A British rider underneath investigation, Paris Olympic preparations, and different issues the horse world is speaking about

1. Investigation into rider’s actions underneath approach

The suspension of British showjumper James Smith, which was put in place on Saturday 16 March, pertains to pictures that “seem to have been taken at a latest FEI occasion”. James is at present not allowed to compete at any worldwide or nationwide occasions, and a block has additionally been put in place to forestall groom, Nicola Park, from renewing her British Showjumping membership. An investigation into the case is underneath approach. “The coaching strategies depicted within the pictures haven’t any place in our sport, are in opposition to our rules and won’t be tolerated,” mentioned British Showjumping.

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2. Swot up on the Olympics equestrian venue

In brighter information, there’s nice pleasure at H&H HQ forward of the Paris Olympics and so we’ve introduced collectively every little thing we all know to this point in regards to the equestrian venue on the Palace of Versailles. Preparations are properly underneath approach, with a brief 16,000-seat outside area already underneath development on the UNESCO World Heritage Web site. The primary area can be bordered by three grandstands, with an open-ended part overlooking the Grand Canal and the palace facade, 3km to the east. There may also be three warm-up areas, every divided into two to create a complete of six arenas, and the 5.3km Olympic eventing cross-country course will embrace purpose-built pontoons enabling the horses to cross Versailles’ historic Grand Canal.

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3. An “Unimaginable” gray

Irish showjumper Daniel Coyle’s newest success – his fifth five-star grand prix win and third World Cup triumph – got here courtesy of the aptly named Unimaginable  within the Longines FEI World Cup of Ocala, within the USA. Though Daniel solely began using the 11-year-old, who’s by Clinton out of a Heartbreaker mare, in January, it hasn’t taken lengthy for the pair to seek out their stride.

Daniel Coyle and Unimaginable hit successful type at solely their third present collectively.

“Each time I’m going within the ring, I’m discovering one thing new in Unimaginable,” mentioned Daniel. “It’s nice that I can discover that out whereas competing on the prime of the game. He was unbelievable earlier than I received him and it’s good to know that I used to be a very good rider earlier than, he was a very good horse earlier than, and right now I can say that we’re additionally excellent collectively.”

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H&H web site editor

Carol is an skilled journalist and editor, who can be a passionate newbie rider and devoted horse proprietor, having ridden since childhood. She has a selected curiosity within the emotional well-being and moral coaching of horses, alongside veterinary issues, having garnered in depth first-hand expertise of quite a few equine well being situations by way of greater than 30 years of horse possession.