Polly Bryan
Former dressage, sport horse 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. Her time on Horse & Hound staff finished in October 2023 when she moved to a new job outside the business, although she continues to contribute to Horse & Hound on a freelance basis.
During her time with Horse & Hound, Polly has reported from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 – fulfilling a lifelong dream in doing so – as well as the 2022 World Championships, the 2018 World Equestrian Games, the 2019 and 2017 European Championships, and the 2016 Paralympics in Rio. Her reporting has also taken her to various other major international shows including the World Cup Finals in 2019 and 2022, as well as Aachen and Rotterdam CHIOs. She still has a love for polo, occasionally swapping dressage for a stint of polo reporting, and has also covered international eventing and showjumping, including at the Tokyo Olympics.
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 be the dressage editor at Horse & Hound one day.
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 Surrey and while not in a position to own a horse currently, enjoys catch rides whenever possible.
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The scales of training explained for horse riders of all levels
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What makes a good broodmare – and does your horse have what it takes?
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12 tips to help you choose the right stallion for your mare
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Alan Davies’ top plaiting tips and tricks – some of them may surprise you
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Top judge reveals how to boost your dressage scores – in ways you may never have considered
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8 tips to avoid being caught out when buying secondhand equestrian kit
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11 funny responses to horsey jobs
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4 fitness exercises to do at home that could improve your riding
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6 genius dressage exercises from Christoph Hess to spice up your training
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Not just for trotting over: Michael Eilberg shares his innovative use of poles
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‘I loved every moment we had together’: Remembering the big-hearted horse who made Carl Hester a better rider
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Dressage Future Elite winners at HOYS: where are they now?
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‘A horse who made dreams come true’: farewell to Carl Hester’s Olympic medallist
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‘We left the arena and careered around the judge's car’ and 21 more dressage bloopers
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‘Jagerbomb makes me feel like I can do it’: Becky Moody on why even top riders can suffer a crisis of confidence
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‘I’m gaining a better understanding of my horses’: Annabella Pidgley’s gap year plans – and why she can’t wait to compete Pumpkin
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From finance to horses: why Whickr was key to one rider’s successful career switch *Promotion*
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Charlotte Dujardin’s horses to watch at the National Dressage Championships this week – and other big names in action