Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS) Championships, Arena UK, Lincs
VETERAN rider/producer Chris Patrick, 70, turned in a superb performance on Julie Nuttall’s striking native mare, Brookdale Hot Property (Cilla), to land the ridden supreme title. The 11-year-old’s flowing paces and undoubted presence impressed judges Jane Nixon and Liz Inman, the outgoing and incoming chairs of The Showing Council.
“I WAS DETERMINED TO RIDE”
HAZEL SLEIGHT put pain behind her to head the open-ridden horse qualifying section with her Team Harvey-produced nine-year-old Castiel (Sven).
“I suffered a herniated disk just before HOYS last year and Peter Green has ridden Sven for me all season – he qualified him for HOYS at Midland Counties,” said Hazel. “However, I was determined to ride him here myself, and lots of painkillers got me through; Sven is the most comfortable horse I’ve ever sat on. This is the third year running he’s won his non-native final, but the first time we’ve been champion.”
“We were looking for animals that are fit for purpose,” said leading equine vet Jane. “They must have a good step – particularly from behind – along with correct conformation and a good, rideable temperament; in all, a perfect ridden animal that will last for many years.”
Cilla’s path to glory has been far from smooth, though.
Denne historien er fra August 17, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra August 17, 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.
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'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
