16 days to go!

Mary King and her Olympic ride Imperial Cavalier

With the Olympics a mere couple of weeks away many predictions as to who is going to take the medals are beginning to circulate. In the Equestrian disciplines our teams appear to be the strongest they’ve ever been and our chance of clinching the gold seems as likely as ever. Before the Olympics have even begun our Eventing team has been blighted with injury and controversy, with the sad withdrawal of Piggy French after injury of both Jakata and DHI Topper W. The surprise initial rejection of Nicola Wilson and everyone’s favourite Opposition Buzz had rather a bittersweet ending when they managed to secure a place on the team when Piggy was forced to pull out. The final team is Tina Cook with Miners Frolic, William Fox-Pitt with Lionheart, Mary King with Imperial Cavalier, Zara Phillips with High Kingdom and Nicola Wilson with Opposition Buzz. We now must pray they all stay safe and sound in the short run up to the games, I do believe it’s time to bubble wrap the horses!

Andrew Nicholson on his way to a win at Barbury

With all of the predictions circulating it’s time for me to name mine (or attempt to, at least). I must say it’s a difficult decision, the performances from so many riders across the nations have been astounding recently. We saw Andrew Nicholson take a 1,2 in the CIC*** at Barbury earlier this month, Christopher Burton winning Aachen on his sub-40 dressage score and Michael Jung achieving a 1,2 at Luhmuhlen in June. Their nations; New Zealand, Australia and Germany respectively, are perhaps Great Britain’s toughest competition for the Gold medal. The New Zealand team is particularly strong, consisting of Jock Paget with Clifton Promise, Caroline Powell and Lenamore, Andrew Nicholson and Nereo, Jonelle Richards and Flintstar and Mark Todd and NZB Campino. Their form recently, particularly Andrew Nicholson’s makes them favourable for the top spot at Greenwich, but the German team are unlikely to make this easy for them. Known for their admirable dressage scores the top of the leaderboard after the first day of competition is likely to feature a number of German names, notably Michael Jung (recently 3rd at Aachen) who rides La Biosthetique Sam FBW (a horse who’s name proves a challenge for the 140 character limit on Twitter). Jung is looking to add to his collection of golds – notably his individual title at the 2010 World Equestrian Games as well as his individual and team gold at the 2011 Europeans. With this form, he is perhaps favourite to take the individual Gold. Despite this and the obvious strengths of both New Zealand and Germany our British team are also in with a fighting chance of standing on the top spot of the podium on the 31st July. William Fox-Pitt (1st at Kentucky, Bramham and Tattersalls this year) is looking stronger than ever and despite two of his qualified horses out with injury (Oslo and Cool Mountain), William is still a favourite for a medal. The Brits as a team are exceptionally strong and I would love for them to clinch the team gold, an achievement I believe is highly likely.

I look forward to the forthcoming games which are now scarily close (the announcement that we’d won the bid feels like yesterday!), and wish a safe build up for all horses and riders competing. I leave you with a cracking video from Barbury last weekend, where Clayton Fredericks performs quite a stunt...

Badminton 2012: One Month To Go

This year’s Badminton promises to be better than ever, with the Olympics in the summer and selection still very much open many riders will be hoping to catch the eye of Yogi Breisner in the hope of a place on Team GBR. The riders who are pretty much guaranteed a spot on that team (William Fox-Pitt and Mary King) have entered their potential Olympic prospects for Chatsworth, the week after Badminton, and
instead will bring a couple of their other 4* rides. Mary King has entered her newly acquired ride Chilli Morning from Nick Gauntlett. They have so far had two runs this season together, a 10th place at Aldon in the OI and an unlucky elimination at Belton in the Advanced after being the overnight leader. Despite this the horse is putting out some great dressage marks and I wouldn’t be surprised if they hold a competitive place after dressage at Badminton. Mary has also entered Apache Sauce, a capable horse who is rumoured to be having his last season at the top this year. Both Apache Sauce and Chilli Morning have had their last run now before Badminton, so the countdown begins for Mary.

William Fox-Pitt however chose not to run any of his Badminton entries at Belton and instead has them entered for Burnham Market (beginning 5th April). Parklane Hawk and Lionheart are both in the CIC class, with Neuf Des Coeurs (winner in the OI at Somerley last month) in the Advanced section. William’s other Badminton rides had runs in March, with Seacookie gaining a 9th in the OI and Somerley and Macchiato a 20th place at Gatcombe. As you are only allowed to run two horses at Badminton I will imagine this weekend’s runs at Burnham Market will be interesting to follow, perhaps the results will deduce who is Badminton bound and who isn’t.

Other notable results from Belton include a 1st in an Advanced section from Andrew Nicholson and Avebury, 3rd from Lenamore and Caroline Powell (who are having a truly fantastic start to the season), an Advanced win for Mark Kyle and Coolio and an AU25 win (and 2nd overall) for Sarah Stretton and Skip On II. In the CIC*** the title (and Grantham Cup) was taken by Sarah ‘Cutty’ Cohen and the promising Treason, they head to Badminton to try and put in another competitive performance. 2nd place was given to Paul Tapner with Inonothing, who is now back from injury last year and in fighting form.

Many other entrants for Badminton this year are having their final runs before the big day, with Burnham Market being the particular favourite event of choice. Pippa Funnell has Redesigned and Pure Addiction entered (Pure Addiction also entered for South of England on the following weekend, so a withdrawal is expected). Redesigned is being run at Badminton in the hope of Olympic selection and so his results will definitely be one to watch. Pippa’s third Badminton entry is Mirage D’Elle, who is entered for a final run in the OI at South of England. Also at Burnham Market is the media’s favourite Zara Phillips with High Kingdom. An exciting horse showing serious potential, he’s had a good couple of runs so far this year and a 10th place at his first 4* at Burghley last year puts him in with a good shot for Badminton. In addition, Oliver Townend has entered both of his Badminton entries (Armada and ODT Sons Rovatio) in the CIC class. Armada was given to Oliver Townend from Andrew Nicholson to give him a shot at Badminton this year, and so far their results haven’t given much evidence of what is to come, so they are definitely a combination to watch.

Exactly one month from Badminton and we’ve had a first withdrawal from the competitive Simone Deitermann and Free Easy NRW. Leaders after dressage at Burghley last year (but a very unlucky fall cross country eliminated them – a similar circumstance to their WEG performance), Simone was a hot shot for putting in a good performance at Badminton too. This withdrawal means Jan van Beek and Bridget from the Netherlands are into the entries from the Wait List, after top of the wait list Declan Cullan also withdrew.

I feel now is the time to pay my condolences to all those involved and close to the ‘tricky but wonderful’ Sir Roscoe. Gaby Cooke’s Badminton bound horse was put to sleep on Sunday after injury at Belton. It is tragic and undeserved and I am sure I speak for everyone in the eventing world when I say I am truly sorry for the loss of such a great horse, Roscoe had the potential for the top and it is clear his connection with Gaby was one in a million. My thoughts are with all involved at this sad time.

(Photos are mine from various events 2010/11.)

2012 and Olympic Selection

It's finally 2012 and the Eventing season is due to begin any day now, so of course the focus is on the London Olympics. Great Britain is tipped for a medal, with a high chance of Gold - especially when you look at who is in contention for the team. Gold at the World Equestrian Games in 2010 and a (perhaps unlucky) Bronze at the Europeans last year makes us hot favourites to take the top spot at our home Olympics this summer. So who is qualified for our team, who is still yet to qualify and who is likely to take the 5 places on Team GBR?


Perhaps a certainty for the team (although in our sport 'certainty' is never a wise word to use!) is World Number 1 Mary King and the hugely successful William Fox-Pitt. William has managed to qualify nine horses since qualification began in 2011, but with his perhaps favourite (1st Kentucky Rolex 2010, Team Gold and Individual Silver at WEG) Cool Mountain out of work for 2012 due to a tendon injury, William looks likely to be taking Oslo - who had a very impressive 2011 with two 3* wins and a 4* win at Pau. Yet, we can never predict anything in Eventing so take any news at this point in the selection process very lightly. Mary King also has a number of horses at top level, namely her WEG and Europeans ride Imperial Cavalier. Mary will miss Badminton with both him and King's Temptress this year in order to preserve them for the Olympics, instead they will aim for Chatsworth 3* in preparation. Her other 4* rides include the newly acquired Chilli Morning from Nick Gauntlett and Apache Sauce, both who will aim for Badminton this year.

Other likely combinations qualified for the Olympics include Nicola Wilson and everyone's favourite Opposition Buzz. Their pathfinder skills across country are invaluable for the British team and I'm sure everyone would love to see them skipping round Greenwich this July. In addition, Blenheim 2011 winner Piggy French and her top horse Jakata are also in the running after a 2nd place at Badminton and 9th at the Europeans, yet it has often been noted that this horse's way of going isn't suited to the twisty course at Greenwich.

After a devastating 2011 for Tina Cook's ride Miners Frolic their hopes for the Olympic team were perhaps dissolving rapidly, but after a fantastic recovery Miners Frolic is fully fit and raring to go for this season. They aim for the 3* at Ballindenisk this weekend, where their result will be closely watched by many. Part of the gold medal winning team at WEG in 2010 and Olympic medallists in 2008, Miners Frolic and the experienced Tina Cook were perhaps in good contention for the Olympic team going into 2011, but after being diagnosed with colitis shortly after Badminton Miners Frolic was in a critical condition and their season came to an abrupt end. It is up to them now to prove their place on the team in the few months of qualification we have left before the final selection takes place.

Another rider hoping to make Olympic qualification this year after injury in 2011 is Pippa Funnell and Redesigned. They were perhaps a surprise choice for the 2010 WEG team, with Pippa making her first team appearance since 2004, but they proved their worth and finished on their dressage score for a very credible 5th place. This result has most definitely put Redesigned as one to watch for future years, and a few good runs at the beginning of this season will put him and Pippa in good contention for Olympic selection. They aim for the one-day at Burnham Market in April to kick-start their quest for qualification.

Other riders that we can't possibly overlook for the team include Ruth Edge, Polly Stockton, Lucy Wiegersma and Laura Collett. Knowing Eventing and the horse world we simply cannot predict anything accurately though and the results of the spring events, namely Badminton, will be the deciding point for many. The final five team members will be named on July 6th, 3 weeks before the Olympics will begin. Whoever manages to make the coveted places on Team GBR will I am sure do the country proud and we look forward to this season, one of the most exciting years of sport in recent history, with bated breath. Good luck to all.

Is Equestrianism falling into the shadows?

Is Equestrianism falling into the shadows?

For us riders we often believe our sport probably doesn’t get the recognition it deserves nowadays. There was a time when Lucinda Green was a household name, when Milton was a celebrity in his own right and when Princess Anne’s riding career was front page news. Yet now if you asked someone not directly involved in the sport who the likes of Mary King or William Fox-Pitt were, they wouldn’t be able to give you an answer. Is this an indication that our sport is falling into the shadows?

With supposedly two million horse riders in the UK equestrianism certainly isn’t a flailing sport in that sense, yet the sport seems to be becoming more and more closed off from the outside world. The television coverage offered now on non-satellite television is minimal, and the recognition given to our top riders and horses is also trifling. So why is our sport getting so little acknowledgment from the outside world? We can switch on the television at the weekend and see the likes of snooker, golf and darts – sports which probably have a similar following than equestrian - yet we rarely see footage from our top events and competitions.

Perhaps the divide between us and the non-horsey population is due to the stereotypical image we’re all given as soon as we so much as mention the phrase ‘horse riding’. Obviously not everyone brands us with this mark, and certainly not all of us oppose this image, yet this particular stereotype pushes the distance. Many people over the years have made a negative remark about me riding, with the likes of ‘posh’ and ‘rich’ being among the most popular. Yet, for some this cannot be further from the truth. Many of us are not rich because we have horses, not the other way round! This image given to us will instantly put others off the sport. The price tag involved is often way over-dramatized and exaggerated, thus forcing people to think they won’t be able to afford horses even before starting. This may instantly be the reason why our sport isn’t as widely appreciated and recognised as we would like it to be, and why our televised coverage is somewhat lacking. Nobody who isn’t involved in the sport is going to deliberately switch on for instance the Badminton coverage and watch it; equestrianism is one of those sports you have to be involved in in some way in order to appreciate it in all its glory. I’ve realised I’m rambling rather a lot now, I’ll continue on the subject matter!

According to the BBC, the reason they dropped the likes of the Hickstead Derby in 2010 was due to low viewing figures and the fact that they wanted to cover a wider range of sports. Now, call me wrong but I am yet to see any change in the range of televised sports on the BBC. Perhaps the low viewing figures can also be blamed on the lack of advertising and information given to us about when our events are going to be televised. Other sports around the world get quick adverts and media coverage to inform us, yet equestrian sports get none of this. Badminton was not once advertised on television, despite being on the red button all day and on BBC2 for hours. Perhaps the low viewing figures can be blamed on this.

The less televised coverage and media coverage equestrian sports get, the less people are likely to want to know more and get involved. Riding isn’t the sort of sport someone who doesn’t take part in watches – unlike football etc., and so therefore this seriously limits the amount of people likely to watch. I know for a fact many of my close non-horsey friends have no interest whatsoever in watching an equine sport on television, yet will happily watch tennis or football – neither of which they personally take part in.

I think in a sense our sport is falling into the shadows, yet not in a sense of it being a small or unpopular sport – more in a sense of the fact that it’s becoming quite private. We’re almost in our own world now, and it never used to be like this. This pulls us out of the media’s eye (which may in some ways be a good thing!), and thus means our riders and horses do not get the recognition for their achievements as they perhaps should do. I’ll use the example of our team GBR’s fantastic triumph in the World Equestrian Games last year, team gold and individual silver for William. Yet this was disappointingly not acknowledged by our national papers or news teams. In my opinion they deserve so much more credit for what they do, and I hope that the current media state will improve in the future.

The big hat debate

Recently the whole debate about whether or not a helmet should be compulsory to wear in the dressage arena has arisen, as I am sure you are all aware. The introduction of a safety top hat has turned the world of dressage upside down, turning everyone’s attention to perhaps valuing safety over looks. The development of this hat, which meets EN1384 safety standards, was spurred on somewhat by the Olympic dressage rider Courtney King-Dye’s accident back in March 2010. Whilst schooling her horse at home he slipped and fell, knocking her unconscious, fracturing her skull and leaving her in a coma for almost a month. Courtney was not wearing a hat. Now if this isn’t reason enough to wear a hat every single time you ride then I don’t know what is. Courtney now cannot stress enough how important it is to wear a helmet that meets the current safety standards – quoting from her website;

‘When I first wrote on my website after the coma. I said I was all for wearing helmets, but I didn't want helmets to be all my accident means. Now I think it should be. What else could it mean? It's exactly that that helps save people from injury. It saved a few people we all know from having to go through what I went through. Guenter Seidel, Liz Austen, Debbie McDonald. They're three great riders who have had recent falls and didn't always wear a helmet before my accident. I've said before that if my accident saves ONE person from going through what I went through, it's worth it. That's THREE that everyone knows... Definitely worth it. I can tell myself that my accident is definitely beneficial because of that. Without it, like Lauren Sammis said, it's
just a simple tragedy. This gives it meaning.’

Courtney now no longer plans to wears a top hat to compete in, and calls herself ‘silly’ back when she used to wear one. So clearly, the introduction of this new safety top hat is nothing but a good thing. But will it catch on? Courtney’s accident may have provoked other riders to wear hats more frequently temporarily, but a year on we are still seeing riders both competing and riding generally without helmets on. Proof that possibly the message is yet to really catch on – and that this new hat may take some getting used to. Will riders really sacrifice appearance for safety? I certainly hope so.

The debate continued when a photo of the Queen was published earlier this week. It showed the Queen riding along with two of her grandchildren. Queen Elizabeth was not wearing a hat – sparking outcry from the safety-conscious of the equestrian world. It is well known that she very rarely rides with a hat, and instead chooses to replace it with a headscarf. At the age of 85 it is wonderful that our Queen is still riding (I certainly hope to still be in the saddle at that age!), and although yes it is a risk of safety to be on a horse without a hat, if anyone is allowed it surely is the Queen. I am not in any place to tell our Queen what to do, and I am certainly not going to judge! In this photo I believe what you have to focus on is the fact that the two children are wearing helmets, one even in a body protector. This is what is important.

I may have somewhat contradicted myself here, yet my message I hope is still clear. Wearing a safety-approved hat whilst riding is perhaps one of the most important pieces of advice for any rider to listen to. There is no technical understanding about it, no complicated nonsense to get your head round, just simple pure facts – they save your lives. I can give many examples of riders who have had their lives saved by simply wearing a hat; Oliver Townend at Kentucky 2010 and Elizabeth Power at Badminton 2011 are among the recent. If Courtney King-Dye had have been wearing a hat she wouldn’t have had to go through the trauma and life-changing experience that her accident brought upon her. A year later she still isn’t back to normal – do you really want to risk that happening to you? Can you afford to ruin your life in that way, or possibly even sacrifice it? I believe the answer to that is no. No more lives should need to be affected or ruined by the lack of a hat whilst riding. They save lives – it’s a fact.

Badminton: Saturday

The second day of the dressage at Badminton Horse Trials turned out to be a fantastic day of competition. Sadly though, before the dressage had even begun two horses were withdrawn, hot favourites Redesigned (Pippa Funnell) and Miners Frolic (Tina Cook). Both riders are obviously extremely disappointed, and we spectators are too - but I suppose that's the world of horses for you!

First to go was Vicky Brake with Looks Like Fun, scoring a perhaps disappointin 63.2, landing them in 76th place going into the cross country tomorrow. Also in the first section was 2010 winner Paul Tapner with his ride Kilfinnie II. They delivered an average score of 51.3, leaving them in equal 36th - perhaps not a score ready to defend his title. Other rides in the first section include first-timer Lucie McNicholl with Zeus of Rushall, scoring 55.8.

After the first break came Emily Baldwin with Drivetime, who gave a very impressive test scoring them 39.7 and into 5th place. Canadian rider Selena O'Hanlon gave a nice test on Colombo, leaving them in equal 10th with 43.3. Also to go in the second section was Andreas Ostholt (GER) with Franco Jeas, achieving a score of 44.5 to go in equal 15th.

After lunch came perhaps the most interesting of competition. Karen O'Conner arrived in the arena first with Mandiba, scoring a very respectable 44.5, in equal 15th with Andreas Ostholt. Then came the most outstanding ride of the day, belonging to Ruth Edge and Two Thyme. The pair gave an extremely impressive test that was a pleasure to watch, scoring them 33.3. This then put them into the lead above Laura Collett. Then came 2007 winner Lucinda Fredericks on her young - but very promising - Prada. They achieved a score of 46.2 to fit nicely into 20th place, a score no doubt Lucinda will be pleased with.

After the last break came perhaps the creme de la creme of competition. William Fox-Pitt was first up, with his second ride of Cool Mountain. With high expectations for the pair though, they achieved a somewhat disappointing score of 48.5, putting them into 31st position. Soon after came Nicola Wilson on the XC-machine Opposition Buzz. Not renowned for his dressage, Buzz often struggles to achieve marks better than 50, yet today exceeded all expectations by giving a beautiful test, scoring an impressive 44 and leaving them in 12th. Sure contenders for the top spot. Then came 2009 winner Oliver Townend on Ashdale Cruise Master. They too delivered an impressive test, with a score of 40.5 and 7th place going into the cross country. Next up was Piggy French on her relatively new ride, Jakata. They gave a fluent and extremely impressive test, which was reflected in the marks after they were awarded a 10 for the halt (the only 10 of the competition!). They achieved 36 and just nipped Laura Collett (36.5) into 2nd place. Then came Burghley 2010 winner Caroline Powell and Lenamore. Lenamore, despite being a veteran in the sport at 18, showed absolutely no signs of ageing and was rather too keen at times! Despite accidental changes and a few cheeky moments Caroline rode well to compose the test and they achieved 47.2 and into equal 24th. After Caroline came everyone's favourite - Mary King. Mary rode her second horse of the competition, Imperial Cavalier, and was clearly hoping for a better score than one given to Apache Sauce yesterday. And of course, she delivered, achieving a nice impressive test (despite a couple of mistakes), scoring 44.2 and into 13th. Last to go was the popular Mark Todd and NZB Land Vision. Toddy disappointed nobody by giving an impressive last test of the day and scoring 36.8 and into 4th - leaving the second day of dressage with a smile.

So, after the first phase of competition who seem to be in the running for the title?
Most definitely, Ruth Edge and Two Thyme. An experienced combination who are sure to prove themselves over the next couple of days. I certainly wouldn't be surprised if they gained the top spot on Monday. Others include Piggy French, currently in 2nd and Mark Todd in 4th. Oliver Townend too has a decent chance, as well as Nicola Wilson and Mary King. The top 20 competitors is sure to change over the next day. Many of the combinations are inexperienced, of which may show across the challenging 4* course. But of course, only time will tell!

Badminton: Friday

After all 83 horses that were presented passing the first inspection, the first day of Dressage went underway.

Andrew Nicholson began the day on Avebury, delivering a respectable score of 47.2. This left him in 8th place after day 1. Georgie Spence was second to go with Birthday Night, yet had a difficult test leaving her with a score of 72.8, and is currently in second to last place. The most notable test of the day was most definitely 21 year old Laura Collett's on Rayef. Laura was 5th to go and set a score that the rest of the field were chasing for the rest of the day - to no avail. The Badminton first-timer achieved a highly impressive score of 36.5, leaving her well in the lead above German rider Marina Kohncke (39.8).

After the first break came some riders hopeful to score a good mark, including Pippa Funnell on her first ride of Mirage D'Elle. Pippa achieved a score of 56.8, leaving her in equal 21st after day 1. Pippa will be hoping to challenge the top spot tomorrow with her promising Redesigned. Also in the second section was Mary King with the lively Apache Sauce. Mary was given a score of 55.5, leaving her in 20th position. Like Pippa, Mary will be hoping to achieve a higher score with her second ride of Imperial Cavalier tomorrow. William Fox-Pitt achieved a respectable score of 47.5 on Navigator, placing him in 9th. William too has a second ride tomorrow in Cool Mountain - and is a hot contender for the top spot. Gaining a score of 43.3 - and consequently 4th place - was German rider Ingrid Klimke and FRH Butts Abraxxas.

After lunch we saw last year's leader after the dressage Kai Ruder with Les Prince Des Bois, scoring another decent score of 44.8 leaving him in 5th place. In addition, promising young rider Harry Meade scored a perhaps slightly disappointing score of 59.3, along with Gemma Tatterstall with King's Gem - scoring 58.3. A better score of 43.0 was given to Italian rider Susanna Bordone and Carrera, leaving them in 3rd place.

Then the final section of riders included Horse and Hound's blogger Ben Hobday, who was given a score of 61.0 on Upton's Who, perhaps slightly worse than he was hoping for - yet I am sure as a Badminton first-timer he is quite happy just to be continuing onto the exciting cross country on Sunday. James Robinson achieved a score of 52.3 on Comanche, along with Badminton first timer Flora Harris, who gained a respectable score of 52.8 on Law Choice - leaving her in 14th, one place behind James.

First to go tomorrow at 9am is Vicky Brake on Looks Like Fun, with second to go a first-timer Lucie McNicholl with Zeus of Rushall. Perhaps the tests to look out for will belong to:
Tina Cook and Miners Frolic at 11:54,
Ruth Edge and Two Thyme at 13:48,
William Fox-Pitt and Cool Mountain at 15:30,
Nicola Wilson and Opposition Buzz at 15:46,
Oliver Towend and Ashdale Cruise Master at 16:02,
Caroline Powell and Lenamore at 16:18,
Mary King and Imperial Cavalier at 16:26,
Lucy Wiegersma and Shaabrak at 16:34,
Pippa Funnell and Redesigned at 16:50 and
Mark Todd and NZB Land Vision finally at 16:58.

Good luck to all, I am sure tomorrow's scores will jumble the results table up a fair bit!