From a one-horse grand prix to Schwarzenegger’s equine dinner date — how is the equestrian community coping during the coronavirus lockdown?
We are all experiencing unprecedented and troubling times during the Covid-19 pandemic, but you can count on the horse world to soldier on as best they can in a crisis. So how are some of our top riders coping with this enforced lay-off?
1. Showjumper Guy Williams says who needs horses when your kids are flying over the fences?
2. Social distancing certainly has its benefits for Swedish rider Peder Fredricson
3. We’re not the only ones feeling slightly unsettled by global events right now — when Kitty King’s horses needed a bit of extra reassurance, she draughted in pint-sized super-hero Charmer to save the day
4. Make yourself useful — National Hunt jockey Harry Cobden soon found a new role at Paul Nicholls’ yard
5. Everyone’s a winner! US showjumper Lauren Hough finds some tough competition in her quarantine grand prix…
6. A chance to kick up your heels — the Wadworth Shire Horses are certainly enjoying their freedom
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Due to current events Wadworth have decided to give the horses some field time. Which as you can see they are making the most of!Posted by Wadworth Shire Horses on Wednesday, March 18, 2020
7. “We are going in to lockdown, but our horses still need us” — the team at the Stephex Stables in Belgium couldn’t have said it better
8. Even Olympic champions need to take the necessary precautions in these unprecedented times
9. Game of football anyone? Joe Stockdale’s horses are ready to play
10. Self-isolation, racehorse style, at trainer Amy Murphy’s stables
11. For Ben Hobday, practice still makes perfect — even when you’re stuck at home
12. Home schooling — in every sense of the word — is the new reality for many of us, including Izzy Taylor
13. “Wait, where have all the 1.60m jumps gone?” asks Team Z7’s Cash Up with Georgia Tame — and clears it anyway
14. Equestrian broadcaster Lee McKenzie and her equine friend find self-isolating a doddle
15. An epic journey home — when Spain goes into lockdown, you have to get home pronto and the 19 Billy Stud horses competing in the cancelled Sunshine Tour finally made it back to Surrey
16. And finally… Go into lockdown like a Hollywood star: without the company of his A-list friends, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s dinner guests are the now famous Whiskey and Lulu
After my home workout, fueling up with Whiskey and Lulu.Posted by Arnold Schwarzenegger on Friday, March 20, 2020
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Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.