
Polly Bryan
Dressage and products editor
Polly joined Horse & Hound in August 2014, having previously been deputy editor at Polo Times. She moved up from the role of deputy chief sub editor to take over as dressage, sport horse breeding and products editor in September 2017.
During her time with Horse & Hound, Polly has reported from the 2016 Paralympics in Rio, the 2017 European Dressage and Para Dressage Championships, and the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon. Her reporting has also taken her to various other major international shows including Aachen and Rotterdam CHIOs. She also still has a love for polo, occasionally swapping dressage for a stint of polo reporting, and has also reported on international eventing and showjumping.
While not from a horsey family, Polly has ridden from the age of seven. She competed a huge variety of horses and ponies across all disciplines as she grew up, and worked on several yards. Originally from Devon, Polly was a keen member of the South Devon (West) branch of the Pony Club, going on to instruct for the branch. She has always had a particular love for dressage, following the sport avidly, and aged 14 she announced to her parents and teachers that she wanted to one day be the dressage editor at Horse & Hound.
Polly was captain of the very successful equestrian team at the University of Birmingham — admitting that her degree in English Literature played second fiddle to her riding! After graduating with a 2:1, she moved to London to pursue her career in equestrian journalism, gaining a postgraduate diploma in magazine journalism.
Polly lives in south-west London and while not in a position to own a horse currently, enjoys catch rides whenever possible and the odd day out hunting.
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Breeding expert Tullis Matson on working with legendary stallions – and collecting semen from elephants
Stallion AI Services’ Tullis Matson on famous stallions and his fascinating work with rare breeds and species – including elephants
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‘He has this incredible power’: meet international grand prix dressage horse Everdale *H&H Plus*
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12 stallions standing in Britain that breeders need on their radar *H&H Plus*
Don’t miss this list of some of the best stallions standing in Britain at the moment
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12 tips to help you choose the right stallion for your mare
Selecting a stallion for your mare can be one of the most exciting parts of the breeding process, so here is some expert advice to help you make the right choice
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‘He tries his heart out – I just hang on for the ride’: Canadian pair dominate in Wellington
“He tries his heart out for me every time we go down the centre line, and I just have to hang on for the ride”
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Not just for trotting over: Michael Eilberg shares his innovative use of poles
British team dressage medallist Michael Eilberg shares the innovative ways he uses poles to help develop young horses’ early training, from corners and circles to counter canter and lateral work
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How to stop your horse rushing — and other training gems from Laura Tomlinson
Olympic gold medallist Laura Tomlinson shares some invaluable training tips and tricks to incorporate into your own schooling
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How much does it cost? Plus 9 other things you always wanted to know about cloning horses
Cloning is a concept that, for many people, is still shrouded in mystery. Here we bring you answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about cloning horses
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Four-time Olympian extends his run of dressage glory in Wellington
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Meet Yvonne Losos de Muñiz — the Dominican Republic’s only Olympic rider
The Dominican Republic is not a nation that pops up often in equestrian sport, but Yvonne Losos de Muñiz is flying the flag for this small country in dressage. We find out more about her…
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Meet Adrienne Lyle: the USA’s top ranked dressage rider
Find out more about top rider Adrienne Lyle
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DSP Rose Of Bavaria — meet Laura Tomlinson’s ‘future podium and workaholic’ grand prix ride *H&H Plus*
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‘It’s so hard to get that lucky strike’: Charlotte Dujardin on helping upcoming dressage riders
Charlotte Dujardin discusses how it feels to watch Carl Hester ride her horse, and how she is helping upcoming riders progress in the sport
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*Exclusive* Charlotte Dujardin on her tough 2019, going back to basics and a very special youngster *H&H Plus*
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Flying changes without legs — find out how this top para rider does it
Flying changes are a challenge to master at the best of times, but what about when you don’t have legs? Grade III para rider and European gold medallist Erin Orford, who had both legs amputated aged one, fills us in on how she trains her horses, with and without wearing prosthetic legs
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‘One year we did pony fancy dress with British beef as our theme’: five minutes with Alice Oppenheimer
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Life lessons: Natasha Baker — ‘Lots of riders put so much pressure on themselves and forget why they do it’ *H&H Plus*
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Remember the name: Laura Gulliver — ‘I’m slightly in the shadows, but we’re aiming for Paris 2024’
The opportunity to compete a former grand prix horse has helped put this rider on the map
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Remember the name: Ellie McCarthy — ‘I had to choose between dressage and polo’
Meet Ellie McCarthy, the young dressage rider setting herself up for a successful grand prix career with an exciting string of horses and new yard to match
