Monthly Archives: September 2016

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Steven Franks – Top Tips for Top Class Rides

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Steven Franks –   With over 15 years experience in producing horses to Olympic and Grand Prix level, Steven Franks reveals his top tips on training his horses and buying a show jumper.

 When did you become serious about show jumping?

I was 17 when William Funnell spotted me at a show and said I should work for him if I wanted a career in show jumping. I ended up staying with him for seven years. At the beginning I was riding his young horses and, as the years went by, I got the opportunity to ride some of the more established ones and to carve out a career.

Name the highlights.

Back in the day… riding Cevin Z at three Horse of the Year (HOYs) finals and placing at a few international Grands Prix with Mondriaan.

More recently, since setting up my own business, coming second in 2015 at the Hickstead Derby on Carlow Cruiser and second in Spain at the three-star Grand Prix with Brutus III. He was a winner at CSI Bolesworth with Billy Ginger as well as winning the Area Trial at Edenbridge County Show.

Tell us a bit about your horses.

I have three horses with double clears at International Grand Prix:

Brutus III (by Billy Congo) is a really special 10-year old who has jumped nine world ranking classes on the trot without dropping a pole.

Carlow Cruiser (by Cruising) is a veteran at 18! He is a 16.2hh grey gelding, with incredible ability but is a menace in prize givings.

Abdul Aziz (Diamant de Semilly) a 2004-born black 16.2hh gelding.

Then I have Holly Congo (by Billy Congo) who at nine years old is winning 1.40 classes, as well as Billy Ginger who is the winning machine.

I also bought Brutus’ brother, seven-year old, 17.2hh Amethyst. He is currently jumping Fox Hunter classes. I don’t like to work big horses hard when they are young as they are simply too weak — it’s important to work on getting a good canter. And no… 1m30 isn’t big for a horse that size!

Are they for sale?

Every one is for sale but they’re not pushed under people’s noses.

How do you keep your horses sound and happy?

I place an emphasis on keeping them fit for the job but not over jumped — the fitter they are, the less likely they will pick up an injury. If they are established and competing, I hardly jump at all at home and, even then, it’s no bigger than 1m30. It’s purely to keep their jumping muscles strong. The younger horses (under seven) will jump more in order to improve their technique.

So what’s a weekly schedule for an established horse like Brutus?

Five days week they’ll be out in the field for two hours and they will be hacked three times a week. I will also work them in the paddock three times a week – I find that the sand school disguises a few things but in an open field there’s nothing to help you with straightness!

Do you use any training tools or favour any specific bits?

My motto is generally to keep it simple and most of my horses go in snaffles. Sometimes the horses with a high head carriage work with a bungee to work longer and lower and to use the muscles across their back but, in general, for show jumpers I think that if they are comfortable and happy carrying their head high or poking their nose, it’s better than forcing them to go in an outline and lean on the rider.

You now own your own business breaking and producing other people’s horses. What’s the most important thing when training a youngster?

The basics are flat work – straightness, self carriage, working forward, and being responsive off the leg and not dependent on the rider.

Can riders come to you for lessons?

In around five years time I’ll probably teach lessons, but at the moment that’s not a priority.

So do you train with anyone regularly?

In the past, of course, I’ve been trained by William Funnell and Di Lampard and if I had a problem at a show I’d always ask their advice, but no, I don’t train regularly with anyone. Most of the time I figure it out for myself. There’s no right or wrong way. Every horse is different. You just have to be clever…forever thinking.

What advice would you give other upcoming show jumpers?

I find watching certain riders I admire, such as Marcus Ehning, helps. And often it’s more beneficial to watch them in the warm up rather than the ring.

What’s important when buying a show jumper?

The most important thing is intelligence and a big heart. I’d rather they had less talent and a heart of a lion than be ultra talented and only give 80%. Whether you’re an amateur or professional, I think buying the right horse is down to gut instinct – look at a horse, get on and try it. Sometimes what you are looking at on paper simply doesn’t translate when you ride them.

So do you think blood lines are important and which ones do you like?

Yes it does count — I have three horses by Billy Congo: Brutus III, Holly Congo and Billy Ginger.

But my other favourites are similar to most others… Diamant de Semilly and Kannan.

What are your goals for the future?

To keep some young horses coming through so that we can keep going to the top shows. Keep the form and success up so that we can continue to climb the world rankings. Winning a Grand Prix and the Hickstead Derby, now that would be nice!

And why Horse Scout?

The social media side is very good — it’s so important these days to network and market yourself.

Interview by Sam Lewis Journalist and PR for Horse Scout

More about Steven Franks and the horses he produces can be found on Horse Scout

Visit Steven Frank’s profile page to find out more about the horses he has for sale which, at the time of writing include two wonderful youngsters ready to take the stage:

Box Clever a talented 5 year old who had a clear round in the Discovery at his first show. A handsome looking gelding by Box Clever – follow this link to his sales page.

Steven also has a talented homebred mare by  Adorado x an Animo Nimmerdor mare who is winning with double clears in Newcomers ready for 2017 and has also jumped double clears at Foxhunter.  A quality horse ready for a keen amateur to produce. Steven has ore information on her Horses for Sale page, follow this link.

More on Horse Scout about the stallions Steven franks mentions.

Horse Scout is the place to visit if you are looking for any of the top class stallions that Steven has mentioned in his interview.  Horse Scout really does have a top class line up listed on its Stallions at Stud pages. Visit our Stallions At Stud pages or use the links to particular stallions in the text above.

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Ramiro B No2 World Ranking Stallion 2015

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Ramiro B , the number two stallion on the World Rankings for sires of event horses in 2015,  stands at the Harthill Stud in Cheshire. He is listed as the number one  sire  on the BE rankings (2015) for  4-8 yr old horses, with a good number of offspring coming through the ranks to keep him at the top of the WBFSH list.

His linage lists some of the best Belgian, Warmblood and Holstein jumping lines. Irish rider Edward Doyle produced this lovely stallion, his successes including winning the Indoor Spring Championships in Ireland as a 4 yr old; the Dublin 4yr old final; the Cavan 5yr old final (99), and winner of a 6/7 yr old class at Cavan in 2001.  He has continued successfully in his competitive career and now stands at stud where he is proving a productive and effective stallion.

His profile and contact details can be found on Horse Scout in the Stallions at Stud Listings by visiting this link

Horse Scout has several Ramiro B Connections, including Horses For Sale.

Irish Sports mare Violetta is ready to back, this 2013 Irish Sports Horse chestnut mare stands 16.00hh and is already looking very well made, standing well on her four legs.  With Ramiro B as her sire and with Carnival Night on her Dams side she has exceptional jumping lines.  With a view to a show jumping or eventing career in front of her she is 60% TB lending agility and speed to her good looks she is sure to do well.
You can find her full profile information on Horse Scout by following this link
Ramiro B has also sired a super young event horse who is for sale from Whinney Hill.  Her producer, international rider James Adams, thinks she has the ability to really progress on the event circuit as she shows genuine ability and technique.   At 15.2hh she is a good height for a rider coming off ponies or an adult looking for a smaller ride but who still has all the scope.
Jamiro has a profile page on Horse Scout and details about her for sale particulars can be found by following this link.
James Adams is a successful Event Rider and producer who holds clinics in the Stockton area also takes horses for breaking,  and  training livery.
His profile page gives information on horses he is producing and you can follow this link to find out more.
Cooley Master (v. Ramiro B)  is campaigned by Oliver Townsend who describes this horse as super talented.  Find out more about Ollie Townsend’s competition horses on Horses Scout and keep in touch by following his progress.
Another Ramiro son will be for sale on weaning.  he looks fantastic.  you can contact his owner Linda to find out more by following this link to his Members Horses Profile page on Horse Scout
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Grafenstolz – quality progeny for sale

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Grafenstolz – Top Quality stallion at stud

Grafenstolz at listed on Select Stallions Profile has a biography as long as your arm.  Standing for a very reasonable €900.00 he represents excellent value.  He is certainly a very popular stallion with Horse Scout s profiled professional producers.  He has five offspring listed on the Horse Scout for sale pages.

About the stallion at stud Grafenstolz

Awarded premium status by the Trakehner Verband. In 2000, as a two year old campaigning in both show jumping, eventing and dressage arena Grafenstolz become the first horse ever to qualify for the finals of the stallion testing in jumping, eventing and dressage all in the same year as a 6 year old.  Proving his breeding versatility.  He later, in the same year proved himself again by winning the World Championships for young event horses in france and then as a seven year old wining his first advanced event.  He went on to win bronze at eight in the Gernam championships and was placed twice at international 3* competitions also winning a 2*. Being awarded his verband status in 2006.  He continued to event successfully but also made ripples in the show jumping arena with his fantastic puissance attempt clearing 2 meters (just under 7 feet).  As if this was not enough he then took to the Dressage circuit achieving 69% and winning his first Grand Prix!

You can link to the Grafenstolz Stallion at Stud profile page here.

HIs first UK crop took top Elite scores including an all time record in 2010, with an average of High First Premium he has to be anyones choice for top class competition genetics.   Of ten finalists that year five young horses where by Grafenstolz, he followed this the next year again breaking the record for Elite scores.

Grafenstolz stamps his progeny with superb good looks, athleticism and the best movement – indeed indeed Select Stallions endorse his stock as “picture perfect copies of their father”

Connections to Grafenstolz on Horse Scouts Horses for Sale listings and in our professionals profiled pages.

In Yorkshire there is On N Over, who has bred her own foal. Described as working well on the flat and showing an excellent technique over a fence, Jolyse Bell-Syer, her producer in North Yorkshire  says her grid work, is true and she happily tackles courses and even more tricky questions such as skinnies and corners.  Described as having an excellent attitude to her work and a lovely horse to handle and work with she is marketed at £10,000.

You can visit her profile and contact Jolsye from her profile page on Horses for Sale on Horse Scout by using this link.

Produced by Jolyse Bell-Syer rrofessional event rider and producer based in N. Yorks 

Another attractive Grafenholz youngster also born in 2013 is the British Sports Horse Stx Treacle Toffee. As can be seen from his profile picture he is compact and powerful, Vicky Laing his producer describes him as kind natured and good to do and a comfortable ride with good easy paces. A perfect prospect for British Young Event Horse with an eye to an eventing career.

Visit Stx treacle Toffee’s Horses for Sale on Horse scout Profile by using this link

The professional producer Vicky Laing  is based in rutland  visit her profile and see her other horses for sale on Horse Scout 

A younger 16.2hh 3 year old by Grafenholz, Faerie Mikado is also listed on Horse Scouts Horses for Sale pages, she is well handled and described as bred to event with a dam by Mayhill and is for sale through Trisha Rickards who also has a Royaldik 3 year old for sale too listed on Horse Scout.

These are all lovely horses for sale but Grafenstolz offspring are also proudly listed by their campaigners and Charlotte Agnew based on Gloucestershire also has a very good-looking Grafenholz gelding who is now 7.  Use this link to find out more about this lovely horse.

Grafenstolz is also listed at stud with The Stallion Company here

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Ibby Macpherson on Equine Hydro Therapy

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Abby Macpherson talks about Equine Hydrotherapy

Ever thought about the benefits of equine hydrotherapy? International event rider Ibby Macpherson chats to Horse Scout about how hydro can help heal injuries and keep healthy horses sound.

 

What made you launch an equine hydrotherapy business?
When my grandmother died she left me some money and instead of buying a horse (which was tempting) I decided to buy an equine hydrotherapy spa. I’ve been running it for nearly 10 years now. I guess it all started when William Fox Pitt gave me the incredible eventer Igor De Cluis, who was difficult to keep sound. He went in the spa once or twice a day to keep him on the road. It seemed to work — he took me around a few CIC three star events, including Blenheim and Boekelo.
Who’s a regular at your centre?
Numerous people including riders like Jodie Amos who sends her horses to me when they’ve had a big run. When they’re here they go to the hydro spa twice a day, get turned out (we have acres of land here) and have the Activo-Med (magnet therapy) rug on twice a day. It’s like having some R&R — even if there’s nothing wrong, it’s a great preventative measure.
How often do your horses have hydro?
All of my horses have hydro after an event or after they’ve galloped, again as a preventative measure.
And how useful is it in healing injuries?
I’ve seen amazing results for a variety of ailments, although the treatment should be relentless — twice a day, seven days a week. Quite a lot of owners who have used it say they wished they’d tried it before going down the needle route. It is very good at drawing out bruising and infection, but it is also very good at helping to heal fleshy open wounds.
What other treatments do you recommend for horses?
I also take my horses to a nearby water treadmill twice a week (we are hopefully going to put one in our centre here soon) — it’s really good for their core strength and for getting their back more mobile and supple without putting strain on their legs.
Can you briefly explain what the equine hydrotherapy looks like and whether the horses get nervous?
For the horses it’s like walking into a single trailer and after the front and back ramps are raised, it begins to fill with water. The level of the water depends on the injury but typically stops at just above their hocks with underwater jets providing gentle massage. We have a very good routine which seems to work when putting horses in the spa and everything is done very slowly and calmly to ensure that every horse is reassured and doesn’t get stressed.
And what’s the theory behind it?
It’s basically similar to rugby players getting in an ice bath. The cold water (around 2-5 degrees Celsius) initially reduces swelling by making the blood vessels constrict (vasoconstriction), flushing out toxins and afterwards a rush of fresh blood (vasodilation) accelerates the healing process increasing circulation. The water contains salt and Epsom salts so has many of the benefits of sea water.
What do you advise if riders don’t have access to a hydro centre?
Cold hosing is very superficial especially in summer, I’m a firm believer in icing and cold therapy, and that the quicker you cool legs down after a run, the better. You don’t have to buy expensive jelly ice boots, you can’t beat simple good old fashioned ice — the sort you make in ice cube bags. Just tuck some into their boots and apply for 20 minutes, using something like a j-cloth to prevent burning their skin.

Interview by Sam Lewis for Horse Scout

Ibby Macpherson has recently joined Horse Scout Professionals and has a professional profile on our site.  To find out more about Ibby Macpherson Eventing and Hydrotherapy click through on the link.
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Talking to Ibby Macpherson

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Horse Scout are Talking to Ibby Macpherson, International Event Rider, Northamptonshire

If you haven’t heard of Ibby Macpherson, it’s only a matter of time… A talented event rider who recently finished 5th at Branham CCI***, she tells Horse Scout why William Fox Pitt gave her a top horse, why she spent her inheritance money on a hydrotherapy spa and why she’s launched a new innovative event horse syndicate opportunity.

How did you learn to ride?

I think it was on a sheep! My parents owned a pedigree black sheep farm in Scotland.

Have you worked for anyone famous?

After competing in the Junior Europeans in 1999 and 2000, a few years later I became stable jockey for William Fox Pitt and his team. William, Alice and Granny Potts (William’s long-time head girl) are fantastic to work for, and they are still great friends today. I was lucky enough to school and jump all of the horses when William wasn’t at home and competed some of his young horses.

And William Fox Pitt gave you a horse?

Yes, I am incredibly lucky to have been given Igor De Cluis who was 8th at Le Lion D’Angers as a seven-year-old with William. I could never have afforded such a top class horse but he didn’t stand up to the pressure — soundness wise — at that level with William. I am eternally grateful to Judy and Jeremy Skinner and Margie and David Hall who owned him and gave me the opportunity. I had to be really fussy where I ran him, and made sure that he had hydrotherapy once or twice a day to keep him on the road, but he took me around a few three star events including Blenheim and Boekelo.

So tell us about your top horses now.

I don’t have many horses at the moment but the ones I do have are competitive at their relevant levels.

Ballingowan Diamond (Monty) is a 12-year-old, 16.2hh chestnut gelding (Welcome Diamond out of Phardante mare) with 329 BE points. Monte came fifth at the CCI*** Bramham this year; fourth in the CIC*** at Chatsworth 2016; and third at Hartpury CIC*** in 2015. I’m aiming him at either Burghley or Blenheim this autumn and hopefully Badminton in spring 2017.

Ballingowan Echo is another 12-year-old who is equally as talented but frustratingly we have had a few silly blips and his personality is very different… a bit more complex…. He has been quite competitive and won a few OIs. I’d like to take him around a CIC three star at the end of this year.

Evantos K is a 16.3hh seven-year-old gelding that I’ve had since he was four having bought him from Claire Robertson at Retreat Farm Stud. He has got it all… He’s a fantastic mover and a really scopey jumper. He’s Dutch with around 48% thoroughbred in him, so I think he has enough blood… I’m excited about him, but he is big and weak and is going to take time to mature and strengthen up. He has won four novices and was second in the CIC* at Rockingham. He was really good in his first intermediate at Aston but he is going to have a couple of months’ training at home aiming for hopefully Osberton seven-year-old CIC**.

Deoch an Doris. Doris is a very special to me! He is 13-year-old 16.1hh black gelding with a very big sense of humour. He’ll be with me for life — he was given to me by Jock Mcfarlane whose wife Mary trained me for a long time when I lived in Scotland. Doris was her dressage horse and after a long battle with cancer Mary sadly died. He is very naughty sometimes in the dressage arena adding some freestyle moves here and there but he is an incredibly powerful jumper with a fabulous technique. He’s 13 now but it’s taken his body time to adjust from being ridden on a surface to galloping and jumping on grass. He is a much admired ‘pocket rocket’ and I there is a lot to come!

Fread Needle is a 16.3hh five-year old gelding. He is out of Golden Needle by Bollin Terry, bred by my sister Rose and has done some BE100s this year, coming third at one. I don’t like doing lots with four and five-year-olds… I believe that quite a few horses don’t reach their full potential because they are pushed too young and their brains and/or bodies can’t cope with it. I’d rather they were slower starters and did more later on in life.

So do you compete any horses that you don’t own?

Yes, Dungeon Hill is a 16.3hh nine-year old gelding that I ride for Fee Wilson, in Dorset. I have a couple of spaces for some more horses to ride, but want to fill them with the right ones!!

What’s the aim of your new scheme, the Picnic Partnership?

I’m lucky because I own some lovely horses, but I cannot afford to keep and compete them all without some support. This new initiative not only helps me keep competing my horses, but it also enables people to get involved in the sport without committing to vast amounts of money and unexpected expenses. The initiative — which costs £400pp a month — enables members to have an interest in four horses from BE100 to four star (CCI****). They can come and watch training sessions and support us at competitions. I have a catering company which supplies a picnic for every event members go to — with wine! It’s a great opportunity because with four horses at various levels, there’s always something going on and it’s a fantastic chance to visit some fabulous venues throughout Britain.

Who do you train with?

Nigel Taylor and Fred Bergendorff (jumping); Andrew Fletcher and Hillary Westropp (flat); John Pitt helps as a performance manager; and Danielle Olding is a sports psychologist/life coach whom I find really helpful. I also do lots of Pilates with Tina Sheridon — it’s really helped to strengthen my riding over the last year making me more aware of my posture.

How do you keep your horses sound and happy? 

In terms of soundness, they all go in the hydrotherapy spa regularly as I have one here on site (I run an equine hydrotherapy spa business — see next week’s blog) and they’re also taken to a nearby water treadmill once a week which I think is very beneficial for their core strength and keeping them supple without putting pressure on their limbs. I’m also a firm believer in the Activo-Med range, particularly the pulse electromagnet massage therapy rug. My horses all live out at night from mid-March until the beginning of November (weather dependent). I think this is a good way to keep them happy in their heads and the constant movement maintains the suppleness in their bodies. I think it also helps to alleviate problems like gastric ulcers.

Why Horse Scout?

The horse sales side of it is clever but it’s also a very exciting equestrian initiative enabling industry networking at the highest level.
Interview by Sam Lewis

Find out more on Horse Scout

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Buying A Horse Horses For Sale Jumping Stallions At Stud

Two Show Jumpers by Cicero listed for sale on Horse Scout

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Two Show Jumpers by Cicero listed for sale on Horse Scout

Cicero a stallion with some of the greats in his breeding line has had, not only had olympic success himself but his progeny, whilst still young, are showing themselves as extremely competitive i.e. Galisco van Paemel, Cyrano d’Orbri, Cinderella C, Fenia van Klapscheut and Ciska van Paemel Z were all jumping Grand Prix at 8 and on Cicero’s dams side Rendez Vouz (v. Radel Z) there the superstars of the show jumping world too.  Cornet Obolensky, (one of the great stallions at stud on Horse Scout) Vivaldo en Querido vh Costersveld, Lorrain Z – With blood lines like this and obvious success in the ring already these two horses for sale on Horse Scout must surely have a future ahead of them in the competitive arena.

The older of the two jumpers came to David Simons (DLS Showjumping) already showing promise at 1.40 but needing more experience.  David has gone on to produce a show stopper with this lovely grey gelding advertised on Horse Scout under horses for sale who has proven himself this year with a sixth at the Allington CS12* grand prix and by jointly winning the CS14* Puissance (see image) at the Bolesworth International.  This handsome well made show jumper, Cicero Gotti, also took 8th in the Hickstead Derby and is ranked as Grade C jumping 1.40m+.   David Simpson, the Irish International Show Jumper, produces horses with his wife Louise from their yard in Coolham, where they have excellent trial facilities.

Another Cicero offspring for sale on Horse Scout is a stunning mare x Oklund called Dice.  (See here) Advertised on Horse Scout Horses for Sale pages as a very suitable straightforward competitive horse for a teenager of someone coming off ponies, a testament to a good temperament. Currently jumping new comers he is described as brave, bold and careful.  This mare is good to hack alone or in company and has three lovely paces.

This Newcomers Show Jumping Mare is for sale through Louis Simmons in East Sussex.

This shows how versatile a stallion cicero is producing horses with good temperaments and scope.

 

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Buying A Horse General Polo

Hazel Jackson – International polo player

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Hazel Jackson –  International polo player

Ever thought of giving polo a try? Hazel Jackson says it’s easier than you think. 

What’s your greatest achievement? 

Captaining the English ladies side and beating Argentina on home ground at the High Goal Ladies International in Cirencester in June 2016.

How did you get into polo?

When I was a kid at a local pony club along with my brother and sister and hand-me-down horses.

How old were you when you decided to make it your career?

At the age of 19, after I finished college, I went to work and play in New Zealand (Hawkes Bay, North Island) for six months. Then I did three seasons in Cheshire, with the winters in Argentina. It was hard work, but in Argentina I managed to get a really good job for a lady, Hana Grill, and I’m still working for her now.

Where do you spend most of your time… the UK or abroad?

I spend about four months a year in Argentina, around six in England and around two playing tournaments in other countries such as Barbados, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, France, Texas and sometimes Africa.

It all sounds quite glamourous.

Yes, it is… Polo tournaments are always in stunning locations and there’s a fair bit of money involved.

Where is your favourite place to play polo?

I love Barbados. There are three main polo clubs (plus private fields on top), the people are really hospitable and the horses are lovely. Next year I get to go there twice, for the annual Battle of the Sexes tournament and a ladies tournament as well.

What is the most difficult thing about playing polo?

Getting the money to buy a decent string of horses — and it’s expensive to keep them, too.

How many horses do you own?

I run a string of eight but I only own three… My boss here — Roger White of Coombe Place at Overton Farm, Sway, New Forest — gives me five. You ideally need own your own string.

So how much do you have to pay for a decent polo pony?

Anywhere from £5,000 up to £200,000, with an average good horse costing £10k-£15k.

You could get an older horse (they’re at their peak at around eight to nine years old) with a few injuries for cheaper, or get one off the race track and retrain it.

What qualities do you look for in a polo pony?

We like them to be around 15.2hh and tend to go for the Irish and English thoroughbreds. A polo pony needs to be fast, very agile and have a good mouth so that it stops dead and works from the back end. We also like them to be ‘grunty’ — solid and powerful, capable of sustaining a few bashes in a ride off.

Is there one horse that stands out?

Isla, who’s based in England — she’s getting on a bit but she’s a machine.

You rarely travel horses abroad in polo, is it difficult to ride horses that you’ve never ridden before?

No. They’re really well trained and, as I typically ride five horses a game, I must have ridden hundreds of horses since I was 19, it’s natural.

Why so many horses?

Polo is incredibly demanding and strenuous on a horse which is why one horse is only officially allowed to play two chukkas with a break in between. I’d take five horses and try to ride five minutes on each horse. At the top tournaments in Argentina, some players would take 12-14 horses to a game with just three minutes on a horse before a break to get the best out of them.

That’s a lot of horses to keep fit…

Yes I can ride seven or eight horses a day singling (one at a time). They’re schooled to keep them finely tuned, but it’s common to ride one and lead up to four when you’re doing cardio work (45-60 minutes of walking and trotting). I’m doing that at the moment, while I’m chatting to you…

And what else do you do get them ready to compete?

The day before a game — and sometimes even on the morning of game days — we give them 10 minutes flat out for a change of air.

How do you improve your game?

My boyfriend, Ivan Gaona, an Argentinian polo player, has taught me a lot. I have also gained a lot watching video feedback of matches and taking advice from different people. Stick and ball practicing is essential and playing with players that are much better than me helps.

And is it a level playing field for men and women?

General men are naturally stronger and that gives them a slight advantage but, in general, it’s to do with the horses… it depends how well mounted you are.

What’s your ultimate goal?

To own a solid string of horses and to be one of the best female players in the world playing any 15 or 18 goal tournament.

What would you say to others considering to give polo a try?

It’s great fun and much more accessible than people think. And if you’re willing to work hard, it’s a great profession. There are plenty of schools around with safe horses, but beware… it’s very addictive!

And you’re 26, do you have to be young?

Obviously it’s good to be fit, but you can learn the sport when you are older and I think the oldest polo player is in their eighties!

Why Horse Scout?

The social media side is great, that you can follow other riders and horses.

Interview by Sam Lewis, Horse Scout inhouse Journalist & PR, August/September 2016

About Horse Scout

Find out more about polo and Hazel Jackson [[link to profile page]] 

 

 

 

 

 

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Joe Clayton – International Show Jumper

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Joe Clayton, 26 –  International show jumper –  Nottinghamshire

 Horse Scout speaks to the international show jumper about working for Olympian Michael Whitaker, his top horses, favourite stallions, ultimate goals and achievements

You’re second cousin to John and Michael Whitaker — were you riding horses before you could walk?

No, my mum has always had horses so I’ve always been around them, but I was into football mainly and only really started riding when I was 11.

And when did you started jumping?

As soon as I started to ride…

Didn’t you fall off?

I could ride straight but fell off at the corners…

So how did you learn to stay on?

My mum had lessons with Susie Gibson and I started having 10 minutes at the beginning or end of her lesson and pretty soon I’d hijacked her entire lesson. I also had some good ponies — from William Whitaker, who was just around the corner.

What was your first job?

I went to work for Alan Fazakerley (British pony team coach) and Sally Lane in Essex, before coming back up north to Michael Whitaker’s yard. I’ve been here eight or nine years now.

So your trainer is Michael Whitaker?

Yes, he’s really helpful on the flat and jump. His son, Jack, is here too and we chat amongst ourselves and work together as a team, trying to improve and make our horses better.

What’s a typical week for the horses when you’re at home?

Flatwork Monday and Tuesday and a grid Wednesday for the young ones, followed by perhaps a couple of local shows. The older ones don’t jump too much but they get to hack around the block and go on the treadmill in the afternoon. We’ve just had a gallops put in which is really useful and they go on that to warm up and loosen off most days. They all get a day off and time in the field.

What’s your best tip for budding show jumpers?

Keep going… it can be difficult but keep training and you’ll figure it out.

And your advice for buying a show jumper?

Pick something that suits you – don’t buy a sharp one if you’re hot seated for example.

And do you think bloodlines are important?

If a horse jumps and it’s good, sometimes doesn’t matter. But I do find bloodlines interesting and it’s handy to see how many good horses certain stallions have produced.

So do you have a favourite stallion?

Not really, although I’ve had a couple of amazing horses by Calvaro, there are a lot of good stallions out there like Concord and Heartbreaker. Michaels seven-year-old grey stallion, Valmy de La Lande (Mylord Carthago x Starter), is also looking like a serious future prospect — I won the mare and stallion class on him at Hickstead recently.

to see Joe clayton on action use this link to his youtube site https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABIIOl15biw

Tell us about your main horses and their main achievements.

My top ride is Conman JX, a 2007 bay gelding (Conterno Grande x Chacoa) owned by Michael Whitaker and Sarah Billington. He’s come on so much and has lots of ability although still a bit green at the level he’s jumping at.

He’s done a few Nation Cups and 5-star Grand Prix and came third at the Nations Cup in Falsterbo, Sweden this year.

He’s a bit of a funny character, quite nervous and needs his own space. He hates other horses so he goes out on his own and can be quite hard to ride with other horses around which means I sometimes have to warm up early.

Cally V is a 2008 chestnut mare, home bred by Michael (Calvaro out of a good mare of Michael’s).

She’s scopey and very promising jumping 1.40s normally clear. She’s done a couple of international shows and gone well in the small classes.

Millioninmind is a 2007 bay gelding, owned by Steve Barnes. He’s very promising and won Grade C at HOYs last yar, now competing 1.40 and 1.45 two-star Grand Prix. He placed first at a 3-star this year. He’s cheeky, likes his food and always overweight.

Lexie III is another homebred mare by Calvaro (2009) and has qualified for Newcomers HOYs.

She’s another funny character and can be a bit of a madam sometimes.

Do you have time to ride any more?

I’m always looking for good horses and owners who would like to support me.

So what would you consider your best achievement?

Jumping double clear at the super league Nations Cup (5-star) last year in Gijon, Spain.

I’ve won the puissance at HOYs puissance twice on two different horses.

Also winning at the accumulator a The Great Yorkshire show in 2015.

And your ultimate goal?

Like most people, I would love to ride at the Olympics one day… I would love to win the Grand Prix (Cock of the North) at my favourite show (Great Yorkshire) and win at Championship level one day!

Why Horse Scout?

It’s great to build a profile and to see those of other riders. The horses you browse, aren’t the same ones all the time either.

 

Interview by Horse Scout Journalist Sam Lewis

More About Horse Scout and Joe Clayton

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Buying A Horse General Horse Breeds Horses For Sale Jumping Showjumping

Talented jumping youngster by Zilverstar T x v.Concorde

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Concorde breeding and good looks with real talent and undeniable good looks. A 5 year old show jumper for sale stabled in East Sussex.

16.1hh grey 5 year old gelding by Zilverstar T (Berlin) x Concorde 

This stunning young jumper for sale on Horse Scout is by Zilversar T has completed a sunshine tour and his producer, Louis Simmons, (see the professional producer and riders page on Horse Scout)  a prolific and reliable producer, describes this horse as brave and careful; two pre requisite for a successful partnership.
Louis says this horse has been working easily and correctly on the flat and is a promising future star on the competition circuit.
His bloodlines have created a well made jumping horse who is finding his job effortless and his bold approach is taking him well over fences.
A happy horse, easy to do stands well for the farrier and to be clipped, hacks out and makes your life easy by walking onto the lorry.
Zilversat T is a grand prix jumping stallion who took his place in the Olympic Arena this year and his jumping successes this year show just what a talented horse he is:
  •  Glock International Show Jumping  Glock’s Grand Prix 1.60m  – 4th
  •  Jumping Bourg en Bresse  Grand Prix de la ville de Bourg en Bresse 1.60m – 3rd
  •  Global Champions Tour  GNP Seguros 1.50m – 1st
  •  Global Champions Tour   American Invitational 1.55m -3rd
  •  CHI Al Shaqab  Grand Prix 1.60m – 5th
  •  VR Classics Performance Sales International 1.50m – 6th
  • Prestige Cup Zilveren Spoor Class 58 1.40m – 2nd

Concorde is a double purity for talent on his Dams side for three years Concorde has been listed as the stallion at stud with the most  offspring  at World Breeding Championships for young horses. Making this young horse for sale a popular choice…and with good reason. Concorde is a stallion who is also very popular with other Horse Scout profiled professional producers.  Aaron Millar likes a horse with Concerned Breeding (see Horse Scout blog here)

Horse Scout hosts some of the top breeders and producers in the UK and internationally.  If you are looking for a Horse for Sale Horse Scout is undoubtedly the place to start.

 

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Buying A Horse Dressage Dressage Coach Horse Advice Professional Rider Show Horse Trainer Working Hunter

Louise Anne Bell – Competes For Britain

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Louise Anne Bell – International dressage rider and working hunter champion 

Banbury, Oxfordshire

Not content with winning the Supreme Working Hunter Champion title 15 times at the Royal International Horse Show, Louise Bell turned her focus to dressage four years ago and now competes for Great Britain.

How did you get involved with working hunter classes?

I was around 17 and into eventing when I started to work for Daphne Wyatt who was into showing. Eventing was expensive and I discovered that I found showing easier and could be successful — I actually produced a horse of hers which she sold on and it went on to become Junior European champion!

What advice would you give to someone trying to make a similar transition?

Come to someone like me for help rather than muddle your way through! And make sure you have a quality horse — one that’s nearly a good flat show horse but has a good enough jump for a working hunter show class.

Any tips to impress the judges?

In showing, as the round isn’t timed you don’t need to jump a course quickly. You want to ride a rhythmical, flowing clear round that’s also stylish — and your horse must ride for a stranger. Be confident, stay focussed and walk your course as you would ride it.

Do you favour any specific bits or tack?

In showing you can use any number of bits, it doesn’t matter, just use what’s best for the horse.

How did you get into dressage?

I’ve always loved flatwork that’s why my show horses go so well. So when Horse & Hound asked me to take part in a swapping discipline challenge with Michael Eilberg I was really keen. But I soon discovered that dressage is a huge undertaking and I had to accept that I didn’t know anything and start from scratch.

What was the most difficult part of dressage for you personally?

Establishing the contact. In showing we want the lightest contact — as a lot of judges who get on won’t pick up a contact your horses have to go well without it. But I soon learnt that in order to get a horse engaged and going correctly you need a good contact. I went through phases of my contact being too strong and now it’s much lighter again. You have to learn how to use your body and your hands independently. It’s so difficult but awesome once you get it.

You must enjoy it — and are clearly good at it — as you made your small tour debut just two years after the challenge?

I get as much buzz out of dressage as jumping, if not more, and love doing things such as one-time changes. I guess I’m addicted to the training and the special bond it creates, probably because of the hours you have to put in! There’s so much attention to detail in everything that you do with dressage — the horse has to understand you in every way. It’s so intense.

Louise Anne Bell how did your two star working hunters — W Get Smart and Into the Blue — take to the transition to dressage?

I’ve had Into the Blue (Dynamo) since he was three and he’s now 10. He is adorable but demanding — a bit of a pre-madonna and very opinionated. Dynamo found dressage very hard at the start as he’s very spooky… As he finds everything a little too easy, I have to challenge his mind in ways not to indulge his spook! But once he has understood something he will try and please you… and maybe pop in a spook after! He loves one time changes, piaffe, and passage.

So he’s clearly doing well…

Yes… he’s now getting 70% at Inter 2 (and has qualified for nationals at Inter 2), is competing at PSG and will compete at Grand Prix in the autumn.

He won his first advanced at Hartpury few years ago, was second in Valencia and third in Saumur this year (medium tour) and fourth in Barcelona and Mallorca last year (small tour).

And W Get Smart?

He’s the 13-year-old Dutch-bred son of Pythagoras and out of a KWPN mare called Hester whose grandfather is Blakeney, a TB racehorse… He’s a real pleaser, but he sometimes takes control and being nearly 18 hands you can understand why he should really belong to a guy!

He found taking on dressage very easy winning both regional champs and winter champs in medium and advanced medium, but keeping him in self carriage is hard for me although he’s getting very good at it now — the advanced work in piaffe passage has helped him massively.

He’s currently not far behind Into the Blue and competing at Inter 2, coming ninth in Deauville recently.

Do you have any other horses?

I also have another young horse, Zack-ki Rosenlund, who is seven years old. He’s dressage bred but has jumping lines on mother side (Landgraf). I’m hoping he’ll do PSG next year small tour.

So you’re clearly more of a dressage rider than working hunter girl now?

I devote most of my time to dressage but I’m still a part time working hunter rider. My working hunter Catch the Beaver has now qualified for HOYs in the working hunters and recently won me my tenth National Supreme Working Hunter Championship, following in the great footsteps of my legends of the past — Rocky IV, Out of Sight, Cruise C and Cracker — who also won this title on more than one occasion.

You clearly have an eye for a good horse. What do you look for? (when buying a horse)

Temperament, but it’s also got to have presence…. a ‘look at me’ element.

The rest I can work on. It’s also got to have a great walk and great canter.

Any favourite dressage bloodlines?

No. Into the blue is jumping bred (by John Whitaker).

Who do you train dressage with now?

Michael Eilberg once a week. He jumped before he got into dressage so he’s understood me as a rider from day one.

What tips did he give you?

Listen… and do what i say!

And your ultimate goal?

Tokyo 2020. I can’t win medal in working hunter so maybe it’s meant to be dressage.

And why an ambassador for Horse Scout?

It’s a classy website with detailed information on horses and riders. It’s also a fantastic tool for us riders to get our work seen by the public and also great for transparency for buying and selling top quality horses.

Interview by Sam Lewis for Horse Scout

Find out more about Horse Scout Ambassador Louise Anne Bell

Get the most recent updates on Louise Anne Bell and find out more about opportunities to buy her horses and support her as a rider on Horse Scout profile pages for professional coaches, trainers and riders by using this link . 

 

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