British dressage rider and H&H columnist Anna Ross is relocating to a new “horsey heaven” base in Devon.

The Wiltshire-based rider and trainer will move to Barons Wood Equestrian Centre at the end of July.

“It is a beautiful yard, more like a European set up with stables all around the indoor school,” Anna told H&H.

“It is an absolutely beautiful environment and, with Newton Stud just up the road, we have effectively formed a horse village.”

The yard features 35 rubber-lined stables, indoor and outdoor arenas, 36 acres, two solariums, gallops, a horse walker and a lounge for clients.

Anna added they are already using the centre — Alex Baker, who works for Anna, is currently based there — so when it came on the market, it was the perfect opportunity.

“All my team are coming with me, so nothing changes there,” said Anna, who will continue to travel to Wiltshire, across the UK and abroad to teach.

“I just hope we are going to be able to do everything bigger and better.”

Anna, who already works closely with many British breeders to break and produce young horses, hopes this move will benefit them too.

With Elite Stallions and Newton Stud so close, mares are able to easily hack up the road for breeding duties, without it eating into their training time.

Anna added she will be launching a new business venture with the stud soon and thanked everyone who has made the move possible.

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“I believe this new venture will give my loyal ‘right hand’ Beth Bainbridge all the opportunities she deserves after her seven years of hard work and dedication, which have made a huge contribution to building the business at Cholderton,” said Anna.

“Alex is already based at Barons Wood, training the sport mares and backing young horses.

“Huge thanks to my family, whose support and determination to make this dream work have enabled me to make it a reality and to my late Grandfather Bill, who’s love of horses (and stubborn approach) clearly passed very strongly down this particular bloodline, and of course my partner Marcelo Tosi.”

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 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

Located in the heart of Exmoor hunting country is this idyllic three-bedroom country home, complete with equestrian facilities.

If you love hunting then you will already be aware of the sporting wonders of Exmoor. Local packs include Devon and Somerset Staghounds, Quantock Staghounds, Dulverton West Foxhounds, Dulverton Farmers, Exmoor Foxhounds and the Minehead Harriers. The Exmoor Foxhounds and Devon and Somerset Staghounds are the active packs that hunt over and around this property.

Whichever pack you hunt with, the variety of countryside — from high heather-clad moorlands to the deep wooded fast flowing river valleys — means there is much to enjoy when hunting with any of the popular local packs.

Castle Farm is situated to the west of Exford and within a short drive of the village itself (2.2 miles). For any lover of the countryside, some of the area’s most stunning open moorland riding and walking is on the doorstep with places such as Trout Hill, South Common, Brendon Common and Brendon Two Gates just a stone’s throw away.

Purchased at public auction some 17 years ago, the property required considerable modernisation and improvement and the present owners set about to make several improvements, which included the installation of the manege and restoration of the stable yard.

Offered for sale by Fine and Country, this property is priced at £750,000.

Could this be the hunting haven for you?

The land totals 14.8 acres. The majority is pasture and has been split into five main paddocks, with two smaller paddocks closer to the main house. Check out the views over the Exmoor countryside…

When you’re not out hunting, there is a manege which measures 20x40m to keep your horse’s schooling up to scratch…

… as well as a stable yard incorporating three stables ‐ one a foaling box ‐ with a tack and feed room, as well as an attached barn area.

Just imagine the endless hours of hacking and exploring…

A private drive leads off Wellshead Lane to Castle Farm House, which boasts three bedrooms.

Inside, the interior has a traditional, country feel. The open plan farmhouse kitchen/diner features a recessed fireplace with inset slow combustion stove.

The living room enjoys views over that incredible landscape.

As the house is in an elevated position, summer evenings watching the horses graze will certainly be on the agenda.

A horse and rider are to jump a sculpture as part of an art installation commemorating World War One.

The work by UK contemporary artist Katrina Palmer has been commissioned by 14-18 NOW, who are behind a five-year programme of artworks inspired by the centenary of the conflict.

The work, called The Coffin Jump, will be unveiled next month at Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Wakefield.

It commemorates First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY), an exceptional group of women whose role was to rescue injured men from the battlefield.

Founded in 1907 by Captain Edward Baker, his original vision was of women riding on horseback, although in actuality they drove motorised ambulances.

The artwork sits in parkland and will occasionally be jumped by a local horse and rider. Sitting above a trench, it “represents the new challenges and freedoms afforded to women in the war”, as well as invoking mortality.

The park say that the “activation” of the horse and rider jumping the obstacle will symbolise new beginnings, as the “woman and horse cheat death”.

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Katrina Palmer is an artist known for building sculptures using words, often merging written works with visual.

She has drawn from sources including the 1918 diaries of FANY member Muriel Thompson.

FANY faced prejudice during the war, initially being rejected by the British Army and opting to support French and Belgian troops instead.

Hand-painted on the fence will be phrases such as “woman saves man” and “nothing special happened”, which highlight the everyday heroism of women during the period.

FANY continues today as the Princess Royal’s Volunteer Corps and are the longest established uniformed “military” voluntary organisation for women in the world and the only all-women unit remaining in the UK.

Most recently, FANYs were deployed following the terrorist attacks in Manchester, Westminster and London Bridge, and the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017.

The Coffin Jump, which is co-commisioned by 14-18 NOW and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park — an open air gallery — will be at the park from 16 June 2018 to 16 June 2019.

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 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 

OPINION

I was very heartened recently to hear of a letter published in H&H (10 May) regarding my judging at a recent show. It isn’t often that judges receive praise after an appointment, so it was greatly received.

Judging can be a thankless task at times. You often feel you can only please one person — the winner. However, it seems that this lady was very grateful actually to receive some constructive feedback.

When judging, I always try to make a comment to each competitor when time allows and I am certainly open to questions from the competitors and try to be as transparent as possible. This gives them a reason for their placing, although sadly some do not like to hear it, instead only wanting to believe their own opinion.

As a rider and trainer, I believe we should never stop learning and improving. When I’m struggling with a horse or want fresh ideas on a schooling issue, I chat with fellow competitors and producers who I respect — I really do value their opinion.

Opinions matter

We have some wonderful judges who could give some excellent advice, but I know some are reluctant to do so for fear of repercussions. Surely, when we go under a judge we should accept their opinion, as that is why we pay to be judged by them. Of course, we don’t always have to agree with that opinion. All we can do in response is not to show that horse under that person again.

There’s always another day and another viewpoint.

When I judge, I have a simple philosophy — I choose the one I’d like to take home or get my cheque book out for. I’m not there to upset anybody and because I also compete, I realise how difficult it can be at times.

There is sometimes criticism of competitors and producers who also judge, and I can see this as a problem if they have an agenda. But surely the positives regarding their knowledge and experience should be rewarded?

If there is a certain judge who repeatedly has a specific person to win each time, no matter what they are sat on, or who rewards another judge
judging a later competition, commonly known as “back scratching”, then we need to be asking questions. Perhaps the next time that person judges, they should be closely monitored for any suspicious behaviour.

I don’t believe, though, that all judges who compete should be tarred with the same brush. I feel there are larger problems with inappropriate connections. However, judging need to be closely monitored to ensure fair play.

Respecting judges

It was wonderful to see the supreme judges at Royal Windsor were the esteemed Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin.

I don’t think anybody could argue with the knowledge of these two individuals. Perhaps if we had as much respect for all our judges, we would have fewer problems.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 31 May 2018

Selecting a stallion to breed to your mare can be one of the most exciting parts of the breeding process. But with more and more stallions available to breeders, and extensively marketed, it can be a tricky, and often agonising, decision. We speak to the team at British semen agency Elite Stallions to discover their top tips for choosing the perfect sire.

1. Take a long, honest look at the mare in front you, not just her passport. Decide what you like about her, and what you don’t — be critical. Ask a professional to assess her too, so you get an objective picture of her strengths and weaknesses to help you choose a stallion to complement her.

2. Do your research into your mare’s breeding and damline. Look at any other foals her dam or second dam have produced and gain an understanding of what has worked. Don’t forget to thoroughly research the stallion’s damline as well.

3. Know what you want to breed — are you aiming to breed a horse for a particular discipline, or of a specific size? Also consider whether you want to keep the foal for yourself to ride, or whether you plan to sell it, and if that is the case, at what age you would prefer to sell it. If you plan to sell as a foal, opting for a more well-known, commercial stallion will help make your foal more attractive to buyers, whereas if you plan to sell once the horse is under saddle, you can afford to take more of a risk on a lesser-known or up-and-coming stallion as buyers will be able to see the horse perform.

4. Try to view the stallions you are considering in the flesh, but if that’s not possible speak to people who have and ask for their thoughts — positive and negative. If possible, try to meet some of the stallion’s other offspring, so you can get a real feel for their type and temperament.

5. Consider whether a stallion’s offspring tend to be ridden by professionals or amateur riders, as that can tell you a lot about the sort of horses they produce. Dimaggio (pictured above) is a good example of a ‘user-friendly’ sire – he had by far the most offspring at this year’s British Dressage Winter championships, ridden by professionals and amateurs alike.

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6. Ask plenty of questions, whether that’s of the stallion owner, your vet, the semen agent or owners of other offspring. Find out what sort of mares a sire has suited in the past, and what his sons or daughters are like to ride and own.

7. Don’t get hung up on things like colour or markings; as the saying goes, “it’s better to ride a chestnut than fall off a bay”. That said, make sure you choose a stallion you love — don’t be pressured into picking one you don’t really like.

8. If you’re breeding for competition, look for stallions that have been performance tested, or at least have progeny performing successfully at a good level — don’t rely on videos online.

9. Don’t get too caught up with trends — no matter how popular a sire may be, be honest with yourself about whether he will suit your mare and your aims for breeding. Equally, if you are planning to sell your foal, be aware of the market and which stallions are likely to be the most commercial.

10. Ensure that you fully understand the breeding terms with your chosen stallion, and that you know exactly what you’re purchasing. You could be paying per straw with no terms, so would receive nothing back if your mare does not get in foal, or at the opposite end of the scale, some stallions come with a live foal guarantee, and various options to try again if the first attempt is unsuccessful.

11. Find out as much as you can about a sire’s previous fertility record and pregnancy rates. Bear in mind that a number of factors affect fertility rates, many of which can be managed and improved.

12. Don’t rule out using frozen semen. Being open to using frozen semen widens your choice of stallion and, with a good vet skilled in reproduction and a reasonably fertile mare, conception rates can be very good.

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 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

Devon’s largest horse rescue charity is mourning the sad loss of “gentle giant” Kavaner, one of their most popular residents who was also a rare hermaphrodite.

The Shire, who moved to The Mare & Foal Sanctuary in 2006, is thought to have suffered a fatal heart attack in his field between Monday night and Tuesday morning (27-28 May).

Visitors at the Coombe Park Visitor Centre near Totnes were drawn to the 17.1hh horse’s size and affectionate nature, with many stopping to have their picture taken alongside him.

He became the charity’s most popular adoption horse, with people throughout the country contributing to his care and receiving regular updates on his progress in turn.

His groom Jennifer Abbott, who worked with Kav for five years, said his loss would be felt all over the country.

“He was such a lovely, gentle chap and we’re all heartbroken. He is going to leave a huge hole in all our lives,” she said.

“No one worked harder for the Sanctuary than Kav and he seemed to really connect with people. They would come hundreds of miles to spend just a couple of hours with him, even if it was just watching him from the side of a field.

“He was also so willing and loved his training, going on to be ridden and driven. He could often be seen pulling his little trap around Coombe Park or in the arena. It’s going to take us all a long time to get over his loss. He was a massive part of all our lives.”

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The Shire arrived at the charity as a “gangly” two-year-old, having been moved on from a theme park who couldn’t cope with his unruly and stallion-like behaviour.

Investigations revealed he was in fact a very rare hermaphrodite, with both male and female sex organs.

The Sanctuary paid for two major operations which successfully gelded him – and from then on his calm, friendly and affectionate nature came to the fore.

Senior director of equine Syra Bowden, who was the first person to ever sit on him, said: “He presented with a totally unique set of health problems and we knew we had to help him.

“And we’re so glad we were able to pay for his operations – thanks to all our supporters – because he proved to be one of the loveliest, most laid back horses we have ever had the honour of rescuing.

“Every day he worked as an ambassador for us, proving to our visitors how important our work is. The Mare & Foal Sanctuary owes him a great debt. Thanks to Kav more people than ever before are aware of the work we do.”

The charity plans to scatter Kav’s ashes at Coombe Park and provide a memorial for his supporters to pay their respects.

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

I was amazed by this rehearsal.  Everyone was almost perfect!  I was taken with the huge, riderless horse who was pulling the carriage.  Clearly, he had some chicanery going on… but so handsome!

-Note to self… we have parades, but we don’t have castles.  Real Castles.

Click here to watch the Queen’s horses rehearse for the Royal Wedding.

Click image to watch them rehearse for the Royal Wedding.

This huge white, riderless horse pulling the carriage was my favorite!

AND WHILE WE’RE AT IT… HOW ABOUT ATTENDING THE ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW WHEN WE’RE 92?!!!

The Queen has never missed a Royal Windsor Horse Show.  Look at her smiles!  I want to be her at 92.

Click here to watch the video.

Click image to watch the photos of the queen at her horse show.

I bet the show horses were very well turned out at this show…

HAVE A GREAT SUNDAY!

The post The Queen’s HORSES rehearse for the Royal Wedding… and The Queen attends The Royal Windsor Horse Show – which is exactly where I’d like to be at 92!!! appeared first on Horse and Man.

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The famous blue silks of Godolphin dominated today’s Investec Derby at Epsom Downs (Saturday, 2 June), as William Buick steered the Charlie Appleby-trained Masar to victory — giving Sheikh Mohammed’s powerhouse a long-awaited first success in the prestigious Group One race.

On the lead up to the big race, the focus was on the Aidan O’Brien-trained Saxon Warrior — this year’s 2000 Guineas victor who went off the 4/5 favourite.

However, under Ryan Moore, the Ballydoyle colt experienced some traffic problems during the race and was never a threat to the leaders, finishing fourth.

The eventual winner — a 16/1 shot — stayed on well and had a clear run up to the finishing line on the stands’ side, holding off runner-up Dee Ex Bee (Silvestre De Sousa) by one-and-a-half lengths, with Roaring Lion (Oisin Murphy) in third.

“All I could think of in the last furlong was that I wanted to be the first trainer to win the Derby in the Godolphin blue,” said Charlie Appleby, who also trained the second-placed Wild Illusion in yesterday’s Investec Oaks.

“It was a fantastic team effort. Brett Doyle rides him every day — we just wanted to get him to switch off and we thought he’d stay. William [Buick] has given him a brilliant ride, but the last 100 yards seemed a long time.

“It still hasn’t sunk in and it probably won’t for days or even weeks. I was always just hoping the door was going to open for us this season and, to be honest, I did think it was going to be yesterday [in the Oaks],” he added.

William Buick, meanwhile, was enjoying his first taste of Derby success, having come close on occasions before.

“I’ve had a few rides in the race and I’ve come close a couple of times,” he said. “I know that some jockeys have ridden in the Derby more times without winning it, however, I often asked myself if my time would ever come. To do it for Sheikh Mohammed and his family — in the famous blue colours — is special, they are loyal supporters of mine and I’m very happy to be part of it all,” William added.

“Masar stayed the trip and travelled beautifully today. The Guineas didn’t happen for him but he’s a very good horse and the team believed in him.

“I’ve dreamt of this moment since I wanted to become a jockey, this is everything. A ‘Derby-winning rider’ — it sounds very good.”

O’Brien’s Oaks success

Aidan O’Brien may have missed out on this year’s Investec Derby victory, however, Forever Together’s brilliant four-and-a-half length win in the Investec Oaks (Friday, 1 June) was a seventh in the fillies’ mile-and-a-half Classic for the top trainer.

Forever Together was ridden by Aidan’s son Donnacha, who won the 2000 Guineas aboard Saxon Warrior last month.

The daughter of Galileo is out of the Theatrical mare Green Room — also dam of Group One winner Lord Shanakill — and she is the first maiden to win the Investec Oaks since Sun Princess in 1983.

Don’t miss the full report from the Investec Derby Festival in Horse & Hound magazine — on sale Thursday, 7 June.

With the summer season well under way, one of the first county ‘biggies’ for the showing community to flock to in search of an early Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) ticket and a jolly good day out was Devon.

Held over three days (17 — 19 May), the annual fixture saw some old faces return to reclaim their top spots, while some young jockeys also came to the fore.

Check out these 17 show ring winners…

1.Moortown Crusader

The Jordan family’s prolific Dartmoor stallion re-secured the Cuddy in-hand title and a HOYS ticket, a crown he also won last year.

2. Brimclose Flaming Amber

Lillia Adams led the coloured mare to the young handler championship.

3. Dharmavallye

Charlotte Clarke’s elegant hunter was ladies victor with producer Jayne Ross in the saddle.

4. Bracken Of Alltnacailleach

After a second at the Royal Windsor, Rhi Randall’s Highland stallion came to the fore to claim his breed championship.

5. Pride Of Place

The eight-year-old gelding bagged his HOYS ticket in the lightweight division before going onto win the hunter section title, under Robert Walker.

6. Woodview Shangri-La

The picture perfect pairing of Sam Laity and this show pony landed the mini title.

7. Treehill Aristotle

Aimee Stunt secured part-bred Arab victory with the bay gelding.

8. Runnon Daisy May

After standing Ottergayle supreme last season, this nine-year-old mare stepped back into the show ring to win the hack breeding title for Emma Edwards-Brady.

9. It’s The King’s Speech

It was a middleweight red for Ian Smeeth…

10. Royal Engagement

… but it was Claire Oliver and the second placed lightweight who took reserve in the hunter championship.

11. Blackertor Magneto

The seasoned Shetland took the in-hand breed title.

12. Carnsdale Cracker Jack

Chantel Searle rode her own gelding to clinch the show hunter pony tricolours.

13. Strawberryfields Prime Spirt

Freyja Rafferty was lead rein of hunter type winner.

14. Kiss N Tell

Jamie Frost was at the head of the sports horse champion.

15. Paddock Marquis

The big moving stallion triumphed in the Welsh section B championship.

16. Anchorman

A HOYS ticket followed a cracking clear round for Mel Hennah and her working hunter winner.

17. Dunloughan

Holly Simms and her dun gelding jumped their way to the 153cm class and the overall working hunter pony honours.

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

Blue Cross Burford’s equine unit is currently under lockdown after a rescued Shetland showed signs of strangles a month after arrival.

Skewbald youngster Little Timmy Tiptoes had already undergone the standard four-week isolation period for new arrivals when he showed signs of illness.

The 90cm Shetland was suffering from a severe nasal discharge and had a dangerously high temperature of 41 degrees.

After being admitted to the local veterinary practice as an emergency, he was screened for strangles and both a blood test and a nasal swab proved positive. He was also suffering from anaemia, which has compromised his ability to fight the infection.

The pony was originally rescued by the RSPCA before being taken in by the Oxfordshire rehabilitation and rehoming centre last month.

Blue Cross Burford’s horse manager Vicki Alford said: ““On arrival Timmy was in a really sad state. He had overgrown and curled up hooves, was riddled with lice and very underweight.

“The transporter who brought him to Burford described the place where he was found as horrific — apparently there was no food or water and they were stood in mud up to their tummies. How they survived is anyone’s guess.”

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Following Timmy’s diagnosis, the Blue Cross implemented their disease outbreak protocol to prevent the strangles from spreading.

The highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection is transmitted though direct contact with an infected horse or indirectly through contamination in the surrounding area.

The equine section of the Burford centre is currently closed to the public, with strict biosecurity measures in place. The small animal centre for dogs, cats and small pets remains open.

“Timmy is now back at the Burford Centre and is much brighter. His temperature is back to normal and the nasal discharge has cleared but he’s not out of the woods yet,” Vicky added.

“He is in still in isolation, but we hope our stringent bio-security will have stopped an outbreak it in its tracks and that the horse unit will be up and running again soon.”