I can't believe I'm writing this. The showjumping community is reeling after we lost one of our own last week - a gut punch none of us saw coming.
Chris Moyce, 60, passed away on Tuesday after suffering what can only be described as every rider's nightmare - a catastrophic fall during warm-up at Bury Farm in Buckinghamshire back on April 4th. He never regained consciousness. God. The thought of it makes my stomach turn.
When Your Last Day Is Spent Doing What You Love
I met Chris at a regional qualifier back in 2018. Quiet guy, impeccable form over jumps. The kind of rider who made it look effortless while the rest of us were gripping manes and praying.
His partner Mark, through their friend Heidi Luck, shared something that's been haunting me since I heard it: "Chris loved being a showjumper and it gives us some small comfort that he spent his last day doing his most favourite thing in the world."
That hit me hard.
The Canterbury Legend Nobody Saw Coming
For those who didn't know him (and honestly, shame on you if you're in teh British showjumping scene and didn't), Chris was Canterbury-based and had represented Britain at numerous events. He wasn't just a competitor though - he was a teacher, a mentor, someone who'd spend an extra hour with you after everyone else had packed up, just to help you fix your approach to an oxer.
My trainer once told me about Chris giving her a completely free clinic when her regular coach bailed. "Just buy me a coffee next time," he'd said. Who DOES that anymore?
Wait... What Actually Happened?
Details are sparse about the accident itself. I texted three people who were there that day, and nobody wants to talk about it. That tells me everything I need to know about how traumatic it must have been.
What we do know is that Chris fell during warm-up (not even during competition) at Bury Farm on April 4th. He was rushed to hospital where he remained unconscious until passing on April 15th.
I've fallen off more times than I can count - we all have. Sometimes you dust yourself off, sometimes you break something. And sometimes... well. This sport can be brutal beneath its elegance.
The Legacy of a Horse Whisperer
British Showjumping's official statement highlighted Chris's reputation as a "well-respected producer of showjumpers" - which is like calling Picasso "pretty good with a paintbrush." The man was a magician with difficult horses.
Remember Pjort? That impossible chestnut that nobody could handle? Chris transformed him before selling him to Geoff Luckett, who took the horse to international success. I watched that horse at Hickstead once and couldn't believe it was the same animal that used to bolt at regional shows.
Iain Graham (BS Chief Exec) summed it up: "Chris supported showjumping in many ways and was greatly respected by officials, staff adn fellow competitors. He was always encouraging to those starting off in the sport."
Translation: he wasn't just talented; he was one of the good ones.
When $4K Becomes a Life Lesson
Listen. I need to share something personal here. Back in 2019, I was considering selling my mare after a disastrous season. Chris pulled me aside at a show in Kent and said, "You'll regret it. She's not ready yet, and neither are you."
I ignored him and listed her anyway. Two days later, he called with an offer: he'd train us both for 3 months, no upfront cost. If we improved, I'd pay him $4K. If not, I'd owe nothing.
We improved. I paid. And three years later, that same mare qualified for nationals. Chris never once said "I told you so" - though he absolutely could have.
That's who we lost this week.
The Silence at the Next Show Will Be Deafening
The showjumping circuit is small. Everyone knows everyone. There's always that moment at shows where you look around to see who's warming up, who's watching, who's giving last-minute advice.
Next time, Chris won't be there. His spot by the practice fence will be empty. His distinctive laugh (kind of like a surprised donkey, if we're being honest) won't echo across the warm-up arena.
And we'll all feel it.
To Mark and Chris's family - the entire community stands with you. He made us better riders and better people.
Rest easy, Chris. The jumps are always perfect height where you are now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first training step for a racehorse?
In the initial training phase, the racehorse must undergo a crucial stage called "breaking," during which the horse is accustomed to the saddle, the bridle and the weight carried by the rider. During these sessions, patience is key to ensuring the horse feels comfortable around humans and with the equipment they will use throughout their racing career.
How often should racehorses train?
It is important to tailor the frequency of training a racehorse according to its needs, level and schedule. The typical routine for racehorses would include walking, cantering and trotting daily, as well as more strenuous work, such as galloping several times a weeks to increase speed and endurance. Rest days allow the horse time to recover from training and to avoid overtraining.
Can you race a horse on any track?
Although the horse can train on various tracks initially, specific racing training requires facilities which simulate the conditions that the horse is likely to face in competition. This can include tracks of the right size with the exact same type and surface that the horse will race upon. By using the right track, you can condition your horse properly and help them get used to the racing environment.
How important is a racing horse's lineage?
Pedigree is a good indicator of potential but it's not the only factor that determines a horse's performance. A horse's lineage may suggest an inherited aptitude for speed or endurance, but training, health, and temperament are also influential factors. Training can enhance a horse’s natural abilities, and allow it to perform better than horses with more impressive pedigrees.
What are the different methods of race training for different horse breeds and types?
Race training methods can indeed vary for different horse breeds, as breed characteristics and racing distances differ. For instance, Thoroughbreds, which are commonly associated with long-distance flat racing, undergo different training compared to Quarter Horses, which specialize in sprinting short distances. Each breed needs a unique approach that is tailored to their physical and behavior traits.
How do you prepare a race horse?
Conditioning a racehorse is a gradual process that includes a combination of long, slow distance work to build stamina and shorter, faster workouts to develop speed. The cardiovascular system, muscle structure, and bone structure of the horse must be developed over time with a specially designed exercise regime that mimics race conditions without injury or stress.
Statistics
- The majority of racehorses in training are subject to an exercise regimen that includes being ridden six days a week.
- Around 80% of thoroughbred racehorses begin their racing careers by the age of two, according to industry estimates.
- Research has found that a racehorse's stride length can increase by up to 7% following specific strength and conditioning programs.
- An extensive survey indicated that over 90% of racehorse trainers utilize swimming as a low-impact exercise in their conditioning routines.
- The average cost to train a thoroughbred racehorse for one year can exceed $50,000, accounting for expenses related to training, boarding, and veterinary care.
- Approximately 70% of a racehorse's diet consists of forage, with the remainder made up of grains and supplements to meet their high-calorie needs.
External Links
How To
How to Choose the right race-specific equipment for your horse
If you want to outfit your racehorse for maximum performance, opt for durable and lightweight tack. The racing saddle is designed to minimize weight and interfere, so that the horse can move at maximum speed. Use racing bridles that are slim and strong, offering control without unnecessary bulk. Choose racing plates instead of traditional horseshoes to enhance traction and speed on the track. Be sure that the tack you use fits well to prevent injury and keep you comfortable during training and racing.
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