Tag Archives: RoR

British Dressage

European Equestrian Riding Helmet Standard to be Withdrawn

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It has been announced by the EU Commission that the European Equestrian Riding Helmet standard (BS)EN1384 is to be withdrawn from the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ) at its next publication.  This means that hat manufacturers will no longer be able to CE mark their hats using this standard and will need to recertify to a specification currently being developed.

 

The withdrawal of the standard has no effect on riding hats already on the market.  Once a hat has been manufactured to a standard it will not become “non-standard” after withdrawal and can continue to be sold and worn.  If riders have hats certified to the EN1384 they can continue to use them unless stated otherwise by rules of competition.

The existing EN1384 standard is currently in the process of revision. The withdrawal is due in part to the European working group responsible for the hat standard failing to reach an agreement on this overdue revision and subsequently causing the Commission to take this drastic step.

 

The draft proposal for the revision to EN1384 has to go through the laborious procedure of comment and review and it is still unclear when the final version will be published. An interim specification is being developed by a group of EU test houses and notified bodies (VG1) that will span the gap with a new specification. We expect to have this confirmed within the next few days.

 

In the future, CE marked riding hats will have to be successfully tested and certified against an alternative specification to allow CE certification to continue. Companies can choose which they use and could include the new VG1 specification, the revised EN1384 once published, PAS015. Riding hats cannot be CE marked solely to Snell, ASTM F1163 or the AS/NZ3838(2006) without additional testing.

 

The EN1384 and thus the BSEN1384 specifications have proved to be a popular standard throughout Europe with a wide appeal and have saved many riders from head injury, or death.

Whilst initially being promised a period of transition by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the industry has now received news that this option has been retracted.  This means that manufacturers will need to re-certify their (BS)EN1384 hats to the revised specification sooner than anticipated.

 

As a result of these recent changes, the disciplines and riding bodies within the UK will be reconsidering their hat rules for the future.  Full details of the changes currently available are listed below:

British Eventing

British Eventing will permit (BS)EN1384 hats in 2015 but not thereafter.

All hats will be retagged in 2016 at which stage no hats made solely to (BS)EN1384 will be tagged or permitted for use.

 

Riding Clubs – British Riding Clubs will permit (BS)EN1384 hats in 2015 but not thereafter.

All hats will be retagged in 2016 at which stage no hats made solely to (BS)EN1384 will be tagged or permitted for use.

 

The Pony Club – will permit (BS)EN1384 hats in 2015 but not thereafter. Full details of the revised Hat Tagging procedure will be communicated out to the Membership and Volunteers shortly.

 

British Dressage – will permit (BS)EN1384 hats in 2015 but not thereafter

 

British Showjumping – will permit (BS)EN1384 hats in 2015 but not thereafter

 

British Horse Society – will permit (BS)EN1384 hats in 2015 but not thereafter. From 1 January 2016 hats made solely to (BS)EN1384 will not be permitted for use in BHS Approved Centres.

Horses For Sale

Oliver Townend Horse Scout Profile

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The hunger to succeed

Our leading event rider professional profile goes to Oliver…Winner of both Badminton and Burghley in 2009, Oliver’s success has always been based on hard graft and a love for the horses he works with. Oliver inherited this love of horses from his parents. His dad, Alan, was also an event rider, while mum, Eve, showed side saddle at county level.

Oliver began riding when he was 7 years old. His first success came when he was 11, with his pony Cool Mule at the Horse of the Year Show. At 13 he went on to represent Britain on the Pony eventing team at the European Championships, and he quickly moved through the ranks. For three years he was stable jockey to the late British Event Team show jumping trainer, Kenneth Clawson, in Leicestershire.

When Oliver eventually set up on his own at Lubenham Lodge, Leicestershire, he had just a few pounds in his pocket but an unquenchable thirst for success. Less than two years later he was able to buy his own farm in Dudleston Heath near Ellesmere, Shropshire where he is now based.

In 2005 the Hon William Russell’s Topping provided Oliver’s first crack at Badminton and he made the most of it by finishing in 12th place. This earned them an individual place at the European Championships, Blenheim, the same year. Edward & Robert Nicholson’s Flint Curtis took over as Oliver’s top horse in 2006 after placing third at Badminton, the horse’s first four star event. Oliver remained on the British Squad, riding Flint as an individual at the Aachen WEG that year, before earning his first team place – and a European Championship gold medal – at Pratoni in 2007.

Oliver Townend and ArmadaThen came his most successful year to date: 2009. Oliver and Flint Curtis won their first CCI**** at Badminton and Oliver then went on to win Burghley CCI**** on his other top grey horse, Andrew Cawthray’s Carousel Quest. He duly finished the season at the top of the British Eventing points table for the first time, having previously been top British rider.

Great results continue, with successive top placings at both national and international events. His string of horses, from youngsters to four star competitors, is impressive: his famous greys might no longer be in the start box, but they have worthy replacements. In 2012 Oliver was given the ride on Paul Ridgeon’s 4* horse Armada, and won Oliver the British National Championship title the following year.

In May this year, at one of the toughest Badminton’s in decades, Armada finished in the runner up spot. Meanwhile Black Tie II placed 4th at his first ever CCI4*, earning Oliver a place on the British Squad for the 2014 World Equestrian Games, with Armada named on the Reserve list.

Oliver finished the 2014 season at the top of the BE Rider Rankings, with a clear points lead. Armada was =3rd in the Horse Rankings.

Horse Riding Tips

Matching the horse and rider

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Finding the perfect horse, the mine field…

“the blind leading the blind”

They say that horse dealers are worse than car dealers; and it could be said that in general one has to be careful when purchasing an animal and not a machine, owing to the nature of a creature driven by memory and instinct.

In spite of all the advice out there, time after time we still see bad matches between the novice rider and novice horse. The experience of an animal will ultimately dictate its stability, a novice rider should seek experience in the horse they buy, to draw confidence for them selves from that animal , not purchase a blank canvass which can be easily imprinted, scared, and ultimately dangerous, and become a situation whereby the blind is sadly leading the blind!

There are always exceptions to the rule, granted some young horses are stable, relaxed, adaptable, and safe. To increase the likely hood of a good experience however, the novice rider should buy an experienced horse that has already been routinely exposed to the tasks: cross country, dressage, heavy traffic hacking etc that they the rider shall wish to peruse.

Horse Scout offers a diverse range of schoolmasters. The schoolmaster will inherently be a horse over 7yrs, with a proven track record, often an affiliated record to give actual evidence for the experience therefore justifying its title. A schoolmaster should be a horse you can learn from, which responds independently and confidently when jumping, or performing dressage moves for example, the horse recognises its job.

Horses For Sale

horses for sale

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The essence of a fantastic sales site has to be quality and diversity…

Horse Scout in it’s opening month has already hosts some of the best competition horses on the market for sale. Grade A show jumpers, advanced eventers, grand prix dressage horses and more!

Horse Scout prides itself on being a platform for everyone, and gains the respect of the leading riders, trainers, and producers of competition horses.

Our sales questionnaire draws history and veterinary information from the seller like no other site, saving the purchaser from time wasting.

If you have not already seen our horses take a look now

Horses For Sale

Horses for sale Horse Scout

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In just our first month live we are proud to be hosting a diverse range of event, dressage, show and show jumping horses for sale. The horses range from novice to advanced across all disciplines!

We have riders from all over the already becoming involved ad supporting us with their professional listings and horse profiles, take a look now!

 

Eventing

Horses for sale on Horse Scout

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If your searching for a horse for sale, Horse Scout is proud to now be hosting industry leaders horses. We have been supported by Catherston Stud,  The Billy Stud, Harthill Stud, with some of the most prestigious bloodlines to show case.

Our horses for sale are from novice to professional level.   All industries: show jumping we have William and Pippa Funnel, eventing Oliver Townend and Nina Barbour, dressage Jennie Lorriston-Clarke.

We are supported by Verdina Sports Horses, and European Sports Horses, giving a range of dual purpose sports horses for sale every week.

We specialise in competition horses with a proven record, produced by recognised trainers, and riders in the UK.

 

Eventing

Dutch Gold

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Dutch Gold retired at the end of 1992 having competed at Grand Prix level since 1985 and as a leading member of the British Team at the Seoul Olympics and the European Championships every year since 1985. Although more famous for his dressage, Dutch Gold has produced many very exciting eventers. Being ¾ Thoroughbred, he has all the speed and stamina required of today’s modern equine athlete.

Dutch Gold is suitable for crossing with all types of mares. He produces big, quality foals with substance, excellent temperaments and great presence. His stock inherit beautiful paces with swing and elasticity essential requirements for today’s competition horse. He has sired 2 BWBS graded stallions in Catherston Goldstorm and Dutch Dream (now exported to USA where he is competing very successfully in the dressage arena) and each of these have now sired their own graded sons in Catherston Gold Eagle (1998 Champion) and Catherston Dougal (Best British Bred – British Dressage National Championships as a 4 year old) respectively. Dutch Gold is the sire of Elite Stud Book mare Catherston Deal in Gold as well as the grandsire of 2 BWBS graded stallions.

Most notable of the progeny competing in 2000 was Tina’s Gold ridden by Lucinda Fredericks. In just half a season Tina’s Gold gained 152 points in Horse Trials and moved up to be ranked 27th in the top 100 horses in the world. He won Wilton Intermediate, was 4th at Brightling Daily Mail Advanced before taking 2nd place at Gatcombe Intermediate Championships. Tina’s Gold then went on to win Blair Castle CCI** and was 4th at Pau CCI*** thus qualifying for Badminton 2001.

Dutch Gold is proving to be a very highly influential Dam’s Sire. He is the Grand Sire on the Dams side of Olympic Eventer Borough Penny Z and the young Borough Free Flight as well as many others.

Some of his progeny include:
Dutch Display (was Callow Hill) completed Bramham CCI*** and Lion D’Angers CCI***, qualified for the World Equestrian Games in 1994 and finished 1st Gatcombe 1997.

Waterslade Morning Gold 4th Novice dressage championships 1992, 5th Elementary in 1993 and 5th in Medium 1994. Now competing advanced with 313 points.
Marshlands Rubio 249 points Advanced Eventer – double clear at Osberton, winner Windsor 3DE.
How About That Grade B winnings over £800.
Stafford George Cross Medium dressage.
Daedalus Advanced dressage – 239 points.
Master Mickey Advanced Eventer 89 points.
Catherston Dynamite 79 points in one season.
Dutch Truth 100 dressage points.
Kindred Spirit Successful Large hack.
Leading Light Outstanding Large Riding Horse.
Tina’s Gold 2000 winner Blair Castle CCI**, 4th Pau CCI***, 27th in the World’s top 100 horses in only half a season.

Jumping

Leading Stallions At Stud Join Us

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Catherston Stud has now placed one of their most versatile stallions: Catherston Springsteen is perhaps one of the most exciting horses Catherston Stud
has bred to date. He is an eye-catching horse with tremendous presence, a beautiful head and neck and good length of rein. His paces are bold, expressive and off the ground and that is what makes him so special.

SIRE:- Dutch Dream was gelded and exported to the USA as a 6 year old where he competed to Intermediarre II level. Dutch Dream was by the International Grand Prix Dressage & Intermediate Eventer Dutch Gold, out of a mare by Donauwind who sired the Los Angeles Silver Medal winning show jumper Abdullah. Dutch Dream was also the sire of Catherston Dream Machine, winner of the inaugural potential Dressage horse at BEF Futurity Evaluation and dam of Catherston What a Dream, International Small Tour Dressage Horse, BWBS Silver Medal winning mare and Res Ch Potential Dressage Horse at the 2nd Futurity Series.

DAM Our Spring Fancy, by the Dutch sire Saks, jumped to Grade B level with Paul Crago before retiring to stud. She won the Pycombe Derby and also won and was placed in several Grade C classes.. She bred several notable foals, the advanced eventer, Catherston Gold Spring; Advanced Dressage horse, Catherston Spring Edition; Catherston Saxaphone who is now competing at Grand Prix level in dressage.

GRAND-DAM Spring Fever, by the TB Middle Temple was an International Show-jumper and winner of the Queen Elizabeth Cup at the Royal International Horse Show in 1962. Spring Fever, ridden by Judy Crago, represented Great Britain at numerous International shows between 1960 – 67 and was a member of 8 Nations Cup Teams. Spring Fever also bred Autumn Folly who was short listed for the Olympics with Paul Crago. One notable year at Wales and the West, 3 of her offspring won classes on the same day. Autumn Folly, Grade A & Olympic Trial, Spring Fancy won the Grade C & Young Rider Class, Summer Games won the Foxhunter.

PERFORMANCE

Catherston Springsteen qualified for the finals of the Rhinegold Potential Dressage Horse at the European Championships at Hickstead in 2003 and was short listed for the World Breeding Championships for Young Horses. He also qualified for the British Dressage National Championships Advanced Medium and Prix St Georges in 2005.

By 10 years old he was competing Grand Prix. He won the Grand Prix to Music classes at the College Premier League and Wellington Premier League Shows. He was also 2nd in the Grand Prix Special at Wellington. At the National Championships in 2007 he was 4th in the Intermediarre II, Grand Prix Musical 4th & 6th in the Grand Prix. Saumur CDI ,he was 2nd Int II, 7th Grand Prix and 7th in the GP music. He has recently returned to work following an injury sustained in the field.

He has started the 2010 season in grand style winning the Grand Prix Special at Swolle Stallion Show in Holland and then he qualified for the National Championships most years at Grand Prix where he has always been in the top 12. Springsteen is now training Jennie’s grand-daughter in the finer points of Junior dressage and are Longlisted for the Junior European Dressage Championships.

This horse has an extraordinary temperament and lovely manners both in and out of the stable. He has passed these qualities onto his stock and all reports from delighted owners remark how easy and straightforward Springsteen stock are.

Catherston Springsteen is also a very bold and careful jumper and he has pased this quality onto his progeny who are alrady winning in Horse Trials and Showjumping classes. A kind and sensible nature with paces and jumping abiility all rolled into one -he must be the stallion to help breeders breed their ‘dream horse’.

Jumping

Horses for sale

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Outstanding proven competition horses for sale with Horse Scout. Fantastic records, full history, and the sellers profile is viewable.

Horses and ponies for sale have results , pedigree, ownership, vet certificate and reference history to help to gain buyers trust. Every horse has a history, and can have a future. Honesty is the best policy .