If you want show day mornings to go without a hitch, check out these useful tips to ensure your horse is seen in plaits to be proud of...
Liz Falkingham
Thunder and lightning: should you keep your horse in or out?
Recent dramatic storms across Britain have highlighted the ongoing dilemma about whether it is safer to keep your horse in or leave him out during thunder and lightning. We take…
12 New Forest pony facts every native fan needs to know…
Now that New Forest ponies can be found on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s “at risk” watchlist, it's time we sat up and took note: this handsome breed can't be…
How to teach your horse flying changes
Jumping a great round is about much more than just clearing the fences. How you get from fence to fence is a key part of the round, and flying changes…
5 clipping challenges that we dread
While there’s nothing more satisfying than a neatly-clipped horse, all velvet smooth and ready to work without working up a sweat, getting to that point isn’t always plain sailing...…
Why a mechanical horse could transform your riding
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced rider, we find out how a mechanical horse could boost your performance in the saddle
Struggling to get your horse going in an outline? 4 exercises to help you out
Having your horse in an outline is a common goal when schooling — take a look at these simple exercises to help you achieve your aims
What are Franklin balls — and how do they work?
The use of small plastic training aids known as Franklin balls to help riders improve their body awareness so they can send clearer signals to their horse is growing among…
Find the showing world intimidating? 6 questions you thought were too obvious to ask
Concerns over show ring etiquette can be off-putting for showing novices. So we have answered the questions that you thought were too obvious or embarrassing to ask
The mysterious shrinking saddle — and other disastrous pre-competition discoveries
It’s full steam ahead to this year's competitions, right? Wrong — there’s always the minefield of disastrous discoveries to be negotiated first
Natural horsemanship: what does it really mean?
Deemed a controversial subject by some, Horse & Hound asks well know names in the world of 'natural horsemanship', as well as riders competing in mainstream disciplines, what the term…
Settling for an average trot — and more pet hates of dressage judges
It is often the little mistakes that mean riders are giving away marks in dressage tests. H&H asks three dressage judges for their top three mark-losers and pet hates in…
Deep litter bedding for horses: pros and cons
Mucking out is never a favourite yard job, particularly in winter. For some, deep littering is the answer — but what are the pros and cons? H&H investigates
Learning to stand still — and other essentials for starting a young horse
This time of year is traditionally when many young horses are started under saddle. Once you’ve got to the stage where they’ve accepted the rider and done the initial riding…
Take a break: how to make a smooth transition from full work to field time
For many show and competition horses, the main season is coming to an end as the leaves turn and the mornings start with a hint of frost. If hunting isn’t…
Which are the best spurs for dressage?
Thinking of using spurs during dressage training or competition? Here’s what you need to know when choosing the best ones for you
How green is your yard? 6 budget-busting eco-friendly solutions
Eco-friendly design can be incorporated into everything from light bulbs to storage solutions — and it could save you money too
Sheath cleaning — and 9 more of the most unpleasant jobs horse owners have to do
There are lots of things about owning and riding horses which bring great joy. Unfortunately, there are others more likely to come under the heading of ‘necessary evils’. Here are…
Turnout boots: what are the pros and cons?
For some, turnout boots are an essential part of keeping their horse protected while in the field. Others, however, believe bare is best when it comes to legs. H&H looks…
On the hunt for the perfect family horse? Here’s what you need to look for
A good family horse is as precious as gold dust. Take a look at our demanding checklist to keep in mind on your hunt for the perfect one