Posts Tagged :

Young Horse

John Whitaker Al Shira'aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships 2023
Mark Edwards Dominates International Classes at Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships 1024 683 Daniel Shires

Mark Edwards Dominates International Classes at Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships

Whilst the focus of the week was very much on the cream of Great Britain’s young horses, the CSI 1 and 2 star classes saw fierce competition, many with nearly 100 competitors go head to head. Speed was the name of the game, and flying Welshman Mark Edwards clocked up a massive seven international wins out of the 19 classes.

John Whitaker, ambassador to Bolesworth’s official feed partner Dodson & Horrell campaigned some of his young horses in both the International and Young Horse Classes, in particular Three Coynes – an 8yo bred by Simon Coyne and owned by John and Claire that caught our eye – an 8yo by John’s former ride Argento, who scored some impressive places in the Dodson & Horrell sponsored CSI 2* series.

John said: “Dodson & Horrell have been a long standing partner of mine, and I trust that their products support the intense needs of my string of horses that have a demanding schedule of competition around the globe.”

CSI 1* International Round Up of Class Winners:
One to single out was Rebekah Burton, who partnered former CCI 5* winner Wesko to victory in Sunday’s 1.05m; better known as Tim Price’s top ride who won Lluhmuhlen CCI 5* in 2014, it’s lovely to see him enjoying so much success in his new career.

CSI 1* 1.05m series Sponsored by Hughes Brothers Kubota
Thursday: Aisling Byrne & Bronson De Reve
Saturday: Georgia Cabb & Ebrusa
Sunday: Rebekah Burton & Ebrusa

CSI 1* 1.15m Series Sponsored by Bucas
Thursday (Class split due to entries):
Mark Edwards & Gaetano Mustard | Lauren Coulthard & Classique Morinda
Friday (Class split due to entries):
Mark Edwards & Gaetano Mustard | Tom Harrison & Killer Queen
Sunday: Mark Edwards & Jafabalou

CSI 1* 1.25m series Sponsored by Helite UK
Wednesday: Mark Edwards & Casque D’Or
Thursday: Emma Maguire & Master Geronimo
Saturday: Tallulah Mackenzie Smith – Karaibes

CSI 2* 1.30m series Sponsored by LeMieux
Wednesday: Lara Whiteway & Novita Jovial Z
Friday: Ben Walker & Fugo Van D’Ouwe Grint
Saturday: Madison Heath & Ivory

CSI2* 1.35m series sponsored by Dodson & Horrell
Friday: Ruby Barrs & Manzana de Rigo
Saturday: Mark Edwards & Ede Peasy
Sunday: Emily Ward & Millioninmind

CSI 2* Grand Prix series sponsored by EvetDrug
Thursday: Mark Edwards & Flying Tinker II
Friday: Philip Spivey & Billy Pearl
Sunday: Mark Edwards & Flying Tinker II

Finally, we enjoyed the Natural Flake Woodshavings Ride & Drive on Saturday night and saw 1* winner Lauren Coulthard take victory along with Toni Potts in the driving seat, with Bolesworth International Ride & Drive winner Jay Halim taking runner up spot with Al Shira’aa Sport Director Sami Kettle showing some serious speed behind the wheel!

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of our partners involved, and a huge well done to all our winners.

For full results from he event, please visit equipe.com.

Will Whittaker at Al Shiraa Bolesworth Young Horse Show 2023
2023 Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships Round-Up 1024 683 Daniel Shires

2023 Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships Round-Up

Five days of fantastic equestrian sport were served up at the 2023 Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships from 16 – 20 August at Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire.

4yo Final Sponsored by Ashdale Sports Horses
59 four-year-olds qualified for the final by jumping a clear in one of the two qualifiers.  25 horses jumped clear in round one of the final, which put them through to a style and performance round judged by William and Pippa Funnell. Marks were awarded for technique, rideability and general x-factor, with points deducted for fences down.

Local Rider Tony French took the honours with his own and Danielle Ryder’s Urban Legend Z. The Untouchable 27 x Nabab De Reve Gelding was bred by Willem Van Hoof, and to William and Pippa looked just the type you could imagine cantering into a world class ring in the future. 18 horses and riders shared the double clear £2000 bonus. Runner-up spot was taken by the striking stallion High Offley The Colour of Money (By Fernando), owned and bred by Pat Morris from the High Offley stud.  Taking third place was Rachel Proudley with the Impressive VDL stallion Ohorn Van De Renvillehoeve.

5yo Final Sponsored by Dallamires Stables
The 5yo classes were dominated by Joe Trunkfield who won the second qualifier on Sing Z, before finishing as the overall champion on the Copycat Z x Contact VD Heffinck gelding (owned by Joe). The top British-bred award went to third placed Lucy Townley and Billy At Last, bred by Donal Barnwell, and the £4000 triple clear bonus was shared by Joe Trunkfield with Sing Z, Nicole Lockhead Anderson with Quanthago PS, Angel Tough with Nicole IV, James Ingham with Vandro B, plus Ben Bick with Top Star C.

6yo Final Sponsored by Windmill Farm Estate
The 6yo classes were dominated by Ben Bick from start to finish! The first qualifier saw him win with Michelob, who qualified for Lanaken as a five-year-old last year.  He took the top spot in qualifier 2 with Rhodiamant Roxanne and ended up taking the 6yo Final with NFS Corluga. Owned and bred by John Renwick, NFS Corluga was also the top British-bred, by Cornet Obolensky out of Laura’s top mare Beluga (Heartbreaker). The £4000 triple clear bonus was shared between Ben Bick (with NFS Corluga) and Joe Trunkfield with Verdettes Cicero.

7yo Final Sponsored by Al Shira’aa
The 7yo classes saw world class jumping throughout the week. Ben Bick took another victory in the first qualifier with Diamonds Diabolo Z, and Nicole Pavitt took the lead in qualifier 2 with Q-Pleasure Van Seven Oaks. However, it was Will Whitaker with Niel Fiddes’ Lancaster that took the final with the fastest of three double clears in the final jump off. Lancaster is by Tangelo Van Zuuthoeve and bred by The Vanderbosch family. The only combination to jump consistent clear rounds throughout the show, taking the Triple Clear round bonus was Serena Kullich on her own British-bred Benfield’s Victory, by Billy Congo, and bred by Daren Ward.

EvetDrug CSI 2* Grand Prix
60 combinations qualified for yesterday’s 1.45m LR Grand Prix.  Raf Suarez continued a fantastic week that resulted in four clears: Chris Smith and Messarado Blue, 2022’s winners Carmen Edwards and Happy Valerie, Jennifer Billington and Flipper Darco UK Z, plus Mark Edwards and Flying Tinker II, followed by three clears with time penalties: Billy Twomey Diego Del Caribe, John Whitaker and new ride Donna Pascale, plus Chloe Winchester & Jupiter. The rest of the 15 that came forward to the jump-off brought forward four faults, other than Lorraine Lock and Artisan with five.

A very fast jump off finished with Mark Edwards last to go and taking the podium with his homebred Flying Tinker II, now owned by Marlene Edwards. Jennifer Billington jumped a super clear round to finish a close second, with Billy Towmey third, finishing on his single time penalty from round one, Chloe Winchester in fourth, finishing on two time penalties just quicker than fifth-placed John Whitaker, who also finished on his two time penalties carried forward from the first round. Quickest of the four faulters from round one was Oliver Fletcher who scored the fastest round of the class and finished 6th.

Nina Barbour, Managing Director of Bolesworth said: “We’d like to give a huge thank you to the Al Shira’aa team for their support during the week. The team had some great rounds and results, including an impressive first round in the 4yo final by Jason Fitzpatrick and Al Shira’aa-owned stallion King Leon Z.

“We would like to extend huge congratulations to Mikey Pender and Chacco Bay,who finished 3rd in the 1.50m jump-off on Sunday at the Valkenswaard Global Champions Tour.  This result is a huge testament to the programme of breeding and production that they have established in the UK.”

Full results for the entire week can be found at www.equipe.com. For more information about future events at Bolesworth, visit www.bolesworth.com.

Bolesworth Elite Auction presented by Gallagher
Friday 18th August saw 23 lots come forward including two embryos. The sale was a huge success for British Breeders, with 19 lots selling on the night.

The top price foal, JZ Coralina C (a filly by Cornet Obolensky out of world class mare Arera C) was purchased live at the auction, the hammer dropping at £47,000. Three British-bred horses scored the three next highest prices; Tornado De Wellbury (Colt – Toulon x Cento – £25,000), Just Call Me Love (Filly – Heartbreaker x Indoctro – £25,000) and Cristo De Wellbury (Colt – Cornet Obolensky x Baloubet Du Rouet – £26,000).

For more information about Bolesworth Elite Auctions, visit www.boleswortheliteauctions.com.

We now look forward to the 2024 Al Shira’aa Horse Show, taking place in Al Ain from January 9 to 14. This will be the seventh edition of the show, which under the vision, patronage and guidance of HH SSheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Honorary President, the event has grown from strength to strength showcasing the best horses and riders from all over the globe. For more information visit www.alshiraahorseshow.com.

Bolesworth Elite Foal Auction Set to Break Underbidders Hearts This Friday! 1024 683 Daniel Shires

Bolesworth Elite Foal Auction Set to Break Underbidders Hearts This Friday!

An exclusive collection of elite foals and implanted embryos from black-type dams will be auctioned at Bolesworth this Friday 18 August at 8.30pm.

The Bolesworth Elite Foal Auction presented by Gallagher takes place during the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships, taking place at the historic Cheshire castle from 16 – 20 August.

The auction will commence with two charity lots offering semen for Ecclestone Z and Chacco Bay, in aid of Nature’s Safe, the charity masterminded by Tullis Matson.  These will be followed by two implanted embryos and 22 foals, with the foals available to view online now or in-person at the show from 17 August. An official preview will take place in the Bolesworth International Arena on Thursday evening at approx. 8.30pm, available to watch live on ClipMyHorse.tv.

Nina Barbour, Managing Director of Bolesworth said: “It’s an absolute privilege for the Bolesworth team and I to be showcasing this exclusive collection of foals and embryos out of black-type dams, destined for the top of equestrian sport.

“Not only are these foals out of seriously well-related dams, many of whom have competed at the highest level of sport, we have some of the best sires ever represented in this collection.

“It’s a Bolesworth first to be presenting a direct Heartbreaker foal, together with legends Chacco Blue, Diamant De Semilly, Cornet Obolensky, Aganix De Seigneur, and the late Conthargos represented to name a few.”

To view the collection and to register to bid online, visit www.boleswortheliteauctions.com

The five-day Al Shira’aa Bolesworth International Horse Championship is free* to attend and showcase’s the UK’s rising talent as they compete for their place at the World Breeding Championships at Lanaken, Belgium in September. Top international names such John Whitaker, William & Pippa Funnell, Billy Twomey and others will be competing in international showjumping, with 1.45m Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon.

There’ll also be equestrian and lifestyle shopping, food, drink, kids activities and a dog zone with have a go agility.

*Please note a parking charge applies. Buy online ahead of the event for just £5 plus fees, or £10 on the gate.Find out more at www.bolesworthyounghorse.com

Five Days of Free Equestrian Sport at the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships 1024 512 Daniel Shires

Five Days of Free Equestrian Sport at the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships

Horse-lovers are invited to enjoy five days of world class showjumping with free general admission at Bolesworth this summer.

Taking place from 16 – 20 August near Chester, the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships incorporate the Official British Showjumping Qualifiers for the World Breeding Championships in Lanaken, Belgium.

The event is set to attract the UK’s best young horse talent from across the country, ranging from 4yos to 7yos; they will run alongside International Showjumping at CSI1 &2* level, with feature classes including the Celebrity Ride & Drive on Saturday night and the CSI 2* 1.45m Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon.

In addition to the sport, there’ll be a full schedule of ringside VIP Hospitality overlooking the Main International Arena, a range of equestrian and lifestyle shops, together with premium food and drink outlets. Over the weekend, Farndon Dog Training will be offering have-a-go dog agility and family dog shows, plus a range of kid’s activities including fun fair rides aimed at young children.

The UAE tour incorporating the Al Shira’aa Horse Show earlier in 2023 was very successful for Al Shira’aa. The UAE team enjoyed the huge achievement of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics, helped by the contribution of up-and-coming Al Shira’aa Team members Abdulla Al Marri and Omar Al Marzouqi, who have had great success at this show in the past.

HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Al Nahyan, Chairwoman on the Board of Directors of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, The Fatima Bint Hazza Cultural Foundation and Honorary President of the Al Shira’aa Horse Show said: “Bolesworth and Al Shira’aa share synonymous values and vision when it comes to providing a world class event for owners, riders, horses and spectators. Being able to offer a qualifier for Lanaken and a bonus for British-bred horses is what makes this show so unique.

“I wish everyone the very best in your preparations for the greatest young horse event of the year.”

Samantha Kettle, Event Director of the Al Shira’aa Horse Show said: “Being a partner of Bolesworth is great for so many reasons, we have become a close-knit family and bounce off each other for ideas. The team at Bolesworth always put on a fantastic show for the horses, the sport and for the fun factor. We are very proud to support the best show in the United Kingdom, without this venue and the opportunity to qualify for Lanaken for British breeders we would be at a huge loss.

“This year we are excited to be promoting the CSI4*-W Al Shira’aa Horse Show which takes place in January 2024 and has had great success for the British over the years. Joe Whitaker was crowned our Longines Grand Prix winner in 2023 and we look forward to welcoming more riders from the UK.”

The 2022 CSI 2* Grand Prix saw local talent Carmen Edwards take the honours in an emotional win with home-produced Happy Valerie. This year’s winner will receive the opportunity to compete at the Al Shira’aa Horse Show in January 2024 with three horses, after Sheikha Fatima kindly offered to fly out a pallet of three horses for the winner of the Grand Prix, for what will truly be an opportunity of a lifetime to compete at these prestigious shows in Abu Dhabi.

Nina Barbour, Bolesworth Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming the Al Shira’aa team back to Bolesworth. We have a long-standing partnership, which aligns our values and standards, connecting our world class equestrian events together, partnering with the Abu Dhabi Horse show that takes place in January as part of the UAE tour. We also welcome all our equestrian fans to enjoy free admission to celebrate the sport against the stunning backdrop of Bolesworth Castle.”

Another feature will be the Bolesworth Elite Foal Auction presented by Gallagher, with official finance partner IFX Payments, taking place at 8.45pm on Friday 18 August. The auction will be a hybrid, accepting both live and online bids featuring an exclusive collection of foals from black-type dams that have been carefully selected by an expert panel, and is set to be the best yet. Sires include Chacco Blue, Heartbreaker, Diarado, Cornet Obolensky, Aganix, Conthargos and Diamant de Semilly, with direct dams including 1.60m performers Wild Rose, Parvati de Breve, Franka Trichta, and Arera C.

For more information about the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championship, visit www.bolesworthyounghorse.com. For information about the auction, visit www.boleswortheliteauctions.com.

Nicole Lockhead Anderson at Bolesworth
Bolesworth Champs at FEI World Breeding Championships 1024 512 Daniel Shires

Bolesworth Champs at FEI World Breeding Championships

The FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championships for Young Horses, hosted by Domain Zangersheide, are underway at Lanaken in Belgium.

An highlight on the showjumping calendar, the 27th edition of the event will see the best five, six and seven-year-old young horses compete for prestigious world titles. It also showcases the connection between sport, breeding and trade to a worldwide audience.

The competition starts today, the 22nd of September, with first qualifying for the three young horse classes and culminates with the finals this Sunday the 27th of September.

Thirty-one British athletes are contesting the championships, with 48 horses between them. Several horses and riders took part in the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships back in August, with the winners of the 6yo and 7yo final classes, namely Nicole Lockhead Anderson on Chac Boys Centura Ps and Olivia Gent with Brownheath Bodacious, earning their passage to Lanaken directly from Bolesworth.

Lockhead Anderson has six horses out in Belgium and Gent has two, in addition to their 6yo and 7yo horses, they also have horses in the 5yo class. Other showjumpers who competed at Bolesworth, and are representing Great Britain at the FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championships, include – amongst many – Leo Lamb on 6yo Gmail, Louise Saywell with 7yo Pheline Van ‘T Hageland, Nicole Pavitt and 7yo Noble Lord, John Crippen on 6yo Bennys Kelly, and Christopher Smith with One Gem.

When Lockhead Anderson won the Windmill Farm Estate 6yo final at Bolesworth, she said, “I went as fast as I could. Tom (Williams) said just go for it but make sure you’re clear. Luckily it paid off. I’ve been with Chac Boys since April she is so careful; she jumps every fence the same she’s got a very bright future and keeps stepping up. I’m very excited for Lanaken as I’ve never been.”

Gent with her own British bred gelding Brownheath Bodacious in the Al Shira’aa 7yo final said, “It’s a fantastic feeling, the stuff dreams are made of. I just hoped I was fast enough. I’m very excited to be heading to Lanaken, especially with my own British bred horse. It will be a lot of pressure, but it will be a great experience.”

In addition to the British riders competing over in Belgium, Al Shira’aa, title partner of the Bolesworth Young Horse Championships, has two horses entered who qualified at the August event. Abdullah Mohd Al Marri will jump with Casallcina Z in the 5yo class and Lucardo O in the 6yo.

Bolesworth’s managing director Nina Barbour added, “We are delighted that our Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships played an instrumental role in helping so many top-class British and UAE riders and horses make the journey to this huge event at Lanaken. We’re following their progress and wish each and every one of them the very best of luck – we look forward to seeing the medals!”

More information is available at www.lanaken.zangersheide.com

Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championship Ends on a High Note 1024 512 Daniel Shires

Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championship Ends on a High Note

The 2022 edition of the Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships delivered five phenomenal days of showjumping at its very best.

While the headline acts were the official British Showjumping Young Horse Championships, with qualifiers for the World Breeding Championships at Lanaken in September, the event culminated in an incredibly intense 2* Grand Prix, sponsored by Old Lodge Stud.

The final day hosted the Windmill Farm Estate 6yo and Al Shira’aa Farms 7yo Young Horse classes, which were won in tremendous style by Nicole Lockhead Anderson on Thomas Williams’ mare Chac Boys Centura Ps, and Olivia Gent on her own British bred gelding Brownheath Bodacious.

Then, saving the best ‘til last, Carmen Edwards on 10-year-old Happy Valerie, a mare owned jointly by his parents and Ian and Maddie Kellett, had a sensational last round in the Grand Prix to take the win ahead of Jack Whitaker by just half a second.

The Windmill Farm Estate 6yo final was the first big class of the day. Ninteen British-bred horses went through to the Jump-off, and Lockhead Anderson had three horses in the class, but it was Chac Boys Centura Ps who put her out front. “I went as fast as I could. Tom (Williams) said just go for it but make sure you’re clear. Luckily it paid off. I’ve been with Chac Boys since April she is so careful; she jumps every fence the same she’s got a very bright future and keeps stepping up. I’m very excited for Lanaken as I’ve never been.  Tom said we are going!”

The top British bred 6yo was Billy Mufsa, a mare from the Billy Stud ridden by Lottie Tutt.

Top four qualifiers:

1.Nicole Lockhead Anderson, GBR, Chac Boys Centura Ps (foreign)

2. Leo Lamb, GBR, Gmail (foreign)

3. John Crippen, GBR, Bennys Kelly (foreign)

4. Lottie Tutt, GBR, Billy Mufsa (British)

Olivia Gent with her own British bred gelding Brownheath Bodacious won the Al Shira’aa Farms 7yo final a stylish and strong performance. Just four British bred horses were through to the jump off and Gent was out front early in the round. “It’s a fantastic feeling, the stuff dreams are made of. I just hoped I was fast enough. I’m very excited to be heading to Lanaken, especially with my own British bred horse. It will be a lot of pressure, but it will be a great experience.

Top four qualifiers

1. Olivia Gent, GBR, Brownheath Bodacious (British)

2. Jake Saywell, GBR, Kabaya Lady (foreign)

3. Nicole Pavitt, GBR, Noble Lord (British)

4. Damien Charles, GBR, Presley OL (foreign)         

A jubilant Carmen Edwards with Happy Valerie took no prisoners as he edged Jack Whitaker on Scenletha and stormed out front in the final class of the day to be held in the Bolesworth International Arnea, namely, the Old Lodge Stud CSI2* Grand Prix.

Fifteen riders returned to the ring to ride against the clock. Four on four-faults, two on single time faults and nine on clears. Whitaker, on his dad’s mare, was the fourth of the clears to ride in the final round. He looked uber-smooth and, with a time of just 38.16 seconds, looked like a cert for the win. However, it was not to be as the partnership of Edwards and Happy Valerie was sensational. They made every line, every turn work and cleared the last fence with a Grand Prix-winning time of 37.47 sceonds. This was the first-ever 2* win for Edwards, from Dudleston Heath, and it clearly meant the world to him and his family.

“It’s the most marvellous feeling. I’m struggling for words. It’s what I’ve always wanted. The atmosphere was great. The arena’s great. The jumps were fantastic. It was just so extra special as we had family and friends here.

“We produce horses for a living so to be able to keep her, and now achieve something like this today, it means that all that hard work has paid off and I’ve accomplished something big. She’s a very sensitive mare and we just understand each other. I know what ticks and what works for her.

“I can’t thank my mum and dad enough and, finally, I’d love to say thank you to Nina Barbour, because it is a home show, and also all my sponsors and everything, but we couldn’t live our lives if it wasn’t for her. She does a marvellous job.”

Top three results:      

1. Carmen Edwards, GBR, Happy Valerie

2. Jack Whitaker, GBR, Scenletha

3. Yazmin Davis, GBR, Zanbowa Z

EVetDrug Ltd CSI2* 1.35m

1. Jessica Burke, IRL, Inpulss

2. Ali Hamad Al Kirbi, UAE, Dubai de Vie

3. Jude Burgess, GBR, Dreams of Don

Cheval Liberté UK CSI1* 1.05m

1. Sinead Cox, GBR, Valtaire

2. Elisha Simmons, GBR, Avalon du Carpont

3. Ciara Miller, GBR, Finishing Touch

Horseware CSI1* 1.15m

1. Arianna Kuligowski, GBR, Ivascalle

2. Abbie Bevan, GBR, Genius Contender

3. Holly Johnstone, GBR, Carquois du Ceve

Windmill Farm Estate 6 YO Consolation

1. Gemma Tattersall, GBR, Cinsey Blue PS

2. Christopher Burton, Aus, Chedington Azzurra

3. Angela Thompson, GBR, Billy Tropicana

Al Shira’aa Farms 7 YO Consolation

1. Phillip Spivey, GBR, NBE Jenny don’t be hasty

2. Yazmin Davis, GBR, Kate Natasja

3. Grace Shudall-Hughes, GBR, Firefly

For further information on all events at Bolesworth, visit www.bolesworth.com/events