As the showing season gets underway, there has been unprecedented interest in the popular South Essex Insurance Brokers (SEIB) Search for a Star series with over 100,000 hits on their website during March. SEIB's Racehorse to Riding Horse site has also attracted a huge response, with over 55,000 hits in the same period, providing a clear indication of the demand for this type of competition. Both sites were launched in February and provide prospective competitors with full details of the qualifying dates and venues, rules and news as well as a very active forum.

The Search for a Star series was introduced by SEIB to encourage amateur riders to bring out their horses and try their hand in the show ring, with the chance of qualifying for the Horse of the Year Show final. Over the past decade, the competition has found many future champions, including the 2006 Hack Of The Year, Almost Illegal, who was third in the Search For A Star Riding Horse/Hack section in 2005.

The Racehorse to Riding Horse Championship was instigated by SEIB to support the retraining of racehorses. The series has developed and now has a Show Championship with qualifiers around the country, and a points-based Performance Championship for a range of disciplines. With the large number of horses that come out of training each year, the competitions provide a platform to show how a correctly re-schooled racehorse can become a top class show or competition horse.

"We are delighted with the response to our new websites, which shows just how popular these competitions have become", says SEIB Marketing Manager, Nicolina Mackenzie. "Search for a Star is a great way for us to continue our support of grass roots riders and the Racehorse to Riding Horse competitions show how, with time and patience, these horses can go on to compete successfully in may different disciplines."

South Essex Insurance Brokers, leaders in the field of equestrian insurance, make a significant contribution to the horseworld through regular support of a wide range of equestrian events. Entries are already being taken for the 2007 Search for a Star and Racehorse to Riding Horse competitions and there are discounts available for SEIB customers.

For more information, visit www.search4astar.org.uk or www.racehorse2ridinghorse.co.uk, or call 01708 850032.

For more news please visit our archives.

As the new show season approaches, South Essex Insurance Brokers (SEIB) are looking forward to an exciting year of competition, and for the first time they have launched two dedicated websites to keep competitors up to date with the latest information.

The popular SEIB Search For A Star series was designed by SEIB to encourage amateur riders to bring their horses into the show ring, giving them a rare opportunity to qualify and compete at the Horse Of The Year Show (HOYS). Over the past 10 years many top show horses have started a successful career in Search For A Star classes, including last year’s HOYS Supreme Hack Champion, Almost Illegal.

Five Search For A Star qualifying shows are planned throughout the country for 2007, and each one follows the same format, with classes for Working Hunter, Riding Club Show Horse, Show Ponies and Show Hunter Ponies, Cobs and Riding Horse/Hack. The judges are helpful and always willing to give advice on how a horse may be improved, with successful riders being invited to a day of training and preparation before their HOYS debut.

The SEIB Search For A Star website – www.search4astar.org.uk - gives comprehensive information on the competition rules and a downloadable schedule and entry form as well as the latest news, details of previous winners and what to wear and a great forum where you can share your views on Search For A Star.

The SEIB Racehorse To Riding Horse Show Championship was instigated by SEIB to support and encourage the re-education of thoroughbreds taken out of racing and re-schooled and prepared for the show ring. To be eligible for this class, the horse must have been in training with a recognised trainer, although it need not have raced.

The series, supported by the charity Retraining Of Racehorses, helps to recognise the abilities of the many horses that come out of racing each year and provides them with a worthwhile competition opportunity. The classes are judged as for Riding Horses but the best of type, whether hack, riding horse or hunter, is deemed the winner.

Five qualifying classes are planned and the first two places in each class will be invited to enter the finals, held at HOYS in October.

Ex-racehorses in other disciplines are also recognised in the SEIB Racehorses to Riding Horses Performance Horse Championship. This competition will be run over the 2007 season and the results will be calculated on a points system. There are categories for Affiliated Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing, Showing, Endurance and Unaffiliated competition. Trophies will be presented to the winners of each category at the Supporters of British Breeding Awards in 2008.

The SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse website – www.racehorse2ridinghorse.co.uk - gives details of the Show and Performance Championships, with downloadable schedules and entry forms as well as the latest news, details of previous winners and a forum for sharing your views.

"The Search For A Star Championship is now well established and I am delighted at how popular it has become. I am always so happy for the owners and riders who dream of getting to HOYS and are able to fulfil that ambition through this final", says SEIB Marketing Manager, Nicolina MacKenzie. "I am also thrilled that the Racehorse to Riding Horse Show Championship and Performance Awards are so well supported, particularly because it is wonderful to see these horses enjoying success in their second career. It can be very worthwhile and rewarding to take on and retrain an ex-racehorse and I hope that this encourages more people to have a go", she said.

For more news please visit our archives.

YOUNG, BLACK & WHITE, FILLY, ABOUT 30” HIGH

CASH REWARD £500, FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO HER SAFE RETURN

HAVE YOU SEEN HER? DO YOU KNOW WHERE SHE IS NOW?

TAKEN FROM STABLE 17TH NOVEMBER 2006 AT THE AGE OF 7 MONTHS

SLEAFORD, LINCOLNSHIRE AREA
TELEPHONE 01529 306611
MOBILE 07836 614932

PLEASE HELP US TO GET HER BACK

For more news please visit our archives.

As the new show season approaches, South Essex Insurance Brokers (SEIB) are looking forward to an exciting year of competition, and for the first time they have launched two dedicated websites to keep competitors up to date with the latest information.

The popular SEIB Search For A Star series was designed by SEIB to encourage amateur riders to bring their horses into the show ring, giving them a rare opportunity to qualify and compete at the Horse Of The Year Show (HOYS). Over the past 10 years many top show horses have started a successful career in Search For A Star classes, including last year’s HOYS Supreme Hack Champion, Almost Illegal.

Five Search For A Star qualifying shows are planned throughout the country for 2007, and each one follows the same format, with classes for Working Hunter, Riding Club Show Horse, Show Ponies and Show Hunter Ponies, Cobs and Riding Horse/Hack. The judges are helpful and always willing to give advice on how a horse may be improved, with successful riders being invited to a day of training and preparation before their HOYS debut.

The SEIB Search For A Star website – www.search4astar.org.uk - gives comprehensive information on the competition rules and a downloadable schedule and entry form as well as the latest news, details of previous winners and what to wear and a great forum where you can share your views on Search For A Star.

The SEIB Racehorse To Riding Horse Show Championship was instigated by SEIB to support and encourage the re-education of thoroughbreds taken out of racing and re-schooled and prepared for the show ring. To be eligible for this class, the horse must have been in training with a recognised trainer, although it need not have raced.

The series, supported by the charity Retraining Of Racehorses, helps to recognise the abilities of the many horses that come out of racing each year and provides them with a worthwhile competition opportunity. The classes are judged as for Riding Horses but the best of type, whether hack, riding horse or hunter, is deemed the winner.

Five qualifying classes are planned and the first two places in each class will be invited to enter the finals, held at HOYS in October.

Ex-racehorses in other disciplines are also recognised in the SEIB Racehorses to Riding Horses Performance Horse Championship. This competition will be run over the 2007 season and the results will be calculated on a points system. There are categories for Affiliated Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing, Showing, Endurance and Unaffiliated competition. Trophies will be presented to the winners of each category at the Supporters of British Breeding Awards in 2008.

The SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse website – www.racehorse2ridinghorse.co.uk - gives details of the Show and Performance Championships, with downloadable schedules and entry forms as well as the latest news, details of previous winners and a forum for sharing your views.

"The Search For A Star Championship is now well established and I am delighted at how popular it has become. I am always so happy for the owners and riders who dream of getting to HOYS and are able to fulfil that ambition through this final", says SEIB Marketing Manager, Nicolina MacKenzie. "I am also thrilled that the Racehorse to Riding Horse Show Championship and Performance Awards are so well supported, particularly because it is wonderful to see these horses enjoying success in their second career. It can be very worthwhile and rewarding to take on and retrain an ex-racehorse and I hope that this encourages more people to have a go", she said.

For more news please visit our archives.

Aloe Veterinary formula from Forever Living Products is high in stabilised Aloe Vera Gel, with a convenient nozzle applicator. Spray on to tender areas of your animal to soothe irritations or to cleanse before dressing or applying Aloe Vera Jelly. Vet Formula can also be sprayed onto animal coats after bathing, for extra shine and condition. Administered as a leg wash it can soothe and protect after heavy exercise. Repellent to flies.

Try it for bites, burns, stings, itches, rashes, strains, swellings and wounds. Veterinary Formula speeds the rate of healing and at the same time reduces scarring leaving few white hairs. Its natural ability to reduce heat and tenderness makes it ideal for many conditions. It is a completely safe, natural product grown without herbicides or pesticides.

For more information about this and other products in the aloe range please go to www.animalaloe.co.uk

Gelding O***** says “Before I found Aloe Vet Formula from Forever Living Products my owner was spending a fortune every 6 weeks for the vet to deal with a delicate problem in the sheath area because I required sedation and muscle relaxants, now it’s just a quick spray every day which keeps me ‘swinging’ freely!” (NB. Name has been obscured to avoid embarrassment)

“It’s saved me a lot of time and money and I don’t get kicked any more! - he really seems to enjoy it!” Sam Wallace, West Sussex

For more information please contact Angela on 01509 551364 or mobile 07866 368586

For more news please visit our archives.

L- Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino type acid that is produced in the horse’s liver. It is this L-Carnitine that triggers the process of burning fat to glucose, which the horse can then utilise as energy. L-Carnitine also supports the growth of muscle cells so shortening recovery time.

When animals are required to participate in high demand activities that call for increased stamina and energy, the horses’ natural system for producing L-Carnitine may not be able to deal with the increased demand. Reduced levels of L-Carnitine can lead to fatigue and adversely effect performance.

Nupafeed L-Carnitine feed supplement has been developed to maintain power, performance and stamina and is ideal for horses taking part in high demand competition and work where stamina and good muscle function are of primary importance. Nupafeed L-Carnitine is easily absorbed into tissue and provides an ideal supplementation to maintain required levels of L-Carnitine during times of increased workload to maintain athletic performance.

Nupafeed L-Carnitine is TOTALLY LEGAL and can be added to the normal feeding routine.

You’ll be amazed at the results.

Contact Nupafeed UK for a brochure or more information on 01438 861900 or visit www.nupafeed-uk.co.uk

For more news please visit our archives.

Please can you help?

My Shetland Pony known as 'Little One' went missing on Saturday 6th January from Alma Lane, Durley, Hampshire. He is a dearly loved pet and I am desparate to find him.

At this point in time I am unaware whether he has escaped and is now injured or whether he has been stolen.

He is a chestnut gelding with white spots on his backside, he has a cream main and tail and a blaze down his nose. Little One is 3 years old and has been microchipped.

Please discuss this story with your friends and colleagues who could keep their eyes and ears open and maybe help with his whereabouts.

My name is Penny and my contact numbers are 02380 466154, Mobile No. 07731 932049.

For more news please visit our archives.

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.

For more news please visit our archives.

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

For more news please visit our archives.

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

For more news please visit our archives.

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.

For more news please visit our archives.

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

For more news please visit our archives.

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

For more news please visit our archives.

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

For more news please visit our archives.

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

For more news please visit our archives.

Produced in association with Racing UK

Race Vision’s annual jumping review is out now both on video (RRP £17.99) and DVD (RRP £19.99).

With the extension of the Cheltenham Festival to 4 days, this year’s programme features more races than ever before with 79 being covered. Each race is separately chaptered on the DVD to give viewers the ability to immediately choose the race they want to view.

The list of races featured is printed on the inside of the cassette sleeve in date order. The Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase, Gold Cup and Grand National are all shown in full and the script is written and narrated this year by Race Vision’s Jamie Hawksfield.

For further information call Race Vision on 01730 892220 or visit www.racevision.co.uk.

For more news please visit our archives.

Badminton Horse Trials 2005
If you missed all the action, or if you want to relive it again in the comfort of your armchair, the review of Badminton 2005 is out now on DVD and video. The programme includes comprehensive coverage of the cross country action with dressage highlights, the winner’s test shown in full, and the last 6 to jump in the show jumping. For Pippa Funnell fans, this is definitely one for the collection. Duration: approx 100 minutes. RRP £19.99.

World Cup Jumping Final 2005
Las Vegas hosted the World Cup Jumping Final for the third time and put on a competition to savour in front of a capacity crowd that guaranteed a special atmosphere. The programme includes highlights of the Speed competition, coverage of the jump off and extensive highlights of both rounds on the final day. Duration: approx 90 minutes. RRP £17.99.

World Cup Dressage Final 2005
Las Vegas hosted the 2005 FEI World Cup Dressage to Music Final in the magnificent Thomas & Mack Arena. Anky rose to the occasion once again to retain her mantle as the undisputed queen of dressage. Duration: approx.90 minutes. RRP £17.99.

For more news please visit our archives.

First Thought Equine Ltd have recently launched the new WOW Endurance Professional, widening the appeal of the revolutionary WOW saddle still further.

The WOW saddle is already widely recognised in its jumping, dressage and GP styles, but the benefits of “riding on air” have also long been recognised by endurance riders. Graham “Carrot” Hartley and Liz Platts have ridden for Great Britain in World and European Championships and have been instrumental in developing the new WOW Endurance Professional. “Saddle fit for the comfort for the horse is a priority. When you are in the saddle for up to 12 hours, it has to be right with no pressure points and the Flair air flocking can achieve that,” says Carrot. Liz and Carrot got involved with the development of the endurance WOW after Carrot found that a WOW saddle made him sit in balance with the horse. “It made a big difference in helping to avoid the muscle fatigue that comes from sitting in the wrong position for long periods of time. I rode for 60 miles and it felt like I had just got on! The saddle is incredibly comfortable, and it puts you in the position that you want to be in,” he says. There are no stirrup leathers to cause chaffing and, as endurance riders are required to stand in the saddle for much of the time, the fenders, that hold the stirrups, are set further back.

The new WOW Endurance Professional combines all the key benefits of the WOW concept. It has the same flexible carbon fibre tree and seat construction and retains the modular functionality of all WOW saddles, ensuring its versatility in fitting every shape of horse and rider. So if, having invested in an Endurance Professional WOW you then decide that you want a change of scene, just change the fenders for jumping or dressage flaps and off you go into a different discipline. You could even add the endurance fenders to the recently feted Pink WOW!

The WOW Endurance Professional retails at £1295. For more information, call 01227 831614 or visit www.wowsaddles.com for details of the WOW saddle concept and all the saddles in the range.

For more news please visit our archives.

Equestrian Vision have launched The Mark Todd DVD Collection, combining the ever popular Mark Todd Training Method with his 20 Years Of Cross Country. The collection creates a comprehensive record of this great horseman’s achievements while his explanations and advice, as well as those captivating cross country rides, continue to inspire and help riders at all levels.

Disc 1 is dedicated to the young horse – general flatwork and preparing for dressage and includes a look at the basic problems riders commonly encounter when trying to apply the aids to an untrained horse. Mark explains and demonstrates some useful exercises, keeping the horse in balance, and goes on to explain how he would prepare for a test with useful tips on what to do during the test.

Disc 2 deals with preparing for show jumping and cross country training at home. Mark deals with the jumping position, gridwork and helps with common problems such as rushing fences, straightness and tackling related distances. He also explains some training exercises which he uses at home to give the horse basic experience at jumping corner fences, bounces, angles, etc.

In both programmes Mark clearly demonstrates to camera what he is doing and combined with detailed graphics this makes for excellent, instructive viewing.

Lastly, on disc 3, you can sit back and enjoy the most notable cross country rounds of Mark’s illustrious career as he relives some of those amazing performances from Southern Comfort to Bertie Blunt in 20 Years Of Cross Country. Duration: approx 180 minutes. RRP £29.99.

For more news please visit our archives.

A racket that usually involves bogus horse buyers from Africa and Eastern Europe has resurfaced - but this time conmen are posing as buyers from the US and Europe. The tricksters are also targeting horsebox vendors.

The scam usually involves a "buyer" apparantly based abroad, offering the asking price for the horse or lorry unseen, plus an extra few thousand pounds to cover shipping costs.

Enquiries are usually made via e-mail, in response to Internet adverts, often in poor English, from a "Dr" or "Prof."

If you have recieved any enquiries similar to this please don't proceed with it. They will ask you to cash the cheque and pay the shipper - BEFORE THE CHEQUE CLEARS. The cheque will then bounce leaving you out of pocket. Please be wary of anyone like this.

For more news please visit our archives.

Pippa Funnell – The Stud Farm Inheritance

The latest release for Pippa Funnell fans and lovers of computer games is Pippa Funnell - The Stud Farm Inheritance, and will be available from Equestrian Vision in The World Of The Horse at Badminton Horse Trials. With this fun game on CD Rom, running your own stables is now a virtual reality!

As the player, you have just inherited a stud farm and you must set up and manage the farm yourself. You can rebuild and personalise the yard as well as training and taking care of the horses to make them gain experience points. Riding your favourite horse, you can take part in dressage, cross country and show jumping events with Pippa guiding you through the competition. Having successfully completed several events you can then challenge Pippa in the final!

Pippa Funnell – The Stud Farm Inheritance is a passionate horsey adventure that will be enjoyed by horse and pony lovers of all ages. RRP £19.99 on CDROM.

More Fun at “The Stables”
The Funky Fools and Horses Club are a group of kids who hang out at the inner-city stables at Stepney Bank in the middle of Newcastle. Watch them taking their horses to the beach, competing in their first ever horse show, meeting a horse whisper and holding their own Shetland Grand National as well as giving out loads of “Horsey Hints” and “Pony Pointers”. First seen on TV, this hilarious series is now out on DVD and will delight adults and children alike. Volumes 1 and 2 are now available and retail at £9.99 on video or £12.99 on DVD with extra footage of Jack’s Top Yard Tour.

For more news please visit our archives.