Latest from Horse & Hound in Tim-stockdale

Joe Stockdale smashes high jump record following in his late father’s footsteps: ‘One I won’t forget’

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 08:53:32 +0000

In a poignant evening at the Spruce Meadows Masters, Canada, British showjumper Joe Stockdale followed in the footsteps of his late father Tim Stockdale when winning the ATCO Electric Six Bar competition.

Under the lights on Friday night (5 September), the 25-year-old rider and 11-year-old gelding It’s Confidential soared over a towering final fence set at 2.13m (more than 6ft 11in) to share the spoils with Czech rider Vaclav Stanek riding Quintin.

This was Joe’s first time competing at the Calgary venue; the last time he visited Spruce Meadows was to watch his dad Tim and Fresh Direct K2 clearing 2.03m to win the same world famous high-jump class in 2011.

Joe and Vaclav also made history as they smashed Spruce Meadows’ six-bar record of 2.12m, which was set by Jessica Kurten of Ireland riding Castle Forbes Libertina in 2004.

“Breaking the six bar record at Spruce Meadows and winning the same class as my dad here in Calgary is one I won’t forget,” said Joe Stockdale. “It’s Confidential cleared 2.13m to break the 21-year-old record – a very special night here in Canada.”

Vaclav Stanek and Quintin also clear 2.13m to share the spoils with Joe Stockdale in the ATCO Electric Six Bar at Spruce Meadows, Canada. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Joe Stockdale versus Vaclav Stanek in final round

A field of 12 lined up for this year’s ATCO Electric Six Bar, with each fence raised in height after each round. Seven combinations made it through to the fourth round where Joe, Vaclav and Daniel Deusser (Pepita Van’t Meulenof BR) again jumped clear.

When the German rider elected to withdraw before jumping the final set of four fences, it came down to a duel between Great Britain’s Joe and 30-year-old Vaclav riding 15-year-old Quintin.

Celebrations erupted after both combinations displayed immense skill and bravery to clear the towering line of fences once more, much to the delight of the packed grandstands on this, Spruce Meadows’ 50th anniversary.

Joe punched the air in delight after touching down on It’s Confidential (Conthargos x VDL Cardento 933), who is owned by Ben Carus. This was only their second six bar competition together, having finished third in Falsterbo recently.

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

You may also be interested in:

(Image credit: Sportfot)

‘No such word as can’t’: check out Joe Stockdale’s inspirational horseshoes for Paris 2024

(Image credit: Sportfot)

Nerves of steel (and horses with wings): 6 amazing moments from high jump history

(Image credit: Sportfot)

‘Dad’s words are great motivation’: how Tim Stockdale’s sons are achieving sporting greatness

(Image credit: Sportfot)

Showjumping stars gather to compete for sport’s richest ever $5m prize: ‘There’s an enormous buzz’

(Image credit: Sportfot)

Point Break versus King Edward: who is the best showjumping horse in the world according to the data experts?

(Image credit: Sportfot)

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

Paris Olympic shortlisted mare’s first foal arrives: ‘If she’s half as good as her mum, she’ll be super – we’re chuffed to bits’

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 10:36:24 +0000

Young showjumper Joe Stockdale has the honour of being selected among the list of British showjumping entries for the 2024 Olympic Games with his top horse Equine America Cacharel. But remarkably in the run-up to the historic event in Paris, the Stockdale family have recently welcomed the arrival of 13-year-old mare Cacharel’s first foal, who was born via surrogate mother Latina.

“She’s a great looking foal – she looks really strong and healthy,” said Joe. “We’re chuffed to bits with her.”

The bay filly foal has been named Penny as “a nice little spin” on her dam’s stable name “Cash” and her sire is the young Casall ASK x Contender stallion Casallco. Joe revealed that the idea to take an embryo was formed while Cash was on the sidelines through the latter part of last year after picking up a minor injury after St Gallen.

“We had a couple of surrogate mares available so we said why not, let’s try it, and it’s lovely to get a filly out of her, too,” Joe told H&H.

“I spoke to a few people in the know about choosing a stallion and Casallco seemed a popular choice and one that seemed to be doing well. The characteristics seemed to fit quite nicely with Cash.”

Joe Stockdale’s Olympic contender Equine America Cacharel’s first foal, Penny – named from a nice little spin on her dam’s name Cash. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Joe Stockdale: “We can see plenty of Cash in Penny already”

Little Penny will hopefully one day be following in her fantastic mother’s hoofprints in the sport. Equine America Cacharel (Cachas x Quinar Z) is owned by Joy Cocklin and Joe’s mother Laura Stockdale, having been spotted and produced through her early years by Joe’s Olympian father Tim Stockdale.

Joe and Cash have enjoyed plenty of success at the top level, including helping Great Britain win team bronze at the world showjumping championships in 2022.

“We all say we can see plenty of Cash in Penny already,” said Joe. “But if she’s half as good as her mum she’ll be a super one to have. So fingers crossed.”

Cacharel was rested and brought back to the ring slowly ahead of this landmark Olympic year and recent five-star performances have indicated she’s performing better than ever, most recently jumping a super double clear to finish fourth in the prestigious CSI5* Rolex grand prix of Rome.

“She jumped top notch there,” said Joe. “She was really back to her brilliant best there. I was over the moon with her.”

The duo have been picked to represent Great Britain at the final leg of the Longines League Of Nations in Rotterdam next week alongside Ben Maher, Tim Gredley and Harry Charles.

‘Dad’s words are great motivation’: how Tim Stockdale’s sons are achieving sporting greatness

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 16:30:44 +0000

British showjumper Joe Stockdale, 24, needs little introduction to equestrian fans, with a string of big wins and team performances to his name. But did you know his younger brother Mark is a rising star of the golfing world, too?

The Northamptonshire-born brothers sat down to talk about the highs and lows of their respective sports and the influence their late father, Olympic showjumper Tim Stockale, continues to have on their lives.

Joe, who won team bronze at the World Showjumping Championships in 2022 and hopes to contest the Olympic Games in Paris this summer, says both sports can have their frustrations.

“Mark has ridden and I have also enjoyed playing golf,” he says. “Especially at the top level of sport, it is extremely difficult. With horses you have so many ups and downs – it is a real rollercoaster. From my amateur perspective in golf, it is a mentally frustrating game and you are battling against yourself. In showjumping, we are almost lucky that we have other factors to contend with, for example, the horse.

“Golf is a very individual game and there is only really yourself to blame,” he adds. “So I think mental strength is one of the most important things that you can learn from both of the two sports.”

Showjumper Joe Stockdale and golfer Mark Stockdale. (Photo: YRA) | (Photo: Nelson Chenault). (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Nineteen-year-old Mark, who is currently on the men’s golf team at the University of Central Arkansas, agrees with “staying patient and trusting in the work you put in.”

“These things take time and you have to have plenty of resilience to get there,” he says. “The sports are very different, but very similar at the same time. You are not going to be the best in the world overnight, you have to keep going day-by-day.”

Joe continues: “The core value of any top level sport is that it is not necessarily about what you do or the outcome, but the mental side of it and the perspective you have from a performance. You can compare this, even though they are two completely different sports.”

The Stockdale brothers on the importance of teamwork

The Stockdale brothers pinpoint some surprising similarities with the relationships between caddy and golfer, and rider and groom.

“The trust is going to be there,” says aspiring professional golfer Mark Stockdale, currently ranked 320th in the world. “Joe has to trust his groom Charlotte Attwell to make sure the horses are as well prepared as possible and on top form to compete. I have to have that trust with my caddy that we are both going out there with a certain mindset and goal.

“When we are talking about certain aspects of the round we have to be on the same wavelength, we cannot be arguing with each other. But when Joe enters the ring or I am hitting the shot, the groom or the caddy are out of the equation, they have done their part and it is down to the individual to go and perform in the moment.”

Joe Stockdale adds: “It takes such a weight off your mind when you know that you have someone behind you that you can trust to get you to where you need to be.

“It is so important to have someone to be able to bounce ideas off – so Mark can ask his caddy: ‘What do you think about this shot?’, and even if the caddy just says that is a great idea, it gives you that extra bit of confidence,” he says. “When I am in the warm-up with Charlotte and ask, ‘How did he jump that last vertical?’ and she says, ‘It was perfect’.

“Even if it is just a mental thing for us, it gives you that next bit of confidence to trust your process and what you are already doing. It helps with your mental strength and gives you an extra layer of confidence and backing before you go in the ring or you take that shot on the course.

“I have a great team behind me. My team spans a huge amount of people, it is not just the people working on the yard every single day, but it is the vets, farriers, physiotherapists and many more.”

Joe Stockdale: “If you can improve yourself by 1% in every area, it makes a huge difference overall”

“There are a lot of people who help make it all happen,” Joe continues. “I have recently been reading a lot of sports psychology books and cyclists talk about making everything 1% better. Your team can escalate you so much – if you improve yourself by 1% in every area it makes a huge difference overall.

“That is certainly what we are aiming for, making everyone push to be that 1% better. The team and the people around me are incredible – they put 110% in their work every day and I cannot thank them enough. I would not be where I am today without them.”

Mark underlines the importance of collaboration, whether it’s family members or anyone else.

“Golf is a sport which, as a family, we did not have any prior knowledge about, so everything we do, we do it together and it is a constant learning phase,” he explains. “There have been plenty of hardships that you need to be able to talk about and learn from, so that has been a big part.”

Mark receives plenty of support from trainers at his university to ensure he is in peak physical condition.

“England Golf is also helping me to play in the best tournaments and compete at the highest level possible,” he says. “Even looking at the manufacturers of my golf clubs, there is a long list of people who without them, I would not be in the position that I am.”

Joe Stockdale (GBR) looks back as he walks out for the medal ceremony during the FEI World Jumping Championship. (Image credit: Sport In Pictures/Alamy Live News)

Mark Stockdale: “The endless pursuit of getting better is what I really love”

Both Mark and Joe grew up surrounded by horses while father Tim Stockdale competed at the highest level in showjumping, including at the 2008 Olympic Games, but Joe was originally hoping to pursue a professional career as a talented young cricketer, only switching paths to showjumping after the death of his father, while Mark took up golf “as a casual thing” to begin with.

“My mum and dad played golf and Joe had lessons alongside them, so they would play when my dad was back from shows,” says Mark. “I wanted to learn so that I could spend time with them – I had a few lessons and immediately the competitive side kicked in.

“I had to practise to try to be better than them and beat them. I picked it up quite quickly and started to play in some tournaments and I just fell in love with the process of practising and improving. It is one of those sports that is so frustrating – you think you have it and then you go out the next day and you have lost it. The endless pursuit of getting better is what I really love.

“From my family, I learned you cannot take a day off. You have to ride every day, you cannot just leave a horse in the stable, you have to constantly work. When my dad and Joe would ride, I would go off and practice and focus on my craft. You also have to have a lot of resilience. You are going to have hard times, but if you stay focused on the same goal and keep working every day you will get there.”

Stockdale motto: “Keep going and keep trying to find a way”

Both brothers have clearly inherited a competitive mindset and sporting excellence from their father Tim Stockdale, who died after a short illness in 2018, and Joe describes the superb horseman as “resilient and stubborn”.

“If it was not going right or he was not winning, he wouldn’t ever back off, he would put more into it,” he says. “He was always working his hardest and trying to find a way to get back to winning. He was so determined, if it was not working he was going to make it work, and he was going to find a way to get it over the line to get the result that he wanted.

“Even if we half have the idea that we might want to quit we always have his voice in the back of our minds saying: ‘You have to keep going and keep trying to find a way’. He is a great motivation to the two of us.”

Tim Stockdale and Fresh Direct Corlato at the Olympic Games in Hong Kong in 2008. His sons Joe Stockdale and Mark Stockdale are continuing their father’s legacy of sporting brilliance. (Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

Mark continues to be inspired by how Tim interacted and treated people.

“Whether it was kids asking for autographs or the way he had a conversation with people,” he says. “At shows, he walked around and everyone knew him, and he knew everyone’s names. What I learned is that you have to build relationships with people to earn their respect. He was so dedicated and so hardworking, and to me, that is just the base standard of how you have to be. You have to be 100% dedicated to what you want to do, do not take no for an answer for things, and really fight for it.”

“You do most of your learning when you are out of your comfort zone,” says Joe Stockdale

Within each of their respective sports, events such as the Majors or The Masters are core.

“Those are the events to go to,” says Joe. “For showjumpers, when we speak about going to a Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping Major such as the CHIO Aachen or The Dutch Masters, we speak about them as the best in world – they are massive and spectacular events. If I am speaking with any of my non-equestrian friends, I can list the names of different shows, they do not understand, but when I say that I am going to a Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping Major, they immediately have an understanding and level of respect. That is the legacy that Rolex has around those shows.

“For us riders, they are the biggest of the biggest shows, they have the best prize money and they are the ones that everyone wants to win. They are where you get the top-level sport.

“You do most of your learning when you are slightly out of your comfort zone,” he adds. “The first time I went to CHI Geneva, I loved it – it was an incredible experience. You are there with the best in the world, there is not one top rider who is not there, they all have their best horses and are all there to win it. The jump-offs that you get in the classes are sensational – you just do not get that at the other shows. You might see one person do an incredible round in a month of shows, but at the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva in 2022 we saw five riders one after another going as fast as they could, and every rider you watched you thought that they could not be beaten, and then they were.

“It was the best of the best sport, not only for the spectators but as a learning experience for me. To have that opportunity as a young rider has been so valuable, so it is a credit to the Majors to provide that chance for young riders. I am not sure where I would be if I did not have those opportunities – they really elevated my game so much.”

It is the same in golf, says Mark: “People hear The Masters and they understand the prestige and history around it. They would know people that have won the tournament, even if they are not golfers themselves and they would know about the ‘green jacket’. The Majors bring together people who maybe aren’t usually interested in the sport – they can see the prestige, and I think that is incredibly important to the sport.

“I would love to win The Masters,” reveals Mark. “In golf, it is the closest thing to perfection, with velvet green fairways cut to perfection. In a non-perfect sport, it is the closest thing, and the image around it is unbelievable. When you see the players putting on the green jacket at the end of it, that is what the image of golf was for me growing up.”

Meanwhile, as well as Paris 2024, Joe’s ambitions lie with winning the Rolex grand prix at Aachen, Germany.

“It is such a special grand prix, with multiple rounds, and everyone talks about how big and difficult it is,” he says. “The CHIO Aachen has such an incredible grass arena with so much amazing heritage to it – it would be a dream to win there.”

‘If you got her on side, she’d really fight for you’: Joe Stockdale picks the horse he wishes he could have ridden

Becky Murray — Mon, 25 Dec 2023 13:00:50 +0000

Suppose your Christmas stocking contained a ride on the horse of your dreams… We find out which superstars of yesteryear this top rider would love to sit on

Joe Stockdale has quickly become a big name after making his senior championship team debut at the 2021 Europeans. Most recently, he was part of the bronze medal-winning squad at the World Championships in Herning in 2022, and while cricket was at the forefront while growing up, there was one mare of his father’s, the late Tim Stockdale, that caught his attention.

“The horse I would really like to have ridden is Fresh Direct Corlato, the mare my dad took to the 2008 Beijing Olympics,” says Joe.

“I remember she was an opinionated mare. If she didn’t want to go in the wash box one day, then there was no chance of getting her in there – she was one of those types. But if you got her on side, then she’d really fight for you.”

Tim Stockdale and Fresh Direct Corlato in Hong Kong in 2008 (Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

Tim and the eye-catching grey finished best of the Brits in Beijing when they were 16th individually. The year before, they won the 2007 Royal Windsor grand prix, and in 2009 were part of the British team at the European Championships, held on home soil at Windsor.

“At the time, I was too young to ride her – I was eight when my dad was at the Olympics, but it would be nice to have the chance to ride her now. I think I’ve got a mare capable of going to the Olympics, Equine America Cacharel, and it would be really interesting to be able to compare them,” says Joe Stockdale.

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Take an exclusive peek round Joe Stockdale’s yard

H&H visited the Northamptonshire stables of up-and-coming star Joe Stockdale and we encountered classy horses, a dedicated team and stunning

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

From cricketer to world championship medallist, with Olympics in his sights: Joe Stockdale reflects on a whirlwind four years

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

The Horse & Hound Podcast 122: Joe Stockdale | Hoof abscesses | News round-up

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘We knew she was special’: why Joe Stockdale is keeping father Tim’s dream alive with world championship selection

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

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

‘Some laughed, some took me seriously – it was a journey’: a look back with ‘Rastafarian showjumper’ Oliver Skeete

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 21 May 2023 17:32:08 +0000

Many of you may remember the foray with fame enjoyed in the 1990s by dreadlocked Londoner Oliver Skeete, who earned countless television appearances and print space on the back of his novel bid to showjump at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

A former motor mechanic, bouncer and footballer, Oliver only began riding aged 36 after “getting bored” watching his daughters learning at Ealing Riding School and was immediately hooked. He sold the family car to buy a horse and within a year had started showjumping competitively.

“My two daughters were five and eight and I took them to Ealing Riding School one summer,” Oliver Skeete tells H&H. “I was watching, getting bored, so I decided to have a go myself. The first horse I sat on nearly chucked me off, but I fell in love with it. Because I couldn’t do it – I really was useless – that’s what did it for me, I wanted to get better.”

Oliver bought his daughters a pony each and learned everything from mucking out to grooming.

“I then bought a cob called Odd Job – he was definitely PC Plod!” says Barbados-born Oliver. “But I learnt on him and my daughters carried on riding until they were teenagers.”

Soon Oliver had had enough of plodding around and instead wanted a horse “that would go forward” so he bought a thoroughbred.

“I was new to horses and I just got ripped off,” says Oliver. “I had him for a year but he was just too forward going – although he could jump, just not very well, and that gave me the bug.

“I went to Barry Fox for lessons and he took me to Ireland and we bought a horse from Paul Darragh called Betsy. She was only small but she could really jump – I paid about £15,000 for her. Barry started teaching me and, all this is within a year, I started going to shows, doing discovery classes – and falling off a lot!

“But I wasn’t happy because I was jumping the small classes while the kids were jumping the big classes – I wanted to be doing that.”

So Oliver jumped in his car and “followed the Whitakers, all over the country”.

“I was just watching them and learning,” he reveals of seeing brothers John and Michael in action.

Oliver Skeete: ‘It just went wild’

Next, Oliver moved his horse to the yard of showjumper Nigel Goddard and began training with him.

“Next thing I knew I was jumping newcomers and then it just went wild – but it wasn’t just my riding that was taking off, it was this novelty thing,” he explains. “People were watching – some were laughing, but some were taking me seriously and it was a journey. It just evolved.”

Oliver reveals that is was international showjumper Lionel Dunning who taught him “how to ride properly” on his assortment of horses including youngsters and novices.

At Jersey Horse of the Year Show, where Oliver won a class, he unexpectedly ended up jumping his first puissance.

“I met these travellers who were taking the Mickey and trying to sell me this scrawny little horse,” he remembers. “They said ‘Try it in a class and if you like it, you can buy it’. So I asked which class I should enter it in and they said the puissance!

“Well I did it – I didn’t win, but I winged it on a horse I’d never ridden before. I think it was just a matter of not being scared.”

Oliver had set his sights on reaching the top of the sport, but by this time he “was running out of money”.

“So I phoned up The Sun newspaper and asked if they wanted to sponsor me – they said no, but they did want to do a story on me and that’s when it all kicked off,” he recalls.

Oliver appeared on prime time chat shows, news programmes, he even made a documentary, while also becoming a familiar face in the showjumping ring. He went on to write his autobiography, Jumping the Odds: Memoirs of a Rastafarian Showjumper.

‘I decided to get away from it all’

While he didn’t make it to the top of the sport, he succeeded in taking showjumping to a much wider audience.

“I was clearing out the loft the other day and found all the magazines and newspapers I was in – I kept everything and met so many people,” Oliver says.

“I eventually stopped riding about 12 years ago – I was running a stables and after a run-in with another con lady I decided to get away from it all.”

Since hanging up his boots, Oliver Skeete has done some acting, making an appearance in James Bond film Die Another Day, and now runs a removal company, occasionally riding a friend’s horses.

Looking back at his time in the ring, Oliver says: “Don’t get me wrong, I was never the best rider in the world, but I just had this thing that I wanted to be a showjumper and all these really good boys like the Whitakers and Tim Stockdale gave me the encouragement I needed to do it.

“So I’m not riding as such now – I still enjoy it though, that will never go.

“I took my daughter, who is now 37, riding in Barbados recently – she hadn’t ridden for ages and she loved it. Sometimes we sit and watch the old videos together, they loved it all. I think they’re very proud of their old man.”

Showjumper runs half-marathon in memory of mentor Tim Stockdale

Sarah Radford — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 19:31:49 +0000

Show jumper Adam Botham has raised more than £3,000 in memory of his friend, mentor and former boss Tim Stockdale by tackling a half-marathon.

Adam had not even run a mile before starting training for the 13-mile challenge, which he completed in an impressive one hour and 49 minutes.

He is donating the funds to the Tim Stockdale Foundation, which supports young athletes, and was set up in memory of Tim following his death from stomach cancer aged 54, in 2018.

Adam lost two stone training for the event and could often be found on the treadmill at midnight trying to fit in the miles around his busy yard and competition schedule.

The 39-year-old rider has had a strong season this year, chalking up a number of high-profile successes with Barbara Hester’s seven-year-old stallion Ebanking.

He told H&H the horse was among the factors that influenced him to take on the fundraiser.

“Ebanking started it all. Having a horse like him, I couldn’t be overweight and I knew I needed to get some weight off.

“Tim struggled with weight all his life and I struggle with it too — going up against the likes of Ben Maher and Scott Brash, who are featherweights, he was always on a diet.

“I just thought ‘actually, let’s aim at something’.”

Adam said that he thought fundraising for the foundation had also “gone a bit quiet” following the pandemic and he wanted to help boost its profile.

“When Tim first died there was a lot of fundraising for his foundation but I wasn’t quite ready to get involved with it yet, it was still a bit too raw,” said Adam, who worked for Tim for around three years.

“We remained close after I finished working for him and we always had horses together — when I left he sent three with me, it was a friendship which carried on for many years.”

Kim Tomkin helped Adam train for the run, devising a programme where he would run at least four days a week, for between 40min and 90min.

“I preferred to run on a treadmill in my little workshop. I’m not the slimmest, fittest guy but I liked to get stuck in there and work hard with the door closed and my headphones in,” he said.

Adam said he “might do another half” for a different charity but not in the immediate future.

“I’m having trouble walking to the house right now!” he added.

Donations in support of Adam’s run can still be made at his GoFundMe page.

Remember the name: Joe Stockdale — his hopes for major success with David Broome’s home-bred

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 27 Dec 2020 12:24:23 +0000

Over this festive season, we are shining a light on up-and-coming talent across the equestrian disciplines. These are riders you really need to keep an eye out for during the 2021 season...

Last month, 21-year-old showjumper Joe Stockdale made his senior Nations Cup debut wearing his father Tim’s British flag on his jacket.

Joe jumped round on the nine-year-old mare Cacharel for just four faults and a time-penalty and hopes the experience will act as a launchpad for further success under the Great Britain banner in 2021.

“I have a really good string of horses at the moment,” says Joe. “I’m back home for a couple of months then will probably do a similar sort of trip to Spain at the start of the year just to get the horses up and running again.”

His Nations Cup partner, known as Cash at home, is just a nine-year-old and a very exciting prospect according to Joe.

“She’s going to be a very special mare and hopefully one that will take me to another couple of teams — with some good results I hope!” assesses Joe.

Christian Matthews owns the 11-year-old gelding Don Diego De Plata (pictured above), who was ridden by Joe’s father Tim before he sadly passed away in 2018.

“He was the horse I took to the young riders Europeans [in 2019] where I was the fifth man,” says Joe. “I jumped him in all the grands prix actually at the start of this year and he was double clear in both the grands prix he jumped.”

Continued below…

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Ann and Colin Garratt were huge supporters of Tim over the years and have continued their involvement with Joe, buying the 10-year-old Kandleford — who was bred by David Broome — for him to ride last year.

“He’s really starting to come on — I took him to Spain [in November] which was a massive step up for him because I brought him as my second horse and he jumped a few 1.50m rankings classes. Now, he’s now looking to be a really useful asset in my top string of horses.”

Would you like to read Horse & Hound’s independent journalism without any adverts? Join Horse & Hound Plus today and you can read all articles on HorseandHound.co.uk completely ad-free

Pride as Joe Stockdale wears dad Tim’s British flag for Nations Cup debut

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 12:43:42 +0000

To represent your country on your first senior Nations Cup team is a momentous occasion for any showjumper.

But for 21-year-old Joe Stockdale, the moment was made even more poignant as the “slightly frayed” British flag he had sewn on his jacket was once worn proudly by his late father, Tim Stockdale.

“I definitely took extra pride wearing that for my Nations Cup debut,” said Joe, who jumped for just four faults and a time-penalty in his first team appearance at senior level riding nine-year-old mare Cacharel.

A photo posted by on

Joe had just been sent his own new jacket, and Union flag to put on it, ahead of his Nations Cup call-up in Spain last week (Saturday, 28 November) when he was having a clear-out at home.

“Dad’s old jacket with his first ever flag on it just happened to turn up in one of the drawers we were emptying,” Joe told H&H.

“Over time, that badge had become quite worn and my dad had been sent a new jacket with the badge already sewn on it, and he had been wearing that one instead.

“It’s certainly a bit frayed and you can tell it’s been well worn, but they’re exactly the same badges and we thought it would be nice to wear his one, so we stuck it on instead.

“It was just a really weird thing that it happened to show up at the same time my new jacket was sent to me.”

Continues below…

(Image credit: www.moisesbasallote.com)

#10forTim runners smash target to raise +£50,000 at Hickstead

‘Not all the participants were enthusiastic runners or athletically built, and we set a considerable target of £50,000, but everyone

(Image credit: www.moisesbasallote.com)

Farewell to the half-Clydesdale showjumper who took on the world

‘She was such a lovely girl and I’m so glad she had all those happy years in such a good

Although the Great Britain team could only finish 16th, Joe was thrilled to jump for his country on his very exciting mare Cacharel.

“To be able to jump on a senior Nations Cup is something everyone looks to do – it was a massive goal for me this year but obviously it’s been very difficult with everything going on and the lack of shows,” he said.

“But I’m glad to have been able to tick that box and although the team result wasn’t quite what we wanted, it was nice personally just to be able to jump my first one, to be a part of the team and especially in that group of riders.”

Joe was joined on the team by Matthew Sampson (Cristo Beech), Alexandra Thornton (Chades Of Blue) and Holly Smith (Denver).

Read the full insight from the show in this week’s Horse & Hound, out Thursday 3 December.

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

New columnist Geoff Billington: These are desperate times H&H Plus

Horse & Hound — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 09:00:25 +0000

Geoff Billington reflects on the consequences of a second lockdown, “confusion and lack of transparency”, remembering a friend and why he thinks he should appear on a certain TV programme

This has been another really tough month for the equestrian industry as things have ground to a halt once again.

Since the announcement came at the start of November that England was returning to lockdown, I have had to cancel all the clinics I had planned in the run-up to Christmas; at this time of year, they are my bread and butter. But I’m not alone – there are very many trainers and coaches in a similar position to me who have lost all their income. These are desperate times for a lot of people.

The situation wasn’t helped by the confusion and lack of transparency surrounding the communication of how the new restrictions would affect equestrians – in particular for riding schools and on the issue of hiring out arenas. For a couple of days we all thought it was great and we’d be allowed to carry on, and the next minute they’d changed the goalposts.

The final decision not to let us hire arenas is ridiculous. People are still able to teach one-on-one at home, but without any liveries that option isn’t open to me and I’ve effectively had to shut down until December.

We’ve been breaking in a couple of youngsters at home and it would be nice to be able to take them out just for some experience – even just on a farm ride to get them out and about. But instead we’re left in limbo, sitting here twiddling our thumbs.

Meanwhile racing continues at full pace – albeit behind closed doors – but I even saw that Newbury had thrown open its doors for some leading racehorses to enjoy a racecourse gallop last week.

We’re all in a similar boat, trying to make a living out of horses, but the advantages that those in racing have been granted only serves to heighten how difficult this is for the rest of the equestrian world.

But meanwhile I’m looking to fill up January with clinic bookings if anyone’s interested!

An ambassador for the sport

Time really flies, and it’s been two years since Tim Stockdale sadly passed away.

Tim’s twin brother Ivan lives very close to me and keeps me informed with how his sons are doing, so I’m thrilled at how well the lads are getting on in their chosen sports – Joe is making a great go of it with the riding and is just heading off abroad for a couple of weeks; he’s even brought out a range of Team Stockdale clothing.

Meanwhile, Mark is absolutely flying with the golf and it sounds as if he’s well on the way to becoming a top golfer. Both are showing the same great attributes that their dad showed and Joe is a great ambassador for the sport on social media.

That was one of Tim’s greatest assets, too – when he started off, he wasn’t the best of riders, but he made himself into a brilliant rider and he was fantastic at promoting himself and the sport.

Jellied eels and castle ruins

For weeks I’ve been looking forward to watching this year’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! I’m always being told I should appear in the jungle – or ruined castle as it is this year (pictured, above) – and I reckon I could handle some of the challenges they face.

Being stuck in an underground vault full of snakes wouldn’t bother me too much and I’d have mopped up everybody’s leftovers the night they all had eel to eat – I love jellied eel and nothing beats a bit of sushi; I’d be in my element!

What’s more, you get paid a fortune and think of how many after-dinner speeches I’d be able to fill after a couple of weeks in there – we need to make it happen in 2021!

Ref: Horse & Hound; 26 November 2020

You may also be interested in:

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

10 training tips that top riders swear by

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

11 moments Geoff Billington won’t forget in a hurry

This week's showjumping guest editor reveals the memories he won't be forgetting (plus a few he wish he could forget)

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Geoff Billington’s secret weapon: overreach boots on hind legs

Why would you put over reach boots on hind legs? Geoff Billington uses this simple solution to a testing problem

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Graham Fletcher: We need better shows in Britain H&H Plus

H&H’s showjumping columnist supports a bursary for show centres to upgrade facilities

Aspiring young riders enjoy the opportunity of a lifetime — with a little help from Tim Stockdale’s family

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 06:02:59 +0000

Eight aspiring young riders between the ages of eight and 19 enjoyed the opportunity of a lifetime on Tuesday (10 September) when they received a riding lesson with showjumping star Joe Stockdale at his home in Northamptonshire.

As part of an initiative between Olympia and its official charity, the Tim Stockdale Foundation, youngsters from the Leicester-based Urban Equestrian Academy (UEA) were invited to join the Olympia Riding Academy, which aims to introduce economically disadvantaged children to a range of career prospects within the equestrian industry.

As well as receiving tuition from Joe, son of Olympic showjumper Tim Stockdale who passed away last year, students had the opportunity to spend time with a Spillers nutritionist and farrier Nigel Turner, as well as staff from the Stockdales’ yard.

In December the pupils of the Olympia Riding Academy have been invited to attend the show itself and will be helping in the Live Zone as well as learning how the event is run.

“I had such a great day at the Olympia Riding Academy,” said Azeezah Zampaladus, one of the students. “It was really inspiring watching Joe ride, and I really enjoyed meeting the farrier and nutritionists — they were so interesting. I can’t wait to go to Olympia this Christmas!”

Olympia Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward said: “Our goal is to widen equestrian accessibility and participation, bringing it to individuals and communities who have least access to it. By creating a platform where these children can learn about careers within the industry, we hope to create opportunities and open doors that haven’t been available in the past.

Continues below…

(Image credit: Getty Images)

‘He was one of our own’: hundreds turn out to pay tribute to Tim Stockdale

It was standing room only at Tim’s memorial service

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Tim Stockdale foundation to be set up in his memory

Tim Stockdale’s family said they want to raise money for “as many projects and causes as we possibly can”

(Image credit: Getty Images)

“Working alongside the Tim Stockdale Foundation and The Urban Equestrian Academy — who both share the same vision of making equestrian accessible to everyone — has been incredibly inspiring.”

The Tim Stockdale Foundation was founded by his family after the showjumper’s death last year.

“We are honoured to work with Olympia and The Urban Equestrian Academy to host such a special day for aspiring young riders struggling with accessibility,”said Laura Stockdale. “Tim felt very strongly about making equestrianism, alongside other sports, available to everyone. The work of the foundation will continue to provide opportunities to those in real need of them.”

Read more about the day and this exciting new initiative in next week’s issue of H&H, out Thursday 19 September.

Farewell to the half-Clydesdale showjumper who took on the world

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 12:55:58 +0000

The half-Clydesdale Wiston Bridget who took on the world under Tim Stockdale has been put down aged 29.

The distinctive mare had lived at Renkum Stud for the past 15 years, her owner Jeanette Edwards having given her to Henk and Louise Minderman.

Henk told H&H Bridget had eight offspring — one of whom is now a police horse in London — and was a “fantastic” mother, giving birth to her last foal aged 25, but she had been losing condition recently.

“She’d started going wobbly behind, and couldn’t eat as much,” Henk said. “Then on Tuesday (10 September) she didn’t even want an apple, so I rang the man and he came. We’d had her 15 years.”

Bridget won nearly £100,000, jumping all over the world. Her successes with Tim included jumping double clear in the Hickstead Derby in 2000 to come second — the first combination to jump double clear and not win — as well as winning puissances at the Horse of the Year Show and Dublin Horse Show.

Bridget and Tim were the best Brits at the Aachen Nations Cup in 2000, also jumping in the Spruce Meadows Nations Cup and grand prix the same year (pictured), and were shortlisted for the Sydney Olympics.

Tim’s wife Laura told H&H Bridget was a “feisty mare, but a lovely one”.

“We had some times with her,” she said.

“She was so nice to deal with, it was only when someone got on board she got so strong — when Tim first rode her, he said ‘This will put some biceps on me!’”

Laura said Tim could “never risk going too fast”.

“He always went for clear rounds because if she got too fast, she was like a steam train, pulling his arms out,” she said. “Tim had some great results from her, although we always said, if she’d been born 10 to 15 years earlier, looking at horses like Ryan’s Son and Apollo, in that era she might have been even more incredible than she was.”

Laura added that the family found out Bridget was born in a field very near a property Tim’s brother later bought near Nantwich.

“So there had always been a bit of a link,” she said. “She and Tim had a great partnership; he had a lot of trust in her. She jumped some huge fences but I don’t think he ever felt there was one that was too big for her, she had a heart of gold.

“She was such a lovely girl and I’m so glad she had all those happy years in such a good home.”

Henk agreed that Bridget had “the biggest heart”.

“She couldn’t really jump those biggest combinations but she did it because of her big heart, and that’s why I wanted to breed from her as that’s the main thing any showjumper needs,” he said.

“She didn’t really have a canter; she was always cantering into the ground but she jumped all those jumps and made the distances — it’s unbelievable.”

Continues below…

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Tim Stockdale, Olympic show jumper

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

#10forTim runners smash target to raise +£50,000 at Hickstead

‘Not all the participants were enthusiastic runners or athletically built, and we set a considerable target of £50,000, but everyone

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Henk said Bridget was “shy” when she first arrived but settled into a mare who was easy to deal with.

“Except worming!” he added. “You had to have a ladder or climb a gate to get anywhere near her mouth; when she put her head up, she was eight feet tall.

“She was a fantastic mother, who loved her babies, and loved being in her herd.”

Bridget’s last foal Renkum Bardot, now a four-year-old, is to be ridden by Henk and Louise’s daughter Meredith, and the family expects great things.

“She’s very talented, and very similar to Bridget in her head,” Henk said.

“All Bridget’s offspring are very brave and honest, and they can all jump.

“We’ll miss her.”

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

#10forTim runners smash target to raise +£50,000 at Hickstead

Lucy Elder — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 21:26:46 +0000

Hickstead runners smashed their fundraising target to raise £51,894 for the Tim Stockdale Foundation.

Top riders joined Pony Clubbers, journalists including a team from H&H, members of the on-site security team and many others to take part in the #10forTim relay at the All England Jumping Course.

The race was held following the Bemer British Speed Classic on Saturday (27 July) at the Royal International Horse Show in memory of Tim Stockdale, who died from stomach cancer in November.

“Hickstead was the scene of one of Tim’s best career moments, winning the Longines BHS King George V Gold Cup in 2010 with Fresh Direct Kalico Bay,” said Hicsktead director Lizzie Bunn, who came up with the idea for the challenge.

“As such we felt it was important to hold an event in his memory, and so the #10forTim run was born.”

Tim’s wife Laura, and their two sons Joe and Mark, set up the foundation to support young people in the three sports he loved best — golf, cricket and showjumping — as well as other causes.

Pippa and William Funnell, Guy Williams, Jessica Springsteen, Laura Kraut, Holly Smith, Harriet Nuttall, Will Biddick and numerous Whitakers were among the runners.

Runner from WH Security gave themselves the extra challenge of carrying fire hoses and a stretcher of haylage bales while they raced.

Laura Stockdale, Joe Stockdale and Tim’s twin brother Ivan also ran.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

The team from Equine America crossed the finish line first and hundreds of Hickstead fans lined the route to cheer on the runners.

“The name of Tim’s autobiography was ‘There’s no such word as can’t!’ – and that was an ethos he lived by, and always inspired in others,” said Lizzie.

“We feel that ethos was very appropriate for the #10forTim run – not all the participants were enthusiastic runners or athletically built, and we set a considerable total fundraising target of £50,000, but everyone rose to the challenge and I’m delighted to say we exceeded our target on the night, with donations still coming in.”

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

Take an exclusive peek round Joe Stockdale’s yard

Martha Terry — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 07:25:12 +0000

H&H visited the Northamptonshire stables of up-and-coming star Joe Stockdale and we encountered classy horses, a dedicated team and stunning facilities — plus evidence of another sport practised at top level.

We hope you enjoy this exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Joe’s yard. Don’t miss the full interview in the latest issue of the magazine, which is out today (4 July).

1. A stunning sculpture

Joseph Stockdale feature 07.05.19Jo Stockdale with Mum Laura and Kalico Bay statue (Image credit: Trevor-Meeks-Photography.co.uk)

Joe’s dad, the late Tim Stockdale, had long admired the steel sculptures made by Charles Elliott. After Tim’s death, Laura commissioned this statue of Tim’s King George winner Kalico Bay, which now stands proudly in front of the house.

2. Stables by the house

Joseph Stockdale feature 07.05.19 (Image credit: Trevor-Meeks-Photography.co.uk)

The main stable yard of 12 stables is overlooked by the house. Kalico Bay, now 18, still occupies the first box on the left, and Joe competes him as a schoolmaster at low levels — “When I need to work on something I can just get on him and he’ll show me how to do it.”

3. A “midget” star

Joseph Stockdale feature 07.05.19Jo Stockdale & Gunner (Image credit: Trevor-Meeks-Photography.co.uk)

Joe says “it’s a fluke” that he got the ride on Esme Bas’ 15.2hh Gunner (also known as Romeo): “It was because he had the same name as a horse I’d ridden previously!” The pair started in 1m classes together, and have now won a rankings class and jump up to 1.60m.

“He always finds that extra bit of scope,” says Joe, who is 6ft 1in.

4. “Mum’s in charge”

Joseph Stockdale feature 07.05.19Laura Stockdale with Kalico Bay (Image credit: Trevor-Meeks-Photography.co.uk)

Joe’s mum Laura (pictured with Kalico Bay) continues to do all the admin, organisation and management of the yard, as she did in Tim’s day. She rode up to Foxhunters herself, and is a Pony Club instructor.

5. The next generation

Joseph Stockdale feature 07.05.19Jo Stockdale on Don Diego De Plata (Image credit: Trevor-Meeks-Photography.co.uk)

Joe rides Don Diego Di Plata (Didi) back from exercise. This quieter line of stables is home to his new ride, six-year-old Corlottie — the daughter of Tim’s Olympic mount Corlato and Peppermill — plus Joe’s old grey pony, now 28, who is often free-range on the yard.

6. Switching sports

Joseph Stockdale feature 07.05.19Jo Stockdale S/Jumping or Cricket? (Image credit: Trevor-Meeks-Photography.co.uk)

Joe played for Northants County second XI, and was on the road to becoming a pro cricketer until his father’s death last November led him to switch sports. He has a cricket net in the garden and still practises three times a week.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Future)

7. A legacy of success

Joseph Stockdale feature 07.05.19 (Image credit: Trevor-Meeks-Photography.co.uk)

Tim’s plaques from all his international shows adorn the tackroom, with Joe’s now being added.

8. A training ground for champions

Joseph Stockdale feature 07.05.19Jo Stockdale on Don Diego De Plata & Mum Laura (Image credit: Trevor-Meeks-Photography.co.uk)

A “Derby field” is a feature at Dovecote Farm. Besides the immaculately mown turf enabling Joe to train on grass, there are also several Derby-style fences for practising. But the Hickstead Derby isn’t on the agenda just yet.

“Dad said, whatever you do, don’t do the Derby this year, so I’m not doing it this year! The first time you really need to do it on a horse that knows what it’s doing, and I don’t have a horse for it at the moment.”

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

Team H&H goes head-to-head with Olympians in memory of Tim Stockdale

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 14:14:00 +0000

The Horse & Hound team have dusted off their running gear to go head-to-head with a stellar field of top riders in the #10forTim charity run at Hickstead this month.

The 10-lap relay race around the International Arena is expected to be fast and furious and is being held in memory of showjumper Tim Stockdale, who died last year at the age of 54 from stomach cancer.

Trying to emulate Usain Bolt for sprinting glory, Team H&H will be lining up against leading riders who have swapped their riding boots for trainers, including Olympic gold medallists Laura Kraut and Nick Skelton, showjumping brothers Shane and Trevor Breen and Guy Williams.

GB performance manager Di Lampard is leading a team, while a squad of equestrian commentators, showjumping officials and Hickstead’s security specialists WH Security will also be galloping to the finish line.

“Always committed to the job, H&H’s runners will no doubt be trying to grab a quote from the riders on their dash towards home,” said H&H showjumping editor Jennifer Donald, one of the 10 staff members representing Team Horse & Hound.

“But we couldn’t think of a better reason to dig out our running shoes and start training — and of course to try to raise as much money as possible for this fantastic cause. There is also the added incentive of a trip to the Hickstead bar as soon as we’re all over the finish line.”

Hickstead director Lizzie Bunn, who is also fielding a team of runners from the show office, said: “It’s a measure of how popular Tim was that we’ve attracted such a stellar field of would-be runners for this race.

“It’s also apt that the race is taking part at the Longines Royal International Horse Show. Tim was a regular member of the British team in the Hickstead leg of the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup series, plus one of his proudest moments was winning the Longines King George V Gold Cup here in 2010.”

Continues below…

(Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

‘He was one of our own’: hundreds turn out to pay tribute to Tim Stockdale

It was standing room only at Tim’s memorial service

(Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

My first HOYS ride: Tim Stockdale

International show jumper Tim Stockdale looks back at his first ride at the Horse of the Year Show

(Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

“Showjumpers are known for their competitiveness – plus as a relay race it’s going to be more of a sprint than a marathon pace!” added Lizzie.

The #10forTim race takes place on Saturday, 27 July, at the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Great Britain meeting. A target of £50,000 has been set — all of which will be go to the Tim Stockdale Foundation — and if you’d like to donate, please head to the Horse & Hound team’s JustGiving page where you will find out more about the charity.

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

Olympia ‘honoured’ to name Tim Stockdale Foundation as its official charity

Lucy Elder — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 09:07:14 +0000

The Tim Stockdale Foundation has been announced as Olympia’s official charity of the year for 2019.

The foundation, set up in memory of the top British showjumper following his death in November 2018, was launched at Olympia in December.

Founded by his wife Laura, and sons Joe and Mark, the charity’s aim is to raise money for “as many projects and causes as we can”, with a focus on helping those in the three sports Tim was passionate about — cricket, equestrianism and golf.

A spokesman for Olympia, the London International Horse Show (16 to 22 December 2019), told H&H it is “honoured” to have the Tim Stockdale Foundation as its official charity.

“We hope to help raise funds to enable the continuation of their remarkable work,” he said.

“Tim joined the Olympia Horse Show organising committee 25 years ago in 1992, when he was only 29.

“He served on the committee ever since in his role as jumping rider representative. His highly valued advice and knowledge of the sport helped to shape the show into the international event that it is today.

“Nothing was too much trouble and his counsel was sought and always listened to.”

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Metal sculpture installed in memory of Tim Stockdale

(Image credit: Getty Images)

#10forTim: Hickstead to host charity run in memory of Tim Stockdale

‘If you’re an equestrian fan who has dreamed of competing against — or even better, possibly beating — your favourite

A set of showjumps for the Riding for the Disabled Association and specialist treatment for a young boy with cancer are among the causes the foundation has already helped with.

More than £16,000 has already been raised in Tim’s memory through donations and fundraising events.

The charity’s next major fundraiser is the #10forTim charity run, taking place on 27 July at the 2019 Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead. A golf day and fundraiser is also planned for 8 October at Woburn Golf Club.

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

Metal sculpture installed in memory of Tim Stockdale

Sarah Radford — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 15:08:34 +0000

A sculpture in memory of showjumper Tim Stockdale has been installed at his Northamptonshire yard, recalling his 2010 King George V triumph on Kalico Bay.

The metal piece by Elliott of London was selected as Tim had expressed an interest in the company’s work before his death from stomach cancer in November last year.

“Tim had always wanted a sculpture here and he liked Charles [Elliott’s] work but it was one of those things we always put off to do in the future,” Tim’s wife Laura explained.

“When Tim passed away, we decided we should get one in his memory, as he’d have loved it. It now stands here as a really grand piece in the middle of the yard.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Kalico Bay, or “Frankie” as he is known at home, is now semi-retired and his stable overlooks his own likeness.

“We’re really pleased with it,” Laura said. “You can see the resemblance— he has quite a distinctive jump with a flat back and a high knee action, along with a bit of a wild mane!”

She added that it was a “tough choice” selecting which horse to depict from Tim’s long and successful international career.

“Tim’s win in the King George V was such a massive thing for him — he always wanted to win it, so it was definitely special,” Laura said.

“Frankie’s owners Ann and Colin Garratt also have another horse with us, Tornado Des Monts, who Joe has been jumping, so he seemed like a good choice.”

Now 18, “Frankie” still competes occasionally in 1.15m classes “as a sweetener” with Joe, as well as “mooching about” doing light hacking and schooling.

“He’s also the horse who’s visible from my kitchen window, so he gets all the sneaky treats as well!” Laura said.

As well as installing the sculpture in Tim’s memory, Laura, with her sons Joe and Mark, launched the Tim Stockdale Foundation at Olympia last year.

Elliott of London has been among the companies and individuals to support the charity, which has already raised £25,000.

“It’s been extra special for us to enable the sculpture to happen,” said Elliott of London PA Sammy Halsey. “We’ve been keen to support the foundation as well and hope to keep pushing to help.”

Continues below…

(Image credit: Getty Images)

‘He was one of our own’: hundreds turn out to pay tribute to Tim Stockdale

It was standing room only at Tim’s memorial service

(Image credit: Getty Images)

#10forTim: Hickstead to host charity run in memory of Tim Stockdale

‘If you’re an equestrian fan who has dreamed of competing against — or even better, possibly beating — your favourite

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The charity’s next fundraiser is the 10forTim sponsored run at Hickstead’s Longines Royal International Horse Show (23 to 28 July), with Laura and a number of top showjumpers set to take part.

A golf day at Woburn, followed by a dinner, is also planned for 8 October.

“We’re really looking forward to that as we think it will be a good one,” said Laura. It’s open to teams and individuals and we have a few celebrities coming, as well as riders and cricketers.

“We’re currently looking for some more donations of auction prizes for the dinner afterwards.”

As the charity is still in its infancy, work has mostly been focused on raising funds, but the foundation has already bought a special set of low-wing show jumps for the Riding for the Disabled Association’s new national training centre at Lowlands.

“Once we are more established we will create a form so people can apply for help,” Laura added. “Tim loved sport, and the boys have been involved in cricket and golf as well as riding, so anything sporty we want to support.”

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

#10forTim: Hickstead to host charity run in memory of Tim Stockdale

Sarah Radford — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 10:02:12 +0000

A charity run to remember showjumper Tim Stockdale, who died of cancer last year at the age of 54, will take place at Hickstead’s Longines Royal International Horse Show.

The event will be held on the Saturday night (27 July) of the fixture to raise money for the Tim Stockdale Foundation.

Teams of up to 10 people are being sought for the new race, 10forTim, which will be run as a relay around the perimeter road of the Longines International Arena.

Each runner will tackle a half-mile lap, which they can sprint, run or amble round at their own speed.

While competitors can opt for a leisurely pace, there will be prizes for the team that crosses the finish line first.

In order to take part, teams must raise a minimum of £2,500 in sponsorship, with the team that raises the most money also being in line for a prize.

Participants will be given the opportunity to race well-known faces from the equestrian world, including Shane and Trevor Breen, William and Pippa Funnell, Philip Judge, commentators Steven Wilde and Nick Brooks-Ward and a team from the All-England jumping course.

Tim Stockdale was one of the most popular figures in show jumping, with an impressive CV that included representing Britain at the Beijing Olympics, as well as numerous appearances on championship and nations cup teams.

Out of a long career, he said one of his proudest moments was his victory in the King George V Gold Cup aboard Fresh Direct Kalico Bay at the Royal International meeting in 2010.

A spokesman for Hickstead said: “Tim was a superb ambassador for his sport, not just as a rider but also as a respected trainer and broadcaster.

“Sadly, Tim died last November aged 54, just a month after being diagnosed with stomach cancer. It was a huge loss to the showjumping world, but his remarkable legacy is living on through The Tim Stockdale Foundation, which was set up to help support causes that were close to Tim’s heart.

Continues below…

BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 08: A portrait of Tim Stockdale, a member of the Team GB Equestrian team poses at the National Exhibition Centre on July 8, 2008 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Gary M. Prior/Getty Images) (Image credit: Getty Images)

‘He was one of our own’: hundreds turn out to pay tribute to Tim Stockdale

It was standing room only at Tim’s memorial service

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Seven special moments from Tim Stockdale’s incredible career

As the equestrian world remembers this great man, we take a fond look back through the archives at some of

(Image credit: Getty Images)

“The Bunn family, with the support of Tim’s wife Laura and their sons Joe and Mark, are inviting as many people as possible to take part in the race or to come along to cheer on the runners.

“The Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Great Britain at the Longines Royal International Horse Show always attracts many of the best riders in the world, and it’s hoped plenty will pay tribute to their colleague Tim by taking part in the race. And if you’re an equestrian fan who has dreamed of competing against — or even better, possibly beating — your favourite riders, then now is your chance.”

Teams of 10 who can guarantee to pledge the £2,500 charity donation can contact Hickstead director Lizzie Bunn on lizzie@hickstead.co.uk to apply.

To sponsor the Hickstead team, visit the JustGiving page.

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

‘He was one of our own’: hundreds turn out to pay tribute to Tim Stockdale

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 17:53:17 +0000

It was standing room only at Northamptonshire Country Cricket Ground today (5 February) as people met to pay their respects to “one of our own”.

Friends, family and hundreds of others whose lives Tim Stockdale had touched gathered at the showjumper’s memorial service.

Tim died last November, weeks after his diagnosis with stomach cancer. A private funeral was held for family and close friends before Christmas but this public service was a celebration of and thanksgiving for his life.

In addresses from the Reverend Michael Burton, Tim’s twin brother Ivan, wife Laura, sons Joseph and Mark and friends Nick Brooks-Ward and Graham Fletcher, those present were treated to accounts, film and photos of the lighter side of Tim’s life, as well as his extensive sporting achievements.

“I’ve known Tim for some considerable time,” Ivan joked, going on to describe the twins’ childhood with their three other brothers and sister, in a “boisterous” household.

Ivan spoke of the family’s elderly neighbour whose greenhouse took exception to the Stockdales’ footballs – “the final score was five balls lost and nine windows broken” – and some of the “hideous crimes of fashion” in the matching clothes he and Tim had to wear. He said the boys “always had each other’s backs” and that the value of hard work was instilled in all the siblings.

“He was my twin brother and my best friend,” Ivan said.

Laura said Tim would have been “highly flattered by the wonderful turnout”.

“He was very special to everyone here but would never have realised how many lives he touched,” she said. “I’ve had letters from people I’ve never met, telling me about the time he spoke to them, the advice he gave them, the rosettes he gave their children.”

Laura spoke of Tim’s devotion to his family and his sport, adding: “It’s a very cruel world that takes your nearest and dearest away so early. He had so many plans. Nothing prepares you for losing your soul mate, your best friend.”

Laura said that she and Tim had had time to discuss the future and that she and their son Joseph are now running the yard together and Joe will be riding, “thanks to the support of our owners and sponsors, who are staying with us”.

“Our boys are amazing,” she added. “I’m so proud of them.”

Joe cited his father’s “great sense of humour” and work ethic, and told guests of some of the events already organised to raise funds for the Tim Stockdale Foundation set up in his father’s memory.

Mark added: “My dad was a doer and told me that if you want something, you have to go out and get it, you can’t stand still and wait for things to happen – there should be a book of his ‘Timisms’.

HICKSTEAD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 01: The Longines King George V Gold Cup during The Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead showground on August 01, 2010 in Hickstead, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/ Getty Images) (Image credit: Getty Images)

“If I can be half as tough and strong and hardworking as he was, I know I’ll be as successful as he wanted me to be.”

Graham, for whom Tim started riding in 1981, remembered his arrival as “a boy with a tremendous work ethic – brave, and willing to do whatever was asked of him”.

“I’d never had anyone better – before or since,” he said.

Graham cited golfer Gary Player, who when asked about his luck in major tournaments, said: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.”

“That could have been written for Tim; it was what he was all about,” Graham said.

Graham spoke of Tim’s sporting success, including his 2010 King George V Gold Cup triumph on Kalico Bay, and the way he would watch Rocky films to psych himself up before big classes.

Graham said his last conversation with Tim was about football – and he mentioned that in big football stadiums, if homegrown talent comes on to the pitch, the fans sing “He’s one of our own”.

“I’d like to say that to all the people whose lives Tim touched, to those he helped, to the owners and sponsors, to the fellow pros who know how hard it is to get to the top, and how bloody difficult it is to stay there – with no shadow of a doubt, Tim was one of our own.”

Continues below…

(Image credit: Getty Images)

‘Sometimes I just don’t understand... you have been there for as long as I can remember’

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Seven special moments from Tim Stockdale’s incredible career

As the equestrian world remembers this great man, we take a fond look back through the archives at some of

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Laura’s father Tony Cocklin finished by quoting the words of Bessie Anderson Stanley.

“He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it… who has always looked for the best in others and given the best he had; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction,” Mr Cocklin said.

“That surely is the late, great Tim Stockdale.”

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

All welcome to service celebrating the life of Tim Stockdale

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 13:05:05 +0000

All are welcome to a memorial service for Tim Stockdale next month, which is to be a celebration of his life and career.

The service will be held in the indoor cricket school, Northamptonshire County Cricket Ground, Abington Avenue, Northampton NN1 4PR, at 11am on Tuesday, 5 February.

Tim died on 14 November 2018 at the age of 54, a few weeks after he was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

A small private funeral has already taken place but Tim’s wife Laura told H&H this service will be a celebration, with footage and pictures covering Tim’s life, career, and the “lighter side” of life.

Hundreds of people are expected; those planning to attend are asked to email information@timstockdale.co.uk or call 02476 698806. There is no stipulation on dress.

Laura said the Tim Stockdale Foundation, set up in her husband’s memory, is progressing very well.

T-shirts and hoodies made by Beewear, one of Tim’s sponsors, and bearing the legend “There’s no such word as can’t”, the name of Tim’s autobiography, have been selling well, and a number of fundraising events are being planned.

“Olympia went really well too; we’re so grateful to Olympia for letting us set a stand up at such short notice – and we’re now in the process of organising things like a golf day, and possibly running a marathon around Hickstead,” Laura said.

“We wanted to do the foundation as there are so many up-and-coming riders who need a bit of help and support, so hopefully we can help them.”

Laura said the foundation may also support other sportspeople, as well as cancer charities.

“We’re very excited about the foundation and I think Tim would be really pleased too,” she said.

Continues below…

(Image credit: Getty Images)

‘Sometimes I just don’t understand... you have been there for as long as I can remember’

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Seven special moments from Tim Stockdale’s incredible career

As the equestrian world remembers this great man, we take a fond look back through the archives at some of

“Tim loved all sport, and if we could help some young people out, even with little bursaries, to help them climb the ladder – he’d really have loved that.”

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

Tim Stockdale foundation to be set up in his memory

Lucy Elder — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 06:48:57 +0000

Tim Stockdale’s family will set up a foundation in memory of the late showjumper, who passed away on 14 November.

A private funeral will be held for Tim, with a memorial service in the New Year.

A statement from Tim’s wife, Laura, and sons, Joe and Mark, thanked all those who have been in touch and said they are welcoming ideas for fundraisers in Tim’s memory.

“So many kind friends have raised ideas for permanent remembrance of Tim through charity fundraising events and initiatives,” said the Stockdales.

“The family is extremely grateful and touched by these thoughts. Proposals will, therefore, be warmly welcomed.”

One of his sponsors, clothing company BeeWear, is making charity T-shirts, which feature Tim’s slogan and title of his autobiography, “There is no such word as can’t”. Click here for more information.

The family added it has been “incredible” to read “so many wonderful stories about Tim”.

“Lots of you have asked about a memorial and this will take place in the New Year, but we haven’t set a date as yet,” they said.

“There have also been some wonderful ideas regarding charities. We would love to raise money for as many projects and causes as we possibly can.

“So in Tim’s memory we will be setting up a foundation, so we can do just that.”

Fundraiser

One of the first fundraising evenings to be held in Tim’s honour will be at Moulton College Equestrian Centre in Northampton on 14 December (6pm to 9pm).

Showjumper Chloe Alibone has organised the evening and money raised will be split between Cancer Research UK and the Cynthia Spencer Hospice, at the family’s request.

British-based French showjumper Dan Delsart will host the demonstration and there will also be a raffle and auction.

Prizes include tickets to Olympia and tickets to Liverpool International, saddle pads from Equiport and Premier Equine, private lessons with leading showjumpers, vouchers for equestrian stores, high street shops and restaurants, hampers and much more.

For more details, visit the Facebook group “Fundraiser in memory of Tim Stockdale”

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

Graham Fletcher: God bless you, Tim Stockdale H&H VIP

Graham Fletcher — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 09:00:19 +0000

Opinion

I’ve written for H&H for many years, but never with the sadness I feel on the passing away of Tim Stockdale through cancer, the most wretched of illnesses.

Only 54, Tim had a great track record. He represented Britain in more than 50 Nations Cups, at the 2002 World Equestrian Games and 2008 Beijing Olympics. The win that meant the most to him was the 2010 King George V Gold Cup at Hickstead on Fresh Direct Kalico Bay.

Although in the twilight of his career, Tim was still enjoying his riding. The last international I saw him compete at was Deauville in August; when we met up for dinner, I asked him whether, when he finished riding, he would like to be the next British team manager.

Not only was it a very positive “yes”, but he outlined his plans and how he would execute them, with the same passion, conviction and integrity that we’ve all come to expect from Tim.

And as I sat there, I couldn’t help thinking of that shy, skinny 17-year-old who came to work and ride for me when I was based in Yorkshire. He came from a non-horsey family, although they’d certainly instilled in him the need for hard work. And that’s how I remember Tim in those early days; not a lot of know-how, but unbelievably hard working and with an enthusiasm for learning that’s seldom matched.

If Tim hadn’t been with me, I’m sure he would still have made it to the top. What he did learn was attention to detail and, as I had some top sponsors at the time, how important it was to look after them.

In fact, Tim went on to take the public relations and TV coverage of our sport to a whole new level, with such programmes as Faking It and Only Fools On Horses, and fronting many BBC broadcasts. I can’t think of one rider who’s ever done it better.

The good old days

Whenever we recalled the old days, Tim always talked affectionately about the years he had with me. Indeed, we had many good times — although we got off to a slightly inauspicious start.

Tim would remember: “I arrived at your yard, thought what a good set-up it was and said to myself, ‘Yes, I could definitely enjoy working here.’ And then you arrived, said you were in a rush, told me to jump into the car and that we could chat on the way to Harrogate.

“When we got there, you parked on some double yellow lines,” Tim recalled. “I thought you hadn’t realised. And I was really embarrassed and went an even deeper shade of red when I pointed it out to you. You just said: ‘I know, it’s a bugger of a place to park is Harrogate. I’m going to put the car bonnet up so if PC Plod asks you what’s happening, just say I’ve gone to find a mechanic.’”

Tim always said it was the most embarrassing hour of his life so far, and that he thought he’d come to work for a mad man.

But survive and thrive he did. And when he set up on his own in Northamptonshire with the great help of his wife Laura, not only did he establish himself as a top international rider — something he’d always craved — he also created a top-class training centre. Today, Tim’s focus on training and dedication shines through the achievements of his two sons, Mark and Joe.

Devastating blow

There’s no doubt that Tim gave so much of his life to showjumping. Losing him is a devastating blow to our sport as when his riding career was to finish, he had so much more to give.

I’ve always believed in speaking of people in the same vein when they’re living as when they’ve passed away. So I’ll finish with what I said when Tim asked me to write the foreword for his 2012 autobiography.

“In the history of showjumping, there is only a small number who have the ability, tenacity and willpower to keep achieving at the highest level. One of those is Tim Stockdale.”

God bless you, Tim.

Ref Horse & Hound; 22 November 2018

Seven special moments from Tim Stockdale’s incredible career

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 13:01:38 +0000

The equestrian community was rocked this week by the devastating news that the great Tim Stockdale had been taken from us far too soon.

As we all remember the great man, here is a fond look back through the archives at some of our favourite images of the Olympic showjumper.

1. One of Tim Stockdale’s most prestigious victories came in the 2010 Longines King George V Gold Cup at Hickstead’s Royal International Horse Show, fulfilling a lifelong ambition for the Northamptonshire rider. Having finished runner-up the previous year, he rode a typically daring finish in the jump-off to lift the trophy on Fresh Direct Kalico Bay, aka “Frankie”, owned by Tim’s long-term supporters and family friends Ann and Colin Garratt.

Tim on his way to achieving a lifetime ambition. Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images (Image credit: Getty Images)

2. As well as being a hugely successful horseman, Tim was a maestro with a microphone and we all enjoyed his hugely knowledgeable and eloquent commentary and lively interviews when he appeared as part of the BBC’s coverage of showjumping events. He also used this talent to host hugely popular lecture demos.

Tim commentating at Olympia. Photo by Steve Bardens/REX/Shutterstock (Image credit: creditUnknown)

3. In the saddle, Tim was always a key team player, representing Great Britain many times over the years. In 2002 he made his senior championship debut having been selected for the World Equestrian Games riding Fresh Direct Parcival. The pair went on to win that year’s grand prix at Horse of the Year Show.

Tim Stockdale and Fresh Direct Parcival. Photo by Trevor Meeks (Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

4. In 2008, Tim rode at the Beijing Olympic Games alongside team-mates Ben Maher, Nick Skelton and John Whitaker. He finished as the highest placed British rider, 16th, on the great grey mare Corlato, with whom he’d triumphed in the 2007 Royal Windsor grand prix.

Tim Stockdale and Corlato jumping in Hong Kong at the Olympics. Photo by Trevor Meeks (Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

5. Combining his huge talent as a trainer and his natural flair in front of the camera, Tim also became a familiar face on television — successfully taking showjumping to a wider audience in several programmes over the years. He took part in a documentary with comedian Jennifer Saunders entitled ‘Back in the Saddle’ in 2012, as well as the reality series ‘Only Fools On Horses’ in 2006 in which he taught celebrities such as Sara Cox, Matt Baker and Ruby Wax the art of showjumping in aid of Sport Relief.

Tim Stockdale gives Jennifer Saunders a riding lesson. Photo by ITV/REX/Shutterstock (Image credit: creditUnknown)

6. The Northamptonshire rider jumped in more than 50 Nations Cups during his dazzling career — consistently delivering clear rounds — and in 2016 he and Fleur De L’Aube proudly flew the British flag on home soil at Hickstead.

Tim Stockdale riding Fleur De L’Aube in the Hickstead Nations’ Cup. Photo by Peter Nixon. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

7. The thousands of tributes paid by Tim’s many friends — and competition rivals — from the showjumping world sum up just how much he will be missed. Ben Maher, pictured together here with Tim, said: “I was lucky enough to be team-mates with Tim during the Beijing Olympics. Memories that will stay with me forever. My thoughts and prayers to Tim’s family.”

Ben Maher and Tim Stockdale at Chester: Photo by Bruce Adams/ANL/REX/Shutterstock (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Don’t miss Horse & Hound’s full tribute to Tim Stockdale in next week’s magazine, out Thursday 22 November.

Tim Stockdale tributes flood social media: ‘The legend with a heart of gold’

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 11:42:50 +0000

Social media has been flooded with tributes to Tim Stockdale – a “true legend of showjumping” with a “heart of gold”.

Fellow showjumpers, eventers, sponsors and riders of all ages, disciplines and levels have shared their sadness at the loss of the top rider, who died yesterday (14 November) aged 54.

Tim, who had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in early October, died peacefully at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Northampton, surrounded by his wife Laura and sons Joseph and Mark.

Fellow showjumper Ellen Whitaker was among the hundreds of people to pay tribute.

“Sometimes I just don’t understand… you have been there for as long as I can remember,” she said. “A household name for ever.

“You always had a big smile and always so full of enthusiasm. You achieved so much for yourself and your country and you were an unbelievable team player – your team will miss you! The greatest of respect to your lovely family. Sending all my love and best wishes.”

Showjumper Yazmin Pinchen described Tim as a “lovely, lovely man.”

“Thank you for all your kind words, advice and encouragement. An inspiring gentleman who will never be forgotten,” she said.

Sara Cox, one of the celebrities taught to showjump by Tim for BBC programme Only Fools on Horses in 2006, said: “Tim was kind, hilarious and very VERY patient when he tried to teach a motley crew of us how to showjump for Sport Relief. He and his family are in my thoughts today.”

Carron Nicol, who runs breeding, dealing and showjumping yard European Sports horses, added: “Saddest news ever that Tim Stockdale has been so cruelly taken from this world. There will be a huge void in the horse world and in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

“Tim was a truly remarkable man and achieved so much in his life. Our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time.

“RIP Tim, you will never be forgotten and will remain in hearts for ever.”

The Longines Global Champions Tour paid tribute to a “highly respected figure in the sport and someone who will be greatly missed”, while a spokesman for feed company Spillers said staff are “heartbroken”.

“What a truly lovely man who over our 20+ year partnership has been a joy to work with and always made us feel so welcome when visiting his yard,” the company said.

“We will miss him deeply. Tim has earned his place as one of the showjumping greats and did it all with a smile on his face. Our thoughts are with his wife Laura and sons Joseph and Mark at this sad time.”

A Tuffa Boots spokesman added: “We are devastated to learn our friend Tim Stockdale has passed away today. We would like to offer Laura, Joseph, Mark and family our deepest sympathies. He was a legend and a truly genuine person and will be sadly missed. RIP Tim.”

French showjumper Dan Delsart described Tim as “like my English father”.

“I texted you for a job 11years ago with my very bad English, you welcomed me into your team and family like an old friend,” he said.

Continues below…

(Image credit: Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Top British showjumper Tim Stockdale dies after short illness

The equestrian world is mourning the loss of one of British showjumping’s best known and most respected figures

“I’m so lucky to have been able to train and ride for you, I feel so honoured to have been part of your demo, books, DVDs, but you also you had a heart of gold, when I was injured, you were there, if I needed help at a show, you were there.

“You will be greatly missed.”

See next week’s H&H magazine (22 November) for a full tribute to one of Britain’s showjumping greats.

Top British showjumper Tim Stockdale dies after short illness

Lucy Elder — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 15:50:16 +0000

Top British showjumper Tim Stockdale has died following a short illness.

The 54-year-old was diagnosed with stomach cancer in October and passed away peacefully at Cynthia Spencer Hospice in Northampton today (Wednesday, 14 November).

He was surrounded by his wife, Laura, and sons, Joseph and Mark.

Tim made his international debut in 1988 and had ridden for Britain at more than 50 Nations Cups and on three senior championship teams.

His first senior championship appearance came at the 2002 World Equestrian Games aboard Fresh Direct Parcival.

He went on to compete at the 2008 Beijing Olympics with the grey mare Fresh Direct Corlato, where the combination finished best of the Brits in 16th. The following year, the pair jumped in front of a home crowd at the 2009 Windsor Europeans.

Tim’s glittering career features many major wins, including the 2002 grand prix at Horse of the Year Show on Fresh Direct Parcival and 2007 Royal Windsor grand prix with Fresh Direct Corlato — as well as victories and numerous placings in other classes at both shows.

He fulfilled a life-long dream by winning the prestigious King George V Gold Cup at Hickstead riding Fresh Direct Kalico Bay in 2010 (pictured, top), which he regarded as the pinnacle of his career.

He made a remarkable comeback after fracturing three vertebrae in his neck in a fall 2011, recovering to compete again at the top level.

Tim was still competing and winning on the international circuit in September this year, prior to his diagnosis.

He started riding aged seven and his first pony was a 12.2hh skewbald named Danny Boy.

Tim progressed up through the Pony Club as a member of the Grove Hunt branch and started his professional career working for Mike Saywell, moving to the position of second jockey to Graham Fletcher.

He then worked and trained under John Naylor and with Susan and Lutz Meyerding.

Tim met his wife Laura while competing at Henley in 1991. They invested in a Northamptonship yard in 1996, which they developed into a first-class showjumping yard and their home. Tim and Laura were married and went on have their first son Joseph in 1999, followed by Mark in 2004.

Continued below…

(Image credit: Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Tim Stockdale triumphs in King George at RIHS

Tim Stockdale wins the Longines King George V Gold Cup at the Royal International Horse Show riding Fresh Direct Kalico

(Image credit: Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Tim Stockdale fractures neck in fall from young horse

The showjumper was thrown from a young horse he had gone to try in Wales

(Image credit: Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Tim Stockdale returns to international competition

British showjumper Tim Stockdale has made his first appearance on the international circuit after breaking his neck in a fall

As well as his exceptional riding career, Tim was also a highly respected trainer and figure within the sport.

He served as chef d’equipe for the winning British team at the Abu Dhabi leg of the Nations Cup in 2010, chaired the British Showjumping marketing committee from 2004 to 2007, and was the rider representative on British Showjumping’s international committee for more than a decade.

He was one of British showjumping’s best known figures — both to those within and outside the equestrian world.

In 1995, he featured in a TV show on showjumping, giving insight into the sport. Six years later, he starred on the television show Faking It, training a dancer to showjump in a month, and also helped raise money for Sports Relief through the BBC show Only Fools On Horses, which involved teaching celebrities to jump.

Nottingham Trent University awarded Tim an honorary degree for services to equestrianism and in April 2010 he was presented with the British Equestrian Federation’s medal of honour at the British Open Showjumping Championships in recognition of outstanding services to equestrian sport.

A private funeral for family and close friends is to be held in Northamptonshire. A memorial event to celebrate his life and achievements will take place at a later date.

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

Top British showjumper diagnosed with stomach cancer

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 15:59:11 +0000

Showjumper Tim Stockdale said he is “feeling ok” and hoping for the best after he was diagnosed with stomach cancer this week.

The 54-year-old rider put out a statement on his social media today (Thursday, 4 October) that he is to take a break from the saddle following his diagnosis on Monday (1 October).

Tim told H&H he had been losing weight and that although it was initially suspected he was suffering from ulcers, a doctor’s appointment this week led to his being transferred to hospital for further investigation.

“I feel pretty good in myself, and now I’ve got some nourishment in me, I’m feeling ok,” he said. “There are a few things they’ve got to look at though before we know exactly where the situation is at the moment.”

Tim said more tests will be carried out to establish “the parameters of what we’re dealing with”, and so exactly what treatment he will undergo.

“We need to get the line of attack but it’s looking like it will be chemotherapy, as this type of cancer doesn’t respond to radiotherapy,” he said, adding that surgeons will then assess what effect this treatment has had before they make any decisions on possible surgery.

“I can’t see that I’ll be riding this year but let’s hope for the best,” he said.

“I feel pretty good and I’m coming to terms with it. We just need to put the lines in the sand to know where we are, then we can hopefully move forward.”

In his social media post, Tim added that he wanted to “thank all of my owners and sponsors for their kind words and support during this difficult time”.

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

Showjumper resigns in protest over Europeans decision

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 15:59:31 +0000

International rider Tim Stockdale has resigned from the British Showjumping (BS) international committee over the decision not to send a team to the European Championships in Sweden last month.

Tim, 53, who has been a rider representative on the board for over a decade, handed in his formal resignation after hearing the news that Great Britain would be represented by two individual riders rather than a four-man team — and without the committee being given the opportunity for consultation on this decision.

“At no point were we given any indication prior to the announcement that we wouldn’t be sending a team,” Tim told H&H. “It had never even been mooted as an option.

“I’d heard a whisper the weekend before, but certainly not through official channels. I wanted the opportunity to say ‘That’s not the right decision’ but we weren’t given that. There was no consultation at all,” added Tim, who worked alongside fellow riders Tracy Priest, Sian Edwards and Ben Maher on the international committee, which is chaired by Tim Watson and also comprises Clare Whitaker, Di Lampard and Gary Widdowson.

It was announced on 9 August that this “unusual approach” would be taken, with Michael and William Whitaker the two individual riders selected to represent Great Britain. The decision was made after “the selectors went through a robust process, based on performance data and discussions with the athletes and owners from the nominated entries list.”

The selection policy for the European Championships was developed “in consultation between the BS board of directors, selectors, athletes, World Class programme performance director and jumping performance manager” with the selection panel comprising Di Lampard, Derek Ricketts, independent chair Tim Watson and the non-voting World Class programme vet and doctor.

Article continues below…

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

No British showjumping team for European Championships

Two British individuals will compete in Gothenburg but

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘Eccentricity and horsemanship can be happy companions’

Horse & Hound's Acting Print Editorial Director puts

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

No British riders in European individual final as William Whitaker withdraws

The solo British rider at the European Championships

BS chief executive Iain Graham said: “We’re very sorry to see Tim Stockdale stand down from the committee. He’s always represented the riders’ best interests and he’ll be a hard act to follow.”

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

Watch tiny rescue pony prepare for Burghley Horse Trials debut #BurghleyPony

Madeleine Silver — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 16:39:37 +0000

All eyes will be on the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials this weekend (31 August-3 September 2017) as the world's best eventers tackle the famous four-star. But there will be one, slightly unusual, equine star in the mix. Meet World Horse Welfare Pamela...

The pony: World Horse Welfare Pamela

Standing at just 8.3hh, Pamela isn’t your average four-star eventer. And her start in life wasn’t straightforward either. In April 2014, World Horse Welfare Field Officer Jacko Jackson was alerted to a group of Shetlands in trouble and upon arriving at the location he found six ponies all suffering badly from laminitis. Working with the RSPCA, all ponies were removed to safety where they could begin treatment and rehabilitation. Thanks to the hard work of the World Horse Welfare team (Horse & Hound‘s charity of the year for 2017), Pamela’s future looks bright — and she’s stepped up to the challenge of working with some of the equestrian world’s biggest names as she prepares for her first four-star…

The rider: AP McCoy

“I’m really looking forward to coming out of retirement and trying my hand at another equine sport,” says the champion jockey. “I don’t have much experience on the flat so the dressage might be a little problem, but I’m very lucky that I have a very good mount in Pamela.”

Dressage: Carl Hester

“The dressage in eventing is quite difficult, especially at Burghley,” says dressage Olympian Carl Hester.“We have half-passes, extended trot, collected trot and the flying changes, so it’s been a real honour for me to bring this partnership together. And I think the judges are going to have quite a shock…”

Cross-country: Mark Todd

“To be honest I was quite surprised when I first saw her,” says five-time Burghley winner Mark Todd. “She’s not what you’d first expect in an event horse. You don’t see many palomino eventers, and I certainly don’t remember seeing any go around Burghley recently.”

Showjumping: Tim Stockdale

“Her strengths are very simple,” says Tim Stockdale. “She has a low centre of gravity, and therefore when it comes to turns in the showjumping arena it’s very easy for her. She’s very nimble.”

Fitness and mental preparation: Yogi Breisner

“We have got a game plan,” coach Yogi Breisner tells Pamela. “You know what you need to do when you get to Burghley. If you keep to the plan and keep your concentration, you will be absolutely fine.”

Are you heading to Burghley this weekend (31 August-3 September)? Make sure you visit the “celebrity talk area” where you can meet Pamela

Don’t miss our exclusive form guide to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in tomorrow’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (31 August 2017), and our full report in the 7 September 2017 issue

7 training tips that top showjumpers swear by

Stephanie Bateman — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 08:55:57 +0000

Want to find the secret behind top showjumpers' successes? We ask seven riders for their training tips

1. Laura Renwick (pictured, above)

“When schooling the younger horses, I always ride a figure of eight over cross-poles to encourage them to change legs and land on the correct lead. It’s great for teaching them about balance, and I also use this exercise on the older horses to keep them supple.”

2. Yazmin Pinchen

“Stay calm. If you get stressed and agitated your horse will sense it. If in doubt, take a deep breath and try to fix it quickly and calmly. There’s been many times when I’ve panicked and got in a muddle, but the best thing to do is react quickly and stay focused.”

3. Jay Halim

“Ensure your horse is even into both reins. It’s the first thing you want from them whether you are jumping or working on the flat. I start all my sessions making sure they are off two legs and into two hands with the same weight in each rein. I try to get the young horses working forward and long and low to the contact so when I put my leg on, they go into the hand rather than using my hand and then my leg. I want to put my leg on and for the horse to go into the hand softly.”

4. Graham Fletcher

“When you are walking a course, always be thinking about the horse you are riding. Bear in mind the horse’s stride pattern and quirks and plan your course based on that information. There’s not a lot of point in asking advice from other riders because their horses might have a totally different stride length to yours and where their horse might put in four short strides, yours might put in three long ones. A course walk should be specific to your horse.”

5. Harriet Nuttall

“Accuracy is really important to me when I’m training my horses. Taking the right line is vital when showjumping, and to practice this, I’ll find a marker in the arena and ride the horse over it as accurately as possible. I also spend a lot of time practising shortening and lengthening the stride which is essential for meeting fences right.”

6. Nicole Pavitt

“I use a lot of sport psychology and one thing I do is focus on the jumps in front of me and not the other competitors. Sometimes, it’s easy to get distracted by other riders warming up around you, so by focusing purely on the moment and the fences, you block out any negative thoughts.”

Continued below…

Like this? You may also enjoy reading these articles…

(Image credit: Jo Prestwich)

7 reasons showjumping isn’t as straightforward as some riders think

When H&H mused on the reasons showjumping is better than dressage, one was that you either win or you don't;

(Image credit: Jo Prestwich)

You saw them here first — top showjumpers’ baby-faced appearances in Horse & Hound

From John Whitaker to Ben Maher, today’s leading riders didn’t get where they are without appearing on the pages of

7. Tim Stockdale

“I focus on three main things when I’m training, whether it’s flatwork or jumping and they are the horse being forwards, in balance and soft. The horse must be going forward into the bridle, in balance so not leaning on your hands, and softly so he’s not stiff or heavy. Those three mantras are relevant to everything you do with your horse.”

Tim Stockdale and William Whitaker’s top tips on how to jump clear

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 16:25:34 +0000

We’ve teamed up with some of the country’s leading riders and asked them to share with you some exclusive tips, helping you to solve those common problems we all encounter over the coloured poles. Here, Tim Stockdale (pictured) and William Whitaker share some of their pearls of wisdom.

1. “Remember that speed does not show confidence, it shows anxiety. If your horse starts speeding up over fillers, take it back a step.”

Tim Stockdale reveals his thoughts on introducing young horses to fillers

2. “My dad used to say to me, ‘How can you see a stride if you’re not looking at the jump?’ So start looking ahead at your next fence the moment you land from the previous one.”

William Whitaker on improving your ability to see a stride.

2. “I tell my pupils to think of an oxer as a vertical with a back rail, which dulls down the rider-frightener effect of the oxer, and hopefully prevents the rider from over-riding and disrupting the rhythm.”

Tim Stockdale’s advice on approaching an oxer as opposed to a vertical on course

Continued below…

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

10 showjumping tips from Hickstead Derby winner Phillip Miller

Who better to take showjumping advice from than

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Horse & Hound question of the week: ‘How do I stop my horse rushing his fences?’

Four-star event rider Georgie Spence provides one H&H

3. “My groom Benoit videos all my rounds so I can watch them back afterwards. It’s a really useful tool being able to analyse your performance, as you can see if there are things you or your horse are doing wrong and correct them, such as being unbalanced or jumping to one side, which can all affect your horse’s ability to cleanly clear a fence.”

Even William Whitaker knows there’s always room for improvement!

‘I feel fantastic’: Tim Stockdale back competing after fall

Rachael Turner — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 19:32:33 +0000

Tim Stockdale is delighted to be back competing after a fall that left him with a broken collarbone.

The British showjumper fell while trying out a potential new horse in January.

Following the “clean break” to his collarbone, Tim was put under strict doctor’s orders to let the healing process run its course.

After three weeks he was back in the saddle and on Saturday (11 March) he donned his show jacket and returned to competition at Keysoe.

All of his horses jumped clear and Tim said he felt “fantastic”.

“Everything is in order,” he told H&H today (13 March).

“The horses jumped very well and I’m glad to be back again — five weeks was a long time.

“I’ve been having physio and building up the muscles around it.

“The healing is good and there’s certainly no pain— it’s a question of getting the strength back in it.

“It’s a fairly regular injury for riders.”

Tim, 52, broke his neck in a similar incident while trying out a horse in 2011.

When he fell on 31 January he had driven five hours from his Northants yard to ride this prospective purchase.

Related articles:

“The horse tripped a stride after he jumped a fence and to be fair I was very lucky he didn’t roll over on top of me,” he told H&H that week.

“I knew within 30 seconds I’d broken my collarbone as it was so incredibly sore and I had difficulty moving my arm. I think the horse was a bit sore afterwards, too.

“I can highly recommend Carlisle Accident and Emergency department — I was in there, X-rayed and sent off with pain relief within an hour and a half, which is pretty good going!”

Tim Stockdale injured during fall while trying a potential new horse

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 07:02:26 +0000

British showjumper Tim Stockdale has broken his collarbone while trying out a new horse and looks set to be out of action for the next three weeks.

“The horse tripped a stride after he jumped a fence and to be fair I was very lucky he didn’t roll over on top of me,” Tim told H&H. “I knew within 30 seconds I’d broken my collarbone as it was so incredibly sore and I had difficulty moving my arm. I think the horse was a bit sore afterwards, too.”

Tim, 52, broke his neck in a similar incident while trying out a horse in 2011. On Tuesday (31 January) he had driven five hours from his Northants yard to ride this prospective purchase.

“We’re fairly quiet at the moment as the horses had been jumping right up to Liverpool at New Year, so if there was a good time to do it, I suppose it is now and all the guys here are able to take over.”

Continued below…

Tim Stockdale’s top horse goes to Jessica Springsteen

Tim Stockdale fractures neck in fall from young horse

Tests reveal Tim Stockdale’s injuries greater than first thought

Tim has his arm supported in a foam sling in the meantime and is under strict doctor’s orders to let the healing process run its course.

“It’s not a bad break at least — it’s a fairly clean fracture — so it’s just a question of keeping it stable,” said Tim, who reckons this is about the sixth time he’s broken his collarbone.

“It’s also at the shoulder end of the clavicle rather than near the neck which makes it easier — I broke it once near the neck and it hurts like the devil.

“The foam support is there to keep the pressure off the bones and riding-wise I hope to be back again in about three weeks.”

We wish you a speedy recovery, Tim!

Wondering how you’re going to survive the winter? Top grooms share their hot tips

Horse & Hound — Sun, 13 Nov 2016 17:20:56 +0000

With temperatures plummeting and the nights drawing in, Andrea Oakes asks grooms how they make winter work — and keep motivation levels up

Oscar Mayhew-Sanders, showjumper Tim Stockdale‘s show groom

“We try to organise things so that every job is easier,” says Oscar. “There’s nothing worse than waking up in the morning and knowing you’ll be cold, but if you keep yourself well-insulated and well-fed you’ll be better able to look after the horses.

“We also make the atmosphere as positive as we can,” adds Oscar, referring to the mid-winter slump that many of us experience. “Motivational levels can soon drop. Good lighting really helps so we make the indoor school as bright as possible, and we turn up the radio.

“Our fields are on a hill and drain well, so some of the horses can go out. However, those competing internationally tend not to. They’re on the horse-walker in the morning, before being ridden at midday and coming out again to hand-graze in the afternoon.

“When we finish at 5.30pm, we leave the horses well rugged-up and with plenty of hay,” he adds, revealing that some have stable toys to beat any boredom.

Tim’s horseshoe-shaped yard is sheltered, with brick stables that stay relatively warm in winter. Waterers are automatic, pipes are lagged and there’s a heated washroom with a solarium. If it sounds a bit cushy, remember that winter coats don’t clip themselves.

“With 20 horses we’re clipping at least one a day – if not more,” says Oscar, who claims that this itchy task is the mainstay of winter management.

Claire Hinton, groom for Olympic dressage rider Spencer Wilton

“When I worked with eventers, on an outdoor yard, it was impossible to keep everything tidy in winter,” recalls Claire. “I hate a messy yard, so sweeping over snow was my worst nightmare.”

With the luxury of indoor stabling, Claire only has to venture outside now to visit the muckheap.

“I am a very lucky groom,” she laughs. “It’s tempting to shut all the doors and windows to make it really warm and cosy, but I’m a big believer in ventilation so I’d sooner put an extra rug on a horse.”

A dryer makes easy work of one winter bugbear: wet horses.

“They love standing under the dryer for 20 minutes,” says Claire. “If I put Super Nova [Spencer’s Olympic horse] under there too often, though, it makes his skin dry. He’s very sensitive, so I often let him dry naturally.

“Hot towelling is good for a sweaty horse,” she adds. “I add a capful of Dettol to a bucket of hand-warm water, before using a face towel or a flannel to rub the horse all over. He’ll need a cooler rug on to dry, but it’s easier to brush him off later – especially around the head.”

Anna Mildner, head girl for eventer Izzy Taylor

Winter is especially hands-on for Anna. The event horses may be out on their holidays, but she oversees a yardful of hunters.

“I look like the Michelin man,” says Anna, who piles on the layers. “I buy cheap and cheerful woolly gloves, as they always go missing or get holes, and wear a hat and ear-warmers. I love my Woof Wear boots, which are really warm.”

With no horsewalker, there’s a lot of hacking — a winter activity that many owners find hair-raising.

“We vary the horses’ routines so that they’re not too fresh,” says Claire, who avoids busy times on the road such as rush hours and school runs. “We work them in the field as well as the school, and try not to hack around the same route each time.

“My other trick is to do all the clipping in one go, before heading indoors for a shower. I keep a ‘clipping coat’ and wear a scarf to stop stray hairs going down my neck.”

Anna finds that rugs with damp outers dry better if left on the horses, rather than hanging up in the yard. She also uses pig oil on the hunters’ legs in the field, to stop mud sticking.

“Plain, cold water is best for washing muddy legs, rather than any shampoo,” she says. “It’s important not to kill off the natural defences in the skin.”

Debbie Carpenter, professional freelance groom

The best defence against the cold is to keep busy, according to professional freelance groom Debbie Carpenter.

“Cups of tea and proper footwear help,” she says. “My Le Chameau boots are my pride and joy.”

Debbie enjoys mucking out – it’s a chance to stand on the warm muckheap for five minutes – but wears gloves to stop her hands freezing to the pitchfork. She also has some top turn-out tips.

“Horses can go crazy in a cold frost and lose a shoe,” she says. “Putting hay in the field before you turn them out, or taking their breakfast down with you, can ease them into the field routine.

“I’m careful not to over-rug, as a hot horse can sometimes roll and get cast in his stable,” adds Debbie, who checks the forecast every day. “You can always add a layer, or put a hood on if the horse is cold.

“The darkness is difficult, but I also hate smashing ice on the field trough. When we had eventers, in the Cotswolds, we had to whip off our gloves and plunge our hands into the freezing water to remove chunks of ice.”

Like this? You might also enjoy reading these:

Getting ready takes forever — and 7 other things you’d forgotten about winter riding

6 things to consider before travelling in the dark with your horse this winter

Kate Hort, who grooms for eventer Alex Hua Tian

Kate says: “The worst thing is the mud – it gets everywhere. You can’t put boots on muddy legs. We give them a thorough wash with hot water and use plenty of towels to dry them afterwards.

“We also use petroleum jelly on the horses’ heels,” she adds. “You can buy lotions and potions, but this creates a really good barrier.”

The yard solarium doubles up as a rug drier, as Kate hangs wet turnouts there for five minutes once a horse has vacated the heat lamps. She’s also resourceful with her footwear.

“Cold, wet feet are the worst, so my vital piece of winter equipment is a plastic shopping bag on each foot as a boot liner,” she explains. “Fingerless gloves are another essential, as I’m always taking gloves off to undo something and losing them. Maybe I need mittens on a string.

“We have a hot lunch in our kitchenette, which has a plug-in radiator, but if it’s too nice and warm it’s hard to get going again,” adds Kate. “I think the best way to beat winter is just to get on with it. The next season comes along so quickly.”

Tim Stockdale’s top horse goes to Jessica Springsteen

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 11:39:05 +0000

Tim Stockdale’s Olympic long-listed mare Fleur De L’Aube has been sold to Stal Tops for Jessica Springsteen to ride.

The 11-year-old Belgian-bred, owned by Marjorie and Clark Glasgow, flies to USA tomorrow (4 October) where 24-year-old Jessica will pick up the reins.

“Jessica is a very good rider and the pair have got on very well from the start — I think the way she rides will suit the mare very well,” Tim told H&H.

Fleur, by Thunder Van De Zuuthoeve, came to Tim’s Northamptonshire yard this time last year, having been produced and ridden to great success by Clark Glasgow, who has decided to take time away from the sport to concentrate on his medical studies at Cambridge University.

This season, the combination (pictured top) represented Great Britain in Nations Cups, finished fifth in the King George V Gold Cup at Hickstead with a double clear, and had been long-listed for the Olympic Games in Rio.

“She really came of age this year,” said Tim. “She was never for sale while the opportunity of riding at the Olympics was there, no matter how many people asked. But when that didn’t happen — and that was disappointing — Jan Tops made an appointment to see her after Gijon [in August].

“From my point of view, it is disappointing to lose a horse as good as this, but by the same token this was always the plan and the Glasgows and I are in this as partners — we’re talking to each other all the time and this was done with my complete cooperation. If at any point I’d said I didn’t want to sell the horse, they wouldn’t have done so.

“Of course it involved a lot of money, so it was a very good deal from a business point of view. But we really hope the mare works out well for Jessica and the partnership goes on to bear much fruit. We’ll be watching with interest.”

The Glasgow family have been great supporters of showjumping and Tim is very excited about a nine-year-old Andiamo mare called Miss Fritz that Marjorie Glasgow has also invested in. Miss Fritz will be in action with Tim in the international classes at Horse of the Year Show this week (5-9 October).

“This deal was no cut and run and that’s the great thing — it’s wonderful that the Glasgows will continue investing in horses,” said Tim. “But the Olympics came perhaps a little early for us, or maybe we were a little late for it, whichever way you want to look at it.

“But I’m most proud of the way Fleur jumped in the King George at Hickstead, and she hardly had a fence down at all the big shows like Falsterbo and Gijon, it really was a great partnership.”

Stockdale, Sanctos and Big Star make Rio showjumping long-list

Hannah Lemieux — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 13:30:41 +0000

Tim Stockdale is ‘delighted’ to have been included in the 15 British combinations nominated for the showjumping at the Rio Olympics.

The Northamptonshire rider is listed with his relatively new ride Fleur De L’Aube. The 11-year-old bay mare is owned by Majorie and Clark Glasgow and was a former ride of Clark’s. Tim has successfully competed the mare on the Sunshine Tour in Spain this year.

“She’s been going really well and it is fantastic to be longlisted. We are still a new partnership and I only took on the ride in October before she had a break,” Tim told H&H. “The Olympics has always been a focus for me so I am delighted — I knew the mare was a good one. She’s not had loads of experience at five-star but she is a quality horse.”

The 15 combinations, including three reserves, were announced yesterday (21 June).

Less surprising is the news that Nick Skelton and his super stallion Big Star have been included, while Ben Maher has been listed with both Diva II and his new ride Tic Tac — the latter has made Nations Cup appearances this year under Ben.

Ben’s three European Championships teammates from Aachen last year — the quartet helped gain Olympic qualification with fourth place — are also named, in the form of Michael Whitaker (Cassionato), Jessica Mendoza (Spirit T) and Joe Clee (Utamaro D’Ecaussines).

Scott Brash meanwhile has been upfront about Hello Sanctos’ chances of returning to full fitness in time for the Olympics, following an eight-week spell on the sidelines through injury. However, the 14-year-old gelding is on the list and if he makes the team it will be his last championships appearance. Joining Sanctos on the list from the Brash yard is also Hello Forever.

Having produced some solid performances this year at Nations Cups, 60-year-old John Whitaker and the mare Ornellaia have made the cut, while completing the dozen combinations are Guy Williams (Titus) and Robert Whitaker (Catwalk IV).

The three reserve horses are Untouched (Ben Maher), Viking (Michael Whitaker) and Hello M’Lady (Scott Brash).

The final four combinations and a travelling reserve will be announced on 5 July.

The 12 nominations:

Nick Skelton and Big Star
Ben Maher and Tic Tac
Ben Maher and Diva II
Michael Whitaker and Cassionato
Jessica Mendoza and Spirit T
John Whitaker and Ornellaia
Joe Clee and Utamaro D’Ecaussines
Scott Brash and Hello Forever
Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos
Tim Stockdale and Fleur De L’Aube
Robert Whitaker and Catwalk IV
Guy Williams and Titus

Reserves:

Ben Maher and Untouched
Michael Whitaker and Viking
Scott Brash and Hello M’Lady

7 ways to keep boys keen on riding

Martha Terry — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 17:04:35 +0000

My Little Pony, National Velvet and Jill and her ponies all have one thing in common besides horses: girls. Where is Action Man Polo Player, or Just William Goes Hunting? Three-quarters of Britain’s riding population is female, according to the British Equestrian Trade Association’s (BETA) National Equestrian Survey 2015.

But despite pony toys being marketed towards girls and an absence of like-minded testosterone at the Pony Club rally, there is a hard core of keen boys going against the grain. They are our Brashes and Fox-Pitts of the future.

So how do parents prevent ambitious sons from fleeing a world of pink numnahs and high-pitched giggles?

1. Find the perfect pony

The pony is paramount. Sophie Funnell’s son Theo, 11, is passionate about eventing, but a few years ago lost his confidence after a few falls. “He wanted to ride but I could see he was clinging on so we stopped for a few months, then bought a lovely new pony,” says Sophie. “It makes a huge difference. We never buy expensive ponies, but they must be fun and a good match.”

2. …or the wrong pony

But other boys seem compelled by the challenge of righting a wrong pony. Eventer Bert Bolton (pictured above as a child), now 21, is now on the cusp of breaking into senior ranks with several three-star finishes under his belt, having started with some mounts that tested his tenacity. “We started with an unsuitably green, naughty Welsh pony that he fell off more than stayed on,” says his mother, Fizz, who then found a schoolmaster for a year to encourage him. “He then had the original pony back, as he was determined to prove he could ride him, which was the point at which it was clear he wasn’t going to give up. He’s had a soft spot for a quirky horse ever since.”

Continued below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

15 riders reach the point of no return

We’ve all been there — one minute you’re enjoying the ride of your life and the next you experience that

3. Give them a taste of winning

“It was all about success; winning and being competitive. As long as I was winning, then that drove me forward,” says eventer Matthew Wright. Harry Pitt, 12, is extremely competitive, which overrides any concerns about being the only boy. “He loves the thrill of tight jump-off turns,” says his mother Emma. “He’s the only boy on the [school] jumping with style team, but he’s much braver than the girls. He suffers in the style part as his toes point down, but he rides very quietly and ponies go well for him. His idol is William Fox-Pitt, and I’ll always point out to him at Badminton or Burghley that many of the top riders are men.”

4. Focus on the fun factor

While Emma believes all children need strong encouragement at first, once they’re up and running, the family has a lark. “It’s not much fun falling off, and riding is hard to start with,” Emma says. “I bribe big and hard at first: lots of sweets, then maybe £1 if they go clear. I really try to keep it fun for them. Out riding we love making courses jumping thistles and hedges. And I’m happy to clean tack as Harry hates it, but he’ll have to do something else, like unload the dishwasher.”

5. Pick the right sport

Polo is a godsend for sporty boys like Harry, who plays with the Grafton branch of the Pony Club during the summer. “It’s hard and fast, and there’s no flatwork. It’s like rugby on ponies and he just loves it,” she says. “The variety is great for boys — he’d get bored just doing one discipline.”

6. … and finally — turn the girl-boy ratio into a plus

“You’re the only boy in a girls’ world — what is better than being surrounded by loads of girls?” says dressage rider Michael Eilberg. And showjumper Tim Stockdale agrees: “Being among so many girls was certainly not a bad thing. And I had an idol — Harvey Smith.”

Read the full feature about keeping boys keen on riding in the current issue of Horse & Hound magazine (7 January 2016)

Tim Stockdale: The Hickstead Derby is like no other [H&H VIP]

Horse & Hound — Sat, 04 Jul 2015 07:55:43 +0000

The brilliance of the Hickstead Derby is that it’s a real gladiatorial-style competition. Like a puissance, it’s simplistic — if you jump clear you’re at the top end of the podium. It’s not about looking good, it’s about horse and rider giving their all — and this year’s Derby really lived up to that.

I thought maybe there was going to be three clears and I was surprised to see only one. Nigel Coupe’s Golvers Hill looked like a horse that wants to win. William Whitaker rode a beautiful round and Harriet Nuttall was another who could have jumped a clear.

First-timer Alfie Bradstock surpassed himself with eight faults and Caicos looks like an exciting prospect for the future.

My horse, Erasmus, showed a lot of promise and our faults didn’t reflect how well he jumped. My other ride, Bling Bling, was always chancey, but it was great to be a part of the Derby again.

A special mention is deserved for the Hickstead team — headed by the Bunn family. The front of house was superbly manicured and the new grandstand looked great. What Hickstead has to offer in tradition and folklore in our sport is unrivalled.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 2 July 2015

This year’s Hickstead Derby was won for a second year running by Trevor Breen (pictured). This year he piloted Loughnatousa WB to jump the sole clear round of the class which was enough to earn him victory. Trevor’s clear was in fact only the 57th faultless round in the class’ history. Meanwhile Loughnatousa WB is the only horse to win the the Derby twice with different riders, having previously won the class in 2012 with Paul Beecher. Trevor’s 2014 winner Adventure De Kannan picked up eight faults this time around to finish in seventh place.

Tim Stockdale’s tips for a faster jump-off

Stephanie Bateman — Sun, 10 May 2015 11:05:12 +0000

Shaving off a few precious seconds in your jump-off round can be the difference between a win and a place. Stephanie Bateman speaks to showjumping star Tim Stockdale to find out his tips and advice on how to save time

1. Tight turns

“Practise sharper turns at home before and after the fence, because it’s important to have both those skills,” says Tim, who teaches riders two main types of turn that are commonly needed in jump-offs: “A” turns — when you are turning back to a parallel or double and need the horse to be sitting on his hocks with plenty of impulsion. The horse is bent around your leg so that you keep the power and fluency through the turn.

“B” turns — a straighter turn that uses the outside hand to guide the horse round. The horse falls in through the shoulder more. It is a flatter type of turn used in a directional change, such as a quick turnback after a fence where you have to change direction quite dramatically.

2. Jump on the angle

“Another key ingredient is being able to jump fences on the angle,” Tim says. “That is another aspect to practise at home, so that the horse starts to believe in the line that you’re taking and picks the fence up, rather than running out.

“You can practise different types of angle — one where you’re keeping with the angle of the jump and one where you are going against the angle of the jump.

“When you’re jumping into a fence that is angled towards you, it’s easier to hold the horse into it. If you’re sliding alongside a fence that is angled away from you — so the horse is badly crooked at 45 degrees — it’s much easier for the horse to run out, so you’ll need to have more conscious control.”

Continued below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

7 jumping questions you thought were too obvious to ask

There are some jumping questions that seem too obvious to ask — so we've asked them for you...

3. Plan your route

“When you are working out the jump-off course, look at which jumps are left up and which are removed, as this can have an impact on your lines,” says Tim. “Sometimes, course-builders produce a turn which wasn’t in the first round, such as the wings of a previous fence stood together to create an island, so you need to work out whether you go inside or around it.

“A good tip is to ride the line when you go back into the arena before starting your round to see whether it will work, as it can look different when you are on the horse. It will give you the chance to practise that turn before your jump-off starts.”

4. Weigh up the risk

“When I choose to take risks depends on the horse I’m riding and the competition,” says Tim. “The trick is to use the risk for the reward. Ultimately, a smaller class isn’t worth taking the risk, especially with a young horse that you are trying to produce for the future.

“If you are qualifying for the Horse of the Year Show or an international title, then there is more at stake, so you are more likely to take a risk.

“A lot of riders try to win every class they go in, but that sends the horse a bit crazy after a while. It just teaches the horse to chase towards every fence.

“I’m a great believer in getting clear rounds first and then add the speed. I was always taught that you go as fast as you can go clear. That’s the key thing.”

5. Take fewer steps

“If you can go round a corner in four strides rather than five or six, you’re going to save time,” Tim says. “Find the route where you take as few steps as possible, cutting out strides where you can and taking your lines as shallow as you can.

“On dog-leg distances, always try to take a more direct line to save a stride. If you can save two or three strides over another competitor, then you should be quicker.”

6. Don’t over-warm up

“When warming up, perhaps incorporate one or two turns in preparation for a certain turn in the ring,” advises Tim. “For example, I’d practise a sharp right turn if there was one in the jump-off, but I never overdo it.

“You want your horse to be relaxed, not boiling over and losing concentration.

“I would warm up similarly for the jump-off as for any jumping round, because I want my horses to be soft, supple, on the aids and listening to me, which is more conducive to clear rounds.

“You want your horse to be compliant in the hand because if they get too aggressive, they can start to run and block up, meaning they don’t use their body correctly.”

7. Choose control over speed

“Riders go wrong when they try to go too quickly,” Tim adds. “It’s a question of going faster but in balance, and opening the stride pattern up so that the horse extends the stride without flattening and losing impulsion.

“When the jumps start to get bigger, you can really see horses flattening if they are going too fast — you just know that they are going to have fences down.

“Sometimes it pays to go slightly steadier but get the turns that you want. This can shave off seconds and hopefully give you a clear round.”

8. Focus on the next fence

“Practise thinking ahead — it’s not about the jump you are going over at that time, it’s about how you are going to get to the next one.

“It’s similar to driving a car fast, you prepare a bit earlier for the bend and the turn.

“If you watch good riders against the clock, you’ll notice that mid-air, they are always looking at the next fence. They are very smooth as well — and smooth is fast.”

7 childhood show day faux-pas (that we’d rather forget)

Madeleine Silver — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 12:30:27 +0000

There are some early show memories that we’d rather forget — whether it was chasing your pony around the car park before you’d even got near the ring, or hopelessly waiting while your not-so-trusty steed stopped for an ill-timed pee mid-showjumping round.

But it turns out we’re not alone. Olympic dressage gold-medallist Laura Tomlinson (pictured above) admits that she was disqualified from her first ever show.

“I was so excited to be going to a show that I bought my 12.2hh pony Neppy a browband in our stable colours, red and green,” she remembers.

“I was promptly disqualified and my mother was told off for not having read the Pony Club rule book which prohibited coloured tack.”

And at her first ever one-day event Laura’s pony “stopped at pretty much every fence, but I finished the course having eventually got him over everything — I thought I’d done brilliantly.”

Top showjumper Tim Stockdale had a similarly shaky start.

“I remember being eliminated as a child at the first fence at a show,” he says. “It was a long hack home and I cried all the way — but it certainly strengthened my resolve.”

7 childhood show day faux-pas

1. “Loose horse” — the words you never want to hear in conjunction with seeing your pony going hell-for-leather across the car park, tack and rug hopelessly trailing.

2. Trying to plait your pony’s mane having doused it in Mane & Tail conditioner. How else were you meant to get a comb through it?

3. Sneaking your whip into the bending race — it seemed like the obvious solution to get the brute to move.

Continued below…

(Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

11 signs you were a horsey child in the 90s

4. Being overly liberal with your saddle soap — and wondering why your stickability is suffering.

5. Forgetting your jodhpur-clips — is there anything more agonisingly irritating than jodhpurs crawling up your legs?

6. Your horse stopping at the first fence at a hunter trials — and proceeding to eat it. Why did you always have the greediest pony?

7. Taking to your pony’s mane with scissors in a panic on the eve of a show — pulling was taking too long. Not an easy look to get rid of…

Don’t miss this week’s special show issue of Horse & Hound magazine (26 February), packed with features — including our pick of the under-25s to watch this season — as well as over 8,000 event listings

UK equestrian sponsorship round-up

Horse & Hound — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 14:38:11 +0000

This year’s Badminton winner, Sam Griffiths has teamed up with Zebra Products Ltd in a sponsorship deal that sees him supported by Italian saddle brand Amerigo, Uvex riding helmets, and Cavallo clothing and boots collection.

“Quite simply I feel the competitive advantage when riding in Amerigo,” said Sam. “The dressage saddles allow the horse to move freely and the jumping saddles give me security.”

The BETA Business Awards has announced Leeds-based Blacks Solicitors is to support the Trade Supplier of the Year Award for the third consecutive year. This popular category is presented to the manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor judged to offer the best customer service, delivery, product knowledge and awareness of retailer requirements.

“It gives us great pleasure to sponsor this award,” said Chris Allen, managing partner at Blacks Solicitors.

Tuffa Footwear is to support of international showjumper Tim Stockdale and his team, increasing the company’s previous support, as Tuffa will now sponsor the whole of Team Stockdale.

“Tuffa has been my preferred choice of footwear for both style and performance for years,” said Tim. “This sponsorship is a great boost for my whole team, meaning that we can all, literally, put our best foot forward.”

Bucas, the premium Irish rug company, is delighted to announce it will be supporting Carl Hester MBE and his stable.

Carl is already well acquainted with the rugs as his protégé Charlotte Dujardin has been dressing her horses (and dogs) in Bucas for the past two years.

Albion Saddlemakers and Amerigo Saddles have both confirmed their support of the forthcoming Saddle Research Trust International Conference.

Anne Bondi, Saddle Research Trust director said: “This valuable support will help further the cause of welfare beyond independent commercial interests and product development.”

Cowdray Park Polo Club has announced that Jaeger-LeCoultre will become the title sponsor of the Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship in 2015 with a long term commitment to the club and the tournament.

Cowdray Park Polo Club chairman Peter Barfoot said: “Jaeger-LeCoultre’s commitment to polo is unquestionable and the brand has established a solid reputation throughout all levels of the sport. We feel privileged that Jaeger-LeCoultre has chosen the Gold Cup at Cowdray Park as the means to take its support to the very highest level.”

Equine surface manufacturer, Equestrian Direct, is delighted to announce the sponsorship of three up and coming event riders — Ben Way, Colina Pickles and Bonnie Fishburn.

Jocelyn Riley, of Equestrian Direct Surfaces, said: “We are proud to be able to support these talented event riders to progress in their chosen equestrian discipline and very much enjoying supporting and working alongside them.”

Sandown Park Racecourse has annouced that bookmaker bet365 has extended its sponsorship of the two day bet365 meeting for a further three years. Taking place at the end of April each year, the festival features the Grade 1 bet365 Celebration Chase and Grade 3 bet365 Gold Cup Steeple Chase.

Rupert Trevelyan, London regional director of The Jockey Club, said: “We are delighted to announce that we will be working with bet365 for a further three years on a fantastic meeting that both launches Sandown Park’s Flat season, and celebrates the official end of the jump season.”

Dodson & Horrell will once again be sponsoring its hugely popular series of point-to-point races for novice riders this season. The Dodson & Horrell Point-to-Point Owners and Riders Association (PPORA) Novice Riders Series, which is made up of 12 qualifiers hosted around the country, culminates in a prestigious end of season final held at The Knutsford Races Club in Tabley, Cheshire on Sunday 17 May 2015.

Last season’s Dodson & Horrell PPORA Novice Riders Series winner was Megan Nicholls, daughter of National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls. Megan said: “Winning the series final at Tabley was a fantastic end to the 2014 season. Thanks to the continued support from Dodson & Horrell more young, novice riders can have the chance to aim for a final right at the start of their career.”

Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association’s (TBA) is to continue its support of point-to-point mares’ only races as part of its mandate to improve race opportunities for mares.

Clare Hazell, of the Point-to-Point Association (PPA) commented: “We are very pleased that the TBA has decided to build upon our successful partnership by continuing as a national sponsor.”

A new national series in point-to-pointing, the Subaru Restricted Series, has been unveiled. Supporting races for horses that have not won any race under the rules of any recognised racing authority other than a maiden or hunt members race, the series will run across 26 national qualifiers, culminating with a grand final over 2m 7f at Stratford-on-Avon on 29 May 2015.

Chairman of the Point-to-Point Authority, Simon Claisse, said: “This is great news for the amateur division of the sport. Restricted horses are the stars of tomorrow, and the Subaru Restricted Point-to-Point Series gives this division a clear path through the season and a significant prize to aim toward.”

Haddon Training has announced its sponsorship of the British Grooms Awards. Last presented in 2009, these two awards (the Haddon Training British Grooms Award and the Haddon Training Team GBR Grooms Award) have been revitalised with fantastic prizes for the winning grooms, and presentations being made at the prestigious British Breeders’ Awards Dinner early in January next year.

Jan Rogers, BEF head of equine development said: “The British Grooms Awards always used to play an integral part in the presentation and with Haddon Training’s generous support we are thrilled to have been able to reinstate them to recognise these extremely dedicated and hardworking people whose contribution is so valuable.”

The organisers of Rockingham Castle International Horse Trials have announced that Robert Loomes & Co is again offering a fabulous hand-made watch as a prize at next year’s event. Last year Ireland’s Austin O’Connor took home a beautiful Robin watch, a prize which would normally come with a price tag of £7,500.

Event organiser Andrew Norman said: “Events such as ours are hugely enhanced by the involvement of sponsorship, and for Robert to have once more generously offered this wonderful prize is outstanding.”

Leading National Hunt jockey Tom Scudamore has secured a three year sponsorship deal with Knight Frank.

Tom said: “With an exciting season ahead, I am very much looking forward to having a long and prosperous relationship with Knight Frank and be supported by this well-respected global firm.”

Cheltenham Racecourse has announced Coral is to extend its sponsorship of the Coral Cup at The Festival for at least another five years. The Coral Cup is one of the most competitive handicap hurdles of the entire season and frequently attracts a maximum field.

Ian Renton, regional director of the Jockey Club Racecourse South West, said: “Coral has sponsored the Coral Cup since the race was first run so I am thrilled that the firm have decided to renew the partnership with Cheltenham for at least another five years.”

Lexvet Supplements has recently signed a sponsorship deal with young Irish showjumper Michael Duffy who is now based in the UK with Duncan Inglis.

Horse & Hound’s equestrian week on Twitter

Gemma Redrup — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 14:30:45 +0000

Enjoy the H&H team’s top tweets from the equestrian twitterverse this week.

The week on twitter

Rodrigo Pessoa as you have never seen him before

Rodrigo Pessoa @rpessoa29 as you've never seen him before – hold the front page @horseandhound #LAMasters pic.twitter.com/BVtR1DjrgvRodrigo Pessoa @rpessoa29 as you've never seen him before – hold the front page @horseandhound #LAMasters pic.twitter.com/BVtR1Djrgv— jen donald (@donaldjdonald) September 28, 2014— jen donald (@donaldjdonald) September 28, 2014

We bet Emily Llwellyn was popular with those in the queue behind her —the things people will do for a Big Mac…

Note to self, Little lorry doesnt fit in McDonalds drivethru, got2last corner&had 2reverse the whole way back out as did everyone behind me!Note to self, Little lorry doesnt fit in McDonalds drivethru, got2last corner&had 2reverse the whole way back out as did everyone behind me!— Emily Llewellyn (@Emily_Llewellyn) September 26, 2014— Emily Llewellyn (@Emily_Llewellyn) September 26, 2014

It’s great to hear that Lissa Green has recovered from her awful fall and we wish her luck for the rest of the eventing season

WE ARE SIGNED OFF BABY #MedicalSuspension LIFTED!!! Watch out @BEventing -I'm a coming! haha just hopefully not hard into the dirt this timeWE ARE SIGNED OFF BABY #MedicalSuspension LIFTED!!! Watch out @BEventing -I'm a coming! haha just hopefully not hard into the dirt this time— Lissa Green Eventing (@LissaGreen88) September 29, 2014— Lissa Green Eventing (@LissaGreen88) September 29, 2014

We think comedian Jack Whitehall has possibly one of the best named horses in history

Good luck to @jackwhitehall who's horse – the wonderfully named Eatsleepracerepeat – makes his debut in the first at Wolverhampton tomorrow!Good luck to @jackwhitehall who's horse – the wonderfully named Eatsleepracerepeat – makes his debut in the first at Wolverhampton tomorrow!— ROA (@RacehorseOwners) September 29, 2014— ROA (@RacehorseOwners) September 29, 2014

Nicki Strong has hit the nail on the head here

When you go on holiday & leave a few instructions about looking after your horses… #EquestrianProblems pic.twitter.com/BaWO1wvEKpWhen you go on holiday & leave a few instructions about looking after your horses… #EquestrianProblems pic.twitter.com/BaWO1wvEKp— Nicki Strong (@HSEquestrian) September 23, 2014— Nicki Strong (@HSEquestrian) September 23, 2014

This is what happened when firefighter Lottie Sutcliffe left her H&H mag unattended at work

@horseandhound Left my copy at work again.. #firefighters pic.twitter.com/vlWEH5SDzl @horseandhound Left my copy at work again.. #firefighters pic.twitter.com/vlWEH5SDzl— Lottie (@lottielouises) September 30, 2014— Lottie (@lottielouises) September 30, 2014

We hear you Amy Symons

Only horsey people will understand why anyone says "I'm so hairy and itchy" in October #clippingseason @horseandhoundOnly horsey people will understand why anyone says "I'm so hairy and itchy" in October #clippingseason @horseandhound— AmyCharlotte (@ACSymons) October 1, 2014— AmyCharlotte (@ACSymons) October 1, 2014

Ruth Mealey’s foal sadly had other ideas on how to look beautiful

@bedelive trying very hard to bring clean Youngstock tomorrow but it's an uphill battle #OsbertonHT @horseandhound pic.twitter.com/NjPXZI0Vvr @bedelive trying very hard to bring clean Youngstock tomorrow but it's an uphill battle #OsbertonHT @horseandhound pic.twitter.com/NjPXZI0Vvr— Ruth Mealey (@rruthie1) October 1, 2014— Ruth Mealey (@rruthie1) October 1, 2014

Just looking at Tim Stockdale’s impressive dismount makes us wince

No wonder I ache a bit. pic.twitter.com/eBnM060txHNo wonder I ache a bit. pic.twitter.com/eBnM060txH— Tim Stockdale (@iamtimstockdale) September 29, 2014— Tim Stockdale (@iamtimstockdale) September 29, 2014

If you like this, why not follow @horseandhound on twitter today?

Former international showjumper dies

Martha Terry — Thu, 15 May 2014 10:00:58 +0000

Fresh Direct Parcival, Tim Stockdale’s 2002 World Equestrian Games ride, has died at the age of 22 (10 May). He passed away peacefully in his owners Colin and Ann Garratt’s field.

“I wish we could all choose to go like that,” said Tim. “It was a sunny day and ‘Percy’ lay down to sleep in his favourite spot and never woke up. They only realised something wasn’t right when he didn’t get up when it started raining.”

Tim described the grey as “a wonderful horse, the sort you only get once in a lifetime”.

“He gave me a lot of firsts — first big grand prix, first grand prix win at Horse of the Year Show, first Nations cup and first World Championships,” he said. “He was a pleasure to ride and had unbelievable scope. I’ve never ridden a horse with so much power, yet he was soft and beautiful to ride.

“He was a tall horse — 17.2hh — yet supple and gentle — never boisterous.”

Tim bought him for the Garratts as a 6-year-old from David McPherson in 1998.

“I told Ann to watch him in the collecting ring at Royal Windsor and it was love at first sight,” he said. “The Garratts have had serious offers for him, but they never considered selling him. They said they would be happy if he made the Foxhunters final at Wembley, and look how special he has been.”

Parcival’s career came to a premature end in 2003, aged 11, after he injured a stifle jumping in the Nations Cup in St Gallen. He spent his retirement at the Garratts.

Do you insure yourself as well as your horse? [H&H VIP]

Sophia Heath — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 08:00:28 +0000

Most riders insure their horses — but insuring themselves is another matter.

Eventers Laura Collett and Harry Meade both suffered serious rotational falls last year. Laura spent 6 days in a coma and suffered crush injuries to her lungs and liver. Harry broke and dislocated both of his elbows. Neither of them had personal accident cover.

“It seemed like a lot of money to be pouring down the drain,” Laura told H&H. “I hadn’t even broken a bone until my fall last year.

“Afterwards, I was told that for my injuries alone it would have been at least a £100,000 payout. And that’s not including my time in hospital.

“After hearing that figure I felt a bit sick. It was a real wake-up call.”

British Eventing (BE) membership includes personal accident cover, but only for loss of limbs, eyes or permanent total disablement. BE does not think this is sufficient cover for professionals.

“We would recommend that professional riders obtain a personal accident policy that has a wider list of benefits,” admitted BE finance director Wendy McGowan.

Guy Prest from KBIS British Equestrian Insurance added: “It is vital for professionals to ensure they have an appropriate standalone personal accident policy in place.

“These policies are typically much more comprehensive and can provide ‘all of life’ cover, meaning you are insured for much more than just riding or handling.”

Across the board

It is not just eventers who are riding at the highest level without any cover. Showjumper Tim Stockdale fractured his neck in 3 places in a fall from a young horse in 2011.

Tim was covered at the time as part of a family policy from Combined American Insurance. As a result, he received a payout in the region of £10,000.

But the company no longer offers the policy and Tim has not looked for an alternative.

“Most people who ride don’t have any cover because the premiums just make it ridiculous,” Tim said. “The definition of what we do is that it is a risk. We have to accept this and carry on.”

Everyday riders

Insurance providers are concerned that many amateur riders also do not have sufficient cover.

“Insurance does not just affect you if you are a professional rider,” said Suzy Middleton from SEIB. “If you are self-employed and break your arm, for example, you might be just as badly affected.

“Even if you are employed and are entitled to sick pay, you have to take into consideration the additional cost of someone looking after your horse if you can’t.”

Former 2-star eventer and new H&H blogger Suzanna Hext was partially paralysed when a horse she was breaking reared up and fell on top of her in July 2012. Since the accident, Suzanna has had 7 operations, spent 177 days in hospital and is only now starting to consider a phased return to work as a veterinary nurse for B&W Equine Vets.

“Once you have had an accident, you wish you had insurance but I never really thought about it before,” she admitted.

Her left foot and ankle remain paralysed due to nerve damage.

“At the moment, I am trying to get some funding to go to Oaksey House [the Injured Jockeys Fund rehabilitation centre in Lambourn]. It costs about £2,000 a week. If I had had insurance or cover it could have possibly helped towards it,” she added.

Counting the pennies

The price for personal accident insurance varies dramatically, depending on the level at which you compete and the level of cover that you require.

Accident cover with an income protection policy of £1,000 a month starts from around £35 a month for a non-professional. On top of this, fracture cover, which provides a lump sum payment for a broken bone, can be bolted on for roughly an extra £2 a month with some companies.

There are also brokers that specalise in cover for extreme sports and professionals.

Laura Collett has turned to an insurance company in Switzerland to get cover.

“Hopefully, I will never have to use it, but I would rather spend the money than have the risk,” she said.

Harry Meade has decided to take matters into his own hands.

“I have spoken to a broker and I am trying to put together a package that will hopefully offer good cover for riders and at an affordable rate,” said Harry.

“I don’t think we should sit back and complain. It’s a case of getting on your feet and getting on.

“It’s very important and we should, between us, be able to make it happen.”

Fracture cover

What can you expect if you break a bone?

(Approximate payouts by insurance company FriendsLife)

Cheekbone £900
Jaw £900
Collar bone £600
Shoulder blade £900
Sternum £1,200
Arm £1,200
Ribs £600
Vertebrae £900
Pelvis £1,200
Skull (open fracture) £2,100
Skull (closed fracture) £2,200
Wrist £900
Hand £900
Upper leg £2,100
Knee £2,100
Lower leg £1,200
Ankle £1,200
Foot £1,200

This article was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (10 April 2014)

H&H reader offer: If you are looking for personal accident cover not visit Horse & Hound Compare? The H&H Compare personal accident policy has been designed for both amateur and professional riders, includes the option for cover away from the horses, as well as when you are with them, and enables you to tailor the policy to meet your needs. Get a quote now

Joseph Stockdale wins on international showjumping debut riding borrowed horse

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 11:00:56 +0000

Tim Stockdale’s 14-year-old son Joseph made his international debut at the CSI2* at Oliva in Spain a winning one riding a borrowed horse he jumped for the first time just days before.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Joseph, who represented the Oakley Hunt (West) branch of the Pony Club in the Prince Philip Cup mounted games at Horse of the Year Show just a couple of weeks before (pictured right, on foot), was offered the ride on Paul McAteer’s horse Claudette. The pair collected a victory and a 3rd place in the bronze tour classes.

“I mentioned to Paul that Joseph might come to the show and Paul said to pack his boots as he might have a ride for him,” said Tim.

“He jumped Claudette for the first time on Friday, had a pop in the collecting ring and finished 3rd, then went on to win the next day.

“Watching him in the prize-giving with the national anthem playing — I was ripped to pieces, so delighted for him and so grateful to Paul for lending him the horse.”

Find out how Tim’s results in Spain compare to his son’s on p79 of today’s magazine…

Video: watch Tim Stockdale jump 2.05m

Horse & Hound — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 10:04:03 +0000

Tim Stockdale and Fresh Direct K2 proved unbeatable in the six bar class at Franconville Horse Show in France this weekend, clearing 2.05m in the final round.

For more details of how British riders got on in France, see Brits Abroard in Horse & Hound magazine, out on Thursday 13 June.

Tim Stockdale breaks ribs in fall at home

Horse & Hound — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:28:32 +0000

Popular showjumper Tim Stockdale is in the wars again — after falling from a young horse at his yard in Roade, Northants, on Saturday (9 February).

Tim was left in agony after the fall, but was booked to give a masterclass during the gala evening at Bury Farm, Bucks that night.

Ever the professional, Tim was determined not to let the audience down. Fellow showjumper William Whitaker was drafted in to ride his stallion, while Tim taught from the ground.

After the performance, Tim’s wife Laura took him to hospital, where doctors diagnosed cracked ribs.

“I’ll be fine,” Tim wrote on his Facebook page. “Just one of those silly things. Big thank you to William Whitaker for helping at the demo tonight and to all my fantastic staff who were brilliant as always. Also to everyone who offered to drive lorry home,” he added.

Bury Farm director, Gareth Jenkins said Tim “went beyond the call of duty”.

He added: “We grabbed William Whitaker because he happened to be in the collecting ring in his riding clothes.

“He’d never sat on Tim’s young stallion before, so all credit to him.”

In October 2011, Tim broke his neck in two places in a fall from a young horse he had gone to try. He made a remarkable comeback, just missing out on Olympic selection.

For more on this story and a full report from the Bury Farm Moet and Chandon Masters, buy this week’s H&H — out on Thursday, 14 February

Tina Fletcher to miss this year’s Hickstead Derby

Flora Watkins — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 12:52:30 +0000

Tina Fletcher will not be defending her Hickstead Derby title this Sunday (24 June) because she will be chasing Olympic qualification in Rotterdam.

Last year, Tina became the first woman to win the prestigious class since Alison Dawes in 1973.

Tina and the quirky Promised Land (pictured right) posted the only clear round.

But this year Tina will be hoping to catch the selectors’ attention, by competing at the Nations Cup in Rotterdam (22 June).

She spoke to H&H at the Global Champions Tour (GCT) in Cannes last week about her decision.

“I’m very disappointed not to be at Hickstead,” she said. “I had hoped I might be able to do the Nations Cup on Friday then come back for the Derby on Sunday, but I realised that it would be very difficult to do both.

“Obviously the Olympics are the priority, but hopefully there will be other classes for Promised Land this year,” she added.

Tina will be competing in Rotterdam alongside Olympic hopefuls Scott Brash, Tim Stockdale, Peter Charles and John Whitaker.

Nick Skelton and Ben Maher are not riding there and performances in Rotterdam will be crucial when it comes to Olympic team places.

Tim Stockdale back in the running for Olympic team

Charlotte White — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:18:42 +0000

Tim Stockdale proved he’s back on form, after spending six weeks in hospital following a broken neck last year, with great results at St Gallen (1-3 June).

Tim and Fresh Direct Kalico Bay jumped a double clear in the Nations Cup on Friday, helping Team GBR to joint second place with the hosts, Switzerland.

They then went on to take the runner-up spot in Sunday’s Longines grand prix.

Tim told H&H: “I felt slight trepidation about making my Nations Cup return at St Gallen as it is renowned for being big and tough, but the whole weekend has given me a real boost.”

Selectors Rob Hoekstra and Di Lampard are due to announce their four-member team for London in early July and Tim’s form puts him very much in contention.

Team manager Rob Hoekstra said: “Jumping one of only three double clears in the entire competition is amazing.

“It has made the decisions for London all the more difficult.”

Success for Laura Renwick and Tim Stockdale in France

Horse & Hound — Thu, 31 May 2012 11:14:15 +0000

Tim Stockdale spearheaded a British showjumping ‘takeover’ at the three-star CSI in Bethune, France last weekend (26-28 May).

Laura’s results included two six-year-old wins on Bintang II and numerous placings with the former Horse & Hound Foxhunter champion Parvati De Breve.

Laura’s number one ride, Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham’s Oz De Breve, was in sensational form, winning one major world rankings points class and finishing second in another to Tim and his Olympic hope Fresh Direct Kalico Bay.

This made Laura the overall leading rider of the show, while Oz De Breve took the leading horse award. Laura will next join Guy Williams and William Funnell at another French show, the four-star CSI in Bourg en Bresse.

Tim Stockdale has also been in terrific form lately. His second victory came in the six-bar here on his Royal Windsor victor, the giant grey Fresh Direct K2. However, Tim pulled out of the grand prix due to the conditions.

“The hot weather had made the ground hard and then the organisers over-watered it, making it really uneven,” said Tim, who will next have the chance to prove his fitness in front of team manager Rob Hoekstra at next weekend’s Nations Cup show in St Gallen, Switzerland.

Another Briton, Steven Whitaker, was on winning form at this show. Steven rode Royal Rose II to victory on the final day and was also placed in major classes on Locarno 62, the stallion previously competed at top level by his daughter, Ellen.

Tim Stockdale returns to British Nations Cup team in St Gallen

Horse & Hound — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:36:34 +0000

Tim Stockdale is set to make his first team appearance since the fall that left him hospitalised for six weeks last autumn with a broken neck.

Tim will form part of Britain’s five-man squad for the St Gallen Nations Cup next month (1-3 June) where he will partner Colin Garrett’s Fresh Direct Kalico Bay.

Joining him for the third leg of the series will be Nick Skelton and Beverley Widdowson’s La Baule grand prix winner Carlo 270, Scott Brash and his 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG) partner, Intertoy Z, John Whitaker with Maximillian IV, and Michael Whitaker with his own Viking V.

Tim Stockdale returns to international competition

Horse & Hound — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:18:12 +0000

British showjumper Tim Stockdale has made his first appearance on the international circuit after breaking his neck in a fall last October.

Tim finished fourth in the CSI** grand prix at Chantilly, France on Fresh Direct Kalico Bay.

“I have been feeling a bit rusty, but this weekend’s been a fantastic boost to team confidence that things are returning to normal,” he said.

French rider Philippe Rozier and Jadis de Toscane won the 1.45 class and Maximilien Lemercier came second for Belgium.

Tim broke three vertebrae in his neck falling from a horse he had gone to try on 17 October 2011 and spent eight weeks at the Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries in Oswestry, Shrops, before beginning a rehabilitation programme.

He was given the all-clear to jump by his consultant at the end of February and made his first return to competition at the beginning of March at College Equestrian Centre at Keysoe.

Latest from Horse & Hound in Tim-stockdale

Joe Stockdale smashes high jump record following in his late father’s footsteps: ‘One I won’t forget’

Joe Stockdale versus Vaclav Stanek in final round

You may also be interested in:

Paris Olympic shortlisted mare’s first foal arrives: ‘If she’s half as good as her mum, she’ll be super – we’re chuffed to bits’

Joe Stockdale: “We can see plenty of Cash in Penny already”

“We all say we can see plenty of Cash in Penny already,” said Joe. “But if she’s half as good as her mum she’ll be a super one to have. So fingers crossed.”

Cacharel was rested and brought back to the ring slowly ahead of this landmark Olympic year and recent five-star performances have indicated she’s performing better than ever, most recently jumping a super double clear to finish fourth in the prestigious CSI5* Rolex grand prix of Rome.

“She jumped top notch there,” said Joe. “She was really back to her brilliant best there. I was over the moon with her.”

You may also like to read…

‘Dad’s words are great motivation’: how Tim Stockdale’s sons are achieving sporting greatness

The Stockdale brothers on the importance of teamwork

Joe Stockdale: “If you can improve yourself by 1% in every area, it makes a huge difference overall”

Mark Stockdale: “The endless pursuit of getting better is what I really love”

Stockdale motto: “Keep going and keep trying to find a way”

“You do most of your learning when you are out of your comfort zone,” says Joe Stockdale

Within each of their respective sports, events such as the Majors or The Masters are core.

“For us riders, they are the biggest of the biggest shows, they have the best prize money and they are the ones that everyone wants to win. They are where you get the top-level sport.

Meanwhile, as well as Paris 2024, Joe’s ambitions lie with winning the Rolex grand prix at Aachen, Germany.

“It is such a special grand prix, with multiple rounds, and everyone talks about how big and difficult it is,” he says. “The CHIO Aachen has such an incredible grass arena with so much amazing heritage to it – it would be a dream to win there.”

You may also like to read…

‘If you got her on side, she’d really fight for you’: Joe Stockdale picks the horse he wishes he could have ridden

Tim and the eye-catching grey finished best of the Brits in Beijing when they were 16th individually. The year before, they won the 2007 Royal Windsor grand prix, and in 2009 were part of the British team at the European Championships, held on home soil at Windsor.

You might also be interested in:

‘Some laughed, some took me seriously – it was a journey’: a look back with ‘Rastafarian showjumper’ Oliver Skeete

Oliver Skeete: ‘It just went wild’

‘I decided to get away from it all’

While he didn’t make it to the top of the sport, he succeeded in taking showjumping to a much wider audience.

“I was clearing out the loft the other day and found all the magazines and newspapers I was in – I kept everything and met so many people,” Oliver says.

“I eventually stopped riding about 12 years ago – I was running a stables and after a run-in with another con lady I decided to get away from it all.”

Since hanging up his boots, Oliver Skeete has done some acting, making an appearance in James Bond film Die Another Day, and now runs a removal company, occasionally riding a friend’s horses.

“So I’m not riding as such now – I still enjoy it though, that will never go.

“I took my daughter, who is now 37, riding in Barbados recently – she hadn’t ridden for ages and she loved it. Sometimes we sit and watch the old videos together, they loved it all. I think they’re very proud of their old man.”

You may also like to read…

Showjumper runs half-marathon in memory of mentor Tim Stockdale

He is donating the funds to the Tim Stockdale Foundation, which supports young athletes, and was set up in memory of Tim following his death from stomach cancer aged 54, in 2018.

Adam lost two stone training for the event and could often be found on the treadmill at midnight trying to fit in the miles around his busy yard and competition schedule.

The 39-year-old rider has had a strong season this year, chalking up a number of high-profile successes with Barbara Hester’s seven-year-old stallion Ebanking.

He told H&H the horse was among the factors that influenced him to take on the fundraiser.

“Ebanking started it all. Having a horse like him, I couldn’t be overweight and I knew I needed to get some weight off.

“Tim struggled with weight all his life and I struggle with it too — going up against the likes of Ben Maher and Scott Brash, who are featherweights, he was always on a diet.

“I just thought ‘actually, let’s aim at something’.”

Adam said that he thought fundraising for the foundation had also “gone a bit quiet” following the pandemic and he wanted to help boost its profile.

“When Tim first died there was a lot of fundraising for his foundation but I wasn’t quite ready to get involved with it yet, it was still a bit too raw,” said Adam, who worked for Tim for around three years.

“We remained close after I finished working for him and we always had horses together — when I left he sent three with me, it was a friendship which carried on for many years.”

Kim Tomkin helped Adam train for the run, devising a programme where he would run at least four days a week, for between 40min and 90min.

“I preferred to run on a treadmill in my little workshop. I’m not the slimmest, fittest guy but I liked to get stuck in there and work hard with the door closed and my headphones in,” he said.

Adam said he “might do another half” for a different charity but not in the immediate future.

“I’m having trouble walking to the house right now!” he added.

You might also be interested in:

Remember the name: Joe Stockdale — his hopes for major success with David Broome’s home-bred

Pride as Joe Stockdale wears dad Tim’s British flag for Nations Cup debut

*New columnist* Geoff Billington: These are desperate times *H&H Plus*

An ambassador for the sport

Jellied eels and castle ruins

Aspiring young riders enjoy the opportunity of a lifetime — with a little help from Tim Stockdale’s family

Farewell to the half-Clydesdale showjumper who took on the world

#10forTim runners smash target to raise +£50,000 at Hickstead

You might also be interested in:

Take an exclusive peek round Joe Stockdale’s yard

You might also be interested in:

Team H&H goes head-to-head with Olympians in memory of Tim Stockdale

Olympia ‘honoured’ to name Tim Stockdale Foundation as its official charity

You might also be interested in:

Metal sculpture installed in memory of Tim Stockdale

#10forTim: Hickstead to host charity run in memory of Tim Stockdale

‘He was one of our own’: hundreds turn out to pay tribute to Tim Stockdale

All welcome to service celebrating the life of Tim Stockdale

Tim Stockdale foundation to be set up in his memory

Fundraiser

Graham Fletcher: God bless you, Tim Stockdale *H&H VIP*

The good old days

Devastating blow

Seven special moments from Tim Stockdale’s incredible career

Tim Stockdale tributes flood social media: ‘The legend with a heart of gold’

Top British showjumper Tim Stockdale dies after short illness

He started riding aged seven and his first pony was a 12.2hh skewbald named Danny Boy.

Tim progressed up through the Pony Club as a member of the Grove Hunt branch and started his professional career working for Mike Saywell, moving to the position of second jockey to Graham Fletcher.

New columnist Geoff Billington: These are desperate times H&H Plus

Graham Fletcher: God bless you, Tim Stockdale H&H VIP