andrew nicholsonOliver Townsend and Andrew Nicholson with Ballaghmor Class at Oliver’s yard, Gadlas Farm, near Ellesmere in Shropshire in the UK, on the 8th January 2020
A four-year-old child and a five-year-old Dales were among the winners on the first day of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) this week. Lead rein pony Shilstone Rocks Thunderbird, ridden by four-year-old Willow West, topped the Mountain & Moorland (M&M) Mini Pony of the Year title. It was, unsurprisingly, Willow’s HOYS debut. Meanwhile, five-year-old gelding Tarbarl Major Tom, who had only ever been indoors once before heading into the NEC, put on a professional show in the electric TopSpec arena to take the Dales title ridden by Katy Marriott-Payne, who was given the ride in January. Youth over experience indeed – we need to up our game.
2. How Andrew Nicholson feels about taking a step back
Andrew Nicholson announced his decision to step back from top-level competition a few weeks ago, while at Blenheim Horse Trials CCI4*. In his comment for Horse & Hound this week he goes into a bit more detail on how he’s feeling about that decision after decades at the top of his sport. “As in Tokyo, I didn’t wish that I was riding on cross-country day at the Europeans – I was quite happy doing my bit on the ground, so it must be the right decision,” he says. “At the moment it feels completely normal and the natural pattern of my year. I might feel differently in February, when I’d usually be winding myself up towards Badminton, but I suspect not.” We’re used to top event riders making comebacks – think compatriot MarkTodd, for example – but it seems this might not be so for Andrew.
3. How much sexual harassment still goes on in racing
The treatment of women in racing was one topic under discussion at the Racing Foundation conference on 30 September, as well as the need to increase ethnic diversity to secure a sustainable future for the sport. Eleanor Boden’s talk, “Where did all the girls go?” raised issues included acceptance of terms such as “a lad’s ride”, and bosses’ comments such as, “Your arse is too big.” As long as people feel uncomfortable calling these things out, what hope of change?
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Sarah has worked at an equestrian journalist and editor since 2004 and has held the position of Horse & Hound Editor-in-Chief since 2014. She has reported for Horse & Hound from major championships including Europeans and World Equestrian Games. She has co-written books on horses and horse sport including The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. She has owned and ridden horses since 1993, and worked for and trained with Olympic gold medallist event rider Leslie Law prior to going to university. While studying for a BSc at London School of Economics Sarah also worked for top British dressage rider Louise Spate.
