The London 2012 medallists have the perfect run to set them up for their Kentucky challenge.
ZARA TINDALL couldn’t contain her delight after High Kingdom, her London 2012 team silver medallist, proved he was back to his best with a win in Weston Park’s advanced. The Master Imp gelding is now 16 and Zara had that in mind when she set him alight round Weston’s rolling park.
“You can’t make these old boys go that slowly,” she said. “They’re so good at travelling and jumping and he’s at that age when you have to enjoy every run you get.”
High Kingdom was in action the previous week at Belton, but Zara is choosing his runs carefully and just did the dressage and showjumping there before withdrawing before the cross-country.
“I did the first two phases there for a practice in an atmosphere, then brought him here. The going is absolutely perfect,” she added. “It was a good track with some decent questions and the corner to the water was a good practice before a four-star.”
A four-star is exactly where High Kingdom heads next. Zara entered him for Badminton, but is a long way down the wait-list, as two quieter years mean he has minimal FEI points for the ballot. Instead, he’s Kentucky bound and Zara is hoping for better luck than two years ago when the horse cut himself kicking out in the stable just before the dressage.
“I’m going for bubble-wrap bandages,” was her tongue-incheek remark. “With him being an older horse, there is also the advantage of the dressage and showjumping being on a surface at Kentucky. I’m looking forward to it.”
Plenty of the Weston field are Badminton-bound, including second-placed Ros Canter and Allstar B. Ros has spent the winter getting some training in with Chris Bartle.
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
