Horsey Talk

TAPNER AND FOX-PITT POISED TO POUNCE ON HSBC FEI CLASSICS™ AT BURGHLEY

Paul Tapner (AUS) - pictured right and William Fox-Pitt (GBR) are the riders with most to gain from a big result at this weekend’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR, September 2-5). It is the fourth leg of the 2010 HSBC FEI Classics™, which carries a prize-pot of US$333,000 to be shared by the five most successful riders across five CCI4* events.

The current standings leader, Andreas Dibowski (GER), who has a healthy 7-point lead over this year’s Badminton and Lexington winners, is an absentee from Burghley, and Tapner and Fox-Pitt are poised to pounce.

Tapner, who looks set to make his debut on the Australian squad at the forthcoming Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, has two horses with useful CCI4* form: Kilfinnie, 15th last year, and Stormhill Michael, 10th at Badminton.

Fox-Pitt, bidding for a record sixth victory at Burghley, has the Argentine Thoroughbred Macchiato, a winner at Luhmühlen in 2008 and fifth at Badminton last year, plus the German-bred Seacookie, seventh at Burghley in 2009.

Two more riders handily placed in the top 10 of the HSBC FEI Classics™ rankings have rides at Burghley: the 1996 winner Mary King (GBR) with the veteran Apache Sauce, fourth here in 2008, and her home-bred mare Kings Temptress, and Andrew Nicholson (NZL), the victor in 1995 and 2000, with the brilliant jumper Armada and a choice of either Nereo or Avebury.

In reality, though, the HSBC FEI Classics™ is still wide open and any number of riders could make their mark this weekend. None will be more aware of that than the defending champion, Oliver Townend (GBR). If he recaptures the Land Rover trophy at Burghley on Carousel Quest, he will be the first rider in Burghley’s 49-year history to win it back-to-back on the same horse.

More than 80 horses from 13 nations are entered; the field ranges from the vast experience of double Olympic champion Mark Todd, 54, a five-times winner at Burghley who brings a new ride, Major Milestone, to 22-year-old Georgie Strang (GBR), who is lucky enough to have the ride on the wonderful 19-year-old Master Monarch, a CCI4* winner and third here in 2004 with Andrew Hoy.

Other Burghley debuts to watch are that of former Junior and Young Rider European Champion Laura Collett (GBR); Alex Hua Tian, who becomes the first Chinese representative to compete at Burghley, and Aistis Vitkauskas, who will be the first Lithuanian competitor.

Kai Rüder (GER), 10th last year, rides the only stallion in the field, Le Prince des Bois. There are two nine-year-old horses in the field: first-timer Kerry Varley’s (GBR) Bluestone Luke and Pascal Leroy’s (FRA) Minos de Petra; while Jean-Luc Goerens (FRA) and Marychope de Marast represent the senior combination – their combined ages add up to 73 years.

Follow live results and coverage on www.burghley-horse.co.uk

Another Horse Dies of Mosquito-Borne EEE Virus

Jessica Mullins with Spirit, the Molino horse that contracted Eastern equine encephalitis.

Eastern equine encephalitis has claimed a victim in North Escambia — a horse in the Molino area of Florida.

The horse was euthanized after showing symptoms of EEE, a diagnosis confirmed by laboratory tests, according to Katie Miller, spokesperson for the Escambia County Health Department.

The horse was pastured on River Bend Road, near the Escambia River, not fair from Fairgrounds Park.

EEE is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. Signs of the virus include fever, listlessness, stumbling, circling, coma and usually death. The disease is fatal in horses in 90 percent of cases and fatal in about one third of human victims. It leaves many survivors with permanent brain damage.

The virus can only be spread by mosquito bites, and is sometimes spread among horses and birds in species that does not typically bite humans.

Typically one or two human cases are reported each year in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Health. The state averages over 70 reported cases of equine EEE each year. In years when conditions favor the spread of the EEE, the number of reported equine cases can exceed 200. EEE is not believed to have the potential to cause a human epidemic in Florida.

£30 million up for grabs.

BEF urges London equestrian centres to get a share of the action. The British Equestrian Federation is urging London's equestrian centres to access a slice of over £30 million - and offering advice as to how to do so.

As part of the Mayor of Loondon, Boris Johnson's key election promises, the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games must deliver a genuine grass-roots sporting legacy of increased participation in sport and physical activity amongst Londoners.

"In total, in excess of £30 million is to be invested in grass-roots sport by the time of the Olympic opening ceremony", says project manager, Katie Couchman.

To understand how to access this funding the BEF has therefore secured Katie Couchman as a speaker at the next meeting of the London Horse Network, to be held at Mudchute Equestrian Centre, Isle of Dogs, on 28th September.

BEF representative for London, David Gadsby explains; "This is a staggering figure to be put towards accessing subsidized training, and we'll have to fight many other sports to secure it but I'm confident the London Horse Network can work collectively to put forward something that will benefit the individual and the industry as a whole."

Established as part of the BEF HOOF-Ride London Olympic Legacy, the London Horse Network aims to combine the expertise of riding centres and instructors to individual horse owners and riders and to connect them to external agencies, to develop the sport, improve standards and secure funding for the region.

Under the new leadership of Jodie Maile, the London Horse Network will also hear from Kelly Smith, Pro Active London Equestrian Relationship Manager at the meeting.

Jodie explains, "Kelly will address the audience on how to link into Country Sports Partnerships, with a particular emphasis on creating links with schools so that equestrian centres can not only make the mid-week, daytime more profitable but also to create a lasting legacy, introducing scores of new volunteers into our sport and could inspire others into equestrian careers."

A few spaces remain and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis with those interested invited to contact Jodie Maile.

David concludes, "This meeting will be a great opportunity for the London Horse Network and I hope it will not only encourage equestrian enthusiasts in London to get in touch and join the Network but also inspire other professionals with equestrian links to offer their advice and services to the Network so that the Legacy of the London Olympic Games is seen for decades to come."

If you would like to join the London Horse Network, or offer your expertise to the Network, contact Jodie Maile at jodievm@aol.com or Tel. 07815 670035.

Roll up. Roll up for the great Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Opening Ceremony.

With dozens of equine performers, nationally known singers, an orchestra, choir, dancers, local and international celebrities and dignitaries, and a traditional “Olympic-style” parade of athletes from more than 58 participating countries, the Opening Ceremonies for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games promises to entertain and delight spectators.

The World Equestrian Games are being staged outside of Europe for the first time!

The Opening Ceremonies will celebrate the equine culture and heritage of both the United States and Kentucky.

Musical talent on stage will include native Kentuckians, folk-singers, opera stars, and world-renowned jazz musicians.

• Sarah Lee Guthrie, daughter of Arlo Guthrie and granddaughter of Woody Guthrie, will perform one of her grandfather’s most famous songs with the University of Kentucky’s Symphony.
• Metropolitan Opera star Denyce Graves has captivated audiences all over the world as one of the most renowned mezzo-sopranos and will entertain the audience with a special performance.
• During the “Journey through the South” segment of the program, musicians from the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center will showcase the distinctive music of New Orleans and America’s Southern roots.
• Wynonna Judd, 5-time GRAMMY Award winning artist, will perform “My Old Kentucky Home” in a pinnacle moment of the Opening Ceremonies.

More than 200 horses are slated to take part in the Opening Ceremonies.

• American Thoroughbred racing Hall of Fame jockey and founder of the North American Racing Academy, Chris McCarron, will represent Thoroughbred racing along with a group of his NARA students.
• A collaboration of equine entertainers and roping experts are bringing their talents and traditions to the stage to represent Western riding in United States.
• Champion rider and equine competitor Stacy Westfall will entertain audiences as she performs without a saddle or bridle on her champion horse, Roxy, in the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
• Culver Academies, known for their historic Black Horse Troop and Equestriennes horsemanship units, will bring their traditions to the main stage and showcase their complex drill routines and carry flags in color guard tradition.

A small number of tickets are still available for the Opening Ceremonies but will not last long. Get tickets here.

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Equine Assisted Learning and Therapeutic Courses at IHWT

The Irish Horse Welfare Trust are to introduce an Equine Assisted Learning and Therapeutic Course which assists people of all ages with physical, social, emotional or cognitive challenges. The charity believe that interaction with horses is positively mood altering and promotes mental well being.

Whilst the organisation regularly welcome visitors to the farm in Woodenbridge, Co. Wicklow they also aim to provide an opportunity for people within the community to become involved in educational and therapeutic activities in partnership with the horse. Education Officer Lesley Jones will deliver the programme with the assistance of the IHWT team and their friendly four legged friends in the centre.

The first Equine Assisted Learning and Therapeutic Course will take place over three days from 17-19th August 2010 at the IHWT Centre in Wicklow.

For further information please phone IHWT office 0404 45720 or visit the website www.ihwt.ie

HorseHage Launches National Competition
To Celebrate Its New Look!

To celebrate its new look, HorseHage has launched an exciting new national competition where one lucky person will win an Ifor Williams horse trailer filled with HorseHage!

The competition will run for twelve months and can be entered in three different ways:

• By filling in an entry form on the HorseHage tradestand at various shows and events.
• By picking up an entry form from your local HorseHage/Mollichaff stockist.
• Online at www.horsehage.co.uk (where full Terms and Conditions can also be found)

The brand has kept its traditional white compressed bales but has brought it bang up to date with a new colourful, modern design which makes each of the four varieties easily identifiable.

HorseHage can be stored outside on a pallet and the packaging is double-skinned to avoid punctures. Each bale is highly compressed into a size that is easy to handle, but holds a lot more than you think! So you can store it more easily, as well as fitting more bales into your car boot or trailer. It's also great for travelling with your horse.

With the possibility of forage shortages this winter, stock up with HorseHage now and don't forget - Mollichaff Veteran can also be used as a total hay replacer if necessary.

For further information and advice on feeding your horse, pony or donkey, please ring the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527257
or visit www.horsehage.co.uk

Visitors to Sponsors of England polo team agrees three-year deal with The Pony Club to develop next generation of polo stars

Audi, the prestige car company and proud sponsors of the national England polo team, is extending its backing of the sport with a brand-new investment at grassroots level.

Audi is to sponsor Pony Club Polo until at least 2012, ensuring the future of English polo is in safe hands. Pony Club Polo identifies, supports and develops up-and-coming young players, as well as endeavouring to make the sport more widely accessible.

The deal will run concurrently with Audi's existing sponsorship of the England team, which allows for three international games to be played each UK season.

"Audi is delighted to be supporting Pony Club Polo to help develop the next generation of England's polo professionals," says Jon Zammett, head of PR for Audi UK. "The Pony Club's specialist knowledge and commitment to the highest standards is commensurate with Audi's philosophy of Vorsprung durch Technik."

The Pony Club, in conjunction with the Hurlingham Polo Association, train young players at branch, area and national level to understand the basic principles of polo - rules, riding, tactics, striking the ball and the welfare of ponies.

Already played by over 600 young people, Pony Club Polo is designed to provide an accessible bridge to the adult game. Members can play polo from the age of 6 to 21 on one pony which might also enjoy other equestrian disciplines.

"Audi's funding will enable many more of our Members to access the specialist training so essential for correct progression with the sport," says Judy Edwards, chief executive of The Pony Club.

The majority of the 50 best players in the UK have previously played Pony Club Polo, as did all the England team at the 2009 Coronation Cup.

Theresa Hodges, chairman of Pony Club Polo adds: "The sport of polo is one that is growing in the UK, and through this sponsorship we hope that Pony Club Members at the grass roots levels can develop their skills, widening and strengthening the base of players who may well go on to a career in adult polo, representing their country."