The loss of a ‘passionate and dedicated’ groom, a tribute to a ‘genius’ horse, and other things the horse world is talking about
1. The loss of a much-loved groom
The showjumping community has paid tribute to Jenny Ducoffre, who has died aged 44. Jenny was the long-standing groom of Belgium’s Jos Verlooy, and a much-loved figure on the circuit. A spokesperson for Jos said Jenny would be remembered as a “dear colleague and true friend”, and a spokesperson for the Longines Global Champions Tour said, “Jenny’s passionate and dedicated soul whose love for horses and unwavering commitment to those she groomed for touched everyone around her.”
2. “A genius and a lunatic” event horse
Andrew Hoy and Cheeky Calimbo at Houghton Hall in 2013.
Cheeky Calimbo, the advanced event horse campaigned by Andrew Hoy, has died aged 22. The gelding’s biggest victories include the long-format CCI3* (now CCI4*-L) at Montelibretti in 2016, and the CIC3* (now CCI4*-S) at Luhmühlen in 2014. Cheeky Calimbo’s final run was at Kelsall Hill in 2019, and he spent his later years in “happy retirement” with the Hoys. Andrew said, “In you, I certainly found my master – you were a genius and lunatic at the same time – and we often had to define whether it was a ‘Dr Jekyll or Mr Hyde kind of day’. Your talent in all phases was certainly without limits – and so was your mental strength – and we all admired you for it.”
3. A North Yorkshire equestrian property on the market
If you’re looking for a new horsey home then look no further than Sutton Stables. The four-bedroom property, on the outskirts of Sutton under Whitestonecliffe, comes with 12.84 acres, a refurbished manége, seven stables and plenty of parking. The house consists of a lounge, garden room, modern dining kitchen, sitting room and utility room. Richmond Equestrian Centre is 40 minutes away, while Camden, Northallerton and Appleton Grange are all within 30 minutes. The property is on the market with a guide price of £950,000.
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