The spotlight has fallen on the correct fi tting of curb chains after stewards took action at British Dressage shows
DRESSAGE riders and trainers are frustrated over stewards loosening horses’ curb chains to an “unacceptable” level.
Top rider and coach, and H&H columnist, Pammy Hutton said her pupil Davy Harvey could not ride her horse Enjoy K at the regional championships at Bury Farm (7 August) as the chain was too loose.
“The steward insisted on loosening the chain to the point that it was hanging on his chin,” Pammy told H&H. “He’s a good horse but also quirky and when the chain was loosened, he went nuts. Davy asked if he could do it up a link but the steward said no.
“Davy didn’t attempt the test because the horse was unworkable. I was fuming — riders train for regional finals all year.”
International rider Alice Oppenheimer also slackened the curb chain of her gelding Head more Wimoweh at the request of a steward at the Bury Farm regionals.
“When I went for the check, it was the same as I always have it and I’ve never been told to loosen it before,” she told H&H. “When the steward said it was too tight, I said I didn’t think it was, but she insisted on loosening it.
This story is from the August 17 2017 edition of Horse & Hound.
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 August 17 2017 edition of Horse & Hound.
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
