In this week’s edition of Horse & Hound, in shops from Thursday 19 February, we bring you our essential guide to the 2026 competition season. There are more than 340 listings across the disciplines to browse, so it’s the ultimate companion for every competitor. Plus, digest our pre-season prep insights, which include a guide to sports psychology for grassroots riders, how to cope when warm-ups don’t go to plan, the perils of being a horsey parent and more. Among the news pages, we cover what was discussed at the eventing safety forum and introduce you to the friendly new showing society that welcomes all competitors. Need a new riding hat? Take a look at our selection, plus learn how to improve a horse’s jumping technique. In the Vet Clinic, we look at feeding for performance. Indulge in a behind-the-scenes look at showjumper power couple Matt Sampson and Kara Chard’s base and learn about their vision and mindset. This week, our opinion column comes from Carl Hester for dressage fans, and we hear about training yard dogs from a champion dog trainer. For sports fans, enjoy our reports on the latest racing, showjumping and dressage action. There are many other articles for equestrian fans to enjoy – see a more detailed breakdown below.
- Find your nearest magazine stockist
- Order a single issue for delivery
- Subscribe to the paper magazine
- Download FREE digital magazine
What’s in Horse & Hound magazine: on sale 19 February 2026
Show guide
- How and when to step up a level
- How to cope when warm-ups don’t go to plan
- Get more out of spectating
- The benefits of sports psychology for grassroots riders
- Being a horsey parent
- Rider biomechanics
- Essential shows: hundreds of events
News
- Concussions, falls and frangibles debated in eventing safety forum
- New friendly showing society aims to welcome all competitors
- Late stallion’s memory may have saved other horses
- Thinking outside the box on the future of forage
Opinion
- Letters of the week
- Dressage: Carl Hester
People and horses
- Access all areas: Matt Sampson and Kara Chad
- All in a day’s work: The champion dog trainer
- In the spotlight: Four-star eventer Lucas Stone
- Goodnight: Tessa Waugh’s hunting diary
Vet clinic
- Feed for performance: Fuelling your horse
Kit and features
- Premium protection: Riding hats
- Sharpen up: Improve a horse’s jumping technique
Hunting
- Hunter of a lifetime:
- Report: Tipperary
Reports
- Dressage: Solihull and Wellington Riding
- Showjumping: South View and more
- Racing: Ascot, Haydock and Wincanton
Classified Ads
- Horses for sale, horseboxes, vehicles, jobs, insurance and more