The owner of a dog who was in a horsebox when it was stolen from a show said getting her back was “the most amazing day of her life”.

Gabby Cox’s lorry was taken from Edenbridge and Oxted Agricultural Show on Monday (25 August). It was later found abandoned in Essex but although the thieves had left all the tack and equipment, worth some £10,000, inside, Jack Russell Smarty was not there.

Gabby’s desperate appeal to find her “best friend in the world” was shared widely online and the next night, a 15-year-old girl found a “cold and wet” terrier on the side of the road near Lakeside, Essex.

As it was late, the teenager took the dog home, bathed and fed her, and let her sleep on her bed, taking her to a vet the next morning.

“The vet scanned her microchip and we got the call,” Gabby told H&H.

“I was hysterical. I don’t think I’d expected to hear that; I think it was the most amazing day of my life.”

Gabby said the fact the vet could trace Smarty’s owner so quickly underlines the importance of chipping, which is compulsory for dogs and will be for all horses in England from October 2020.

“I’d never really thought about it before; but everything of ours will be microchipped now!” she said.

“The girl who found her had been staying at her grandmother’s with no internet, and it was only when she got home that her parents realised, as they’d seen the posts.

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“This has been the most amazing thing in the world, it’s restored my face in humanity. People have been absolutely brilliant, all the dog lost and found groups and other people posting flyers and sharing them – I can’t thank people enough.”

Smarty looks none the worse for her adventures, Gabby said, adding that she has been given extra food and treats since her return, “exactly what she wants”.

“You accept that one day you’re going to lose them as they’re only lent to us,” she added. “But not that way. She’s been everything to me and not to know if she was suffering or anything; it’s a horrendous feeling and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.

“I’m just so happy she’s home.”

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 mare who won multiple Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and county titles has paid tribute to her “perfect pony”, who has died aged 26.

Welsh lead rein specialist Colne Heiress was put to sleep last night (11 June), suffering from what the vet believed was a tumour.

“Nothing we did was going to help so very sadly, we had to make the decision,” said Geraldine Bland, who had owned the mare for 12 years.

“She was absolutely irreplaceable; there isn’t another like her. Not because of what she won but because of her as a pony.”

The 12hh mare was twice lead rein winner at HOYS and was also HOYS supreme champion, as well as winning “every county championship you could name”. She was officially retired at a ceremony at HOYS in 2006.

“She was described as ‘the perfect pony pram’ by [H&H showing columnist] Stuart Hollings and I think he meant she taught so many tiny jockeys, not only to ride but to be horse children. She was kind to them.

“She was just brilliant; you could let a two- or three-year-old child lead her back to the stable at Royal Windsor Horse Show, through the crowds and microphones and dogs and she’d just let them. There aren’t many show ponies who’d do that.”

Since the pony’s official retirement, she had bred a “fabulous foal”, competed at lower-level showing and was ridden by Mrs Bland’s younger children and a friend’s granddaughter.

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“She retired at 14 as she’d done enough for the world, she’d won everything,” Mrs Bland said. “But even last year, she was out winning locally, and teaching the children to ride and groom.

“She was unique and irreplaceable; absolutely one in a million.

“I don’t think there will ever be one to match her; she was the perfect pony.”

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

This week’s pony special, out on 7 June, features Britain’s naughtiest ponies and how you can find the dream smaller equine. We also look at the pros and cons of equine treadmills, talk to showing producer Aimee Devane and have reports from the H&H Festival of Eventing, Tattersalls Horse Trials, racing at Epsom and much, much more.

Weight gain more than doubles the risk of equines’ developing laminitis– – as do some techniques aimed at reducing the risk.

The study, carried out by the Animal Health Trust (AHT) and Rossdales Equine Hospital and funded by World Horse Welfare, found the condition developed “significantly” more often if horses gained weight, compared to when they lost or maintained it.

Owners recorded estimates of their horses’ or ponies’ weight at regular intervals over 29 months, more than half of them using a custom-built online tracking tool.(Link)

“Worryingly, weight gain was often occurring unintentionally, even when owners were aiming for weight maintenance or loss,” an AHT spokesman said.

“This emphasises the importance of consistent weight and body condition recording, so undesirable weight gain can be recognised before it has a negative impact on health.

“Owners need to review their animals’ current diet, exercise and health management routines as soon as undesirable weight gain is detected and take action.”

The study also identified groups at particularly high risk of developing laminitis.

Owners of native ponies, full- or part-bred, those with a history of laminitis and who suffer lameness or soreness after routine hoof care should be “particularly vigilant”.

Equine shod or trimmed at intervals of longer than eight weeks were also at high risk of future episodes, as were those who showed a “lengthy return to soundness” after their most recent episodes.

“Earlier recognition of laminitis, along with adequate and prompt veterinary attention, farriery support and diagnostic testing of underlying metabolic disorders should give animals the best chance of recovery and a potential to reduce the risk of future episodes,” the spokesman said.

Other factors associated with laminitis development include features of grass management. Equines who wore grazing muzzles for only part of the time they were at grass were more likely to develop the condition than those who had it on all the time or not at all. Similarly, those who were only turned out to graze for a brief period in the mornings were at more risk than those who went out all day, overnight or not at all.

It is thought these findings maybe owing to the fact the horses gorged on grass when they had limited access to it, but they need to be investigated more fully.

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“These findings suggest that some grazing management interventions were not optimal at preventing laminitis,” the spokesman said.

The study involved more than 1,000 horses and ponies.

Dr Dee Pollard of the AHT said: “This is one of the largest laminitis studies where we collected regular information from the same group of owners in real time. We assessed the relationship between laminitis and many potential management and health factors and identified those more likely to be present before a laminitis episode was reported.

“We now have good evidence to develop laminitis prevention guidelines, and a number of different avenues to explore in the future. We cannot emphasise enough how important systematic and regular weight and body condition monitoring are. It’s very easy to miss weight gain when you are just relying on your eyes and you see your horse or pony every day. You need to get hands on, feel for the fat deposits and take measurements; remember the figures don’t lie!”

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

The first ever pony race took place at White Turf earlier this month (February 2019) on the frozen lake at St Moritz.

The spectators, wrapped up against the wintry elements, were treated to a field of youngsters aboard their mini mounts battling it out on the snow, alongside the main Flat racing.

The ponies can be up to a height of 140cm, and one of the smallest in the field was in fact one the oldest ponies, aged 19. There are different categories depending on the size of the ponies.

One young rider gunning for glory is 10-year-old Gian von Ballmoos, who lives near Zurich, and has been visiting White Turf since he was a baby and has racing in his blood.

“My father and two uncles were amateur jockeys and my grandfather was a breeder,” said Gian, who is already a pony racing victor.

Racing on the snow takes some brave riding whatever age you are but these youngsters show boldness beyond their years, and are not fazed by the concept of racing on the frozen white stuff.

Wearing special face masks to protect them from the frozen kickback, the young riders look like proper mini jockeys — honing their skills in the saddle and donning racing silks and white breeches. The ponies too are tiny versions of their larger counterparts.

“It is cold riding on the snow, and the kickback is very hard,” explained Gian.

The young rider clearly loves his riding, and racing in particular, and he has some big ambitions too.

“My dream is to ride at Royal Ascot because I want to ride in front of The Queen,” he said with a smile.

Since it’s inception in 1907, the White Turf has grown in popularity and, alongside the Flat racing and pony racing, there is trotting races and skijoring, a race which sees horses pulling people on skis.

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

A fun video titled “the cutest little lifesavers” has amassed more than 76,000 views online.

The film, created by Devon-based trainer Emma Massingale, shows Shetland ponies Albert and Ernie showing off their first aid skills.

Albert and Ernie can be seen coming to the rescue of Emma’s “collapsed” fiancé Jeremy, complete with blue-flashing lights and full first aid kits, ready to perform their lifesaving duties.

Emma told H&H: “I’ve done quite a few videos now with Albert and Ernie. They’re funny little ponies to work with. They are really clever but can be quite cheeky as well. Jeremy used to be a professional event rider and trainer, he now is in charge of the camera work… except when I need a body!”

NB: Please wait while the video loads below… if the video does not appear, click here to watch

“The videos are a really fun way of inspiring people with ponies and showing how clever and intelligent they can be but also with a nice little message. The message for this video is first aid and safety and the importance of welfare for horse and rider but shown in a fun way.”

Ernie undertakes CPR on Jeremy, while Albert can be seen helping bandage Connemara Echo.

“I love training horses, that’s my thing,” said Emma “You teach them how to do something and they make it into their own and take hold of what you taught them and do it really well, it’s really cool.”

Emma says training is a “lifestyle” for the ponies.

“Once horses are able to learn things, it’s easier to teach them something else. Because Albert and Ernie have learnt lots of different skills they are able to interpret things really quickly and know how to learn,” she said.

“They’re taught with my voice so Ernie is doing the CPR from my voice cues — I’m telling him ‘hop-hop’ for getting on and off Jeremy’s chest and ‘kiss’ to perform the lifesaving kiss.”

Jeremy told H&H: “Ernie is a very clever little pony. They have done different videos now from sailing in boats to sitting in a hot tub and now CPR. I just hope Emma thinks of some more ideas where I can stay in charge of the camera.”

Albert and Ernie will be starring in future videos between now and Christmas.

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

Three people have been sentenced for giving horses a “lifetime of misery” in a field full of hazards and strewn with dead and rotting equine bodies.

John Dunn, of Dering Way, Gravesend, did not attend Medway Magistrates’ Court for his trial, and was sentenced in his absence on 13 July for four counts of animal cruelty.

The 34-year-old was given a 26-week prison sentence and banned from keeping equines for 10 years for the offences, which related to “a number of sick horses kept in horrific conditions”.

RSPCA inspector Paul Taylor said the charges were related to 13 horses, part of a large group kept in a field near Dering Way.

“The field did not have enough grazing to sustain the numbers, and it was riddled with litter and hazards such as barbed wire, plastic bags and plastic netting,” said an RSPCA spokesman. “The main water source was a dyke contaminated due to decaying horses’ remains, and it was green and full of rubbish.”

The RSPCA found “a large number” of decomposing equine carcasses in the field, as well as a drain six feet deep, with no manhole cover.

Horses in the field had parasites, were in poor condition and had no extra food, while five more were shut in containers.

“There was no natural light, the tiny space was filled with faeces and the equines had little or no fresh water or food,” said the spokesman.

On 16 February 2017, four horses had been removed, two “exceptionally sick” equines put to sleep on the scene and 10 dead bodies found. On 9 March 32 horses were removed from two fields in the area, following an operation also involving police, vets and the British Horse Society.

At the start of Dunn’s trial, Bridget Saunders, of the same address, had pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences concerning a number of horses. The 31-year-old was banned from keeping equines for three years and given a conditional discharge “in view of her personal circumstances”. She was ordered to pay £100 costs and a £30 surcharge.

A third defendant, Ronnie Vine of Havengore Avenue, whose two horses were in a different field to the main herd, pleaded guilty to one animal welfare offence, on 13 July.

The 56-year-old was banned from keeping equines for one year and ordered to pay £1,200 costs, a £200 fine and a £30 surcharge.

In mitigation, the court heard Vine cares for his sick wife, that he “took his eye off the ball” owing to an illness, and that his life revolves around horses and horse fairs.

Saunders co-operated with the RSPCA and had “learned her lesson”. She had been given the horses as therapy for her son, and had financial issues.

In Dunn’s mitigation, it was pointed out that he was not responsible for all the horses, as some belonged to the other defendants.

RSPCA inspector Rosie Russon said after the case: “Many of the horses taken were just youngsters and had probably only known a life of misery, sickness and riddled with worms. It is such an awful shame that in this day and age, we are still seeing cases of animal cruelty of this scale.

“I was truly horrified at the sheer number of horses being kept in such terrible conditions in one small location, the horrors were clear for all to see – yet despite this the owners failed to make improvements for them.

“This is one of the largest number of horses that the RSPCA has taken into its care in the Kent area in recent years, and I am pleased to say that almost all the horses are now doing exceptionally well.

“But it has been a long road to recovery for many of them. They have been treated for parasites and other ailments and are now in herds with more than enough grazing and plenty of loving attention, a stark contrast to their previous lives.

“Six of the mares were pregnant when removed and they have all given birth to healthy, happy foals.”

Ms Russon thanked the police and BHS for their support in the “very complex and very difficult operation”.

“In Kent the horse crisis is something we as officers are having to face almost every day, and recent figures released by the RSPCA revealed that this county had the highest number of equines collected in the whole of the country [76] last year,” she added.

“Sadly, the horse crisis is still showing no signs of easing up, and we and horse charities across the region continue to have to pick up the pieces as a result of owners not meeting the basic welfare needs of their equines.

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“We know people find it frustrating when they see a horse they believe to be suffering and they contact us to take action, but we can only ever act within the law, and we cannot just remove them unless a vet confirms they are suffering and the police seize them.

“I hope this case sends out a clear message and reassures the public that when the RSPCA has sufficient evidence to bring animal welfare offenders before the courts, we will.”

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

“Shows keep telling me that I’ve put the rider’s name instead of the horse,” says Georgie Strutton of her relatively new ride for owner Beverley Widdowson.

“And the FEI wouldn’t believe me when I registered him!”

The horse in question, a six-year-old by Luidam x Le Tot De Semilly, has the unforgettable, if slightly confusing, name “M Sampson”.

The gelding earned his unusual moniker when showjumper Matt Sampson was based at breeder Lea Popely’s yard.

“Matt was there at the birth and, because they’re both redheads, Lea decided it was the perfect name,” explains Georgie, who was seen competing the chestnut at Brook Farm show on 16 June.

Despite a foot in the penultimate water jump in the newcomers qualifier — “He’s never seen one before,” says Georgie — the equine M Sampson certainly impressed everyone watching and looks set to be a star of the future.

“He’s already through to the HOYS grade C and talent seekers finals,” says Georgie, who also claimed victory in a 1.30m class at the show riding Old Lodge’s Khaled OL.

“Qualifiers put so much pressure on horse and rider that I wanted to give him a fun class,” she explained.

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The pair have already picked up some good results on the Sunshine Tour in Vejer De La Frontera earlier this year. Beverley Widdowson, owner of Nick Skelton’s dual Olympic gold medal-winning ride Big Star and Michael Whitaker’s top stallion Cassionato, must be very excited about this addition to her stable.

The class, and a coveted ticket to the final at Horse of the Year Show, was won in impressive style by Abbe Burchmore-Eames riding the Belgian-bred Javko Du Flory (Andiamo Z x Skippy II)

>> You can read the full report from Brook Farm, as well as all the action from the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby meeting, in the next issue of Horse & Hound, out Thursday 28 June.

A rider who was subject to “vile” abuse from fellow horse-owners after her Shetland was diagnosed with strangles believes such attitudes contribute to the spread of the disease.

Lily Taylor told others of her pony Ernie’s diagnosis as soon as it was confirmed, and he has been treated and is being managed under veterinary advice, while she has put appropriate biosecurity measures in place at the yard where she keeps him and her other horses.

Lily told H&H she was surprised by the “nastiness” she has been subject to from other owners.

“People have been vile,” she said.

“I’ve been speaking to vets and farriers; they say this is one reason why it spreads, as people keep it quiet because they don’t want all this backlash.

“I’ve had people screaming at me, calling me every name under the sun – not concerned about my pony at all.”

Lily says she has also been surprised by the misinformation some riders seem to be acting on, such as thinking strangles is airborne.

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‘Time to ditch the strangles stigma’: Redwings reveals survey

Redwings Horse Sanctuary has launched a strangles survey to gain a better understanding of horse owners’ perceptions of the disease

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“I’ve had everything in place, I’m disinfecting everything, doing it all properly, but I’ve had some people accusing me of not telling them early enough – I didn’t want to cause panic by announcing it until it was confirmed,” she added.

“This is why some people don’t say anything when they get it – but I’d rather be screamed at than let it spread.

“You get made to feel like you’re trying to kill other people’s horses, but I just want to get the word out: be honest and tell people – and if someone does tell you they’ve got it, they need support, not to be screamed at.”

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

The £21,0000 restoration of an ‘unsafe’ bridleway that provided a crucial off-road route for riders, walkers and cyclists demonstrates the importance of access work, the British Horse Society (BHS) believes.

The bridleway in Horton, Dorset, was overgrown with unusable boggy sections. It was the only off-road access from Horton Tower to links with a mass of tracks in Queens Copse, Ferndown Forest, Holt Forest and beyond.

Work included cutting back trees and scrub to form a 4m-wide area and creating a new drainage system with locally sourced Mendip stone to stop the route becoming waterlogged.

The bridleway before

“The partnerships formed here in Horton to restore this unsafe route highlight the importance of our access efforts and how the work benefits many users in the local community,” said Tracy Casstles, director of fundraising at the BHS. “We’re delighted that this work will allow user groups such as equestrians, cyclists and walkers access to safe off-road access opportunities and we very much look forward to working on similar projects across the UK.”

The Veoila Environmental Trust put £15,000 towards the project, through the Landfill Communities Fund. The remaining £6,000 was secured through funding from the BHS paths for communities fund, Knowlton Parish Council, Dorset Council, the Knowlton Parish Community Benefit Fund and the East Dorset Rambles Association, with the support of the Forestry Commission and residents.

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Parish council chairman Cllr Jerry Laker said: “Knowlton Parish Council is delighted to have been a part of this project to improve the accessibility to the extensive forest area and our landmark tower at Horton.”

The restoration is an example of the work taking place under the BHS’s project jigsaw campaign, which aims to provide all equestrians with access to a safe network of off-road tracks.

The project is made up of four areas: government lobbying, ride out UK, paths for communities and mapping the historic routes by 1 January 2026 to prevent them being lost for ever. The Horton restoration came under the paths for communities fund, a fundraising initiative working with landowners to create new routes and ensure existing routes are kept open and maintained.

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

One talented young rider has received the best Christmas present imaginable — a lesson from Carl Hester on none other than the mighty Valegro.

Ruby Hughes, the 11-year-old daughter of international dressage riders Gareth and Rebecca Hughes and Carl’s goddaughter, had the chance to put “Blueberry” through his paces at Carl’s beautiful Gloucestershire yard.

Ruby rode the 16-year-old Negro gelding very competently in trot and canter, even throwing in flying changes and doing some lateral work, before Carl helped her try some piaffe too, with Blueberry being very obliging.

“Blueberry was amazing. Uncle Carl gave me a lesson on him and even had me doing piaffe! And Blueberry’s canter was so big!” said Ruby.

European and world team medallist Gareth added: “Ruby got an early Christmas present from her godfather Carl Hester and Valegro yesterday. This is what dreams are made of. It is something we will never forget.”

Carl added: “Christmas is about the kids! My 11-year-old god-daughter Ruby got her early Christmas present — a lesson on the one and only gold medallist Valegro.”

Ruby has had a successful season kicking off her dressage career, finishing fifth at the regional championships riding Ramnor Beau Supreme at novice, and also taking over the ride on the successful international dressage pony Le Chiffre.

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She is also a member of the English vaulting squad and has competed internationally in vaulting this year.

Blueberry retired from competition in an emotional ceremony at Olympia in December 2016, having broken every word record and claimed two individual Olympic titles with Charlotte Dujardin.