absolute minefield and if you get paperwork wrong, it doesn’t only lead to complications but you can face on-the-spot fines of up to £10,000.

We’ve found there are clients whose dream is to go on tour, but they want the organisational pressure taken off them. Some would love to go to Spain and jump a 1.30m, but they also can’t afford a horse just for that experience, so we’ve started to offer leasing packages, as well as taking care of all the logistics.

It’s a useful way of giving some of our horses a job and, for us, it can work better to lease them for six months and have them stay within our team than sell them.

There are yards on the continent that offer short-term leasing, even for just one show. While it’s mostly aimed at amateurs jumping 1.30m, Belgian showjumper Karel Cox leases 1.60m horses for shows or seasons. It’s a way of holding on to those horses while making money at the same time. If your business is based around teaching, it can be a good route to go down and you’re still able to supervise them.

Recently, we’ve even found there is demand for organisational help at domestic shows. It’s often the case these days that people need quite involved, full-time jobs to be able to afford horses; their work takes priority and they just don’t have time for the extras. It’s something there seems to be a growing interest in.

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Graham Fletcher: ‘Let’s big up London and our sport’

Graham Fletcher — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 10:28:44 +0000

Graham Fletcher shares his thoughts on the show at ExCeL and more within showjumping

It was great to see our sport shown in such a positive light at the last major show of 2024, the London International (LIHS). With all the afternoon and evening performances sold out, the atmosphere in the ExCeL arena this year was every bit as good as it used to be at Olympia. It has a much bigger collecting ring, too! And with airy stabling and the horseboxes parked on site – unlike Olympia where they were miles away – I’m sure the venue received the vote of the big contingent of overseas riders and grooms.

It’s a tremendously well-run show. I’ve always said that if you want a job doing well, ask a busy man – and Simon Brooks-Ward certainly fits that bill. His eye for detail is ever-present. I’m sure his father Raymond, who started the Olympia show and made it such a success despite many “experts” predicting a failure, would be delighted with what Simon and his team have achieved.

It was my son Olli’s first time riding at LIHS, and how he enjoyed it. I was very proud when he received the Raymond Brooks-Ward trophy for the young rider showing the most potential.

The BBC’s coverage of LIHS was another big positive for our sport. With the World Cup qualifier shown in its entirety on BBC2, and extensive viewing available on BBC iPlayer on most of the other days, it was a significant stride forward. The production was first class and the commentary team of Nick Luck and Andy Austin worked very well. I hope the viewing figures were good enough to encourage the BBC to show even more later this year.

“You’ve lied to me…”

Raymond’s bar, which is next to the London show’s collecting ring, stays open for an hour or so after each evening performance. It’s where riders, owners and friends gather to catch up and enjoy a bit of craic.

I was in the bar one evening with David Broome when Nick Skelton joined us. Turning to David, Skelly said with a wry smile: “Broomey, you’ve lied to me.” David was somewhat perplexed, as was I. Having known David for many years, I’ve often seen his searing honesty deflate many a big ego, but I’ve never heard him tell a lie. Skelly went on to explain: “Broomey, you said to me that if I ever won a gold medal, I’d never have to work again. Well here I am, still working.”

Joking apart, Skelly has a point. It’s more than three years since tennis player Emma Raducanu won the US Open, with limited success since, yet she still benefits from sponsorship deals worth millions. Compare that with Skelly’s stellar career topped by an emotional gold medal in Rio. Or consider Scott Brash for his totally professional and ice-cool round in Paris when, if he’d had one fence down, we’d have finished in silver instead of Olympic champions, or two would have dropped us to fifth. Then there’s the total brilliance of Ben Maher who’s won three gold medals at the last four Olympics – an achievement that will surely never be surpassed.

Yet the collective sponsorship of all three equestrian superstars wouldn’t come anywhere near what Emma Raducanu earns. When it comes to publicity and promotion of our sport, we really should be doing much, much better.

A good team

Being a successful chef d’equipe is a very difficult job, especially when it comes to balancing picking your best team with trying out up-and-coming combinations. However, having Di Lampard as performance manager and chef d’equipe at major events and Stanny van Paesschen as technical expert works really well for the British teams. I can’t think of one horse and rider that deserved a chance last year and didn’t get it. So I was very pleased to hear that, after bringing home team gold from Paris, Di and Stanny have signed up again until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Their next big challenge is this year’s Europeans at A Coruña in Spain. I wish them luck.

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

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

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

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

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

Calls for a more level playing field

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appalling timing for bronze and silver league finals

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

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

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

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

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

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Jodie Hall McAteer: ‘My horses have more stamps in their passports than most people’

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 09:34:28 +0000

British five-star showjumper Jodie Hall McAteer on competition format and an epic week at the “pinnacle of the year”

Over the past three years, the places I have travelled to thanks to this profession are unbelievable. My horses have more stamps in their passports than most people get in a lifetime!

But I’ve missed out on the action at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in recent years, so I couldn’t wait to be back doing what I love in front of a home crowd. It’s the pinnacle of the year for so many British showjumpers, and I truly hope that the national talent being showcased is one thing that never has to change.

If you’d asked me last week whether I’d have stood a chance of winning the grand prix with Hardessa, I’d have told you no. I wasn’t sure if we’d even be in it, we were just taking things day by day. But winning the leading showjumper of the year on the final day was one of my most special achievements to date because it was just so completely unexpected.

Camaraderie and excitement

The recent Nations Cup Final in Barcelona was incredible. Its beauty was in its simplicity: 40 riders in the final so it didn’t drag on, camaraderie, horsemanship and excitement to the end.

While Nations Cups are not championships, their history, prestige and the honour of donning your country’s jacket make them the closest thing to one. I’ll be interested to see if the series retains the same grandeur next year when it’s cut down to five events and rebranded the League of Nations.

A few years ago, I attended the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) general assembly in Geneva. I expressed my concern that having only three riders at future Olympics and no drop score not only has consequences for horse welfare, but it also limits any opportunities for younger riders to break through.

I was in Barcelona last year and jumped on Nations Cup teams this year in La Baule and Rome. Di Lampard has always been good at giving the next generation the opportunity to step up, but with just three riders on a team, selection will prioritise those with more experience. It’s a real barrier in this sport, where riders have such long careers.

No chance to bounce back

There are other ways in which format changes could take away younger riders’ ability to prove themselves. In the League of Nations, four riders will contest round one, with one drop score, and three riders, with all scores counting, return for the second leg.

In Barcelona, Lily Attwood posted the only clear for Britain in the final round, having had 12 faults in the opening leg. Had the new format already been in place, Lily may never have had the chance to bounce back, improve on her performance and show what she’s made of.

Showjumping’s growth is undeniable, with the emergence of so many different series. But, with so many shows on the calendar, how can organisers maintain prestige and encourage people to experience the action first-hand? I wonder how it will be possible to get the wider public interested in the sport when even as a rider I often struggle to follow what is going on.

From three-round grands prix to two-phase specials and accumulators, the list is endless. It’s no wonder crowds at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and London are most enthusiastic for the puissance; the rule is simple, whoever jumps highest wins!

While I do not have all the solutions, there is definitely scope to streamline the sport, communicate the rules more effectively and entice crowds. Or perhaps I am intransigent to the inevitable evolution of showjumping.

● What does the sport need to do to rejuvenate public interest? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future edition of Horse & Hound magazine

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 12 October, 2023

Sam Hutton: ‘On arrival, the stables were flooded and everything was under water’

Sam Hutton — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 09:32:53 +0000

British team showjumper Sam Hutton is based with AS Sport Horses in Belgium – he looks back on his championship debut at the 2023 Europeans in Milan, Italy

The European Showjumping Championships in Milan, Italy, was a rough week – we certainly didn’t achieve the results I’d hoped for. But I’m now more determined than ever to prove myself.

It was my first-ever championship and nothing can prepare you for being there under that kind of pressure. Obviously you want to perform at your best, but my horse, Oak Grove’s Laith, didn’t feel his normal self, and that was gutting.

The first day he jumped really well, even though the ground was terrible. Then on day two, I started to feel he wasn’t jumping as well and then he got worse. On the last day, he felt like he gave up. I don’t know if it was too much for him or he was tired. We just weren’t good enough, so it felt like a very long week!

I only started riding Laith in April and we had a few good results at the start and that’s when I got the call asking me to do the Falsterbo Nations Cup.

You don’t get told until after Hickstead whether you’re on the team or not, but I was told to make a plan working back from the championships anyway. So I tried to get him in the best shape possible – he was as fit as he’s ever been.

The only thing I regret, and maybe I would do it differently next time, was doing a show as big as Dublin two weeks before a championship, but when you’ve never done one before, it’s hard to know what’s best.

I was given the choice between riding on the Nations Cup team at Hickstead or Dublin and I chose the latter, because I thought that it would suit my horse better and be the best preparation, being closer to the championships. I’m really glad I went because I was third in the grand prix with my other horse, Casablanca-H, but I’m not sure it was such a good idea for Laith in hindsight. But these are the things you learn from experience.

So I’m gutted, I wish things could have been different, but you’re working with an animal, not just yourself.

A less than firm footing

There was much talk at the championships about the state of the ground. There had been a huge storm and when the horses arrived on Sunday, the stables

were flooded, everything was under water and it wasn’t draining away. But the organisers worked hard to get the stables dry by building trenches and pumping all the water out.

The aftermath of that was that the ground in the ring on the first day was soft and it got even worse as more people jumped. However, on the second and third days, it was better, just not quite perfect.

I’ll never forget riding into the ring for my first championship round, that was an amazing experience. Another of my highlights was watching Ben Maher jump – his rounds were unbelievable.

The team spirit was brilliant, everyone was willing their team-mates to do well and supporting each other throughout the week.

Then as well as team managers Di Lampard, Stanny van Paesschen and Tina Goosen, there’s a huge support team trying to help us get the best results. Everything is organised for you, leaving the riders to concentrate on achieving the best performance possible.

British Showjumping gives us so much support and everyone – from Oak Grove’s Laith’s owner, Valentyna Kukova, to Abdel Saïd and AS Sport Horses – has played a role in giving me this huge opportunity.

I’ve always wanted to do the Olympics, so I’d love the chance to prove myself – I’ll definitely come back fighting.

● What were your thoughts about the recent European Showjumping Championships? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future edition of Horse & Hound magazine

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 14 September, 2023

William Funnell: ‘A great advert for how British breeding has moved on’

William Funnell — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 09:23:43 +0000

The recent Al Shira’aa-sponsored British Young Horse Championships at Bolesworth showcased the best of British-bred and British-produced horses in a fantastic setting. But it was sad to hear from organiser Nina Barbour that, as a stand-alone show with high set-up costs, it is no longer financially viable to run.

Having chaired the committee that established and spearheaded these championships 15 years ago, we wanted to ensure we had a qualifier in this country for the World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in Lanaken. We set up bonuses for breeders as well as for jumping clear rounds, to encourage people to jump clear all week rather than racing their horses round, and it works really well.

The championships started life at Addington before Nina took over at her fantastic venue, where it’s so well organised. With classes running from 8am till last thing at night, I don’t think we could have jumped any more horses this year, and past champions include Argento and Billy Congo, who went on to become top grand prix horses.

So it will be very sad to see the show move. My original concept was to have these championships as a stand-alone show, so I’d love to see whoever takes it over making the sole focus our young horses and British breeding. Or perhaps we could follow Belgium’s example, where they run their national championships alongside the young horse finals. Reinstating our national championships as a proper event, with the chance for riders to qualify for the UK’s five-star shows, would surely make the event an appealing proposition to sponsors and competitors.

The other concept I’d like to see reinstated is splitting each age group into British-bred and non-British-bred horses, to draw a comparison as to how we were doing between breeding and importing them.

Having an auction championing our youngstock and encouraging our breeders is another great addition to the show, because professional breeding is a growing industry in the UK and, especially since Brexit, we need to encourage it.

We’re lucky to have Al Shira’aa – founded by HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayad Al Nahyan – as such a great supporter of our young horses, breeding and production in this country.

The British Young Horse Championships is a great advert for how much we’ve moved on with British breeding – we just need someone now to champion it.

A wake-up call

The European Showjumping Championships will have started by now and Great Britain has every chance of being there in the shake-up for a team medal.

Off the back of the euphoria of that fantastic Nations Cup win at Hickstead, the eighth-place finish in Dublin brought everyone back down to earth. But sometimes a wake-up call like that is a good thing to bounce back from.

Olympic year is fast approaching and that will be the goal for many, so these Europeans are an opportunity for chef d’équipe Di Lampard to cut the teeth of two first-time championship riders and widen the availability for potential partnerships for next year.

We already talk about 24-year-old Harry Charles as a seasoned campaigner, but it just shows how important it is to get young talent on the teams as early as possible. I wish them all the best.

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

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 31 August, 2023

Jodie Hall McAteer: ‘All the top riders were once boys and girls on ponies’

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 09:15:44 +0000

Jodie Hall McAteer, who competes regularly at five-star level, discusses opportunities for young riders and keeping up with ever-changing rules

I was competing in the London leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) for the third time – it’s crazy how quickly time flies. The Global shows were overwhelming in the beginning but you find your feet, get used to the cameras and atmosphere and don’t feel so completely out of place in the warm-up.

The opportunities the Global Champions League (GCL) teams give to under-25 riders have been a great contribution to the sport. In my first season, with the Cascais Charms, I was able to get into 10 five-star shows in six months. It was a bit of a shock but I learnt so much from the experience. There is no way, as a young rider, I could have stepped up without this format.

For the past two years Georgina Bloomberg has had me jumping with New York Empire and the team is filled with good riders. Being alongside people you look up to is a great support for someone coming into the sport. It’s a good opportunity to jump with riders from other nations and you get to know their systems as you ride together.

Just before I went in to jump one of the classes in London, I had a reminder of how as a rider you need to keep checking the rules, which are often updated. When I was in hind boot control, the steward noticed that I had vetwrap round my bit, which is no longer allowed, only latex. The rule was brought in only two weeks ago.

The round went well, but we had to change the bit and it did cause a bit of stress!

The hamster wheel of shows

You miss spending time with family and friends when you’re on the hamster wheel of international shows – it’s probably the biggest sacrifice you make, and when you’re not having a good time you can feel very far from home.

So it was nice to be back in England with everyone’s support – and there were a lot of familiar faces in London. My sister Ellie was jumping the two-star, while Hyde Park Stables, which my mum, Mandy Hall, runs, was sponsoring some classes and providing the pony rides.

As the stables are busy with tourists at this time of year, they didn’t have enough ponies to spare, so we brought my first pony, Rosie Lee, who is now 29. She loved it and was really well behaved, although that wasn’t always the case.

I have a scar on my eye from when I fell off her trying to win a memorial trophy that was being presented at our riding school for points accumulated over 10 shows. I had Rosie in the first class and my other pony in the second.

After I cut my eye open, my dad took me to hospital but I still wanted to jump, as I had to compete in the next class to win. There was a four-hour wait, so I screamed in A&E until he relented and took me to Boots to get a butterfly plaster so I could go back to the show.

I still have the trophy at home, and we still have Rosie. Having her here was a nice reminder of how it all started. You can get caught up in results, but at the end of the day all of the top-level riders were once boys and girls riding round on their ponies.

● What does your first pony mean to you? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your views published in a future edition of Horse & Hound magazine

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 17 August, 2023

Adam Cromarty: ‘Collecting rings are now safe havens’ H&H Plus

Adam Cromarty — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 14:00:55 +0000

Adam Cromarty ponders the next steps for the sport and raising the bar

THE latest easing of restrictions has felt like a weight lifted and during this long journey, British Equestrian and its member bodies did a tremendous job of getting the sport back up and running. Protocols were quickly put together to bring us back as a single-player sport and training shows were introduced. But what’s next?

There are definitely some keepers included within these recent changes. I think pre-entry and drawn orders for all competitions were long overdue. Similarly, the majority of people seem to hope that the collecting ring remains the safe haven it’s become, with a steward to adjust the practice fences and a limit on numbers.

When these changes were introduced, we quickly adjusted – although I did have to smile at a recent show when a lady, who had been on a hiatus from competing due to having a baby, walked into the office on competition day to ask if this is where she could enter.

There now needs to be some consultation on how we integrate these changes long-term. At multi-day events, entries for subsequent days should be made the night before and if space allows, any additional entries will go first in the draw. Competition start times would be handy but I think individual times might be a step too far.

A limit of horses in the warm-up is just common sense. However, as restrictions ease, surely it’s logical that the definitive number is set based on the size of the arena.

Those who travel to shows alone and others who don’t miss the continual disagreements have appreciated having a steward to adjust fences.

A tick-box exercise

ANOTHER hot topic has been the equine herpes virus. In response to the crisis, temperature checks were implemented at FEI shows, and at national shows in the UK we asked competitors to fill in a form that self-certified horses weren’t symptomatic.

However, this seemed like more of a liability-limiting, tick-box exercise; emblematic of the times we live in. Dressage and eventing dropped these quite quickly, but showjumping kept them. It’s been a nightmare for organisers. Surely a simple disclaimer upon online entry would have been simpler.

As it seems as though we aren’t overhauling the national structure to bring in age competitions, it got me thinking about the way we qualify for finals. I hate to be cynical, but should the qualification criteria up to 1.40m really be jumping “double clear”?

This formula definitely has a place where young horses are being educated, but after that it’s diluting the competition aspect.

Often courses are underbuilt and, although globally the time allowed has become a huge part of the test, some builders in Britain tend not to measure it correctly as competitors are aiming to school around to earn a place at second rounds.

There, we suddenly start to jump open waters at newcomer and Foxhunter level. These days, internationally, you’ll only find them at Nations Cups or at venues such as Spruce Meadows and Aachen. How long they will even exist is up for debate with recent calls for them to be taken out of FEI competition.

We have such a great history of producing horses and medals but, from a sport perspective, I worry that doing the same as we’ve always done will see us becoming irrelevant.

The top riders are struggling for enough competitions to jump at and we still view 1.40m as our national grand prix height, while other countries have amateur competitions extending to this level.

British Showjumping excels in most aspects, but there needs to be some fresh thinking and more communication with stakeholders if they want to stay true to their slogan of “raising the bar”.

This exclusive column is also available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 3 June 2021

William Funnell: ‘Let’s get county shows back on their feet’ H&H Plus

William Funnell — Wed, 19 May 2021 11:00:24 +0000

William Funnell proposes one-day internationals to reignite top-level sport

AS professionals, we’re up against a big problem right now because of Brexit, so much so that if I was younger I’d be thinking about buying a base in mainland Europe. Essentially we’re jumping through many more hoops just to do our job.

But it got me thinking, what could be done to give riders a reason to stay on home soil to avoid the extra hassle and expense of a circuit which is becoming increasingly pay to play? What do we have that the rest of Europe doesn’t? The answer is our county shows, many of which are on their knees.

We find it difficult to support county shows nowadays because if you’re not competing for ranking points, you can’t get into international shows – at the moment you’re lucky even to get a spot at a two-star show, let alone three-star and above, as they let you in according to your ranking.

Without a high enough ranking you’re simply a non-entity, so entries at county shows have dropped and the standard has died.

But the county show circuit is the best education for a young horse – at the time I was producing Billy Angelo, you could take a year to do all the county shows with a horse and still get into Olympia. They are also a fantastic shop window for our sport with a captive audience on-site.

SHOWCASING OUR SPORT

I’VE watched my wife Pippa going to one-day international events where they trot-up before the dressage and pack the event into a day. The showjumping equivalent is already popular in America and with the same principles, you could easily run one-day international jumping at our county shows.

Without the need for FEI stabling, there would be limited extra expense and the big grands prix at Great Yorkshire and Royal Highland already offer enough prize money to be a ranking class.

We could have 10 to 15 over the summer at the likes of Norfolk, South of England and Kent County and I’m sure they’d prove popular – would you rather queue up for hours at Calais or compete on your doorstep? Covid has brought home quality of life so I think county shows will become huge again because people want to experience more.

You can’t put a price on bringing showjumping to people outside our sport, which simply doesn’t happen anymore. Live-streaming is great for fans, but nobody outside the sport sees it.

Offering something unique on the British circuit would also help solve the current problem of why any riders would want to come and train with us in the UK when international shows are so limited.

I’m sure these people would love the county shows – wouldn’t it be a novelty to jump in front of a crowd again?

Somebody needs to take the suggestion to the FEI, and British Showjumping should be proactive about taking the idea to organisers, saying, ‘Right, we’ll bring all the top riders to your rings’ – it would go a long way to looking after the top of the sport a bit better. There’s no better time to help county shows get back on their feet.

If British Eventing can do it, why can’t we?

HITTING THE GROUND RUNNING

IT’S been nice to be back competing at international shows with a couple of Nations Cups in the calendar next month. The Olympic team has to be picked before the end of June so we need to hit the ground running and find form quickly – these are an important couple of months.

You can also read this exclusive column in the 20 May issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

Graham Fletcher: ‘messengers of doom might cease’ H&H Plus

Graham Fletcher — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 11:00:39 +0000

Graham Fletcher ponders worst case scenarios and a badger problem

MOST people in equestrianism have been to hospital at some point and witnessed the caring professionalism of NHS staff. And never have they been appreciated more than during the Covid outbreak.

However, I believe that an opportunity was sorely missed when the nation applauded them on consecutive Thursdays last year. Imagine if a phone app had been available so that everyone could give from 50p to £5 to the staff of their local hospitals. It would have raised multi-millions.

If you think I’ve missed the point and am being unduly mercenary, consider this…

When restaurants are fully opened and you’ve enjoyed a good meal with your friends, at the end of the evening you invite your waitress over. You tell her you don’t believe in tipping, but to show your appreciation you’re all going to stand up and applaud.

Her reaction will remind you that while it’s always nice to be thanked, it doesn’t pay the mortgage.

MESSENGERS OF DOOM

ONE saying that’s really got to me during this pandemic is when Boris or his advisors declare that “we must look at the worst possible scenario.”

Maybe it’s because during a lifetime in horses, whether I’m training, competing or selling, it’s a thought that’s never crossed my mind.

Hopefully, with the success of the vaccine and the young remaining largely unscathed, such messengers of doom might cease and we can open the curtains and see a ray of sunshine.

THE HUNTER AND THE HUNTED

I’VE always enjoyed David Attenborough’s programmes. Beautifully shot and narrated, they tell the story of nature in its truest form; the hunter and the hunted.

The pure majesty or aggression shown is never over-sentimentalised. In fact, it’s the complete opposite of how many urbanites see animals in the British countryside.

There are few more adorable sights than fox cubs at play. And the fox itself is now regarded as more of a cuddly dog than the vicious killer it is. As anyone who has chickens or is lambing can testify, when the fox comes calling it doesn’t just kill for food, but leaves a trail of devastation.

Another common distortion is blaming farmers’ use of pesticides for the dwindling number of songbirds in our gardens. Surely it’s no coincidence that since sparrow hawks, buzzards and alike have been protected, there have never been so many.

As magnificent as these birds of prey look in flight, anybody who’s seen one swoop down, and heard the intense trill of a blackbird as it’s picked up, cannot possibly think that farming is the only culprit – as Chris Packham, the naturalist, seems to think.

The likes of Chris and Carrie Symonds continue to campaign against badger culling, supporting the removal of the provision of licensed culling of badgers for the purpose of preventing the spread of bovine tuberculosis (bTB).

I have to admit I’m not a fan of badgers. When I bred horses at my farm in Yorkshire, they made their home in the loamy soil in my fields. Badger setts can appear overnight.

So, when I’d see a bunch of yearlings and two-year-olds galloping towards me – hoping they didn’t get caught up in the massive holes – I didn’t call the badgers the nicest of names.

I’ve never met a cattle farmer who doesn’t believe badgers are responsible for bTB. But because of modern opinion, I expect Chris Packham and his cronies will win the day… Which brings me to a true story.

In 1967, the eighth Earl of Arran sponsored two parliamentary bills. The first, which decriminalised homosexuality, was passed. The second, to outlaw the hunting of badgers, was defeated.

When asked why the second bill failed, Arran – who was known as Boofy – is reported to have remarked: “There are not many badgers in the House of Lords.”

This exclusive column is also available to read in this Thursday’s H&H magazine (8 April, 2021)

Adam Cromarty: ‘Stay-away shows are a Petri dish’ H&H Plus

Adam Cromarty — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 14:41:07 +0000

Adam Cromarty reflects on biosecurity measures at shows and the lack of member incentives from British Showjumping in his latest magazine column

JUST when we’ve seen a glimmer of light at the end of a long Covid tunnel, our industry is now facing another difficult challenge.

Normally by March I would have undertaken a few transatlantic trips. Instead, even the European shows I should be attending could face a difficult decision, depending on how the outbreak of equine herpes virus (EHV-1) develops.

I recently hosted a global discussion about the virus with British team vet Mark Sinnott and Emily Sandler-Burtness, a clinician from the USA who was the President of the Veterinary Commission at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon. It was fascinating and hopefully useful to those who watched. You can find it on my social media.

EHV is endemic and always present. If horses do recover, they have limited natural immunity. In the USA, it’s very common to vaccinate against it. Here, the opposite is true and there are fewer types of vaccine available.

No vaccine protects against the neurological form, which was detected in Valencia. The situation is serious and my thoughts go out to anyone who has horses in jeopardy.

It’s unclear how many horses may have been exposed. British athletes who were competing may have been traced, but we can’t know how many horses they, and their caregivers, could have contaminated prior to being alerted. Sale horses regularly come into the UK, and given that this virus has a significant incubation period, it’s just impossible to quantify.

Whether it will have a knock-on effect to the resumption of national sport comes down to how proactive those who have horses coming into the country are.

Stay-away shows are an ideal Petri dish for any virus. Athletes and horses from different locations are brought together and contained within a close proximity. At FEI events, temperature records need to be kept but how accurate they are, and the accompanying good practices, come down to each athlete. We need to be vigilant.

With this in mind, we need to reevaluate our show stable management. Currently, anyone can access the stabling at most national events and there are no records kept. There are no stewards or vet delegates on patrol, nor is there any requirement to have an isolation box.

I forecast that biosecurity is going to be a topic of conversation for the foreseeable future. In truth, we could all

do more.

The elephant in the room

ANOTHER hot topic right now is lack of a membership incentive from British Showjumping. It’s become the elephant in the room and uncharacteristically I’m on the fence.

With no competition, I understand why some feel they should be given a proportional refund or membership extension. On the other hand, running a national sport isn’t like a gym that can simply turn the lights off and lock the doors.

Our national federation could communicate better and there’s a chance some members would be more understanding if they knew how much work was going on to secure the resumption of our sport and to campaign for a more viable post-Brexit travel agreement.

More transparency and engagement would go a long way.

When British Showjumping (BS) purchased its training centre in 2019, it was set to be in use (and earning) for the whole of 2020. Covid halted this, and I think that’s why BS is not following other disciplines and making an offer to membership.

I understand that they haven’t ruled it out, but they are cautiously waiting to see how the pandemic progresses.

This period in the history of our sport should be used to evolve, with time spent on regrouping and restructuring. We need to be ready to come out of the pandemic stronger and more current than ever. If we don’t start now, I fear we never will.

Also published in H&H 18 March 2020

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John Whitaker: This can’t be good for the sport’s image H&H Plus

Horse & Hound — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 14:00:02 +0000

At my first show of 2020, a friendly steward pulled me up for carrying the wrong whip. I had absolutely no idea that British Showjumping (BS) had changed the rules on 1 January, deciding to adopt similar rules to racing and making it mandatory to use one of the floppy type of whips.

Somebody kindly lent me a whip; I didn’t think I’d need to use it, but of course my horse decided to be a bit awkward that day and crashed into a fence. I tried to get his attention by giving him a tap with this new whip, which had no effect whatsoever. So I gave him a slightly harder smack and that certainly grabbed his attention because the noise scared the living daylights out of him, me and – judging by the way it echoed round the indoor arena – half the horses in the county, too. I’ve never heard such a loud crack in my life!

I absolutely support horses’ welfare and riders should never abuse the whip – I’m pleased to say you rarely see it in showjumping – but if you do occasionally have to use these new whips, it will do the horse no harm. But to the general public, they look big and sound bad and that can’t be good for the sport’s image.

As well as various spurs and spare bits, I normally keep three whips in my ring bag – some riders actually have many more – because you tend to use different whips according to which horse you are riding.

Now we’re down to one whip, my bag is certainly a whole lot lighter, but one whip doesn’t necessarily fit all – for example, at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 I rode the 17hh-plus German stallion Calvaro and he barely even knew I was on his back. I needed big spurs, a big stick and a big bit just to get him round.

The new whip rule is just one of a raft of changes made by BS recently, relating to bits, boots, spurs and horses competing HC (non-competitively). Perhaps before they make these sorts of changes, they should put forward their proposals to the wider membership, or at least a core of experienced members for discussion. Some of these recent rule changes have seemed unnecessary, so inviting feedback would be a really positive move.

Time for a cuppa…

My wife Clare went shopping for milk the other day and, in these times of panic-buying, it had all sold out, but it reminded me of a time at Leewarden show in the Netherlands. We used to arrive the day before and in those days they ran a cattle market on the showground before the horses arrived, transforming it overnight for the jumping. So there were still cows around when we got there.

We wanted to make a cup of tea but we had no milk. So my father said: “All those cows are out there – go and milk one.” So I duly went off, returning with a jug full of milk, only to find that when I poured it in everyone’s tea, it curdled. Of course, the cows had newly calved so I’d got a jug full of colostrum. It didn’t go down well with my thirsty family, but we did laugh about it.

A great character

I was very sad to hear about the recent passing of Kevin Bacon. Kevin was a brilliant horseman and a great character. He was based in Europe for many years and we happily spent hours listening to his stories during the evenings at shows.

One that stands out was when he was in his native Australia trying to break the country’s high-jump record.

“I got the height all right,” he said in his Aussie accent, “but I came down the same side as I went up!”

He was also a really good blacksmith and very good horse dentist, and he spent his later years travelling all round Europe doing horses’ teeth. I’d recommend reading a brilliant book, Kevin Bacon: Australia’s Extraordinary Horseman, which is full of his incredible achievements and the wonderful things he used to get up to.

Strange times and out-of-date food

Everything seems strange at the moment with the coronavirus lockdown. We spent four weeks jumping in Vilamoura, Portugal, in February and if we’re lucky, our next show might be back at Vilamoura in October.

These are difficult times, but my daughter Joanne is looking after us by bringing her mum and dad all her out-of-date food – well, just her dad because her mum won’t eat any of it! Still, it’s the thought that counts. Stay safe everyone.

Ref Horse & Hound; 23 April 2020

Graham Fletcher: I appreciate the optimism H&H Plus

Graham Fletcher — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 08:00:12 +0000

In these strange times, it can be daft little things that really bring it home to you. As the clocks went forward at the end of March, it was the first time in my memory that I hadn’t had to remind my staff to change their clocks – because they’d need to be up in time to go to a show on the Sunday.

Amid so many cancellations, I must admire Royal Bath and West show organisers, who have instead postponed until the end of July. I appreciate their optimism and only hope they’re right that, by then, we’ll have beaten this virus.

Exciting prospects

Some European countries have banned riding for the foreseeable future. But until or unless that happens here, we’re keeping our horses in light work. All young riders, regardless of their ability, pick up bad habits. So with plenty of time on our hands, we’ve been working on those – riding without stirrups, something I always hated but which undoubtedly does a rider’s position and leg a lot of good.

Our son Will has started a podcast called The Full Course with Sam Gerrard-May. I’m told their first one, featuring an interview with Joe Stockdale, was listened to in 18 different countries.

It was especially interesting to hear what made Joe, a talented cricketer, decide to go into showjumping. What clinched it, he explained very eloquently, was jumping a clear round in the leading showjumper of the year at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Joe was supposed to be playing cricket that day but an injury had sidelined him, so he made his way to HOYS. What made it so special was that his late father Tim, then very ill with cancer, was watching from his hospital bed.

Whatever happens in his future riding career, said Joe, no round would be as important as that one. Now fully committed to showjumping, Joe hopes to be on the British young rider team for the Europeans in Vilamoura, Portugal, this July. Hopefully it will be postponed to later in the year, rather than cancelled, as Joe and Will are both in their last year in the category so they want to make it count.

Another rider who’s made great strides recently is Will’s podcast guest for last week, James Wilson. He could even be among those hoping to head to Tokyo next year.

Turning professional

It’s fascinating to note the point at which a young rider makes that lifestyle decision to transition from riding as a hobby to becoming a full-time pro. Ever since he won his first pony class, our son Olli never had any doubt that’s what he wanted to do. But his older brother Will took a very different route.

With Will, I spent much more time travelling round the country, watching him score a lot of goals, than I ever did taking him to shows. And when he achieved good A-level results, it looked like it was simply a case of finding a university with a good football team. So it came as a shock when he told us he wanted a year out to concentrate on riding. I didn’t see that one coming…

That was three years ago, and Will’s worked really hard to get up to speed. Yet as I listened to his podcast in which he names his top five riders and heard how intelligently he explains his reasoning, it was with pride – not to mention relief that the small fortune I’d spent on his education wasn’t entirely wasted!

If anybody is the slightest bit interested in my career, it started when I left school to work on the family farm. Living in a small village and wanting to see more of life, my first purchase was a Lambretta scooter. However, I quickly realised that girls were much more interested in boys who played in a band than in those who drove a tractor for a living, so my next purchase was an electric guitar.

Sadly, I was a terrible guitar player, but luckily I’d started winning a few showjumping classes. Before long I was having as much fun as the boys in the band! So I sold my guitar, focused on showjumping and the rest, as they say, is history.

With everybody spending so much time at home, I’m sure those nearing retirement age will be thinking that staying on at work is a much better option. As Harvey Smith once said, there are only two chairs that kill; the electric chair and the armchair.

Ref Horse & Hound; 16 April 2020

Nick Skelton: Lives are more important than sport H&H Plus

Nick Skelton — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 14:00:08 +0000

We had 48 horses down in Spain for the Sunshine Tour, but I had returned home for the Cheltenham Festival when the call came in that the country was going into lockdown and we had to get everyone home immediately. It was just a case of get yourselves out of there as quickly as you could, and we did.

We’ve actually been busier than ever in the three weeks since – all the horses have been kept in work because it’s still too wet to turn them out and we just have no idea when shows may start running again.

We’re very fortunate that the whole family lives within half a mile of each other and nearly all our staff – both for the showjumpers and at my son Dan’s racing yard – live on the premises so we can carry on as best we can and don’t have to travel any further than down the road. The only member of the team we’ve sent home is Big Star’s groom Mark Beever, who is diabetic, so is much better off to be holed up in self isolation, although I’m not sure he’s enjoying it much.

My dad, who is 89, only lives next door to me but we insisted he also went into isolation, so he’s been at home for two weeks with his wife Janette and we take him his daily paper and his shopping.

So everyone’s keeping going but we’re taking it very seriously, because this situation is very serious. We all have to do as we’re told and stay put; the sooner they shut absolutely everything down, the quicker we can all get going again.

There’s talk of running premiership football matches behind closed doors just so we can get the season finished – well, to hell with that; people’s lives are more important than any sport right now.

I remember well the shutdown for foot-and-mouth disease in 2001 and that was bad, but it was a piece of cake compared with this. It’s been great to see how people have pulled together but in the equestrian industry in particular, which has totally ground to a halt, I imagine people will go out of business.

Dan has roughed off a lot of the racehorses but it’s been difficult because it’s been too cold and wet to turn them out yet, so many horses are going back to their owners and some of the staff have been laid off. They’re all great workers who love their horses but with no income coming in, it is tough.

Finding a positive

Postponing the Olympics was absolutely the right decision. For most horses, waiting another year won’t make too much difference. It’s the athletes such as gymnasts and swimmers that I feel sorry for – their competitive lifespan is so short and to have been getting themselves ready to peak for that one day only to have to let themselves down again and prepare all over again for another year’s time must be difficult.

If there is one positive to come out of it though, I do get to be Olympic champion for an extra year!

My partner Laura and I have certainly been watching a lot more television – Tiger King on Netflix has kept us hooked.

I don’t think our kitchen has ever been used so much and the fridge doesn’t know what’s hit it. I’m pretty sure I used to have a much larger gin collection, too.

Our local pub has obviously closed but you can order takeaways, which they leave outside for you to collect – so at least that’s our Sunday lunch sorted for the coming weeks.

We’re very lucky to have good, hard-working staff who love their horses; they’re not going to abandon them. Right now, horses are proving the perfect tonic, giving us a purpose and something a bit more positive to think about during troubling times.

Ref Horse & Hound; 9 April 2020

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