From the ups and down, inspirations to weaknesses, here we find out a little bit more about showing supremo turned dressage star, Louise Bell…

1. She first took up dressage as part of a Horse & Hound switching disciplines challenge in 2011, for which she had three lessons with Michael Eilberg before doing an elementary test. “I had never done pure dressage and it really doesn’t compare to showing,” she says. “Thank god I took on that challenge — thank you H&H!”

2. In 2011, Louise considered giving up her showing career after losing four of her top show horses in quick succession. “It was like losing family and I was on the edge of quitting,” she admits.

3. Louise received her Union Jack flag this year when she represented Britain on a team for the first time. She was the best-placed member of the British Nations Cup team in the grand prix at the Hickstead CDI in July — where she was also judging in the show ring at the Royal International Horse Show.

4. She first learnt her trade training at Ted Edgar’s yard. “I learnt so much there — it was tough but it’s why I have the attitude that I do today: if you want something you work hard for it,” she says.

5. Louise and her husband Robert survived a horrific horse box crash in 2002, but having broken her leg in multiple places, Louise was told she may never ride again. But, that same year, she went on to win the working hunter title at Horse of the Year Show with Out Of Sight.

6. Among the friends she made while working at Ted’s is Alan Davies, now groom to Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin. “Alan and I go back a very long way,” said Louise, fondly.

7. On of Louise’s highlights of 2018 is being warmed up by Carl while at the national championships in September. “Carl was brilliant and helped me at the nationals, even though I don’t usually train with him. I loved every minute of it — warming up with Carl Hester is just amazing.”

8. Her drink of choice is a Moscow Mule cocktail — made with ginger beer, vodka and lime juice.

9. She admits that Dime bars are her biggest weakness. “I can’t just eat one! Those mini ones especially are dangerous — they’re a terrible weakness of mine.”

10. Her horses are mostly named after films, such as Into The Blue (pictured), W Get Smart and her exciting upcoming mare, Skyfall.

11. Many of her best horses, including her current top grand prix dressage horse In to The Blue (by Ublesco), were bred by John Whitaker.

12. Louise has recently bred a foal — her first dressage-bred horse — a son of Uthopia born in 2018. “He’s called Peaky Blinder because he’s dodgy,” laughs Louise. “He is absolutely spectacular — he’s the golden child.”

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13. She names German Olympian Dorothee Schneider as one of her biggest inspirations. “She’s a real rider — I can imagine her riding anything. She’s such a talented horsewoman; very clever and very underestimated.”

14. She relishes pressure when it comes to performing. “I do well under pressure — showing has done that for me,” she explains. “People expect you to win and you’re always being watched.”

For the full interview with Louise Bell, don’t miss the latest issue of Horse & Hound magazine, out now (dated 24 January 2019)

An inquiry into fireworks legislation launched by the govenrment’s parliamentary petitions committee could be “the best chance we’ve had to change the law”.

The move comes after close to 750,000 people signed petitions expressing concern about fireworks through the petition.parkiament.uk site over the past three years.

The committee is asking those who have previously signed petitions to share their views via an online survey, which closes on 26 March www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/TS5AK/

It will also gather formal evidence from relevant public bodies and fireworks experts.

One of the cases it will be considering is the call for a ban on public sale and use.

“The petitions system has provided hundreds of thousands of people with a way to voice their views about fireworks,” said Helen Jones MP, chair of the petitions committee.

“Through the scores of petitions we have received on this it is clear that public feeling about fireworks is very strong, and there is a real need to scrutinise the current laws.

“The government believes the rules on fireworks are effective, but the law hasn’t been looked at for some time.

“We want to make sure the law and rules strike the right balance between respecting traditions, allowing the enjoyment of fireworks and protecting people, animals and property.”

Horse owner Julie Doorne, who has launched several petitions that have led to parliamentary debates, welcomed the news.

“This has got to be the best chance we have had so far to get a change in firework law,” she told H&H.

“I hope everyone who has ever signed a petition regarding fireworks, whatever change they would like, will complete the survey and send in a submission.”

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Ms Doorne’s current petition, on change.org, is lobbying the Office for Product Safety and Standards to review firework rules. It has so far received more than 370,000 signatures.

The committee is also inviting written submissions by 5pm on 8 April, which can be found here www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/petitions-committee/inquiries/parliament-2017/fireworks-inquiry-17-19/

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

Two youngsters rescued within days of each other are facing “sparkling futures”after they were found weak and unwell.

Diamond and Quartz were rescued in February after concerned members of the public called World Horse Welfare.

Field officer Sarah Tucker arrived at an industrial estate in east Middlesbrough, where she found a colt (now named Diamond) tied tightly to railings. He was extremely weak and underweight.

“Diamond was clearly only a matter of months old, far too young to be without his mother and suffering badly from poor nutrition,” she said.

“His bones were sticking out through his thick, fluffy coat and his demeanour was dull and lethargic. He was clearly in urgent need of veterinary attention and as we couldn’t locate an owner, we worked with the RSPCA to post an abandonment notice before transporting him to a safe location nearby.”

Once the pony was well enough, he moved from the safe location where he was temporarily staying to World Horse Welfare’s Penny Farm near Blackpool.

“No owner has come forward so he is now in World Horse Welfare’s ownership and is thriving at the farm, living the life a young pony deserves,” she added.

Diamond in the care of World Horse Welfare

Days later, Ms Tucker was called to another pony who had been found loose in a poorly fenced field close to the A1 near Pontefract.

“Quartz was clearly very unwell, scouring badly and appeared to be suffering from worms but he was also unhandled and very nervous so I couldn’t get close enough to properly assess his condition,” she said.

Quartz when he was found

“I was also worried about him becoming frightened and getting onto the A1 so I contacted fellow equine charity Bransby Horses, who attended with their penning system to help us safely contain and catch him.

“Once he was in the safety of temporary boarding stables, he was assessed by a vet who found him suffering, with a dangerously high temperature and a severe worm infestation.”

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Quartz now

She added he is now doing “really well and growing healthier every day” at Penny Farm.

“As with Diamond, no owner could be found so he is now in the care of World Horse Welfare,” she said.

“The plights of these two young ponies within a matter of days of each other, shows the scale of the welfare challenges facing our equine population and highlights the importance of people keeping alert for horses in need of our help.

“As a team of 16 field officers covering huge geographical areas, we rely on the public to be our eyes and ears.

“Reporting welfare concerns is essential in helping ensure we can reach as many horses as possible and in this instance it is thanks to two callers that both Diamond and Quartz are now safe, well and ready to have sparkling futures.”

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

With more than 1,000 horses attending over five days, it can be hard to stand out from the crowd at Equifest (8 – 12 August, East of England showground).

But one duo who certainly made a lasting impression — on judges and spectators alike — was Angela Conner and her new mount, the Morgan stallion Optimus Prime.

The magnificent 12-year-old, a multi-garlanded American Morgan horse world champion, and Angela were crowned supreme foreign breeds champion of the show, clinching the sash under the famous Equifest spotlight in the evening performance.

The pair outshone 16 other competitors, including an array of breed representatives such as Andalusians, Friesians, Nordics, Icelandics, Saddlebreds, Arabs and assortment of crossbreeds.

Optimus Prime looked every inch the champion and carefully looked after his rider, 84-year-old Angela, who by her own admission had forgotten her exact age on the day. Her reply: “I’ve lost count, I think it’s somewhere between 80 and 90 years.”

Angela, who is lives and works as an international sculptress in Herefordshire and London, co-founded the British Morgan Horse Society some 40 years ago with her husband John.

Since his arrival in the UK in April, Optimus Prime has been training with Trudy Connolly, head horsewoman at Angela and John’s Monnington stud, Herefordshire.

Monnington Morgans is the breed’s foundation stud and was set up by the couple in 1975.

“I got into Morgans completely by accident,” said Angela. “I acquired a horse from America who was in bad way when she arrived. I wasn’t even sure if she was a Morgan but I was told by a judge she definitely was. That’s how it all began. They are naturally uphill and look impressive, but they are very safe — they are brilliant nanny horses.”

“I had seen Optiums Prime in America and as soon the opportunity came about I bought him. At Equifest he just switched on and did his stuff — I just happened to be sat on top. He is like an Audi car, very smooth to ride.

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Angela will continue to show the stallion and intends to compete him at the Foreign Breeds Society championship show in September.

Doug Wade, editor of the Morgan Horse Society magazine and friend of Angela said: “It seems that the UK Morgan is generating interest once again, making headway and standing their ground against all breeds. This is the future for the Morgan Breed, exhibiting to all within the equestrian world and spreading the Morgan word.”

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

Alice Oppenheimer has paid tribute to Headmore Stud’s star broodmare Rubinsteena, who has died aged 22.

“Ruby” is mother to a dressage dynasty, with her offspring winning across the levels at regional and national level.

“We didn’t buy her initially to breed from,” Alice told H&H. “She had a couple of foals before we bought her and the intention was to bring her back into work, but thank god it went the way that it did.

“It didn’t matter which stallion we used, she always gave us an amazing foal — we were so lucky. She was so correct in her conformation and her movement, she was very special.

“All [her offspring] have a fantastic work ethic, are very kind horses and love people, they genuinely want to do the work.”

Sarah Oppenheimer bought Ruby from Julie Deverill at Half Moon Stud, who herself had bought the mare as a foal from Christian Heinrich.

Her most successful progeny include Half Moon Frizzante, who won the 2012 elementary open title at the 2012 winter championships and won at small tour level. She is also the dam of Headmore Davina, winner of numerous national and regional titles who qualified for this year’s British Dressage National Championships at small tour.

She had three offspring competing at the 2018 winter championships: Headmore Dirubinio (by Dimaggio), Headmore Davina (by Dimaggio) and Headmore Bella Ruby (by Belissimo M).

Her 2008 foal, Headmore Wimoweh, made his grand prix debut in August at Bury Farm high profile show, finishing third on 67.57% at his first attempt.

Her 2016 foal Headmore Valentina was awarded an elite premium at the British Breeders/British Equestrian Federation Futurity with a score of 9.7, the joint-third highest ever mark.

“She was a fantastic mum, knew exactly what to do,” said Alice, adding it was almost as if she would say “take it away” when the foals reached six months old.

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“She was quite bossy so the foals always had that herd instinct that makes them rideable as they were so used to having someone in charge, they look to the rider for guidance and support.

“She loved being a broodmare, I genuinely think that was her calling in life.”

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

The owner of a much-loved mare who died after a Chinook helicopter flew “very low” over her field wants the RAF to explain why the aircraft was there.

Jeff and Linda Brown’s 21-year-old Arab G Elnor (Ellie) became impaled on a broken fence rail after the helicopter appeared without warning in Brookville, Norfolk, last Tuesday (6 November). She died almost instantly.

Mr Brown told H&H that in her panic, Ellie had previously skidded into the fence side-on, breaking the top two rails.

“The helicopter spooked her into a panic,” he said.

“It appeared suddenly over the treeline, so low there was no noise preceding it, and Ellie was just terrified. We’re near an RAF and a US air force base so she’s used to some low-flying jets, but not like this.

“She was tied up for the farriers, when she pulled back and bolted.”

Panicking, Ellie galloped towards the fence, skidding into and breaking it, then towards a neighbouring field where there was another horse.

“She bolted back down the paddock and where she’d broken the rail, there was a shard of 2×4 rail sticking out,” Mr Brown said. “She ran on to it.

“It went into her chest and heart about 15 inches deep. My wife was running towards her but my daughter was closer and she sent my wife away.

“Ellie collapsed off the fence and went straight down; she was dead within 10 to 15 seconds, almost before she hit the floor.”

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Mr Brown has reported the incident to the RAF’s low-flying aircraft complaints unit, which is investigating.

“I think they should be held responsible in some way,” he said. “But that won’t bring Ellie back.

“She was everything to my wife; we’d had her 15 years and they’d been Endurance GB members, competing up and down the country including the Golden Horseshoe, and my wife still rode her regularly; they were entered for a 40km ride next week.

“She was such a good mare; we’re by a byway, and everyone who walked up there knew her as she’d come and see them, and they’d feed her carrots.

“She was very friendly and personable, but she was an Arab mare, and full of spirit. If she’d been a cob or a New Forest pony, it might not have happened, but then she wouldn’t have been Ellie.

“She was just one of us, a family member. She was well respected, and much, much loved.”

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An RAF spokesman said: “The RAF has been made aware of an incident involving the death of a horse in Norfolk. The Low flying Complaints Unit is carrying out an investigation and therefore, it would be inappropriate to offer comment whilst the investigation is ongoing.”

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

A “kind-hearted” police horse who served for more than 14 years has died shortly into his retirement.

Lionheart, known to his friends as Lionel, was put down due to illness following a distinguished career with the Nottinghamshire and City of London Police mounted sections.

“Lionel was a true gentleman,” mounted branch sergeant Jim Green told H&H.

“Kind, gentle, well-mannered and eager to please, he was known throughout the force as a big friendly giant and he always attracted visitors.

“We always aim to retire our horses while they are still fit enough to enjoy it so it’s a great shame that Lionel’s retirement was cut so short by his illness.”

Lionheart, ridden by Commander Gyford, at his final Lord Mayor’s Show

The 17.2hh part-bred Clydesdale was due to be rehomed with volunteer Elaine Freer, who had known the horse for many years.

“Even though he never made it to his new home, Elaine was with him at the very end,” added Sergeant Green.

“On behalf of the City of London Police, thank you for your service Lionel and sleep tight, big fella.”

He took part at the forefront of many mounted police operations and helped train many new riders and horses joining the police.

Lionel served at numerous football matches, sporting fixtures and public disorder situations, as well as the funeral of King Richard III in 2015, and led the Freedom of the City parade for the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in 2016. He also formed part of the Lord Mayor’s show every year since he joined the City of London Police in 2012.

On his retirement in November, mounted branch stable manager Eloise Mayhead remembered him as “the kindest horse”.

“[He] never likes to do anything wrong or be in your bad books,” she said.

“He does whatever the rider tells him to do as he has total confidence in the rider. Although he’s a big wimp at heart, he’ll go wherever you tell him to go as he is so subservient and very kind.”

The Horse & Hound outstanding mare award for 2019 has been won by Sarah Oppenheimer’s prolific broodmare, Rubinsteena (Rubinstein x Donnerhall).

The fantastic foundation mare of the Oppenheimers’ Headmore Stud, in Hampshire, died last year at the age of 22, leaving behind an extensive dressage dynasty who are winning at national and regional level.

The award was presented to Sarah by Horse & Hound’s dressage and sport horse breeding editor Polly Bryan, at the annual British Breeders Dinner and Awards Ceremony, organised by the British Horse Foundation.

Sarah Oppenheimer bought Ruby (pictured below) from Julie Deverill at Half Moon Stud, who herself had bought the mare as a foal from Christian Heinrich.

“Ruby has produced so many lovely horses for us; every single one of them has been a superstar, and we still have some of her offspring that haven’t been seen out yet,” Sarah told H&H. “She was just amazing — it didn’t matter which stallion you used on her, you got a star. She will leave a total legacy for us — we’re starting to have her grandchildren now. Ruby really was part of the family, and we owe her everything.”

Among Ruby’s most successful offspring currently on the circuit are Headmore Wimoweh, an 11-year-old by Wiowode who recently made a successful grand prix debut, Headmore Dirubinio (by Dimaggio), who was reserve winter advanced medium music champion in 2018, just behind his full sister Headmore Davina, an inter I winner at Hickstead CDI in 2018 and third at the nationals, and Headmore Bella Ruby, who was fourth in the national six-year-old final in 2018.

“Without Ruby we would have only one horse on our yard— everything else I ride is one of hers,” said Alice.

“All of them have a temperament and rideability that you can’t train — they have to be born with it. They all have this desire to work and please their rider; you get them between the white boards and they just seem to know their job.

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“We used to laugh about Ruby and call her cantankerous, but in a good way,” she added. “She was a very strong mare, who really liked people but wasn’t such a big fan of other horses. If she had a foal at foot she wouldn’t let any other horse near her — she was a really good mum.”

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

A “small but mighty” event horse who represented Britain at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) is to enjoy a happy hacking retirement, having ended his career with a win.

Black Tie, who finished fourth with Oliver at Luhmühlen CCI4* (now CCI5*-L) and won Burnham Market CIC3* (now CCI4*-S) in 2014, the same year the combination represented Britain at WEG, is to live with friends of owner Karyn Shuter.

Karyn, who rode 18-year-old thoroughbred “Tonti” herself up to novice level, told H&H it was fantastic to see him go on to the top level with Oliver.

“He was a classic-looking thoroughbred with a lovely head and front and good technique but not a massive stride, so I always thought if he didn’t make it as an eventer he could be a working hunter,” she said.

“As much as I enjoyed riding him, he came at a time that my other horse, who was aiming for Burghley, got injured, then I got injured. That’s where Oliver is very generous with his time to help friends and offered to tick them over until I came back.

“I had a reassessment in my life and thought I didn’t want to start at the bottom again with one horse. He was always too careful for his size and scope, thus needed someone accurate – and hands up, I will never be as accurate as Oliver.

“It’s funny how things happen and the timing of things; as good as Tonti has been, it was lucky he ended up with Oliver to give him the best opportunity to go on to do what he did.”

Karyn described Tonti as a “funny little character, cheeky but very genuine”, who apparently used to “get rid of jockeys”.

“He was quite amusing because now and then in the jumping he would grip the bit, roar off down to the fence and then, at the last second go: ‘Actually, I’ll leave it to you’, and we’d laugh about it afterwards.

“I used to struggle watching him because obviously if you have ridden them, your last experience is how you remember them, so when walking the four-stars I used to think ‘He can’t do this; he’s too little and still a novice.”

Karyn said Tonti used to like to jump “too well”, such as clearing rather than going through brush, which was “ridiculous” at the top level, and meant he “took too much out of himself”, hence his need for top of the ground conditions and a rider who was always accurate.

“I adored him as a person, he always neighs when he sees people he knows, gallops up to the gate when you call him and loves every treat under the sun,” she added.

“He refuses to let any new work experience people put the headcollar on, but had a fantastic trainable brain and was just another reason why I love thoroughbreds.”

Karyn said owing to Tonti’s worth ethic and eagerness to please, they knew he would “try right to the end”, so they wanted him to finish his career on a high.

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Oliver Townend heads British quartet at Kentucky

Two British horses will fly to the USA for the spring four-star, with two US-based Brits also competing.

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“We never wanted to break him physically or his heart, as that’s what made him, him – his belief in himself,” she said.

“The plan was Osborne, which was a fantastic run, perfect ground for him, nice weather and the icing on the cake was him winning. Then we thought this year, he’s 18, still trying to buck everyone off but let’s leave it at that, on a high, the way you would always choose to end if you can.”

Oliver announced the retirement with “mixed emotions”.

“Tonti truly embodies being small but mighty, and his huge character has put a smile on all our faces from day one!” he said.

“We always agreed we wanted him to finish his competition career fit and healthy so he could enjoy a long and happy retirement, so it is lovely to end on a high with him winning his last event at Osborne last season.

“Tonti, thanks for all the wonderful times and happy retirement champ!”

Funds raised in memory of a much-loved pony who had to be put down as a result of a road accident will be split between the East Anglian Air Ambulance and an equestrian charity.

Family friend Fern Wilby set up a Gofundme page in memory of Beth Main’s 14.2hh mare Nissy.

The pair were hacking out in Beccles last Thursday (26 September) when they were involved in a collision with a car. Beth, 14, escaped serious injury, although she was knocked unconscious and airlifted to hospital, but Nissy had to be put down at the scene.

“Nissy saved Beth’s life,” Fern told H&H. “She took the impact, and Beth came away without even a broken bone; it’s a miracle.”

When Beth first owned Nissy, two years ago, the idea was to compete in dressage but she had also showjumped, including clearing 1.25m in a gate-jumping challenge.

“Beth called her ‘the little horse who can’, and she refers to her as ‘my hero’,” Fern said. “She told me the other day she had a lifetime of memories from those two years.”

Fern said she set up the fundraising page in Nissy’s memory.

“Often when things happen, the horse isn’t remembered but she was so special, I wanted to try to keep her memory alive,” she said.

“When I first set it up, within 20 minutes, it had had £75 and I thought that would be good – but now it’s raised over £1,100. I can’t believe it, and Beth’s family has found it a comfort.”

The money will be split equally between the air ambulance and an equestrian charity of Beth’s choosing.

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Deborah Meaden backs road safety campaign

A new road safety guide for drivers and riders has been backed by Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden

Mounted officer’s accident inspires road safety campaign

PC Wendy Townley and her horse, Steele, were hit by a car while out on the roads

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“Beth also really wants to raise awareness of horse safety on the roads,” Fern said. “That’s why I put ‘pass wide and slow’ on the fundraising page, in hope it would stick in people’s heads.

“Beth and Nissy were such a team and after everything they’d done together, this happened out hacking. Losing a horse can be like losing a family member, it’s absolutely horrendous.”

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