LOUISE BELL : Latest News
Get Smart is Reserve Supreme Working Hunter Champion at RIHS July 2011 |
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Louise was delighted with the performance of the horse she describes as "an armchair ride" at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead (July 2011). The impressive eight year old Get Smart continued his successful 2011 campaign by winning the Reserve Supreme Working Hunter title wtih a presentation by Top Gear's Richard Hammond in the main International Arena. "He did so well. It was just a shame he clipped a fence in the jumping phase which I think cost us the overall title. But he is still young with so much more to prove. I'm delighted," says Louise.  |
1,2,3,4 Wins at Royal Windsor May 2011 |
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Louise Bell enjoyed amazing success with her team of horses at The Royal Windsor Horse Show winning the Heavyweight Working Hunter and Champion title with Get Smart. And the accolades continued as Cracker became Ladies Hunter Champion in just his second attempt side-saddle and, not to be left out, the young superstar that is Into the Blue won the Sport Horse class in front of Her Majesty the Queen. "It was one of the highlights of my career," said an elated Louise "the horses were just phenomenal and to ride, and win, in front of the Queen is an occasion I will never forget."  |
GROOMERS LAUNCHES FABULOUS NEW CATALOGUE |
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 Groomers - the UK's leading pet care professional and sponsor of Louise Bell - has launched a brand new 68 page equine catalogue, packed with everything for horse/pony and rider. An established and respected supplier of grooming products for dogs and cats, Groomers now fill the gap in the market for quality equine products at great prices with exceptional customer service and fast delivery - all supported by their 'no quibble' guarantee. It all began in 1984 when Groomers started to manufacture shampoos, conditioners and finishing sprays containing Evening Primrose Oil for dogs. The results were outstanding and from this, they have formulated products for the equine market with the same exceptional results. The range has now grown to include everything you need for your dog, cat and horse with something for equestrians across all disciplines. The new catalogue features industry favourites from leading equestrian brands. They are proud to include the full range of Bridleway products (formed by a group of independent retailers from across the country - including Groomers). All products are available with same day despatch for orders before 2pm. Orders over £70 qualify for FREE delivery. To order your free catalogue, visit http://www.groomers-online.com/ or call 0845 230 7997.  |
LOUISE ASSISTS ENGLISH WORKING HUNTER PONY TEAM |
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Louise has been delighted to give some training to the English Working Hunter Pony team travelling to Cavan for the European Working Hunter Championships at the end of this month. Good luck to the team! |
LOUISE LENDS HER HELP FOR HEROES |
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Louise had great fun joining the 600 strong Sponsored Ride on 10 July at Ascot Racecourse in aid of Help For Heroes riding the amazing Westside Ronnie. Former show jumper, Emma Jane Brown joined her having taken to the saddle for the first time for many years riding Louise's Cruise Control, along with the British Equestrian Federation's Andrew Finding who took the reins of Bob the Cob! Between the three of them, they managed to raise over £3000 for Help for Heroes. "We got to gallop up the racecourse, which was amazing fun," said Louise "it was a great day for a very worthy cause." |
THE SAD LOSS OF MAN ON FIRE |
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Sadly, Louise lost her prolific winning Man on Fire who died on 23 June having suffered a ruptured intestine. He was only 9 years old. Her beloved Alfy as he was known in the stable had won no less than £8000 in his short but very successful three year career. "I am absolutely devastated because he was a superstar who had so much more to give. He had a wonderful personality and I adored him," said Louise. |
SEE LOUISES LATEST VIDEOS ON HORSE HERO |
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If you haven't already done so, log on to the fabulous www.horsehero.com website to see the latest Louise Bell videos. We think you'll find the out-takes rather amusing but if it's the more serious stuff you are looking for, such as creating the perfect tail, then look at www.horsehero.com and for the latest turnout advice. Catch up on all the latest news about Louise on her regular Horse Hero blog as well as other top riders from different disciplines.  |
CRACKER CLAIMS SPORT HORSE TITLE FOR SECOND YEAR ON THE TROT AT NATIONAL HUNTER CHAMPIONSHIPS |
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 Louise was thrilled with the performance of two of her rising stars – Cracker and the most recent addition, Get Smart when they both claimed Championship titles at Addingtons Hunter Show, one of the pinnacle events of the season and a Pre-HOYS warm-up. "They were both phenomenal," said Louise following Cracker's second consecutive win of the Sport Horse title (6-y-o) and Get Smart's championship victory in the Restricted Working Hunter class. "I'm delighted to have two very special young horses with so much potential for the future. The Hunter Show is quite unique given you have to jump in and out of arenas, plus there is always the evening performance where the atmosphere is quite electric."  |
A TRIBUTE TO MY WORKING HUNTER LEGEND, OUT OF SIGHT |
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IT IS WITH SADNESS THAT WE REPORT LOUISE BELL’S WORKING HUNTER LEGEND, OUT OF SIGHT, HAS DIED DURING SURGERY FOR A HEART PROBLEM. MRS SARAH GALLAGHER’S REIGNING HOYS WORKING HUNTER OF THE YEAR WON 150 CLASSES IN HIS 9 YEAR COMPETITION CAREER, AND WAS 14 YEARS OLD WHEN HE DIED ON 20TH AUGUST 2009. LOUISE HAS WRITTEN HER OWN TO HEARTFELT TRIBUTE TO THIS AMAZING HORSE. "I write this with a piece of my heart missing that will never quite be replaced. Out of Sight or 'Rupert' as he was known at home was the best horse I have ridden and also my best friend. Through the highs and lows, he always knew how I was feeling. When I came back from my accident years ago, he looked after me without question. There will never be a horse quite like him. When asked, he just answered. He could have been anything you wanted him to be as his talent was unlimited. His only problem in life was that his mother died when he was just three weeks old. He was hand reared by Bobby and Ali McEwen who did not realise what a horse they had bred. He grew too big for Ali which turned out to be my advantage! He was sent to Graham Fletcher to sell. Adela Lithman rang my husband, Robert, to say a horse by Rakish Paddy was for sale there as she knew that we already had a horse called Austin Powers of the same breeding. We set off to see the horse with nothing except buttons in our pocket. He went better than Graham expected and jumped like a Grand Prix horse (much to Robert’s dismay) as it was obvious we did not have the money to buy such a talent. We dealt for him and left thinking 'how are we going to pay for him?'. That was when my friend, Barbara Hester, came to the rescue when she called us on the way back. I mentioned our dilemma to her and she generously said, don't worry I'll lend you the money. Thank God for her. She did exactly that and I paid her back a few weeks later. Rupert's career did start with a few ups and downs. He was nicknamed in the yard 'Sick Note' because of his low immune system. He always had a swelling or a rash for the first two years I had him but in time he got tough. He won 150 classes in his nine years of competitions and winnings of around £14,000 – not bad for a working hunter! Rupert was the nicest person and you could do anything with him. I have been honoured to ride him for these years and Rupert, you will never be forgotten. I went on hound exercise on Friday to get away from the yard. We rode from the kennels back to our yard where William blew his hunting horn (gone away). Rupert would have loved it. You will always be my HOYS reigning Champion; my friend; my star; OUT OF SIGHT. Louise Bell  |
LOUISE BELL DOES IT AGAIN |
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Louise Bell was once again victorious at The Royal Windsor Horse Show, this year riding her still relatively young Man on Fire, to take the Working Hunter Champion title again. Having won last year on the more experienced Cruise Control, Louise decided it was Man on Fire's (or Alfie as he is known at home) time to shine following his win in the Lightweight Working Hunter class earlier that day. "Cruise Control jumped a fabulous double clear round and as he has already won there so many times before, I thought it was time Man on Fire had a really special day. He really did come up trumps having jumped an amazing round, he went beautifully for the judge, and then just shone in the ring. I’m thrilled!" said Louise who has won the crowning title on more than six occasions.  |