Eventing legend seeks new thrill in round the world yacht race

Monday, February 10th, 2020 at 1:43 am

King William and Mary King

Eventer Mary King will be chasing a new adrenaline rush this month when she takes part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

The 58-year-old rider will be sailing on the race’s third leg, which crosses 4,750 nautical miles of the Southern Ocean from the Cape of Good Hope to Fremantle, near Perth.

The 70’ clipper Seattle will leave South Africa on 17 November with 20 crew and arrive in Australia around 23 days later.

It will not be the first time Mary has crossed an ocean — two years ago, she sailed across the Atlantic on an 18-day voyage to help deliver a friend’s boat.

“I have always wanted to sail round the world, it’s always been on my bucket list, but it’s not possible to take that much time away from the horses, my husband and family,” she told H&H.

“I thought if I can do it ocean by ocean, then that might be a way of ticking it off. I’ve done the Atlantic, I’m doing the Southern and hopefully over the next few years I’ll fulfill my aim.”

Although Mary’s father was a naval officer, he was invalided out before she was born, but she said that may be where her love of the water comes from.

“I always said if it hadn’t worked out with horses then I would have done something with boats,” she said.

“Growing up we didn’t sail as a family but I went on tall ships as a trainee when I was 19 with the Sail Training Association. That was sailing great big square riggers rather than yachts but apart from that, my experience has really only been sailing with friends.”

This summer, Mary managed to fit in a month of compulsory training for the crossing around her eventing commitments and said she is very excited about the upcoming adventure.

“I really enjoyed the training,” she said. “The Southern Ocean is one of the most arduous legs famous for the Roaring Forties — really big seas with strong westerly winds. There are waves breaking over deck constantly — you have to be clipped on all the time in dry suits, it’s all very exciting.”

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The trip will be raising money for Devon Air Ambulance and UNICEF, and donations can be made through Mary’s JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mary-king7

Mary will be mixing work with pleasure, also teaching in South Africa before she leaves as well as riding on a safari in Stellenbosch.

“My family are all coming out to greet me in Australia — David, Emily and Freddie,” she said. “We should leave the boat by 17 December and then we’ll do some travelling before spending Christmas with my cousin near Sydney.”

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

14 things that will make you feel old

Monday, February 10th, 2020 at 1:42 am

Lucinda Green and Village Gossip badminton 15 April 1978

Things have changed a lot in the horse world in the past 30 years or so. Technical rugs, complete feeds and internet shopping were among the things that didn’t exist back then — hard to imagine now, isn’t it? Want to feel really old?

Do you remember when…

1. Lucinda Green (pictured above) became the pin-up of the eventing world after winning Badminton for the sixth time in 1984 on SR Direct Mail Ltd’s Beagle Bay.

2. Virginia Leng (now Ginny Elliot) took over as every pony-mad teenage girl’s heroine after becoming the first woman to win Burghley five times in 1989 on Master Craftsman, when she was also crowned European champion.

3. All turnout rugs were made of heavy green canvas. No exceptions. And it felt like a lifetime waiting for them to dry.

4. Jute rugs had a place in your tackroom — itchy-looking things made in sack-like fabric, held on by surcingles.

5. The only 4x4s you ever saw were Land Rovers, driven by actual farmers.

6. Only top professional riders owned (or had access to) a lorry.

7. You could ride down country lanes without ever seeing a car.

8. There was no such thing as air jackets. Or body protectors. Or safety standards…

9. The only colour you could buy jodhpurs in was beige. Black was viewed as dangerously exotic.

10. You bought your riding gear by sending off a form cut out of the back of a horse magazine/catalogue, with a postal order.

11. String girths were the norm. (People actually wore string vests too, although not to ride in. What was with the 80s string obsession?)

12. Farriers were always called blacksmiths.

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13. Showjumping seemed as big as football or rugby, regularly shown on TV (back when it only had three channels) and drew huge crowds – David Broome and Harvey Smith were national heroes.

14. Puffa jackets were the height of equestrian fashion. Teamed with a velvet hairband.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

Mighty Clydesdale to be honoured with ‘magnificent’ sculpture

Monday, February 10th, 2020 at 1:42 am

The birthplace of the Clydesdale is hoping to honour its relationship with the breed by erecting a “magnificent” horse sculpture.

The Lanark Community Development Trust is trying to raise funds for the project, which will celebrate the town’s long history with the heavy horse, which was first bred at a farm just across the river Clyde.

The sculpture will be placed near Lanark Auction Market which hosted Clydesdale horse sales for more than 140 years; although the horses were also sold at Lanark Fair from the mid-1700s.

The breed was developed from Flemish stallions, who were imported to Scotland and crossed with local mares, with the first known use of the name Clydesdale being recorded in 1826.

“The project will advance education by sparking local interest in the Clydesdale horse and Lanark’s agricultural heritage by providing a catalyst for the local community, local schools and visitors the chance to learn more about their heritage and the history of Lanark,” said trust chairman Sylvia Russell.

She added that this would be achieved through an “engaging schools programme, creation of an information leaflet and photographic exhibition” alongside the sculpture.

The trust is seeking financial contributions for the scheme, which is expected to cost £40,000.

“Any contribution or support, financial or otherwise, would be greatly appreciated to secure the success of this project,” Ms Russell added.

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The promotion of Lanark’s relationship with the Clydesdale is one of a number of community projects launched by the trust, which aim to “use the arts to promote and enhance Lanark’s heritage and tourism offering as well as boosting civic pride”.

These include the development of the William Wallace Trail, the Lanark welcome signs, creation of the William Wallace Close and most recently the creation of the Cameronian Memorial Sculpture at the former Winston Barracks.

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

‘It’s good to have the best in the field’: Charlotte Dujardin collects maximum points at World Cup qualifier

Monday, February 10th, 2020 at 1:42 am

Charlotte Dujardin has successfully kicked off her first World Cup campaign since her back-to-back titles with Valegro in 2014 and 2015, by finishing second in the World Cup qualifier in Lyon, France.

At her first ever indoor show, the 10-year-old Mount St John Freestyle posted 83.93% in the kür to slot into second place behind reigning World Cup champion, Germany’s Isabell Werth.

It always looked like Lyon would be a battle between these two riders. Having finished second behind Charlotte in the previous day’s grand prix, Isabell rode the 13-year-old Ehrenpreis gelding to freestyle victory with over 87%, making it the third year in a row this combination have won the Lyon leg of the World Cup tour.

“Welcome back Charlotte!” said Isabell. “It’s good to have the best in the field, and that is also what the public like to see.”

Charlotte and Freestyle were the last combination to go, but some nerves crept into their new “Snow Queen” routine.

“For the first time Freestyle was actually quite nervous,” Charlotte told H&H. “The crowds just in the warm-up arena were about six rows deep. She was very on edge in there and wouldn’t walk.

“In the test I just had to hold her hand a bit, and her nerves came out in a few parts, like the pirouettes, but she tried so hard.

“She’s actually done very little, which is something we all forget sometimes.”

Although she came second, Charlotte picked up the maximum number of points as defending champion Isabell receives a guaranteed place in the World Cup final. Charlotte now plans to compete Freestyle at Olympia, followed by the Amsterdam qualifier in January. The 2020 final takes place in Las Vegas in April.

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British riders also enjoyed success at this weekend’s Oldenburg CDI4* in Germany, with Lara Butler and Laura Tomlinson both finishing in the top five in the grand prix.

Lara rode the 14-year-old Polarion gelding Kristjan to second in the grand prix with plus-72%, followed by third place in the grand prix freestyle, while Laura Tomlinson and Rose Of Bavaria took fifth in the grand prix and third in the special, at the nine-year-old Bordeaux mare’s first ever international.

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

‘He has an iron will’: French event rider takes first steps after waking from coma

Monday, February 10th, 2020 at 1:42 am

Thibault Fournier

French event rider Thibault Fournier has taken his first steps after waking from a coma following a cross-country fall.

The 24-year-old, who became the youngest winner of Pau CCI4* (now five-star) in 2018, was airlifted to hospital on 13 October after a fall while riding Chactas Chalonges at Pompadour Horse Trials.

The seven-year-old gelding was uninjured.

An update on the French rider’s Facebook page on Saturday (2 November) said he had started walking.

“He can take a few steps and rehabilitation started on Tuesday [29 October],” said a statement.

“All this is very tiring for him but all the caregivers agree that he has an iron will.”

French competitors at this year’s Pau wore orange armbands for the final showjumping phase in honour of their countryman.

“For those of you who ask when can you go and see him, understand that you have to wait,” added the statement.

“After his coma and now with all these exercises, he must rest and sleep a lot — sleep to recover!

“Thanks again for all your kind regards, your words, and all these orange armbands that made him whisper ‘c’est trop gentil’ (it’s too nice).”

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A previous update from Thibault’s mother, Isabelle Fournier-Jouve, on 19 October stated there was a “little glow of hope” as her son had opened his eyes. Four days later, she shared the news that he was no longer on breathing support nor sedated.

The Frenchman has had success across the international circuit, representing France at the 2015 young rider Europeans and taking the runner-up spots at both Chatsworth 2016 and Bramham under-25s in 2018 respectively.

These results and his 2018 Pau victory came aboard the 13-year-old Selle Français gelding Siniani De Lathus.

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

‘You’ve only got one head’: coach’s hat warning after surviving six-inch gash to her face

Monday, February 10th, 2020 at 1:42 am

A coach whose hat “saved her” when her face was split open in a fall has reminded others about the importance of wearing a correctly fitting safety helmet.

Victoria Baker, a BHSI coach based in North Yorkshire, fell from her five-year-old sports horse Charlie on 30 October.

“It was just one of those things,” Victoria told H&H. “He can be very exuberant; we were at a friend’s all-weather gallops and he got a bit excited.

“He jumped in the air, fired me upwards and I came down between his front legs. The toe of his front foot hit my hat, then his hind foot came down in front of my ear.”

Victoria was taken to hospital by ambulance.

“I had a six-inch laceration from the front of my ear to the top of my scalp and a black eye,” she said.

“I was stitched up a few days later and it feels a bit like I’ve had a facelift, but I’m amazed I wasn’t more injured – my hat saved me.”

Victoria said she will be renewing her Gatehouse HS1 safety helmet and wants others to give more consideration to wearing a quality safety helmet.

“I always say to people buy the best you can afford; you need a good quality hat,” she said. “On the other hand you find sometimes people save their best hats for competitions, but they should be wearing them at home too.

“As an instructor it’s important to be a role model for people and I will always ride and lunge in a hat. It winds me up if an instructor jumps on a horse without a hat or where you see for sale adverts of people on horses without hats. While we try to be safe, accidents do happen.”

Article continued below…

Victoria added that she wants others to be more aware of manufacturer guidelines on replacing and fitting hats.

“I’ve had people turn up for lessons with loose chin straps and hats that don’t fit properly. You’ve only got one head, it’s not worth taking a risk with it,” she said.

“Often people aren’t aware of manufacturer guidelines about replacing hats; if you wear it every day perspiration is going to cause the padding to eventually deteriorate and compress. I replace my hat every two years. Manufacturers aren’t trying to rip you off – the guidelines are there to protect us.”

A spokesman for the British Equestrian Trade Assosication told H&H it recommends hats are replaced at least every five years, or before if the rider has had a fall.

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

Horse suffers horrific wound while trying to flee from fireworks *Warning: graphic image*

Monday, February 10th, 2020 at 1:42 am

A horse suffered a horrifying 10cm deep wound when he impaled himself on a fence post in a blind panic while he tried to flee from nearby fireworks.

Laura Riding’s six-year-old Irish sports gelding Harry was found at 8am on Saturday (2 November) impaled on a fence post within a hedge.

**Warning: very graphic image**

Laura told H&H it is thought Harry had tried to escape fireworks going off at a nearby housing estate in Holywell, North Wales.

“We assume he tried to jump out of the field in a blind panic over a five-foot hedge,” she said. “He impaled his back leg on a post and we believe he was lying in the ditch all night.

“The yard owner, Lily Roberts, immediately phoned the RSPCA, a farmer, and vet for help. Lily knew I was at work and didn’t want to panic me so they tried to get him out first but she phoned me at 10am and when I arrived they were still trying to get him out.”

Laura said she was in shock when she saw Harry’s wound.

“The wound was awful, it was disgusting. The vet sedated him and gave him painkillers. The post was no longer in his leg but it was difficult trying to get the straps around his leg and not aggravate the wound more,” she said.

“Everyone who helped was amazing, the whole thing took almost five hours. We got him pulled out with a tractor and he was taken to R D Owen Equine Clinic. The vets said they were amazed Harry was still here as he was so close to hitting an artery.”

Laura said it is not known if Harry, who is still in hospital, will return to ridden work.

“The main thing is he’s still here,” she said. “It wasn’t a clean cut and he has torn his hamstring. The back half of his leg was ripped open with a 10cm deep wound all the way round. The vet stitched it but once he was in the recovery stable the sitches burst so they are having to treat it as an open wound,” she said.

“Harry has got such a such a wise head on his shoulders, everyone loves him. He’s so sensible and chilled out – he’s not the type of horse to try and jump out of a field. I’ve been visiting him at the hospital and he seems brighter, he can be very food-orientated so bringing him carrots has cheered him up.”

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Laura would like to see a ban on the sale of fireworks to the public.

“I think fireworks should be for organised displays only and on set dates. Once a firework is let off the damage is done and you can’t prove who did it,” she said.

“I hope by sharing what happened to Harry something good can come out of ths by raising awareness. It’s not fair that this can happen.”

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

TODAY IS THE DAY.

Monday, February 10th, 2020 at 1:42 am

Yikes. Today is the day of my total hip replacement.  (Left)

So, I probably won’t be on here for a few days…  Because of that, I wanted to remind you all of the November Bucket Fund horse, Rooster, and his amazing, ground breaking new protocol for wounds that won’t heal!

You can read his story here – (and the new protocol)

Please donate, if you can, your Starbucks money to help purchase all the bandages, wraps, vet visits, Xrays and other necessities one needs to keep a very wounded horse – I know from wrapping Mama Tess twice a day every day for 3 years, how very expensive it can become...

This is Rooster in his stall… with his friend, Stu, visiting him.

ALSO, to help Rooster…

EVERY DONATION COUNTS!

Click here to visit sales page! All jewelry sold benefits the Drop in the Bucket Fund. To follow us on our beautiful FB page, click here! fb-icon

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Misuse of fireworks ‘as bad as drink-driving’ say MPs as hundreds of thousands call for change

Monday, February 10th, 2020 at 1:42 am

firework inquiry

The inconsiderate and irresponsible use of fireworks should be as socially unacceptable as drink-driving, according to MPs, as almost 750,000 people have called for change.

The petitions committee has released a “landmark” report calling on the government to act on irresponsible firework use, and improve regulation of the industry.

Over the past three years, petitions asking for tighter restrictions on sales and use of fireworks have been signed more than 750,000 times by UK citizens, resulting in three House of Commons debates.

“But the government’s responses to these petitions, and ministers’ replies to the debates, left petitioners feeling frustrated and ignored,” a spokesman for the petitions committee said. “We undertook this inquiry to hear their concerns and propose changes in response to them.”

More than 307,000 people signed one petition calling for the sale of fireworks to the public to be banned, and for all venues holding displays to be licensed.

But the committee found a ban would have “unintended consequences for community groups and the good causes they support, the wider economy, and may even lead to a dangerous black market”.

It added: “While the petitions committee doesn’t support calls for an outright ban, the inquiry found clear evidence that action is needed to protect animals and some groups of people from serious adverse effects.”

The committee consulted people with a range of health conditions and disabilities, charities that support them, police, fire officers and veterans and animal welfare charities .

“The recommendations were made after listening to all sides of the debate through formal evidence from a number of interest groups during the inquiry and in public consultation events, and it was clear to see these petitions have been motivated by genuine concerns,” the spokesman said.

“Fireworks can be detrimental to animal welfare, can impact the wellbeing of those with disabilities or health conditions such as PTSD or autism, and could pose a risk to small children.”

Key recommendations include the consistent government collation and publication of data on problems associated with fireworks, laws to empower councils to tackle the issue, such as introducing permits in areas where irresponsible firework use is a problem, a review of online sales of fireworks and a strategy to tackle illegal sales.

The report added: “The government needs to review the decibel level limit of consumer fireworks, with animal welfare in mind, with a view to setting a workable reduced decibel limit that would diminish the risks to animals’ health.”

Major national awareness campaigns should also be conducted.

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Petitions committee chairman Helen Jones MP said: “Our inquiry has shone a light on the troubling impact of failing to regulate the fireworks industry effectively. From affecting the mental health of veterans, to harming animal welfare, and even threatening the health of young children, the consequences are widespread.

“It is not good enough for the government to repeatedly claim that the law protects these people and animals from harm. It does not. Now is the time for action, not apathy.

“While we do not support a ban on public sales and use of fireworks, further failure to act from the government and agencies could mean that a ban becomes the only option.”

The petitions committee has submitted the report for consideration, and expects to receive a response from the government in the new parliament.

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

How to keep a stabled horse happy over the winter *H&H subscribers*

Monday, February 10th, 2020 at 1:42 am

You may have covered the basics when it comes to his winter management, yet a horse who leads a largely indoor life during these colder, darker months can be left lacking in certain areas.

From promoting your horse’s skin health to making sure he is satisfied and stress-free, our veterinary and behavioural experts have outlined some points worth considering to keep a horse at his mental and physical best.

An appropriate diet

As humans, we’re encouraged to eat a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. A stabled horse on a diet of dried forage and concentrates may see little in the way of fresh food. Does he need to eat his “greens”?

“A horse’s ancestors, roaming the plains, would be eating grass in winter that was effectively dead,” says Professor Caroline McGregor-Argo MRCVS. “Yet these animals would still have an appropriate nutritional intake and would almost self-medicate by selecting certain plant species.

“Domesticated horses can run into problems in winter when they run low on vitamins and minerals,” she adds. “It’s important to feed a good forage balancer, to top these levels up.”

Caroline explains that horses don’t share our desire for different foods.

“I would hate to eat only nutritionally balanced porridge every day, but there’s no suggestion that horses need constant variety,” she says. “Hand grazing can add interest to the diet, as can carrots and apples, but these also introduce a choke risk and a lot of sugar.

“The key thing is to feed an appropriate and largely forage-based diet, monitor your horse’s body condition constantly and tweak his diet accordingly,” says Caroline, who adds that the winter months are a good time to correct any summer weight gain.

Companionship

A horse is a prey animal and not suited to long hours spent alone. His natural instinct is to move and forage as part of a group, so isolation in a stable can quickly turn into anxiety and stress.

Ideas for enriching an indoor environment include stable toys and mirrors, but can these ever be a substitute for real-life company?

“There’s not much evidence from a scientific point of view that toys help,” says Dr Debbie Marsden of the Society of Equine Behaviour Consultants, adding that some horses may experience frustration with feed dispensing balls.

“Toys can be a hazard in the stable, so use them with caution — and avoid leaving anything with the horse overnight while he is unattended.

“A safety mirror may be beneficial,” says Debbie, who explains that seeing another equine face can be soothing. “Test your horse’s reaction first, in the school rather than the stable, to make sure he likes what he sees.

“Some bossy, confident types take badly to a horse looking back at them with attitude, but most get used it. These horses may be happier with a mirror placed outside the stable.”

Sound can help, adds Debbie, so a yard radio can prove a useful distraction.

“Nothing really replaces social interaction with real horses,” she concludes. “Humans and other animals do seem to provide company, however. A horse will enjoy the comings and goings of a busy yard, where people pop in to his stable regularly to skip out or give him a quick scratch or a pat.”

Decent footing

Artificial surfaces are typically the terrain of choice in winter, when bad weather and lack of daylight can make hacking out a challenge. Will this lack of variety underfoot cause problems?

“I do not believe that working a horse only on a well-cared-for artificial surface over winter will have any detrimental effects on long-term soundness,” says Dr Liz Barr of Barr Equine Veterinary. “The horse’s cardiovascular fitness may decline if he is confined to a 20x40m school and does less hillwork, for example, but if that is a concern there are plenty of all-weather gallops available for hire.

“Overly hard ground has far more damaging effects on a horse’s soundness than overly soft ground, with regards to concussion and overall forces on the limbs,” explains Liz. “Horses working on soft ground over the winter — most commonly hunters — will tend to fatigue more easily, which may lead to a bad step and resultant injury, but with sympathetic riding this can possibly be avoided. Hard, rutted ground in the middle of summer is much less forgiving.”

If working on one surface or in an arena is the mainstay of winter exercise, Liz advises alternating the type of schooling.

“Putting the same stresses on the same structures every day can cause injury as a result of wear and tear,” she says. “Winter exercise must also take turnout into account. While time outside is essential for general wellbeing, turnout on heavily poached, deep, muddy ground or very hard icy ground is likely to be detrimental and result in injury if the horse cannot be trusted not to gallop about on such an unsuitable surface.”

Regular coat care

A clipped horse will need those layers replaced with a rug. Is it fair to keep him wrapped up all winter, or will he benefit from time unrugged to let his skin breathe?

“Horses roll primarily to shed hair and have a good scratch,” says Katie Preston MRCVS of Milbourn Equine Vets. “A horse might enjoy some time without his rug, on a warm, dry day, but he can still roll and scratch himself with it on. The key thing is that he is groomed regularly to remove grease and old hair from his coat and maintain skin health.

“One of the causes of winter skin problems is rugging a horse while he is still damp or sweaty, which provides the perfect environment for bacteria and infection,” she adds. “After working or washing him, put him in a fleece in his stable, in a solarium or under heat lamps. Brush him and replace his rug only once he is fully dry.”

Light in his life

The short, dark winter days can cause humans to suffer with a recognised medical condition called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which brings about depressive symptoms and lethargy. Are horses susceptible to this condition, sometimes dubbed the winter blues?

“SAD in humans is linked to a disruption in our circadian rhythms,” says Gil Riley MRCVS, of Pool House Equine Clinic, referring to the internal process that regulates our sleep-wake cycles over 24hrs. “Rather than being able to follow their natural circadian rhythms, as they would in the wild, our stabled horses are subjected to a human-driven routine. Additionally, prolonged periods of dark lead to increased levels of sleep-inducing melatonin, which, in humans, triggers a reduction in serotonin — a lack of which can cause depression.

“We don’t know for sure that the exact same process occurs in horses, but it would seem logical to suggest that stabling horses for long periods in low light or darkness may well have the effect of producing SAD like symptoms,” adds Gil. “Artificial light has proven benefits but must be used carefully, as strong lighting has the potential to cause discomfort to equine eyes. Allow your horse access to natural light for a generous part of each day — turning him out where possible, or opening a stable window.”

Ref Horse & Hound; 31 October 2019