October 2011

Sue White's Kilfinnie (Scottie) made the long trip all the way down to the south of France to compete in Pau CCI****. Scottie produced a good dressage but unfortunately sustained a fetlock sprain on the XC and although he was clear he was unable to complete the event - a very sad end to the season.

Captain Fred and Penny Barker, Vicki Mace-Benson's and Georgina Tapner's Wickstead Didgeridoo (Balloo) made a trip out to Holland to compete at Boekelo CCI***. Unfortunately the dressage didn't follow his dressage at South Of England and he scored an average mark, but after a fantastic XC round finishing with the 9th fastest time he pulled himself back up into the top quarter. He Jumped well the next day but unfortunately greenness in two of the lines moved him down a few placings so he finished 31st out of 110 starters! Not bad for a young horse at this high level.

Captain Fred and Penny Barker's Kilronan (Tom) made the long trip with stable mate Scottie down to the south of France to compete at Pau for the CIC**. He proved how consistent and ready to move up the levels he is by leading after the dressage and XC. Unfortunately a rail and 1 sec too much time meant he moved to 2nd place, but still gives him an autumn season of campaigning with him and Paul not being out of the top 2!!

Sally and Colm McGinn's Indian Mill (Monkee) met Georgina and Paul in France at the young horse world Championships at Le lion D'Angers to contest in the CCI* 6 year old. Monkee proved what an amazing horse he is by leading after the dressage and XC but unfortunately he lowered too many poles and fell to 13th. We were still over the moon with this young horse as he has only done 4 months of competing this season due to a broken pedal bone last Christmas. We are very much looking forward to working on his strength over the winter and seeing what he can produce next year.

Andrew Page's Miss B (Bee) had two runs this month with Zoe. Bee produced a good dressage and double clear in the BE100 at Calmsden and finished in 5th. She then went to Aldon BE100 where she produced a good clear XC. Miss B will continue to be campaigned by Zoe next year.

Andrew Page's Carmenero (Carmen) joined stable mate Bee and ran under Zoe at Calmsden for 7th place and then also at Aldon Be100 at last producing a double clear for 5thplace. Carmen will also be campaigned by Zoe next season.

Georgina Tapner's Wickstead Ulara (Lara) competed in her final event this season at the CIC* 6 year old champs. She was very good in all phases and although was not competitive she has filled Georgina with great hope for her in the future.

Zoe's GHS Calvaruise (Peanut) enjoyed his last run this season in the novice at Dauntsey. They produced another consistent run and finished in 8th.

 

September 2011

September has seen a few good WINS to spur the team on. We have also seen some staff changes, firstly I would like to thank our head girl Zoe Wilkinson for again helping to form such a strong back bone in our team whilst these changes happen. It is so good for the horses to have a few constant faces to work with and with the work Zoe does behind the scenes she really is hugely valuable to us. Also thanks to Kiri Snell who has been with us all season and is really starting to blossom in to a good young rider and a lovely person to work with. We wish Catherine Kyle, Emma Owen and Chrissy Thompson luck in their future pursuits.

We now welcome on to the team Rowan Collins, Jessica Brooks and Georgina Milsom who are in the process of joining us to help with the winter duties and on in to next season.

Sue White's Kilfinnie (Scottie) has had a busy month fitness and training wise but not competing. He will be heading out to Pau to contest in the CCI**** in October and the decision was made to train and work had at home rather than compete him lots. Scottie is fit and raring to go!

Captain Fred and Penny Barker, Vicki Mace-Benson's and Georgina Tapner's Wickstead Didgeridoo (Balloo) has put his splint behind him and contested in the CIC*** 8 and 9 year old class at Blenheim, he was a little fresh in the dressage but held his own to be mid field, his SJ was spectacular to watch in the main arena with many people commentating on his enthusiastic style over a fence. XC was clear with some time penalties and so it was decided that he is ready to go up a level to CCI*** at Boekelo in October. South of England CIC** proved very worth while expedition for Balloo with a personal best dressage score followed by a clear and fast XC to finished in 2nd place, a clear 6 points in front of 3rdplace!!  

Captain Fred and Penny Barker's Kilronan (Tom) has had a very late but VERY successful start to his season, starting with a HC WIN in the Intermediate Novice at Goring Heath. He kept his winning form at Gatcombe in the top CIC** class with a lovely dressage and double clear for another convincing WIN. At South of England when going for the hat-trick again in the top CIC** class, he excelled himself with a super impressive sub 40 dressage test and classy double clear for a decisive WIN with his stable mateBallooclose behind in 2ndPlace. He now goes to Pau to see if he can make it a hat-trick of wins at CIC** level.

Sally and Colm McGinn's Indian Mill (Monkee) went to Goring Heath novice ODE and put in another consistant performance to finish in 4th. He then went to Gatconbe CIC* and with all feeling the tension in the show jumping, with only 1 rail down he got his qualification for the Le Lion d'Angers CCI* 6 yr old world championships and also managed to net a 6thplace in a very large field.

Andrew Page's Miss B (Bee) is back in work and looking forward to campaigning at BE100 level next month under Zoe Wilkinson.

Andrew Page's Carmenero (Carmen) is improving all the time and we can now say he has successfully completed the change from Race horse to Event horse!! He competed at Goring heath with a good dressage, 1 show jumping rail down and a very good XC to achieve his first top ten finish with a pleasing 8thplace. He then went on to South of England BE100 and produced the same consistent performance for 9thplace. Zoe Wilkinson will now compete him next month whilst Paul is abroad.

Jane Gwillim-David's Supreme Watts (Dai/Polo) not only had his WIN at Milton Keynes he then went out and produced a fantastic performance at Goring Heath in the torrential rain and WON again!! This time on a score of 23!! The decision was then made that he was gaining too many points for the market he is being aimed at so he has been withdrawn from competitions this season and advertised. We are hoping to find a good young rider to take him on to reach his full potential.

Captain Fred and Penny Barker's Strike Smartly (Paddy) was sadly missed off the team report list last month for his creditable WIN in the BE90 4 year old class which netted his qualification to the 4 year old National Championships at Osberton. Paddy behaved himself impeccably at the Osberton Championships with a smart dressage, but one pesky show jump rail down kept him out of the top ten placings after a clear XC for a final 13thplace.

Georgina Tapner's Wickstead Ulara (Lara) competed well at Goring Heath in the dressage and around the testing XC track but sadly had a couple of rails down to push them out of the placings. Lara then went to Gatcombe and produced an impressive 29.5 dressage and double clear to finish in 3rd place.

Zoe's GHS Calvaruise (Peanut) just had the one run at Gatcombe this month and they made it a good one with a WIN in the novice class.


AUGUST 2011

August has been a real rollercoaster of a month for the team. Unfortunately some really promising horses have sustained injuries, although most will return to normal duties in a couple of months, it is of great concern to all. It seems we are not alone in this problem with other event riders reporting similar problems this year. Possibly an accumulative effect of a couple of seasons in a row of mostly hard ground is influential. It is an area that we are delving deeply into to ensure the welfare of all of our horses on the team. Thankfully the investment in our own hydro therapy spa is proving highly beneficial in aiding the affected horses to the best possible recovery.

We have great pleasure in announcing a new sponsor of the team; WOW saddles. Their saddles are highly adaptable to both horse and rider. They also specialise in "flair panels",which are adjustable air filled pads against the horse, designed to give the horse and rider maximum comfort and balance. We certainly hope the horses enjoy these saddles as much as our own bottoms now are!

Sue Whites' Kilfinnie (Scottie) had a great time at the Gatcombe Festival of British Eventing with an impressive 9th place in the Open Championship thanks to a fantastic dressage and clear XC round. He then went across the pond to Haras du Pin where he scored a personal best in the dressage phase and was clear inside the time on the testing XC course. The final days tough show jumping track was very influential on all and Scottie's efforts were not quite as good as we hoped, but still good enough for a creditable 10th place in the final leg of the FEI World Cup Series.

Chris Stone and Northgate Information Solutions' Elektron (Ted) has had a devastating start to his time with the Tapner Eventing Team. Unfortunately when XC schooling before his first competition, he sustained a bone injury to a knee joint in one of his front legs. He is now in the capable hands of the Newmarket Equine Hospital and we are all hoping that he makes an acceptable recovery in time.

Captain Fred and Penny Barker, Vicki Mace-Benson's and Georgina Tapner's Wickstead Didgeridoo (Balloo) is recovering from a splint injury so has not been out competing this month. He has however been swimming to help maintain his fitness levels, he now thinks he is a pro at swimming and has taken to 'push and glide'! For those of you who are digitally minded, videos of him and others going swimming are online and available for viewing via the Tapner Eventing Team YouTube channel.

Captain Fred and Penny Barker's Kilronan (Tom) has had another false start with his first event back after a break, Highclere being cancelled. Tom is now firing on all cylinders and ready to go out to play!

Peter and Libby Saugman's Caicos (Cai) proved his impressive debut at Advanced level at AstonLe Walls was no fluke and produced another super impressive double clear at the Gatcombe Festival of British Eventing in an Advanced section for 7th place. Unfortunately he has since sustained an injury which will stop him competing further this year, but he will hopefully be back out in the spring next year.

Sally and Colm McGinn's Indian Mill (Monkee) had a fantastic day in the Novice at West Wilts finishing on his impressive dressage score in 2nd place! He then joined Scottie at Haras du Pin for the CIC1* where he really did turn a few heads in the dressage ending up in equal 2nd with team mate Vroiljk. He unfortunately was a little green in the show jumping and got his legs in a tangle which resulted in two rails down. However he pulled out all the stops across country and was clear inside the time and finished in 11th place.

Andrew Page's Miss B (Bee) has had a break from competing this month. She was struggling to keep up with the demands we were placing upon her and so it has been decided that Bee will be sold to someone who will keep her at the lower levels of eventing for a few more years, where she has proven to be more than capable and happy.

Andrew Page's Carmenero (Carmen) got his eventing career off to a flying start in the BE100 at Homme House with a good dressage and clear XC. This was followed by another BE100 at West Wilts where with a good dressage and clear XC, he was kept just out of the top 10 by an unlucky pole in the show jumping. This was followed by a big learning curve at Milton Keynes where Carmen found the tough XC course all a little too demanding on the day!

Anne Chapman's Vrolijk (Dude) was another to go on the French trip to Haras du Pin and did a beautiful dressage test to lie in equal 2nd place after this phase. Unfortunately a couple of rails and some time penalties in the show jumping phase lowered him to 21st place, which although disappointing after such an impressive start was still in the prize money and a good result for his first international competition out of 114 starters!

Jane Gwillim-David's Supreme Watts (Dai/Polo) had a good day at West Wilts in the Novice with a clear XC round ensuring they finished inside the top 10. Dai/Polo then took the novice at Milton Keynes by storm with a long awaited WIN by finishing on a super impressive dressage score of 28.

Jenny Waaler's Boomerang (Boo) and Captain Fred and Penny Barker's Strike it Lucky (Paddy) both went along to their final BE90 4 year old class. Boo finished a creditable 10thplace and Paddy had a spooky and cheeky glance off at a corner jump across country, but was well educated in the process!

Georgina Tapner's Wickstead Ulara (Lara) had a frustrating run at West Wilts with a tense dressage again and  some show jumping penalties, one of which was caused by Georgina taking the pole down with her right foot on the wing! At Milton Keynes things went slightly better with a good dressage and double clear for a final 10th place.

Zoe Wilkinson's We Found Nemo (Nemo) had a good dressage and a clear run XC in the Novice at West Wilts with just a few show jumping penalties keeping Nemo out of the placings. However it was all smiles at Milton Keynes when a good dressage and double clear gave them 4thplace and secured the deal for the sale of Nemo to a new owner. We wish them lots of luck for their future together. Zoe's GHS Calvaruise (Peanut) had a fantastic dressage and a double clear to finish 2nd in the Novice at West Wilts for his best placing to date! Peanut followed this up with another good double clear at Milton Keynes Novice ODE.

Emma Owen's Solis Obitus (Sunny) had a great time in the BE90 at Sapey with a really good dressage and a double clear ensuring he finished in the top 10! They then went on to Highclere for their first BE100 and completed in fine style with a brilliant clear XC.



JULY 2011

Sue White's Kilfinnie (Scottie) made the trip out to Aachen in Germany to compete for Australia as an individual. He produced a good dressage test for a score of 49 just the one rail in the very daunting Aachen stadium with seating for up to 20,000 people and a clear but slow XC after losing a shoe on the later end of the course forced Paul to take a long route. All were very pleased with Scottie's first outing in the second half of this season.

Martin and Suzi Belsham's Stormhill Michael (Mike) is recovering well from his cut leg in Luhmulen and will hopefully return to work soon.

Chris Stone and Northgate Information Solutions' Elektron (Ted) has been welcomed into Tapner Eventing Team with high hopes for the future. Ted is a former ride of Nick Gaunlett's and had won at advanced level and been placed in the top 30 at Badminton this year. We are all extremely excited and look forward to his debut in August.

Captain Fred and Penny Barker, Vicki Mace-Benson's and Georgina Tapner's Wickstead Didgeridoo (Balloo) had his first run of the month at Barbury International 3*, he was first on in the dressage which it is safe to say did him and Paul no favours, he then produced a lovely SJ round with just one down and a clear XC. A solid round for a young horse against a very experienced field. His second run was at Aston le Walls in the 8 and 9 year old advanced section. He produced a good dressage annoyingly the first SJ down and a clear XC to finish in a creditable 9th place out of 70 starters.

Captain Fred and Penny Barker's Kilronan (Tom) is back in work and getting ready to begin his Autumn competition campaign.

Peter and Libby Saugman's Caicos (Cai) had a good time in his first 2* at Barbury International with a double clear gaining the all important qualification to allow him to run in a Advanced class. His first Advanced was at Aston le Walls where he did an awesome double clear and finished just in front of his stablemate in 8thplace.

Sue White's and Care on Call's Tiger Flynne (Tiger) had an exciting month coming out to compete in a couple of BSJA classes and proving what a clever old boy he is had a WIN and a 3rd! He then went to the London Olympic site as a horse for the Pentathletes to SJ, where he proved to be a real favourite. Paul had to then drive all the way up to collect Tiger so he could try to regain his high jump title. Although this all proved to be a little exciting for Tiger and resulted in an unfortunate rail down at the winning height of 1.70m!!!

Sally and Colm McGinn's Indian Mill (Monkee) had a very successful day at Barbury International finishing 4th in the Novice after a double clear. This was followed by another good Novice run at Aston-Le-Walls finishing a very creditable 7th.

Andrew Page's Miss B (Bee) proved what an easy XC horse she is by breezing round the Novice XC at Barbury.

Angela Scott's Carlito (Carlo) headed to the Intermediate at Tweseldown this month where a good dressage performance and clear SJ round were sadly let down by some unfortunate XC penalties due to Carlo being far too bold in a tight combination.

Anne Chapman's Vrolijk (Dude) went clear XC in the Novice section at Barbury International but some SJ penalties meant he was out of the top placings this time.

Jane Gwillim-David's Supreme Watts (Dai/Polo) didn't have much luck with his first event of the month when a fall on the flat in the water meant they limped home unable to finish the competition in the Novice section at Tweseldown. He soon bounced back from this and proved what a brave horse he is to go clear XC in the Novice at Aston-Le-Walls. Aston had two water jumps and Dai Polo was not phased in the slightest and they finished in 10thplace.

Jenny Waaler's Boomerang (Boo) and Captain Fred and Penny Barker's Strike It Lucky (Paddy) have had a month training towards their next young horse classes in August.

Georgina Tapner's Wickstead Ulara (Lara) went well in the Novice at Barbury International with a double clear finishing in a frustrating 11th place. This was followed by another double clear, finishing in 8th at Aston-Le-Walls. Georgina has well and truly got the brakes sorted now and is very much enjoying riding the homebred mare.

Zoe Wilkinson's We Found Nemo (Nemo) stayed on his dressage score in the Novice class at Tweseldown to finish in 8th! Zoe's GHS Calvaruise (Peanut) put in a fantastic dressage performance in the Novice at Tweseldown and a clear XC with only some unfortunate SJ penalties keeping them just outside the top 10.

Emma Owen's Solis Obitus (Sunny) did well in the BE90 at Upton House, after a good dressage performance and a clear run XC it was an unfortunate pole down in the SJ that kept them just out of the top.

 


JUNE 2011

Martin and Suzi Belsham's Stormhill Michael (Mike) took the long trek out to Germany to contest the CCI**** at Luhmuhlen. After getting a personal best in the dressage Mike then took on the tough 4* XC track which he completed clear, unfortunately he picked up an injury on course and sadly had to be withdrawn before the showjumping phase.

Captain Fred and Penny Barker, Vicki Mace-Benson's and Georgina Tapner's Wickstead Didgeridoo (Balloo) had a good run in the Open Intermediate at Glanusk International coming home with an excellent double clear.

Captain Fred and Penny Barker's Kilronan (Tom) is still enjoying some relaxing time off before beginning an Autumn competition campaign.

Peter and Libby Saugman's Caicos (Cai) has had yet another successful outing finishing a very creditable 7th after a double clear in the Intermediate class at Salperton Park.

Sally and Colm McGinn's Indian Mill (Monkee) had a great start to his season in the BE100 at Great Tew, staying on his dressage score to finish in 3rd place. This was shortly followed by a trip to Salperton Park for his first Novice run where he was clear XC.

Andrew Page's Miss B (Bee) had a much improved show jumping round in the Novice at Great Tew this month and once again put in a good dressage and XC performance.

Angela Scott's Carlito (Carlo) was off to a flying start at the beginning of the month with a great dressage and a double clear around the Novice at Great Tew finishing in 6th place. Next stop was Salperton Park for his first Intermediate which didn't quite go to plan, however he quickly redeemed himself with a fantastic 3rd place and a double clear in the Intermediate class at Glanusk International.

Anne Chapman's Vrolijk (Dude) put in another great dressage performance in the Novice Regional Final at Great Tew, however some unfortunate show jumping faults kept him out of the top placings this time. However, this was followed by a double clear in the Novice section at Salperton Park to finish in 2nd place.

Jane Gwillim-David's Supreme Watts (Dai) was very busy during June with three outings, firstof which at Great Tew. This was followed by a great performance at SalpertonPark in the Novice section where he finished on his dressage score to take 5thplace. Then onto Stonar School for the Novice where he had a good run inside the time XC.

Georgina Tapner's Wickstead Ulara (Lara) went well at both Great Tew and Salperton Park going clear in the XC of both events.

Zoe Wilkinson's We Found Nemo (Nemo) went to Great Tew in the Novice where he put in a good all round performance in all three phases with a double clear. This was followed by Salperton Park with just a few unfortunate penalties keeping him out of the higher placings. Zoe's GHS Calvaruise (Peanut) has continued to go well at Novice level this month going clear around the XC at both Great Tew and Salperton Park.

Emma Owen's Solis Obitus (Sunny) did really well in the BE90 at Aston Under Wychwood finishing 7th. He then went to Stonar School where he put in his best dressage performance to date but sadly some jumping faults meant he was kept out of the placings this time.

 

MAY 2011

 

Sue White's Kilfinnie (Scottie) has been enjoying the dry weather we've been having with a short brake from work this month as a reward for his fantastic efforts at Badminton.

Martin and Suzi Belsham's Stormhill Michael (Mike) went to Chatsworth for a World Cup Qualifier at the start of the month where after a good dressage, he had some uncharacteristic problems across country leading to a rather disappointing weekend. However after some serious schooling of the issues shown up, Michael was back on top form at Houghton in the CIC*** class with a another convincing WIN.

Captain Fred and Penny Barker, Vicki Mace-Benson and Georgina Tapner's Wickstead Didgeridoo (Balloo) had a good run in the Advanced at Chatsworth but also had some uncharacteristic penalties in both the Show Jumping and XC. However, he too was back on top form at Houghton in the CIC*** class, which was his first time competing at this level for a very pleasing 7th place.

Captain Fred and Penny Barker's Kilronan (Tom) finally got out to play at Hambelden in the Open Intermediate, where he proved he had lost none of his ability for a very creditable 4th place. Unfortunately the splint injury, which delayed his start to competitions this season, decided to reappear straight after Hambelden and so he will now have some further time off before beginning an Autumn competition campaign.

Peter and Libby Saugman's Caicos (Cai) has been quick to adjust to his new jockey and was very impressive at Hambleden in an Intermediate section for a double clear and a final 4th place. With an improvement in the brakes for the testing Brigstock Intermediate track he put in yet another double clear and was able to go a little faster across country, for one better - a fantastic 3rd place at Intermediate.

Sally and Colm McGinn's Indian Mill (Monkee) has busy practising his footwork at home with an unaffiliated dressage competition WIN at Wickstead and is eagerly awaiting his first eventing competition of this season at Great Tew in June.

Andrew Page's Miss B (Bee) had just the one outing at Brigstock in the Novice this month where she found competing in the main international arena all a little too daunting and so some show jumping penalties kept her out of the top places, but once again put in a solid dressage and XC performance.

Angela Scott's Carlito (Carlo) went to Aston Le Walls where it was decided that we would try not to over-excite him across country, so after a very good double clear, some time penalties across country kept him mid field in the placings. He then went to Brigstock where he had the first rail of his season in the show jumping, but over the toughest XC track he has yet seen, showed that he is as real star of the future.

Anne Chapman's Vrolijk (Dude) had a good solid run at Moreton Morrell finishing in 3rd place, but unfortunately decided at Aston Le Walls, that after a spectacular 24.5 in the dressage phase that he was far too big to fit through the difficult Owl Hole jump across country and so incurred a disappointing walk home. However he was back on top form at Brigstock where he finished on his fantastic dressage score of 25.2 to notch up yet another WIN in a novice section.

Jane Gwillim-David's Supreme Watts (Dai) was very busy during May with three outings, first of which at Moreton Morrell, where he had his best performance at Novice level so far with a 4th place. He followed this up with a good all round performance at Aston Le Walls to finish just out of the placings. He then went to Brigstock where a mishap in the show jumping kept him out of the placings, but a great XC round over a really tough XC track kept us smiling for his future.

Mrs Georgina Tapner's Clodoline (Katie) went to Moreton Morrell in a BE100 section where she found the show jumping phase just far too difficult and it was then decided not to bother running her across country. Katie has since been sold onto a new owner who is willing to demand far less from her competitively than we were, which she will be much happier with.

Jenny Waaler's Boomerang (Boo) and Captain Fred and Penny Barker's Strike it Lucky (Paddy) had their first competition in an unaffiliated dressage competition at Wickstead, where Zoe Wilkinson expertly piloted them into the top 2 slots in their class, making sure they didn't find their introduction to the white boards too scary!

Georgina Tapner's Wickstead Ulara (Lara) went to Aston Le Walls where she was just far too keen across country giving rise to some penalties in this phase. After some minor adjustments to the brakes for Brigstock, Georgina had much more fun, finishing on her dressage score for Lara's best result at this level, a fantastic 4th place.

Zoe Wilkinson's We Found Nemo (Nemo) went to Aston Le Walls in the Novice where he put in a good all round performance in all three phases. He then went to Brigstock where he too found the main international arena all a little too daunting and so some penalties in this phase kept him down the order, but he redeemed himself well across country over the very testing track. Zoe's GHS Calvaruise (Peanut) stepped up a grade at Brigstock for his first attempt at Novice where he just couldn't quite understand why Zoe was asking him to jump through a stable block but otherwise was very good for his first novice outing.

Emma Owen's Solis Obitus (Sunny) had just the one party this month at Keysoe where in the BE90 he showed he was starting to get the idea of what this eventing business was all about and gave Emma a somewhat happier time than her last outing with him.

 

 

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of one our devoted Tapner Eventing Team Members, Claus Waaler who passed away after a short illness on Monday 18th April aged 68. Claus' wife Jenny is the owner of Inonothing, winner of Badminton 2010. The passing of Claus on the Monday of the start of the week of Badminton 2011 put a sombre mood on the teams' departure for Badminton, but made the success of Inonothing just 12 months prior all the more special for the Tapner Eventing Team and the Waaler Family.

Claus leaves his three sons, Nick, James and Cameron, who invited Paul Tapner to join them as pall bearers at the funeral which was held at Stanford in the Vale, Oxon on Thursday 28th April. Jenny, Nick, James and Cameron asked for Paul's infamous red "trot up" socks to make an appearance, in recognition that it was "the last trot up" that Claus would be attending.

In addition to close friends and family, the funeral service was well attended by many Eventing enthusiasts, Old Berks Hunt members, Old Berks Hunt Pony Club members, Shipping Industry Executives and Organ Transplant Associates, areas in which Claus had been passionate and active in throughout his life.

A fitting yet haunting blowing of "Gone Away" was performed by Michael Scott, Old Berks Master of Hounds, as Claus was carried from the church at the end of the service.

Jenny, Nick, Cameron and life long friend Dr. Peter Kyle spoke eloquently and fondly in the funeral service of the great man we were privileged to know and now sadly miss.


APRIL 2011

 

Sue Whites' Kilfinnie (Scottie) started the month off in fine style with a double clear at Belton in the hotly contested CIC*** class for 11th place. Belton was to be his last run before heading off to Badminton where Scottie held his own in a high class field that provided a tough competition. A good dressage was improved upon with a super smooth clear XC round and a couple of rails down on the last day provided an overall very satisfactory performance with Scottie finishing in 24th position.

Martin and Suzi Belshams' Stormhill Michael (Mike) started his 2011season at Burnham Market with an easy open intermediate run. He then went out all guns blazing at Withington in the main Advanced section with an impressive dressage test, followed by a fast double clear which gave him a convincing WIN.

Captain Fred and Penny Barker, Vicki Mace-Bensons' and Georgina Tapners' Wickstead Didgeridoo (Balloo) stepped back up to the Advanced grade during April with a easy run at Burnham Market where the hard ground gave rise to a slow XC round. He then had his first attempt at a 3*** dressage test at Withington were he tried very hard and got a fairly good mark. He then produced a very classy double clear to finish 6th out of a 51 strong field.

Jane Gwillim-Davids' Carry on Joseph (Joe) had just the one outing this month at Belton in the Advanced where he found the dressage all a little too exciting, but then on to jump well round a very big testing track.

Captain Fred and Penny Barkers' Kilronan (Tom) has had a delayed start to his season again this time due to being balloted! He now starts in May at Hambelden.

Sally and Colm McGinns' Indian Mill (Monkee) is now back in full dressage work and started jumping this week so will hopefully be out competing in the next few weeks.

Andrew Pages' Miss B (Bee) had her second novice start at Larkhill where her inexperience gave rise to some jumping penalties across country. But then later in the month at Withington it all came together for her with a fantastic performance in all 3 phases for 9th place. Andrew has also introduced another horse Carmenero (Carmen) to the team, he is an ex race horse who has come to be retrained. He is showing a great deal of talent so we are looking forward to starting to compete with him soon.

Angela Scotts' Carlito (Carlo) is moving on up the grades quite quickly so is now settling in to Novice level. At Larkhill he looked very classy for a 4th place at only his second attempt at this level.  He then went on to Withington where after a good dressage and show jumping, he got far too keen across country giving rise to some steering issues coming out of the water jump where he sailed past an angled log.

Anne Chapmans' Vrolijk (Dude) only competed once this month at Sapey and he certainly made the most of it with a WIN in only his second attempt at the novice level. Anne is now slightly nervous at the prospect of him doing a Novice Regional Final in an attempt to qualify for the Gatcombe Novice Championships.

Jane Gwillim-Davids' Supreme Watts (Dai) had just the one outing at Larkhill this month where at his second attempt at novice level he was much improved in all three phases.

Mrs Georgina Tapner's Clodoline (Katie) also had just the one outing at Sapey where it all came together for her, finishing on her dressage score for 8th place in a BE100 section.

Jenny Waalers' Boomerang (Boo) and Captain Fred and Penny Barkers' Strike it Lucky (Paddy) have returned back to school after a lovely holiday at the Barkers and are already in light work at home.

Georgina Tapners' Wickstead Ulara (Lara) has dragged Georgina out of eventing semi-retirement! It was over 6 years since Georgina's last completion at novice level and Lara made the task very easy for a rather nervous Georgina at Sapey with a great all round performance. They then went on to Withington where a lovely double clear gave Lara her first B.E. points, which left Georgina beaming form ear to ear!

Peter and Libby Saugmans' Caicos (Cai) has joined the team this month and comes to us with mixed feeling as all concerned are disappointed that his partnership with Hannah Mace (Georgina's sister) has not been able to continue, but with some control problems across country it has been necessary for a stronger rider to take on Cai. Paul has ridden Cai before, whilst Hannah was on maternity leave. Cai and Paul had their first run together at Sapey in the Novice where a very satisfactory 4th place was achieved.

Zoe Wilkinson's We Found Nemo (Nemo) is also frustratingly one to fall foul of the balloting system so only ran once this month. He is proving how valuable he is going to be as a junior horse by producing a very good double clear at Withington in the Novice level. Zoe's GHS Calvaruise (Peanut) had a great outing at Sapey in a B.E.100 section where he finished in 9th place for his first top ten placing.

Emma Owen's Solis Obitus (Sunny) has had his first introduction to eventing with mixed success. The show jumping all went a little wrong at Larkhill at his first outing, but the XC was much more successful. He then went on to Milton Keynes where the show jumping was much improved but then the XC was not so much fun when Sunny decided one of the jumps was just far too scary to complete, so back to the drawing boards again!


FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2011

Thank you to everyone for their kind wishes and concern expressed with regard to our dramatic lorry crash in February, thankfully Zoe Wilkinson and the three horses onboard, Miss Bee, Clodoline and Beauchamp Warrior all escaped major injury and have all been out competing successfully since.

We have the exciting news of gaining a new sponsor in NAF for the 2011 Season. All of the horses are already seeing the benefits of the extensive range of NAF products and we look forward to working with this company and will bring you further news of this deal and their products in the near future,

Remember as well as this newsletter, we have increased out "Digital Media Presence" this year and now you can keep up to date with all our news on a daily basis via the Tapner Eventing Team Facebook Fan Page and Paul is also now on Twitter, sharing his random thoughts with all his followers!

Jenny and Claus Waalers' Inonothing (Mannie) continues his ridden rehabilitation from his stiffle joint injury sustained last year. Progress is slow, but as expected and hopefully he'll be back competing sooner than we think!

Sue White's Kilfinnie (Scottie) steps into the limelight this season, being Paul's horse to defend his Badminton title on this year. Scottie has been out BSJA, and has had two great runs so far at Tweseldown for a 9th place and then Aldon for a 7th Place.

Martin and Suzi Belsham's Stormhill Michael (Mike) is starting his season a little later this year and so has only been to one BSJA show so far, but we look forward to his 2011 debut at Burnham Market in April.

Sue White's Tiger Flynn (Tiger) is in light work at the moment, as yet we are unsure what his competition schedule will look like for 2011 but hope that at least one of his outings will be to Barbury Castle to defend his Puissance High Jump Title!

Captain Fred and Penny Barker, Vicki Mace-Benson's and Georgina Tapner's Wickstead Didgeridoo's (Balloo) had a great start to his season with a 6th place in an Open Intermediate section at Aldon which he closely followed up with an 11th place at Somerley Park again in an OI section.

Jane Gwillim-Davids' Carry on Joseph (Joe) found Tweseldown dressage far too exciting and so was a little off the pace at his first outing, but 10 days later was in fine form at Aldon, nearly halving his dressage score from the week before and giving a polished performance in the show jumping and XC phases to secure an awesome WIN in an Open Intermediate Section.

Captain Fred and Penny Barkers' Kilronan (Tom) has had a delayed start to his season after pulling up lame after a BSJA competition due to a minor splint bone injury early in March, he is now aimed to have his first run of the season at Withington and hopefully this setback will have been put behind him.

Sally and Colm McGinn's Indian Mill (Monkee) is another to have a frustrating delay to the start of his 2011 season due to a broken pedal bone injury that he sustained in the field over the winter months. He is recovering well and will hopefully make a full return to competition work shortly.

Andrew Page's Miss B (Bee) had a dramatic start to 2011, being one of the horses involved in our lorry crash in February, but she was amazingly quick to put this behind her with an awesome debut run at Aldon where 1 Show Jump rail down narrowly cost her a win and put her back to 5th Place. She then stepped up a grade to Novice for Somerley Park where she adequately coped with the increased difficulty in all three phases.

Angela Scott's Carlito (Carlo) is a new addition to the team this season and we welcome Angela back to the team as a full owner. Anglea having been originally responsible for Paul's career move from Australia to the UK back in 1999. Carlo has quickly adapted to his own career change, having only previously show jumped, and although didn't quite get the idea of XC at his debut at Moreton, certainly lived up to everyone's expectations at Aldon with a fantastic WIN at BE100 level. He kept up the momentum of his success by quickly upgrading to Novice at Somerley Park where he proved ready for the challenge with a 6th place.

Anne Chapman's Vrolijk (Dude) did his best to make up for making Anne missing a Welsh Rugby match to be at Tweseldown with him for a great 2nd place at his final BE100 run before moving up to Novice at Gatcombe where he proved totally ready for the upgrade with an 8th place.

Jane Gwillim-Davids' Supreme Watts (Dai/Polo) has had a very busy start to the season, competing every week with his best result a 3rd place at Tweseldown and then followed by a respectable result in the step up a grade to novice at Gatcombe.

Mrs Georgina Tapner's Clodoline (Katie) has had a couple of outings at Tweseldown and Somerley Park where she has struggled with the show jumping phase, keeping her from being competitive yet.

Jenny and Claus Waalers' Boomerang (Boo) and Captain Fred and Penny Barkers' Strike it Lucky (Paddy) have been working closely together before they look towards their competition debut in some 4yo classes, but so far have certainly been keeping everyone on their toes at home!

Vicki Mace-Benson and Georgina Tapners' Wickstead Ulara (Lara) has had a busy start to the season with BSJA outings closely followed by three B.E. outings at Moreton, Aldon and Somerley Park with consistent form for a 6th at Aldon and a fantastic 2nd place at Somerley Park in the BE100.

Zoe Wilkinson's We Found Nemo (Nemo) has had a solid start to the season with double clears both times out, firstly at Tweseldown and then at Gatcombe. Zoe's other ride, the younger GHS Calvaruise (Peanut) has given her some excitement with some acrobatic hi-jinks but is looking very promising for the future.

Emma Owen's Solis Obitus (Sunny) has begun to knuckle down into some nice work with lots of hard work from Emma and she now looks forward to her B.E. debut at Larkhill in April.


NOVEMBER 2010

Obviously with no eventing competitions for the team during November there is not a huge amount to report on this month, but this gives us a good chance to look back on the teams achievements during the 2010 season.

The rankings for the 2010 eventing season have now been published and it is great that of the approximate 12,000 British Eventing members, Paul has achieved a UK Rider Ranking of 10th with 828 B.E. points. It should be noted that we started off the season with a double whammy of both Paul and Mannie heading the rankings at the very start of the season, Andrew Nicholson quickly asserted his dominance of the rankings and easily held Paul into second place for the majority of the season, until at the end of the season when Andrew continued to shoot away from the rest of the field and indeed Paul was also overtaken by a few other riders. From the team's results in all International Competitions Paul has achieved a World Rider Ranking of 17th. Paul also finished 5th in the HSBC classic series, linking all of the Northern Hemisphere's 4* events together, which was a direct result of the points awarded from winning Badminton which of course is the highlight of the year for the team. In October Paul also got his first official Australian team representation at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, which we hope will be the first of many team representations to come in the future.

British Eventing currently has approximately 14,000 horses registered as competing in eventing and so it is great to have four horses of the team recognised amongst the prestigious top 100 horses list (three in 2009 and two in 2008).

Jenny and Claus Waalers' Inonothing (Mannie) continues to show his exceptional consistency with a ranking of 11th, with 267 B.E. points (9th in 2009 with 342 B.E. points) This season Mannie also entered into the legendary level of event horses, becoming the 60th winner of Badminton, a 4* win is a mile stone which very few event horses ever achieve and there is no better place to do it than at the most prestigious and longest running event in the world, so congratulations to Jenny, Claus and Mannie!

Martin and Suzi Belshams' Stormhill Michael (Mike) improved on his 2009 ranking of 66th to this year be ranked 40th with 167 B.E. points.

Captain Fred and Penny Barkers' Kilronan (Tom) burst into the top 100 list this year with a ranking of 86th with 108 B.E. points. He also took the EHOA award for the most points won in a season by a horse who starts the season as a novice pointed horse.

Sue White's Kilfinnie (Scottie) had a slightly up and down rollercoaster season for a ranking of 92nd with 102 B.E. points.

Our Staff members for 2010; Zoe Wilkinson, Emily Dunn, Claire Ludeks, Keana Marsh, Rylea Constable, Georgie Jupe, Tom Haynes, and more recently Emma Owen, Andrea Beech and Melissa Edmonds and have as always, worked tirelessly for the benefit of the horses in the team, we are hugely thankful for their efforts throughout the year. Special mention to Zoe and Emily for their exceptional loyalty once again and providing us with the back bone to our teams' workforce for 2010.

At this time of year we also like to closely analyse and compare the teams' competitive performance and a table of some statistics for our four main riders is overleaf. Looking at the ratios of starters to top ten places and winners it is interesting to note how closely matched all four of us are.

SEPTEMBER 2010

We would like to express huge thanks to Zoe, Keanna, Melissa and the rest of the team who managed the yard and looked after the horses at Wickstead whilst Paul, Georgina and Emily were in America at the World Equestrian Games (WEG), it would not be possible for us to be away from the yard for this long without such a fantastic back up team at home so once again thank you very much to these girls.

We would also like to say a big thank you to everybody who expressed their support for us whilst being away at WEG it really does make a difference knowing you have friends, family and fans behind you, literally from all over the world. We look onwards and upwards now to the London Olympics in 2012!

Tapner Eventing Team have started up a Facebook fan page where you can follow what the team are up to on a regular basis. This new Facebook page will be updated far more regularly than the current website which at the moment gets updated monthly. Click here to view the page and become a fan. You do not need to be a registered or regular Facebook user to view our fan page, but will need to be a registered user to interact with the page giving you the ability to add your own comments and photos for all to see and share.

Claus and Jenny Waalers' Inonothing (Mannie) took the trip of a lifetime this month, when he headed off to The World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. Paul and Mannie produced the test of a lifetime gaining their personal best score at this level 43.8. Unfortunately dreams (this time!) were not to come true as half way round the demanding XC course, Paul felt that something wasn't quite right with Mannie and decided to pull up, consequentially withdrawing from the competition. X-rays showed Mannie had chipped the patella bone in his left hind stifle joint. He is expected to make a full recovery from this injury and to be back on the circuit for the second half of the 2011 season.

Sue White's Kilfinnie (Scottie) has had a light month with no competitions what with Paul being away but is all set and getting ready to head to Pau CCI**** in November.

Captain Fred and Penny Barker, Vicki Mace-Benson's and Georgina Tapner's Wickstead Didgeridoo (Balloo), had some fantastic news - due to his great results at advanced level for a stallion of such a young age he has been promoted to 'approved' which is the highest level of stallion grading without graded progeny with the AES stud book. Because of this news Balloo enjoyed a couple of weeks away at stud having semen collected. His services can now be advertised for sale on the English and European markets.        

Jane Gwillim-Davids' Carry on Joseph (Joe) stepped up a grade and took on his first CIC*** at Blenheim Palace this month, with a competition specifically for 8 and 9yr old horses. Joe put in a very good dressage performance for his first time at this level, he took 12 faults from the show jumping round and then completed the event by storming clear round the cross country course, a very pleasing end to Joe's season.

Captain Fred and Penny Barkers' Kilronan (Tom) also took on the CIC*** 8 and 9 year old section at Blenheim Palace this month, where Tom found the atmosphere far too nerve wracking in the main dressage arena, which gave him a higher than normal score for this phase of competition. However he excelled in the show jumping and cross country phases adding just 4 penalties from the jumping and 4 time from cross country to finish the year in a very promising way.

Sally and Colm McGinn's Indian Mill (Monk) continued to show his star potential this month, after another fantastic dressage score and just one rail in the show jumping, Monk came home with a very impressive 3rd place in the BE100 at Purston Manor.

Andrew Pages' Miss B (Bee) stormed round the BE100 track at Purston Manor this month, adding nothing to her dressage score leaving her just outside of the top 10 placings.

Anne Chapman's Vrolijk (Dude) kept up his winning ways in the BE100 at Purston Manor, completing on his dressage score of 25.5 Dude took home another brilliant WIN making it 3 wins at this level!

Vicki Mace-Benson and Georgina Tapners' Wickstead Ulara (Lara) also joined the other young horses at Purston Manor BE 100, putting in a very nice dressage test, she added a few penalties from the show jumping but kept Georgina smiling by flying round the cross country in style!

Zoe Wilkinson's We Found Nemo, was back in action this month following a bit of time off, and firstly he headed to Purston Manor to complete the day with a very nice double clear in the BE100 section. Nemo then moved up a level to Novice at Moreton Morell ODE where he put in a very nice dressage test, picking up some penalties from the show jumping, but finished the day with a quick clear cross country round.

Emily Drummond-Dunn's Sammie (Pedro) had a new jockey for September, while Emily was lucky enough to be grooming for Paul and Mannie at the World Equestrian Games, Paul's head girl Zoe Wilkinson took over the reins. Zoe did a fantastic job piloting Pedro to a double clear in the Open Novice section at Moreton Morell ODE, and the crowd so impressed by her show jumping round Zoe was reportedly given a huge round of applause on leaving the arena!