Everything Horse UK Everything Horse Magazine, October 2018 issue 38 | Page 7

Email news to our inbox [email protected] For all the latest equestrian news visit our website www.everythinghorseuk.co.uk NEWZ NEWS, NEWS, NEWS, READ ALL ABOUT IT , HOT OFF THE PRESS, GET YOUR COPY NOW! MASTER SADDLE MAKER RECOGNITION FOR SEAN Long-standing industry expert, Sean Jeffs (above), has been awarded The Society of Master Saddlers’ ‘Master Saddle Maker’ title in a prestigious new category for recognising the considerable skill and knowledge held by saddlers. Sean has worked for Walsall-based business Vale Brothers for 11 years, after they bought the Harry Dabbs saddlery brand where he had been employed for many years. Now factory manager, Sean has spent much of his working life as a bench saddler and is also an SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter. Sean was keen to gain the Master Saddle Maker qualification which involves a five hour trade test for the candidate to demonstrate the necessary saddle making skills and gain the SMS Flocking qualification. “I am delighted to be the first Walsall-based saddle maker to gain the standard and would encourage all other bench saddlers to work towards taking the test,” said Sean. Society of Master Saddlers’ Chief Executive, Hazel Morley commented: “After his many years’ experience in the saddlery world and especially as a very knowledgeable bench saddler focused on making saddles, Sean is a very worthy first recipient of the status. “The initial idea behind the category was to reward and recognise those saddlers who focus mainly on saddles rather than across all saddlery including bridles and other leather work. “We would be delighted to hear from saddlers wanting to take the test and who feel they fulfil the criteria.” For more information visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk. WHAT’S GOING ON LAURA GRAVES AND and Verdades first Americans to top FEI Dressage World Rankings! Olympian, Laura Graves and Verdades (aka Diddy) have snatched the FEI Dressage World Ranking topspot from (almost) two year leaders, Isabel Werth and Weihegold Old from Germany. The shake up of the leader board came following their double Silver medal placings last month at the FEI World Equestrian Games... Congrats Laura! BRITISH EVENTING LAUNCH ANOTHER WINTER SEASON OF MASTERCLASSES BE have announced another winter season of British Eventing Charitable Foundation (BECF) Masterclasses, held by a selection of the world’s best riders and decorated Olympians. The ‘Training for the Top’ themed classes will start in November and run through to February. There will be a total of five sessions which will be held all over the country in a selection of established equestrian centres. This year will see Kristina Cook, Caroline Moor, Christopher Bartle and Lucinda Green delivering one of each of the scheduled events. Aimed to inspire and educate, the classes will focus on the importance of preparation to go eventing. It doesn’t matter what level you may currently be working at, or towards, there will be something in the BECF Masterclasses for all levels of horse riders, owners, trainers and even those without horses. Tickets start at £28, each event can last up to four hours. For more information visit www. britisheventing.com ISSUE 38 • OCTOBER 2018 • EVERYTHING HORSE MAGAZINE 7