Sport Horse Breeding Great Britain
Reviews
Equine Rescue and Fire Safety Talk
Potential Competition Horse Show 2009
Training The Young Horse For Competition
Potential Competition Horse Show 2008
Sport Horses - The Way Forward
All reviews produced by:-
Sue Stewart
Swan Farm
St Michaels-on-Wyre
Preston
Lancashire
PR3 0TT
tel/fax: 01995 679341
Spring Breeders Show 2011
The Horsebox parking at Myerscough for The Spring Breeders Show on 26th March was almost full to capacity!!
Such was the success of the now truly established early season show run by the Committee of SHGB in NW.
The warm Spring weather in the run up to this years' Show brought competitors out in record numbers along with extra classes for Flat Sport Horses and CHAPS Coloured Classes as well as the usual wide choice for everyone. It was generally agreed that while the first class of the day, the Flat Ridden Sport Horse, was well supported with some quality exhibits forward, the criteria needs reviewing with clearer guidelines for both competitors and judges.
Late entries on the day boosted the Coloured Classes and it is to be hoped that now competitors know about this super Show, numbers will increase in this popular area.
The hard working Judges, to whom the Committee are deeply indebted, had many quality horses to assess, and gave tremendous attention to everyone who came forward, and competitors were rightly appreciative of this,as the Judges time and expertise is freely given without monetary reward. To them, we owe a great big "thankyou".
Probably the best supported classes were the Working Hunters and the Young In Hand Sport Horses. It is sad that the latter do not come out at our Summer Show, where, considering how well they look in the difficult month of March, is surprising. Please do think about supporting our June Show at the attractive new venue at Mr and Mrs Smiths Farm at Croston. (Schedules are now available to download!!)
The Committee are very grateful to the Sponsors who make the two Shows viable to run and along with too many helpers to single out, would like to take this opportunity to say "thankyou everyone", but Members, please remember, this is YOUR Society, so please do your best to support us, and any suggestions and ideas along with offers of help and sponsorship would be truly appreciated.
All the results have now been published, and Ken Ettridge has lots of photographs for you to view on his website.
DON'T FORGET THE SUMMER SHOW ON JUNE 18TH WITH ALL THE USUAL CLASSES. COME AND HAVE A GREAT DAY.
Equine Rescue and Fire Safety Talk
Jim Green of Hampshire Fire and Rescue, the Speaker at the recent SHGB in the NW equine rescue and fire safety talk spoke with great passion and eloquence to a disappointly small audience, but kept everyone so interested and we were all sorry when his presentation ended.
Jim showed many short but explicit examples of incidents that had been badly handled, frequently resulting in injury to well meaning humans who were attempting "to help", as well as examples where the Fire and Rescue Team, often led by Jim himself or his colleague Anton had a very happy outcome without stress or trauma to the animal or anyone else.
Much of this footage was from the TV series Real Rescues which features Jim and his Team.
It was very evident that Jim, coming from a farming background, had that common sense and stockman awareness which is so often lacking.
This is one of the aspects that he is impressing on his superiors, and most forces are now undertaking regular specialist training in handling livestock.
SHGB in the NW were very pleased to also welcome Nick Robinson of Lancashire Fire Brigade who heads up the local Large Animal Resue Team, and along with some of his colleagues, has attended training with Jim and his Team. Nick was keen to come along, and in his own words said at the end of the evening, that following the first training session with Jim, "the lads wanted to get out there and change the world overnight as they were so inspired".
We horse owners in the north west are lucky to have Nick around, so thankyou Nick and your Team for supporting our evening. It just goes to show, you can never stop learning, and we certainly did!
The most often overheard question was "why isn't so and so here”, It was a first class evening and left everyone with a very clear insight as to the problems that can arise, and it was reassuring that there are Fire and Large Animal Rescue Specialists out there, albeit in limited numbers at the moment, but all imbued with the passion and enthusiasm shown and passed on by Jim, to come to the rescue.
Jim has been, and still is, spearheading the campaign to make every Fire Brigade much more aware of the need to ensure that this is an area which must be addressed, and in this, he needs our help to be sure that should we be unfortunate enough to call on their services, it is up to us to show our appreciation, or hopefully not, our concerns with a letter or telephone call. In this way, all of us can help to spread the word.
Thankyou Jim for a great evening, and to Anne Blackburn for suggesting this inspirational talk.
Spring Breeders Show 2010
At long last, Spring showed her face just in time for the Spring Breeders Show held at Myerscough International Arena on 27th March.
In spite of the difficult and prolonged Winter, entries, although a little down on previous years, enjoyed feeling the sun on their backs and most looked well forward in their preparation for the season ahead.
Disappointing numbers in the Ridden Sport Horse classes still found a worthy Champion from the 5 year old in Carolyn Rhios' The Editor, a compact atheletic bay gelding by the late Polling.
Well filled Novice ridden classes covered a vast range of types and it was good to see the Championship being awarded to the eye catching coloured cob, Buddie Woods who looked to have given Judge Charles le Moigan a cracking ride belying his tender years.
Ridden Irish Draught Classes saw strong competition for the Blue Chip Qualifier, and the long journey north paid off for S Hill’s Castle Rock
Judge Mr Peter Crafts had well filled classes of In Hand Sport Horses running into double figures in both yearling and two year olds. Karen Neild's colt, Gold Dust, by Blue Hors Romanov, a prolific winner over the last couple of seasons took the three year old class and then stood reserve to Billy Moran's Primitive Proposal sired Look Twice.
The Committee are, as always, immensely grateful to the many loyal Sponsors who support the activities of Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain in the North West so loyally on a regular basis, and we look forward to meeting everyone at the Potential Competition Horse Show on 19th June at Warren Farm.
This year sees for the first time, many Qualifiers for Horse of the Year Show(HOYS), Tattersalls Retrained Racehorse Challenge and the Derby House In Hand Championship, as well as the ever popular Burghley Young Event Horse Qualifier.
Potential Competition Horse Show 2009
A noticable drop in temperature along with a brief shower during the afternoon Classes brought about some good ground resulting in a good display from the entries in the 2009 Summer Show held for the second year at Warren Farm near Formby.
After last years show here, entries were considerably up in spite of the economic problems, no doubt largely due to the efforts put into the superb ground and presentation by Sally Greenwood and her team to whom the Committee of SHGB in the NW extend grateful thanks.
Two new classes were introduced this year---Tattersalls and the Retraining of Racehorses Classes which have proved very popular at various shows but were not very well supported in this, their first running at the Potential Competition Show. Mrs Sarah York and Mr Wayne Burnell quickly assessed the few entries forward after which Mrs. Sarah York judged the final ten 4 and 5yo in the Burghley Dubarry Young Event Horse Qualifier both of which were strongly contested. Miss Fiona Lace saw some quality performances in the dressage phase which was speedily followed by jumping in front of Mr. Ian McKie.
Mrs. Mary Wood, who was the conformation judge at last years final made full use of the range of marks, as indeed the other two judges did, to round off the selection for the "Top Ten". G. Hoare from Bradford had a show to remember piloting her four year old Nethertown Rubbles by Rubberball to win the class and to be runner up with her Sheraton sired Nethertown Zeplin in the five year old section to last years four year old winner Steel Clover ridden by Adele Baldwin.
The second additional class was for Potential Competition Horses limited to 4 and 5 yo, judged by Sue Stewart and Chris McGrann. The class was designed to encourage correct systematic training of young horses and followed a pre prescribed short show and course of straightforward fences. It was very encouraging to see some very well presented youngsters forward and in spite of a somewhat cramped arena, the performances made a great start for these youngsters. Score sheets with comments were available at the end of the judging, and should this class be developed further, it will certainly be in a bigger ring.
Working Hunter Classes came under the watchful eyes of Miss. Laura Szutowicz for the ride while Mr David Dixon dealt with the conformation.
These classes were held in the attractive main ring with the feature "Derby Bank" and the excellent turf really encouraged the horses to open up and show themselves off to the full. Jack Cochrane added to his already impressive tally of honours with Mountain Firefly, previously a prolific winner in hand, by taking the Championship.
This years In Hand Classes were disappointing in numbers resulting in several classes being amalgamated for economic reasons. However, this did not detract from the quality of youngstock forward in front of Mr David Dixon, while Mrs. Pat Powley lined up the In Hand Sport Horses. As always, the Irish Draughts put on a good display before Mrs Gaynor Mitchell, the class being dominated by Karen Neilds Goldstern Dynasty.
Full results can be seen on the results section of the web site and special mention must be made of the generosity of the many sponsors who enable the Committee to continue to run this Show. A very heartfelt thankyou goes out to all of them.
Spring Breeders Show 2009
The Spring Breeders Show 2009 was a huge success. Held at Myerscough International Arena on 28th March, entries were up considerably on previous years leaving everyone wondering "what credit crunch"! However, your North West Committee, though delighted by the exceptional quality as well as quantity of the horses forward are very much aware of the current financial situation and will continue to strive to develop and improve out events and shows within the limits imposed upon us at this difficult time.
The Ridden Sport Horse section saw a good turnout with a worthy Champion in J. Callwoods' Cool Luke, a six year chestnut gelding recently brought over from Ireland, but sadly of unknown breeding. He looked a real event type and showed good athleticism in all his work.
Another to watch in the future is All Ireland, produced by A. Roberts by Tom Mahers' sadly now deceased Courage, out of Rusheen Star. Tom also stands Ricardo Z whose stock are showing tremendous form throughout all the equestrian spheres.
Well supported Novice Ridden Classes gave entrants an early season try out for their horses and in particular, Billy Brown piloted by Danielle Heath gave a mature display to head the line up, ably assisted by Lady Howick, Cath Barley, Sophie Leatherbarrow and Chris McGrann.
Cath Barley then joined forces with John Gilliver to assess a strong turnout of pure and part bred ridden Irish Draughts for the Blue Chip £2000 qualifier and it will be exciting to watch these early qualified horses go from strength to strength as the season progresses and hopefully carry all before them at the Final!
Good luck to A. Kirby with the Nigel Moore bred Tully's Brady, by The Bard out of Tullys Mist who took the Purebred Class, while Lucy Killingbeck's long journey from Gloucestershire paid off in the P/B Class riding the warmblood Demonstrator sired Danza, out of Upton's Sheanade---an interesting but obviously successful breeding decision which has paid off for breeder M. Riley.
Working Hunter Classes were again popular and saw good entries with a first running of the new Restricted Open Class. Sarah Lears presented the Collie Mor Hill 11yo, bred by Mrs. McNamara to take the Championship, with Kelly Ward in runner up spot with Winterstorm of unknown breeding. The classily bred Wise Guy by Mill Reef was the Novice winner having taken 2nd place in the 6yo R.S.H. earlier in the day.
Mr. Gareth Holt who was the winning farrier of last year's Best Shod Worker, had a busy day and finally made his decision to C.Teltcz's Czech Mate and we look forward to welcoming his farrier to judge at next years show.
Lady Howick took on the task of sorting out some mammoth entries in the In Hand Ridden Sport Horse Section where farrier William Simpson had a field day. The aptly named filly, Winner Takes All headed the yearling class while his colt, Pennbretti Presence out of the same mare, Who Dares Wins took the 3yo Class and William hopes to go on and cover some mares with him in the future.
The Committee is indebted to the many helpers and to all of the judges, as well as the wonderful sponsors who contributed to the success of the Show. A big thank you to all of them, as without them, breeders and producers would be unable to have the opportunity to take out their young stock.
A reminder not to miss the Potential Competition Horse Show at Warren Farm on June 27th and to make timely preparation with your 4yo & 5yo future competition horses for the inaugural new class. We look forward to seeing many of you there again taking advantage of the superb going on the wonderful West Lancashire turf.
Training The Young Horse For Competition
Well over a hundred people gathered together at Eccleston Equestrian Centre, ( by kind permission of Mrs Karen Green ) on a chilly February evening to watch Chris Mcgrann introduce a new competition format which will be piloted at the Potential Competition Horse Show at Warren Farm on June 29th.
Six "guinea pig" riders bravely came forward and under the watchful eye of Chris were helped to develop, improve and demonstrate the basic way of going of their horses to prepare for their competitive future. The class asks 4 and 5 year olds for a straightforward show on the flat and over a course of six fences which will be printed in the schedule along with distances etc to enable riders to fully familiarise themselves and the horses with what is expected of them.
Chris emphasised a correct and systematic approach to the training while explaining what he would look for in the make, shape and type of a competition horse for the various disciplines. He cleverly pointed out the relevance of the conformation of the forelimb in relation to the gallop and the hind leg regarding power although the competition at present does not have a seperate conformation mark.
All six horses were very varied in type and changed from struggling with some of the distances at times to improving through quiet working through on the flat to putting up very creditable and polished performances by the end of the evening.
Feedback from spectators was very enthusiastic. Several felt that rather than see the "Superstars" with their great horses, this was something for everyone with a huge potential to improve themselves and work towards a better way of going with their own horses.
The Class in June is open to ANY 4 and 5 year old exceeding 14.2hh and registered with ANY recognised breed society so we hope to see many of you forward with your youngsters. Download a copy of the test
Potential Competition Horse Show
June 28th 2008 saw a fresh venue for the SHGB in the NW Potential Competition Horse Show at Warren Farm Equestrian Centre, Formby where Sally Greenwood and her Team made every effort to meet the requirements asked of them to stage our Show.
In spite of super going and a pleasant June day, entries were rather disappointing, but most classes were definitely quality rather than quantity.
The In Hand Sport Horse classes were numerically stronger than the In Hand Hunters and while the Working Hunter entries were lower than expected, David Norlander built a most attractive and challenging course incorporating the natural features of Warren Farms' bank and step up and off. This made for a very good competition and the successful competitors will have felt very pleased to find that their horses rose to the occasion and jumped well off the superb going and springy turf while spectators were in a prime viewing spot on the surrounding mown banking.
The Lodden sponsored Burghley Young Event Horse Classes were the strongest and most competitive of the day. An exceptional "top ten" line up provoked much head scratching for Judge, Mrs Ann Hooley before she was able to make her final selection in a couple of nail biting finishes. Several knowledgeable onlookers felt that they will be seeing the SHGB in the NW featuring strongly to the fore at the final in September!
President, Mrs Shirley Hindle and Chairman Mark Fitton along with the Committee are very grateful to all the Sponsors whose financial help is invaluable in ensuring the success of the Show in these days of ever increasing overheads for everyone, thank you all very much indeed!!
Thanks too, to all the helpers on the day and to Sally and James at Warren Farm. The Committee is very aware that there were some teething troubles on the day, and would very much appreciate feedback from members along with any volunteers to assist in future ventures.
Sport Horses - The Way Forward
William Micklem, F.B.H.S. travelled over from Ireland to open a fascinating evening arranged by the Committee of SHGB in the NW in February.
Williams' extensive knowledge and enthusiam for the breeding of competition horses was clearly evident when he shared with over a hundred members and friends his insight into the huge effect that the T.B. has on the Warmblood horse. Over and over again, he made clear that far from always being Continental bloodlines, time and time again, T.B. blood is immensely strong, and in fact, so many of the perceived W.B. stallions are in fact 3/4 T.B.!! This is due to the influence of such as Hyperion, Cottage Son, Ladykiller etc. whose input is evident in many top pedigrees.
In a recent article in Horse and Hound, William covered his subject in great depth and proved the wisdom of studying the W.B. bloodlines with great care.
Norman Allen, (Member of R.D.S. Equestrian Committee) was the next speaker. Norman stands stallions in Ireland and is a sucessful breeder of competition horses including Test Flight which represented Ireland in the European Eventing Championships.
Norman felt that the day of the giant was over! Too many big horses have been bred and as the main market is for easy to ride and keep horses the time is here to think hard about the input of native blood and to breed quality smaller horses. The use of the T.B. on I.D. and Connemara or other native mares generally produces temprement and soundness and the resulting offspring crossed again to the T.B. sire could produce the ideal competition horse.
Along with William, Norman emphasised that the main riding market is female, around 15 to 45 who ideally need an easy horse to slot into a busy life.
Breeding technology has moved on rapidly we were told by Tullis Matson of Twemlows Stud. Fresh, chilled and frozen semen is now easily available to all mare owners, thus accessing the finest bloodlines in the world. Covering mares is increasingly done by AI reducing the risk of infection and injury as well as offering the opportunity for a stallion to inseminate more than one mare from only one collection.
Twemlows also collects and stores semen from rare breeds and is thus able to extend the gene pool of some of our endangered bloodlines.
Embryo transfer is becoming more sucessful and allows competion mares not only to continue to compete, but increases their ability to procreate as it can clearly enable them to have more than one offspring per year.
Tullis admitted to being a technology freak, but his well illustrated talk made sure that everyone was left buzzing and longing to find out more information!
British Eventing Team Vet Jenny Hall was sadly let down by her computor failing to oblige, and even the expertise of Tullis failed to make it work!
Jenny spoke about the conformation of the limbs and the importance of correct alignement especially in the lower limbs and joints.
Last, but by no means least, David Tatlow spoke forcibly about what he believes our "sport horse" should be. Look from the feet upwards and go from there. A well conformed horse will move and last and can be suitable for any job. The feet must be well shaped and a pair. He wants the horse to move freely from the shoulder and decried the artificial extravagant trot which seems to be fashionable today. David emphasised the value of a short cannon bone ensuring the strength of the tendons, a well sloped shoulder, along with a well set on head and neck to encourage a good natural head carriage. The hind leg should be set well and that there is no such thing as a false curb.
David believes that there are particular stallions that seem to be prepotent in producing type and would always travel to see horses of particular bloodlines.
David finished by lamenting the fact that many experienced people, judges and horsemen in particular, were less than generous in passing on their knowledge to the younger generation and we thereby run the risk of losing so much expertise for the future good of the horse. He urged all to share their knowledge and experiences which is vital to maintain and further improve standards of judging.
Questions and discussions followed a fascinating evening and the general conclusion seemed to be that we should be trying to breed smaller, hardier horses with good easy temprements in preferece to giants!!