May 18 and 19 (Saturday & Sunday)

All items for horses and riders, including clothing and boots etc – all end of season stock and over-stock items to clear.
From 10am to 3pm each day. Grab your self a great bargain.

at Watton Road Farm, Watton Road, Hingham, Norfolk NR9 4NN.

Call: 01953 852318

The Barley & Molasses Free Range includes Fast Fibre, Cool & Collected, Ride & Relax, Veteran Vitality, Calm & Condition and Power & Performance, all with added linseed!  By moving up and down the range you can provide your horse or pony with exactly the right amount of energy as his needs change throughout the year, depending on your horse’s workload and condition.

With new classes in both showing and showjumping being hosted at Houghton International Horse Trials from Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 May 2013 there’s lots going on.  The box office is now open and full details on how to book, and the provisional timetable are available at www.houghtoninternational.co.uk.

To enter the competition, simply visit the Allen & Page stand at Houghton and answer the following question: ‘Calm & Condition and Power & Performance can both be used to feed competition horses. True or false?’ on the competition form. Correct answers will enter a prize draw. Full competition conditions can be found at www.allenandpage.com

For more information on feeding your horse, call the Allen & Page award winning nutritional helpline on 01362 822 902 or visit www.allenandpage.com.

Jo, who was being treated for a very rare lung condition, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, died peacefully on Thursday (02 May) afternoon with her family beside her. Will Connell, Equestrian Performance Director commented; “Jo was a stalwart of para-equestrian dressage and has fought hard over the last year to establish herself once again as a real medal contender for Great Britain. Jo made her Paralympic debut in Athens in 2004 and has remained part of the Equestrian World Class Programme ever since. On behalf of the whole of the World Class Programme I would like to extend our condolences and deepest sympathy to Jo’s family, fiancé and friends at this sad time. She will be fondly remembered and missed by the whole of the para-equestrian dressage and World Class Programme community.”

Jo Pitt, picture by Kit Houghton

Jo had right-sided hemiplegic cerebral palsy, which affected the feeling and mobility down her right side but that never stood in her way.   She was hooked on horses after attending a 10-day summer holiday camp at Hayfield riding school when she was six. By the time she was eight, she had her own pony and joined The Pony Club. She was taught as an able-bodied rider, gained her Pony Club C plus test and went on to join a riding club.

In 1995, Jo went to Oatridge Agricultural College in West Lothian, where she gained her NC and HNC in horse management. She passed her British Horse Society (BHS) stage 1 exam, but her disability stopped her from progressing further.

With Rockhill Kashmir she was selected for the 2004 Athens Paralympics as an individual, finishing equal eighth.  In 2008, she found Estralita and they quickly developed a great partnership, being selected as reserves for the Beijing Paralympics that year.  Her first team appearance was at the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games, taking bronze in the grade II freestyle test with 74.95% and were part of the gold medal winning team with a score of 67.81%. The pair also placed sixth and seventh in the team and individual tests respectively.

She was disappointed not to be selected for the London Paralympics but as was her way, she set about discovering the previous form which had earned her team place.  Jo had moved from Aberdeen to Dereham in Norfolk to be with her fiancé Rory and his family and under the guidance of long-time trainer Michel Assouline and new coach Liza McQuistion, she worked tirelessly to improve.  So far in 2013, the combination won all but two classes from 12 starts including international victories in the team and individual classes at Deauville CPEDI3* in March and the Grade II title at the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships.

David Hunter, Para-Equestrian Dressage Performance Manager added; “First and foremost the thoughts of everyone in the GB Para Dressage Performance Squad are with Jo’s parents, her two sisters and her fiancé Rory. It is difficult to comprehend that ten days ago Jo was her fit and healthy self, training her horses each day and determined to make selection for the European Championships in August. She had started the competition season with renewed vigour and only five weeks ago was competing at a major international competition in Deauville, France. She had recently moved to Norfolk and had just moved into a new family home. She had everything going for her.  She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.”

Amanda Bond, Chief Executive of British Dressage also paid tribute; “Everyone in the dressage community will be shocked and saddened by losing Jo so suddenly.  She was an integral part of para dressage for so many years.  Our hearts and prayers go to her family and friends, especially her parents Bob and Hazel who dedicated so much to their beloved daughter; no one was more proud each time she rode.  Jo was someone who quietly got on with things and never let defeat or a run of bad form get her down.  The way she came out fighting this season with renewed vigor should be an inspiration to all; her dogged determination to always improve will be a lasting memory of this special rider.”

Funeral arrangements are as yet unknown and will be communicated via the BEF and BD websites and social media.

This year’s Showjumping circuit uses one of the 15 fences that showcased the themes of UK culture, London’s heritage and landmarks, and the history of Greenwich at the 2012 Olympics. In addition, the course itself is designed and built by a member of the Olympic course building team, Kelvin Bywater. Ann Kent, Bvet Med Cert EP MRCVS, is a specialist vet who attended London 2012 and is also on hand to ensure the equestrian events are injury free.

Frances Norton, Equine Administrator said: “We fully recognise that showjumping is a pursuit where every horse and rider wants to compete at the best events, on the best courses, with the best competition. By bringing the 2012 Greenwich Park experience to life here at the 2013 Royal Norfolk Show, we are offering the chance to compete on an Olympic scale.”

Showjumping competitions take place on both days and new events this year include the 1.25m Open Competition, Emma Easton Memorial Perpetual Cup. The deadline for entries is May 31.

Former British racehorse trainer and author, Jenny Pitman heads up a wealth of judging experience at this year’s Royal Norfolk Show and is joined by Mr James Van Praagh, Miss Bridget Millington, Mr Daniel Park and Mrs A J C Campbell.

There are limited places available in the Light Horse classes; contact Frances Norton for further details on late entries. Go online for the equine competition and prize schedule and for all class details and entry forms at www.royalnorfolkshow.co.uk  or for further details contact Frances Norton on: 01603 731963.

Showing classes take place on the Friday and Saturday kicking off with RIHS qualifiers for hunters, riding horses, cobs hacks and working hunters as well as retrained racehorses qualifiers for Hickstead and the Royal Windsor on the Friday. On Saturday, it will be the turn of the working hunter ponies, coloureds, mountain and moorlands, ponies and horses with in hand and ridden qualifiers for Equifest, BSPA Championships of colour, Veteran Horse Showing Championships, Royal London and Chiltern Rider Championships. Again, entries can be made online via www.houghtoninternational.co.uk or enquiries should be directed to showing secretary, Adrian Soskin: asoskin@houghtoninternational.co.uk

Sue Rawding, a past winner of the HOYS Show Hunter of the Year on her own and her husband’s home bred Reaction back in 2004, will be one of the highly acclaimed judges in the hot seat. “I started judging a long time ago and have been privileged to judge as well as ride at HOYS,” says Sue. “This new show is an exciting development and we are all really looking forward to it.”

Tiny Clapham, due to judge Retrained Racehorses, has suffered a setback having broken her leg at Burnham Market Horse Trials last month but will hopefully be on duty come the end of May. Ride judging while Tiny judges the Conformation for Saturday’s Working Hunter classes is Bruce Langley-McKim, believed to be the only man to have turned his hand to team chasing while riding side saddle.

“Introducing Showing classes makes the event even better for spectators,” says Working Hunter judge Bruce Langley-McKim. “Horses running across country on one side, and show jumping and showing on the other showcases the incredible versatility of the horse. Whatever the discipline, success stems from good flatwork and training, and all the elements will be on show at Houghton.”

The box office is now open with prices starting at £7 per adult, £4 per child. Full details on how to book, and the provisional timetable are available on www.houghtoninternational.co.uk

Showing and show jumping entries close on May 14, although entries will still be taken on the day for showjumping.

Oliver Signy from Suffolk, by Christopher Doyle

ent secretary Julia Sheppard said it was “good to see the local riders and especially the young riders competing in the U18’s sections.”

Eventing’s most prestigious three day event, Badminton, takes place this coming weekend and as a result top riders are in their preparations, so couldn’t attend the event. Julia commented, “It’s a shame not to see so many of the top riders here due to the date change. But on a positive note we have seen an increase in entries for the lower classes, BE90’s and 100’s.”

As part of their 30^th anniversary celebrations and the introduction of the new date, there were significant improvements to the intermediate course as Julia explained, “We re-routed the intermediate course to make it more flowing. Areas that we have paid particular attention to are the start of the course, around fence three and in the woods near the end of the course.”

On day one in the Novice Open, Alex Marsh added nothing to his dressage score of 28.5 to be named winner and just 0.1 penalties behind was Elizabeth Halliday-Sharp riding Fernhill By Night.

Best Suffolk rider and winner of the BE90 Open section was Eloise Carter on Jamiraqui I who finished on their dressage score of 31.5.

The other four BE90 sections were heavily subscribed with plenty of the top places going to Suffolk and Eastern riders. In section D Caroline Bridge on Trooper Bridge added just 4.8 time penalties to an otherwise faultless round to win.

Sophie Hyde from Essex won the BE100 section H on Standlynch Evening Opposition ending on a score of 27.1. Sophie says they have been a partnership for a year and adds he isn’t always the easiest, “He can spend a lot of time on his hind legs! But he isn’t nasty; he just loves the job and gets over enthusiastic.”

In the BE100 open section Claire Fielding on You Never Said won, but newly formed partnership Georgina Roberts and 14-year-old Rex Rilana had a brilliant day coming fourth despite only being together for two weeks. Georgina, from Loddon, hopes to do the Open pony club teams with an aim to move up to Novice. Rex was bought from top event rider Angus Smales. “We were told once we found the right buttons to push we would be on to a winner,” Georgina commented.

The Under 18’s BE100 class was won by Sophie Dutton riding the 15.3hh bay gelding Lost Prophet.

In the Novice class the more experienced horses and riders took to the course, with the win going to Simon Grieve. Best placed Suffolk rider went to Ellie Weller-Poley on Colehill Carerra a combination in their second season eventing together. Ellie, who is 16, was third at Oasby but now has to give the horses a break as her GCSE exams are now looming.

In the most advanced class of the weekend, Sophie Lee from Wacton in Norfolk scooped an impressive second in the intermediate class. Richard Skelt from Kettering took the top honours but Sophie’s ride Porters Hill completed the fastest round cross country to take runner up position. Porters Hill has been ridden by Sophie for five seasons and together they have competed at the nation’s top events including Belton, Hartpury and Houghton International.

Mr Hardwick’s cross country course was causing some issues for many riders. One of the most influential fences on the course was fence 16a and b, the double of corners in the BE100 class. Two horses fell consecutively, with many others falling or refusing throughout the day.

Maddie Ward, Fiona’s niece riding Shortie. Credit - Caston Camera Club

The day dawned bright and sunny for the ride, which took place at Southacre near Swaffham in Norfolk and enjoyed spectacular views of the ruined Castle and Priory down at

Castle Acre.  Two fords provided added interest and a drink but not a problem for most riders.

Several veteran horses were out on the day including Alison Coote with her 24 year old Liberty Belle, still going strong.

EGB International rider Richard Allen was riding Almaak – a horse that is being trained for the Chinese team. Almaak will be competing at Windsor Great Park in the FEI CEI 2* competition (May 10) running for the first time at the Windsor Horse Show this year, under a Hong Kong rider.

Brigid Fairman and Joyce Hulse (Fiona’s mother) were the ride organisers and the only last minute wobble was the discovery that the Civil War Re-enactment Society was active in the ride area.  Thankfully they agreed to hang fire until after 1pm!

Iceni pleasure rides are always popular and with riders adhering to the policy of politeness and consideration to all, present the positive face of long distance riding to members of the public that they may encounter on the course.

There is a raft of qualifiers for the Royal International Horse Show, as well as for Hickstead and the Royal Windsor, Equifest, BSPA Championships of Colour, Veteran Horse Showing Championships, Royal London and Chiltern Rider Championships.

Sue Rawding, a past winner of the HOYS Show Hunter of the Year on her own and her husband’s home bred Reaction back in 2004, will be one of the highly acclaimed judges in the hot seat. “I started judging a long time ago and have been privileged to judge as well as ride at HOYS,” says Sue. “This new show is an exciting development and we are all really looking forward to it.”

Tiny Clapham, due to judge Retrained Racehorses, has suffered a setback having broken her leg at Burnham Market Horse Trials last month but will hopefully be on duty come the end of May. Ride judging while Tiny judges the Conformation for Saturday’s Working Hunter classes is Bruce Langley-McKim, believed to be the only man to have turned his hand to team chasing while riding side saddle.

“Introducing Showing classes makes the event even better for spectators,” Bruce explains. “With horses running across country on one side, and show jumping and showing on the other will showcase the incredible versatility of the horse. Whatever the discipline, success stems from good flatwork and training, and all the elements will be on show at Houghton.”

Showing classes take place on Friday and Saturday, 24th & 25th May.

Showing and show jumping entries close on May 14. Online entries are being taken for all classes via www.houghtoninternational.co.uk.

The box office is now open with prices starting at £7 per adult, £4 per child. Full details on how to book, and the provisional timetable are available on www.houghtoninternational.co.uk

Houghton Hall is located in stunning parkland, half a mile off the A148 King’s Lynn to Fakenham road, approximately 13 miles east of King’s Lynn and 10 miles west of Fakenham.

Johnny Hustler riding Ich Heisse Peanut

East Anglian riders that have been fortunate enough to qualify for the championships will be making the long drive west in May, to compete on the sacred soil of the most famous international horse event, Badminton Horse Trials.

Georgina Underdown from Lowestoft earned a direct qualification to the event last summer at Great Witchingham in the BE100 three-day-event. Her long term eventing partner, Norton Rene, has had a string of wins in preparation for the event, including another win at Great Witchingham in March. “We have been working really hard on our dressage, as we know that’s where you win,” Georgia says, “he won’t event next year as he is 16, so we are going to go and do the best we can.”

Norfolk rider Johnny Hustler and his horse Ich Heisse Peanut are also on their way to the championships. They qualified at Burnham Market in September last year by winning the BE100 regional final. Peanut and Johnny have been together since 2007 and Johnny says they have been inseparable. “He is pretty reliable in both the jumping phases, but the biggest challenge will be the flowers, flags and picket fencing around the dressage arena!” Johnny will be taking part in his second Badminton Grassroots Championships, after coming sixteenth in 2011.

Alyson Parker from Essex qualified two horses for the championships this year. Alyson had a huge disappointment at the beginning of 2011 after qualifying both horses for the championships; for them both to then suffer injuries which nearly brought them out of competition.  “Both horses had to have operations; Moloko had one for kissing spine and J J Malone had one on his hocks. I had written them both off and was preparing myself to be lumbered with two retired horses,” explained Alyson, who’s now very excited to have the opportunity to compete again. “To do well would be a dream, but I’m just going for the experience, I can’t wait!”

Other local riders to be spotted are young rider Zara Lye riding 14.2hh Tiny Tom who is described by mother Susanna as “really lovely and kind”. Cher East from Essex is competing in the BE100 2013 championship on Don Markus. The 16.3hh gelding took them to victory at the regional final at Firle Place International which secured their qualification.

Jane Hood from Saffron Walden on Knave of Golden Hearts is returning for a second appearance at Badminton, however hopes for a less stressful time. In 2011 on her way to the championships the rear axil of her lorry broke away in a freak accident on the M4. Horse and rider were fine and carried on to Badminton and eventually arrived at 2am. “We didn’t have a lorry to sleep in so had to sleep in a spare stable; after the horrendous journey we had had, I wasn’t going to leave my horse,” said Jane.

The destructive British weather last year meant that Badminton Horse Trials and the Grassroots Championships had to be abandoned. In addition to this year’s championships, the 2012 championships will also be taking place, where 2011 qualifiers can have their chance to be crowned champions.