National Hunt legend Denman has been put down “painlessly” at home at the age of 18.

The 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner had had a “fantastic” life since his retirement from the racecourse in 2011 but had started to go downhill, his former trainer Paul Nicholls said, so the decision was made to put him down as “we did not want to see him suffer”.

Denman won 14 of his 24 starts under Rules and earned more than £1m, but “mere statistics cannot possibly do him justice”, Paul said.

“Denman was known affectionately to punters and race goers as ‘The Tank’ which I always felt was a fitting description,” he added. “He was a magic horse who had a tremendous following because of the wholehearted way he went about his racing.

“He was tough, hardy and willing, wasn’t the easiest to train and would bite your hand off in his box given half a chance.

“He came along at the right time and was one of our superstars during a golden era for Team Ditcheat.”

Paul praised Denman’s “never say die” attitude, and cited the showdown between him and his stablemate Kauto Star in the 2008 Gold Cup as a “promoter’s dream”.

“I feel so privileged to have trained the pair of them as they were two of the best chasers ever seen on a racecourse,” he said.

After his racing career, Denman went to the yard of Charlotte Alexander, who retrained him to enjoy hunting and team chasing, until he was retired fully to live at owner Paul Barber’s Ditcheat farm last year.

“RIP you gorgeous horse,” said Charlotte. “A horse who loved life and was as brave as a lion. Blessed in having the most wonderful owner in PK Barber.

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“I was the luckiest girl to have had the honour of looking after The Tank in his active retirement.”

Paul added on social media: “Denman thank you for all the memories. You were pure gold. Rest in peace big fella.”

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

The latest edition (31 May) is a training special, including a look at the world’s top trainers and whether you should have multiple coaches. Also check out our summer clothing guide, interview with showjumper and recent winner of the Hamburg Derby Matt Sampson, and feature on health problems in miniature horses

Additional reporting by Selene Scarsi

Isabell Werth’s 2014 World Equestrian Games ride Bella Rose has made her long-awaited return to competition, after almost four years out. The chestnut mare, whom Isabell referred to in 2017 as “the best horse of my life”, won the grand prix for special with 77.52% at the Fritzens-Schindlof CDI4* in Austria, before topping the special with 80.17%.

The elegant Belissimo M daughter, now aged 14, was last seen in action in November 2014, having been withdrawn from the 2014 WEG in Caen after scoring 81.53% for Germany in the grand prix, finishing second behind Valegro. Details were released stating that Bella Rose developed signs of an acute inflammation in the sole of her hoof.

She and Isabell returned to competition later that year, delivering an 81.94% grand prix special in Stuttgart, but it was to be the last time the mare was seen in action, as she sustained a knee injury.

“This was one of the most beautiful days of my horsey life,” Isabell told H&H after her highly emotional grand prix performance. “It was a dream come true that she came back [from injury]. It wasn’t perfect, but it was very good already so I’m very very happy.”

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It was an excellent weekend for Britain’s Emile Faurie and Hayley Watson-Greaves, too. Emile’s 11-year-old gelding Dono Di Maggio (below) scored two international personal bests of 74.02% and 75.6% to finish third in the grand prix for special and second in the special behind Isabell and Bella Rose. Emile has long tipped the Dimaggio son as the best of his current grand prix string, and is aiming him for WEG selection this year.

Hayley and her 14-year-old Rubin Royal son Rubins Nite had a disappointing grand prix, finishing seventh, but were back on top form for the freestyle, scoring 75.75% to fill third place behind Isabell Werth and Emilio and Dorothee Schneider with Rock N Rose.

Don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H for the full report from Fritzens, on sale Thursday 5 July.

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

An event horse whose limit was thought to be intermediate, but went clear inside the time round Badminton’s cross-country, has been put down aged 20 after a happy retirement.

Hannah Bate completed Badminton and Burghley twice each on Finbury Hill, as well as finishing in the top 10 at Blair, Bramham and Chatworth three-stars (now four-stars).

He retired in 2016 to live with his owner Susie Guild.

“Susie bought him as a four-year-old, from Vere Phillipps, and he came to me to sell aged 11 as they thought he was no more than an intermediate horse,” Hannah told H&H.

Hannah said she jumped the two-star (now three-star) at Weston Park soon after she took on the ride.

“He absolutely flew round and I thought ‘let’s have a crack at Bramham next year’,” she said. “He finished on his dressage score then, and at Blenheim, and at Badminton went clear, inside the time.

“He had the biggest heart in the world – what he lacked in ability, his heart made up for; he was an absolute little superstar.”

Hannah described “Finn” as “a funny little horse”.

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‘Her heart made her’: rider pays tribute to four-star mare

The eventer has said goodbye to her European Championships partner, who would ‘never give up’

Eventing ‘flag rule’ petition tops 3,000 signatures in three days

The rule has been met with frustration from riders, leading to numerous appeals, and pressure is mounting on the FEI

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“He had unknown breeding on his dam’s side but we’re sure there was some pony in there,” she said. “He had a whinny like a pony and a face like a pony.

“He wasn’t quirky either; you often feel like the top ones have to be but he wasn’t. He wasn’t a natural mover or jumper, but he was a natural galloper who was super-brilliant cross-country; he always found a fifth leg.”

Hannah became pregnant with her son Billy and hoped to compete Finn, who was “really straight and easy; good to do in all ways” at Tattersalls 2016, after she gave birth but he sustained an injury and was retired.

He went to live with Ms Guild, keeping a homebred company, but succumbed to age-related issues.

“He looked incredible but he was struggling,” Hannah said.

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 pony whose weight dropped to 260kg as she nursed him through grass sickness said she never thought he would return to the show ring.

Amber Smalley’s now-eight-year-old 14hh cob Joey was diagnosed with the disease in May 2018.

“Joey had a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and I was asked if I wanted him put down but I said no. He was my first horse and I didn’t want to let him go without trying,” Amber told H&H.

“He spent a week in hospital and when I got him home he had to be fed every hour by syringe. I was going to the yard four times a day, as well as friends going to help feed him.”

Over six months Joey’s condition improved and by November his weight had increased to 345kg.

“He was doing well but after new year, he got an infection and became very poorly again; discharge was coming out of his nose and he had a high temperature. We aren’t sure what caused it but he was given a course of antibiotics and after a few weeks he improved.

“I started riding him again in February and it was the best feeling I could ever have. When he was diagnosed I’d packed all my tack away and never expected to take it out again.”

Amber spent the summer working on Joey’s fitness and on 18 August they returned to competition at a Rochdale & District Riding Club show.

“I didn’t think we would be out again,” she said. “We did ridden cob, novice show cob and in-hand cob which he was fourth in. We weren’t placed in the ridden class but the judge said in six months’ time he’ll be winning classes.

“On 20 October we did the annual North West Championships show and made it through to the evening performance of the traditional ridden cob class. I’m so proud of him, I never thought we’d be doing anything like this again.”

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‘Don’t give up hope’ says owner of grass sickness survivor

Joey dropped to his lowest weight of 260kg from his original weight of 420kg

Group aims to rebuild after devastating loss of three horses to grass sickness

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Amber said Joey will need six-monthly vet check-ups but she is looking forward to a full show season next year and hopes to compete in dressage in the future.

“He is still quite lean and the vet said he might always look a bit underweight after what he went through. He needs to have sloppy feeds as he still struggles with swallowing but he is back to his cheeky self,” she said.

“During his illness I had times where I didn’t think he would make it but it feels like we’ve been given a fresh start. Nursing wasn’t an easy route and you’ve got to make sure it’s the right decision for the horse but I’m so glad we got through it. I hadn’t heard of grass sickness before he was diagnosed so I’m hoping to raise some more awareness of the disease and do some charity rides in the future for the Equine Grass Sickness fund.”

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

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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+200,000 call for fireworks review to ‘prevent needless animal suffering’

‘I would like to get to 500,000 signatures because I don’t think they would be able to ignore that number’

‘He was desperately asking for help’: horse found with 25cm bramble wedged under his tongue

‘I usually try not to get upset, but to see a horse in so much pain was heartbreaking’

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

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)

The owner of a much-loved pony who was found with a broken leg in a field on New Year’s Day believes he was injured as he was so terrified of fireworks being let off locally.

Steph Smith’s 11.2hh gelding Alfie was found on three legs at West Wirral Riding School. Steph said she believes he must have been injured while galloping in fear, as there were skid marks in the field, and the remains of fireworks scattered around the yard.

“It’s been an awful few days,” she told H&H.

“One of our liveries noticed Alfie was on three legs and alerted my mum, who’s a partner in the business.

“We had to get a tractor and make a sling, and almost carry him back to the yard.”

A vet confirmed Alfie had broken a hind leg in two places, and the former rescue pony was put down straight away.

“He was such a great kids’ pony,” Steph said. “He hadn’t had the best start in life; my auntie rescued him as a youngster and he was a bag of bones. She gave him to me as a three-year-old to back him and get him going, and he was so well-behaved, we knew life in the school would suit him.

“He was a character; if he’d had enough, he’d let you know, but that’s kids’ ponies for you. He was good for all types of rider, the school life was what he knew and he was happy.”

Steph said the children at the riding school were devastated by the loss of Alfie, who was described as “an awesome little pony”.

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She now wants to help raise awareness of the devastation fireworks can cause.

“I’d just like to say to people: don’t let them off near farms or livestock,” she said. “I’m not saying there should be an outright ban on them; just please think.”

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

Firefighters and the RSPCA teamed up to rescue a horse found stuck stomach-deep in cold water in a swimming pool on New Year’s Eve.

A man spotted the young mare in his pool, in Stockett Lane, Maidstone, on Monday morning and called the RSPCA.

Inspector Rosie Russon and animal collection officer Brian Milligan were sent to the scene, and called Kent Fire and Rescue (KFRS) for help.

“The caller wasn’t sure how long she’d been there and feared she may have been there all night,” Ms Russon said.

“She was clearly very cold. The water was only around 1m deep so although it came only up to her stomach, she wasn’t able to get out of the pool on her own, and I was concerned about her getting hypothermia.

“The caller said she’d been trying to get out of the pool but kept slipping on the bottom.”

KFRS sent its animal rescue unit, members of which winched the mare out of the pool. RSPCA staff have named her Ellie, after Paralympic swimming medallist Ellie Simmonds.

“We believe Ellie had been straying and fell into the pool in the dark,” Ms Russon said.

“She has some minor injuries to her legs where she fell through the pool lining and hit the bottom but, other than that, she’s been very lucky.

“She’s been taken into care by one of our private boarding establishments where she’ll remain so she can be monitored and properly assessed.

“If no one comes forward to claim her then we’ll start the process of finding her a suitable home.”

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A spokesman for KFRS said “The horse was strapped up and lifted out of the pool using specialist machinery. She was handed into the care of the RSPCA.”

Anyone who thinks they know where Ellie has come from can call 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for Ms Russon.

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

A one-year-old girl showed ability way beyond her years to complete a sponsored ride and raise more than £1,000 for the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).

Tiny Verity Seignot completed the two-mile challenge two days after her first birthday, riding 16-year-old Shetland Super Noodles, led by her mother Caroline.

They were forced to tackle challenging conditions as heavy rain fell on the Quest RDA event at Chobham Common in Surrey on October 14.

“I can’t believe quite how bad the weather was — it was one of those occasions where you doubt yourself as a parent for a second and think ‘what am I doing?’” Caroline joked.

“Verity wears an all-in-one rain suit and we had to stop and change her halfway through as she was soaked.

“By the end of it she stayed dry but we even had water in our boots. There were floods at some points that came up to the pony’s knees.”

Verity first sat on a horse when she was two days old and now has a well-established partnership with the 8hh Shetland gelding, who Caroline has owned since he was five.

Verity started out riding in a basket saddle but has already progressed to riding astride and has begun to establish her seat in trot.

“Super Noodles has done a bit of everything over the years including carriage driving. Verity knows that when she wants him to trot, she can blow him a kiss, so she does it all the time — all she wants to do is trot,” Caroline said.

“She’s turning into a bit of a speed demon already. It’s a pity he’s not registered or we’d be preparing for the Shetland Grand National soon!”

Caroline added that people are often surprised to see her daughter riding the pony at such a young age.

“When we go out, people see the child and see the pony but don’t expect them to go together,” she said. “Even my husband’s dad doesn’t believe it till he sees it. Some kids aren’t even walking at this point.”

As well as being a great first pony for Verity, Caroline describes Super Noodles as “her right-hand man.” Bought 10 years ago to be used at children’s pony parties, he has gone on to turn his hoof to many disciplines as well as working regularly as one of Caroline’s “Pony Pals” therapy ponies.

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“Competing he’s done everything from horse agility and Le Trec to indoor driving trials and showing,” she said.

“Most of the time he works with me, visiting hospices, care homes and prisons and he went down the aisle at my wedding. He also held a photo in his mouth for the announcement of Verity and was dressed in pink for the gender reveal. He’s very much our family man.”

Verity and Super Noodles raised £1,028 for the RDA through sponsorship and hope to complete some more rides next year.

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