Monthly Archives: March 2015

Stallions

Pure Arab Stallions – Horse Scout Stallion Listings

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Are you looking for an Arab Stallion this season?

Horse Scout has four pure bred Arab stallions on its lists.

In 2010 Silver Zenif, who stands in Badminton Gloustershire, was awarded 8.75 at The Grange, Futurity Grading Show for endurance young stock in 2010. Silver Zenif won the regional qualifier and was awarded joint 2nd nationally by Endurance GBIn 2013 Silver Zenif was awarded 2nd place at the Wales & West Arab Show qualifying for the Crabbet National Championships. He attended the National Arab Show at Malvern and came 5th out of 12 stallions in the Crabbet Championships. Silver Zenif was the top 100% Crabbet Stallion at the Show. Silver Zenif also represented the ?Hanif? family group at the World Crabbet Convention at Addington Manor in July. Zenif had a great finish to 2013 by completing the Endurance GB Cotswold Group Training Ride at Barbury Castle in December and commenced his Novice season in 2014 with Endurance GB achieving a grade 1 at his first event. Silver Zenif has started his unaffiliated dressage and SJ career and featured in the B&W Equine Stallion Parade at West Wiltshire Arena on 14/02/2015. Silver Zenif sired his first part-bred bay filly foal Golden Zarifah by AI to Advanced endurance mare Mrs Katie Doyle, whom we hope will follow Zenif’s success at the BEF Futurity grading in the future. The first 100% Crabbet foal is due in Scotland during 2015 in addition to numerous foals due in New Zealand.

R Ali Bey a (USA) Black Arabian stallion. Registered with the AHS (Arab Horse Society) Phoenix Field Arabians hold the only EU Frozen AI licence for R Ali Bey who now resides at a private stud in Spain Stud fee £400 pure bred Arab mares £300 all other breeds. His proven progeny include:

Maarhabi FEI 2* endurance gelding 2015

Ali Shamahl Open endurance gelding 2015 & BEF futurity for endurance higher first premium gelding 2010

Shahlisha Open endurance mare 2015

Ali Shaheen Novice endurance gelding 2015

Ali Shahrif BEF futurity leading endurance foal 2011,

higher first premium gelding Shahkeira BEF futurity leading endurance foal 2013

LHP Esther’s Caazino, a well bred colt 74.87% Crabbet Arab, consistently place as a yearling, and in his 2 year old season. He starts his 3 year old season in april ’15, being broken in 2015 for his début under saddle in 2016. Yearling season had a championship and reserve champion with the Wessex Arab Horse Group and many placings in the top 3. 2 year season had a reserve reserve champion of Great Britain with the international show society at there Royal London show and reserve champion 3rd generation British bred at the British Arabian championship and many placings in the top 3 will be standing at stud in Hampshire

Sisyrinchium is a Pure bred Arab stallion, the product of five generations of breeding at Biddesden, tracing in his pedigree to our two foundation mares Starilla and Dafinetta who came to Biddesden from the Crabbet Stud in the 1930s. Sisyrinchium is a son of Dhruv, a well known stallion in the Show ring and famous sire of endurance stock. He was successful in the Show Ring as a young horse and went on to a career under saddle culminating in being chosen as Champion Pure Bred Stallion under saddle at the Arab Horse Society Show at Malvern. Following the lead of his sire Sisyrinchium has had important winning progeny in Endurance. He stands in Hampshire.

Horse Advice

Endurance Riding – Tactics without getting saddle sore?

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Endurance riding is gaining in popularity in the horse world but as Endurance GB says it isn’t for the faint hearted, and it isn’t for the rider who doesn’t actually enjoy being in the saddle for long stretches!

Horse scout Professional FEI Endurance rider Rachael Claridge has been involved with endurance riding for over 25 years, representing Team GBR in European and World Championship events in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2005 with Silver Mistrahl. Throughout her teenage years Rachael was mentored by European Champion Jill Thomas and Team Gold Medal winner Jane James. Rachael was invited to ride for Bill Smith of the Kelanne Stud,UK in 2005, Clive Pollitt, Scotland 2007, Stephane Chazel, France 2007 and Ina Bryer, South Africa in 2009. After working in the USA at Bitterroot Ranch and Linda Tellington-Jones, being introduced to Monty Roberts, Lucy Rees and their European protege such as Dan Wilson, Adam Goodfellow and Hannah Burgon from 2006 Rachael became an accredited UKCC Coach to work with riders and their horses achieve their potential. In 2010 Rachael relocated from her beloved Cornwall to Badminton, home of the International Horse Trials where she now trains, competes and coaches Endurance GB riders, Mongolian Derby Competitors, Pony Club and Riding Club members from her picturesque Cotswold base.

Horse Scout Professional Endurance rider Bella Fricker is based in Milton Keynes; a 1* International Rider on the Under-twenty-one team GBR squad and aiming for selection for European 2016 and WEG 2018 Very experienced and sensitive rider Short and long term schooling available Please visit her page on Horse Scout for more details

So what is Endurance Riding? It is a unique competitive challenge and a supreme sport for learning about equine fitness.

Riding over long distances is all about Tactics and this is one of the pleasures of Endurance Riding – you think about it, plan your tactics, plot your directions, work: out where your back up crew (for longer distances) will meet you, anticipate how you will ride. An examination of your map, provided by an EGB ride organiser, will raise your awareness on sections which will slow you down and where you may be able to make up time on faster going. Yes, you will learn to read a map!

All Endurance Riders check their whereabouts on a map carried in a case, and never just follow the rider in front.

There are two reasons for this. The first obvious one is, they may be lost too and not admitting it, and secondly it is part of the adventurous spirit of Endurance Riding – you are there pitting yourself and your horse against the elements, riding unknown territory, and finishing’ exactly where -you should, back at the venue. A real sense of achievement that gives meaning to the old saying “To finish is to win”.All routes are also marked.

Enjoy the Camaraderie

Another element is the spirit of camaraderie which exists amongst the riders. ENDURANCE GB  is always happy to put you in touch with a more experienced rider who can advise you; EGB organisers are happy to talk about their rides and EGB regularly stages talks, seminars and demonstrations across the regions. Their support is wide ranging and practical, and in this sense, what is refreshing about the sport is that you need never be alone.

If it is your first ride and you feel a little nervous the EGB Ride Secretary may be able to arrange for you to ride with someone who is familiar with the sport. Set speed rides, for example are competitive only in the sense of personal achievement, so a friendliness between riders is commonplace. You will find sections of the ride where you need to reduce speed for whatever , and part of the fun is the conversation with other riders along the way. When you meet again at another ride, you will be meeting friends both old and new.

When the going gets tough

The toughest challenges are presented by the Competitive Endurance Rides (CERs), where riders are competing against each other, rather than the clock. The highest level of competition is the 160km (100 mile) CER, the International Senior championship distance.

Something to aim for

Whatever level you are happiest a, Britain’s top endurance riders are among the best in the world and you can always learn from them and aspire to follow in their footsteps. Endurance GB is the internationally recognised body for the sport of endurance riding in the UK. Membership of EGB means you and your horse can be considered for British team selection. Each year, EGB puts together young rider, intermediate and senior teams and arranges for them to compete in international endurance riding events.

Building Partnerships

Perhaps the best reason of all for taking up Endurance Riding, is the partnership built up with your horse over these many miles – of new riding ground. You guide him, and he carries you, and the relationship ‘which is forged between endurance rider and endurance horse would be hard to equal in any other sport. He has to trust you to lead him back home, and you have to trust him to get you there, and the resulting confidence will stay with both of you in any future sports you may try. That’s if you’re not hooked on Endurance Riding for life!

Horse Scout Professional endurance rider  Bella Fricker Endurance Trainer  or take a look at the Endurance GB website where the above information came from

 

 

Horse Jobs

Dream Job Working With Horses? Make sure you know the answers to the right questions.

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Looking for work in the horse world? Having been on both sides of the fence Horse Scout Blogger knows just how it’s not just an interviewer who needs to know about you. You need to know about the job. And both of you need to know you are the right person for that job, by establishing expectations and measuring this against experience.

 

Having been contacted by a prospective employer or when searching for a job make sure you do your research.  Find out as much as you reasonably can about the yard where you will be working and your employers.  If they are professional riders they will have a track record and more than likely a website, and social profiles.  Make sure that their line of work suits you, it sounds obvious but if you want to show ponies don’t apply to be a jockey!

 

Top Tips to make sure you get the most perfect job you can.

 

  1. Be honest about your experience
  2. Be honest about your ability
  3. Be open abut your expectations

 

Ask questions about the things which are important to you

 

  1. What are your duties
  2. What are your hours
  3. Speak to other members of staff if you can

 

Understand the job you are applying for by finding out

 

  1. The employers expectations
  2. Your level of responsibility
  3. Who you speak to if you have problems
  4. Will you be in sole charge
  5. If it is a live in position make sure you see your accommodation
  6. Find out about transport links if you do not have your own transport or a car is not available
  7. Ask about the horses you will be riding, grooming handling
  8. Ask about pay, sick pay, time off and holidays
  9. What insurances are in place in case of accidents
  10. Who pays for PPE equipment, is there an equipment allowance

 

Other things which both employers and employees need to consider are:

 

  1. Pets
  2. What are normal hours and what is considered overtime
  3. Probation period and payment terms
  4. Working towards accreditation and the implications for both employer and groom
  5. Use of own vehicle; fuel and upkeep for business use
  6. Visiting friends/family (if it is a live in position)

 

Both parties should consider a period of consideration before accepting offering a job to a candidate.

 

Are you looking for work? Horse Scout professionals often have a STAFF REQUIRED badge against their profiles you can click through and contact them directly.  If you are looking for work riders or grooms then check out Horse Scouts specialist pages here. or look below at two grooms listed on our pages who are looking for placements at the moment.

Experienced freelance groom available for yard cover and competitions. Kirsty Borriello, from New Zealand is presently in Wiltshire and has worked extensively with international eventers, show jumpers and dressage horses. She confirms, in her Horse Scout listing, that she can turn out to a high standard and is happy to work as part of a team or on her own. 

17 year old Tori Owen, is looking for a live in position says she has been working with horses since a young age and that her forte is producing horses to compete in show jumping. She writes that she is a very hard worker and love what I do. 

General

1,2,3,4,5 Horse Scout Bloggers Professional Review MGH Sports Horses

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One Outright Winner: Two Top Professionals: Three Talented Horses for sale: Four fantastically successful new partnerships and Five fully satisfied customers.

Horse Scouts’ newly listed ‘MGH Sports horses’ was spotted by HS Blogger this evening.  Not only do the horses they have for sale look super but their website shows just how successful a partnership they have formed. Procuring and producing consistently for both amateur and professional clients in the UK and internationally.

One Outright Winner:

Anyone who visits Horse Scout and finds MGH Sports Horses listing:

Two Top Professionals:

1. Lucy Wiegersma’s bio confirms that she has a background firmly rooted in horses. Selected for the Bejing Olympics, Lucy regularly features amongst the top 5 riders in the FEI World Rankings and is the only rider to have won all three national titles, crowning her Junior and Young Rider Championship victories by becoming Senior British National Champion in 2006. Lucy can count Blenheim, Blair and Bramham amongst her three-day wins, and she narrowly missed out adding the Badminton title to her tally in 2008, when she finished second. She has nurtured and trained a string of young horses all with Championship medal-winning potential and is widely regarded as a rider tipped for the top.

2.Padraig McCarthy from Tipperary in the South of Ireland, has been involved in horses from a young age. Padraig spent close to a decade showjumping and training horses of all levels at different stables around Europe and in the USA learning his trade under the guidance of Rolf Goran Bengtsson, Max Hauri, and Hans Horn. His passion in life? – horses. Sourcing, breeding, producing, competing and selling high quality Irish sport horses to clients nationally and internationally is how Padraig divides his time. With a great eye for recognising talented young horses, Padraig has built up a wide client base who value his knowledge and experience.

Three Talented Horses

MGH Oughterard – ‘Keith’ is a big elegant horse with three excellent paces and a very good jumping technique. Started competing in July, going double clear in his first two BE100s and finishing 6th in West Wilts. In his first dressage competition of 2015 he won both of his classes on a score of 73%. Will be ready to step up to Novice in early Spring.

MGH Kings Street an extremely good looking Irish sports horses with world class bloodlines. His half sister “Instant Karma” is a successful international GP Showjumper in the USA. He also shares the same grandam as Irish Olympic team horse “Electric Cruise”, who placed individual 14th in London 2012. “Jimmy” jumped up to Newcomers successfully in 2014 and was also double clear in all nine of his BE events, including a 5th placing in his first Novice. Ultra careful jumper. Top potential as a showjumper, eventer, or equitation horse.

Killahurler Connect, known as Peggy, is a very attractive Irish Sport Horse with the attributes to be a high level eventer. She has three excellent paces and a very scopey jump. She came over from Ireland last autumn where she had been produced by a young rider. She has cross country schooled and done some unaffiliated jumping and dressage. Placed both runs so far this season.

Four fantastically successful partnerships

To underline the successes of these two talented trainers here is an outline of just a couple of their successfully produced horses:

1. Sourced in Ireland by us as a just broken 4yr old ISH gelding by Creevagh Ferro and produced to Intermediate level before moving on to Andrew Nicholson. Cilnabradden Evo and being placed 3nd in the prestigious Blenheim Palace CIC*** 8&9y/o class.

2. Vendredi Biats a 2009 SF gelding by Winning Mood (Darco). Arrived in Warren Farm as a green 4y/o in December 2013. This very talented horse spent the Winter and Spring doing unaffiliated jumping and xc schooling. He was sold to Kitty King after doing his first BE90. With Kitty ‘Vendredi’ won and was placed several times in BE100’s in 2014.

3. MGH Grafton Street a 2008 ISH gelding by OBOS Quality. Purchased as a just broken 4y/o in Ireland, ‘Cyril AKA The Squirrel’ was sold to Sally Anne Egginton and produced by us through his 5y/o year. Currently ridden by Horse Scout Professional Aaron Miller, Cyril Haswon and been placed several times at BE Novice in 2015.

4. MGH Regent Street 2008 ISH gelding by Buster King. Purchased as an unbroken 4y/o in Ireland, ‘Buster’ was produced by us and sold to Millie Dumas after doing three BE events. With Millie, Buster won two BE100’s and was placed in all of his Novice runs in 2014

As if this was not enough Lucy’s customers could not be happier:

Five fully satisfied customers

1. Megan Cummings – MGH Bingo Boy

I had been looking for a talented potential young event horse on and off for almost a year and after having two fail vettings I was beginning to think I would never find the right one. After finding Lucy’s website and seeing the numerous young horses available, I went to view a number of possible horses. I really benefitted from trying several horses side by side, which made comparison easier. The excellent facilities at Warren Farm enabled me to try them over cross-country fences and even water! Padraig and Lucy couldn’t have been more open and honest with their descriptions of the horses, and helped match the right horse to me. I didn’t feel under any pressure to make any hasty decisions and they were happy for me to come back a 2nd and 3rd visit before deciding on Bing! I fully recommend Padraig and Lucy to anyone looking for a horse, and couldn’t be any happier with my lovely boy Bing!

2. Alice Harvey

I am very grateful to Padraig for finding “Steve”. I had been looking for nearly a year for a suitable event and hunt horse, and after many disappointing viewings and a failed vetting I thought I would never find the right horse. Luckily a contact put me in touch with Padraig and Lucy who have both been extremely truthful and helpful from the beginning. The great facilities at Warren Farm allowed me to try steve in the school and in the open over a variety of cross country fences. Steve has been an absolute superstar in every way and the description was spot on! I trusted Padraig to find the right horse for me and he did just that, therefore I would not hesitate to recommend his services. Padraig and Lucy will be my first port of call if I ever need to buy again as I could not be happier with Steve!

3. Kitty King – Vendredi Biats

Having purchased a lovely five year old through Lucy and Padraig I couldn’t recommend them highly enough.They have some super horses and seem to want to match the right horse to the right rider rather than just sell a horse that isn’t suitable just to get a sale on the books. They were completely honest about the horse and told me more than they probably needed to. I will definitely be back down to look at horses in the near future.

​4. Michael Hayden

I have known Padraig and Lucy for a number of years as Padraig found one of my current top horses. After receiving a call from Padraig recently to say he had a  top jumping prospect, I travelled from Ireland to the UK to see the horse. She was everything he had said she was and I bought her straight away. When I was there I also bought a fantastic six year old which Padraig had arranged for me to see. I spend a lot of time travelling to see horses and am often frustrated when I travel a long way to see something that’s really not suitable. When Padraig tells me he has a good jumper, I know I won’t be disappointed.

5. Paul O’Shea – International Showjumper

I bought my multiple grand prix winning showjumper “Instant Karma” from Padraig as a six year old. Padraig had sourced Karma as a foal and produced her through the young horses classes. He has a great eye for talented horses and I value his opinion and judgment completely. I have recently travelled back from the USA and purchased two new grand prix prospects through Padraig

Information about Lucy and Padcraig, their sold horses and their customer recommendations is all information taken from their website.  To find out more about the partnership you can contact them here

Horses For Sale

Freelance? BUDGET 2015: HOW IT AFFECTS YOU

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Here are some budget smilers for all our Horse Scout Freelancers. A Budget that “works for you”,  Some measures announced by the chancellor will take effect relatively soon, so what do these announcements mean for your finances?

The key changes that are likely to affect Freelancers are:

1. Annual Tax Returns are to be abolished and be replaced with real-time online accounts – a simplified system (that will make life easier for freelancers)

2. National Insurance to be abolished for under 21’s and Apprentices as of April 5th

3. Fuel duty will be frozen – good news if you drive many miles to get to your clients

4.The Personal Tax Free Allowance to increase to £10,800 next year and £11,000 year after – this means you will not pay any tax until you reach this threshold – especially good news for low earners as it will result in more money in your pocket.

5.The National Minimum Wage will increase by 20p an hour to £6.70 from October. The statutory minimum for 18 to 20-year-olds will also go up by 3% from October, from £5.13 to £5.30, and by 2% for 16 and 17-year-olds, taking the rate to £3.87.

6.There will be a further increased focus on tax avoidance with new criminal offenses for those that avoid paying taxes.

7. And for those party grooms ….Beer duty will be cut, with 1p off a pint. Cider and spirits duty will be cut by 2%.

Professional Rider

Horse Scout Bloggers’ Professional Profile Review: Olivia Oakeley.

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From pony club star to international success as Young Rider European Team member in 2012,13 and 14. Now an International dressage rider with 5 European Championships and a BEF World Class Squad member since 2010; Horse Scouts’ newly listed Professional Freelance trainer Olivia Oakeley was bought her fabulous 16hh Dimaggio gelding called Donna Summer, a big moving five year old who had only been backed for three months, when she was just 13. For a 13 yr old child this was a huge ask and many people doubted the purchase! Together, ‘Rio’ and I trained hard and both of us have worked together to show what we can achieve. In 2007 we became Under 21 Novice National Champions and represented BYRDS South West at Home Internationals in Scotland (Novice) and Wales (Medium) where we were Reserve Champions in both competitions. During the next couple of years, Rio and I continued to work hard alongside my school work.

on Olivias’ website bio she goes on to say:

In 2009 after I finished my GCSEs, I was lucky enough to go to Carl Hester’s yard for two weeks, working in return for lessons. Carl asked me to stay on as his working pupil and so at 16 years old having attained 7 A’s and 2 B’s in GCSEs, I left home. Rio and I continued to improve and show success by becoming Advanced Medium Regional Champions. Following that we went on to become Reserve Advanced Medium National Champions. By this point we had been noticed by the British Under 21 selectors and we were put onto the U21 Progress Squad with a view to competing at Junior level in International competitions. We continued to gain good marks in the Junior Team test and were selected to compete for Great Britain at Addington CDI in April 2010. We came 5th in the Team test and were the highest placed British combination. From there, we were sent to Moorsele, Belgium where we came 11th in the Team Test and improving to 11th in the Individual Test.

The peak of our success was in 2010, when we were selected for the Junior European Team in Kronberg, Germany. We were to be the pathfinders of the team and ended up with an international personal best of 67.24% in 16th place in the team test and the 2nd highest placed British rider with the Team coming 5th. 2011 brought great news as Donna Summer and I were selected for World Class Potential Start Squad. This is huge recognition for us both and we will endeavour to keep on improving and being successful.

In 2011, I was selected for the Junior European Team and then the Young Rider European Team in 2012, 2013 and 2014 where I had three personal best scores all over 70% and finished in 5th place. My goal is to be on future Senior Teams. Alongside my competition commitments, I am a freelance rider and trainer whilst also riding for Lordswood Dressage and I still train with Carl Hester. I have been on the BEF World Class programme since 2010.The peak of our success was in 2010, when we were selected for the Junior European Team in Kronberg, Germany. We were to be the pathfinders of the team and ended up with an international personal best of 67.24% in 16th place in the team test and the 2nd highest placed British rider with the Team coming 5th. 2011 brought great news as Donna Summer and I were selected for World Class Potential Start Squad. This is huge recognition for us both and we will endeavour to keep on improving and being successful.

In 2011, I was selected for the Junior European Team and then the Young Rider European Team in 2012, 2013 and 2014 where I had three personal best scores all over 70% and finished in 5th place. My goal is to be on future Senior Teams. Alongside my competition commitments, I am a freelance rider and trainer whilst also riding for Lordswood Dressage and I still train with Carl Hester. I have been on the BEF World Class programme since 2010.

Operating ofrom her glousestershire base, Olivia Offers a freelance training programme for your horse.  Click here to make an enquiry.

Jumping

10 Tips for Better Jumping, and a great partnership, with Your Horse

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Horse Scout Blogger asks: Are you getting to know your new horse or training a youngster? Whatever your competitive goals, Showjumping, Eventing or the flatwork of the Dressage or Showing arenas, jumping should be built into your training programme.  Building a good relationship with your horse in the home arena will give your partnership a head start. Start simple and build on success.

  1. Start your jumping session with a proper warm up on the flat.  Work through the muscles groups and ensure your horse is moving off your leg well.
  2. Work with poles on the ground on circles and in grids to increase your horses elevation before asking him to jump.
  3. Always use an experienced lead horse when you’re introducing a new jumping concept. Horses are herd animals. Let a youngster see his friend do it first, and he’ll think it’s OK, too.
  4. Build in a confident approach from the start. Never test a young horse’s courage over fences; give him a chance to learn how to be brave in the first place. He may not be timid he may simply not understand what he is being asked to do.
  5. Trot jumps first. Trotting will pay off in spades down the road. Trotting teaches your horse to remain calm on the approach to his fences and encourages him to rock back on his hocks and jump correctly.
  6. Keep the jumps so small that he can go over them from a standstill for the first few months jump training, Never give your horse the option of refusing. If your horse questions a jump, do not him turn away and reapproach the fence. Instead, quietly keep your leg on for as long as it takes, until your horse hops over the jump from a halt or walk. It is important not give your horse the option of refusing.
  7. Use a neck strap so you can hang on however awkwardly he jumps so you can follow him in the air with your upper body and arms, even if he jumps from a standstill. If you catch your horse in the mouth as he attempts to jump, you’ll quickly teach him that this game is not fun.
  8. Train progressively. Ask one new question at a time. i.e. if you jump a three element grid at the end of one session reward by finishing there.  Add the three element earlier in the next session and follow this with an easier exercise before stopping.  Reward progress with down time, hack out or turn out to build a positive attitude to new things.
  9. If you get into trouble, make it low and simple. If your horse loses confidence for any reason during a jump session, don’t take a chance. Quickly lower the jump or simplify the question.
  10.  Working with a trainer will work in your favour.  Having someone on the ground to increase build your training programme will pay dividends and, on a practical level, a pair of hands altering the jumps for you will allow you to keep up the flow of the training session.

Horse Scout has a great selection of trainers and coaches in all disciplines and from all over the UK.  Find your self a trainer to help you build a great partnership with your horse.

Horses For Sale

Picking a Performance Pony? – Horse Scout has three little gems for you.

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Horse Scout has some amazing performance ponies listed on its Ponies For Sale pages. Are you looking for a new ride for the coming season? Take a look at what we have listed.

Solero III (Solly) is a 10 year old, 14.1hh (144cm LHC) chestnut Dutch-bred mare. Competing JC with Actual winnings of £2547 and Notational of £894. Described as a true schoolmistress, both kind and genuine and has been consistently successful with several different riders from 80cm – 1.25m. She has been very sadly outgrown and we are looking for a very special new home for her as she has been known to us since she was imported from Holland as a 4 year old.   Solly is incredibly careful, yet brave and straightforward. She is always snaffle-mouthed and is never strong or silly. She can turn on a sixpence and is very hard to beat in a jump off.   Solly’s BS record speaks for itself: she is an absolute rosette machine. She was 5th in the Winter JC Final at RIHS in 2012, and in the same year missed HOYs qualification in the NC and Fox second rounds by one place only. Solly is equally happy taking a more novice jockey around smaller tracks and she has many, many wins from 90cm – 1.10m. She will carry the littlest rider and teach them the job. She has recently taken a five year old child out for a ride and safely given her the first canter!   In the six months we have owned her, Solly has won nine 1m opens including the 1m Open at Welsh HPI 2014 out of 134 entries, and she has many other placings at this height. She came 3rd in her first Fox with us at Addington Manor, and also qualified for 1m Restricted Rider and 1.10 Adventurer classes at Scope Festival 2014. At Scope she was 16th out of more than 100 competitors in the Restricted Rider qualifier – this was on grass.   Solly has the sweetest nature and is not at all mareish. She is absolutely bombproof on hacks, and can be handled by the smallest child. She does need sedation to be clipped, but other than that, she is absolutely perfect.   Sadly our daughter has grown 4 inches since the summer and is now too tall. Five star home only for this fabulous pony.   She has absolutely no vices, is open to any vet and we have great trial facilities. Based in Berkshire

Near Blandford in Dorset we have an Irish sports pony of 41.1hh “Norbet” who “will always try his hardest”. He will go off any stride. His owners say “He will make a Big Track pony (Hoys Potential) with an experienced rider”. Described as very scopey – He loves his job and Serious contender for Newcomers / Foxhunter 2nd rounds and Winter JC for 2015 with scope to go on to jump JA & Europeans. Fantastic opportunity to acquire such a lovely pony as rider moving onto horses Extremely fast against the clock and very careful. Winnings of £794 and 383 points. Norbet has the heart of a lion – he is brave and bold and totally honest. Great to shoe, clip, load etc…Norbet can be sharp so 5* professional home needed Will be available after EHPI Serious enquiries only

From the same stable is Robe Duster – Whose record speaks for himself Actual £4050, Points 2336 Qualified HOYS Foxhunter final 2011 and 2012 Qualified HOYS Pony Show Jumper final 2014 2nd in the RIHS Winter JC championship 2012 Too many wins to mention Tegan has owned and produced Dusty over 4 1/2 years Has jumped all the top 148 classes Great to shoe, clip, load etc.. No vices A heartbreaking sale as rider is out of ponies this year Videos can be seen on YouTube search for Tegan Jones and Robe Duster MUST have 5* home Serious enquires only, please no time wasters

Professional Rider

The Advanced Apprenticeship in Sports Excellence (AASE) programmes at Hartpury .

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The Uk has an amazing scheme in Hartpury, aimed at 16-19 year olds. A perfect way for young and aspiring elite athletes to prepare for life in professional sport.The scheme will be offered across three different disciplines: Dressage, Eventing and Para-dressage.   The open day is fast approaching. 

In comparison; this morning Horse Scout retweeted an editorial piece on American young riders.  

“Teenage Snowbirds? Just Part of Being a Young Equestrian” It made for interesting reading and a great concept.  Bringing young American riders together, in a competitive arena, with a 12 week annual season of coaching and training rounds.  The cost was eye watering with keen parents spending upwards of $23,000 over the season of weekend training. Admittedly this did include everything, stabling barns (One string included upwards of 70 horses: only in America I thought as I read that!)  coaching and entry fees, accommodation and travel etc.  All this with an element of the Jones about it, as may be, but the concept seemed to be a brilliant one and for those who want to become top professionals then this is obviously an opportunity to progress.  The UK has its own answer to this though.  On the British Dressage website today I read about a scheme in Hartpury.  The open day is fast approaching so if you want to take part in this then get your skates on.

Hartpury’s multi-million pound facilities and international level coaching give select Dressage and Eventing riders the perfect opportunity to develop their skills, learn how to manage all aspects of a professional riding career, and continue their education. Through the AASE scheme, young riders who have a real chance of competing on the international stage will be professionally supported and trained to achieve their goals. Who is eligible? 

The scheme will be offered across three different disciplines: Dressage, Eventing and Para-dressage.

You must

  • Have 5 GCSE’s A* to C, including Maths and English.
  • Be aged 16 and over by August 31st 2015, and under 19 years of age by the same date.
  • Be resident in England

Eventing AASE criteria for 16 – 18 year olds

The following criteria must be achieved

  • Top 25% of starters in a CCI1* – from 1st July 2014 to close of application date
  • Top 25% of starters in the 2015 National U18 Championships
  • Long listed for the 2015/14 Junior European Team
  • Long listed for the 2015/14 Pony European Team
  • Top 25% of starters at the 2014 U18 Regional Team Championships
  • Top 25% of starters in the 2014 Pony Club Open Championships

The qualifying (MER’s) results are as follows

FEI Qualification CCI1*
75 or less in the dressage
16 or less in the show jumping
clear  in the cross country
36 or less in the cross country time penalties

Pony Club Championships
50 or less in the dressage
16 or less in the show jumping
clear cross country with no more than the 36 in the time penalties

DRESSAGE
Riders should be competing consistently at Medium level and above and achieving 65% or more. (Applicants should have a minimum of four results at the level required in the 12 months prior to application).

Riders will also be considered on younger horses (up to 7 years of age) who demonstrate the potential to compete successfully at International level and are already competing consistently at Elementary or above and achieving 70% or more.  Please note freestyle scores do not count towards minimum criteria.

PARA EQUESTRIAN DRESSAGE 
Riders must have a current classification and should be consistently and currently scoring 62% in their relevant grade at BD Para Dressage Competitions.  Please note freestyle scores cannot be counted

On top of this, applicants, aged 16-19, will need to display a willingness to learn and the desire and commitment to succeed.

What do you gain from it?

By doing the Advanced Apprenticeship in sporting excellence you will give yourself the best chance to succeed in your chosen discipline. Apprentices will combine their riding with units aimed at preparing them for all aspects of their future career. Those selected for the course will have aspirations to compete internationally and will be guided throughout to make sure this dream can be achieved.

Apprentices will also have access to a range of specialist, professional services including physiotherapy, strength & conditioning and sports psychology.

How and when do I apply?

Open day – Thursday 9th April  

We’re holding an open day for potential applicants on Thursday 9th April. Those attending the day MUST have or be close to meeting the above requirements in their chosen discipline. If you meet, or are close to meeting, the criteria then you can sign up here.

  •          Applications open – February 2nd 2015
  •          Open day – Thursday 9th April
  •          Applications close – May 29th
  •          Selection and notification – June 2015
  •          Programme induction day – Saturday September 5th
  •          Programme starts – September 2015.

If you meet the entry criteria (under the Who is eligible? section) then please download both forms on the left and fill in all the fields before returning by either:

  • Scanning and emailing to admissions@hartpury.ac.uk
  • Faxing a copy to 01452 700629
  • Posting it to Admissions, Hartpury College, Hartpury, Glos, GL19 3BE
Equestrian Centre

Be Aware-Be Very Aware: Teamwork = Framework. 6 top tips to help you understand how you influence your horse.

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Understanding  your frame and how you use it to influence your horses way of going; all starts with you.

Horse Scout Blogger has spent many happy moments trotting round the sitting room and to help you understand how you function will help you understand how your horse functions too.

Attending Yoga or Pilates or learning the Alexander Technique will give you good control of your body and help you become more aware of how you move and the relationship between easy movement and maximising your strong core and large muscle masses to your advantage.

The following are all ways of approaching your training and competitive riding with an understanding of how you function within your frame.  This gives you a very clear overview of how a horse also functions.  Your top half is the torso, shoulders, forelegs and head of your horse.  Your pelvis down to the ground are your horses hindquarters and hind legs. As you do these exercises walk and move like a human but be “horse” in your head.  Imagine the bulk of the horse but move like a human.

1. Relax and look up.

Central to all effective riding. If you are relaxed and working “In the moment” so will your horse be.

If you look up and forwards, so will your horse.

2. To Ride Forward On Straight Lines

Become conscious of how you walk.  As you move forwards (not counting window shopping by the way!) where do you look.  If you are looking at the floor, look up.  Think about how you are walking.  Are you using your core muscles?  Are you moving from your hip? Are you utilising your largest group of muscles: your Gluteus muscles in your legs and seat. Do you limbs move in a relaxed way? Are you moving purposefully?  Are your shoulders relaxed and facing in the direction in which you are looking/travelling?  …So many questions!

3. Prepare For Transitions

Change your speed

Change your stride walk briskly, what changes?  Walk slowly, again be conscious of your stance and the use of your frame.

Can you analyse what you do before you change pace?

Do you use the energy you produce as you place your foot on the floor to elevate your knee action.

Do you fall forwards when you stop quickly.

Learning to dance can really help with control and energises your approach to pace and energy.

4. Prepare For Turns

Change direction – what happened as you turned – what happened before you turned

Do you shift your weight away or over your pivotal leg.

Turn quickly and turn slowly, Think about where you place your weight and which groups of muscles you use to achieve a well executed turn and the difference in an unbalanced one.

5. Ride Good Circles

Walk in a circle, Take note of your body angles, weight distribution and the direction that you are looking and the direction of your shoulders.

6. Bend Correctly

What happens if you go in a circle with all your weight over your outside leg and your shoulders against the direction of travel?  Correct yourself and feel the difference.

The more aware you are of how a body functions the more you will understand how your body influences the pace, balance, elevation, suppleness and power in your horses way of going.  Try riding some horse movements without your horse.  Imagine you are your horse and try lateral movements.  What do you have to do with your body to achieve the correct cadence, direction and execution of the movement.

P.S. you can do this is the privacy of your home or be really adventurous and start a trend at your local equestrian centre/livery yard or even in Sainsbury’s…you never know it might be the next big thing like Bio Mechanics or Horse Fit!