An international star is back on form after breaking her neck last season.
Hambleden, Oxon
IT’S not often that eventers have the chance to gallop through stunning bluebell woods under sun-filled skies but such was the chore that befell competitors at Symm-sponsored Hambleden.
Ireland’s Aoife Clark showed she was back to her best following a tough winter of rehabilitation after breaking her neck last season. She dominated the small advanced intermediate section, finishing first and second with Richard Last’s Fernhill Adventure and her own Colorfast II respectively. Nicky Hill was her closest rival aboard her Hambleden 2016 CIC* runner-up MG Bingo Boy, finishing third.
“Fernhill Adventure felt a bit green at Belton, so I brought him here ahead of running him at a three-day as he needs more match practice and his eyes opening to a range of challenges and questions,” said Aoife.
Although the rider has one eye on the World Equestrian Games in 2018, the talented 11-year-old son of Newmarket Venture hasn’t contested a CCI since Blenheim in 2015 as a consequence of him contracting a virus and Aoife’s injury.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
