HORSE TALK

Press, 14 August 1976, Page 18

HORSE TALK

Popular A.though the New Zealand show jumping team has not had the best of luck since arriving in England, it was described in Peter Churchill’s preview of the Royal International Show at Wembley, as one of the most popular teams to come from this country, “in the collecting ring,” wrote Churchill, “one could not meet a nicer bunch of sportsmen.” It is to the great credit of John Cottle. Joe Yorke and Harvey Wilson, that they have been such good equestrian ambassadors for New Zealand, in spite of the numerous disappointments and frustrating problems which have beset them. Their sportsmanship and dedication should prove an inspiration to our riders of to-day, many of whom are only too willing to blame the organisers, the course planners, the instructors. the judges, or even the workers, for their mistakes and misfortunes. Riders and parents. before they grumble about the hopeless organisation, should consider the many voluntary man hours of work achieved on their behalf. They might then be more willing to assist in the success of the numerous events throughout the year. Montreal Although luck was not with Big Red and Joe Yorke at Montreal, their performance was a praiseworthy one. The horse looked fit and well and performed creditably over a testing course. The two young Auckland boys, Mark Sullivan (Kochab) and Geoff W'orker (On Target), who travelled to England on a private venture, have gradually been improving their performances, and after two good wins against some top overseas riders, they were invited to compete at the Dublin Show, all expenses paid. Wembley At the Royai International Horse Show, John Cottle and Rifleman jumped well in an exciting speed competition, the Lancia Stakes. Rifleman held the lead with a clear round in 57.6, until he was robbed of victory by the last competitor.

the West German rider, Wolfgang Kun, who jumped a clear round in 57.2, on Palermo.

Major events at the Royal Internationa! had some exciting finishes. In the Queen Elizabeth II Cup. Britain’s two leading women riders, Caroline Bradley on Marius and Marion Mould on Elizabeth Ann, had an exciting jump off against the clock. Marius, first to go, was clear in 33sec. Mrs Mould, hoping for a third win in this event, flew round with her horse beautifully balanced, to win in 29.95ec. The King Georve V Gold Cup was won by a comparatively young horse, Chain Bridge, ridden by Mike Saywell. The junior championship was won by Harvey Smith’s son, Robert, who, riding Mr Punch, jumped a clear round in the fastest time in the jump off. It was interesting to note that third place matter Champ VI, ridden by Clair Johnsey, was the pony on which the British Olympic representative at Montreal, Debbie Johnsey, first made a name for himself. Exports The former Canterbury mare. Jane yre, continues to jump well for Greg Chapman in Australia. After winning the grand prix at the Castle Hill show, she was des-

cribed as an outstanding young mare of enormous potential. This brilliant mare must be Australia’s gain and New Zealand’s loss. Another former Canterbury horse doing well in the dressage discipline is Moreland, which won the Elementary test 26 in the New South Wales dressage championships when ridden by Rainer Nist. Jim Delamont, the New South Wales rider who impressed with his riding when judging at Rangiora. had a successful tournament, winning the novice 11 on Shannondoah, and both the elementary 28 and medium 32 on Madorama Shanight. Measuring The annual measuring day will be held at the Addington Showgrounds, on Sunday, August 22, at 8.30 a.m. As from this year, life certificates for horses or ponies, seven years or more, will only be issued to ‘hose that have been branded. This is a Royal Agricultural Society' ruling. Horse and ponies, seven years or more, not branded, may be issued an annual certificate as dispensation for this year only. This was passed at the R.A.S. meeting, to enable owners to organise their brands for next year’s measuring day,

when life certificates will be compulsory. Life certificates already issued are still valid, and life certificate holders are not required to be remeasured. As branding older aninals is a somewhat unpleasant procedure, it is hoped that the breeders will get on with the job and start branding their stock at home. Owners with horses or ponies already branded, and requiring a life certificate, must notify Mrs, D. Grade promptly as the veterinary surgeon or blacksmith will not be in attendance for life certificates, unless warranted. Annual certificates are issued to horses and ponies between three and seven years. Young stock of less than three years may be measured for day certificates only at the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Show. All ponies jumping in F.E.I. events are required to be measured. For pony competitions, an R.A.S. height certificate must be produced at the same time as the performance card. If the height certificate cannot be produced, the prize money wi.. be withheld. A height certificate must be produced within 14 days or the prize money will be forfeited, However, forfeited prize money will count for grading.