News

On 30 th  November 2022, the British Breeding Futurity Elite Auction will again open its doors to offer a handpicked selection from the best Futurity entries for Showjumping and Eventing spanning from foals to 3-year-olds.  Interested buyers are welcome meet these exceptional young horses and their breeders at the British Showjumping National Training Centre, where the auction will be conducted in collaboration with ClipMyHorse as a physical and livestreamed hybrid event, giving prospective investors from all over the world a front seat at the proceedings. Among the myriad of foal and youngstock auctions, the Futurity Elite Auction is unique.  Every candidate has attended the British Breeding Baileys Horse Feeds Futurity evaluations, a rigorous assessment process that is unrivalled across the world. At the Futurity, the horses are seen not only by an independent team of internationally experienced senior evaluators, but also by a veterinarian and nutritionist who provide a detailed insight into each horse’s long-term prospects for a sporting career.  Says British Breeding Director Dr Eva-Maria Broomer: “Every year, exceptionally talented and well-bred eventers and showjumpers come forward for our world leading Futurity evaluations. It is from this pool of horses that we invited only the top scorers to come forward for what has to be our best selection of showjumping and eventing prospects to date!  “The Futurity has proven its worth as a reliable process for identifying and nurturing talent and ability. The outstanding achievements of Futurity Graduates such as Lordships Graffalo at this summers Eventing World Championships in Pratoni are testimony to that. “These success stories would not be possible without the passion and commitment of owners and riders to take on our best British bred horses and allow them to fulfil their potential. It is for that reason that our Futurity Elite Auction, now going into its third year, is a key component of building that all important bridge between breeding and the sport.”  Breeders need the opportunity to showcase their best stock to a national and international audience of investors who have the knowledge and ambition to take our best British-bred horses forward into the sport. Buyers need to be able to see a good selection of high-quality prospects in one place, with information they can trust.   Says British Breeding Director Jane Marson: “We are very excited about this year’s selection of auction candidates for eventing and showjumping. We are in the fortunate position to have been able to select from a great range of entries who all received outstanding Futurity results and feedback. From those, we were able to pick out auction lots with exceptional pedigrees, placing a lot of emphasis on provenance from the mother lines, so our buyers can bid with confidence! “In addition to their Futurity assessment, all auction lots have passed a pre-sale vetting within 14 days of the auction, with information available to prospective buyers.  “Our auction stables will open to visitors in the afternoon on 30 th  November 2022 at the British Showjumping National Training Centre, Hothorpe, LE17 6QX where buyers are warmly invited to join us for a glass of fizz and attend our live auction event in the evening.  “For those who cannot attend in person, the Futurity Elite Auction will be livestreamed by ClipMyHorse and run as a hybrid event with online bidding and physical bidding available on the night. The online catalogue will go live on 22 nd  November 2022 on  https://britishbreeding.weauction.nl/auctions .” To register your interest in the auction and be the first to receive detailed information about our auction lots, feel free to get in touch via  info@british-breeding.com .  

Following the great success of our Equine Bridge Dressage event earlier this year, it is now the turn for our latest crop of British Breeding Baileys Horse Feeds Futurity Graduates from eventing and showjumping to join us for their very own tailored two-day training and evaluations programme, which will take place at the British Showjumping National Training Centre, at Hothorpe, from 28 th -29 th  November. The aim of the Equine Bridge is to support the very best Futurity graduates from each Olympic discipline on their journey into the sport and to provide an opportunity for riders and owners to meet some of the best up-and-coming British-bred horses. It is for that reason that we are particularly excited about a new concept of combining this autumn’s Bridge Event with the Futurity Elite Auction , at the BS National Training Centre on 30 th  November 2022, showcasing some of the highest scoring and most exciting eventers and showjumpers from this year’s summer series.  The Futurity Elite Auction  Every year, we see exceptionally talented and well-bred eventers and showjumpers at our Futurity evaluations, but their ongoing success in the sport would not be possible without the passion and commitment of owners and riders to take them on and allow them to fulfil their potential.  It is for that reason that our Futurity Elite Auction, now going into its third year, is a key component of building that all important bridge between breeding and the sport.  Breeders need the opportunity to showcase their best stock to a national and international audience of investors who have the knowledge and ambition to take our best British-bred horses forward into the sport. Buyers need to be able to see a good selection of high-quality prospects in one place, with information they can trust.   Among the myriad of foal and youngstock auctions, the Futurity Elite Auction is unique. Every candidate has first been assessed not only by an independent team of internationally experienced senior evaluators, but also by a veterinarian and nutritionist who, in addition to the standard sales vetting that all our auction lots must have passed as a matter of course, provide a detailed insight into each entry’s long-term prospects for a sporting career.  Says British Breeding Director Jane Marson: “We are very excited about this year’s selection of auction candidates for eventing and showjumping. We are in the fortunate position to have been able to select from a great range of entries who all received outstanding Futurity results and feedback. From those, we were able to pick out auction lots with exceptional pedigrees, placing a lot of emphasis on provenance from the mother lines, so our buyers can bid with confidence!” The Bridge and the Futurity Elite Auction will both be livestreamed by ClipMyHorse, giving viewers and prospective investors from all over the world a front seat at the proceedings. The auction will be run as a hybrid event with online bidding and physical bidding available on the night. The online catalogue will go live on 22nd November 2022 on  https://britishbreeding.weauction.nl/auctions .

British Breeding are advising breeders to book in early with their vets for Equine Flu jabs so the vets can order in supplies and be sure of enough stock.  Breeders looking to start weanlings on the Flu-Tet course once they are 6 months of age may find they are unable to get vaccinations when they want them due to the current disruption to the supply chain. The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), British Equestrian (BEF) and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) are collaborating to monitor the potential impact of a shortage of doses of vaccines for Equine Influenza. The three bodies have been aware of minor interruptions to the supply of such vaccines throughout 2022. However, a significant, pan-European logistical problem being experienced by Boehringer Ingelheim has raised the prospect of a further reduction in supplies in the coming months. BEVA is liaising with the three vaccine manufacturers to quantify the impact of the shortage and to consider solutions, not only to minimise the threat to equine health and welfare but also to prevent disruption to equestrian competition. Marc Laemmer, equine business head at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health , said: “We are currently experiencing a European-wide supply issue relating to our equine influenza and influenza-tetanus vaccines.  This has been caused by unexpected issues following the implementation of a technology upgrade and is not a product or quality issue. This means that some vet practices will have difficulty obtaining sufficient influenza vaccines and there may be a shortage in the UK market.  We understand the importance of these vaccines to equine welfare, and we are continuing to work tirelessly to find a solution so that we can return to normal supply as soon as possible.” Amanda Melvin, equine business manager at MSD Animal Health , said: “Based on prior demand, MSD’s equine vaccines Equilis® Prequenza and Equilis® Prequenza Te are in full supply. MSD have taken steps to protect as many horses as possible at this time. We will continue to supply existing customers with the available MSD stock on ‘allocation’ and, where possible, to allocate stock to additional customers. Allocations are being made to our veterinary customers based on their historical demand which we believe is the most efficient way to manage the available supplies.” Rebecca Cabrejas, equine business unit manager at Zoetis , said: “Demand for our vaccines currently exceeds what we can supply. Whilst we have adequate stocks to fulfil current customers’ orders unfortunately, we are not in a position to be able to supply new customers at this time. We will continue to work with BEVA to limit the impact of the current shortages.” David Rendle, Chair of BEVA’s Health and Medicines Committee , said: “BEVA, BHA and the BEF will continue to work together with other industry and equestrian sporting bodies to manage the situation should the availability of influenza vaccines be compromised further. “We remind all horse owners of the importance of maintaining vaccination for equine influenza but would advise they wait until as close a time as possible until their horse’s next dose is due to minimise current demand.” James Given, Director of Equine Health and Welfare for the BHA , said: "The BHA will continue to monitor the situation as more information becomes available. Further updates will be issued to racing’s stakeholders and participants in due course." Jim Eyre, CEO of British Equestrian said: “A meeting of our Equine Infectious Disease Advisory Group has been held and we will work with member bodies to monitor the situation carefully. If it becomes necessary, we will collectively work to devise practical solutions for dealing with any supply difficulties.”

British Breeding’s popular world-leading evaluation series for foals and youngstock is set to return to a full programme for 2022, with a wide range of venues available for sports horse and pony breeders. Following the positive reception of the virtual series, a virtual option will remain part of the mix, which for 2022 includes 8 physical venues across the country. The series continues to benefit from the generous support of Baileys Horse Feeds who provide nutritionist advice and experts. British Breeding is delighted to be working in close cooperation with British Showjumping, who will be assisting with the running of the series.  Says British Breeding Director, Dr Eva-Maria Broomer: “We are very grateful for the support of British Showjumping, which enables us to provide a flexible and dedicated service all over the country, with 8 venues confirmed all the way from Exeter to Scotland. Together with the virtual series, this brings our British Futurity to the widest range of breeders yet!” The virtual Futurity series will run ahead of the physical venues from 15 th July until 14 th August, with video submissions closing on Monday, 8 th August 2022. This is essential to enable the team to complete the virtual evaluations ahead of the physical series. The physical venues have been confirmed as follows: 15th August:       Catherston Stud, Croft Farm, Over Wallop, Stockbridge SO20 8HX 19th August:       South West Equestrian, Lowton Stud, Bondleigh, North Tawton, EX20 2AL 22nd August:      Reaseheath College, Rease Heath, Nantwich CW5 6DF 24th August:       Beechwood Equestrian Centre, Rettendon Common, Chelmsford CM3 8DY 25th August:       Richmond Equestrian Centre, Breckenbrough Ln, Farm, Richmond DL10 7PL 29th August:       The Scottish National Equestrian Centre, Broxburn EH52 6NH 31st August:        Kingswood Equestrian Centre, County Ln, Albrighton, Codsall, Wolverhampton WV7 3AH 02 September:    National Training Centre, Hothorpe, LE17 6QX Entries are set to open from the beginning of July 2022. We look forward to seeing you all there!

The very exciting British Bred 10yr old ably produced and competed by Ros Canter,  cruised to 2 nd place at the recent Badminton Horse Trials showing class and poise beyond his years.   Hailed as ‘one of the most exciting up and coming International horses on the eventing scene’ by Iain Stark on Badminton.tv. we all look forward to watching his future eagerly. He was Bred by the Lordships Stud at Writtle College in Essex who were loaned his dam, Cornish Queen,   by owner Pennie Wallace of Pencos Sport Horses.He is by the Trakehner Stallion, Grafenstolz, who has sired many leading British Breeding Futurity young event horses and is currently standing 3 rd in the World Breeding Federation of Sport Horses Eventing Sires. His Breeding is made up of a top class eventing damline ; His dam, Cornish Queen has not only bred the top class Lordships Graffalo but also Pencos Crown Jewel  (by Jumbo) who is also based with Ros Canter and has already had a win at Advanced this season, a double clear at Thoresby CCI-S 4* and she now heads to Chatworth CCI-S 4*. She also has a young colt (2018)  by Chill Morning, Pencos Arctic King,  who is a British Breeding Graduate gaining a GOLD award as a2yo. He has now gone to start his competitive training. Cornish Queen is out of the fabulous mare CORNISH FAER (Ben FAERIE ex TREGEA) . Cornish Faer was competed by Katie Burton (daughter of Bridget Parker who was an instrumental member of the Gold Medal winning Eventing team in Munich in 1972)  and was placed 11 th at Blenheim in 1994, Badminton in 1995 (25 th ) , 11 th at   Burghley Horse Trials in 1996 and also competed at Badminton in 1996 & 1997. She went on to become a prolific dam of event horses. Her dam, Tregea, produced 5 Advanced eventers and her grand-dam, April The First, was a Grade A showjumper who jumped 7’ in the Puissance at HOYS. She also produced 2 x CCI**** horses and a Grade A Showjumpper. This really emphasises the importance of breeding from strong dam lines with proven performance. A good broodmare will keep producing good progeny from a range of good stallions. Lordships Graffalo was presented to the British Breeding Futurity as a foal and a two year old; both times scoring a Higher First (or Gold equivalent today) in the Eventing section.   Photo credit - Writtle University for more on Lordships Graffalo  

Leading organisations and individuals across Britain’s equestrian community have united to form ‘British Equestrians for Ukraine’ which aims to help horses and their owners caught up in the crisis created by the Russian invasion. The Ukrainian Equestrian Federation has put out an urgent call for supplies on the ground including feed, forage and shavings and with a groundswell of support from our industry, there was a clear need to help co-ordinate the offers of assistance from leading brands as well as raise money to fund aid directly where it’s needed most. Spearheaded by British Equestrian (BEF), The British Horse Society (BHS), the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) and World Horse Welfare with the support of member bodies across the industry, British Equestrians for Ukraine has been set up to help facilitate a supply chain to meet the immediate need for goods on the ground as well as raising money to help purchase supplies and cover the costs associated with transport. Jim Eyre, British Equestrian Chief Executive commented; “This is a dire situation, and, alongside the immediate humanitarian crisis, we must do everything we can to prevent the unnecessary suffering of all equines and help those who care for them. We’re fortunate that our equestrian community is blessed with so many willing to help those in need. However, it’s apparent that careful co-ordination is required to make sure urgent goods get to those in need through the correct channels. We hope that we can help facilitate that while urgently raising funds for the emergency requirements and beyond. I’d like to thank all those involved in getting the fund and export effort launched, particularly Alec Lochore, Alice Fox-Pitt, Roly Owers, James Hick and Claire Williams.” The group’s first action was to facilitate a trusted method for financial contributions, with World Horse Welfare setting up the British Equestrians for Ukraine Fund on their website where direct donations can be made by individuals or organisations. Donations, no matter how small, will help us to work with trusted, local partners, including the Ukraine and Polish Federations and recognised charities to provide emergency support. UK taxpayers can sign up to Gift Aid on their donations which means the fund will receive an extra 25p in every £1 you give, at no extra cost. Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare said; "The tragedy unfolding in Ukraine is utterly heart-breaking but there has been such a desire from across Britain to help Ukraine’s horses and those who own or care for them. This fund aims to do just that and, along with the British Horse Society, we have donated to the appeal, and would encourage others to do the same. "Without doubt there will be huge challenges to effectively target funds where they are most needed, so we will strive to work through a network of trusted local partners in what is clearly such an unsettled and rapidly evolving situation." The group is also working with leading equestrian brands and BETA members to co-ordinate offers of the urgently required goods and then matching them with planned haulage trips to the Polish logistics hub established by the Ukrainian and Polish Equestrian Federations. This way we can ensure lorries are leaving British shores full, with the right supplies and correct exportation documentation to expedite the goods getting into Poland and on to Ukraine. Executive Director of BETA, Claire Williams, praised the efforts so far; “What has been achieved in such a short time shows what we are able to do by working together. Shipments of hay and bedding are already on their way, but the logistics due to Brexit are challenging. Feed companies with distributors and stock on the Continent are stepping up to assist while others who are experienced exporters are committing supplies to be sent over either through shared loads or direct with their usual hauliers. Other companies who are not in a position to send product have also pledged cash donations to the new fund.” How the equine community can help via British Equestrians for Ukraine The most immediate and direct benefit will come from donations: Equine: British Equestrians for Ukraine Fund (worldhorsewelfare.org) Humanitarian - http://www.donation.dec.org.uk/ukraine-humanitrian-appeal Donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal will be match funded by the UK Government up to £25 million and funds from Oxfam and the Red Cross are being channelled to the REC.   If any companies can help with donations of reasonable quantities of the following in packs weighing less than 20kgs, please contact BETA on info@beta-uk.org who can help with the logistics of supply: small packaged haylage/forage  compound/hard feed  shavings Any product supplied will need to be accompanied by export documentation and should not require export health certificates. The group does not recommend that private individuals collect donations of goods or equipment and/or attempt to transport them to Europe themselves, unless they have extensive experience of exporting goods. There are significant logistical barriers and the required exportation documentation for mixed loads is extensive plus the inherent costs associated with the trip could become prohibitive. James Hick, BHS Chief Executive added; “We have been shocked by the events unfolding in Ukraine and as a charity that is here for all horses and people who care for them, we wanted to help, and we know many of our members and supporters also want to help during this incredibly difficult time. By collectively coming together we have launched a dedicated fund and The British Horse Society will be making a donation, we would encourage anyone who feels that they can afford to donate to do so. These are unprecedented times and just these small actions we’re taking will make a difference.”

The FEI Executive Board met today to unanimously condemn the invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces and agree on the ramifications to equestrian sport in Russia and Belarus. In line with the IOC statement of 25 February 2022 urging International Sports Federations to relocate or cancel their sports events, the FEI Executive Board called on the FEI Secretary General to remove all international equestrian events in Russia and Belarus in the 2022 FEI Calendar in accordance with Articles 112.3 of the FEI General Regulations and 28.2 vi of the FEI Statutes. In addition to removing all the Events from Russia and Belarus, the FEI Executive Board also unanimously agreed to freeze all FEI Solidarity and development activities and to cancel or relocate, where possible, FEI Courses for Officials scheduled to be held in Russia and Belarus in 2022. The Executive Board requested that the FEI Board consider an Emergency Board Resolution addressing today’s recommendation by the International Olympic Committee Executive Board to prohibit the participation of all Russian and Belarusian Athletes and Officials. The FEI will continue to monitor the situation and decisions taken by the FEI Board will be communicated in the coming days.  During the meeting, the Executive Board also approved the allocation of a CHF 1 Million FEI Solidarity Relief Fund for the equestrian community in Ukraine. The FEI is liaising closely with the Ukrainian Federation and neighbouring countries to facilitate and coordinate logistical support as well as the financial aid.   FEI President and Chair of the FEI Solidarity Committee Ingmar De Vos (BEL) is currently in close contact with the National Federation of Ukraine and the equestrian community. “We are deeply concerned for the welfare of all Ukrainians and the entire equestrian community in Ukraine,” the FEI President said. ”Their safety is very much our priority, and we are liaising closely with our key contacts in Ukraine and neighbouring countries to seek solutions to their most pressing needs.” “Sport is a network which relies and thrives on team spirit and camaraderie and it is through these important friendships that we can offer support and make a difference to the people of Ukraine in these challenging times.”  On Sunday (27 February), British Equestrian Chairman Malcolm Wharton CBE wrote on behalf of the Federation, our member bodies and the British equestrian community to FEI President Ingmar de Vos to unreservedly condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and offer our support of any sanctions they might impose on Russia, and Belarus, for their part in this immoral conflict. On hearing of the FEI’s decision to remove all international equestrian events in Russia and Belarus, Malcolm said; “While our part in the global condemnation of the actions of Russia and Belarus is relatively small, we must all take our place and be counted. Sport has a powerful role in society and with bodies like the IOC, FIFA and UEFA taking action, so must we and we stand with the FEI in their decision. We offer our support to the National Federation of Ukraine and the wider equestrian community in these challenging times and pray for their safety.”