Sports horses

Despite one of the worst scenting days, the Taunton Vale provides one of the most welcoming opening meets IF any pack of foxhounds can make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, it’s the Taunton Vale. Despite one of the worst scenting days I have ever experienced, this pack’s joie de vivre kept the ball rolling from beginning to end. Bright sunshine made for a fine opening meet but scant scent. We were generously entertained at Jordans — just of the A303 roundabout at Ilminster in Somerset — by Christopher and Caroline Speke...

What happened to the horses repatriated during World War I? Historian Dot Broady-Hawkes investigates the ef orts to stabilise the equine population THE figure of 484,000 has been put on the number of British Army horses and mules killed in action or lost through disease during the Great War of 1914-1918. Others were lost during the sea journey across the Atlantic from North America — those animals didn’t even reach England for training. Yet more died during the harsh winter of 1914-15. It took the...

A slim volume reveals the reality of Gill Guest’s grandfather’s time with horses as a driver during World War I. Here she reveals some of its poignant moments AS the centenary of the ending of World War I approaches, by a strange quirk of timing, I inherit the war diary of one J. W. Ward (Driver). Generally known as Wilf, J. W. Ward was my grandfather. His diary is a slim, red, “ruby” notebook. Written in pencil, the front of the book contains dates and an account of what happened in the conventional way...

The quietly confident Richard Jones tells Catherine Austen why, with classy horse power behind him, there’s no better time for four-star glory HOW does a man who has won only two open intermediates in 12 years end up in seventh place at Burghley? It’s a fair question. Few people set out to win every class they enter — eventing isn’t racing; you can give a horse an educational outing without being done under the “non-triers” rule — but most, for their own confidence or ego, their owners or their sponsors, like to snatch a few red rosettes...

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A 16-year-old gelding triumphs after several years out and a record- breaking pony continues his streak A HORSE who spent six years turned away recovering from an injury defied the odds to claim the open horse of the year title in his first full season back in harness. Luddington Maestro, owned by Fred and Charlene Vyse and driven by their father Peter, was in strong company to take the top accolade, beating Joey Peters’ three-time champion, Wentworth Ebony, into reserve. “It’s a bit of a...

Persistent rain causes tough going for the teams, but the wishful thinkers too hold on for a two-second victory wishful thinkers too Took the skinner's pet food open

A stellar performance puts Mille Allen on top, while the ladies put the fizz into the winter B&C qualifier and Paul Barker enjoys life in the fast lane WHAT a round Millie Allen and Balou Star produced to claim victory in the Equi-Trek winter grand prix. “This is Balou’s first show back after stud duty and he felt on great form,” said Millie. “Although I had to take risks, the way he was jumping gave me a lot of confidence.” Raf Suarez set a tempting jump-of course for the finale with tight turns...

Wales & West Just two months After a Rotton

SOUTH-WEST A horse who had an operation on a throat cyst the size of a golf ball has claimed a double win at West Wilts. Taylor Denness and her 18hh Gues won the medium 73 and the elementary 49. Taylor, 21, originally bought the seven-year- old KWPN from Vicki Thompson- Winfield, but he had over a year of after his operation. “We gave him lots of time as he was growing and then my mum Karen took him out a few times,” said Taylor. “She did a fabulous job, but I’ve taken him back now as I’ve finished my degree...

A Project Pony bought for £650 shows her talents, while Two more Welsh section DS claim tickets to Hartpury Kate Sanderson was one of Several riders at the area festival

Germany seals a win at Boekelo, but a strong British team takes the Nations Cup series title as team and individuals showcase young equine talent GERMANY may have won the team and individual competitions at Boekelo, but Laura Collett’s second on London 52 secured the Nations Cup series title for Britain. France came to Boekelo for the Nations Cup final in the lead, 10 points ahead of Britain. Germany, with just one victory on the board to France’s four and Britain’s two, was in fourth behind Sweden...