Christmas Fun at Olympia

After  the  dressage World Cup qualifier at Olympia on Tuesday, The London International Horse Show, it was unanimously agreed that dressage, both on the international and British stage, has moved into a new era.  Anky Van Grunsven, the Olympic, World and European freestyle Champion, presented her brand new freestyle composed by concert pianist Wibi Soerjadi, called ‘Dance of Devotion’ with her golden partner Salinero to take the class by storm and the qualifier, her first this season, by a 7% margin. “It was a great test – although not necessarily foot perfect – but Anky has definitely brought the sport to a higher level than ever before,” said British Olympic judge Stephen Clarke. “What Torvill and Dean did for skating, Anky has done for dressage”.

Having won the opening Welcome Speed Stakes on Kalusha, Robert Whitaker then scooped the BIC Accumulator with Jimmy McLuskeys Mr Springfield, the horse on whom he so nearly won an Olympic medal in 2004. Click here for more Olympia News.

Audrey & Allen Tie the Knot

On Saturday 21st July 2007 Audrey Walker & her partner of 17 years Alan Cole were married @ Menheniot Parish Church. The service, conducted by Father Philip Conway, was attended by over 120 relatives, friends and ex-police colleagues of the couple. They emerged from church to the sound of bells and guard of honour by East Cornwall Hunt staff Graham Higgins, Tony Sleep & Harold Semmens. There then followed a great spectacle as The Master blew the horn & escorted the newly weds back home in fine style as they rode on a tractor and trailor festooned with flowers & balloons, driven by Alan's oldest schoolfriend & neighbouring farmer Steven Pearce from Trenodden Farm Doddycross.

 Best man was Nigel Edmonds and bridesmaids were the couple's niece Lucy Roberts and equestrian friends Kirstin McLean and Charlotte and Georgia Brewer. Transport for the bridesmaids was kindly sponsored by Charlotte and Georgia's grandfather Rodney Trudgeon, of Nanpean driving his '1935 Hudson'. Audrey and her bridesmaids were dressed in ivory and gold by Bee Bee Gowns. Click here for more

Robert Bevis and Georgie Strutton Qualify for HOYS

Competition was fierce at the Rowallan Activity Centre in Scotland last weekend as it played host to one of the qualifying competitions that gives British riders the opportunity to compete in the International classes at the forthcoming Horse of the Year Show  (HOYS), which will be staged at Birmingham’s NEC from 3rd – 7th October 2007. Against stiff opposition, the two Rowallan wildcard qualification places were awarded to Robert Bevis from Wrexham, Clwyd and Georgie Strutton from Steyning, West Sussex.

As well as ten of the British leading riders*, who are automatically eligible to compete at the world’s most famous horse show, an additional four places are selected from the qualifiers held at Rowallan Activity Centre (7th - 9th September) and Unex Towerlands (21st - 24th September).

Pony Club Competes for Prestigious Prize

Visitors to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), the world’s most famous horse show, will have the opportunity to witness the fast and furious Farmers Guardian Pony Club Mounted Games competitions at the Show each day from Wednesday 3rd – Sunday 7th October at the NEC Arena, Birmingham.

Every year, since the event was first established, Horse of the Year Show has hosted the Pony Club Mounted Games. Sponsored by the Farmers Guardian, young riders competing in the Mounted Games give their all as they race against rival teams to win the Farmers Guardian Trophy and the historic Prince Philip Cup.

From the first to the last race, the atmosphere is electric as crowds cheer for their favourite team. The skill and expertise of the riders as they vault on and off their ponies (often at high speeds) is incredible to watch. While there is plenty to be taken seriously at Horse of the Year Show, the fun of the Pony Club Mounted Games is something that continues to entertain year on year. The tremendous team spirit of the young riders in this intense competition is second to none and something that is a joy to witness. Click here for more

Minions Moorland Endurance Ride

Torrential rain didn’t deter Lesley Dore securing first place in the Minions MoorlandEndurance ride on Sunday 1st July. Lesley from Newton Abbott and her nine year old gelding Firebird raced former British Team members Sally Hall riding Barn Owl (from Bristol) and Rachael Claridge for the first place on the gruelling 80km ER course. “I’m so proud of him” said Lesley “We were on our own for the last two loops and the ground was very sticky and nasty... it was his third ER this season and I couldn’t have done it without my daughters and husband”. Click here for more

Equine extravaganza at the Royal

This year’s Royal Show, taking place between July 1-4 2007 at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, is set to become an equine extravaganza with over 2,000 horses competing and top equestrian personalities in attendance.

Whether a horse fanatic or just a lover of the countryside, according to its organisers, the Royal Agricultural Society of England, the show will provide something for everything. Aside from the exclusive equine shopping area, visitors can enjoy a rich and diverse timetable of displays and superb attractions from Lusitano quadrille to practical horsemanship and side saddle concours d’Elegance.

“For those that share a deep seated passion for all things equestrian, this is one show not to be overlooked whether attending as a competitor or spectator,” says executive show director, Peter Stovold. “It’s certainly going to put visitors in touch with every aspect of rural life and will provide a truly unique experience for us all. Click here for more

Jessica Kurten is Crowned British Open Champion 2007

The final day at the British Open Show Jumping Championships saw Ireland 's Jessica Kürten become the first lady rider to take the title riding Galopin De Bioley. Currently ranked number seven in the world, Jessica took the lead after the first three rounds of the British Open Championship and was last to go in today's competition. An unfortunate knock down of the last fence was not enough to get in Jessica's way as she beamed with delight at becoming the British Open Show Jumping Champion 2007.

On the Show, Jessica commented, ‘This is a fantastic Show. It has a great format and I'm delighted that a show like this can be held here at the NEC. I'm definitely coming back next year to defend my title'. The star from the recent hit reality show, Only Fools on Horses, was reunited will fellow judges Jodie Kidd, who presented her with the Championship trophy, and Robert Smith, who won the title in 2005 and 2006, was also competing alongside “Head Trainer” Tim Stockdale. 

Westcountry Wall

There's nothing like live entertainment and judging by the electric atmosphere oozing from the packed grandstand at the Grange Equestrian Centre during last Saturday's Puissance, people remain hungry for the spontaneity created by this high energy sport.

Hundred of spectators poured into the Okehampton-based centre for a magical night of showjumping brought to a magnificent climax by a dozen brave riders who faced the challenge of the Westcountry Puissance Wall sponsored to the tune of £3,000 by the Clydesdale Bank (Devon/Cornwall).

It's little wonder that the Puissance captures the imagination of the crowd. It takes no prisoners - one mistake and you're out keeping the crowd at the edge of their seats captivated by the drama which rises round by round as the wall grows in height.

Phillip Ghazala's professional commentary, crowd pleasing tracks designed by international coursebuilder Peter Gillespie from Surrey and an arena adorned with beautiful fresh flowers cultivated for the night by the Oldham family at their North Devon Streamways Nurseries set the perfect scene for a night of good old fashioned entertainment. Click here for more