King's Sweetheart Grows Up
Horse & Hound|July 30, 2020
Mary King scores a win with a slow-maturing home-bred, while Kitty King’s on-form greys land a one-two
Julie Harding
King's Sweetheart Grows Up

Bicton Arena (2), Devon

MARY KING scored a local win when she captured open intermediate (OI) section Q with King Robert II.

“I haven’t won at Bicton for years,” confessed the Sidmouth rider, who led the dressage on 24.8. “The ground was good, so I thought I would go fast, but not flat out.”

King Robert is home-bred, out of Kings Temptress and by Chilli Morning, whom Mary briefly competed before passing the stallion to William Fox-Pitt. “Bobby” was eighth in the CCI4*-S at Tattersalls last year, but has also had some more patchy form.

“With my neck issues, I haven’t been riding that well,” said Mary, who suffers from cervical dystonia – neck muscle contractions which cause her head to involuntarily turn to the left – and also added that Bobby has been a late-maturing horse.

“He’s 10, and a big, rangy sort, and he only feels like he’s getting stronger this year. I’ve never had such a slow developer, but he’s an absolute sweetheart – such a kind and gentle horse and so polite when he’s being ridden.”

Mary’s stables are now almost exclusively filled with home-bred and she admitted that she spent many happy hours working on their education during lockdown

“I would truck along with the youngsters in the morning and then go to the beach in the afternoon,” she laughed. “Because no one else was competing, I didn’t miss eventing at all.”

KITTY KING KEEPS UP HER FORM

Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin July 30, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin July 30, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

HORSE & HOUND DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
New competition and classification to mean dressage will be for all
Horse & Hound

New competition and classification to mean dressage will be for all

The new partnerships with British Dressage will provide opportunities for riders with intellectual disabilities

time-read
2 dak  |
May 02, 2024
Pressure grows on the FEI to tackle concerns in dressage
Horse & Hound

Pressure grows on the FEI to tackle concerns in dressage

A leading judge has made some recommendations he believes will help support the sport's future

time-read
2 dak  |
May 02, 2024
Aidan Coleman
Horse & Hound

Aidan Coleman

Just a week after he announced his enforced retirement with a career-ending injury, Aidan Coleman talks through his raw emotions with Kate Johnson as he ponders life outside the weighing room

time-read
6 dak  |
May 02, 2024
Badminton groundsman
Horse & Hound

Badminton groundsman

Phil Cole on flawless going for cross-country, perfecting his craft on polo pitches and being at the mercy of the weather

time-read
3 dak  |
May 02, 2024
Pulling power
Horse & Hound

Pulling power

Carriage-driving horses have a very specific job, and with that can come specific injury risks. Rosie Mould MRCVS explains

time-read
6 dak  |
May 02, 2024
'Plenty to get your teeth into'
Horse & Hound

'Plenty to get your teeth into'

This year's Badminton track is testing, but fair, says Nicola Wilson, the 2021 European champion who finished in the top 10 at this five-star four times

time-read
8 dak  |
May 02, 2024
Townend leads British domination
Horse & Hound

Townend leads British domination

The world number one spearheads a British clean sweep of the podium as he contests his 100th five-star

time-read
7 dak  |
May 02, 2024
Birch is back in the big time
Horse & Hound

Birch is back in the big time

A former Olympic reserve rider scores her first international win in four years, while Kelsall specialists make their mark again

time-read
2 dak  |
May 02, 2024
Comeback queens reign
Horse & Hound

Comeback queens reign

Rehab work pays off for Anna Ross as she makes a winning return, while a pair of young riders' birthday wishes come true

time-read
4 dak  |
May 02, 2024
Pender keeps it in the family
Horse & Hound

Pender keeps it in the family

Ireland's Mikey Pender begins a remarkable grand prix winning double and it all comes together in the ring for a \"special character\"

time-read
4 dak  |
May 02, 2024