Kingman and Highland Reel excell at Glorious Goodwood

Posted on July 31, 2014 by Jeannie Knight

A huge crowd witnessed two outstanding horses win the feature races on the second day of Glorious Goodwood yesterday ( Wednesday), when Kingman, trained by John Gosden, and Highland Reel sent out by Aiden O’Brien put in high calibre performances to win the Qipco Sussex Stakes Group 1 and the Veuve Cliquot Vintage Stakes, respectively.

Kingman, a 2-5 shot ridden by James Doyle, had taken his chance on ground that was firmer than ideal, despite watering, and won with an impressive late burst of speed.

Kingsman with trainer John Gosden and jockey James Doyle following an imp

Kingsman with trainer John Gosden and jockey James Doyle following the win Photo Jeannie Knight

John Gosden, who has now saddled 129 Goodwood winners, of which 30 have been at the Glorious meeting, added: “James said the horse was happy on today’s ground, but he just took a little organising with two and a half furlongs to run. Today he only had to use one gear, but that was the same for all the horses because they only had a chance to use one gear.

“I had an old MGB GT in which you could get into fifth and then flick a button and go again and this horse has that button as you saw in the St James’s Palace Stakes.”

The Queen Elizabeth II has always been his big target, and that remains the plan. Despite holding entries in France in August, he may go straight to the QEII, where he is quoted by Paddy Power at 4-7 for that race.

Highland Reel, trained by Aidan O’ Brien, is a two-year-old by Galileo who impressed when powering to a 12-length win in a mile maiden at Gowran Park on July 1. The drop back to seven furlongs posed no problems for him and this was another outstanding performance in which he stayed on strongly to win by two-and-a-half lengths at 10-11.

Joseph O’ Brien and Highland Reel following an impressive victory. Photo Jeannie Knight

The performance was so good that he is now favourite for next year’s Investec Derby. It was a 12th Glorious Goodwood winner for Aidan O’Brien, who said: “Highland Reel could have gone for a winners’ race at Naas over six next week, even though he won over a mile last time. He is not short of pace and only ran over a mile last time because it fitted in well.He is a horse who learns quick and he will have learnt a lot today. He could go to the Futurity or National Stakes next. All those type of races are open to him.”

It has been a frustrating meeting so far for trainer Richard Hannon Junior, who is yet to get off the mark at the meeting. Yesterday he had four runners-up. including Toronado, who despite a great run, could not match Kingman.

The opening race of the day, the two mile five furlong Goodwood Stakes went to Teak, trained by Ian Williams and ridden by Silvestre De Sousa. Then James Doyle instigated a double for the day in the Gordon Stakes, when he partnered Sir Michael Stoute’s Snow Sky to a neck victory over Richard Hannon’s Windshear.

Snow Sky and James Doyle coming into the winner’s spot Photo Jeannie Knight

There was a double for jockey Richard Kingscote, initiated on board Jonathan Portman’s Royal Raalma in the Maiden Fillies Stakes, and completed with a victory on the David Simpson’s Related, a 6-1 shot in the Turf Club Stakes Handicap.

Jockey Jimmy Fortune sprang a 25-1 shock when guiding Jeremy Noseda’s Magique to a well judged win in the EBF Stallions Breeding Winners Fillies Stakes Handicap over nine furlongs.

Trevor Breen unveils a future show jumping star at Hickstead

Posted on July 31, 2014 by Jeannie Knight

Fresh from his win in the Equestrian.com Derby, Trevor Breen was back in pole position yesterday at Longines Royal International Horse Show.Partnering the seven-year-old stallion Classic III, Trevor won the final class in the International Arena, the Winter Grades B&C Championship – a prestigious final showcasing up and coming showjumping horses.

Seven riders out of the 25 starters went clear, with Trevor fifth to go in the jump-off. He said:”I knew Nicole Pavitt was in the lead and her mare is very fast, so there was no point in going round half-heartedly – I had to go in it to win.”

Cassic III is by the stallion Armitage and out of Chin Chin Le Tot De Semilly, and Trevor has had the ride on him since last August. He is owned by Karen Swann, who also owns Adventure De Kannan.“This is the first class I’ve really gone for it and tried to win with him,” said Trevor. “I think he’s going to be a superstar. He has power, scope, accuracy – there’s no fault to be had in him.”

Trevor Breen and Adventure De Kannan targeted at the Queen Elizabeth II Cup Photo Samantha Lamb

Trevor’s Derby partner Adventure De Kannan is being targeted at Saturday’s Templant Events Queen Elizabeth II Cup, and he also has Loughnatousa WB and Old Town KC to compete in the international classes, which get underway tomorrow. Yesterday morning was all about pony riders, with a number of finals reaching their conclusion. The Oakley Coachbuilders Winter Grade JC Championship went to Jodie Hall McAteer and The Little Squire, who kept Jack Whitaker and Zodianne Van De Doevenbree in second place.

The Winter 128cms was won by Tahnia Jordan Jones on Just Dandy, while Sienna Charles – the daughter of Olympic gold medallist Peter – came second and third. The Winter 138cm Championship went to Georgia Taylor-Jones and Errigal Blaze.

A number of showing championships were held in the International Arena today. In the driving classes, the Novice Hackney Championship was won by Billy Ward with Luddington My Way, while Susan Barraclough won the Open Hackney Championship with Atlowspring Ratafia.The overall Supreme Show Hunter Pony Championship was taken by Lily Pollock riding Farrellys Charlie, while the well supported Ponies (UK) Young Riders M&M Championship was won by Gemma Pallett and Blisland Echo.

Nicole Pavitt has amassed quite a collection of Hickstead rosettes over the years, but on Tuesday she had surpassed her own expectations with a one-two-three in the first class.There were 99 starters in the Selwood Equine Novice Stakes, and Nicole brought three horses forward. She then defied expectations by taking home the top three places with Amelia 16, Gemmarco 16 and Kings Heaven.

“I’m shocked as with two of them I was just riding for double clears so I didn’t really go against the clock,” said Nicole. Despite this, Nicole’s three horses finished within one second of each other, netting perfect clear rounds. “I’m in the Templant Events Queen Elizabeth II Cup on Saturday so I’m hoping my luck continues!” added the Sussex-based rider. “Amelia and Gemmarco are both homebred so it’s really nice to bring them here and win, especially having started them from scratch.”

In the Alexanders Horseboxes Ring 3, the Hickstead 1.30m Open was won by Georgia Tame riding Carus Royale, while Ben Parnaby won the Gray Horsebox Manufacturers 1.00m Open riding Captain Junior. Guy Williams, who was named in the squad for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup on Friday, got his show off to a good start when winning the Winter Grades B & C Championship qualifier with Tinkerbell W.

In the showing classes, Chelsmoor Rockstar took the honours in the Indian Trail Skewbald & Piebald (plaited) large ridden pony championship, as well as the overall Coloured Pony Championship and the Coloured Horse and Pony Supreme – a dream result for owner/rider Jill Wormall. In reserve was Fairfax C, ridden by Hannah Horton.

Glorious opening day to Goodwood’s five-day meeting

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Jeannie Knight

Northern trainer Mark Johnston reinforced his high strike rate at Goodwood when he took the opening Bt 365.com Handicap race at Glorious Goodwood yesterday with Sennokian Star- and also saddled the third and fourth in the race.

The four-year-old winner was ridden by Joe Fanning, with the Luca Cumani-trained Ajman Bridge in second place. The trainer’s other runners Salutation (Michael Murphy) finished third and Busatto (Royston Ffrench) finished fourth. Johnston, who has saddled some notable Festival winners over the years seems set to pass his century at the track this week.

Jockey Joe Fanning and trainer Mark Johnston receive their prizes after winning the opening race. Photo: Jeannie Knight

Sennokian Star was his 99th winner at Goodwood and 60th at the Glorious meeting, while his jockey, Joe Fanning has achieved scores of 28 and 12 respectively. Fanning said: “They went a nice gallop up front, which suits this lad – I think that he is better getting a lead. Inside the final furlong, I thought that I would always get there.”

The second race gave trainer Charlie Hills his first Glorious Goodwood winner when Cotal Glory broke the two-year-old course record in the Group Three bet365 Molecomb Stakes with jockey George Baker in the saddle. The horse may be aimed at the Flying Childers at Doncaster but is also in the Prix Morny and has the Cronwallis Stakes at Ascot as another option.

Jockey George Baker said Cotal Glory is a very fast horse, adding; “He has a very high cruising speed and he just killed them off. He has improved tremendously.”

Jockey George Baker and Photo: Jeannie Knight

Es Que Love, a 7-1 shot trained by Clive Cox, with Adam Kirby in the saddle overturned odds-on favourite Toormore, trained by Richard Hannon and ridden by Richard Hughes in the Group Two bet365 Lennox Stakes, giving the trainer his 24th Goodwood win and his seventh at Glorious Goodwood.

Jockey Adam Kirby and Photo Jeannie Knight

Jockey Adam Kirby with Es Que Love and connections following the victory
Photo Jeannie Knight

Van Percy, ridden by David Probert provided trainer Andrew Balding with a good win in the Bet365 Summer Handicap. The Ebor Handicap is his next target and the horse is likely to head to Australia later this year. Balding said: ” He is not very big but he is tough and all heart. David rode him well especially from a difficult draw, but had him in the right place throughout the race.”

Peter Chapple-Hyam and jockey William Buick took the Bet 365 EBF Maiden Stakes Bobis Race while the Handicap was won by 3-1 favourite Extremity, getting jockey Ryan Moore off the mark for the meeting for Newmarket trainer Hugo Palmer.

The final race of the opening day, the Casino at Bet 365 handicap over five furlongs went to the master of sprints, trainer David Nicholls with 20-1 shot Inxile ridden by Tom Quelly.

There was plenty of interest outside racing itself, with fashion one of the high points. Charlotte Woodman, daughter of local trainer Steve Woodman, was modelling high fashion millinery throughout the meeting for Laylaleigh Millinery of Chichester.

Charlotte Woodman modelling one of the designer hats at Glorious Goodwood

Pictured above was just one of the striking designs which can be bought from top millinery designer Layleleigh throughout the Glorious Goodwood meeting.

Don’t miss top class Festival of Horsemanship next month

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Jeannie Knight

An unprecedented Festival of Horsemanship, ranging from an extensive line-up of demonstrations to lectures and exhibitors is set to take place in West Sussex at the end of August. The emphasis will be on interaction with visitors encouraged to meet and speak to experts and professionals on August 30 and 31.

The Festival, organised by Danielle Sercombe, is to be held at Gaston Farm, in the idyllic country village of Slindon, set amidst the rolling hills of the South Downs, with easy links from the A27 and A29.

Rider from the South East Parelli team, riding in rope halter without bridle

There will be the opportunity to

Watch amazing demonstrations
Enjoy beautiful, inspiring displays
Learn from the professionals – demostrations, talks, question time
Take part in free workshops and discussions
Improve your riding, horsemanship and knowledge
Discover a passion in a new discipline
Shop for all things equine and country
Savour delicious foods

Visitors have the opportunity to see first hand, the well-known Practical Horsemanship, as the team work with problem horses and start a youngster under saddle from scratch, live in front of the audience.

Demonstration by Parelli experts at the Festival

Demonstration by another Parelli expert at the Festival

The South East Parelli team will be introducing the Parelli programme and the seven games, through an awe-inspiring ridden demonstration, demonstrating amazing relationships with their horses.

Local British Dressage rider, Nikki Hawkins, will be giving a dressage to music ridden display proving that you don’t need an expensive horse to excel at dressage. Visitors will also have the unique opportunity to watch her talk through more advanced movements, teaching ways to improve effectiveness. A must for all aspiring dressage riders.

Sue Gardner will be introducing the crowds to the popular sport of agility, teaching how agility really is achievable, and truly beneficial, for all horse-rider combinations. Sue will be working with a young horse who has never before seen the obstacles, teaching exactly how to go about introducing horses to agility.

Crown and Empire givign a display at Burghley Photo courtesy of Burghley Photography

Crown and Empire giving a display at Burghley
Photo courtesy of Burghley Photography

Unmissable for all the family, Crown and Empire will present an outstanding spectacle of WW1 re-enactment, complete with full uniforms and bayonets with the chance to meet the demonstration horses at the end of the display.

A demonstration showing how long reining techniques benefit horses will be given by Mary Henley-Smith, manager of Moorcroft Racing Welfare Centre at Slinfold, near Horsham. She is an expert in retraining former racehorses so they can go on to lead fulfilling and happy lives outside racing.- and will show how long-reining can benefit all horses.

Mary Henley-Smith demonstrates long reining with Red Acres Photo: Mark Beaumont

Soft and Sound’s Kate Sandel, coming all the way from Devon, will be explaining the importance of suppleness, posture and balance in both our horses and ourselves. Through groundwork and ridden demonstration she will address balance, softness, straightness, and posture, as we learn how we can help al

l horses to be soft and sound under saddle.

Soft and Sound demonstration

Join in with a free workshop from Claire Howard at The Balanced Rider as she works to improve your ridden position, suppleness and feel. Or perhaps take part in an interactive educational workshop with Horsehage to discover all about the horse’s digestive system. With lectures from Connolly’s Red Mills, Bowen therapists, behavioural scientists, physiotherapists, farriers and dentists, there will be something to learn for everyone.

Danielle herself has been riding since childhood, going on to study Equine Studies. Later she discovered a passion for psychology which led her to further study in behavioural analysis, psychotherapy and Neuro Linguistic Programming.

Her combined interests in psychology, psychotherapy and horses came together, leading to her creation of Behavioural Awareness in Action.Through this she offers equine assisted learning programmes.

She is also employed as a foster carer,and proceeds from the festival will raise money to support Behavioural Awareness in Action, which offers equine-assisted learning programmes for people in crisis, particularly troubled teens.

Tickets £15, 10 years and under free To book tickets now for a 20 per cent online discount visit: www.festivalofhorsemanship.com

Extortionist is exciting prospect at Goodwood on Friday

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Jeannie Knight

Extortionist, trained by Olly Stevens at Robins Farm Stables near Chiddingfold, is an exciting prospect at Goodwood on Friday. He was beaten by just a head in a Group 3 race at the Curragh, but followed up with a classy win in the Coral Charge Group 3 over five furlongs at Sandown with Ryan Moore in the saddle.

The colt is entered in the King George Stakes at Glorious Goodwood with Ryan Moore again booked for the ride and is sure to put in a fine performance.

Extortionist Photo Jeannie Knight

He had made a winning seasonal reappearance at Newmarket prior to the Curragh race.Stablemate Green Door holds a provisional entry for the same race, but may not run.

Lightning Thunder, the outstanding filly trained by Olly Stevens at Robins Farm Racing Stables near Chiddingfold on the Sussex/Surrey border, has been entered for Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes Group 3 race at Glorious Goodwood this Friday..

Local jockey Harry Bentley has been booked to ride her in the one mile race and racegoers would be thrilled if this this dual 1000 Guineas runner-up was in action at the Sussex track in this top class race.

Laura Redvers and Burning Blaze on the gallops

Laura Redvers on the gallops at Robins Farm Racing Stables Photo Jeannie Knight

Robins Farm Racing Stables will also be represented in the Magnolia Cup Charity Race on Thursday, Ladies Day, when Laura Redvers, wife of bloodstock agent David Redvers, will partner Gang Warfare, a three-year-old Medicean gelding trained by Olly Stevens, owned by Pearl Bloodstock..

Laura has been riding on the gallops at Robins Farm Racing Stables and has been riding out regularly at home to prepare for the race.

For tickets to Glorious Goodwood see:http://www.goodwood.co.uk/horse-racing/glorious-goodw

Ten still in Saturday’s Goodwood Nassau Stakes

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Jeannie Knight

The £200,000 Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes is the Group One highlight on the fifth and final day of Glorious Goodwood, Saturday, August 2 at 2.40pm and 10 fillies and mares remain engaged in the prestigious contest, which takes place over just short of 10 furlongs.

Thistle Bird (Roger Charlton) was runner-up 12 months ago to Winsili and recorded a deserved first Group One victory on her latest appearance in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh on June 29. Amazing Maria (Ed Dunlop) scored twice last season at Goodwood, including when taking the Group Three Whiteley Clinic Prestige Stakes but was a disappointment on her reappearance in the premier fillies’ Classic, the Investec Oaks, at Epsom Downs in June.

Amazing Maria Photo John Simpson

Dunlop commented yesterday: “Amazing Maria is pretty likely to run on Saturday, all being well. It will depend on the ground as I don’t want it to be rattling, but hopefully the ground is nice as the plan has always been to go to Goodwood. The Oaks didn’t go as we hoped – it was a bad time for all my horses – and we didn’t learn anything because she didn’t stay.

“We have been very happy with her recently. She was a very good two-year-old and is obviously two from two at Goodwood, but we are still finding out about her. We have always rated her very highly and hopefully we will learn something about her at the weekend.”

Trainer of the moment John Gosden, triumphant in 2013 with Winsili and The Fugue the year before, has two possible representatives this time around in the Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes.

Sultanina was successful on her first two starts before taking runner-up spot in the Group Two Lancashire Oaks at Haydock Park on July 5, while three-year-old Eastern Belle finished second over the Goodwood course and distance in the Listed Bibendum Height Of Fashion Stakes on May 22 before landing a similar contest at Newbury on June 12.

Trainer John Gosden

Mango Diva (Sir Michael Stoute) is a lightly-raced four-year-old but showed she is still on an upward curve when winning a Group Two event over nine furlongs at the Curragh on July 20. Ireland’s champion trainer Aidan O’Brien could be doubly represented with Venus de Milo, runner-up to Thistle Bird in the Pretty Polly Stakes, and Palace.

There is a likely challenger from France in Narniyn (Alain de Royer-Dupre). Owned by the Aga Khan, the four-year-old recorded four consecutive victories between 10 and 11 furlongs, including two successes at Group Three level, before coming home fourth on her first start in Group One company in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud over 12 furlongs on June 29.

Completing the possible line-up are Lustrous (Richard Hannon), who was second in the Group Two Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot but only seventh in the Irish Oaks, and Madame Chiang (David Simcock), who won the Group Three Musidora Stakes at York in May before finishing 10th in the Investec Oaks.

Annual South East RDA show is major success

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Jeannie Knight

Carriage Drivers from the Riding for the Disabled’s South East Region were out in force at the annual show at Felbridge Show Ground, East Grinstead drawing a larger than usual entry as the sun shone brightly. Entrants from RDA driving groups across Surrey, Sussex and Kent went head to head in the three disciplines of dressage, cones and showing.

The RDA Groups represented included Heron’s Ghyll (Whitesmith) and Kipling County (Golden Cross) from East Sussex, Cobbes Meadow, from Canterbury, Kent, Happy Landings from Dunsfold, West Sussex and Stella Hancock’s team from Worplesdon, Surrey.

Ros Smedley from Cobbes Meadow won the Condition and Turnout with Jacko. ALL PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE BY JOANNA SALE

The day started with Ros Smedley from Cobbes Meadow winning the Condition and Turnout with Jacko. She only started driving six months ago and said “It has changed my life”.

The Showing Classes were judged by Louise Woodward where Linda Clarke of Kipling County won the Assisted Whips class with Smokey and Emma Capon from Happy Landings won the Novice Class with Serenade on her first outing.

Linda Clarke of Kipling County won the Assisted Whips class driving Smokey with Judge Louise Woodward.

The Open Driving was won by Pat Hammond of Cobbes Meadow with Jacko also winning the Stan Bellamy trophy for large horses. The Sylvia Bellamy Cup for small horses was won by a very happy Jay Bonner of Kipling County with Prince of Orange, who also came second.

Novice Whip winner Emma Capon from Happy Landings and Serenade receives first prize from Clare Chisholm, Master of the Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights who sponsored the event

The dressage competition was won by Amanda Hardy from Happy Landings driving Karina. In the Novice cones, Joanne McNicol won from Kipling County, while in a nail-biting Open Cones there was a joint first for Tracey Spencer from Heron’s Ghyll and Beth Allsopp from Kipling County, with exactly the same score and time.

Dressage competition winner, Amanda Hardy from Happy Landings, receives her first prize from competition organiser Carol Porter (right) and Lindsay Correa (Chairman, RDA South East).

Smokey from Kipling County was judged as the day’s most ‘Workmanlike’ Horse and won the ‘Little John’ cup.

“My thanks have to go to the wonderful work of the teams behind the competitors, who are tireless in their time and support as well as our sponsors, The Worshipful Society of Wheelwrights” said the RDA South East Region’s Chairman, Lindsay Correa.

Carriage Driving in the RDA is nearly 40 years old, having been offered since 1974 at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst when donkeys were used. Competitors ride with an RDA Whip as an instructor who has to pass rigorous and vigorous assessments to be qualified, as do the ponies.

National RDA Championship win for Sue and Serenade

Posted on July 27, 2014 by Jeannie Knight

A West Sussex woman, who has been battling ME and Lymes disease for 18 years, has achieved a major success winning the Open Carriage Driving Class at the Riding for Disabled Association’s National Championships at Hartpury, last week.

Sue Sherlock of Ashington, and her pony Serenade, went into the lead after the dressage and cones, going on to fly round the obstacle course, with Serenade loving every minute of it, finishing well ahead of all the other competitors.

Sue Sherlock driving to victory in the Open Class at the National RDA Championships

Sue Sherlock driving Serenade to victory in the Open Class at the National RDA Championships

Sue said: “Serenade is a fantastic and very special family pony. My grandchildren and friends ride and drive her as well, while I compete with her in open competitions.”

A member of RDA Happy Landings Carriage driving group, Sue was quick to point out that they wouldn`t even have been able to get to Hartpury without the help and support from friends from the Group and family members .

“It is very much a team effort, not only at the championships, but also with the people who help me drive her and keep her fit even in the terrible winter weather,” added Sue.

Eighteen years ago her life had changed dramatically. Sue had always led an extremely active life, ranging from riding horses to climbing Ben Nevis. Suddenly she was struck down and spent almost nine years flat on her back, but actively campaigning for more recognition of M.E. and Lyme Disease.

She said of her victory: “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think anything like this could happen.” When I was bedridden, I thought I would never be able to have anything more to do with horses, and certainly nothing like this.”

Sue’s steadfast courage and determination never to give in has been a significant factor, but Lancelot, Sue’s canine partner has played a major part since he joined her four years ago. Lancelot was part of the group which went to Hartpury and he has been instrumental in tranforming her life.

” I would never be able to manage without him. At the end of that day I was absolutely exhausted, but he just pulled my clothes off and I flopped into bed. We stayed there two nights and when we got home, we both slept for most of the next two days,” said Sue.

Lancelot not only helps her undress also takes coats but he picks things up when she drops them, and brings her the phone when it rings. He opens and closes doors and gets her shoes out of the cupboard and helps her to transfer from wheelchair to bed. He accompanies her on our RDA outings, where she is a regular competitor.

See top equine artist Trudy Redfern at Glorious Goodwood

Posted on July 27, 2014 by Jeannie Knight

Acclaimed equine artist Trudy Redfern will be at Glorious Goodwood again this year- though instead of painting the scene from the winning post as in previous years, she has chosen a different site to capture the atmosphere of this top Sussex meeting

Trudy Redfern at Goodwood last year Photo by Barry Davis

Trudy Redfern at Goodwood in a previous year
Photo by Barry Davis

Frequent Goodwood racegoers will recognise Trudy. An award-winning artist, she has chosen to paint a different perspective of the meeting- the scene from car park 5 as racegoers go in through the Richmond entrance. She will be in situ there on Wednesday and Thursday of Glorious Goodwood.

Before Tne Off by Trudy Redfern- a fine example of her workl

This year there is also a rare opportunity to join award-winning artist Trudy for a summer painting course on August 12, 13 and 14, organised by Tim Jasper.

The three days will cover Painting the Horse (with a live model), Landscape Painting, and Figure Painting (again with a live modell). Expert advice will be given to help nurture your artistic skills and push your creative boundaries. Suitable for all levels of ability. Choose one, two or all three days.

In Painting the Horse, working from a live model you will observe the anatomy and movement of the horse. Beginning with a series of quick sketches you will look at the horse as a whole to understand the basic structure. Further sketches will be built up in monochrome using charcoal to introduce form and tone. You will then construct a painting in the medium of your choice introducing value and colour and have a completed painting to take home.

By the end of the day you will have a better understanding of how to approach and capture the structure of the horse and a greater knowledge of how the horse moves.Trudy is an award winning Artist who will give plenty of guidance to support your development and skills.

The cost is £85, including coffee, tea and a good home cooked lunch. Spaces are limited so if you want to join one of the courses, book your place as soon as possible.

For a detailed breakdown of what each day has to offer please visit

http://www.timjasper.co.uk/award-winning-art-course-12th-13th-14th-august-all-levels/

Or contact Trudy about her paintings at: 01243 572504 email trudyredfern@btconnect.com and www.trudyredfern.co.uk

Don’t miss Hickstead’s Royal International Horse Show for top class action

Posted on July 26, 2014 by Jeannie Knight

Hickstead is renowned for being the longstanding host of the Longines Royal International Horse Show- the official horse show of the British Horse Society and one of the oldest shows in the world.

As one of the biggest outdoor shows in the country, the Royal International Horse Show, which begins this year on July 29, sees the elite of many disciplines compete side by side, and also offers the opportunity experience everything from the thrills and spills of top international showjumping to the elegance and glamour of champion showing horses and ponies competing at all levels.

Geoff Billington on Cruise Control 111 at Hickstead Photo John Periam 01243 584718

For showing, this is exclusively a championship show, and the culmination of many months of qualifications throughout the winter with prestigious classes for every breed of British horse and pony. It also stages the peak of winter national qualifiers, as Hickstead is the home of the British Showjumping Winter Finals.

On an International level, this prestigious Sussex venue is one of only eight global hosts to the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup, and enables the British public its only chance to see the nation’s showjumping team compete on home ground.

Aerial View of Hickstead
Courtesy of Hickstead

The opening day is on Tuesday July 29 when national competition begins with some prestigious championship qualifiers in the nations rings. These include the last qualifiers for the SEIB Winter Novice and the Winter Grades B &C Championships, along with a variety of height classes for both horses and ponies from 1.00m to 1.35m. Showing classes also begin with Skewbald and Piebald Horse and Pony classes. Because it is national competition only, admission is free on this day.

Full show services and facilities, along with normal ticket and entrance fees begin on Wednesday July 30 the action starts in the International Arena with series of British Showjumping Winter Finals, along with prestigious show finals, guaranteeing a day of top class action. In the International Arena the programme features The Oakley Coachbuilders Winter Grade JC Championship , followed by other Winter Championships, the final of the Philip Judge International and Family Pure Bred Ridden Arabian Championship, Ponies UK Dalkeith Young Riders and Mountain and Moorland Championship and Winter Grades C Championship.

Ben Maher in winning form last year: Photo John Periam 01243 584718

The action really begins on Thursday July 31, with the Bunn Leisure Trophy, which is a qualifier for Sunday’s Longines King George V Gold Cup ( the British Grand Prix) which is the day’s feature class. The majority of the world’s best international team riders, including the best of the British, will be competing- last year’s winner was Olympic and European team gold medallist Ben Maher. There is also the Supreme Hunter Championship, with the top hunters of the country taking part.

Competition really hots up on Friday August 1 in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup of Great Britain, presented by Longines. The stands are always packed for this exciting event, which sees some of the toughest inter-nation competition in the world. There is also the Old Lodge Young Horse Breeding Championship and the Supreme Riding Horse Championship. Saturday not only sees non-stop events in the International Arena, from miniature horses and fast scurry ponies to the International show jumping speed class- the Queen Elizabeth II Cup.

Wave from Christopher Biggins after judging Bst Dressed Lady competition: Poto John Periam 01243 584718

Saturday is also Ladies Day- with the chance to become Hickstead’s Best Dressed Lady and win a superb prize. There is an exclusive Ladies’ Day Enclosure with private bar and a surprise celebrity judge will choose the Best Dressed Lady and two runners-up out of ten finalists. A pampering two-night stay with spa treatment, breakfast for two, dinner and an afternoon tea at the Alexander House Hotel and Utopia Spas is the outstanding prize for the winner.

The final day of international competition sees the very elite of the sport battle it out for the most prized title in the country, the Longines King George V Gold Cup. Competition will be fiercce to win historic King George V Gold Cup and it will provide a thrilling spectacle.
Get your tickets on line now at https://hickstead.ticketsrv.co.uk

Jeannie's Equestrian World

for the latest news about horses

Monthly Archives: July 2014