If you're feeling a little down after all of the excitement of Christmas, take a look at H&H's most popular heart-warming stories of 2016 — they are sure to put a smile on your face...
A touching video of a bin man helping a spooked horse in Wales went viral on the internet. Erin Connor was riding her five-year-old horse, Patch, on a country lane in Dyserth, Denbighshire, on 21 February.
Charlotte Dujardin GBR riding Valegro, during the grand prix of the dressage competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro near Rio, Brazil on 11th August 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
The day Charlotte Dujardin successfully defended her Olympic individual title in Rio, clinching the gold with a massive 93.857% on Valegro.
Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro announced their return to the competition arena in triumphant style, winning both the grand prix and the freestyle to music at Hartpury Festival of Dressage in Gloucestershire (6-10 July).
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The day it was revealed that the long-running saga of the ownership of the London Olympic gold medal winning horse Uthopia was resolved. It was announced that the horse would remain with his long-time rider Carl Hester at his Gloucestershire base.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (6061828o)
Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Canada - 01 Oct 2016
Victoria, Canada. Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, the Duchess of Cambridge and their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrive to board a sea plane in Victoria Harbour, Canada at the end of the Royal Tour.
(Image credit: REX/Shutterstock)
At a special Buckingham Palace event for Olympic and Paralympics heroes, the Duchess of Cambridge revealed the Princess Charlotte’s love of horses.
London team gold and individual bronze medallist Laura Tomlinson announced in November that she was five months pregnant and expecting her second child.
Shane Rose AUS riding CP Qualified, during the Dressage phase of the Eventing Competition at the Olympic Equestrian Eyestrain Centre in Deodoro near Rio, Brazil on 7th August 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Read the remarkable story of Olympic event rider Shane Rose.
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Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor
Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.
