Links of London will sponsor the Grand Prix at this year’s Olympia, The London International Horse Show, for the second year running. The sponsorship forms part of their growing support for equestrian sport at the highest level.

The competition is now known as The Links of London Grand Prix and will provide a suitably glamorous finale as the show draws to a close on Monday 18th December. This is one of the most prestigious classes of the event and attracts the very best international riders from around the world to compete for its valuable top prize of £16,600.

Last year’s competition saw Robert Smith and Kalusha complete a double by winning the Links of London Grand Prix in fine style, having clinched the FEI World CupTM Qualifier earlier in the week. He will be among the starters again this year along with other well-known international riders including the current World number one, Marcus Ehning, Rodrigo Pessoa, Jessica Kürten and Ludger Beerbaum as well as British riders, Michael Whitaker, and Nick Skelton.

Around 36 starters will take part in the competition and as well as a valuable money prize, the winner will take home a beautiful trophy specially designed by Links of London for the event. Runners up will also receive elegant gifts from the exclusive Links of London range. Last year HRH The Duchess of Cornwall presented the Links of London trophy…who knows who will receive it this year?

Links of London is the United Kingdoms leading contemporary jeweller offering an eclectic mix of men’s and women’s jewellery designs, handcrafted in sterling silver and 18 carat gold, as well as precious gifts for the home or workplace.

The company was founded in 1990 by Annoushka Ducas and her husband, John Ayton and has its global flagship in Sloane Square, a stone’s throw from Olympia. Recently, for the second consecutive year, the company was honoured as the Jewellery Brand of the Year at the prestigious UK Jewellery awards. There are over 50 Links boutiques in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Hong Kong and Japan and a further 80 international stores around the World showcasing the Links of London collections.

As well as the prizes received by winning riders, Olympia’s hospitality guests will also be treated to a gift from the Links of London collections.

“Our association with show jumping at Olympia is very appropriate, as it reflects the elegance and sophistication of our brand. Horses have always been a very large part of our life, and it gives Annoushka and I great pleasure to be able to put something back into equestrian sport”, said Links of London founder, John Ayton.

To view the Links of London collections and store locator, visit www.linksoflondon.com.

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Horseboxes are being stolen more and more throughout the UK and on Friday 1st December at 6.30pm we had our Highbarn Harrier stolen.

FORD IVECO 75E15 - HIGHBARN HARRIER
2/3 HORSE, WITH SMALL LIVING.
TOILET/TACK ROOM WITHIN HORSE AREA.

R995 CKG - THE HORSEBOX WAS THE EXACT ONE ON THE FRONT OF OUR BROCHURES. (see photo)

A reward will be given for any information leading to the return of this vehicle.

An investigation is going on regarding the theft and if anyone else has had their horsebox stolen (especially with trackers fitted), please contacts us.

Yours sincerely
Hayley Fogden
Wentworth Horsebox Hire
sales@wentworthhorseboxes.co.uk

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New to LOL Tractors are the fabulous new ranges of Stockman and Suzuki ATV’S that include quads for youngsters and adults alike.

For that exclusive Christmas present for the youngsters the Junior Stockman quad is a 50cc vehicle that comes in a great range of colours including shiny Stockman Red and camouflage design.

‘We wanted to cater for all ages and the 50cc quad is a great fun machine’ said Laurence Cook of LOL Tractors ‘of course we have the larger models as well’.

The larger ATV’s range from 110cc to 250cc and some of these are also available in camouflage and the bright Stockman Red. The larger vehicles benefit from five-speed semi automatic transmission and independent front suspension.

Prices start at just £400 for the 50cc quad.

LOL Trctors are staging a Christmas Special open day at their showroom at Stokes Hall Farm, Burnham Road, Althorne, Chelmsford Essex on Saturday 25th November where all of the quads will be available to ‘try before you buy!’

For information and details of your nearest Stockman Dealer contact Lol Tractors on 01621 784706 or visit the website www.loltractors.co.uk

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The WOW XC saddle has taken the eventing world by storm this season, with a dedicated following among riders at all levels.

Top British rider, Francis Whittington, started riding in the WOW early in the season and he praises the saddle’s performance and the difference it has made to his horses. “The horses are all much freer through their shoulders, both on the flat and when jumping. I like the fact that it adapts to the horse’s back as he moves and jumps and I have confidence that there is nothing to restrict his performance. I love the ease of adaptability to fit different horses, being able to make subtle changes to the balance while on board which would be impossible in a traditionally flocked saddle”, he said. “Not only does the saddle sit well on the horses, but I can now ride in comfort too”.

Francis was the only clear round within the time riding Sir Percival at this year’s Blenheim Horse Trials, clearly demonstrating the benefits of the WOW saddle. “He was moving so freely I could let him go on and jump out of his stride staying balanced and in a rhythm”, said Francis.

Francis is part of Team WOW, which was established to demonstrate the benefits of WOW at top level. The team also consists of promising young British rider, Molly Key, Kitty Boggis and Mel Wilder, as well as Swedish internationals, Anna Hilton and Therese Wahberg, Irish rider, Sarah Wardell, and Belgian, Constantin van Rijckevorsel.

The WOWTM saddle has a unique carbon fibre tree that combines strength with flexibility. The Flair adjustable air flocking system provides a large comfortable bearing surface as well as allowing the saddle to be precisely balanced. The modular nature of the saddle enables the flaps, panels and headplate to be interchanged if a different style or size is required.

Comprehensive information and a downloadable brochure on the WOWTM Modular Saddle, including the new WOWTM Cross Country, is available on the website, www.wowsaddles.com, or call 01227 831614 to obtain a copy.

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Finnforest, manufacturers of the top quality brand Hunter Woodshavings, sponsored show team The Harrison Team had cause to celebrate when the Dartmoor Stallion Shilstone Rocks Snowfox ridden by Debbie Harrison took second place and top placed Dartmoor in the Simpson Refractory Open Ridden Mountain and Moorland Pony of the Year at the Horse of The Year Show on the first day of the show.

‘We are just thrilled to bits’ said Mum and team coach Fiona ‘they put in a really great performance, we couldn’t have asked for any more’

The team set off from Suffolk to the NEC at Birmingham with their support crew early on Tuesday morning, ‘we even took our own Hunter Shavings’ added Fiona ‘they spread so well so we didn’t need to take loads, and we knew that Fox would have a comfortable and dust free night which means we slept easily’.

Debbie has had an amazing season with the twelve-year-old Snowfox, the pair have also qualified for the NPS/Baileys Ridden Championship at Olympia in December.

Added Warren Dudding, Head of Marketing for Finnforest, ‘this is our first venture into sponsorship of a show team so needless to say we are delighted with such an excellent result, we are now looking forward to Olympia!’

Hunter Woodshavings are the perfect choice for high quality, dust extracted horse bedding. Combining the traditional benefits of shavings with an advanced production and control process, Hunter Woodshavings are independently tested to ensure they stay an industry leader and a bedding you can trust, first time, every time.

For details of Hunter Woodshavings please call Finnforest on 020 8437 8369 or visit www.finnforest.co.uk

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This month, FEI Equestrian World, the monthly half hour magazine programme produced by FEI TV Co-ordinators, MBPtv, takes a look behind the scenes as Andrew Hoy tries unsuccessfully to defy the odds and win the Rolex Grand Slam at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. As the next season of FEI World Cup Jumping approaches there is also a look at what's in store and who's on form. The programme meets Jos Lansink at home, and finds out how the FEI's Medication Control Unit kept a close watch on equine competitors in Aachen.

This month’s programme will be shown on Monday 9th October on SKY Sports Xtra at 8.00pm and on Sky Sports 2 Digital at 10.30pm, on Tuesday 10th October on Sky Sports 3 Digital at 10.30am, Sky Sports Xtra at 4.30pm and Sky Sports Xtra at 1.30am, and on Wednesday 11th October on Sky Sports 2 Digital at 9.30am and Sky Sports Xtra at 4.30pm.

A preview is available on the website, www.horsesporttv.com

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Equinek9.com is a new online auction site totally dedicated to Horse, Dog & Rider products. The site is easy to use, plus it has capabilities for international buyers & sellers.

The site was launched in early September 2006, the idea of Venetia Hawker who owns and runs Maneline. With the assistance of a more computer literate friend, they have sought to give as many clear categories as possible to make the listing and searching of products quicker and clearer.

The site is getting numerous visitors, but needs people to list items. There are no listing fees until November, and after that date, the listing fees and final value fees are less than the worlds most popular online auction site.

Welcome to the new online auction & classified advertising site.
As we are a new business, we are offereing free insertion fees for auction items and classified advertising until 1st November 2006.
We would love to see you on our website in some form please join us, either with products to sell, or to exchanging links

For further details, please visit: www.equinek9.com

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When the weather starts to turn colder and you want to keep your horse or pony really warm and snug look no further than the fabulous and versatile Hoodless Double Sherpa rug from Dress Circle Horsewear.

Perfect for use both in the stable as a rug and also fantastic for adding extra warm and comfort as an extra layer under a turnout rug, the Hoodless Double Sherpa features a unique Sherpa outer with a polar fleece lining for added warmth, a full-length front zip, large belly strap and fully fitted tail flap. The mane area is lined and because the rug has a tailored fit it will mould into the body shape and allow complete freedom of movement.

The soft protective fabric is ideal for preventing rug rubbing whilst the rugs wicking properties wick moisture away from the body keeping him warm and cosy throughout the coldest weather.

With so many uses and at just £99.99 the Hoodless Double Sherpa is amazing value for money.

Sizes XS (4ft9-5ft) to XL (6ft9-7ft) - available in Navy/Cream or Khaki/Cream

Call Dress Circle Horsewear on 07940 211 067 or visit www.dress-circle-horsewear.com

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When it comes to saddlery innovation, First Thought Equine Ltd leave no stone unturned. During the development of their revolutionary WOW saddle, the Flair adjustable air flocking system and the Korrector Saddle Pad, they have also made available some extremely useful tools to assist riders and saddlers.

Equiform is the result of searching for many years for a simple and reliable method of taking both two and three-dimensional impressions of a horse’s back for measurement or comparative purposes. Equiform is a thermal plastic mesh that is reuseable and see-through. It is ideal for checking a saddle’s fit as the shaped mesh can be offered up to the saddle and immediately it is possible to see where the saddle does and does not touch the horse. This is useful to the saddler who can use it in the workshop to check the fit of new and second-hand saddles, as a guide when re-flocking, and a template in the manufacture of a custom made saddle. It is also very useful to fit saddles from a distance, without seeing the horse, which is sometimes necessary.

Janine Evans, in South Africa, says “This is an ingenious product for both experienced and in-experienced saddle buyers. It is very simple to use and re-usuable. Being so far away here in South Africa it is difficult to get expert advice especially when dealing with horses that have difficult or unusually shaped backs. Equiform has made this possible with very little cost. It is easy then for a saddle maker to confirm a fit or make up a special saddle”.

Equiform is simple to use by heating it in hot water, then placing it onto the horse and moulding to the shape of the back, withers and shoulders. In a few moments it will cool and permanently “memorize” its shape. Once used, Equiform can be made flat again by re-heating or kept as a record for comparison of the horse’s shape later in the year.

For more information visit www.wowsaddles.com or call 01227 831614.

For more news please visit our archives.

First Thought Equine Ltd continue to work closely with riders and their product developments take account of the comment and feedback from retailers and public alike. As a result, the new leather Korrector makes cleaning and maintenance considerably easier. The pad can remain attached to the saddle and can be cleaned without dismantling and removing the air bags.

With the flush of spring grass now over and so many summer activities taking place, some horses may lose a bit of weight at this time of year. Others may be feeling a little sore backed with the increased workload.

The Korrector saddle pad, from the makers of the WOW saddle, will help keep horses comfortable and happy. Utilizing the Flair adjustable air flocking technology, the pad consists of 4 air bags that can be adjusted to achieve just the right balance for the horse and rider. The Korrector’s gaseous layer absorbs the impact of the rider on the horse’s back and provides a large bearing surface for the saddle that is soft and ensures there are no uncomfortable and damaging pressure points.

The Korrector has a unique Gullet Locking Plate, which prevents the saddle pad from being pulled taut across the horse’s spine. The pad is also shaped for high withers and has front ties, which alleviate the pressure offered caused by saddle pads in these areas.

There are two width-sizes available, medium and large, which is sufficient to meet the needs of most riders.

For more information visit www.korrector.com or call 01227 831614.

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The crew at Sussex based TV production company, MBPtv, have produced a fascinating programme for the June episode of FEI Equestrian World, which will be screened on Sky Sport channels early next week.

The programme includes a look at Four-In-Hand Carriage Driving and provides an insight into the outdoor version of this demanding sport. There is also an interview with Badminton winner, Andrew Hoy and his wife, Bettina, revealing how they work closely as a team at home while competing against each other at international level for their respective national teams. Owners of jumping horses including the renowned Arko, as well as a string of winning racehorses, the Hales family are also profiled in this programme.

Reining is a fast growing sport and an interview with the current World Champion, Shawn Flarida at home in Springfield, Ohio, gives an insight into this testing discipline.

A roundup of the competition scene this month includes three rounds of the Samsung Superleague with FEI and a look ahead to the World Equestrian Games.

FEI Equestrian World will be shown on Monday 3rd July at 7.00pm on Sky Sport Xtra and 9.30pm on Sky Sport 3, on Tuesday 4th July at 6.30am on Sky Sport 1, at 8.30am and 2.00pm on Sky Sport 2 and at 10.00pm and 11.30pm on Sky Sport Extra, and on Wednesday 5th July at 1.30am on Sky Sport Xtra.

MBPtv have a busy schedule ahead as TV Co-ordinators for the FEI with live coverage of 3 further rounds of the Samsung Superleague with FEI and FEI World Equestrian Games.

For more information and trailers of forthcoming programmes, visit www.horsesporttv.com.

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The latest equestrian DVD title to be released by Equestrian Vision is Le Cadre Noir De Saumur and José Van Dam, an impressive display of the French National Riding School accompanied by live orchestral music and opera.

The Cadre Noir De Saumur has its origins as the French Military academy but has now evolved into the National Riding School, supported by the French Government. The School is a centre of excellence and riders go there to train up to top level, particularly in the Olympic disciplines. With superb facilities, the centre also hosts many national and international competitions as well as being home for some 400 French bred horses. The public displays that take place regularly are a means of demonstrating the credibility of their teaching, as well as contributing to the running costs.

The programme records the spectacular show when Le Cadre Noir De Saumur perform with renowned opera singer, José Van Dam. Impressive displays of dressage, jumping and “haute école”, as well as work in hand, long reins and in pillars, emphasize the accuracy of their training. The displays are accompanied throughout the show by music from the Orchestral Ensemble of Brussels, directed by French conductor, Mélanie Thiébaut.

In addition to the main programme, there are some interesting bonus films including a history of the Cadre Noir and interviews with the Riding Master, Colonel Loïc de la Porte du Theil, two of the riders who take part in the show and one of the grooms.

The programme, distributed in the UK by Equestrian Vision, is available on DVD and has a duration of approximately 100 minutes. RRP £22.99. Available from equestrian retailers or by mail order, call 01730 0892220 or visit www.equestrianvision.co.uk. Trade enquiries are welcome, please call 01403 864173.

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Equestrian Vision To Launch New Pippa Funnell Training DVD At Badminton.

Equestrian Vision have again teamed up with top international event rider, Pippa Funnell, to produce two new training programmes on DVD, entitled Pippa Funnell – Good Foundations, which will be launched at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. The programmes, covering flatwork and jumping, take an in-depth look at the training methods of one of the World’s best event riders. According to Pippa, the single most important ingredient in her phenomenal success story is good old-fashioned hard graft coupled with a total rejection of the imperfect. Her dedication has made her a champion and in this double DVD she explains and demonstrates many of her riding principles and exercises that she believes are crucial to successful riding.

• Disk 1 covers flatwork and Pippa works with 2 pupils as well as riding two good horses, Ensign and Blue Horizon. Exercises are demonstrated to work on the rider’s balance, moving forward from the leg and improving the upper body position. Pippa’s talent for teaching is evident during a lesson for Antoinette Mckeown and Pippa also rides Antoinette’s horse. There are exercises to help you ride more accurately and then finally Pippa demonstrates putting it all together at walk, trot and canter.
• Disc 2 covers jumping and Pippa again applies the principles of balance, straightness and rhythm. Working with another pupil in the school, Pippa demonstrates poles on a circle, adding a cross pole to the circle, poles in a straight line and adding a jump to the line of poles. Finally she shows us how to put it all together over a course.

“Pippa Funnell – Good Foundations” is designed to help every rider, whatever their ability, to raise their own standards and to enjoy their riding more. The programmes add to the existing titles “Pippa Funnell – The Road To The Top & Grand Slam”, “Pippa Funnell – Riding Your New Horse” and “The Funnell Factor”, also produced by Equestrian Vision and providing an unusually comprehensive insight into the life and training methods of Pippa Funnell. Also coming soon, “Pippa Funnell – Take The Reins”, the second of Pippa’s computer games on CD ROM. “Pippa Funnell – The Stud Farm Inheritance” computer game is already available from Equestrian Vision.

Pippa Funnell – Good Foundations is available from equestrian retailers, price £29.99 RRP, or direct by mail order - call 01730 892220 or visit www.equestrianvision.co.uk

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Equestrian Vision have recently released Anky’s Music, a unique DVD and CD production on the making of the world’s best dressage freestyles.

The CD features 10 tracks of original freestyle music composed by Cees Slings and Victor Kerkhof for the World and Olympic dressage champion, Anky van Grunsven, including Bonfire’s Symphony and L’Espirit Chanson. The 60 minute DVD takes a look behind the scenes and sees Anky working with trainer, Sjef Janssen and composers duo, Cees Slings and Victor Kerkhof on their successful musical creations. The film includes the making of the world famous Olympic kur music composed for Athens 2004 and some spectacular show clips.

Anky van Grunsven titles have always been hugely popular and this promises to be no exception. The 2-disc special edition on CD and DVD retails at £24.99.

The range of titles available from Equestrian Vision has something to suit all tastes on DVD and video including training programmes, documentaries and event reviews as well as fun titles for younger viewers and games on CD ROM. For more information or to place an order, contact Equestrian Vision on 01730 892220 or visit www.equestrianvision.co.uk

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Best Mate – the icon, the official DVD tribute to the nation’s favourite racehorse who died on 1st November, was launched at the Cheltenham meeting today and has already attracted a huge amount of interest. The double DVD tells the story of the horse and the humans involved with him on disc 1, and has all his races in full on disc 2. By popular demand, Race Vision, the producers of the programme, will now launch the documentary, Best Mate – The Story of a Racing Icon, on video, and they will be available in time for Christmas.

“Best Mate – the icon” is a tribute to the courage of the first chaser to win 3 Cheltenham Gold Cups since Arkle, the dedication of his trainer Henrietta Knight, the coolness of his jockey Jim Culloty and the unbridled affection of owner Jim Lewis who simply loved his “Matey”. The programme is scripted and narrated by Channel 4 racing presenter and Racing Post leading journalist, Alastair Down.

“Race Vision are delighted to be asked by Jim Lewis to produce this tribute”, said managing director, Jamie Hawksfield. “It is an honour and privilege to be given the responsibility of telling such a wonderful story and we want everyone to be able to enjoy it. There has already been huge demand for the DVD but we recognise that there are still many in the horse world who do not yet have this technology available and we will release the documentary on video to meet this demand”.

Jim Lewis has nominated two registered charities and a share of all proceeds will be donated to St Richard’s Hospice Worcester and the “Gentlemans Night Out” charity in aid of short life children.

The double DVD (documentary and races) costs £19.99 and the documentary only on video, costs £16.99. For more information, contact Race Vision on 01730 892220 or visit www.racevision.co.uk.

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On the afternoon of November 1st 2005 the racing world reeled in shock as the news of Best Mate’s passing at Exeter sunk in; he had run his last race and his departure left a big hole in so many people’s lives; the general public had also come to love him for what he was – a beautiful horse.

“Best Mate – the icon” is a tribute to the courage of the first chaser to win 3 Cheltenham Gold Cups since Arkle, the dedication of his trainer Henrietta Knight who nurtured his brilliant talent with such skill, the coolness of his jockey Jim Culloty who was born to ride him and the unbridled affection of owner Jim Lewis who simply loved his “Matey”.

This official double DVD tells the story of the horse and the humans involved with him on disc1, and has all his races in full, excluding his last, on disc 2.

“Race Vision are delighted to be asked by Jim Lewis to produce this tribute”, said managing director Jamie Hawksfield. “It is an honour and privilege to be given the responsibility of telling such a wonderful story. Horses such as Best Mate come along once in a lifetime and he deserves to have his biography told in moving pictures for posterity”.

Jamie was also responsible for the video tributes to One Man and Istabraq and Race Vision have just finished updating the Cheltenham Hall of Fame trilogy, which is now out on DVD. The programme will be scripted and narrated by Channel 4 racing presenter and Racing Post leading journalist, Alastair Down.

Best Mate’s Owner, Jim Lewis, said “I’m delighted that Jamie has agreed to put this wonderful memorabilia together because Best Mate loved the people and the people loved Best Mate”. Jim has nominated two registered charities and 10% of all proceeds will be donated to St Richard’s Hospice Worcester and the “Gentlemans Night Out” charity in aid of short life children.

The double DVD, retailing at £19.99, will be available in early December and will be officially launched at the Cheltenham meeting on 9th and 10th. For more information, contact Race Vision on 01730 892220 or visit www.equestrianvision.co.uk for a full list of titles available.

For more news please visit our archives.

For gorgeous gift ideas for horse minded as well as a host of practical equestrian products, you could do no better than check out the Leslie Sutcliffe range. With the accent on quality and exclusivity, the collection offers something for everyone.

The new Jan Kunster art calendar is a must for horse lovers, featuring fascinating images of horses by this popular artist. Apart from subjects such as dressage, jumping and eventing, he also covers Baroque horses, Andalusian horses, Driving and Friesians. The individual paintings form a harmonious integration and reflect, page by page, the fascination of horses, resulting in a beautiful, as well as useful picture.

A picture frame makes the ideal gift and it does not matter how many you have! Choose a frame in mahogany, light burled walnut, or silver plate, accented with a silver or gold snaffle bit. The new Crystal Pictures are a unique gift, featuring a personalised picture captured in the centre of a crystal cube.

There are lots of gift ideas for the horsey home including a hunting theme cushion and draught excluder, which is far too nice to put on the floor, depicting a Jack Russell terrier. Also available is a selection of equestrian and country themed Throw Rugs. Designs include Horse Breeds, Jack Russells, Hunting and the Art of Riding. Accessories to match include a footstool, cushions, table runners and floor mats.

The Leslie Sutcliffe collection also includes gold and silver equestrian jewellery and other country and equestrian items. For more information call 01608 683855, fax 01608 683856, email sutcliffel@aol.com or visit www.lesliesutcliffe.biz

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