HAVING been close to withdrawing just two days before his class, Dan Sherriffjustified his decision to compete when winning with FX Bayford Hall Fergus at prix st georges (PSG).
Dan suffered a dramatic fall from Fergus the previous week, when the nine-year-old Uphill gelding took fright out hacking.
“Fergus was feeling fresh and started offering some piaffe steps, which I thought was good, but then he saw a sign that had been recently put up and leapt into the air, nearly going over backwards,” explained Dan. “He shot off into the trees and got even more frightened. I was hanging off the side and made the decision to bail out. I hit the deck, but Fergus only went on about 20 metres before walking back to me.”
Having suffered a facial injury and a lot of soreness, Dan was able to get back on only the day before travelling to the show, with a replacement Charles Owen hat.
“You could see the mark on the back of my hat where I’d hit my head,” said Dan, who warned others on Facebook about the dangers of not replacing a hat after a fall.
“Fergus actually really knuckled down in the test, and it was one of the best he’s done. He is sensitive but not the most coordinated horse, though now he is getting stronger he is getting more confident and the connection is improving. I always thought his niche would be as a small tour horse. He’s an impressive-looking gentle giant — a horse you feel proud to ride,” continued Dan, who is aiming to compete Fergus abroad in 2020.
Denne historien er fra December 12, 2019-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra December 12, 2019-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
Better judges' cover a must to protect the sport's future
A group insurance option has been found to protect the officials showing needs but only if enough sign up
IVF with frozen sperm is a 'milestone' in equine breeding
The first successful use of frozen semen in the technique has been recorded in an American study
Challenging ourselves to be and do better for our horses
The 2024 FEI general assembly heard how we should all challenge ourselves to give horses the best lives possible
Scottish jockeys to benefit from fund's top services
A new centre in Galashiels has been built thanks to a legacy donation
How horse simulators could help encourage people into riding
It is hoped the new model will help break down barriers to the sector for a wide range of people
Many horses' needs aren't met: study finds chance to improve
Researchers say all must ensure horses have space, friends, forage and good experiences
Humble pie
How many ladies does it take to cook a shepherd's pie? It’s a complicated one, says Tessa Waugh, on a quest to find appropriate ovens for the impending hunt auction dinner
I love an underdog
The arrival of the winter mud brings with it a Venetia Williams hat-trick, but the day belongs to a warrior gelding, who never stops trying”
Jumping Jack cracks it
A scopey grey is learning to be quick” anda broodmare makes up for lost time
A star is born
A nine-year-old mare helps put Luxembourg on the map and we celebrate a remarkable grey’s comeback
