A seven-year-old part-Warmblood, part-Dartmoor pony who was conceived by accident in the field is heading for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) after winning his first even SEIB Search For A Star (SFAS) working show horse qualifier at Stretcholt.

Melissa Northwood and her partner bought the 15hh gelding Mendip Voyage (Barney) from his breeder Sandra Partridge when he was a four-year-old.

“I was looking for a bigger horse to event and actually had one I was going to buy, but was let down at the last minute,” said Melissa. “I saw him on the internet and thought he’d make a good project so went to see him — he was only 14.2hh.”

It was not until after she’d bought him that Melissa, who works as a saddle fitter and also teaches dressage and eventing students, found out how he came about.

“He was a complete accident. His mother is a 16.1hh eventer by the stallion Tallents Asa and his sire is a naughty Dartmoor pony who escaped into her field,” she said. “No one knew she was in foal.

“He has a big jump but is also very nimble and quick, which is where the pony is evident.”

After a a couple of seasons eventing, Melissa made the decision to hit the show ring and in four shows, the pair have had four victories. “He was looking so well and had matured so much, mentally and physically, that I thought we’d give working hunter a go.”

Although she has successfully competed in British Show Pony Society classes and rode for the Hunnables as a young girl, Melissa will be making her Birmingham debut.

“HOYS is the one thing that has always eluded me,” she said. “So I’m excited to get the chance to compete there after a lot of near misses when I was younger.”

Even though the duo beat 20 other competitors to win their SFAS qualifier, Barney and Melissa’s pre-Stretcholt training did not quite go as planned, as the gelding suffered an injury over winter.

“We’d only jumped twice before going to the show,” she added. “But on the day he jumped a beautiful round. One of the judges said he was a lovely chap.”

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Barney will be aimed at competing at Bath and West show and Melissa also has hopes of trying some elementary dressage with him this summer.

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

In this week’s edition, out on 24 May, don’t miss our “cob special”, including how to find the perfect cob, meet champion cob Our Cashel Blue and more.

Take a virtual walk around the 100cm cross-country course at the 2018 H&H Festival of Eventing.

The cross-country of this three-day unaffiliated event takes place on Sunday (27 May).

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Don’t miss the full report from the H&H Festival of Eventing in Horse & Hound magazine — on sale Thursday, 7 June and follow online at www.horseandhound.co.uk.

If you’re on the lookout for a horse to teach you the ropes, take a look at these schoolmaster horses for sale on the Horse & Hound website this week.

1. ‘Safe and smart’

Height: 16hh

Age: 14

Gender: gelding

Selling points: “‘Hilton’ is a safe, talented, honest and fun all-rounder who has evented up to British Eventing (BE) novice level and is currently competing at BE90/100. He has successfully competed in British Dressage (BD) up to elementary and has also showjumped up to newcomers. He is currently in full competition work and has been placed at his first and only outing so far. Last season he was placed every time out eventing too. Hilton knows and enjoys his job and is a real confidence giver that has transformed his current owner from dressage diva to an eventer — he always brings you home safe and smiling. He is easy to do and does not need to be ridden every day.”

View the advert

2. ‘Amazing’

Height: 16.2hh

Age: 15

Gender: gelding

Selling points: “This wonderful horse is very easy and sensible to ride. He isn’t strong or fizzy and is snaffle mouthed at all times. He is very laid back and an absolute sweetheart to handle. He can be ridden by the most novice of riders in the school and has done everything. He has jumped up to 1.30m in Ireland and has a very good record. He loves to be fussed and is good to do in all ways. He would suit someone who is nervous and doesn’t want anything sharp or too forward going. He is a real kick-on type of ride and schoolmasters like him rarely come onto the market. He has a wealth of experience in all fields and could teach someone a huge amount.”

View the advert

3. ‘Total all-rounder’

Height: 16.2hh

Age: 12

Gender: gelding

Selling points: “This horse hacks alone and in company and has been ridden by both a tall man and teenage girl. He is an honest chap that is scopey and keen to a fence but not silly or spooky. He doesn’t have an affiliated record but he would easily go eventing.”

View the advert

4. ‘An absolute pleasure’

Height: 15.3hh

Age: nine

Gender: gelding

Selling points: “This horse is an absolute pleasure. He works well on the flat and has beautiful paces — his canter is to die for. He jumps a course of fences and has cross-country schooled. He has done lots of pleasure rides where he has always behaved impeccably. He hacks alone or in company and is very good in all traffic. He is fantastic to clip, box, shoe and catch. He is a dream to have on the yard and is one of those horses that brightens your day. We all argue over who is going to ride him in the morning and he makes us all smile. He has shown up to county level in his previous home and he deserves only the best.”

View the advert

5. ‘Quality horse’

Height: 16.2hh

Age: 10

Gender: gelding

Selling points: “This is an exciting one-star/novice event horse that would suit a competitive rider. He has four BE points and 30 BE foundation points and has previously showjumped in age classes in Belgium. He is big moving with a scopey jump and is very brave and honest. He isn’t spooky and knows his job. He hacks alone or in company and travels well, happily standing on the lorry all day at competitions. He is a straight forward horse to do and is always laid back. He is currently fit and out competing at novice/CIC* level and is an excellent schoolmaster to take a rider up through the levels.”

View the advert

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6. ‘Super’

Height: 15hh

Age: nine

Gender: mare

Selling points: “‘Sugar’ has been working in our riding school for the past four years. She has been used for lessons, hacking, cross-country, showjumping and hunting. She has been ridden safely by riders of all abilities and is well schooled. Sugar goes in a lovely soft outline and responds to the leg. She is a great jumper, a confidence builder across country and a super safe hunter — she is snaffle mouthed for all activities. Sugar would be perfect in a riding club or Pony Club home where she can have fun.”

View the advert

View more horses for sale on horseandhound.co.uk

NB: Horse & Hound has not checked the accuracy of the claims made in these adverts and cannot be held liable if the information included above is inaccurate in any way

Take a virtual walk around the 90cm cross-country course at the 2018 H&H Festival of Eventing.

The cross-country of this three-day unaffiliated event takes place on Sunday (27 May).

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Don’t miss the full report from the H&H Festival of Eventing in Horse & Hound magazine — on sale Thursday, 7 June and follow online at www.horseandhound.co.uk.

Opinion

Good grooms who are willing to work and who really care about horses have become like unicorns. What has caused this worldwide shortage of grooms, across the disciplines?

One factor is that competitions have popped up all over the world so one week horses need to be in Hong Kong, the next they need to be in Calgary. It’s impossible for one groom to be in all these places, so with the demanding show schedule of some top riders, there has been an ever-increasing demand for freelance grooms to help accommodate their horses’ needs as they follow the tours.

They get paid a hefty daily rate, travel to many chic destinations, then don’t need to work a good part of the year so take some downtime. They have half the amount of work but get paid the same. Who wouldn’t want to do that?

We also have a growing number of wealthy amateurs in showjumping who offer high-paid grooming positions but less work than most professional working stables. Experienced grooms who have paid their dues certainly deserve to get paid well, having put a lot of sweat and hours into the job, but not all grooms deserve these high-end jobs.

The younger generation of grooms seem to think they deserve these high-paying jobs without putting in the time. Unfortunately, these particular jobs have raised the base salary in normal working stables. There are unqualified grooms wanting to work for above their pay grade, but employers don’t want to pay for a service they don’t get.

Escalating problem

Times are changing and the economics of many countries are improving, giving opportunities in new industries to many people. Life as a groom can be exciting because of the opportunity to travel, but it is tough physical labour. Younger generations with better opportunities simply take different paths rather than groom horses.

Over the years, small family breeding operations have fallen by the wayside because costs have increased above their means. These types of places throughout the world were full of kids who were born and raised around horses — they were true horse people. These families were a great source of grooms, but we are losing that.

With economies improving, there are also more people who can afford horses. This then adds to a higher demand for grooms and therefore the problem escalates.

Teach the fundamentals

Our sport has been so commercialised that we haven’t spent enough time teaching the younger generations enough about proper horsemanship. Many grooms once rode as kids, but perhaps weren’t talented enough as riders, so the one way for them to stay with horses was to become a groom.

Trainers simply don’t take the time to teach the fundamentals of proper horsecare any more, they only teach riding. I see it over and over again with young grooms who can ride pretty well, but have no idea how to make a horse look good because they were never taught.

What we need urgently is qualified grooms who are willing to put in the necessary hours to make the money they deserve.

Ref Horse & Hound; 24 May 2018

An owner was left speechless when her miniature Shetland gave birth to a very unusual foal last week (16 May).

Scotland-based Lauren Mosgrove only discovered her mare, Peaches, was in foal when she was grooming her stomach and felt a kick.

Her vet confirmed the 12-year-old was pregnant and Lauren assumed the sire was her Shetland colt, who had escaped into Peaches’ field last year.

But when Peaches gave birth five weeks later, Lauren realised the father was in fact her three-year-old donkey, Baby Donk.

Lauren had not considered that 7.2hh Peaches and 13.1hh Donk would breed due to their size difference.

“It was a huge surprise,” said Lauren. “As soon as I saw her head I knew the foal was the donkey’s.

“She was up within five minutes. Peaches loves her and is just fine, there was no damage done, which was a really huge relief.”

The mule foal, believed to be the first miniature Shetland-donkey cross, has been named Katie.

Peaches and Katie are progressing well and the foal is almost as tall as Peaches.

Lauren hopes to back Katie when she matures.

“I think she’s going to grow to about 14hh; she’s the first of her kind in the world,” said Lauren.

“Katie is very cheeky — she thinks she’s a miniature racehorse.

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“She’s been making tiny little noises, we’re not sure if she sounds like a donkey or a horse yet.”

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

In this week’s edition, out on 24 May, don’t miss our “cob special”, including how to find the perfect cob, meet champion cob Our Cashel Blue and more.

Thai princess Sirivannavari Nariratana will be among the competitors at this year’s Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show, it has been announced.

The 31-year-old daughter of Thai king Maha Vajiralongkorn will be competing in the small tour dressage classes at the show, which takes place at Bolesworth Castle, near Chester, from 13 to 17 June.

Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester are to bring their World Equestrian Games (WEG) hopefuls Mount St John Freestyle and Hawtins Delicato for the CDI3* classes, which run on the first two days of the show.

“Bolesworth is one of the most exciting equestrian events in the world,” Carl said.

“Nina and the team are bringing something innovative to our sport and it’s lovely to compete in the beautiful setting of Bolesworth Castle. Charlotte and I will both be riding the horses we’re aiming to ride at WEG and there will be plenty of friendly rivalry between us.”

British showjumpers due to contest the CSI4* showjumping classes include John Whitaker, Ben Maher, Laura Renwick and Amanda Derbyshire. Those representing Ireland include last year’s Bolesworth grand prix winner Anthony Condon, Shane Breen and Connor Swail.

“We are proud to have some of the world’s top riders with us again at Bolesworth,” said show president Nina Barbour. “We are always trying to stage the best in traditional show jumping alongside new innovations and it’s terrific that some of the biggest names in the sport like what we’re doing.

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“We also like to think that Bolesworth is a great day out. We have a great team and we’re all passionate about bringing our sport to the widest possible audience.”

Evening entertainment includes music, a polo demonstration and a celebrity fashion show, while children’s activities include an assault course and pony rides, as well as a dog show.

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

In this week’s edition, out on 24 May, don’t miss our “cob special”, including how to find the perfect cob, meet champion cob Our Cashel Blue and more.

At the Races presenter and former jockey Hayley Moore was knocked to the ground by a loose horse she stepped in to catch at Chepstow racecourse yesterday (22 May).

The incident occurred in the 3.15pm, a seven-furlong handicap Flat race, which had 12 runners including three-year-old Give Em A Clump.

The moment Hayley, sister of former champion Flat jockey Ryan Moore, jump jockeys Josh and Jamie and daughter of trainer Gary, stepped out in front of the horse to catch it, was captured on film.

Give Em A Clump was in the lead when he unseated his jockey. He then completed two laps of the track before Hayley decided to take matters into her own hands.

As he galloped towards the finishing line, Hayley walked on to the course and managed to grab his reins as he passed. She was pulled over and dragged a short distance, but hung on until the horse came to a halt.

“It looked like the horse did a funny little jump on the first furlong and then stumbled,” Hayley told H&H. “His jockey then came off and his blinkers slipped, slightly obscuring his vision — he was then essentially galloping in blind panic.

“I thought if I didn’t try to stop him, when was he going to stop? He could have exhausted or harmed himself and I was worried he would run into something. I just didn’t want him to run another lap scared,” Hayley explained.

“I could see as the horse approached me near the finish line that he was slowing a little, so I grabbed his reins and thankfully he came to a stop.”

Undeterred, the presenter proceeded to untack the horse and then continued with her work and was soon interviewing the winning jockey.

“I wasn’t hurt at all and I just carried on with my job,” she said.

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Hayley’s studio colleagues Bob Cooper and Jason Weaver gave viewers their own take on events.

“Goodness me, Hayley,” Bob said as he watched in disbelief. “That deserves some sort of award. If that’s what At the Races presenters have to do when we go live reporting, I tell you I’m not doing it!”

Give Em A Clump, a three-year-old trained by David Evans, was being ridden by Fran Berry, who has five wins under his belt so far this season, clocking up £123,749 in prize money. Fran walked away from his fall unaided.

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 (17 May) features a full report from Royal Windsor Horse Show, including all the showing, showjumping and dressage action. We go behind the scenes with the Household Cavalry as they prepare for the royal wedding, plus check out our interview with Irish eventer Padraig McCarthy.

I’ve done it — I’ve done my first grand prix!

Now that I’m writing to you all as a grand prix rider, I want to say a massive thank you to my home team who make everything happen. I’d be lost without the help and guidance and of super mum Diane and big sister Sam.

After the success of Keysoe, Apollo and I were gearing up for Addington premier league. It’s one of my favourite premier leagues — last year I won the prix st georges class here on over 72%. He’s been to Addington many, many times, so he’s not spooky in the arenas… or so I thought.

Friday was the inter 2 class and I was very lucky that my super owner Susan Armstrong could take me as unfortunately my mum had to go to a funeral. Poor Susan had to be my mother, driver, groom and trainer and she did a fantastic job.

Apollo warmed up well but when we went into the ring there was a new judge’s hut that had been erected at B. Apollo was totally not expecting it to be there so he had one ear concentrated on it the whole way round. Because of this, he was also hyper-aware of every flower pot around the arena! We had a few mistakes and a few rather speedy corners trying to get past said flower pots, but I was still pleased with it, our 66% score and 10th place in a huge class.

Apollo and I in our first grand prix

The next day was time for the big one — the grand prix. I completely dropped Apollo and I in at the deep end, doing our first one at a premier league. But it was fantastic and was so much fun. I hadn’t even been through the whole test at home before, so I was just thankful that I didn’t go wrong. I so nearly got my one-time flying-changes too — I got 15! Finally I think I might have cracked this whole counting thing. But the first change was together behind so a thumbs down from the judges. We’re getting closer though. On the final centre line, Apollo was like “phew this is hard work, I’m just gonna have a little walk now” just after our last piaffe, so marks were lost there too. Overall, everything can still be improved upon — obviously! We achieved 65% though and finished in 10th which meant Apollo claimed his first ever grand prix rosette. Now I can’t wait to go out and do more.

Credit: Sophie Lefevre

Back home, it was time for a photo shoot. Now I love doing photo shoots, I’ve done several in the past for equestrian photographers and some of you may have spotted me and Sam in the Dublin clothing catalogues. This time it was with Sophie Lefevre, who is just fantastic. She’s such a lovely person who just loves horses and the relationship between horse and rider, which is clear in the photos she captures. I love the photos as they show the special bond we have with our horses, something to treasure for a lifetime. I’ve got numerous photos of me riding at shows, but there is something really magical about having photographic memories of the way you kiss and cuddle your horse.

Sprout and Tommy Credit: Sophie Lefevre

Of course, the puppies had to get in on the shoot, as they are the real bosses of the yard! How beautiful do they look though?! The are so grown up now at seven months. They love to ‘help’ us muck out, by doing super useful things like jump in the wheelbarrows, dig up the banks, sit on the shavings fork and chase the broom. They also love to meet everyone who comes onto the yard in a very friendly manner, Sprout in fact was kind enough to hop in our vet, Rob Oulton’s car, sit in the passenger seat and wait for Rob to take him on an adventure! Generally, they are pure trouble and complete mischief makers, but also little angels who just want a cuddle after a long day. They will be coming with me to Somerford premier league next week so that will be exciting.

With my gorgeous puppies Credit: Sophie Lefevre

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On a rather sad note, I’m finally ready to talk about my lovely horse, Nova. He is a huge 18.3hh part dinosaur, who I had hoped to bring out at PSG level this year, but unfortunately he injured himself in the field over the winter, which has resulted in him needing time out. He is currently loving life at Froxfield Stud out in their retirement herd. While I miss him terribly every day that I can’t give him a cuddle and kiss, I know that he gets plenty from the girls there. Having horses is an emotional rollercoaster — I had so many dreams to fulfil with Nova and his owner Susan Armstrong. He is easily the most talented horse I have had the pleasure of riding — he made me smile every time I rode him. He is also the naughtiest horse I have ever met, and the list of things he has destroyed include a telegraph pole and my riding hat. I’m not sure what the future holds for him, but for now he can enjoy a summer of sun and fun out with his field buddies.

Thank you again for being with me through the ups and downs of this sport.

Joanna xx

Living in a country with a climate as inclement and grey as our own, it’s easy to forget that the sun can be harmful to animals, as well as humans, with horses who live out all through the summer being particularly vulnerable.

“The pigmentation in hair and skin protects against the penetration of ultraviolet light, so any non-pigmented horse or an animal with white-skinned areas is prone to sunburn damage,” says Dr Janet Littlewood MRCVS, a specialist in veterinary dermatology.

“Although the horses most at risk are those kept at permanent pasture in the summer months, it’s important not to forget that sunlight can also be damaging at other times of the year.”

The face and heels are most commonly affected because these often have non-pigmented patches and less hair coverage.

“It’s not a breed-related problem because nearly all breeds produce horses with white facial markings and legs,” explains Dr Littlewood, “but owners of animals with a thin coat should be particularly careful.”

What harm does sunburn cause?

In most horses the only harm caused by sunburn is occasional discomfort, redness and peeling. However, repeated damage can cause significant long-term problems, warns Dr Littlewood.

“It can result in thickening and scaling on the surface of the skin [keratosis], which can sometimes transform to skin cancer — squamous cell carcinoma,” she says.

“Ultraviolet light exposure also has adverse effects on skin immune mechanisms. Hence, horses with white legs tend to suffer more problems with infections, such as bacterial folliculitis and mud fever. These conditions tend to become worse and harder to manage with time.”

What can you do to prevent sunburn?

Ensuring fields have shady areas is essential, but even the most severe weather conditions won’t stop some horses grazing. There are equine sun barrier lotions available, but many owners prefer to use products made for people — high-factor water-resistant creams that are safe for children are a popular choice. But, unlike a child, it isn’t possible to bribe a horse into co-operating with ice-lollies and treats. Coloured “stick” sunblocks can be easier to apply and show up any “missed bits”.

Head and muzzle masks may provide some relief and rugs can help shield horses with more widespread sensitive areas.

What should you do if your horse is already sunburnt?

Dr Littlewood suggests that where prevention has come too late, horses should be brought inside until the problem has been resolved.

“If skin is blistered or oozing, veterinary attention should be sought. Generally, treatment is symptomatic: gentle topical bathing to remove crusts; emollient creams and antibiotics if there’s evidence of secondary infection,” she says.

All owners should monitor signs carefully, especially in an animal that has become inexplicably more sunburnt, to ensure that the horse isn’t suffering from photosensitisation. This is a condition where non- and lightly pigmented skin reacts abnormally to ultraviolet light.

“This occurs when there are reactive compounds — photosensitisers — in the horse’s circulation that cause tissue damage,” explains Dr Littlewood.

Photosensitisers can be found in some drugs, dyes and plants, including St John’s Wort and some clovers. Other plants, such as buttercups and cow parsley, contain light-reactive substances that can be absorbed directly into the muzzle during grazing.

“The prognosis for horses with primary photosensitisation is good,” says Dr Littlewood. “The underlying cause can be removed and the sores treated.

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“Photosensitisation can also occur when a horse has severe liver damage, most commonly caused by eating ragwort. When the liver isn’t functioning properly, it cannot process chlorophyll fully. This results in the presence of photosensitive phylloerythrin in the tissues. The prognosis for horses with this ‘secondary’ photosensitisation is poor, so any animal showing clinical signs of the condition should undergo thorough investigation of liver function by a vet,” she warns.

This article was first published in the 9 June 2005 issue of Horse & Hound magazine