Eric Lamaze and John Fleischhacker named "Owner of the Year"

Christian Baillet, chairman of the
Jumping Owners Club, ans FEI first
vice president Sven Holmberg present
the award to Eric Lamaze.
By FEI/Kit Houghton

For the second year running, Eric Lamaze and John Fleischhacker, joint-owners of the 14-year-old bay stallion Hickstead, have been awarded the prestigious Owner of the Year title by the Jumping Owners' Club.

Hickstead and Canadian rider Eric Lamaze continued their superb form to maintain their position as the most successful horse and rider combination in 2009.

Christian Baillet, Cchairman of the Jumping Owners Club, and FEI first vice president Sven Holmberg presented the award to Eric Lamaze. The ceremony took place during the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, USA.

Personal notes: Good luck to Russ Parkin as he leaves for Germany

Russ Parkin enjoying a night
off with Julie Baker

Earlier this week, I heard Russ Parkin, groom for Robert Whitaker, was leaving England to go an work for Ireland's Dennis Lynch in Germany.

It'll be sad to see him go, and strange not to see him out and about at British shows, but what a wonderful opportunity for him. He'll be working with Lantinus and be reunited with Robert's former ride Lacroix, for whom he has more than a bit of a soft spot.