
Ellie Hughes
Ellie has been a freelance writer for Horse & Hound since 2009 having cut her journalistic teeth as assistant and then deputy editor of Eventing magazine.
She has contributed to H&H in a variety of roles, as a reporter for all the main disciplines, features writer, veterinary page coordinator and news writer. She has compiled the eventing highlights page since it first appeared in the magazine in 2010.
Ellie has also written extensively on country lifestyle and rural topics for publications such as Country Life and The Country Smallholder, where she has penned features on matters as diverse as the history of the full English breakfast to the business of rewilding. She has co-written two books — Two Brains, One Aim with Olympic event rider and coach, Eric Smiley, and Happy Days and Winning Ways with former junior and young rider team trainer, Gill Watson.
Ellie has worked for media teams at international events, including London 2012, Royal Windsor, Badminton, Burghley, Blenheim, Gatcombe and Blair.
In the saddle, she is a former Pony Club eventing national champion and has produced several horses from scratch to advanced level, including her very special 15hh homebred Short Changed. She trained one of her former eventers to small tour level in dressage, finishing third in the National Championships at advanced medium, and is now trying to complete the hat-trick of disciplines with her current competition horse, who has recently made the switch from eventing to showjumping.
While not at her desk or on a horse, Ellie runs a busy cross-country schooling course at her home in Kent.
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How fit is your horse? 5 key fitness indicators to look out forCompetition success can often come down to your horse's fitness levels. H&H asks the experts what the key fitness indicators to look out for are
By Ellie Hughes Published
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Vets: are you aware of social media pitfalls?The use of social media can be extremely beneficial to vets, but it also brings potential pitfalls to be aware of
By Ellie Hughes Published
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Foal grows ‘fifth leg’A foal was admitted to a veterinary hospital with a rare condition which led to an extra digit growing from his leg
By Ellie Hughes Published
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Fly-grazing, education and racing to be discussed at National Equine ForumThere will be a new format to the day which, the organisers say, will enable even more debate and discussion with panels of speakers and delegates
By Ellie Hughes Published
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How to add a historic bridleway to definitive maps [H&H VIP]Find out what you can do about the 2026 cut-off date for adding historic routes used by riders to a definitive map, before they’re extinguished forever
By Ellie Hughes Published
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Eventers show off their artistic flairFive leading Kiwi riders have tried their hand at drawing sketches of horses to raise money for New Zealand Riding for the Disabled
By Ellie Hughes Published
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Vets benefit from new equine behaviour courseA new course, delivered by The Horse Trust has helped practitioners develop their skills in handling challenging equines
By Ellie Hughes Published
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Safety of indoor eventing questionedQuestions have been raised following several recent heavy falls at indoor eventing competitions
By Ellie Hughes Published
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Calls for further research into frangible fencesA grassroots eventer has called for continued research into frangible fences after a fall which left her with several shattered bones in her arm
By Ellie Hughes Published
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Eventer speaks out about WEG doping caseFrench eventer Maxime Livio has spoken publicly for the first time since his World Equestrian Games mount tested positive for acepromazine
By Ellie Hughes Published
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Coaches welcome new racing technologyA highly technical simulator is set to help jockeys improve their fitness and technique
By Ellie Hughes Published
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Ascot voted best racing venue in the countryThe Berkshire track won the prestigious showcase champion award, which recognises excellence and innovation at racecourses around Britain
By Ellie Hughes Published
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Gold rush for British student ridersGreat Britain's student riders enjoyed a successful trip to France and can now look forward to the world finals in Florida
By Ellie Hughes Published
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Sandra Auffarth to take on Ispo in Benjamin Winter’s memoryThe German eventer is to take on Ispo, the horse Benjamin was riding when he suffered a fatal fall at Luhmühlen, at the request of the Winter family
By Ellie Hughes Published
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Do horses prefer men to women or vice versa?Austrian scientists have undertaken a study to see if horses respond differently to male and female riders
By Ellie Hughes Published
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New research brings fresh thoughts on frangible pins [H&H VIP]Study suggests that a different type of frangible pin should be installed in eventing to help make the sport more safe
By Ellie Hughes Published
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Pilot scheme could help cut overbreedingBEVA announces pilot scheme to help prevent equine welfare cases in the UK
By Ellie Hughes Published
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Experts warn about dangers of ignoring encysted small redwormSurvey shows that 20% of owners are using an ineffective treatment for these potentially lethal parasites
By Ellie Hughes Published
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British grand prix dressage star bows outThe Bechstolsheimer's dressage star has retired from competition at the age of 19
By Ellie Hughes Published
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Love bling? Check out these quartermarksGlamourati has developed a way of applying intricate designs to horses using glitter
By Ellie Hughes Published
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China becomes new market for British horsesTrade agreement promises to boost UK economy by millions of pounds each year
By Ellie Hughes Published
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British Eventing loses two more fixturesTwo events have announced they will no longer be holding affiliated competitions
By Ellie Hughes Published
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Riders’ saddles stolen at BlenheimHigh profile tack theft from Oxfordshire event is being investigated by the police
By Ellie Hughes Published
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US team horse put to sleepFour-star campaigner and Olympic team member dies at home
By Ellie Hughes Published
