While the 2023 eventing season is officially underway, it has been beset by so many problems that I rather feel we should press “stop” and then start again.
The weather is what it is and nobody can sort that out – it will do that itself in time. There are man-made issues, however, that do need resolving.
I was particularly cross about the loss of Barbury – my local event – from this year’s calendar because of British Eventing’s new rule that doesn’t allow international venues to run unaffiliated horse trials as well. It is ludicrous.
How often does our sport get a site like Barbury these days? If organiser Alec Lochore needs to run other competitions to be able to make the finances work, good on him. He’s still staging a much-needed and popular international event.
I see that Aston-le-Walls is taking the international fixture that weekend – fine. Nigel Taylor does an excellent job there. But you can’t compare the two places.
Denne historien er fra April 06, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra April 06, 2023-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
'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
