THE HEREFORD TIMES, Thursday, August 30, 2007 39www.herefordtimes.com

Equestrian Times

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Pony ExpressBehind the scenes at one of the ever-popularpony club meetings held in Herefordshire

■ TOP TACKIt’s worth spend-ing the money.

■ RESULTS

■ POLOEXPLORER:Going back to theorigins of thegame

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40 THE HEREFORD TIMES, Thursday, August 30, 2007 www.herefordtimes.com

Equestrian Times

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You shouldn’t gofor any old tackONE of the most important purchasesafter buying a horse is the saddle, bri-dle and other tack.

Both saddles and bridles are now madein a variety of materials and coloursincluding webbing and neoprene tomake them easy to clean. However forshowing there is nothing quite as nice asgood quality leather.

Buying the best you can afford, ensuringyou have the best fit for your horse andyourself and then caring for it after eachride will make your investment last years.

The Society of Master Saddlers offers thefollowing advice for checking and caringfor tack.● Accidents occur when equipment failsas a result of neglect or misuse, or whenthe components and the process of man-ufacture is below an acceptable standard.So buy from established saddlers, many

of whom are members of the Society ofMaster Saddlers and are committed tomaintaining high standards of materialsand workmanship.● The saddle and its mountings – theleathers, stirrup irons and girth – areitems which, if cared for, will last almosta lifetime.Points of potential failure which need to

be checked regularly include the mostmost vulnerable area of the saddle, thegirth straps and their attachment.The stitching, securing the girth straps to

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THE HEREFORD TIMES, Thursday, August 30, 2007 41www.herefordtimes.com

Equestrian Times

www.herefordtimes.com/equestrian

IT was a gala show to remem-ber at Marden, despite wor-ries over foot and mouth dis-ease and weeks of wet weath-er.

Staged by Marden and DistrictRiding Club committee lastmonth, the event’s HoughtonCourt showground looked like amini Hickstead with its stun-ning views and colourful, flag-bedecked rings.

Riders came out in force, andspectators cheered as they

competed for extra specialrosettes and trophies, with per-petual trophies going to highestplaced club members in manyclasses

The club is known for itsfriendly, informal atmospherebut the competition was seriousand standards were high inshowing, working hunter andthe main ring showjumping,where most classes were quali-fiers for Midland Association ofRiding Clubs’ championships.

However, in clear round,novice showjumping,handy pony andgymkhana, competitorsenjoyed a more light-hearted approach, withlots of help and encour-agement.

On Sunday, September9, the final outdoor eventof the year, the Fun Showplus Showjumping withDerby, is due to takeplace.

As ever, all are welcomeand entries will be takenon the day. For details,ring the club secretary on01432 820 574, or e-mail:debbieimrogers@btinter-net.com.

SHOW JUMPING - Very novice 1ft6ins: 1Harriet Warren (Pip), 2 Kirsty Fortey(Dottie Dolittle), 3 James Stephens (OliverTwist); very novice 1ft 9ins: 1 PhoebeEvans (Jet) , 2 Shelley Osborne(Pr inglehouse Frazer) , 3 O l iv ia M i l ls(Charlotte); novice 2ft: 1 Phoebe Ewens(Jet) , 2 Jenna K ington (Caddy) , 3 TJTownsend (Bouncy Bouncer); novice2ft3ins: 1 Phoebe Evans (Jet), 2 HarrietBlackman-Howard (Night Dancer); BeckyPowell (Golden Beau); novice 2ft6ins: 1Jenna Kington (Caddy), 2 Amy Rhodes(Prince), 3 Lydia Williams (Macy).

MAIN RING SHOW JUMPING (all classesare qua l if iers) - 10 yrs and under : 1Kathleen Luton-Hughes (Sovereign), 2Phoebe Evens (Tigger); very novice horse:1 Claire Wyatt (Conker), 2 Robyn Gore(Milly); Junior 12 and under: 1 PhoebeEwens (Tigger), 2 Sophie Ball (Toby Bear);Horse seven and under: 1 Caroline King(Delilah Herby), 2 Zoe Atkinson (Flight ofFancy; Novice Pony: 1 Sophie Ball (TobyBear), 2 Robbie Skyrme (Pickles); NoviceHorse: 1 Victoria Stinchcombe (Herby), 2Alex Moore (Star Hawk); IntermediatePony: 1 Elise Goulding (Blackberry)|, 2Sophie Stratton (Sgt Pepper); IntermediateHorse: 1 Lydia Parker (Classic Surprise), 2Rodway Heathfield (Purdy); Small OpenPony: 1 Elise Goulding (Cherry B), 2Sophie Stratton (Sgt Pepper); Small OpenHorse: 1 Kirsty Anker (Cleo), 2 SallyRanda l l (Eze); Open Pony : 1 SophieStratton (Sgt Pepper), 2 Elise Goulding(Cherry B); Open Horse: 1 Claire Bushnell(Hermes), 2 Lucy Chapman (Kerry).

WORKING HUNTER (Q = qualifiers) -Mountain and Moorland (Q): 1 LaurenBu l lock (Casanova) , 2 Maddy Jacob(Taffechan Princess); Novice WHP (Q): 1Lauren Bullock (Jacob), 2 Laura Whit-tington (Asha); Novice (Q): 1 Tori Davies

(Ted), 2 Pippa Jones (Zac); Open WHP(Q): 1 Lucy Harris (Whiskey), 2 LauraWhittington (Seaford Topcat); Openworking hunter (Q): 1 Sue Hitchings(Burdine), 2 Pippa Jones (Zac).

RIDDEN SHOWING - Lead rein pony(Q): 1 Charlotte McDowall (TreowenBlack Orchid), 2 George Hanson (Frosty);Ridden Cob (Q): 1 Katie Staniland (BlueThunder), 2 Sue Pugh (Echo); RiddenHunter ex. 14 .2 (Q) : 1 Sue hitchins(Burdine), 2 Suzanne Woolley (Promise);RC Horse exc . 14 .2 (Q) : 1 SuzanneWoolley (Promise), 2 Bryony Williams(Maddy); RC Pony 14.2 and under (Q): 1Ffion Edwards (Jacob), 2 Jack Sherborn-Hoare (Todd); Ridden Coloured (Q): 1Katie Staniland (Blue Thunder), 2 KatyGoodwin (Asti Sparkle). Small M&M (L/R)(Q): 1 Charlotte McDowall (Redline Aceof Base), 2 Phoebe Jones (Goldie); SmallM&M (unled) (Q) : 1 Becky Goodw in(Telyau Royal DG), 2 Laura Whittington(Blue); Large M&M (Q): 1 Katy Staniland(Egoes Robin) , 2 Lauren Bu l lock(Casanova); Ridden Veteran pony orhorse aged 15+ (Q): 1 Suzanne Woolley(Dyna), 2 Janet Phillpots (Bally Murphy).

CENTRAL HORSE NEWS MOST STYL-ISH RIDER AWARDS 2007 : SeniorSuzanne Woolley and Dyna, Junior BeckyGoodwin and Malianarch Castrol Finn.

HANDY PONY - Lead rein: 1 ImogenVenhegan-Harr is (Ben) , 2 RebeccaParsonage (Ted); 12 yrs and under: 1Darcy Jones (Badger), 2 Phoebe Ewens(Tigger); open: 1 Maddy Jacob (Kismet), 2Zoe Atkinson (Hasaani).

GYMKHANA overall medal winners. Leadrein: Rebecca Parsonage (Ted). 12 yrs andunder: Lucy Jones (Tom Tom). Open:Emma Wait (Kitty).

A day toremember

Show results

Jenna Kington and Caddy, first novice 2'6"Showjumping, with Bernard Grobb whopresented the Katie Milner and Ilex Pal Joey Small unlead

M&M receive third pr izefrom Liz Langford, judge inthe showing classes.

Claire Bushnell andHermes, winner ofthe Open Horseand Angelo Trophyfor the highestplaced member.

rosettes and trophy.

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1st September 2007

42 THE HEREFORD TIMES, Thursday, August 30, 2007 www.herefordtimes.com

Equestrian Times

www.herefordtimes.com/equestrian

FRONT OFSUPPLEMENT:Beth Taylor, KatieMilner, Isobel Hilland Ollie Fenn trytheir groomingskills on King aspart of the stablemanagementcourse. 073404-2

THIS PAGE:1. Becky Bolcott,Emma Goodinson,Naomi Brandt,Alica Philo and PollyMorgan listen toinstructions in theworking hunterarea. 073404-62. Naomi Brandt,Alicia Philo, HonourDangerfield get onwith mucking out,watched byMargaret Owersfrom Tack FarmEquestrian Centre.073404-33. Abi Hill ridesBella around thejumps in theworking hunterarea. 073404-1

PAGE 119: 1. ZoeRees and Billy takeon the showjumpingcourse. 073404-42. Megan Lloyd,Hattie Walker andMiranda Ross putthe tack onHudson’s Treasure.073404-3

Photographs byJames Maggs.

Pictures

GONE are the times when camp and ral-lies were held in a farmer’s borrowedfield.

Youngsters at the North Hereford HuntPony Club camp enjoyed a fantasticline-up of daytime and evening enter-tainment at Tack Farm EquestrianCentre, Ullingswick.

The days started at 8.15am with hay,feed and watering, followed by breakfastand stables and grooming.

There were riding and instruction allmorning, followed by stable manage-ment lessons in the afternoon before a

second ride, evening stables and tackcleaning. All the instruction is a greatopportunity for the children to improvetheir riding with a relatively intensecrash course while learning the vitalpoints of horse and pony care.

The evening programme included a vettalk, pizza meal, fish and chip night,Pony Club racing talk, an evening withinternational event riders and a barbe-cue and swimming.

What a great way to spend a week ofthe summer holidays. Long live PonyClub camp!

A pizza the action

1

32

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PIZZAS, barbecues, friends and plentyof riding and playing ponies – itsounds like a dream to me!

Wet weather and floods washed out theNorth Hereford Hunt branch of thePony Club’s first attempt at camp thissummer but, in typical Pony Club fash-ion, organisers were undeterred, spiritsremained undampened, and the five-day event was hurriedly rescheduled forlast week.

Summer camp is the highlight of theholidays for most Pony Club membersand is a tradition which the NorthHereford Hunt Pony Club is trying hardto keep alive.

“With rising costs of holding the campand more schoolwork and out-of-schoolclubs for the children, it is increasinglydifficult to run camp and rallies,” saiddistrict commissioner Margaret Owers.

“The trouble, really, is that keepingponies is a full-time hobby.

“If you are going to come to rallies andevents, you can’t just leave your ponyfor weeks then pick it out of the fieldand expect to come along. It is not thatkind of hobby.

“Ponies need looking after and exercis-

ing every day and that is often difficultfor children these days with morehomework and other things going on.”

This is a concern shared by many otherbranches up and down the country,which are making huge efforts to keepup with the changing times anddemands from youngsters.

The aim is to give good instruction butto keep things fun and make things

accessible to young people of all levelsof rider, including the more nervousones.

This was, of course, why the Pony Clubwas founded – to give children of allabilities and ages the opportunity tolearn how to ride and look after theirponies while making friends along theway.

For some lucky riders, it is the start of along and successful career at the topand numerous Badminton competitorsstarted in their local Pony Club branch.

THE HEREFORD TIMES, Thursday, August 30, 2007 119www.herefordtimes.com

Equestrian Times www.herefordtimes.com/equestrian

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120 THE HEREFORD TIMES, Thursday, August 30, 2007 www.herefordtimes.com

Equestrian Times

MANIPUR, a small state innorth east India, is thehome of Sagol Kangjei theforerunner of moderninternational polo.

It was from here the Britishofficers and tea planters tookthe game to Calcutta andthen spread it around theworld.

Sagol Kangjei is part ofMeitei (the main tribe inManipur) religious mytholo-gy. Their gods are depictedplaying it at the creation andit is now thought that polooriginated in this part of theworld.

Sagol Kangjei has sevenplayers on each side and,originally, the winner was thefirst team to reach a givennumber of goals and therewas a break when half thestipulated amount wasscored.

There are no goal posts; the

ball is hit over the opponent’send line to score.

Today there are two 20-minute halves with a five-minute rest at half time. Thesame ponies are usedthroughout.

There is no umpire, just ahighly respected local digni-tary who sits at the sidelineand passes judgement in thecase of an unresolved dis-pute.

The Huntre Hunba, ballthrower, is on the sideline at

the centre of the pitch andthrows the ball in to start thegame and a new one aftereach goal. Two conch shellblowers announce the begin-ning and end of the halvesand every goal.

The players gather in thecentre waiting for the HuntreHunba to throw the ball highin the air and barge eachother as they try to catch it.

If they succeed, they gallopwith it to their opponent’send line and must drop it to

hit it over the line to score. Assoon as a goal is scored,another ball is thrown in.

The ponies are all Manipuriponies between 11 and 13hands high.

They have speed, agility, arehighly adaptable and brave,making them ideal for polo.

At a demonstration match atMoirang, 45 kilometres fromImphal where the ponieslive, the players hacked there,played the match and hacked■■ Continued on facing page.

BESIDES being used for polo, theponies were also the war horsesof the Meitei.They were used for Arambai

Hunba, a martial art that helpedthe Meitei conquer much ofAssam and northern Burma.

Arambai are darts with a sixinch point, shaped like a Bodkinarrowhead, with a flight of pea-

cock tail feathers tied to theshaft. For range and accuracy anarrow throwing stick abouttwo and a half feet long is insert-ed into the feathers. The thumb and forefinger hold

the feathers out of the way whilethe other three fingers grip thestick.■■ Continued on facing page.

A littlelocalgamethatwentaroundtheworld

Above: Ponies wait to go outfrom their paddock.

Other photos: A game of SagolKangjei in Manipur.

www.herefordtimes.com/equestrian

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Equestrian Times

Polo explorerBob Taylor, from

Presteigne, finds andresearches indige-nous horse gamesand their places inthe culture of thecountry in which theyare played.

He recentlyreturned from

north east Indiawhere he wasresearchingthe Manipuriequestrianmartial artArambai

Hunba.Manipur is also

the home ofSagol Kangjei,

the forerunner ofmodern interna-tional polo and hewas keen to seehow this was sur-viving, along withthe Meitei pony –the original polopony.

■■ From opposite.back again. The ponies’ feet arereally hard – none had shoes orwent lame. Most Meitei used tohave a smallholding and wouldkeep a pony to play in weeklylocal matches.

With modernisation manyfarmers have moved to the cityand the village pitches havebeen built over.

Imphal, the capital, hasexpanded tremendously and isstill doing so, depriving theponies of grazing and pushingthem ever further from theremaining two polo grounds inthe centre.

Some owners turn their poniesloose for the night on the palacepolo ground if there are practicematches on Saturday andSunday.

Unfortunately it is only fencedon three sides and is also usedfor football and other sports aswell as grazing cattle and sheep,so the ponies wander off lookingfor food. One evening I passedtwo ponies that had wanderedand were competing with somecows on a pile of rubbish. Everyyear several ponies are lost to

colic through eating polythenecarrier bags.

There is a small stud but thestallions, mares, foals and year-lings all run together in littlepaddocks, bare of grass andreliant on hay, and let out ontoan open common, which theyshare with dairy cattle.

The grazing for the majority ofthe ponies is a rough marshyarea, which floods in the mon-soon, driving them into the hillsor the streets on the outskirts ofImphal.

Although numbers are declin-ing they are more in demandthan ever, because they aregood jumpers and popular withthe exponents of modern equi-tation.

Some polo players are keen tocross Manipuri stallions withlarger mares, to get a polo ponybetter suited to modern interna-tional polo, but it is acceptedthat the breeding of the maresmust be kept pure.

The future of the breed and thegames rests on the availability ofsecure grazing grounds – noteasy in a country where mod-ernisation is everything.

■■ From opposite.The Arambai is thrown overarm with a stick, but under armin clusters of four or five with-out a stick. The thrower carriestwo or four quivers of Arambai,sorted into those with or with-out sticks, strapped to the frontand back of the saddle. Using a stick a good thrower

could hit a target at up to 120yards at a gallop. To hit the enemy with clusters,

the rider had to get a lot closerbut the effect of hundreds ofpoisoned darts dropping out ofthe sky was as devastating formorale as it was in casualties. The throwers came from a

select group of families that

kept the exact art of throwing asecret, as well as the type ofpoison. They were volunteers under

the direct command of the kingand separate from the rest ofthe army.Today a group of young men

have revived the art and giveexhibitions at equine events.

www.herefordtimes.com/equestrian

THE HEREFORD TIMES, Thursday, August 30, 2007 121www.herefordtimes.com

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NEW

A well maintained semi detached house in level location.

Living room, kitchen/diner, 2 bedrooms, bathroom. Gardens

to front and rear, garage, UPVC primary glazing

Craven Arms £475,000ono

NEW

A well maintained semi detached house in level location.

Living room, kitchen/diner, 2 bedrooms, bathroom. Gardens

to front and rear, garage, UPVC primary glazing

Craven Arms £475,000ono

NEW

A well maintained semi detached house in level location.

Living room, kitchen/diner, 2 bedrooms, bathroom. Gardens

to front and rear, garage, UPVC primary glazing

Nr Hay on Wye Auction 06/09/07

A period farmhouse, mod & trad buildings & 50 acres of land, in a quiet, convenient,rural location with fine views of the Wye Valley. For sale by Public Auction to be soldon Thursday 6th September at The Swan Hotel, Hay on Wye at 3pm.

Hay-on-Wye Office 01497 820778

Nr. Hay on Wye £575,000

A late 16th Century Medieval Long House offering characteraccommodation set in five acres of land situated at the foot ofthe Black Mountains enjoying far reaching country views.Hay-on-Wye Office 01497 820778

Mid Wales £399,995

Equestrian smallholding situated in idyllic rural location affordingextensive views of the surrounding countryside. Comprisingdetached bungalow, outbuildings & approx. 11.5 acres of land.

Builth Wells Office 01982 552259

FARMLAND FOR SALENEAR CLYRO, HAY-ON-WYE

LOT 1 23.31 ACRES (9.43HA)

Plus Farm Buildings

LOT 2 36.16 ACRES (14.59HA)LOT 3 3.50 ACRES (14.59HA)LOT 4 5.74 ACRES (2.32HA)

Auction 6th September 2007 at 3pmat The Swan Hotel, Hay-on-Wye

Hay-on-Wye Office 01497 820778

Dorstone £550,000

An attractive country smallholding comprising a traditional, detached five

bedroomed farmhouse, a range of outbuildings and gardens running

down to a stream, set in 3 acres with superb countryside with rural views.Hay-on-Wye Office 01497 820778

Nr. Abergavenny £475,000A beautifully situated and attractive 4 acre small holding with period farmhouse

capable of enlargement, detached outbuildings and land enjoying glorious views

towards the Sugar Loaf and over the surrounding countryside.Hay-on-Wye Office 01497 820778

Nr Brecon £465,000Situated approx 7.5 miles from Brecon, standing in a large gardens with a Pony Paddock ideal for

equestrian use. A 5 bed, 3 receptions, large kitchen, bathroom, shower room, utility and tack room.

The property also benefits off road parking, workshop, several outbuildings and gardens.

Brecon Office 01874 610990

NEW

PRICE

Nr Brecon £795,000

A converted four beds detached stone barn with farmbuildings and about 130 acres of organically registeredgrazing rights.Hay-on-Wye Office 01497 820778

RIDING boots long rubber,ladies 6½ black £15 07773468870 WANTED Horses and Ponies,Cash Paid, Tel: 07860 484400.

IFOR Williams 510 horse trail-er, 3 years old in November,data protected, £3,000 ono.Call Emma (01981) 510291

HAPPY HORSE& HOME

Clearance DayTuesday 4thSeptember

at Dinmore Village Hall2.30pm start

Auction at 6.30pmChildren welcome

Order all your winter rugsnow for big discounts!!

Call 07773391912 or

07725740463for details.

Myler, Neve Schule,Buddies, Rheingold,

Saddle Fitting, Polyjumps,Shires, Harry Hall,Snowhill and more

www.herefordtimes.com

INASSOCIATION

WITH

THE HORSEBOUTIQUE

RIDING WEARSADDLERY

KINGSLANDTel: 01568 708280

IF IT’S TIMBER, WE DO IT!Tel. 01568 708206www.kingslandstabling.com

KKiinnggssllaanndd

SSttaabblliinnggLooseboxes, Shelters, Barns,

Garages, Workshops,Summerhouses etc

TO LET stables, tack room &paddocks, water & electricity,pr ivate access . A lso 2007good hay avail. 01568 708954

14HH BAYGELDING8 years old. Hasshown, PC andhunted. Ideal

1st pony. Good tobox, shoe, chip etc.

Sad sale

Telephone

01432 270099

£1000SAMPLE

SAMPLE

01432 845846

The Hereford Times

Advertise your Horse in

in the new way with a photographfor just £37.60 inc vat

W Norcester ewsEVESHAM

JOURNAL

with a photographfor just £39.00

STUNNING Registered darkbay sect ion D Gelding ,14.2hh, 14 years old, lovelypaces, brilliant jump, willmake excellent competition/PC pony, would suit teenag-er/ small adult, good to shoe,catch, clip etc (crib bites)photos can be emailed £1600ono 01874 658492/ 07919622610

5 ACRE FIELD well wateredand fenced with 3 stables inthe Much Marcle Area. Longterm let . (07899) 665215(Eves and Wkends)

FUN RIDESunday,

23rd Sept.at Pencombe,nr. Bromyard1st Horse 10.30 a.m.

Last Horse 1 p.m.10 mile route over

picturesque farmlandwith optional jumps

5 mile mini route alsoavailable

Refreshments & ParkingCONTACT

01885 400315for more info

RHSC HUNTER TRIALSHome Farm, Dulas

Sunday 9th September

Junior Pre-Novice pairsNovice & Open Classes

Entries/EnquiriesTel: 01981 580207

REG Exmoor mare for salewith filly foal at foot, current-ly running with stallion. Hasbeen ridden, 100% in everyway. £950 ono for the 2. RegDartmoor stallion, currentlyrunning w ith mares andfoals, £850 ono. For furtherdetails call 01584 810130/07886 806142

122 THE HEREFORD TIMES, Thursday, August 30, 2007

Exceptionally Kind First Pony7 year grey 11.2 mare. Goes on or offthe lead rein. Done loads pony clubs

rallies and shows. Won showing, smalljumping, 100% in traffic.

Very kind and loving, a pleasure to handle

£1,350Tel: 01544 327810

14.1 6yr old Norwegian Fjordx Warmblood gelding. Goodto shoe,,box etc Excellent inheaviest traffic. Will jumpcoloured /natura l fences .Ridden by 12yr old £2,800ono Please Tel 01584 881581

BROMSGROVE & D istr ictRiding Club, Open AnnualTrophy Show and Dressagesun Sept 9th, Wendy Ingram01299 851250bromsgroveridingclub.co.uk

FOUR Indoor / Outdoorwooden Stab les , £1 ,000ovno., vgc. Contact: Chris:0777 3333665.

17" Brand new Englishleather sadle, medium/widefit £90 ono 07940139293

TOBYFAULKNERDIPWCF farrierMonmouthshire based

Also coveringHerefordshire &Gloucestershire

borders

07779 763197

16.2hh BayDutch warm

blood Gelding8 Yrs, A superbly

bred horse(Donnerhall lines)

has completedaffiliated dressage,

won & placed novice- 9th regional

champs, Talentedenough to continue

up the grades.

£5000 onoTel 01558685004

14hh Blackmiddle weight

6 Yr old Mare,Superb jumping

pony - BSJAwinnings, Excellenthunter, very bold

across country, suitchild or adult, 100%

traffic etc.

£3500 ono

Tel 01558685004

ALLROUNDER

15.2HH BAYMARE

11 years, TB/ID, 3balanced paces,

kind temperament,good to box, shoe,traffic. Done XC,

SJ, dressage, needsgood home andcompetent rider

£2900

Tel: 01386584268

15.2HH Beautiful 15yr baymare, ID/TB, Good all rounder.£1450 ono. 01544 388928

RareOpportunityto purchasea genuine quality

unspoilt 15.2hh 6yrCleveland Bay x

mare, bred a qualityfoal last year. Now

in full work,outstanding

temperament, easyto do in all ways.Still a little green

but totally unspoilt£4500

0781 7831108(Hereford)

SchoolMaster/Hunter16.1HH, Dark Bay

Gelding,Middleweight,

Barney hassuccessfully

competed PreNovice Eventing,Open Xc and SJ,

Good to hack aloneand in company,enjoys pleasurerides and bold

hunter.£5000 ono

Tack Available01432 880116

Equestrian Times

www.herefordtimes.com/equestrian

BarnstormersWINTER

RUG OFFER

01568 797970Barnstormers

Bodenham HR1 3HTwww.barnstormers.co.uk

Save a massive

25%on Winter Turnoutand Stable RugsOffer ends 30th September 2007