News
Posted on December 31st, 2018
Top Rider New Year Resolutions!
Common New Year’s Resolutions usually focus on saving money, getting fitter, indulging in fewer vices… We can certainly all relate to that! Here a number of the UK’s top riders share their personal Resolutions with us…
“To get Fitz round a Grand Prix!” – Ellie Darling, Dressage Rider, Courtesy of Childéric Saddles
“To try and improve my overall fitness levels.” – Victoria Bax, Eventer Courtesy of Golly Galoshes & Aloeride
“I’m terrible with resolutions… but next year is my 30th so I would like to take a few short breaks with Marc my boyfriend!” – Natasha Baker, Paralympic Gold Medallist, Courtesy of Renwick & Sons & Golly Galoshes
“I need to try and be less grumpy in the mornings – pre 9am I am not my best!” – Gemma Tattersall, Olympic Event Rider, Courtesy of Childéric Saddles & Timothy Foxx Clothing
“New Year’s Resolution: to try and have more than 1/2 a day off every other week – which I currently end up spending napping anyway! And do more exciting things!” – Becky Moody, International Dressage Rider, Courtesy of Childéric Saddles
“My New Year’s Resolution is to compete at every opportunity and get back out at advanced level.” – Julie Blanchard, Dressage rider, courtesy of Childéric Saddles
“My New Year Resolution is to save more” – Heloise Wilson-Smith, International Polo Player, courtesy of Sylvia Kerr Jewellery
“Mine is to make decisions ruled by my head and not my heart!” – Jay Hallam International Showjumper, Courtesy of Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund Charity
Photos: Ellie Darling – White Cat Photography; Victoria Bax – Throughbred Sports Photography; Natasha Baker – Renwick & Sons; Gemma Tattersall – Jon Stroud Media; Becky Moody – Kevin Sparrow Photography;
Posted on December 12th, 2018
Dressage Stars Head to Liverpool International Horse Show
Dressage stars will light up the Liverpool International Horse Show stage at the iconic Echo Arena on the opening night of the equestrian and family extravaganza.
As well as the legendary Charlotte Dujardin competing in the Equitop Myoplast sponsored Inter 1 Freestyle – Dressage to Music class, leading names Sophie Wells, Nikki Barker, Amy Woodhead, Ulrik Molgaard, Katie Bailey and Kate Lister will be riding at their best to take the coveted title.
Britain’s finest, Carl Hester will also be in attendance at the show for a meet and greet, as will the iconic and record-breaking Valegro for a parade and celebration of his amazing success.
Said Liverpool International Horse Show, Dressage Consultant, Richard Davison: “The show is one of the most exciting on the international calendar and it is great to have dressage back for a second year.
“We can always rely on Charlotte Dujardin to provide a masterclass when it comes to competition riding and we also have the very best judges in Jo Graham and Debbie Jones to deliberate over those much sought after leading scores.”
Added Liverpool International Horse Show President, Nina Barbour: “We are delighted to be bringing dressage to the show once again and to have Charlotte and her fellow competitors at the event is just fantastic.
“The sport of dressage has grown beyond recognition and we are looking forward to watching some of the most talented and up and coming dressage horses in the country as they work towards Grand Prix.
“The Echo Arena is a fantastic venue and there will certainly be plenty of atmosphere to give the crowd a real taste of top class dressage.”
As well as dressage on the opening night, 28th December, for those visitors making it a New Year to remember they can look forward to a showjumping feast on New Year’s Eve, December 31, with the prestigious Theraplate UK Grand Prix one of the highlights, when leading names will battle it out to take top honours.
Hospitality at The Liverpool International Horse Show is second to none and makes a fantastic present for great friends and family. Whether on the purpose-built platform at the head of the arena or in one of the VIP boxes – you won’t be disappointed.
This year’s Liverpool International Horse Show will see a host of leading names in action from 28th to 31st December, at The Echo Arena on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront.
For further information and to book tickets visit www.liverpoolhorseshow.com
To reserve VIP Hospitality tickets on the purpose-built stage at the head of the arena please contact Hospitality Manager, Melanie Simm on 01829 307676.
Posted on December 10th, 2018
Midas the miracle horse leading the Parade
For most horse owners, one or two major health issues in their horse would be enough to put an end to any horsey plans and dreams but for one exceptional horse leading the All The Queen’s Horseson the London New Year’s Day Paradeon the January 1st, his story is pretty incredible!
Midas is an 18-year-old 17.1hh Oldenburg gelding, and for his owner Jane Morgan, there have always been three of them in the relationship, Midas, Jane and their vet. Because since the age of 7, alongside your everyday knocks, cuts and bangs, Midas has also managed to tot up a rather long list of injuries and ailments, including life threatening complications too, as this mini health overview shows:
Severe pollen allergy
Broken pedal bone
Cushings Disease
Cancer
Equine Metabolic Syndrome
Degenerative Joint Disease
Currently, sound, happy and in good health (which his owner Jane says is probably down to her having a bad back and being unable to ride) Midas, is looking forward to being the centre of attention and leading the entire parade along the streets of London.
“He’s stressed me out like no other horse I’ve ever owned but I love him dearly, and I wouldn’t change a day I’ve had with him, and I hope I have many more years with him,” explains Jane.
You can catch a glimpse of Midas, and the rest of the fabulous All The Queen’s Horses, as they set off on the parade from 1pm onwards.
Posted on December 10th, 2018
World’s Leading Show Jumpers Head to Liverpool International Horse Show
The world’s leading show jumpers will be out in force at this year’s Liverpool International Horse Show as they battle it out for a place in the prestigious Theraplate UK Grand Prix on New Year’s Eve.
The Whitaker dynasty will be represented by elder statesmen John and Michael who are set to compete at this festive show jumping finale which will round off 2018 in style at the Echo Arena, 28th to 31st December.
Leading British stars, Laura Renwick, Robert Smith, William Funnell, Harriet Nutall, Harry Charles and Nigel Coupe will be joining them to provide the very best show jumping sport in the run up to the New Year.
The show is always a huge draw for Irish riders and two-times Grand Prix winner, Billy Twomey will have plenty of support with Shane Breen, Anthony Condon, Michael Duffy and Conor Swail also in action.
Overseas riders include Frenchman – Felicie Bertrand, Germany’s – Tobias Meyer and leading US rider, Andrew Kocher.
The Sunday night Equitop GLME Puissance is certainly building to what looks set to be one of the hottest competitions of the show.
Fighting it out for the leading awards are puissance specialists David Simpson, Mikey Pender with Hearton de Bois Halleux, James Smith riding Cycloon W, Nano Healy a winner of the Balinasloe and Cavan International puissance classes when clearing 2.10m and Michael Whyte another to clear well over 2m on the Irish scene.
Show President Nina Barbour said: “The puissance is always such a crowd pleaser and we are delighted that so many of the inform stars are heading to Liverpool. The Sunday evening is really building up to be a must see performance.”
Posted on December 6th, 2018
‘Better – Not More Education’ at the 2019 International Eventing Forum
The annual International Eventing Forum has become an essential date in the calendar of riders of all levels of skill and ambition, and 2019 looks set to be no different.
Taking place on Monday the 4th of February at Hartpury Equine, this year the ‘Theme’ of the day is ‘Better – Not More Education’ and aims to address the view that “more training” is the answer to the challenges faced by the sport of eventing. However, with more training there is a perception that “we are making things better and we’re doing our bit”.
Not so – not all training is bad…but a lot is.
The 5 Presenters at the 2019 International Eventing Forum are among some of the very best trainers and riders in the world, and attendees can look forward to a fantastic day of education and inspiration that will set your training on the right path for success.
The morning will start with a Dressage session given by Adam Kemp FBHS and Matt Frost, a skilled Trainer and a Rider partnership, who together make up AM Dressage. Presenting a session titled ‘“Simple” still Works’, Adam and Matt will demonstrate and explain the core elements of successful dressage riding and training, where ‘simple’ for the horse and ‘simple’ for the rider can achieve the best results.
Next to inspire the attendees will be Major (Retd.) Richard Waygood MBE giving his session on “Direct” Riding! Richard has had a busy and varied career, with his CV presenting achievements ranging from being the first serving officer of the British Army to compete at Badminton for 23 years and eventing a number of horses for Her Majesty The Queen, to the huge successes achieved by Team GB’s Dressage and Eventing Teams, under his direction as Performance Manager.
After the lunch break, when you have the opportunity to chat with like-minded eventing ‘geeks’, the renowned Irish International Show Jumping Course Designer Tom Holden teams up with Former Show Jumping World Champion and Irish Team European Champion Dermott Lennon for their session – The “Jumping Test” and “The Solution”!
Whether your goal is to complete your first BE90 or you’re aiming for 5* success, the forum is always a fantastic day and is perfect for trainers, owners and riders of all grades and levels of ambition.
Tickets are just £50 if purchased in advance (or £45 if purchased before the end of December), so book today to avoid disappointment! It is not to be missed.
www.internationaleventingforum.com
Posted on December 3rd, 2018
Thousands raised at Hickstead’s Showtime Ball
More than £7,000 was raised at Hickstead’s annual Showtime Ball on 17th November, with all profits from the night going towards improving the showing facilities at the showground.
Around 150 guests from the showing community attended the glittering black tie event, which takes place in the Members’ Restaurant overlooking the famous International Arena. The Ball has been held each year since 2015 and has raised in excess of £25,000 since it started, allowing Hickstead to make a number of beneficial changes to the showing arenas at its international shows.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Roger Stack Award. Named after Hickstead’s former Showing Director Roger Stack, who sadly died in December 2016, the award is presented for the showing performance of the year.
This year’s recipient was top show producer Jayne Ross, who has won countless titles at Hickstead including five British Horse Society Supreme Horse titles.
“It was such a special treat to receive the Roger Stack Award, winning it is definitely one of the highlights of my showing career and it’s a real honour to be selected,” said Jayne. “Hickstead is one of my favourite shows of the year, if not my favourite, and to win in that main ring is always so special.”
Presenting the award, Hickstead Director Edward Bunn said: “If we listed everything Jayne has won, we’d be here for hours. She has won numerous championships and -supremes, and she’s one of our biggest supporters. She is a very worthy winner of the Roger Stack award.
“We would also like to thank all the people who donated auction prizes, and everyone who came to the Ball and made it such a success,” Edward added.
Above: Jayne Ross winning in 2016. Photo: Craig Payne.
Posted on December 3rd, 2018
Evening with the Legendary Ramiro B Proves a Huge Success
More than 250 guests attended a very special ‘Evening with Ramiro B’ at Bolesworth Castle in Cheshire to learn more about the many successes of this legendary stallion. Hosted by his owner, Nina Barbour, the event allowed visitors to get close up and personal with the Belgian Warmblood stallion and gave those looking to breed with their mare next season the chance of a stud fee deal for 2019.
A busy evening included Ramiro B showcased by handler Steven Lemon as host Alistair Mizon guided visitors through his successful career as a show jumper and stallion.
Leading event rider, Oliver Townend, well known for his success with Ramiro B progeny then rode Laura Collett’s Advanced ride, Cooley Again. By Ramiro B out of an Irish Sport Horse, the 10-year-old Cooley Again is proving a very talented horse with Oliver relishing the ride as Laura is off with a broken hand.
“I have been riding Ramiro B offspring for more than 15 years and he has been an integral part of my career,” said Oliver. “He passes on his great temperament and is a real dual purpose stallion. Even if we don’t get a superstar, we get a lovely horse for junior or young rider level.
“Cooley Again shows all the traits of a Ramiro B progeny and is a natural athlete with enough movement to allow you to ride him and a careful jump with plenty of scope.”
Oliver then rode Cushlas Reviro, a 7-year-old, owned by Nina and destined for a career as a show jumper. By Ramiro B out of Cushlas Reve Du Lac, Bear as he is known at home also drew much praise from Oliver.
“A different type to Cooley Again, this horse still has the athleticism you look for and is a real pleasure to ride with a lot of movement and a forward thinking brain,” said Oliver.
Standing at Stallions AI in Cheshire, at 24-year-old Ramiro B is limited to 80 mares 2019.
Said Tullis Matson of Stallions AI: “Last season 80% of the mares were in foal with chilled semen and 86% with fresh, his strike rate is quite phenomenal. He is a delight to handle and his temperament is second to and his stock is now proving hugely successful in eventing and show jumping all over the world.”
Added Nina: “The evening has been a huge success and it is wonderful to say that Ramiro B offspring have had a phenomenal year in 2018. The mark he has made is extremely special and we felt an evening to recognise his achievements would be brilliant.”
Ramiro B has a stud fee of £1200 plus VAT offering fresh, chilled or frozen semen.
For further information telephone Faye at Stallion AI Services on 01948 666295 or sales@stallionai.com
