Chard Equestrian, Somerset
“SHE thinks she’s 17.2hh and should go to the Olympics,” said Lily Beveridge after riding Solsboro Ziva to victory in the seven-year-old championship at Chard’s three-day show.
The 15.2hh Irish-bred mare who began her career with Holly Smith arrived at Lily’s Hampshire yard two years ago and Lily has produced her from discovery level. Their next outing will be in the Foxhunter and talent seekers qualifiers at Pyecombe.
“I’ve never ridden one with so much self-belief and she thinks there’s nothing she can’t jump, so I’m happy to go along with her!” said Lily, who currently has three horses to jump, plus seven home-bred young horses to bring on.
“They’re all out of mares who jumped at 1.40m level and by good stallions, so I don’t mind waiting,” she said.
Lily’s win stopped Laura Mantel from enjoying a clean sweep of young horse finals at this popular centre. It was a close-run thing, as Laura produced the fastest time in the seven-year-old jump-off at the expense of a pole down with MHS Alabama.
Laura’s five-year-old champion was Kosmos A, a Dutch-bred son of Arezzo VDL who was at only his seventh show and is among the string of young horses she is riding for John and Laura Renwick.
“He arrived at my yard at the beginning of lockdown and he has the most unbelievable brain. He’s like a horse who’s been here before in a youngster’s body and we’re all very excited about him,” said Laura, who took the six-year-old honours on Aurora X.
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
