Taking place in the glorious sunshine today at Bicton alongside the International Horse Trials were the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse (DBYEH) classes for four and five-year-olds.

The DBYEH series is a hugely popular competition that culminates in the final held at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials in September. The competition is widely recognised as a great opportunity to see the stars of the future, with many winners of the series going on to win top-level competitions. The series aims to encourage breeders and trainers to produce and present the type of young horse which is considered to be the best material to make a world-class three-day event horse.

The judges look for an athletic, loose moving horse with a promising jumping technique and the correct attitude. The winner is the horse with the highest overall marks from four sections: Dressage, Jumping, Suitability & Type and Potential to Gallop.

At Bicton today, Nick Gauntlett saw great success taking the win in the four-year-old class with The Advance Party and took sixth place with Party Classics. His winning horse, out of Kinard Clare, by Nick’s stallion The After Party, Nick’s Irish-bred stallion showed huge promise for the future. Nick also took tenth place in the five-year-old section on Rosa’s Party, a mare by Party Trick (DHI Party Piece by Chilli Morning) who Nick sadly lost in tragic circumstances in 2021.

Not only is Nick a successful event rider, Fellow of the British Horse Society and British Eventing Master Coach, but he also runs a stud from his base at Chescombe Farm, from which he bred Jalapeno III, the ride of Gemma Stevens who came a commendable sixth place at Badminton Horse Trials this year. This gives Nick a fantastic opportunity to produce young horses to enter into these DBYEH classes with some outstanding breeding lines.

Taking the five-year-old class by storm, New Zealand event rider, Samantha Lissington not only won the section on Avatar, but also achieved impressive third and seventh places on Nadal and Never Know MB respectively. BGS Saphire also gave Sam a fifth place in the four-year-old section, providing great success for the two winning riders across both classes.

Sam commented, “I was very pleased with today’s efforts! This was Avatar’s first competition outing, he’s got a lot of quality so we were thrilled that the judges rewarded him for it.

My other two five-year-olds were great – Nadal has a super temperament and ticks all the boxes. Never Know MB is such a gutsy mare and she’s just starting to learn about this dressage business! BGS Saphire is a new ride for me, having only sat on her a few times this week it was more about getting to know each other today but I’m looking forward to the rest of the year ahead with her – thanks to Becky Davies for trusting us with her!

The Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse series is such a wonderful opportunity to get the next generation out and about, and it’s always exciting looking around the warm up and imagining what these horses might be like in the years ahead!”

Nick Gauntlett with The Advance Party – Winner of the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse four-year-old class

Samantha Lissington with Avatar – Winner of the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse five-year-old class

 

The cream of Britain’s event riders will be heading to East Devon for the Bicton International Horse Trials (May 25-28), which is running a new CCI4*-S, sponsored by TopSpec (four-star level international short-format event).

The class of more than 70 horses includes the trio of British Olympic gold medallists from Tokyo: Laura Collett with her 2022 Badminton winner London 52 plus Dacapo, Outback ll and Bling, Tom McEwen (Luna Mist and MHS Brown Jack), and Oliver Townend.

Pippa Funnell, a legend in the sport and the winner of the elusive Rolex Grand Slam in 2003, has entered three horses: Billy Wonder, MCS Maverick and her 2019 Burghley winner MGH Grafton Street.

Kitty King has re-routed her beautiful grey horse, Vendredi Biats, after an early mishap at Badminton and may now be the one to beat. Kirsty Chabert also brings her Badminton ride, the mare Opposition Loire, plus Opposition Heraldik Girl.

The world number two, Jonelle Price from New Zealand, heads the overseas challenge, which includes Padraig McCarthy, Elizabeth Power and Susie Berry, and rising French stars Gaspard Maksud and Zazie Gardeau, the reigning European Young Rider champion.

The younger generation includes two daughters of former great names. Ellie Fredericks, whose parents Lucinda and Clayton were mainstays of the Australian team, competes Britannia’s Mail, a son of Lucinda’s Burghley, Badminton and Kentucky winner Headley Britannia. Tara Dixon, daughter of the much-medalled British team member Karen Dixon, rides Master Smart.

International two-star and three-star competitions, sponsored by Empire Coachbuilders and Symonds & Sampson respectively, are also taking place over the weekend and there is plenty of cross-country and show jumping action on both Saturday and Sunday.

Bicton is renowned for its beautiful parkland, spectacular views and well constructed cross-country courses, as well as its superb all weather Western Counties Arena which will host both dressage and showjumping phases. “We’re very much looking forward to welcoming so many top riders with their young horses,” said Arena Manager Andrew Fell. “It should be a cracking weekend of competition.”

Tickets can be purchased in advance for spectators on Saturday and Sunday at www.bicton-arena.co.uk with free entry on Thursday and Friday. Full entries list and live results can be found at www.eventingscores.co.uk. Live action is being streamed by Clip My Horse www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_GB/

 

Helen West at Water Complex – Fence 7

 

Course Designer Helen West and Course Advisor Helen West

 

Fence 5abc brush ‘C’ to hanging log to arrowhead brush

Tickets for the newly awarded regular competition up to CCI4* level, the Bicton International Horse Trials (25 – 28 May 2023) are now on sale.  Originally hosted as a replacement event for Bramham Horse Trials in 2021 it has now become an ongoing fixture on the eventing calendar and the team at Bicton Arena are thrilled to have been awarded this high-profile event.

Bicton Arena will be the destination for many top horses and riders across the weekend, bringing together some fiercely competitive combinations. If you usually have the Badminton blues by the end of May, why not top up on your eventing fix in this beautiful part of the South West of England.

Bicton Arena is part of the Clinton Devon Estate, the home of Lord and Lady Clinton and the Arena welcomes a footfall in excess of 75,000 to its venue every year. Competitors from one horse amateurs to World-Class riders all enjoy a packed timetable of activities.

Bicton Arena Manager, Andrew Fell commented on what spectators can expect; “This event will host a huge number of potential 2024 Olympians – it’s a perfect step on the pathway in preparation for selection.  Some of the most elegant, athletic and majestic horses will be showing what they are made of in all three phases, dressage, show jumping and super exciting cross country through the beautiful Bicton parkland. We will also have a large trade stand area and the best of the South West’s catering.”

Andrew goes on to say “Bicton Arena is a destination event that many aspire to. Our sport is unique, you can, as an amateur find yourself competing against some of the best in the world such as William Fox-Pitt or the world number one and two husband and wife team Tim and Jonelle Price.”

Make sure you book your tickets now on our website here and take advantage of our advanced ticket offers. Under 12’s will benefit from free entry and there are camping options available, although spaces are limited, so don’t hang around!

It was an autumnal affair at Bicton for the last British Eventing fixture for the season where there were prizes and awards aplenty as the schedule included the ever-popular BE90 and BE100 3 Day Events, both sponsored by NAF.

Bicton Arena’s Manager Andrew Fell commented “What a fantastic weekend of competition we have had here at Bicton and congratulations to all the winners – what an outstanding end to our busy season!”

Having broken her hand a couple of weeks ago Harriet Dickin’s preparation had been a little difficult, but it was no less than a fantastic result for her and the very special, Custer of the West taking the win in the NAF BE100 3DE. Harriet commented, “It’s brilliant, to win two years in a row on two different horses is amazing. He’s a very special horse who has retrained after his career in racing and his owner, Liz Prowting, has been incredible to stand by and support him throughout.”

Harriet & Custer of the West

Taking top spoils in the Rathbones CCI3*-S was Padraig McCarthy and Pomp N Circumstance who topped the leaderboard on a score of 31.1. Padraig commented on his win, “I was really thrilled to win an international class at Bicton as it’s one of my favourite venues on the eventing circuit and it is generally a happy hunting ground for my horses. Pomp N Circumstance was 2nd in the 2*L last Autumn he’s an exciting prospect for next year and beyond. All of my other horses went well very well during the week and we picked up some placings too. Hats off to Andrew Fell and his great team for running a fantastic event as always.”

In the Prestige Italia CCI2*-L Laura Schroter and Marengo Bonaparte took first place, as did Georgia Bartlett and La Paz W and Katie Thomas and Cefnpant Iolo in their respective CCI2*-S sections, both sponsored by Symonds & Sampson.

Padraig McCarthy & Pomp N Circumstance

Andrew continued, “A huge thanks to all of our sponsors; Prestige Italia, Symonds & Sampson, Rathbones, Mitchell & Webber Ltd, NAF, Redpost Equestrian, Wyvern Equestrian, Hi Ho Silver and Darts Farm who so generously supported the event.”

Class Results

NAF BE90 3DE

Katie Mathias and Lodor Carl

NAF BE90 Open 3DE

Helen Buckland and Zia’s Zavitas

BE90 3DE Team

Dorset Crew (Janine Paterson, Miguel Catela, Belinda Payne and Charlotte Walters)

NAF BE100 3DE

Harriet Dickin and Custer of the West

NAF BE100 Open 3DE

Poppy Burner and Uncle Desmond

BE100 3DE Team

South West Dream Team (Austyn Perry, Charlie Piper, Neha Walker and Poppy Burner)

Rathbones CCI3*-S

Padraig Mccarthy (IRE) and Sarah Gough’s eight-year-old gelding, Pomp N Circumstance.

Prestige Italia CCI2*-L.

Laura Schroter (GBR) and Marengo Bonaparte

Mitchell & Webber CCI2*-S

Section B Georgia Bartlett and Georgie Paske and Katie Bartlett’s La Paz W

Symonds & Sampson CCI2*-S

Section H Katie Thomas and her own Cefnpant Iolo

Full results can be found here: www.eventingscores.co.uk

 

For many of us these 3DE classes result in us stabling away from home with our horses, ponies and team mates.  A large list ensues with many different requirements, from nutrition to your tack, rugs, bedding, mucking out tools and so much more. While all these items are essential to make the sleep over as comfortable as possible, the importance of your horse or pony’s nutrition must take priority.

As with us, when we book an overnight stay we can be a little unsure what we are to expect, whether the stay will live up to our expectations and when we arrive if we feel comfortable to enjoy a restful night’s sleep.  Our horses and ponies don’t have the advantage of knowing where they have booked and so the sleep over can be quite stressful, a new stable, different friends, strange smells and noises can make it hard for them to settle and as a result they may deliver a fatigued performance.

It is therefore our job to help make them feel as comfortable as possible, this can be delivered through nutrition, with options to help support the fussier feeders.

THE STAY

Most temporary stables are 3m x 3m which in equine terms is just short of a 10 x 10ft box, quite a few are fitted with weave bars or a “V” grill which allows the horse to look out, while some have a complete frame.

There are not many that provide buckets and it is wise to take your own and remove the ones provided.  The bucket may have been used by a horse or pony with a compromised immune system, it also may have previously contained NSAID’s that could result in a positive test – remember the BRC complies with BEFAR[1], a Clean Sport system to determine anti-doping regulation and controlled medication.  This is in force across all FEI equestrian sports and the BRC takes a firm standing to comply with these guidelines.

PACKING THE TRUCK

Basic Requirements

• Wheelbarrow
• Mucking out tools
• Bedding (2 bags of shavings should be sufficient to fill a 10 x 10m)
• Filled haynets (or bags of hay / haylage to last the duration)
• Water bucket
• Feed bowl
• Hard feed
• Supplements
• Water (always good to take some from ‘home’)

For the Horse

• Rugs (including a turnout rug in case of wet weather
• Tack
• Competition gear
• Tack cleaning kit
• Water
• Shoe removal kit
• Grooming kit
• Plaiting kit

For the Rider

• Competition gear
• Overnight sustenance (food, drinks, bedding)
• Clothing for all weathers – we all know what changeable weather can be like – take plenty of spares!

SAVE YOURSELF FROM A NUTRITION NIGHTMARE

We know that nutrition is key to performance, and we have to factor in what our horse or pony becomes when they arrive at a one-day competition.

Do they get stressed?  Do they need an energy boost?  Are they more or less rideable than usual?

Then we have to include in this “normal” behaviour, what they are likely to be feeling with the overnight stay.

THE STAY AWAKER

For the majority, most tend to be more alert than when at home, adjusting to the new stable with different smells, sights and sounds to adapt to.  For these it is important to help support them nutritionally in order for them to relax and settle into their stay, without the lack of rest hindering performance, these are “the stay awakers”.

Address the stress

NAF recommend Five Star Magic.

Magnesium and calcium have to work together to ensure correct muscle contraction and relaxation occurs.  While calcium helps muscles to tense, magnesium helps to relax the muscle, however in a moment of stress, calcium will become higher in the cells themselves and it is magnesium’s job to rebalance the cell.

Assisting magnesium there are many supporting herbs that when offered in the right combination work towards the regulation of nervous tension and help support trainability.

Settle their tummy

With irregular feeding patterns and more time spent investigating their new surroundings, the digestive system may well become compromised and impede performance.  Most horses eat for around 14 hours + a day which helps to retain a healthy digestion, adequately capable of buffering stomach acid and absorbing nutrients through feed to deliver their best performance.

NAF recommend Instant Biotics

When this routine is interrupted you can support by offering nutrients for acid build up and top up with instant biotics to help address the microbiome fast, ultimately settling their tummy.  For most of us we look to address daily gut support which is again why as with stress, a top up for their daily quota can prove beneficial.

THE TOTAL DOZER

There are some that enjoy the privilege of going away, it can mean enjoying the snack of fresh grass from the floor of their new stable, preserved forage unlike what is offered at home and lots and lots of attention and treats!  Meet, ‘the total dozers’.

Wake them up

NAF recommend EnerG Shot

Refocusing their attention on the task in hand can be a trial in itself which is why it is always worth being able to provide a little energy nutritionally.  Rather than offering a high starch offering of oats, look towards the right vitamins and trace elements, this can include electrolytes.  As essential salts are lost through sweat we must top them up to ensure correct bodily function.  The metabolism of energy itself is underpinned by the presence of copper and zinc while vitamin B complexes support the health and efficiency of red blood cells.

AND…ACTION

Keeping everything looking clean and fresh, including yourself with an overnight stay can be a daunting task. It is always useful no matter what colour you have to contend with to carry a great stain remover, one that really can get the muck off effortlessly, it may save getting the area too wet and not having the time to dry.

‘Jelly hands’ can be a sign of nerves – which is only normal, but trying to plait the morning of, can be a real challenge, some help with grip and ease of plaiting thanks to unique plaiting sprays can help you achieve plaiting genius!

For those that event, applying after cross country a cooling clay will help to support sound tight, clean legs during the overnight period. Make sure you have a clay that is as easy to apply as it is to wash off without being too abrasive. You can also enjoy a refreshing wash off with a cooling wash to support cleansing, cooling and revitalising the coat.

Finally, to help keep you both looking pristine, look for a fast acting leather cleanser and cleaner that you can simply wipe over tack and boots to give you that last minute shine!

To discuss any nutritional queries you may have about staying away and retaining that all important performance, please do not hesitate to contact NAF using our FREE Nutritional Advice Line. Call 0800 373 106 or email [email protected].

[1] BEFAR = BEF Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Rules

Last weekend Bicton Arena hosted the Redpost Equestrian Senior Home International competition which welcomed 27 teams from all over the country to compete for the coveted Senior Home International team trophy. The competition see’s teams of three or four horses complete tests at varying levels from Novice to Prix St George, culminating in a total team score.

“It was a brilliant competition and the atmosphere amongst competitors was fantastic all weekend. A huge thanks to Redpost Equestrian who supplied prizes for the team competition and individual classes, along with goody bags too” commented Bicton Arena Manager, Andrew Fell.

Prizes kindly supplied by Redpost Equestrian

The winning South & West team named Donald, comprised of Lucy Baker, Alison Luscombe, Alys Matravers and Clare Deithrick took top place on the team podium with a grand total mark of 408.74% after two days of incredibly close competition, second and third places were made up by North & West – Sapphire (402.73%) and South & West – Danger (400.03%).

L-R North & West Sapphire (2nd place), South & West Donald (1st place), South & West Danger (3rd place)

Lucy Baker, part of the winning South & West team, had a fantastic show taking a duo of wins in the team competition and the Individual Elementary, she commented, “With the South & West being the host for this year’s Home International I am very proud to be able to say that the Bicton team did the most amazing job. It’s a massive dressage event with teams coming from as far away as Scotland. From start to finish every aspect ran like clockwork.

Lucy continued, “The icing on the cake is that it’s set in the most beautiful of surroundings, and I feel it’s a privilege to be able to compete there.  I speak on behalf of myself and my fellow teammates in saying we had the most wonderful of weekends, and would like to thank you Bicton, and everyone that made this possible.”

Lucy Baker and Last Dancer

Full results from the show can be found on Bicton Arena website here.

Bicton Arena’s July showjumping show (7 – 16 July 2022) was a showjumping extravaganza seeing over 1,000 horses compete during the two weeks and over 1,400 rounds in the main arena.

“We had a fantastic entry for our July show and despite the warm conditions the horses and riders coped well with the extra provisions put in place by our fantastic show team here at Bicton. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to the team who once again pulled out all the stops to make the show the perfect setting for both amateur and professional riders,” commented Bicton Arena Manager, Andrew Fell.

Angie Thompson, had a fantastic show with several wins including the Kitchen at Combe 1.40m Grand Prix and the Naked Horse Senior 1.45m Grand Prix, “We had a super tour with all of them, we got a couple of HOYS tickets and Grand Prix winners. I love Bicton Arena, it’s a tradition for us and we have been going for years since I was on ponies in fact! The ground was superb, I follow the county shows so being able to jump on such a perfect grass arena is brilliant. Having grass and surface arenas means there are always options if the weather changes – it caters for everything, and the show can carry on!”

 

 

Ashley Pulleyn, the joint winner of the Naked Horse Six Bar Challenge said, “Bicton is always a great show, everyone travels from afar to jump on an arena like that. Winning there always makes it that much better. We will be back at the end of the season, it’s just such a fun show. The whole team at Bicton Arena are a delight.”

 

“I had a really successful show and was in the money at least 40 times! The prize money was always great too and the show has a perfect spread of classes from 80cms to 1.50m for all horses,” added John Crippen who brought 19 horses to the show with his wife.

 

 

Local rider Chris Burton who has recently made the change from his illustrious five star winning eventing career solely to the showjumping arena, won the Chedington Equestrian Area Trial on the chestnut stallion Dantino B.

 

 

Full results from the show can be found on Equipe.  We look forward to welcoming you to our next British Showjumping show in September.

Bicton Arena’s Pony Premier show that took place earlier in June provided a weekend of fantastic competition spirit and excellent riding. A packed schedule of classes saw some epic jump offs with a wealth of deserving winners.

 

The show included a 128cm qualifier for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), sponsored by Blossom Home Care Franchising, the win was taken by Agnes Kerr, riding 18-year-old grey gelding Taggarts Express, “I’ve ridden at Horse of the Year Show before in showing but it’s been my dream to qualify to showjump there.  My pony gave me his all today I’m so pleased with him.”

 

 

Katie Bradburne riding 13-year-old grey mare Dolly Du Carel won the T & D Barrs Plumbing and Heating Ltd. HOYS 138cm qualifier, “It feels so amazing to have won the HOYS qualifier but it being at Bicton made it even better! I am absolutely thrilled to have won my second qualifier this year being one of four treble clears in the class.  I am already halfway through my last year on ponies, which is heart-breaking but moments like these make me feel even more lucky to have her. Dolly loves competing and always knows when she is in a big class – she gets so excited! I would also like to thank T and D Barrs Plumbing and Heating Ltd for sponsoring the class.”

The Pony Showjumper of the Year was split between three riders: Harriet Hodge, Tilly Bamford and Phoebe Farman, due to the weather not playing ball, resulting in the jump off being withdrawn from the competition.

Tabitha Kyle took a double win with Oakley III, owned by Lucinda Campbell in the Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Second Round and the Foxhunter Second Round, both supported by Redpost Equestrian.

Bicton Arena Manager Andrew Fell, added “Thank you to everyone who made the Pony Premier possible, our sponsors, my fantastic team and, of course, our enthusiastic ponies and riders.”

Full results can be found here

Thank you to ESP Photography for the images.

A fabulous weekend of competition was had at the Bicton Arena Horse Trials (1) this weekend (22-24 April) set in the stunning grade one listed parkland at Bicton Park, Devon, owned by Lord and Lady Clinton.

 

 

 

Selina Milnes and Iron IV took the honours in the Rathbones Advanced Intermediate following an influential showjumping phase, finishing on a score of 37.6, “We could really see that the Bicton team had put in a lot of effort with the ground and the fences were dressed well. Bentley (Iron IV) was full of it, he ate up the cross country course and was really open and forward. It was a great final prep run before Badminton next week,” said Selina about the 13-year-old gelding owned by Mr William Rucker.

It was a successful weekend for the Bristol based event rider who also came second in the Symonds & Sampson Open Intermediate Section G on Cooley Snapchat followed by another second in the NAF BE100 Section N on six-year-old Cooley Capri.

 

 

Former British and European U21 Champion Phoebe Locke had a double of wins at the weekend firstly with MGH Oat Cake owned by Thomas Vicary, a 28.5 double clear put them in the top spot of the PKF Novice Section B. “I’m so happy with this horse, he really showed the class I know he has, it’s only our third event together and it was fantastic to have his owners there to watch him,” said the Royal Wootton Bassett based young event rider.

 

 

Her second win of the weekend was with her own 19-year-old Pica D’Or winning the Symonds & Sampson Open Intermediate, leading from the start with a dressage score of 27.3.  Phoebe commented, “Pic really is the most incredible horse ever, he is out of this world and still keeps me on my toes all day, I’m so proud of him.”

Event Director and Bicton Arena Manager Andrew Fell, added “What a weekend of competition we have had at Bicton, the team did an amazing job and worked so hard to make sure the ground was perfect – we put a quarter of a million litres of water down on Thursday. We were pleased to see our hard work had paid off as we watched some fantastic cross country rounds including the likes of Olympics gold medalists Laura Collett and Tom McEwen on their Badminton hopefuls, London 52 and Toledo De Kerser. We look forward to seeing you all again at our next British Eventing competition 30 -31^st July.”

Full results can be found here.

Images thanks to Jayphotos

It’s full steam ahead this year for Bicton Arena as current sponsor Ariat extends its sponsorship portfolio at the South West’s leading equestrian venue by sponsoring the Newbury Arena which will now be named the Ariat Arena.

This will be the second year Ariat joins Bicton Arena’s family of sponsors, extending their support to become the new face of one of the venues popular grass arenas, where many derby and showjumping classes take place.  The well-known international equestrian, country, western and work footwear, apparel, and accessories brand, provides a wide range of equestrian athletes with the best and advanced technology, alongside supporting many professional riders that compete at Bicton.

Melanie Selman,  Ariat’s European Marketing Manager added, “We’ve partnered with Bicton on both venue and event-based sponsorships for the last year and are delighted to now expand this sponsorship to the Ariat Arena.  We’re incredibly excited to see riders at all levels training and competing at Bicton and wish them every success for the coming year.”

Bicton Arena Manager,  Andrew Fell commented, “We are so grateful to Ariat for extending their support. Our team at Bicton have worked with Ariat on numerous occasions since last year and to know they will be one of our leading sponsors is great news to start 2022.  We cannot wait for this year to get underway along with the newly named Ariat Arena.”

Find out more about Ariat here: www.ariat.com/gb/en