2019 may be over, but there were plenty of moments to savour. Here’s a round-up of history-making action from the equine world last year.
Celebrations for Pippa
Sixteen years after her first and last win at Burghley Horse Trials, an emotional crowd watched as Pippa Funnell took this eventing crown once again by a sliver of a margin.
Riding MGH Grafton Street, only 0.1 of a penalty separated Pippa from second-placed Piggy French riding Vanir Kamira.
In her post-event interview, Pippa said she had been terrified when she arrived at the event and she couldn’t understand why she was still putting herself through such stresses. Reassuring to know that even the best have wobbles.
Shining in the spotlight (again)
For the seventh time in her showing career, Jayne Ross took the coveted Supreme Horse of the Year title at HOYS riding Jill Marden’s impeccable heavyweight hunter Twinshock Warrior.
Brits settle for silver in Luhmühlen
The British eventing team had us on the edge of our seats in September, hardly daring to watch as they rode for their lives at the European Championships.
Tina Cook, Pippa Funnell, Olivia Townend and Piggy French battled to the end, but were just pipped for gold by the Germans. Team GBR was delighted with silver – that’s 17 European team medals now.
Tim would be proud
In 2018 we were all very saddened to hear about the death of legendary show jumper Tim Stockdale.
A year on and we’re extremely pleased and grateful to his son Joe who has taken over where his dad left off. Stepping in to run the yard and ride the talented horses, Joe is already racking up plenty of success.
Piggy’s in unstoppable form
During a nail-biting four days of excitement at Badminton Horse Trials in May, Piggy French took a much deserved first CC15* victory on Vanir Kamira.
Piggy’s fantastic season didn’t stop there, however, with highlights including a whopping 15 international wins. She even scooped the red rosette from the Blenheim CC14*, plus a team silver medal at the European Championships and second place at Burghley.
And as if that wasn’t enough, she also got married. Along with her (now husband) Tom March, the guests were lured to what they thought was a Badminton party, only to be ushered into buses for the journey to the church. What style!
Young Irishman sets Derby record
Irish rider Michael Pender had lots to celebrate at the Hickstead Derby this year.
Not only did he and Hearton Du Bois Halleux take the top spot ( a much soufght-after title and £34,650 in prize-money), but he also became the youngest winner in the 59-year history of this famous showjumping class.
At just 19 years of age, this was Michael’s first Derby victory, but it may not be his last.
Racetrack star wins in the show ring
We love seeing ex-racehorses come good, and this one certainly did. Grandeur was trained by Jeremy Noseda and won an impressive £591,223 in his 10 races on the flat.
His new career as a show horse has been just as successful. Ridden by Jo Bates, he had his moment in the spotlight at HOYS, scooping the top spot in the 2019 SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse final.
Doing good work
The number of horses and ponies being abandoned, abused or handed over to equine charities sadly shows no sign of letting up. Thankfully charities are committed to helping as many as they can in the UK and worldwide. Achievements in 2019 included:
World Horse Welfare:
242 horses rescued
268 horses rehomed
The RSPCA:
798 horses rescued
209 horses rehomed
Blue Cross:
207 horses rescued
207 horses rehomed
The Brooke:
1.7 million horses, donkeys and mules helped across the world
Number of equine communities worked with: 8,763
4,237 equine healthcare providers educated
We look forward to seeing what 2020 has in store — from all of us hear at Your Horse magazine, Happy New Year!
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