Roseway Stud loses promising young showjumping stallion

The Roseway Stud, Cornwall, has been dealt a dreadful blow with the death of their outstanding young show jumping stallion Zabantos.

James Luker and Michelle Jarman's seven-year-old developed complications during the post surgery period after a colic operation. "It was a heart rending decision but both James (Luker) and I were unanimous in our decision to have Zabantos put to sleep," said Michelle.

"He went downhill very quickly but fought until the end. He managed to give James a friendly nip before putting his head on my shoulder and collapsing.

"The team at Penmellyn Veterinary surgery did everything they could and worked tirelessly to save him but it was not to be. We cannot praise them enough and we're also grateful to Sammie Jo (Coffin) for her support and to the many people who have sent their condolences."

Acquired as a two-year-old by the Roseway Stud direct from Peter Berkers of Stal de Drie Berken in the Netherland this son of Babouche VH Gehucht, was showing enormous potential and had qualified for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) newcomer finals with Sammie Jo.

"He was 12 months behind our other stallion Zig Zag and we'll never know just how far he would have gone," said Michelle. "Zig Zag has qualified for three HOYS finals and in memory of Zabantos will wear his bridle in the newcomer championships. We're absolutely devastated but realise we have to look to the future."

Zabantos has left James and Michelle a legacy in his colt Roseway's Zabantos' Lad, out of the Broomford Larioni mare Lightheart and with his daughter Roseway's Double Delight, out of the Okland mare Vrouwke-H.

"They're both cracking and we also have a few foals due to him next year. We'll never forget Zabantos but are now looking to the future and focusing on Ziggy's preparation for HOYS."

Downland tracks beckon

British Horse Society Wiltshire is hosting The Ranges Pleasure ride on Sunday, August 28, in aid of Horses Help Heroes.

Riders can enjoy a glorious hack over miles of chalk downland tracks across the Salisbury Plain training area between Shrewton and Chitterne. The ride costs £15 in advance, £20 on the day. For details e-mail jan.mckernan2@hotmail.co.uk or call 01980 620015.

British bred on endurance

The 2011 European Endurance Championship Team has two prominent team members who will take part riding British-bred horses.

Somerset's David Yeoman who rode to be second best of the British at last year's Kentucky WEG with Haszar and team newcomers Karen Jones with Macadamia, who live on Exmoor. Haszar is by Gas Skandal, out of Zuelika Helinka Odet who is by GA Mariinsk.

Macadamia is by Bambooki, whose sire is Sasaki, a Spanish Arabian. Bambooki was imported from the USA by Linda Free. Macadamia's dam is Sabaara who is by Melchior and out of Bint Jamiellah.

Head of BEF equine development Jan Rogers said: "We now have British bred horses from across the disciplines competing at this elite level, breeding programmes set up several years ago are now beginning to reap the rewards of long-term planning."

Charity stages open day

Greatwood racehorse welfare charity is holding an open day tomorrow, giving visitors the chance to look at the work it does in the hope that they may offer one of its horses a home before the winter sets in.

The charity is currently full to the brim and for it to continue its work rescuing ex-racehorses, it needs to free up some space and is therefore looking for knowledgeable and loving homes.

Many of the residents will make ideal hacks as well as good all-rounders or simply a good companion for those keen to enjoy fun or sponsored rides. The open day is from 10am until 12.30pm. Greatwood is on the A345 between Marlborough and Pewsey and is clearly signed. To find out more visit www.greatwoodcharity.org

Exempt hunting dates

The Devon & Somerset Staghounds will meet at 8am today at Whitefield Challacombe; Tuesday 9 at Kings Brompton Farm Drive; 11am Thursday 11 at Exford Showground and Saturday 13 for the opening meet at Honeymead. No horse transport at the meet, please.