Liz Falkingham

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

What is MIPS technology and why could it revolutionise riding helmet design?

A safety feature, already widely used in cycling and skiing helmets and designed to reduce brain injuries, could revolutionise riding helmet design

‘My horse has a rubbed area behind the saddle. Should I be concerned?’ — H&H investigates...

Patches of rubbed hair under the back panels of your horse’s saddle can be more prevalent at this time of year — here’s what you need to know...

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 can enhance that. H&H asked eventer-turned-trainer Tracey Dillon for her tips on teaching flying changes

When should you clip your horse for the final time to ensure a gleaming summer coat? H&H investigates...

Clipping – and particularly the timing of the final clip of the season – is a subject which always generates a healthy debate. H&H asked grooms, producers and owners when – or if – the clippers get put away for the season

6 festive disasters that can only happen to horsey people

Here’s H&H’s top six list of festive disasters just waiting to happen…

6 top tips to help you create plaits you can be proud of

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...

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 a look at the pros and cons of each approach

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 taken for granted

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 UK equestrians. We take a look at what they are and how they work

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 means to them

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 the arena

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 away process, however, what are the essentials for a young horse to learn?

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 on the cards, that means a well-earned break. H&H looks at making a smooth transition from full work to field time