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Posted on December 18th, 2019
Brits dominate at Olympia with a second one-two-tree
Britain continued to dominate on day two of Olympia, The London International Horse Show with another sensational win for Charlotte Dujardin in the FEI Dressage World Cup Freestyle to Music supported by Horse & Hound.
The day kicked-off with the Services Jumping Championship, the ultimate accolade for military riders, which was won by LCpl Holly Hall representing The Royal Logistic Corps. LCpl Hall’s double clear aboard WKD San Remo proved the only faultless performance of the class. Squadron Leader Elise Kidd and Wing Commander Laurie Tostevin, both from the Royal Air Force, battled it out for second and third place respectively, finishing on four faults with the second-round time being the deciding factor.
The Musical Ride of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and Jean-François Pignon once again had the crowd on their feet with spectacular performances and the iconic 2019 edition of the Christmas Finale supported by The Hilton London Olympia premiered to great acclaim.
Britain’s ‘Queen of Dressage’ Charlotte Dujardin lived up to all expectations, riding Mount St John Freestyle to a euphoric victory in the FEI Dressage World Cup Freestyle to Music supported by Horse & Hound, scoring an impressive 87.52%. Having won Monday’s FEI Dressage World Cup Grand Prix supported by Horse & Hound by a comfortable margin, Charlotte rose to the occasion tonight, with a near-perfect rendition of her new freestyle routine, The Snow Queen.
With the top three places replicating the previous night’s result, British riders once again dominated. Carl Hester and Hawtins Delicato showed what they are capable of to take second, with a personal best score of 84.47%. with Britain’s newest superstar, Lottie Fry and the spectacular stallion Everdale also smashing the 80%-barrier, finishing on 82.62%, their second personal best of the show.
This was Charlotte’s fourth win in the FEI Dressage World Cup qualifier at Olympia, her first with the Fidermark mare. Speaking after her victory Charlotte said: “This was her third ever Freestyle. The crowd felt even closer than last night and it was quite a difficult floorplan. She really tried and listened to me; I couldn’t ask for more. I’ve had my highs and lows this year [referring to disqualification in the Grand Prix at the European Championships] and it is great to end the year with such a positive ride.”
Carl Hester, who was disappointed with his performance yesterday, said: “What a difference a day makes. I have a big smile today. His last Freestyle was at the European Championships this summer, where he had a meltdown. What a way to finish the season.”
Under-25 European Champion Lottie Fry, who rode to new music she had received just a week ago, was still pinching herself after yesterday’s third place: “I don’t think it’s sunk in yet and it won’t sink in for quite a while” said Lottie, We trained hard in the lead up to Olympia and everything fell into place. I dare to dream that next year will be an exciting year.”
With the 2020 Tokyo Olympics around the corner, judge Andrew Gardner was particularly pleased with Britain’s domination: “These horses are young, so there is more to come. This is my favourite show and judging horses of this calibre here is such a treat.”
Olympia was the sixth of 11 qualifiers in the 2019-20 FEI World Cup dressage series, which culminates with the final in Las Vegas in April.
Britain’s Queen of Dressage Charlotte Dujardin lived up to all expectations, riding Mount St John Freestyle to a euphoric victory in the FEI Dressage World Cup Freestyle to Music supported by Horse & Hound, scoring an impressive 87.52%. Having won last night’s FEI Dressage World Cup Grand Prix supported by Horse & Hound by a comfortable margin, Charlotte rose to the occasion tonight, nailing her new freestyle routine, The Snow Queen.
With the top three places replicating last night’s result, British riders once again dominated. Carl Hester and Hawtins Delicato showed what they are capable of to take second, with a personal best score of 84.47%. Britain’s newest superstar Lottie Fry also smashed the 80%-barrier aboard the spectacular stallion Everdale, finishing on 82.62% – their second personal best of the show.
This was Charlotte’s fourth win in the FEI Dressage World Cup at Olympia, her first with the Fidermark mare. Speaking after her victory Charlotte said: “This was her third ever freestyle. The crowd felt even closer than last night and it was quite a difficult floor plan. She really tried and listened to me; I couldn’t ask for more. I’ve had my highs and lows this year and it is great to end the year with such a positive ride.”
Carl Hester, who was disappointed with his performance on Monday, said: “What a difference a day makes. I have a big smile today. [Hawtins Delicato]’s last freestyle was at the European Championships this summer, where he had a meltdown. What a way to finish the season.”
Under-25 European Champion Lottie Fry, who rode to new music she had received just a week ago, was still pinching herself after Monday’s third place. “I don’t think it’s sunk in yet and it won’t sink in for quite a while,” said Lottie. “We trained hard in the lead up to Olympia and everything fell into place. I dare to dream that next year will be an exciting year.”
With the 2020 Tokyo Olympics around the corner, judge Andrew Gardner was particularly pleased with Britain’s domination: “These horses are young, so there is more to come. This is my favourite show and judging horses of this calibre here is such a treat.”
Olympia is the sixth of 11 qualifiers in the 2019-20 FEI Dressage World Cup series, which culminates with the final in Las Vegas in April.
Posted on December 18th, 2019
Britain reigns supreme on first night of Olympia
The World’s best Dressage riders were out in force on day one of Olympia, The London International Horse Show, where Charlotte Dujardin was crowned winner of the FEI World Cup Dressage Grand Prix supported by Horse & Hound.
In addition to the top-class competition, some of the sport’s most respected names took centre stage to be part of Dressage Unwrapped, hosted by Carl Hester MBE, Gareth Hughes and Richard Davison. With the help of some well-known equestrian friends, including Olympic, World and European medalist Pippa Funnell and Performance Manager to Britain’s Senior Eventing Team, Richard Waygood, the unique masterclass explored all aspects of dressage including; producing, training and managing dressage horses, how to cope with the pressures of competition and insights from top dressage judge Stephen Clarke.
Spectacular performances from The Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and Jean-François Pignon, and a fast and furious opening race from The Saracen Horse Feeds Shetland Pony Grand National, won by Freddy Tewson-Green added to the excitement on the opening night of the 2019 Show.
Not only was Charlotte Dujardin back in pole position in the FEI Dressage World Cup Grand Prix, supported by Horse & Hound, but Britain completely dominated, taking the top four places.
Charlotte was in a league of her own, riding the spectacular 10-year-old Mount St John Freestyle, to win by a margin of more than 5% on 81.55%.
Charlotte said: “This was Freestyle’s second indoor show. Olympia is a really big atmosphere for a young horse that doesn’t have much experience. While I was going around the outside of the arena, I could hear everybody going, ‘Good luck Charlotte’ — that’s how close the audience is. I am so excited about her; each time she performs, she just gets better. I was so pleased with how she dealt with it all.”
Carl Hester, the man dubbed The Master of Dressage, and the 11-year-old British-bred Hawtins Delicato took second place on 75.79%. The combination had just one error in the two-time changes, otherwise producing a fluent, soft test.
“He can do a lot better; he’s the most talented horse I’ve ever had, but it has taken time for him to gain confidence. Considering this was his first test since the Europeans, he’s done great,” said Carl.
Lottie Fry, who is based with the Van Olsts in the Netherlands, took third place with the hugely talented 10-year-old stallion Everdale, her second string. It was the 23-year-old’s second competition in her homeland in five years and only the combination’s fifth grand prix test.
Lottie said: “I am really proud. I cannot quite believe I am sitting next to Carl and Charlotte at this press conference. This is the biggest atmosphere we’ve ever competed in and he’s not used to going abroad. It is our best test and best score yet.”
Fourth place went to the European Championships Team GB second reserves Lara Butler and Rubin Al Asad with 74.05%.
The riders faced the additional challenge of riding the latest shortened grand prix test as part of a pilot project to make dressage user-friendlier. With each test lasting less than five minutes, the movements come up fast, however it was generally well received by the riders, and regarded as a big improvement to last year’s test.
Katrina Wüst, the judge who was instrumental in writing the shortened version, said: “It is easily manageable for good riders; it is a true proof of thoroughness.”
An appreciative audience gathered earlier in the day at Olympia for a brand-new treat, a 90-minute “Dressage Unwrapped” demonstration, which kicked off the show. Led by three of Britain’s most celebrated dressage riders, Carl Hester, Gareth Hughes and Richard Davison, it explored all aspects of dressage, including producing, training and managing dressage horses, what it means to compete and how to cope with the pressures of competition.
For the masterclass, Gareth Hughes rode his small tour horse Sintano Van Hof Olympia while explaining his training techniques and routine. Following this Stephen Clarke, one of the world’s top judges, gave live comments and scores on a test performed by Jess Dunn and Alicante Valley, before a highly entertaining duo demonstration by performance manager to Britain’s senior eventing team, Richard Waygood, and one of the country’s best-loved eventers, Pippa Funnell, explained their favourite pole exercises to improve cadence and impulsion. Carl then completed the session by teaching Charlotte Dujardin on her phenomenally talented young superstar, the eight-year-old Gio, known as Pumpkin.
Posted on December 12th, 2019
DIARY DATE: British Breeding Stallion Event
British Breeding are delighted to announce their third Stallion Event, which will take place at Addington Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire on Saturday 8th February 2020. London Olympic showjumping gold medallist stallion Big Star will return to the event, alongside a host of top stallions from high profile studs, including Catherston, Caunton Manor, Future Sport Horses, New Priory, Stallions AI and West Kington.
The British Breeding Stallion Event, sponsored by Baileys Horse Feeds and in association with Competition Stallions, is a highly popular show, allowing vistors to see some of the best sport horse and pony stallions standing within the UK. Stallions will be showcased in the main arena under saddle, in dressage, eventing and showjumping disciplines.
Offering a vibrant mix of established household names alongside up-and-coming talent, the show also boasts a busy trade stand area to make a perfect day out for anyone considering breeding, or just to admire the equine talent. Products, services and studbooks will be represented in the trade stand area and visitors will have the opportunity to get up to date with the latest news and activities offered by British Breeding to support British breeders.
A favourite amongst both stallion owners and show visitors alike is the ability to ‘meet’ the stallions in their stabling area. This opportunity to view in such close-quarters allows visitors time to assess the horses’ conformations in a relaxed atmosphere, whilst also having the opportunity to talk directly to the stallion owners, trainers and riders, giving all a chance to really get to know one another.
With a large number of the top stallions standing in the UK expected to be on show, this marks an important event for mare owners, riders and spectators. Several stallions will be shown with their some of their progeny, giving an invaluable insight into future generations.
Stallion bookings are now being taken on a first come, first served basis. For those interested in trade stands, limited space is available within the arena, with two spaces also available outside near to the stabling area. Should you wish to bring your stallion or book a trade stand, please contact jane@horseit.com. The deadline for all stallion and tradestand bookings is Sunday 5th January. A waiting list will be held for those bookings taken at a later date.
For further information and to book tickets, please visit https://british-breeding.com/stallion-event
Posted on December 12th, 2019
National equine charities and Lincolnshire organisations lend helping hands to Bransby Horses
Bransby Horses
The Donkey Sanctuary and Co-op Lincolnshire are just a couple of the organisations who have donated or offered their time to Bransby Horses in the last few weeks. Teams have helped with lots of jobs from sweeping yards and poo-picking to lending an expert hand with the equines, if individuals have the right expertise.
Following serious flooding in Lincolnshire in November 2019, equine charity, Bransby Horses, lost 40% of their grazing land in a matter of days. With demand for their support at highest levels for years, more than 400 equines on site and their Barlings site not yet ready, the charity has hit crisis point.
The charity has said they need an additional £200,000 on top of the £6m the charity needs to run each year, to move 80-100 equines to their additional site, Barlings in Langworth. In just a few weeks, they have raised 15% of what is needed, from generous supporters from across the UK, but there is still lots of work to do.
As well as financial donations, the charity has been receiving offers of help from individuals who can spare a few hours, like-minded charities who share the same mission and big-hearted organisations from the area and further afield.
Rachel Jenkinson, Farm Manager at Bransby Horses said:
“We have been overwhelmed by the amazing help of our supporters and friends. We are receiving donations of money, items, time and energy which have all made an incredible difference. The messages of support are also keeping all our spirits up at this really trying time. The Donkey Sanctuary even sent us a knitted donkey with treats for the staff and then, sent their team down to help on the yards! Our challenge is by no means over and it will be a tough winter but with the continued support of generous people and our good friends, we can get through this.”
Bransby Horses has been rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming horses, ponies, donkeys and mules for more than 50 years. There are now almost 1,000 equines in the care of the charity with more than 400 on their site at Bransby and more than 500 in foster homes across the UK. Following the flooding of 2019, the charity is now at crisis point and is asking for people to donate, volunteer or rehome if they can, to help them continue their work through the winter and into 2020.
For more information, visit: www.bransbyhorses.co.uk
Photo: John Aron
Posted on December 5th, 2019
Wrap Up Warm this Christmas with the RDA 50th Anniversary Tartan Scarf
A tartan scarf launched to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Riding for the Disabled Association in 2019 is now available to purchase online from Norvite Farm and Country’s online shop.
The lambswool scarf, priced at £22.95 is made from a special new tartan featuring the charity’s colours and was produced by Lochcarron of Scotland.
By purchasing the scarf you will not only be giving someone a beautiful Christmas gift that will stand the test of time but also helping to support the fantastic work of the charity that has been providing therapy through horses for 50 years.
RDA would like to extend their thanks to Norvite Farm & Country for acting as a fulfilment service for RDA to facilitate online sales of the 50th Anniversary scarf. All monies from every sale go directly to Riding for the Disabled Association.
Posted on December 3rd, 2019
Christmas plea from Bransby Horses
Recent heavy flooding in Lincolnshire has meant equine charity, Bransby Horses, has had to cancel all of their Christmas events and activities this year. But they are urgently appealing to people to carry on visiting the site.
At the moment, the charity is welcoming a fraction of the number of visitors they have done in past years, they assume this is because people think they are closed! However, despite the damage, the Visitor Centre, shop and café have been totally unaffected by the flooding and continue to trade as usual. In fact, the charity has an amazing selection of baubles and Christmas gifts that would normally be flying off the shelves. The award-winning café continues to serve a selection of winter warmers and other tasty treats.
Visitor Engagement Manager Holly Hart said, “It’s heart breaking to see the visitor centre so empty – normally at this time of year we busy selling our winter gifts and the café would be full of people, but with visitor numbers so low, we stand to lose even more money from the floods.”
Having planned and organised a schedule of family-friendly festive things to do and other popular events such as the Rug and Tack Sale, the charity has just revealed that these need to be removed from their plans, so teams can focus on dealing with the impact of the floods and our Engagement team can continue welcoming visitors to the site day-to-day.
With approximately 1,000 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules in the charity’s care (450 based on site and more than 500 in foster homes), the floods have already led to the urgent moving of 100 equines, to dry temporary areas. This is not a long term solution for the charity and the land that has been affected will be unusable for the foreseeable future, due to contamination.
Two weeks after the two valves were closed by The Environment Agency, saving thousands of homes in Lincolnshire from flooding, both valves have been opened, helping some of the charity’s fields be relieved of water temporarily. The effects of the flooding are still being felt by the charity, whose teams are still working hard to keep all equines safe and have drafted in additional help to try and cope with conditions.
With the situation unlikely to be sorted in the immediate future, the plan to move 100 equines to their Barlings site, in Langworth, has become more urgent than ever.
The charity will be giving refunds to those who have booked activities already but are still desperate for people to visit their site for a day out. Whilst some of the land has been severely affected, visitor areas are still open and support is still needed by the charity to continue their work through the winter.
Charlie McCelland, Fundraising Manager at Bransby Horses has said: “It is a shame that we have had to cancel our events and activities over the next few weeks, especially as our team have worked so hard organising them, but, we know this is the right decision. Our horses, ponies, donkeys, mules…and people, must always come first and knowing what everyone has been through and continues to go through, there is still a tough road ahead.
“Whilst we are all working hard and getting good support from the local community, we still have a long way to go. Please do visit our website and social media channels to find out more about how to support our mission, so we can continue helping equines who have had a difficult and traumatic start in life. Please do also come and see us too! Our Gift Shop, café and some of our walkways are still open and the teams and animals would love to see visitors. Friendly faces coming in for the day help give us a morale lift during this challenging period. What we face is the worst conditions for many years but together, we can get through it and continue to be there for equines in need.”
The charity is planning to move some of their equines to their site in Barlings in the next four to six weeks, so the land at Bransby can be cleared up and has time to recover. Their timeline for moving animals and teams to the site in Langworth was originally the end of 2020, so the charity have been working hard to raise the money needed to have the right infrastructure in place at the site as soon as possible.
The charity has sent out a plea for donations of money, items, time and foster homes and have had a good response so far but the challenge is far from over. The charity will feel the effects of the flood for many months, possibly until the end of 2020.
