Whitakers lead the way as Hull welcomes return of top event

It used to be one of the main attractions at the old Hull Show which was held in East Park.

After a trial run in the park last year, British Showjumping’s Area 15A committee decided to run a bigger event there this year as the response was so good.

Entry for spectators is free and 10,000 people attended the show last year. The organisers are hoping to double that figure next Sunday.

Michael Bainbridge, who is British Showjumping’s area representative, described it as dipping a toe in the water last year.

“The feedback from people was phenomenal. We hope to get it back to the good old days.”

He runs the Port Royal Equestrian Centre at Holme-on-Spalding Moor and has been keen for some time to reinstate show-jumping in Hull.

One of his ambitions is to disinter the original water jump, now part of the rugby pitch, which he hopes will be completed in time for next weekend.

“I’ve got pictures on the office wall of Capt Mark Phillips and Harvey Smith jumping in that ring 30 years ago,” says the 40-year-old Bainbridge.

Entries have been received from some of the country’s leading show-jumpers, including John and Robert Whitaker, from Huddersfield, so the line-up is looking good.

Three rings will be in operation with the top classes being held in the Grand ring.

The highlight will be an Area Trial which has a first prize of £1,000 plus international points and qualification for the King and Queen’s Cup.

Other classes include an Area 1.25m Championship where local riders will compete against each other.

They have had to qualify for this at shows across the region all summer.

Competition is likely to be fierce and riders include Hayley McCaie, from York, he current national amateur champion, a title she won riding Mister Tom IV recently at the British Masters at South View Equestrian Centre.

Other attractions include a ride and drive class, where the riders have to complete a course of cones in a car as well as jumping their horse.

Ring one will feature a one-metre Area Championship plus novice horse classes for all abilities. Pony riders will have their own Area Championship final in ring two and a number of other classes.

A different attraction for spectators will be the chance to walk the course in the main ring and check out the jumps before the main Area Trial competition.

This will be hosted by one of the show-jumpers taking part.

With the last- minute preparations now being completed, Bainbridge says: “Show-jumping holds such a strong place in the hearts of people in Hull. I have been having a few sleepless nights as we have been getting everything organised but now I just can’t wait.”

The show opens at 9.30am on Sunday, August 14 in East Park.

Charity to benefit as moorland stories get a second airing

OUR recent report about the Wallace family’s Anchor herd of Exmoor ponies has prompted some more news for fans of the breed.

The Moorland Mousie stories, originally printed in the 1920s, are being given a new lease of life and will be helping to raise funds for the charity that is named after them.

The Moorland Mousie Trust was started 10 years ago. It cares for the surplus ponies from the moor that nobody wants to buy from the farmers and has become involved in all aspects of this breed’s welfare.

The charity’s founder, Val Sherwin, had always wanted to see the books, based on the life of an Exmoor pony, reprinted.

The relaunch was announced when the Duchess of Cornwall, who is patron the charity, visited the Trust’s headquarters in Somerset.

Linda Brudenell, chief equine steward at the Great Yorkshire Show, also found that the Duchess was very interested in the breed and had enjoyed chatting about it when she visited the Great Yorkshire last month and watched some of the classes.

Copies of the Moorland Mousie books, by Golden Gorse, cost £11.99 plus £3 postage and packing, available from www.moorlandsmousietrust.org.uk.

They are also on sale at the Exmoor Pony Centre, Ashwick, Dulverton, Somerset. Tel. 01398 323093.

Trawling Yorkshire to help rising star

MICHAEL MURPHY, who is only 14, became the world’s youngest winner of a two-star Para dressage competition recently, while competing in an international event at Bishop Burton College.

The young rider from Hertfordshire is looking for a new horse and is hoping that the people of Yorkshire might be able to help.

He competes at Grade 1a and suffers from the neurological disorder Dejerine-Sottas, which causes muscle weakness and a lack of reflexes. Michael had a fall from his own horse, Pebbly Tarragon, shortly before the competition and was then offered the ride on the Paralympic horse, Lambrusco III, which is owned by the Para Dressage Training Trust.

Michael is now looking for a new horse to buy or loan. He trains with Sarah Healing at Penniwells RDA in Hertfordshire and she said: “Pebbly Tarragon has been great but he’s too sensitive for someone with Michael’s disabilities. So we’re looking for a clone of Lambrusco, with a great walk and rythmn, who is light in the hand and above all, safe.”

Ideally the horse needs to be trained to Advanced/PSG level and have a good competition record with plenty of arena experience. If you think you can help, Rachel Addison at Bishop Burton College has more information about detailed requirements – email [email protected].

* YOUNG riders who are keen to reach the top in show-jumping, dressage, para-equestrian dressage and eventing are being encouraged to get their applications in as soon as possible for a place on the new British Equestrian Federation (BEF) England Excel Talent Programme.

Riders should be between 16 and 24 and applications must be submitted by August 31.

The programme has been introduced following the success of the Regional Foundation Squads and will provide riders with specialist help, including coaches, physiotherapists, vets and nutritionists at a series of camps. More information at www.bef.co.uk/Excel_Talent_Programme.