Dr Bechtolsheimer

RENOWNED dressage rider and trainer, Dr Wilfried Otto Bechtolsheimer, passed away this week aged 71. German-born, ‘Dr B’ as many fondly called him, relocated to England where he and his wife Ursula set up Eastington Stud, in Gloucestershire. Dr Bechtolsheimer is credited for training Carl Hester in his early career, while his daughter Laura (Tomlinson) won team gold and individual bronze at the 2012 London Olympic Games. Afuneral will be held today, Saturday April 11th, in Ascona, Switzerland.

Waterford retired

LAUREN Hough’s 17-year-old gelding Waterford has been retired from the sport. Sired by Irish Sport Horse stallion Coolcorron Cool Diamond, who was ridden to international success by Robert Splaine, the gelding helped USA win the BMO Nations Cup at Spruce Meadows in 2017, was runner-up in the five-star Grand Prix in Treffen and third in five-star Grand Prix in Brussels in 2018.

Mr Lincoln B sold

BELMONT House Stud’s five-year-old Irish Sport Horse stallion Mr Lincoln B (by Aganix du Seigneur x O-Piloth) has been sold to Studfarm Zangersheide and will be seen under German rider Christian Ahlmann in the future.

SJI Quiz

SHOWJUMPING Ireland is hosting a quiz on their Facebook page, entitled ‘Are you Showjumping Ireland’s biggest Fan?’ Answers can be emailed to info@sji.ie with your name and contact details, the winner will receive a SJI Horse/Rider membership for 2021 and an SJI jacket. So get your thinking caps on!

(The SJI Quiz questions are also online at www.theirishfield.ie).

Clarina Equestrian fun

WELL done to Mary and Gillian McCarthy at Clarina Equestrian Centre for organising a fun children’s colouring competition with an innovative twist. Top Irish riders, Daniel Coyle and Paul O’Shea, who got the love of riding horses at Clarina, judged the competition winners remotely and sent videos to the children’s delight. Next week’s issue will feature the children’s work.