Tributes to a prolific pony
Georgia and Susan Kirby’s prolific show hunter pony and veteran contender Woodview Fiocco has been put down aged 21. The chestnut gelding known as Finn was one of the circuit’s most consistent senior contenders. His best season came in 2022 when he was supreme ridden senior champion at the Royal International Horse Show, supreme veteran of the year at the Veteran Horse Society championships and reserve ridden senior champion at London International, where his marks were equal to those of the winner.
Top horse goes to new rider
British young rider team gold medallist Millie Juleff is the new rider of Pencos Crown Jewel, the five-star mare previously competed by Ros Canter. Millie, who is based at Tim Cheffings’ Devon yard, is a tier 1 rider on The Howden Way Talent Pathway programme and had training for this at Hothorpe, Leics, last weekend, so 15-year-old “Jasmine” was delivered there on Saturday. “I have only schooled her twice so far, but she’s really kind and it’s just getting to know her now,” said Millie. “We are going training with Caroline Moore on Thursday.” The pair are likely to start their season at Poplar Park (2–3 March) or Oasby (7–10 March).
Read more about this new partnership
British success
With temperatures plummeting at home, we are ever so slightly envious of all the riders competing somewhere warmer, and judging by this week’s international showjumping news and results, the British showjumping horses are clearly thriving. Joe Stockdale is making his first visit to the competitive circuit of the United Arab Emirates, but quickly hit winning form with Barbara Hester and his mother Laura’s 10-year-old stallion Ebanking in a huge 80-starter speed class. After a six-month spell on the sidelines, it was also great to see Joe’s world championship bronze medal-winning partner Equine America Cacharel back in the ring. British Olympic champion Ben Maher was also in winning form, taking the $140,000 Southern Arches CSI3* grand prix in week one of the Winter Equestrian Festival with Enjeu De Grisien.
Read the full showjumping round-up
You might also be interested in:
‘She ate too much at Christmas!’ Firefighters called to pony wedged between two trees
‘I made the Olympics my goal aged 10 – I have to do it now!’ Meet showjumping’s rising star
16 things that only people with horses know about snow
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
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.