USUALLY a week of hard frost instigates rogue behaviour from hunting fanatics – a quick dash to the Alps or a day’s visiting in a “softer”, less windswept country ensues. The Covid pandemic stopped all hunting activities last season and left two young huntsmen frustrated and bored.
However, a call for help came from 51 Degrees, a training delivery outfit for wildlife rangers specifically focused on antipoaching of ivory and rhino horn in Kenya. It was running a basic training and patrol medics course and needed some external consultancy support.
Well, Batten and Bailey provided the perfect duo, Nicko with his previous military experience (Major in the Royal Marines) and Henry with his in-depth background in mammal management (foxhounds, the handling and breeding of, and an incipient career as an amateur jockey). So with the shoes whipped off the horses for the season, we got out of the UK.
Fortune struck twice; on arrival in Nairobi we were able to witness the first-ever East African all-female polo tournament. If you think it takes courage to jump the upturned dandy brushes of the Shires, you haven’t seen ferocious horsemanship like these tough females. They are not to be trifled with: hard-riding at blistering pace and with precision skill.
With no planning, we launched from HQ, which was actually Jessie and Jamie Excell’s house in Karen. Our mounts for this trip were two 250cc Dutch-designed, Kenyan-made Kibos. These we rented from a company called I-Ride Nairobi which appeared to be based in the middle of an outdoor cocktail bar. If only they knew how we intended to ride them, the service might not have been so good.
Denne historien er fra November 04, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra November 04, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Rider Denies Doping After Team Loses Olympic Placing - Tine Magnus and the Belgian team said they do not know the source of the drug that caused the positive test
Olympic eventer Tine Magnus has denied ever doping after her Paris ride Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z gave a positive test at the Games. This means the Belgian team, which came fourth, has been disqualified. On 4 September, the FEI said the 10-year-old mare, owned by Kris van Vaerenbergh, tested positive for trazodone, which is listed as an antidepressant on the FEI's prohibited substances list.
Michael Eilberg
The top dressage rider talks to Polly Bryan about the special horse with the potential to carry him back onto the British team, how to be a better coach and using his talent for teaching to help the sport
Schooling success
Combining school and riding can be tricky, but horses can benefit a child's education. Lottie Morgan uncovers some options for horse-loving pupils
How to get a job in hunting
The British Hound Sports Association's apprentice scheme is providing young people with excellent all-round training in the skills required - and many others besides, as Tessa Waugh discovers
Burke's Affair to remember
A fast round delights one rider who comes away with a coveted grand prix trophy and a rankings class concludes with an unusual tie
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
'I'm grateful to have such a wonderful partner'
The brilliant duo of Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei seal back-to-back grands prix after a dramatic turn of events
Hamlett takes centre stage
Two horses round off their competitive careers with victories, a championship specialist earns her fourth title and a pair with a combined age of 105 prove invincible
'This is the ultimate five-star test'
Mark Phillips on Burghley's highs, lows, challenges and champions