Horse Hero News & Comment - 8th February 2010
Filming. We recently made repeat visits to a few riders we hadn't seen for some time. First, young event rider Georgie Spence (World Class Squad member who we filmed 18 months ago); Georgie showed us three excellent grid jumping exercises. Next we returned to the Eilbergs where we were lucky enough to film Ferdi (Maria's father and international trainer) giving her two lessons, one on her new stallion (show jumper turned dressage horse) Worldwide, and the other on Rockstar, who has changed beyond recognition since filming him a year ago). We also went back to dressage rider Hannah Biggs and filmed her riding Torri, the fabulous Spanish stallion everyone loved first time round, as well as her home produced Grand Prix stallion Welstin. Next up is filming eventers at World Class Squad training. Some great new videos are coming soon and you'll find pictures in the Gallery, meantime.
Blogs. Annabel Wigley buys a completely wild horse at a sale in New Zealand, Georgie Somerset returns from training in Germany, Olivia Haddow copes with more snow, Laura Bechtolsheimer tells of her superb Amsterdam performance, Lynne Crowden has a tragic loss, Sophie Wells gets a new horse, Anna Ross Davies goes on a diet and Alex Frankin gets a new knee. Jon Pitts morphs into Basil Fawlty, Wayne Garrick gets intelligent, Claire Gallimore starts the season on a high, Anne Marie Perry attends World Class training, Melissa Beer is amazed by the horse simulator and Sam Watson brims with enthusiasm. Jason Webb is obsessed, Louise Bell wins with 'pug' pony, Tanya Larrigan say 'no' to botox, Vittoria Panizzon moves house, Maria Eilberg wins a Grand Prix and Karen Morris searches for the 'wild side'.
Editorial. A new selection of Horse Hero Guru's forum answers (from January) are now in the Editorial section. In her inimitable style combining wisdom and wit, she sheds light on subjects ranging from bald patches and towing, to dealing with a thug under saddle, lightness in front, a slow walk, ringbone, clipping and compacted ice! Also, new in Editorial are highlights from January's blogs!
Shop. Horse Hero has launched the much requested Cavesson Bit Strap! Designed to work in conjunction with our Cavesson and Rope, this Trio (which is designed by Laura Bechtolsheimer and made by Albion), makes the ideal (and very classy) lunging kit. (See opposite.)
Competition. Kathy Gunn has won the three fabulous Dorling Kindersley horse books in our recent competition!