Kala's Princess and Helena 

(by Kampala ex.Dasa Girl(Princes de Galles)

This is Kally born 1987, raced 13 times coming third at Plumpton winning £160, then she retired at 3 years old.  Kally was bought for Helena from a racing yard in Epsom by her parents.  Helena's Mother died shortly afterwards fo Kally has even more meaning to Helena.  Picture from Munstead competition.

Kally was turned away for 6 months and the brough her back slowly with the help of a close friend called Marisa.  They had lots of fun hacking alone in the early days especially as she was only used to hacking out in company, but Helena persevered and now Kally happily hacks alone and in company.  She is also brilliant in traffic and Helena says she trusts her completely.   

Up until about 3 years ago when Kally was aged 18, they had competed at riding club level show jumping and x-country, only doing dressage when really neccesary!  Their new instructor who encouraged Helena to affiliate Kally eventing, and so at the ripe old age of 19 they decided to give it a go.  So far they have only competed at a few pre-novices, see picture (claim to fame being that I was in the same section as Pippa Funnell and William Fox-Pitt at Stilemans, beating Mrs Funnell!)  Due to the hard ground that summer did not register for a second year.  But fortunatly the local BE courses in their area tend to hold unaffiliated competitions too so they still do them if the ground is good and Kally still loves it.  Kally used to, and still does, get a bit excited at these events, which is good to know that she enjoys them so much.

Having realised that at some point Kally would be unable to continue jumping, Helena decided a couple of years ago to start concentrating on flatwork more.  In 2006 they actually won the Veteran Championships at Oldencraig in Lingfield.  One of the proudest moments, for Helena to be presented with a trophy by Vicki Thompson, Olympic dressage rider and trainer.  Helena admits that they are not great at dressage, but Kally enjoys it and Helena considers that it is one of the things that keeps Kally supple and definitely has helped her as she has got older.  

 In 2007 they qualified for the Intermediate Show Jumping Team Finals held at Lincoln with Ardingly Riding Club.  The biggest show they had ever been to and she was a star, well a bit naughty and over-excited (a few bucks here and there), but still a star in Helena's eyes!  Everytime Kally takes Helena to the fences without Helena actually doing anything very much in the saddle must mean she is enjoying her job!  All this competeing still gives them both so much pleasure, especially being able to represent their Riding Club. 

Helena's Top Tips for Competing on your veteran.

"All I do to keep her this way is feed her well, look after her legs, have her back checked regularly, and listen to her.  I only jump on a surface of if the ground is good, making sure I do not over do it, and I believe it is because of this that at the young age of 21 she still loves to work.  I also have her checked over yearly by my vet just before the winter sets in, (her yearly MOT I call it) and this just makes sure that she is well before the winter hits.  She tells me when she is having a bad day but she also tells me when she is in the mood to have fun, and at the end of the day fun is what it should be.  She is not only my horse, but also my best friend and I love her very much."

Equally Better and Pam

by LeMoss ex. Merette (Runnymeade)

 Busby was born on the 26th March 1982 as part of Le Moss' first crop.  He ran over hurdles at Mallow in Ireland in 1988 finishing 3rd from a field of 16.  He came over to England to Lord Oaksey's yard, his career ending with being pulled up in December 1990.  Busby was the yard pet and was sold out of racing to Heather who had him for seven years before he went to a riding school. This is where Pam met him and struck up a great partnership.  "He was a good all rounder and taught me loads we helped each other as we both lacked confidence at times. In 2001 we competed in a one day event at the stables and won! It was fantastic as I only started competing a few years before."  

But as Busby's old injury started to cause trouble and he damaged his suspensory ligament, it looked like the end of the road.  Pam decided to take him on in 2003 on the proviso from her husband that the horse did not take over her life.  After some time off to recover, Busby is now a happy hacker with the odd local show doing Riding Horse and Veteran classes.  Together with some dressage competitions to keep them both entertained.  A happy cheerful horse who is morbidly afraid of the dental technician so has to be sedated.  Only he can smell a vet from 100yrds, not soon enough to dig the escape tunnel from his stable so makes do with hiding in the dark at the back.  Pam says she spoils him rotten but he has been a dream come true!  For a horse of his age, I am sure you agree, Busby looks fantastic!