Latest from Horse & Hound in How-to

How to watch Newmarket’s July Festival 2026 live from anywhere in the world

Georgia Guerin — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:25:07 +0000

Watch The July Festival live this week and witness the finest horses and jockeys take centre stage in a celebration of speed, style and atmosphere at Newmarket.

At a glance

The July Festival date: 9–11 July 2026
Watch July Festival on TV: ITV (FREE), Racing TV
Watch July Festival from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch The July Festival on TV

ITV will screen some of the action from The Debenhams July Festival live and for free on ITV and ITVX across the three days, while Racing TV (Sky channel 424/Virgin Media 536) will broadcast via its subscription-based service.

ITV Racing will broadcast the first four races on Thursday and Friday, as well as the first six on Saturday, while Racing TV will cover every race.

You don’t need an ITVX subscription to watch live racing – just an email address and a valid TV license. You can register for a free account or download the app to your mobile device.

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to secure your stream of the action from anywhere in the world.

What time is the July Cup?

The Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai July Cup will run at 4.35pm and will be the sixth of eight races at Newmarket on Saturday 11 July.

How to watch The July Festival from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service such as NordVPN, where you can get an exclusive 75% off, which offers a 100% risk-free money back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service any time within the first 30-days, then you can cancel with no penalties at all.

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The July Festival race times

Races in bold will be shown on ITV.

Thursday 9 July: Ladies’ Day

Start time	Race	Distance
1.50pm	The Bahrain Trophy	13f
2.25pm	The Kingdom of Bahrain July Stakes	6f
3pm	The Bet Boost at bet365 Handicap Stakes (Heritage Handicap)	6f
3.35pm	The Princess of Wales’ Stakes sponsored by The Kingdom of Bahrain	12f
4.10pm	The British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes	6f
4.45pm	The Edmondson Hall Solicitors Sir Henry Cecil Stakes	8f
5.20pm	Federation of Bloodstock Agents Handicap Stakes	8f

Friday 10 July: Festival Friday

Start time	Race	Distance
1.50pm	The Handicap Stakes	10f
2.25pm	The Duchess of Cambridge Stakes (sponsored by bet365)	6f
3pm	The bet365 Trophy	14f
3.35pm	The Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Falmouth Stakes	8f
4.10pm	The Weatherbys British EBF Maiden Stakes	7f
4.45pm	The Handicap Stakes	5f
5.20pm	The Handicap Stakes	7f

Saturday 11 July: July Cup Day

Start time	Race	Distance
1.40pm	The Fillies’ Handicap Stakes	7f
2.15pm	The Duchess of Cambridge Stakes (sponsored by bet365)	7f
2.50pm	The bet365 Mile Handicap	8f
3.25pm	The bet365 Superlative Stakes	7f
4pm	The bet365 Bunbury Cup (Heritage Handicap)	7f
4.35pm	The Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai July Cup	6f
5.10pm	The Handicap Stakes	12f
5.45pm	The Handicap Stakes	6f

What is The July Festival?

Newmarket is the home of British horseracing and The July Meeting dates back to 1765. The July Course itself is known for its intimate, relaxed, and picturesque summer garden-party feel, in contrast to the more formal spring Rowley Mile events.

The pinnacle of the three days is the July Cup, which is recognised as one of the most prestigious sprint races in the world and a highlight of the British racing calendar. The Group 1 Flat race is open to horses aged three years or older and run over 6f.

Many future classic and Group 1 winners first make their mark in juvenile races during the festival.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news at major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to watch the Coral-Eclipse live from anywhere in the world

Georgia Guerin — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:22:05 +0000

Watch the Coral-Eclipse live this weekend and enjoy the action from Britain’s first Group 1 “generation clash” of the season at Sandown Park.

At a glance

Coral-Eclipse date: 4 July 2026
Watch Coral-Eclipse on TV: ITV (FREE), Racing TV
Watch Coral-Eclipse from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch the Coral-Eclipse on TV

ITV will screen some of the action on Coral-Eclipse Day live and for free on ITV4 and ITVX from 1.30pm to 4.05pm on Saturday 4 July, while Racing TV (Sky channel 424/Virgin Media 536) will broadcast via its subscription-based service.

ITV Racing will broadcast the first four races from Sandown Park (1.50pm, 2.25pm, 3pm and 3.35pm), which will include the Coral-Eclipse Stakes, while Racing TV will cover every race.

You don’t need an ITVX subscription to watch live racing – just an email address and a valid TV license. You can register for a free account or download the app to your mobile device.

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to secure your stream of the action from anywhere in the world.

What time is the Coral-Eclipse?

The Coral-Eclipse Stakes will run at 3.35pm and will be the fourth of seven races at Sandown Park on Saturday 4 July.

How to watch the Coral-Eclipse from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

NordVPN exclusive deal – 75% Off
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Coral-Eclipse race times

Start time	Race	Distance
1.50pm	The Coral Charge (Group 3)	5f 10y
2.25pm	The Coral Challenge (Handicap)	1m
3pm	The Coral Distaff (Listed)	1m
3.35pm	The Coral-Eclipse (Group 1)	1m 1f 209y
4.12pm	The Coral Celebrating 50 Year Eclipse Sponsorship Handicap Stakes	7f
4.42pm	The Coral ‘Pipped-At-The-Post’ And Win Handicap Stakes	1m 1f 209y
5.15pm	The Coral Golden Rewards Shaker Handicap Stakes	1m 1f 209y

What is the Coral-Eclipse?

The Eclipse Stakes was first run in 1886 and is named after Eclipse, the legendary 18th-century racehorse who won all 18 of his starts and appears in the pedigrees of an estimated 95% of all male thoroughbreds alive today. It is raced over 1m 1f 209y, which is equivalent to 2.002km.

The race has been sponsored by Coral since 1976, making it the longest-running Group race sponsorship in the world. It is also one of the most valuable summer races of the British racing calendar and attracts the world’s finest middle-distance champions.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news at major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to watch the Coral-Eclipse 2025 live streams and TV coverage: your armchair viewing guide

Gemma Redrup — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:22:05 +0000

Flat racing fans who want to watch the live action from Coral-Eclipse day at Sandown Park (5 July) will need to tune into ITV or a free livestream. With two-and-a-half hours’ live footage on the main ITV channel, ITV Racing will be covering four races on the day of this Group One meeting, plus there are livestream options to choose from too.

The Coral-Eclipse is a Group One Flat race, run over a distance of 1m1f and 209 yards and is named after Eclipse, who was a top racehorse in the 18th Century.

Ombudsman, who was impressive when winning the Prince Of Wales’ Stakes at Royal Ascot last month is currently evens-priced favourite to take the 2025 Coral-Eclipse under William Buick for trainers John and Thady Gosden and owner, Godolphin.

Here’s our full TV guide so you don’t miss a moment of the action…

ITV and the ITVX streaming service will be showing four of the Coral-Eclipse day races races for free in the UK. If you’re abroad, and trying to watch ITVX like you normally would back in the UK, then you can use a VPN. Check out NordVPN, where you can get 76% off, four extra months free (which does not appear until you go to the check out) plus a £50 Amazon gift card and a 30-day money back guarantee, and follow the instructions below.

The Coral-Eclipse on TV: how to watch

ITV is the place for UK audiences to watch the Coral-Eclipse, with four of the races from this meeting being streamed for free on ITVX. There is also an ITVX app that works on almost all smart devices. Just search for the app on any device, phone or console you have.

Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani will host the live TV coverage which runs from 1.30pm to 4pm on Saturday 5 July.

They will be joined by former jockey and expert Jason Weaver with Adele Mulrennan, plus other top racing names.

The Opening Show will be presented by Oli Bell on the morning of the Coral-Eclipse, previewing the day’s big races.

You can also watch the action live via the pay-for channel, Racing TV.

What time does the Coral-Eclipse start?

The ITV Racing Coral-Eclipse coverage will show racing between 1.30pm and 4pm on the main ITV channel.

ITV’s Opening Show will be shown between 9.30am and 10.30am on the morning of the meeting.

The full 2025 Coral-Eclipse day racecard is as follows.

Saturday 5 July

1.50pm: Coral Charge (Group Three)

2.25pm: Coral Challenge

3pm: Coral Distaff

3.35pm: Coral-Eclipse (Group One)

4.12pm: Coral Celebrating 50 Year Eclipse Sponsorship Handicap

4.45pm: Coral “Pipped-At-The-Post” And Win Handicap

5.15pm: Coral Golden Rewards Shaker Handicap

How to watch the Coral-Eclipse from anywhere

Not in the UK right now? You don’t have to miss out on any of the action from Coral-Eclipse day. ITVX is geo-restricted, meaning it doesn’t usually work outside of the UK, but a VPN is a simple and safe way around this.

A Virtual Private Network will alter your device’s IP address to make it appear to be in a different country, allowing you to access your usual streaming services from anywhere in the world. It’s great for watching racing on the move, and it’s also handy even if you’re watching at home. VPNs are designed with internet security in mind, creating encrypted connections that keep your data safe from third parties and improve streaming speeds by preventing bandwidth ‘throttling’ from your internet service provider.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service such as NordVPN, which is the best VPN in the world according to our colleagues at TechRadar.

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How do I bet in the Coral-Eclipse?

Online betting companies will be clamouring for your custom during Coral-Eclipse day so look out for some of their promotional deals for new customers which include everything from a free bet to giving your money back if your horse loses. You’ll need to deposit some money into your betting account, choose a race, select your horse (you could study the form, or you could simply pick your lucky number of favourite colour from the jockeys’ silks) and the type of bet — then get ready to cheer!

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We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Download and install the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access – UK for ITV.

3. Then head over to your streaming service on your device and enjoy the live stream.

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

If you fancy having a flutter on a horse race but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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How to ride a square halt: expert tips from Carl Hester and other top riders boost your dressage marks

Oscar Williams — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:15:43 +0000

A square halt is one of the most underrated movements in dressage – yet it features in virtually every test from intro to the highest levels of dressage, so knowing how to ride one is key. It’s usually the very first thing a judge sees as you turn down the centre line, and a tidy halt is one of the easiest ways to put marks on the board.

Get it wrong, and you hand the judge a poor first impression before you have ridden a single proper movement; get it right, and you set the tone for a lovely, flowing test.

Yet the halt is deceptively difficult. Standing four-square, immobile and on the aids takes a surprising amount of training – and, crucially, it is a skill you build over months rather than something you can drill in a single session. Here is how to teach a square halt from the ground up, how to ride it under pressure in the ring, and how to fix the faults that cost riders marks most often.

What makes a halt “square”?

Before you can train a good halt, it helps to know exactly what the judge is rewarding. Most rulebooks ask for the horse to stand attentive, engaged, motionless, straight and square, with their weight distributed evenly over all four legs, the poll as the highest point, and the nose just in front of the vertical. The horse should stay on the bit and be ready to move off at the slightest aid.

In practice, that means all four legs in two neat pairs, no leg trailing or resting, no creeping or fidgeting, and at least three seconds of genuine immobility when you salute. It’s worth remembering that a halt does not have to be flawless to score well – a soft, straight, immobile halt that is fractionally open behind will still earn a respectable mark, whereas a crooked horse jiggling on the centre line will not.

How to ride a square halt from scratch

The single biggest mistake riders make is chasing squareness before their horse is standing still. Make sure to nail the immobility first.

1. Start with stillness, not squareness

When you first introduce halts, the priority should be for the horse to stand calmly. “The most vital part of the movement is for the horse to stand still and be submissive,” says event rider Coral Keen.

“Don’t make too many adjustments early on trying to make it square, or the horse starts fidgeting, and it becomes an issue. Once they’re happy and immobile, then you think about the squareness.” Make too many corrections too early on, and you’ll teach your horse to fidget – which becomes a far harder habit to undo later on.

Always reward a good halt and never tell your horse off for an uneven one – squareness comes from repetition and praise, not punishment. (Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

2. Build it progressively

Begin in walk and, at first, be content with the front legs square. Use the outside track and repeat walk-to-halt downward transitions, asking your horse to move forwards one small step at a time after the halt forwards until they’re level in front. Only when that is established should you move on to trot-to-halt, making the trot slower and smaller beforehand and allowing a few walk strides into the transition so your horse has time to organise themself.

“It’s fine for it to be a bit progressive to begin with – don’t expect it to be too direct,” Coral says. “Allowing your horse time in the movement helps them develop the feeling of positioning themselves into a square halt.”

3. Move on to asking them to square up behind

As your horse becomes more established, ask them to collect before the halt so their weight is back and their shoulders are light, allowing them to sit into it rather than fall onto the forehand.

International grand prix rider Samantha Thurman-Baker says the key to a square halt is your horse’s balance: “If he’s loading one shoulder or is slightly crooked, the chances are your halt won’t be square.”

Her advice from a faster gait is to bring the horse almost back to moving on the spot before you ask: “That ensures their weight is back and their shoulders are light, allowing him to sit into the halt.” A mirror or a pair of eyes on the ground is invaluable as you learn to feel it for yourself.

4. Remember the quality of the pace is everything

Whether you halt from walk, trot or canter, the transition is only as good as the gait before it. Keep your horse active and in front of the leg so the hindquarters stay engaged – if they drop behind the leg in the approach, the hind legs trail and the halt cannot be square. As with every downward transition, ride forwards into the halt, not backwards.

Riding a square halt in the test

Training at home is one thing; producing a square halt down the centre line with one or more judges watching is another. A few things make it more reliable under pressure.

Most horses are straighter on one rein than the other, so enter the arena on your horse’s better rein. Resist the temptation to ride too boldly at the halt transition – come in with enough collection that you can quietly drop down into a square halt rather than slamming the brakes on. But keep the principle of forward riding front of mind.

As Carl Hester puts it: “Dressage is about forward riding, so even a transition to halt means riding the horse forward, allowing with the hands to let him step under.”

If your horse anticipates the halt – stopping before you have asked, or jogging on the spot in expectation – school plenty of centre lines without halting at all, and practise your halts off the three-quarter line instead so the movement stops being predictable.

Carl Hester’s centre-line halt exercise

Carl has a go-to flatwork exercise to build straightness, responsiveness and a square halt all at once.

Ride down the centre line and halt; only when the horse is square, immobile and relaxed, move off in your chosen gait, immediately circle right, and return to the centre line to halt again. Repeat, this time circling left, and continue alternating left and right circles with a halt between each all the way up the centre line.

The turn before each halt does much of the work for you, helping to position the inside hindleg and encouraging your horse to step into a square halt rather than leaving a leg trailing behind. As an added discipline, train yourself to feel whether the halt is square without looking down: sit level in the middle of the saddle and notice whether both sides of the horse’s back push evenly up into your seat. If only one side does, the opposite hindleg is trailing.

Fixing the most common halt faults

1. The quarters swing left or right

If the hindquarters drift as you halt, think of riding a touch of leg-yield or shoulder-fore into the transition to keep them in line. Riding down the centre line in shoulder-fore, with a mirror or helper checking you are truly straight, is one of the best long-term cures, because a crooked approach almost always produces a crooked halt.

2. A hindleg trails behind

Correct the specific leg that is left out: if the left hind is trailing, use your left leg to ask for one small step, keeping a quiet contact on the rein, and ask your horse to bring it underneath. Reward even an imperfect response so they learn that coming into halt means organising their own legs into a square position.

3. Your horse won’t stand still

Keep your legs gently wrapped around your horse’s sides at the halt so they feel held rather than abandoned, and make sure they wait for you to move them on rather than deciding for themselves. Avoid over-correcting – often a halt the rider thinks is unacceptable is, in fact, perfectly respectable.

4. Whatever you do, correct forwards

Every adjustment within the halt should be made by walking the horse a step forward, never back, so they stay in front of the leg and thinking forwards into the next movement. That also sets up a positive, powerful move-off.

Top tips for a square halt

Practise, practise, practise. Halt squarely before you mount and dismount, and before every break in your schooling session – the more often your horse halts square, the more it becomes a habit
Sit up tall, step down into your heels and check that your own weight is even on both seat bones – a crooked rider produces a crooked halt
Always walk forwards to correct, never backwards
Reward generously and never tell the horse off for halting unevenly – squareness comes from repetition and positive associations, not punishment
Learn to feel the halt rather than look down for it – it keeps your test polished and your marks intact

Carl’s closing thoughts

Underpinning all of this is straightness, which Carl calls a lifetime’s work with every horse. One of the first lessons he says he learnt, going back some 35 years, was that whatever you are sitting on – pony, cob or warmblood – “there is no excuse not to ride straight lines and square halts.” Build the straightness, ride every transition forwards, and the square halt will follow.

Enjoyed reading this? For more expert training advice from top riders and coaches, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Did you find this article useful? You may also enjoy reading…

(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

Execute smarter square halts with the help of four poles

(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

How to ride the perfect centre line, with tips from Olympic medallist Laura Tomlinson

(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

How to ride free walk for higher dressage marks – with advice from FEI judge Stephen Clarke and Carl Hester

(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

How to ride accurate circles for higher marks – with advice from self-confessed ‘circles geek’ Becky Moody

(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

How to ride better downward transitions for top marks with advice from an Olympic medallist

(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

How to watch Bolesworth International Horse Show live from anywhere in the world

Georgia Guerin — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:09:09 +0000

Watch Bolesworth International Horse Show on TV this week and enjoy a spectacular mix of competition and entertainment.

Al Shira’aa Bolesworth International hosts a wealth of world-class showjumping across two long weekends in the grounds of Bolesworth Castle in Cheshire and the event attracts top riders from all over.

At a glance

Bolesworth International dates: 26 June – 5 July 2026 (breaking 30 June and 1 July)
Watch Bolesworth International on TV: ClipMyHorse.TV
Watch Bolesworth International from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch Bolesworth International on TV

There is no terrestrial TV coverage of Bolesworth International, and ClipMyHorse.TV will be the only place you can follow all the action live or on demand. ClipMyHorse.TV is showing every class in both the International and Castle Arenas throughout the competition.

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to secure your stream of the action from anywhere in the world.

How to watch Bolesworth International from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

NordVPN exclusive deal – 75% Off
– Up to 75% off two-year plans
– Just £2.59/monthView Deal

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to watch the Hickstead Derby Meeting 2026 live from anywhere in the world

Georgia Guerin — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:57:03 +0000

Watch the Hickstead Derby Meeting on TV this week and enjoy a true jewel in the crown of British equestrian sport.

Hickstead hosts a wealth of showjumping and showing classes, but is best known for being the home of the world-famous Hickstead Derby, and this class is certainly not one to miss.

At a glance

Hickstead Derby Meeting dates: 18–21 June 2026
Watch Hickstead Derby on TV: ClipMyHorse.TV
Watch Hickstead Derby from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch Hickstead Derby on TV

There is no terrestrial TV coverage of the Hickstead Derby, and ClipMyHorse.TV will be the only place you can follow all the action live or on demand.

You can take advantage of a special Hickstead & RIHS membership offer with code “Hickstead2026”. This is valid 15 June – 15 August 2026 and provides 20% off an annual ClipMyHorse.TV premium membership – sign up here.

This offer can be used by new subscribers as well as past members, who will have to email the support team to access the discount code.

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to secure your stream of the action from anywhere in the world.

What about HicksteadTV?

HicksteadTV will only be sharing a few winning rounds this year, so watching via ClipMyHorse.TV is the only option for live coverage.

What time is the Hickstead Derby?

The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby will start at 2pm on Sunday 21 June.

Hickstead Derby TV schedule

ClipMyHorse.TV will be showing the following classes live at the times listed.

Thursday 18 June

Class	Time (BST)
The Hickstead Novice 1.10m Championship	10am
The Hickstead Annual Grade C Championship in memory of Sarah Davidson	11.05am
The Astore & Sons 1.35m Open Championship in memory of Tracy Astore	12.10pm
The Stoner Jewellers Vase	1.05pm
The ClipMyHorse.TV Derby Tankard	4pm

Friday 19 June

Class	Time (BST)
The KEP Italia 1.10m Amateur Championship	8.30am
The United Equine Products Ltd 1.25m Open Championship	10am
The Breen Equestrian Beethoven 7 & 8 Year Old Championship	10.55am
Presentation: The Cob Championship	12pm
Final Judging: The Hack Championship	12.15pm
The Agria Derby Trial for the Ben O’Meara Memorial Trophy	12.45pm
The Hickstead Derby Two Phase for the Tom Hudson Trophy	3.15pm

Saturday 20 June

Class	Time (BST)
The Billy Stud Auction British Five Year Old Jumping Championship	8.45am
The Billy Stud Auction British Six Year Old Jumping Championship	10.05am
The ClipMyHorse.TV Master’s Trophy	11.30am
The Osborne Refrigerators Scurry Driving Championship	2.30pm
Presentation: The Agria Hunter Championship	3pm
The British Speed Derby for the Liz Dudden Memorial Trophy	3.45pm
Pro Ponies Mini Major	6.30pm

Sunday 21 June

Class	Time (BST)
RedPost Senior Foxhunter Championship	8am
Public course walk for the Al Shira’aa Derby & The Romford Band of the Royal British Legion	10am
The Agria Coloured Horse Ridden Championship	11.10am
The Doney Championship	11.45am
Presentation: The Tattersalls RoR Amateur Ridden Show Series Championship	1.30pm
Presentation: The Tattersalls RoR Open Ridden Show Series Championship	1.35pm
The Osborne Refrigerators Double Harness Scurry	1.45pm
The Al Shira’aa Derby	2pm

How to watch the Hickstead Derby Meeting from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

NordVPN exclusive deal – 75% Off
– Up to 75% off two-year plans
– Just £2.59/monthView Deal

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to watch Luhmühlen Horse Trials 2026 live from anywhere in the world

Georgia Guerin — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 08:43:13 +0000

Watch Luhmühlen Horse Trials live this week and enjoy the action from Germany’s only five-star eventing competition, plus the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy, which incorporates the German national championship.

Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials is the final major fixture before team selections are made for the FEI World Championships in Aachen this year, and although there have been some last-minute withdrawals, the event will host plenty of elite combinations.

At a glance

Luhmühlen Horse Trials date: 18–21 June 2026
Watch Luhmühlen on TV: H&C TV
Watch Luhmühlen from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch Luhmühlen Horse Trials live on TV

Horse & Country TV is the only place you can live stream all the action from Luhmühlen, with commentary options of English or German.

You can stream H&C TV via the website or watch on the app via Fire TV, Android TV, Roku or Chromecast.

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to secure your stream of the action from anywhere in the world.

Luhmühlen Horse Trials H&C TV schedule

Session	Date	Time (BST)
First horse inspection	Wednesday 17 June	3.20pm
Dressage day one	Thursday 18 June	7.20am
Dressage day two	Friday 19 June	7.50am
Cross-country	Saturday 20 June	8.35am
Final horse inspection	Sunday 21 June	7.50am
Showjumping	Sunday 21 June	10.05am

How to watch Luhmühlen Horse Trials from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

NordVPN exclusive deal – 75% Off
– Up to 75% off two-year plans
– Just £2.59/monthView Deal

To stay up to date with all the breaking news at major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to watch Royal Ascot 2026 live from anywhere in the world

Georgia Guerin — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:47:43 +0000

Watch Royal Ascot live this week and witness some of the world’s finest flat racing.

With 35 races spread across five days, Royal Ascot is one of the biggest and most prestigious events in the UK’s racing calendar.

At a glance

Royal Ascot dates: 16–20 June 2026
Watch Royal Ascot on TV: ITV (FREE), Racing TV
Watch Royal Ascot from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch Royal Ascot on TV

ITV will screen all the action from Royal Ascot live and for free across ITV1, ITV4 and ITVX, while Racing TV (Sky channel 424/Virgin Media 536) will broadcast via its subscription-based service.

ITV Racing will broadcast all seven races on each day of the meeting (race times and channel information below), along with The Opening Show, which will air at 9.30am on ITV1 each day of the meeting.

Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani will host the ITV coverage, accompanied by analysis from Jason Weaver and Adele Mulrennan, and reporting by Matt Chapman, Rishi Persad, Oli Bell and Luke Harvey.

Commentary will be by Richard Hoiles and Mark Johnson, and Oli Bell will present The Opening Show each morning.

You don’t need an ITVX subscription to watch live racing – just an email address and a valid TV license. You can register for a free account or download the app to your mobile device.

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to secure your stream of the action from anywhere in the world.

How to watch Royal Ascot from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

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Royal Ascot race times

Tuesday 16 June | 13:30–18:00 ITV1, 17:50–18:30 ITV4

Start time	Race	Channel
2.30pm	The Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1)	ITV1
3.05pm	The Coventry Stakes (Group 2)	ITV1
3.40pm	The King Charles III Stakes (Group 1)	ITV1
4.20pm	The St James’s Palace Stakes (Group 1)	ITV1
5pm	The Ascot Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2)	ITV1
5.35pm	The Wolferton Stakes (Listed)	ITV1
6.10pm	The Copper Horse Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2)	ITV4

Wednesday 17 June | 13:30–18:00 ITV1, 17:50–18:30 ITV4

Start time	Race	Channel
2.30pm	The Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2)	ITV1
3.05pm	The Queen’s Vase (Group 2)	ITV1
3.40pm	The Duke of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2)	ITV1
4.20pm	The Prince of Wales’ Stakes (Group 1)	ITV1
5pm	The Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2)	ITV1
5.35pm	The Kensington Palace Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2)	ITV1
6.10pm	The Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed)	ITV4

Thursday 18 June | 13:30–18:00 ITV1, 17:50–18:30 ITV4

Start time	Race	Channel
2.30pm	The Norfolk Stakes (Group 2)	ITV1
3.05pm	The King George V Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2)	ITV1
3.40pm	The Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2)	ITV1
4.20pm	The Gold Cup (Group 1)	ITV1
5pm	The Britannia Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2)	ITV1
5.35pm	The Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3)	ITV1
6.10pm	The Buckingham Palace Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2)	ITV4

Friday 19 June | 13:30–18:00 ITV1, 17:50–18:30 ITV4

Start time	Race	Channel
2.30pm	The Albany Stakes (Group 3)	ITV1
3.05pm	The Commonwealth Cup (Group 1)	ITV1
3.40pm	The Duke of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2)	ITV1
4.20pm	The Coronation Stakes (Group 1)	ITV1
5pm	The Sandringham Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2)	ITV1
5.35pm	The King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2)	ITV1
6.10pm	The Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2)	ITV4

Saturday 20 June | 13:25–18:40 ITV1

Start time	Race	Channel
2.30pm	The Chesham Stakes (Listed)	ITV1
3.05pm	The Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2)	ITV1
3.40pm	The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Group 1)	ITV1
4.20pm	The Jersey Stakes (Group 3)	ITV1
5pm	The Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2)	ITV1
5.35pm	The Golden Gates Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2)	ITV1
6.10pm	The Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions) (Class 2)	ITV1

To stay up to date with all the breaking news at major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to watch Bramham Horse Trials 2026 from anywhere in the world

Georgia Guerin — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:50:21 +0000

Watch Bramham Horse Trials live this week and enjoy the action from Yorkshire’s premier eventing fixture.

Defender Bramham Horse Trials is the penultimate major British fixture before team selections are made for the FEI World Championships in Aachen this year, so it has once again attracted plenty of top-class riders and horses.

At a glance

Bramham Horse Trials date: 11–14 June 2026
Watch Bramham Horse Trials on TV: H&C TV
Watch Bramham Horse Trials from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch Bramham Horse Trials on TV

Horse & Country TV is the only place you can live stream all the action from Bramham International.

You can stream H&C TV via the website or watch on the app via Fire TV, Android TV, Roku or Chromecast.

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to secure your stream of the action from anywhere in the world.

Bramham Horse Trials H&C TV schedule

Session	Date	Time
Dressage day one	Thursday 11 June	8am
Dressage day two	Friday 12 June	8am
Cross-country	Saturday 13 June	8am
CCI4*-S showjumping	Saturday 13 June	8am
CCI4*-L final trot-up	Sunday 14 June	8am
CCI4*-L showjumping	Sunday 14 June	11am

How to watch Bramham Horse Trials from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

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How to watch CHIO Aachen live from anywhere in the world

Georgia Guerin — Thu, 21 May 2026 14:53:18 +0000

Watch CHIO Aachen on TV this week and enjoy a feast for all equestrian enthusiasts. Due to Aachen hosting the FEI World Championships later this summer, this year’s CHIO Aachen, affectionately known as TSCHIO, is running earlier in the calendar.

The 2026 event will also only feature showjumping, whereas it would usually host showjumping, eventing, dressage, driving and vaulting. There is one combined showjumping and driving class on Saturday 23 May, however.

At a glance

CHIO Aachen date: 22–24 May 2026
Watch CHIO Aachen on TV: ClipMyHorse.TV
Watch CHIO Aachen from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch CHIO Aachen on TV

There is no terrestrial TV coverage of CHIO Aachen in the UK, and ClipMyHorse.TV will be the only place you can follow all the action live or on demand.

A free livestream is available for classes that are not being shown on German terrestrial TV. German residents will be able to watch some of the showjumping action, plus the Horse & Symphony concert, on WDR and ARD. For more information, visit chioaachen.de/en

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to secure your stream of the action from anywhere in the world.

What time is the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen?

The Rolex Grand Prix starts at 12.40pm CEST (11.40am BST) with the first round. The second round will begin at approximately 2.45pm CEST (1.45pm BST).

How to watch CHIO Aachen from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

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How to watch Badminton Horse Trials live from anywhere in the world

Georgia Guerin — Tue, 05 May 2026 11:29:52 +0000

Watch Badminton Horse Trials on TV this week and join eventing fans across the world to follow the action at Britain’s first five-star of the 2026 season.

The five-star competition at Mars Badminton Horse Trials begins with the first horse inspection on Wednesday 6 May, with last year’s winners Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo heading in as favourites. While you’re watching, follow along with our full form guide of Badminton entries.

At a glance

Badminton Horse Trials date: 6–10 May 2026
Watch Badminton on TV: Badminton TV and BBC (Free)
Watch Badminton from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch Badminton Horse Trials on TV

The BBC will be showing their usual highlights programme that culminates with live showjumping, starting at 1:45pm on BBC2 on Sunday 10 May. This is free to all in the UK with a TV license.

Badminton final scores

Badminton TV, powered by ClipMyHorse.TV, is the only way to watch all the action live, including trot-ups, but you can also watch back on demand. It has a wealth of features, including live rewind and full access to footage of past years.

To subscribe to Badminton TV or reactivate a previous subscription, visit clipmyhorse.tv. A Badminton TV pass costs £22.99.

You don’t need a full ClipMyHorse.TV subscription to watch Badminton, but if you have a premium membership already Badminton TV is included in your subscription.

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to secure your stream of the action from anywhere in the world.

Badminton Horse Trials broadcast times

Session	Date	Time*	Platform
First horse inspection	Wednesday 6 May	4:30pm–6pm	Badminton TV
Dressage day one (see competitor dressage times)	Thursday 7 May	9am–5pm	Badminton TV
Dressage day two	Friday 8 May	9am–5pm	Badminton TV
Cross-country	Saturday 9 May	11am–5pm	Badminton TV
Final horse inspection	Sunday 10 May	8:30am–10am	Badminton TV
Showjumping (session one)	Sunday 10 May	Starts 11:30am	Badminton TV
Showjumping (session two)	Sunday 10 May	Starts 2:45pm	Badminton TV
Highlights programme with live finale	Sunday 10 May	Starts 1:45pm	BBC (UK)

*Times are provisional and correct as of 5 May 2026.

Badminton Horse Trials commentary team

The commentary you hear from Badminton Horse Trials will depend on where you’re watch or listening.

John Kyle will be returning to lead the commentary team on Badminton TV, with a host of special guests throughout the week, including former European Champions Nicola Wilson and Tina Cook, plus New Zealand championship rider Lucy Jackson.

The BBC coverage will be hosted by Nick Luck, Tina Cook and Clare Balding.

On site commentary comes from Roly Rickord, Tadgh Ryan, Hugh Lochore and Spike Milligan.

Radio Badminton is fronted by Jo Thoenes and Sam Lloyd. They’ll be joined by Bobby Hayler-Wright and Christian de Coulon for the dressage, followed by Matt Heath, Daisy Berkeley and Nick Gauntlett during the cross-country and showjumping. You’ll also hear from Ben Way in the mixed zone and Ginny Howe as their roving reporter.

Is there a Badminton Grassroots live stream?

Action from the LeMieux Badminton Grassroots Championships is not being live streamed via ClipMyHorse.TV. If you want to watch the action, you will need to attend in person.

How to watch Badminton Horse Trials from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal BBC coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

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How to follow Badminton Horse Trials with Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound will have three journalists (Pippa Roome, Lucy Elder and Martha Terry) and a photographer on the ground at Badminton throughout the competition, plus multiple members of the team supporting remotely.

Follow via our website

We will be creating extensive online coverage of Badminton in addition to what will be included in the magazine report. Our coverage will include:

Course photos of the five-star and Grassroots Championships tracks (Wednesday, 6 May)
Full form guide with details of every horse and rider competing
Times for the next day’s competition so you know when your favourites compete and preview pieces so you know what to watch out for
Breaking news and numerous reports on all the action as it unfolds throughout the event
Interviews with first-timers, comeback stars, British heroes, grooms and more

To keep reading after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription either to the website or to the magazine. To buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription, visit horseandhound.co.uk/join. Or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com/XHH-brandsite for a magazine subscription that includes unlimited website access plus the digital version of the magazine. If you are already a magazine subscriber, find out how to activate your website access at horseandhound.co.uk/subscription-benefits

Magazine

30 April: preview including five-star cross-country course walk with William Fox-Pitt (watch videos here)
7 May issue: full form guide with details of every horse and rider competing, plus interview with first-timer Tom Strawson
14 May issue: 28-page special report, containing the best photos, analysis and insight from our team on the ground at Badminton, as well as from experts including Mark Phillips. We will also report on the grassroots championships in this issue.

Horse & Hound subscription offer plus free magazines at Badminton

Magazine and website unlimited subscription: six issues for £6, followed by our flexible offer of £29.99 quarterly, saving 29%. Visit: magazinesdirect.com/XHH/DJ59M
Website unlimited subscription: save 40% – pay £52 for a full year of access. Visit: horseandhound.co.uk/join
Buy a programme at Badminton and receive a free copy of 7 May issue of Horse & Hound magazine

How to listen to Badminton Horse Trials

Check out the Badminton app, which provides free live results and much more this year. Sign up for Badminton Plus membership for £4.99 to access the live Radio Badminton broadcast and receive exclusive offers from on-site exhibitors. Search for Badminton Horse Trials in your app store.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from Badminton and other major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to watch the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas live from anywhere in the world

Georgia Guerin — Fri, 01 May 2026 13:42:47 +0000

Watch the Guineas this weekend and enjoy the action from the first two Classics of the British Flat racing season.

The big story for this year’s 2,000 Guineas is Billy Loughnane bidding for his first Classics win on Bow Echo, while the 1,000 Guineas belongs to the fillies and the Aidan O’Brien-trained Precise is looking to be an early favourite.

At a glance

2,000 Guineas date: 2 May 2026
1,000 Guineas date: 3 May 2026
Watch the Guineas on TV: ITV (FREE), Racing TV
Watch the Guineas from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch the Guineas on TV

ITV will screen much of the action from the Betfred Guineas Festival (including the two feature races) live and for free on ITV1 and ITVX, while Racing TV (Sky channel 424/Virgin Media 536) will broadcast via its subscription-based service.

You don’t need an ITVX subscription to watch live racing – just an email address and a valid TV license. You can register for a free account or download the app to your mobile device.

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to secure your stream of the action from anywhere in the world.

What time is the 2,000 Guineas?

The 2,000 Guineas post time is 3.35pm and is the fifth of nine races at Newmarket on Saturday 2 May.

What time is the 1,000 Guineas?

The 1,000 Guineas starts at 3.35pm and is the fourth of seven races at Newmarket on Sunday 3 May.

How to watch the Guineas from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

NordVPN exclusive deal – 75% Off
– Up to 75% off two-year plans
– Just £2.29/monthView Deal

What are the Guineas?

As the first two Classics of the British Flat racing season, the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas are among the most famous horse races in the world.

Run over a mile at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile racecourse, the 2,000 Guineas is contested by colts and fillies and the 1,000 Guineas solely by fillies. The two races are limited to three-year-old Thoroughbreds only.

The 2,000 Guineas was first run in 1809, while the inaugural 1,000 Guineas was staged five years later. At the time the races were named after the prize money given to the winner of each – with one guinea amounting to 21 shillings or £1.05.

By the 1860s the Guineas were considered to be two of the most significant races in the UK for three-year-olds and today attract the very best horses of their age in Europe. Often the races highlight potential contenders and winners of the third and fourth Classics of each year, the Derby and Oaks staged at Epsom Downs.

The total prize money for each race is more than £500,000, with the winner of the 2,000 Guineas taking home £297,728, while the winner of the 1,000 Guineas takes home £311,025. The 2,000 Guineas is also the first leg of the Triple Crown, followed by Epsom Derby and St Leger.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news at major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to watch the Kentucky Derby live from anywhere in the world

Georgia Guerin — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:43:12 +0000

Watch the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, 2 May and keep up to speed with action in one of the most prestigious horse races stateside.

This year is the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby and current favourite, Renegade, is aiming to become the first horse to win from the No. 1 post position since 1986.

At a glance

Kentucky Derby date: 2 May 2026
Watch Kentucky Derby on TV: Sky Sports Racing, Racing TV, NBC and Peacock
Watch Kentucky Derby from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch the Kentucky Derby on TV

The UK’s free racing broadcaster ITV and the ITVX streaming service will not be showing the Kentucky Derby live, but you will be able to watch via the Sky Sports Racing Channel (Sky channel 415/ Virgin Media 535). Alternatively, Racing TV’s subscription-based service will also show the race (Sky channel 424/Virgin Media 536) .

In the US, you can watch on NBC and Peacock, with coverage from 2.30pm ET. The final race will be shown on FanDuel TV.

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to secure your stream of the action from anywhere in the world.

What time is the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby post time is 6.57pm local time (ET), which is 11.57pm BST. It will be the twelfth race of the day.

How to watch the Kentucky Derby from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

NordVPN exclusive deal – 75% Off
– Up to 75% off two-year plans
– Just £2.29/monthView Deal

What is the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious horse races in the USA. It is an American Grade One stakes race, run at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky and is open to three-year-old Thoroughbred colts and fillies.

Held annually on the first Saturday in May, the Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown and is known by many as “the greatest two minutes in sport”.

The Kentucky Derby is run over a distance of 2,012 metres (about 1¼ miles) with a prize of $3.1m (about £2.3m) going to the winner.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news at major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to watch the Winter Dressage and Area Festival Championships live from anywhere in the world

Georgia Guerin — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:04:15 +0000

Watch the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships and Petplan Winter Area Festival Championships this week (15–19 April 2026) and enjoy the action at two of the biggest events on the national dressage calendar.

The Winter Dressage Championships and Winter Area Festival Championships take place at Addington Equestrian in Buckinghamshire. The whole show is free entry for spectators, but if you’re not able to visit the event in person, here’s our full guide on how to watch the championships from the comfort of your own home.

At a glance

Winter Dressage Championships dates: 15–19 April 2026
Watch Winter Dressage Championships on TV: H&C TV
Watch from anywhere: Use this Surfshark deal – just £1.38/month

How to watch the Winter Dressage Championships on TV

Horse & Country TV (H&C) will be showing live coverage from all three arenas at the Winter Dressage Championships, including the arenas hosting the Petplan Area Festival Championships. Members of H&C+ will be able to live stream the event and watch back on-demand, including previous years.

To find out more about H&C+ membership options, visit horseandcountry.tv.

Competition clips

If you’re competing at the Winter Dressage Championships, you can download your competition test clips from H&C by visiting their website for £20 per clip. This service is free if you have a H&C Gold membership.

How to watch the Winter Dressage Championships from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service such as Surfshark, where you can get an exclusive low price of just £1.38/month, and offers a 100% risk-free money back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service any time within the first 30-days, then you can cancel with no penalties at all.

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How to watch the FEI World Cup Finals of Dressage and Jumping

Georgia Guerin — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:43:23 +0000

Watch the FEI World Cup Finals of Dressage and Jumping this week and catch the world’s best at the most prestigious annual international series for the two sports.

This year the FEI World Cup Dressage and FEI World Cup Jumping Finals are being held in Fort Worth, Texas. In the dressage, we’ll have eyes on the sole British finalist Becky Moody. And in the jumping, this year has the potential to be the first time a rider wins the title for a fourth time, with Swiss rider Steve Guerdat having won previously in 2015, 2016 and 2019.

At a glance

FEI World Cup Final dates: 9–12 April 2026
Live stream: FEI TV, hosted by ClipMyHorse.TV
Watch FEI World Cup Final from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch FEI World Cup Final live stream

Live action will be shown on FEI TV, which is hosted by ClipMyHorse.TV. You can also watch a repeat on demand, which will be really useful with the time difference.

Commentary will be available in English, German, Dutch, French or Norwegian.

FEI World Cup Final schedule

The FEI World Cup Finals are being held in Texas, which works on Central Daylight Time (currently six hours behind British Summer Time).

Dressage

Thursday 9 April: grand prix starts at 7pm CDT (1am BST on Friday, coverage starts at 11:45pm)

Saturday 11 April: freestyle starts at 7pm CDT (1am BST on Friday, coverage starts at 11:45pm)

Showjumping

Thursday 9 April: competition I starts at 1:30pm CDT (7:30pm BST, coverage starts at 6:45pm)

Friday 10 April: competition II starts at 6:20pm CDT (12:10am BST on Saturday, coverage starts at 11:45pm)

Sunday 12 April: competition III starts at 11:30am CDT (5:30pm BST, coverage starts at 4:45pm)

How to watch the FEI World Cup Final from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

NordVPN exclusive deal – 75% Off
– Up to 75% off two-year plans
– Just £2.29/monthView Deal

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How to watch the Dubai World Cup live from anywhere in the world

Georgia Guerin — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:40:48 +0000

Watch the Dubai World Cup on TV and celebrate the event’s 30th anniversary with other racing fans across the world.

It’s one of the richest horse races in the world, and we’ll reveal the runners and how you can watch the spectacle from wherever you are right now.

At a glance

Dubai World Cup date: 28 March 2026
TV coverage: ITVX
Watch Dubai World Cup from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal (77% off)

How to watch the Dubai World Cup for free

ITV Racing has jumped back into the ring for the Dubai World Cup in 2026 and will be broadcasting coverage from Meydan.

Fans in the UK can watch it on the ITV4 channel or via the ITVX broadcasting platform, which is completely free providing you have a valid TV license.

How to watch the Dubai World Cup live from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service such as NordVPN, where you can get an exclusive 77% off, which offers a 100% risk-free money back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service any time within the first 30-days, then you can cancel with no penalties at all.

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What time does the Dubai World Cup start?

There are nine races across the day. The first race starts at 11:45am GMT (3:45pm local time), and the last race (the Dubai World Cup) sets off at 4:45pm GMT (8:45pm local time).

What is the Dubai World Cup?

The Dubai World Cup is a thoroughbred horse race that has been held annually at Meydan Racecourse in UAE since 1996. It is a Group One Flat race on dirt over a distance of 2,000 metres (about 10 furlongs).

It is open for northern hemisphere thoroughbreds aged four years old and over, and southern hemisphere horses three years old and over. The total prize money on offer is $30.5m (£22.84m).

Dubai World Cup runners 2026

Horse (Trainer)

Forever Young (Yoshito Yahagi)
Magnitude (Steven M Asmussen)
Hit Show (Brad H Cox)
Meydaan (Simon and Ed Crisford)
Imperial Emperor (Bhupat Seemar)
Tumbarumba (Hamad Al Jehani)
Walk Of Stars (Bhupat Seemar)
Heart Of Honor (Jamie A Osborne)
Tap Leader (Doug Watson)
To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

6 simple steps to supple and sparkling tack

Georgia Guerin — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:19:05 +0000

I learnt how to clean tack as a child – at the time it was not my favourite job at the stables where I spent my weekends, but looking back I’m glad we were drilled in it because I’m not sure where else I would have learnt how to do it in the pre-internet days.

Years later, while at equine college, I won a competition that involved putting a bridle back together while blindfolded. I remember being surprised at how many of the other students had never taken a bridle apart to put it back together, while I was feeling confident I could do so by feel alone – who knew how handy my tack cleaning practice would be all those years later.

Nowadays, like most horse owners, I probably don’t clean my tack as frequently as I should as I was once told: “Georgia, if you’ve got time to clean your horse’s tack you don’t have time to ride it”, but I still pull out all the stops if I’m heading out in public or if I’m tasked with putting the best saddle soaps to test.

I’ll take you through everything you need to clean your horse’s tack, including what to use and a few tips I’ve picked up along the way, to help you clean your kit in the best and most efficient way.

Horse tack cleaning kit

You will need:

two sponges – one for cleaning, one for conditioning
microfibre cloths (like these) for buffing and drying
leather cleaner
leather conditioner
soft toothbrush
cocktail stick
bucket of warm water

Before you start, dismantle all your tack. (Image credit: Bex Pattenden)

How to clean tack

1. Take the tack apart

For a full and proper clean, you need to take the bridle apart completely – including the martingale if you have one. The same goes removing stirrups, stirrup leathers and girth from the saddle. Remove the bit and unbuckle every strap on the bridle – you can’t clean the leather under the buckles if you leave it assembled, and that’s usually where sweat and dirt causes the most damage.

2. The dry wipe

Use a dry cloth to wipe off loose hair, dust, and dried mud off the leather. If you jump straight to a wet sponge, you’ll just be “painting” mud into the pores of the leather.

3. The deep clean

Dampen your sponge (it should be damp, not dripping) and apply your leather cleaner (I like this one). Focus on the buildup of grease and sweat that you’ll find on the undersides of straps.

Soak the bit in warm water to loosen dried saliva or grass, then scrub it clean, using a toothbrush to get into the links. Do not use leather cleaner or chemicals on the bit. Do the same with the stirrup irons and use a toothbrush on the tread.

4. Rinse and dry

Wipe away any excess saddle soap with a clean, slightly damp cloth, then let the leather air dry naturally.

Never put leather near a heater or in direct sunlight to dry as it will shrink and crack.

Apply leather conditioner once you’ve finished cleaning. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

5. Condition and feed

Once the leather is clean and dry, it’s time to put the oils back in. Apply your leather conditioner (I like this one) with a clean sponge or cloth.

Avoid over-oiling as the leather will attract more dirt. You should also avoid heavy oiling on the seat of your saddle unless you fancy a very slippery ride and oily breeches.

6. Buff and reassemble

Use a dry microfibre cloth to buff the leather to a soft sheen and polish your metal buckles (I use this one). Then put everything back together, ensuring all the runners and keepers are in place.

How to clean mouldy leather

If you’ve not cleaned your tack in a while and come across mouldy leather, make sure you clean it outside to avoid spreading spores. Wipe off any mould with a damp cloth, which should be soaked in boiling water with disinfectant if you plan to use it again, then treat the tack with a leather-specific mould inhibitor (like this one), and finally condition the leather.

Check that stitching hasn’t rotted and that spores haven’t spread to other items. Fitting a low-wattage electric bar heater (like this one) in the tack room will help prevent leather from going mouldy.

How to clean synthetic tack

Synthetic tack is not only usually cheaper, but it is also easier to maintain – and you don’t need to use any soaps or conditioners. You can, if you would like, use a synthetic leather cleaner (like this one), but otherwise you just need to use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down synthetic leather areas.

For faux suede, use a stiff brush or suede brush (like this one) to lift the nap and restore the texture. If there is dried sweat, use a lightly damp sponge to dissolve it, then brush it once it’s dry.

Tack cleaning tips

Gift your tack a “daily wipe” after every use – it might seem like hard work at the time, but it will make your life easier in the long run
Keep tack cleaning wipes (like these ones) in your lorry or tack box – they’re perfect for a quick wipe down when you’re short of time
If your bridle is not well worn, make a note of which holes your cheekpieces and noseband are done up on for a good fit before you take it apart
Use a cocktail stick to gently poke out dirt and product deposits from buckle holes in the bridle pieces and stirrup leathers
If you have a crystal browband, use a toothbrush to clean between the stones
You can use any sponge, but a purpose-made tack cleaning sponge (like this one) will last well over time and create less waste

Before cleaning, inspect your tack for wear and tear. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Why bother cleaning tack?

Keeping your tack clean keeps in it good condition from a safety point of view. It gives you a chance to check the stitching and fixings, so that you notice any wear and tear before it becomes an issue. Keeping the leather clean also increases its lifespan, preventing it from becoming brittle, which could cause it to break. Well-maintained leather lasts for decades, but neglected leather becomes dangerous.

A bridle breaking while it’s hung up is annoying – you’ll have to buy another – but a bridle or stirrup leather breaking while you’re riding could leave you in a tricky situation.

Aside from safety, keeping your tack clean is important if you want to look smart. This might not matter so much to you on a daily basis, but if you’ve got a lesson booked or have a show, competition or day’s hunting in the diary, it pays to make the effort.

Best way to store tack

Ideally, you want to tack room to be at a consistent ambient temperature, but this is often not the case. Storing your bridle in a bridle bag (like this one) and covering your saddle with a shaped cover (like this one) will give them extra protection.

For more advice on how to look after your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

H&H’s guide to working hunter pony classes: what to know before you give them a go

Bethan Simons — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:34:38 +0000

The working hunter pony (WHP) classes are some of the most popular on the showing circuit today. They are an all-round test of both pony and rider, with the judges assessing not only type, suitability, conformation, paces and manners, but also accurate and stylish jumping ability.

This feature covers everything you need to know if you’re thinking about having a go at working hunter pony classes, or you’ve already started and want to know more.

We’ve included:

History of the working hunter pony class
What makes a good working hunter pony
Correct turnout
Class format
Fence heights
Who can compete?
Prestigious finals

History of the working hunter pony classes

These classes first began at local shows and gymkhanas in the 1960s. As they gained popularity, they came under the umbrella of showing societies, such as the British Show Pony Society (BSPS), who first published rules to regulate the section in 1970.

“The working hunter pony class evolved from replicating a day’s hunting, when you would arrive at the meet well turned-out and on a smart animal that is mannerly in company,” says BSPS judge and WHP team chef d’equipe Philip Hilton.

The track at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) closely emulates the class’ roots on hunting field, as the ring is slightly sloping and undulating, and includes natural obstacles. This makes it an extremely popular goal.

The Ryder-Phillips’ Young Dragonara was a phenomenally successful 15hh (153cm) working hunter pony of his era and was twice section champion at HOYS (1994 and 1996). (Image credit: H&H Archive)

Nowadays, separate WHP classes exist for plaited and native ponies, but some — particularly the Welsh section B, New Forest and Connemara — can often double up and compete successfully in both sections.

As plaited pony classes are age restricted, the introduction of the mountain and moorland (M&M) WHP classes means that adults can enjoy competing ponies in these classes, too, provided they are suitably mounted on an appropriately registered pony. These classes are often some of the largest classes at qualifying shows for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), growing in popularity year on year since their introduction there in 1992.

M&M WHP classes are extremely popular, and allow adults to enjoy riding ponies, too. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

What makes a good working hunter pony?

Working hunter ponies should possess qualities that are recognised in the hunting field. These include good manners, ground-covering movement and a bold jumping style. A WHP should be a scaled down middleweight hunter and have the same quality, while also having plenty of bone and substance.

Judges look for combinations with a bold, consistent jumping style that are going forward in a balanced rhythmical canter and meeting each fence without a break of stride. They also look for good conformation, a calm and obedient temperament, and harmony between pony and rider.

We’ve put together some advice on how to buying a working hunter pony.

Working hunter pony turnout

Working hunter ponies should be shown with manes plaited and with quarter marks, similar to show hunters.

Native workers are shown with their manes and tails trimmed – or untrimmed – as is allowed by their respective breed society and without quarter marks, as expected in a flat class for natives.

Tack for working hunter pony classes

Many riders choose to ride in specific working hunter pony saddles, which are designed to be a halfway-house between a show saddle that best shows off a pony’s conformation, and a jumping saddle. But you can also ride in your usual jumping or GP saddle, providing it is plain leather with no bling or bright colours on.

Beat The Boss and Polly Eddis are beautifully turned out in the supreme championship at the Royal International. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Bridles should be plain, too – no diamanté browbands. Grackle nosebands, flash nosebands and martingales are allowed in WHP classes, but you should always check the rules for tack and bitting guidance varies depending on your level.

Unlike flat show classes, brushing boots are allowed on the forelimbs only, but they must be plain black or brown and must not have elasticated straps. Plain overreach boots are also acceptable, but rarely used. All boots must be removed after jumping and before your perform your show.

You can also use appropriate studs if you feel your horse or pony would benefit from them.

In native classes, stallions can compete, but should wear a stallion badge on their bridle to alert other riders to their presence.

Brooke Pickering demonstrates correct dress for working hunter pony classes. (Image credit: Steve Dawe)

What to wear for working hunter pony classes

For WHP classes, wear tweed. Brown or green tweed show jackets are most common and always look smart. Be warned that while choosing your jacket, bold tweeds can be frowned upon by some judges so it’s usually best to stick to plain or a subtler check. Navy jackets are sometimes worn in championships held in an evening performance at the more prestigious shows such as society championships, or at HOYS. At qualifying or county shows, it’s appropriate to wear your tweed jacket in the championship.

As the WHP are rooted in the hunting field, think along traditional lines and aim for a smart, workmanlike appearance, and steer away from bling on ties, hats or the tops of sticks.

Wear plain gloves (preferably brown) and, if you need to, carry a plain black or brown stick, but make sure you check the rules for your class regarding sticks as they do vary.

Riders on ponies under 143cm traditionally wear short brown jodhpur boots with jodhpur clips, but nowadays it’s generally not frowned upon to wear plain black long riding boots with no bling, especially for adults in mountain and moorland WHP classes.

Hats can be peaked or a skull cap with a navy, brown or dark green velvet silk. Just make sure your hat is up to standard – here is our guide on what to wear in showing classes for more information.

Some societies, such as the BSPS, also stipulate that you must wear body protectors for their classes during the jumping phase. Most riders wear them over their jacket as you are generally permitted to take them off for the second two phases of competition if you wish.

Make sure you read the guidance carefully to make sure that your body protector is up to standard and please note that there are also specific rules relating to the wearing of air jackets, so check the relevant rule books if you wish to wear one.

Working hunter pony class format

A WHP class consists of three phases – jump, show and conformation. The maximum score for all three phases is 100, and only in a championship do the judges confer.

2025 Royal International working hunter pony champions Noble Banksy and Ruby Ward make light work of a bullfinch. (Image credit: Equinational)

Phase 1: Jumping

In this phase, combinations are expected to tackle a set of rustic fences and obstacles designed to emulate what they may have historically encountered on the hunting field, such as a bullfinch, a pen or a water tray. The classes can be held on grass or on a surface and may include natural obstacles where available such as a bank, ditch or small hedge.

Usually, there is at least one double to negotiate, but the smaller divisions designed for children will have lesser obstacles – such as no water tray – and less combination fences to tackle.

Generally, there are 50 marks available for a clear round with marks deducted for stops and poles, as in other disciplines. There are an additional 20 marks that are allocated for style.

The second phase is an individual show. (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Phase 2: Show

The second phase is a show. Nowadays, for the swift running of classes, the individual show is usually judged in a small ring adjacent to the jumping ring. Here, a second judge will assess a pony’s way of going and manners in a short show.

Usually, you stand before the judge, move off in walk, then trot, complete a figure of eight with a canter on each rein, give a short extension, before making your way back down through the paces to stand again and give a salute to the judge. You can make up 10 marks here.

Phase 3: Conformation

This your final phase, and 20 marks are available. Here, you will present your pony in-hand without its saddle or boots, so that the judge can assess your pony’s conformation.

The judge may ask questions before assessing your pony stood still and then walking away and trotting back towards them.

Once all three phases have been completed by every competitor, all combinations eligible and hopeful of a placing re-enter the arena and line up ready for placings to be announced. At this point, it’s important that your pony walks in and stands still in a mannerly fashion. While not marked formally, judges will be reluctant to award high – especially qualifying places – to badly behaved ponies and such ponies can be asked to leave the ring disqualified.

Placings are usually called forward using the competitor’s back number, so know yours in advance and listen for it carefully.

How big are working hunter pony fences?

One of the principal benefits of competing in classes affiliated to one of the societies is that the course will have been designed by a recognised course builder, and is unlikely to be oversized or “trappy”, which can often happen at local unaffiliated shows. Courses for HOYS and RIHS qualifiers will always be slightly more difficult and built up to height.

There are now variations between the societies and the major finals, so for a full accurate list of fence heights, consult the society rule books:

Who can compete?

Plaited working hunter pony classes

Plaited working hunter pony classes are age restricted, with age dependent on the height of the pony.

Cradle stakes – ponies under 122cm
Nursery stakes – ponies under 133cm
Under 143cm
Under 153cm
Intermediates – up to 158cm for riders under 25

At the very beginning of their workers careers, competitors under eight years old can compete in “tiny tots” sections at many area and society championship shows.

Next, ponies and children compete in cradle stakes, with ponies under 122cm high. Then there are the nursery stakes, with ponies under 133cm. There are finals for both these competitions at Hickstead and London International, but not at HOYS. Both these finals are run under BSPS rules.

Once a little older and more experienced, children can compete their 133cm pony in open classes for their heights, and this is where things get a little more complex as the ages differ for competitors aiming for Hickstead or London compared to those aiming for HOYS.

Regardless, once out of the 133cm division, children can move up onto 143cm ponies, and later, 153cm animals before finally, intermediates capped at 158cms for riders under 25.

M&M working hunter pony classes

In native ranks, there are again tiny tots classes, but for those aiming for Royal International, there are four height divisions to cater for the different breeds. At HOYS, however, there’s an added junior class for riders under 12 years old and ponies under 122cm.

The major societies will run novice classes across the same divisions for both plaiteds and natives. In addition, as you work towards qualifying standard, the BSPS and NPS run training classes that are divided by the height of fences rather than height of ponies, and there is no requirement for a show or conformation section.

Prestigious finals to aim for

There are a range of classes for all abilities from novice to open for all heights and ages. But there are a handful of more prestigious and coveted finals for open combinations to aim for, such as the WHP of the year final at HOYS and the RIHS WHP championship. If you’re aiming to qualify for one of these, make sure that you read the rule books carefully to ensure that you have the correct memberships in place, and you – or your child – are of the correct age to compete, as there are variations in rules.

Twice HOYS working hunter pony champion, Noble Peppermint went one better in 2022 to stand supreme pony champion ridden by Elsie Lynch. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Desert Orchid at the BSPS summer championships

This is always an extremely challenging course where heights and widths of fences are usually bigger than those in other championships; just to jump clear is considered a major achievement and in fact, earns an bonus 20 marks. Historically, this was only open to plaited ponies, but there is now a native section, too.

Gold Cup at Burghley

Seasoned WHP young riders also aim for the “Gold Cup”, which is run by the BSPS and the Pony Club, and has a final at Burghley International Horse Trials. It does not follow a traditional working hunter pony class format, but the inclusion of a rustic set of fences similar to that seen on the workers circuit makes it an appealing challenge for these competitors.

London International

Similarly, WHP enthusiasts are offered the opportunity to compete at London International via the BSPS’ increasingly popular working sports pony classes, which now include classes for children and adults, including smaller children still on the lead rein.

Successful WHP Star Smokey and Leela Wheelwright take a winning turn and claim the WHP championship during the 2019 Royal Windsor Horse Show. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Royal Windsor

You don’t have to qualify to compete at Royal Windsor, but many riders in the native and plaited WHP classes enjoy the challenge of tackling the usually testing track here, especially as it’s hosted on such an iconic show-ground.

Enjoyed reading this? For more breaking news on major shows and expert training advice from top riders and coaches, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to get to Aintree Racecourse – all travel options considered

Georgia Guerin — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:59:08 +0000

If you’re planning a trip to Aintree Racecourse, here’s complete guide on how to get there so that you can make your journey as stress-free as possible.

Where is Aintree?

Aintree Racecourse is situated in the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, Merseyside, bordering the city of Liverpool. The best postcode for sat navs is L9 5AS.

How to get to Aintree Racecourse by train

The best, and easiest, way to reach the racecourse is normally by train to Aintree Station, which is directly opposite the racecourse – less than a five-minute walk.

Merseyrail trains run between Liverpool Central and Aintree Station every 15 minutes on standard racedays. There are more frequent services (every 7.5 mins) running for the Grand National Festival between 11:00–13:00 (before the races) and 16:30–20:30 (after the races).

Aintree station is opposite the racecourse. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

How to get to Aintree Racecourse by car

If you’re attending for the races, follow the instructions below and you’ll pick up the signs for the races. If you’re attending for a conference or an event, the main entrance to the racecourse via Grand National Avenue is just off Ormskirk Road (A59) – use L9 5AS for sat navs.

From the south, leave the M6 at Junction 21A and join M62 west. Leave M62 at J6 to join M57 — follow signs for races.

From the north, leave M6 at J26 and join M58 — follow signs for races.

From the Mersey Tunnels, follow signs for Preston, then for A59 and then signs for races.

Where to park

There is free car parking available at Aintree on non-Grand National meetings – follow the signs for the spectator parking at West Tip.

Car parking is limited for the Grand National Festival and must be purchased in advance at thejockeyclub.co.uk – you may have already added this on when purchasing Grand National tickets.

How to get to Aintree Racecourse by bus

The racecourse can be reached by bus on services 300, 310 and 345 — both to and from Queen’s Square Bus Station in Liverpool.

How to get to Aintree Racecourse by coach

National Express are providing coach travel directly to the racecourse on Grand National day (Saturday 11 April, 2026) from the following locations:

Birmingham
Blackpool
Bradford
Chesterfield
Dudley
Leeds
Manchester
Nottingham
Preston
Sheffield
Stoke-on-Trent

For more information, visit nationalexpress.com

How to get to Aintree Racecourse by air

Liverpool John Lennon Airport is the nearest airport to the racecourse and is a 20 minute drive away.

Manchester Airport is approximately a 45 minute drive.

When to arrive at Aintree Racecourse

While you may be eager to avoid traffic, you will not be able to access the racecourse until the gates open, which is usually a couple of hours before the first race. Check Aintree’s official website for details specific to your race meeting.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Teach your horse to jump water trays with tips from top showjumpers

Ellie Hughes — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:02:35 +0000

Medal-winning showjumper Will Fletcher and accredited coach and grand prix rider Joao Charlesworth get to the root of the problem with water trays, while a successful amateur reveals how she has turned her mare’s phobia around in this exclusive feature for H&H subscribers

Teaching your horse to jump water trays is an essential part of showjumping training if you want to make any progress up the levels. From Hickstead’s infamous Devils Dyke to the seemingly innocuous rectangles of blue foam that lurk under coloured poles in newcomers classes up and down the country, so-called Liverpool fences come in all shapes and sizes and can cause even the most experienced horses to look twice.

This obstacle has always been found in working hunter and working hunter pony classes, but water trays can now also feature in British Eventing competitions from novice level and above since the updated 2026 eventing rules, which means learning how to jump a water tray is now just as important for eventers, too.

“Some horses are naturally more cautious than others,” points out capped Nations Cup senior team rider, Will Fletcher, who has produced many young horses through the levels. “The appearance of the tray – whether or not it contains water – and where it is sited, plus factors like the reflection if it’s a sunny day, can all have an influence and make it more or less inviting.”

Will points out that when a horse is tentative it’s a fine balance between training to instil confidence and not overthinking the issue and adding to the problem.

“Often, it’s not the horse that’s lost confidence but the rider,” he says. “If the rider has any doubt in their mind then the horse will pick up on it.”

Like anything, quiet exposure is the key to developing confidence and Will explains that horses should learn right from the beginning that water trays are not a big deal.

How to introduce your horse to water trays

“We introduce our young horses to them very early on, as soon as they start jumping their first courses, so that it becomes part of the routine,” he says.

While most riders won’t encounter anything as daunting as Hickstead’s Devil’s Dyke, early training over water trays is crucial. (Image credit: Alamy)

For a more nervous horse, or one that has had an issue, Will recommends having a lead.

“If you follow really close behind a confident, experienced horse, it’ll give the more nervous one confidence,” he says, adding: “You don’t need to buy an expensive water tray, a tarpaulin safely held down will do the job fine, and you can start by making it very narrow.”

Top rider and coach Joao Charlesworth advocates working horses quietly around a water tray in an arena without asking them to actually jump it.

“The mistake people make with a young or nervous horse is to ask them to jump a water tray straight away,” he says. “Instead, you should work on the flat around it, incorporating it into your loops and circles by passing close by. Then, when you eventually ask the horse to jump it, it won’t come as a big surprise.”

How to teach your horse to jump water trays

1. Take the influence of the rider away and lunge or lead your horse over a small water tray, using a lead horse if necessary. Seeing your horse popping the obstacle will give you confidence and, similarly, it will reassure him through not having the rider hanging on to the reins. Some riders like to loose-jump young horses over water trays to give them confidence.

Joao finds that the most inviting way to teach a horse to jump water trays initially is by placing it under a simple cross-pole.

“The cross-pole makes it a filled fence, which is more inviting to the horse and will naturally draw him to the middle,” he says. “Keep it easy and uncomplicated and build up slowly.”

2. Get back on with a neck strap, and ensure you have a correct and secure lower-leg position. Sit with your upper body slightly behind the vertical, as being in front of the movement makes it easier for your horse to stop.

Approach the water tray in trot. Do not allow your horse to rush, but keep him straight and in front of your leg. Remember to praise him, especially if he’s nervous.

3. Practise over lots of small water trays varying in colour and design, then gradually increase the degree of difficulty and approach in a bouncy, balanced canter.

“Repetition is the key, even with older horses,” says Joao. “One of my top rides, who is jumping in 1.50m grand prix classes, is naturally suspicious of water so I make a point of always schooling him over a water tray the day before a show.

“For older or more experienced horses I will often build a double of water trays with one stride in the middle and I will play around, quietly popping each element separately on an angle before putting it together.”

An amateur’s perspective

Amateur showjumper Fiona Osborne, who recently won the 1.10m amateur championship second round at Golden Cross and has competed up to 1.30m, has spent seven years scratching her head over her mare Fridaynight Du Vlist’s dislike of water trays.

“Friday’s generally very level-headed and we’ve jumped at a lot of championships together, but when she takes exception to a water tray she’ll stop so violently that I’ll hit the deck more often than not,” says Fiona, who believes the mare had a fright as a young horse that she’s not forgotten. “There is no point in being cross with her or getting frustrated as that would only fuel her anxiety.”

Over time, Fiona has laid strong foundations and has a system in place that means she can minimise the chances of a mistake.

“To begin with I spent a lot of time playing around at home over tiny, homemade water trays to gain Friday’s trust,” she reveals. “I started on the ground, on the lunge, letting her sniff the tray and make friends with it. I filled a sandpit with water and put it in her field and even bought a blue gym mat [like this one] which, once she was happy to be led over, I positioned in the door of her stable so that she had to walk in and out over it.”

Over time, this confidence filtered through to Friday’s ridden work and, eventually, to the ring.

“Another major turning point came when I started doing some arena eventing,” Fiona continues. “I took Friday cross-country schooling for a bit of fun and she loved it. I could feel her gaining confidence from walking and trotting over little ditches and natural obstacles. The more she did the bolder she became and now she’s used to seeing lots of different things under fences.”

While Fiona admits that she will never completely cure Friday’s apprehension, the duo rarely run into problems in the ring now.

“She can be spooky with trays that reflect the light, so I make sure I train at different times of the day, with the sun in different places, to get her used to this,” she says. “I also always jump her over a water tray at home to prepare the day before a competition.”

Fiona has worked on her own mindset as a rider, too.

“It’s easier said than done when you’ve had issues in the past,” she admits. “If there’s a spooky water tray in the course I have to consciously make sure I don’t over-ride it. Instead, I concentrate on keeping an even rhythm and staying positive, with my body slightly behind the movement.”

Will Fletcher’s tips for riding a water tray

Sit deep in the saddle so you’re in a strong, secure position and don’t get ahead of the movement.
Keep your eyes up – if you look down at the water tray this signals hesitation, so look up and beyond where you want to go.
Ride forward but keep the rhythm – if you watch the top riders jump water or anything with a ditch or tray underneath it, they ride positively from their seat but, crucially, they keep the same even rhythm.
Maintain a contact – an easy mistake to make is to ride forward but drop the contact, which signals to the horse that something is amiss. You need to support the horse down the rein until take off.
To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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How to ride extended canter for higher marks, balance and control – with advice from Laura Tomlinson

Oscar Williams — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 08:30:13 +0000

In this exclusive article for H&H subscribers, Olympic medallist Laura Tomlinson explains how to ride extended canter with real ground cover, uphill balance and control

Who doesn’t love an extended canter? It’s one of the few moments in dressage where it feels acceptable to cut loose. So you pick up canter, turn across the diagonal and think: “Right, here we go”.

You put your leg on, and the horse takes you. It feels powerful. It feels bold. From the saddle, it feels like you’re eating up the ground like Glamourdale.

But from C, it might look more like the horse simply ran faster, ploughing onto the forehand.

That gap – between what feels impressive and what actually scores well – is where most extended canters unravel.

Not because riders aren’t trying hard enough, or putting enough oomph in. But because the extended canter asks for something counter-intuitive: more ground cover without more speed.

As Laura Tomlinson explains: “Ideally, the horse doesn’t particularly speed up. They should stay open and uphill in the frame, with that bit more ground cover.”

Get it right, and it looks effortless. Get it wrong, and problems with balance, straightness and control are exposed in just a few strides.

What the judge wants to see in extended canter

Extended canter is about showing the horse’s maximum stride length and ability to open the frame without losing the jump, the balance or the line.

The best extended canters have:

A clear, visible increase in stride length and ground cover
An open, uphill frame – not flat or downhill
The same canter rhythm, just more reach
A horse that stays straight and connected
A seamless return to collection afterwards

Laura’s key distinction is quality over quantity: “I would always break it down to quality, not quantity of steps when you’re teaching them.”

Where extended canter goes wrong

We’ve all been there. In extended canter it often feels as though you have two choices: contain the horse and end up with a tight, limited stride, or let go and hope the canter grows – and that you can stop when you need to.

Neither produces the picture judges reward.

Laura says you need to “hold on to the energy a little” to get usable energy for extended canter. (Image credit: Joss Ridley Photography)

Laura sees the mistake in jumping too: “You can put your leg on and have a bit of speed, but you haven’t actually created more energy.”

And anyone who jumps will recognise the difference. A canter that feels quick but hollow won’t leave the ground; a canter with energy has jump, airtime and adjustability.

It’s the difference between galloping at a fence and arriving with something you can actually use.

Dressage is no different. Speed is just the horse moving its legs faster. Energy is what gives you lift, reach and suspension.

If you don’t create – and then “hold on to that energy a little bit”, as Laura puts it – you won’t get usable energy for an extended canter.

And once the balance is gone, you can’t fake it back by pulling. The neck shortens, the stride flattens, the rhythm rushes – and the movement stops looking powerful and starts looking hurried.

The key idea: increase without speed

Laura describes this skill as “the critical thing to crack”.

Her answer is to think about the front end, not just pushing from behind.

She talks about riding with “inside leg into outside rein”, but crucially keeping “the neck straight up and out, and getting those shoulders to lift”. That detail matters. If the neck shortens or the horse curls, the shoulders drop – and once that happens, there’s nowhere for the stride to go except quicker.

When the shoulders lift, the frame opens. That creates space for the stride to lengthen without the rhythm changing.

In practice, that means riding for an uphill balance and allowing the horse to open its frame, rather than dropping the reins and chasing for more. The feeling is less about sending the horse away and more about letting the canter grow underneath you.

Or, as Laura puts it: “Catch that moment into the lift rather than just letting the energy run out the front door.”

Glamourdale has an unforgettable extended canter. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

How to teach and ride extended canter at home

Extended canter is rarely built by riding long diagonals again and again. It’s built by short, repeatable efforts where the horse learns the difference between “go bigger” and “go faster”.

Laura’s go-to structure is simple: “Transitions of, say, five, six strides of increase on a circle, and then a little bit back again. Five, six strides of increase… and collect again.”

This does two things:

It stops the horse from locking onto the hand and running
It teaches the rider to feel the first good steps, not chase more

A useful positioning tweak: shoulder-fore

Laura suggests a small change many riders find immediately helpful: “Maybe even a little bit of shoulder-fore in the canter down the long side.”

She’s careful with the wording because people can overdo it: “Shoulder-fore, I say, because I know some people as soon as you say the word shoulder-in, the horses are on the forehand.”

The point is not the bend. The point is lift.

“The onus is on your inside leg, pushing that inside shoulder up,” she says – but without blocking it. “If you have too much inside flexion, they’re going to block that inside shoulder.”

So think: body slightly in front of the quarters, but “head and neck straight so that you’re giving room for that inside shoulder to come up.”

How much should you push?

This is where riders get frustrated, because there isn’t one universal answer.

“Each horse has a sweet spot as to how much you push and how much you hold,” Laura says.

Each horse requires a different amount of “push”. (Image credit: Joss Ridley Photography)

Some horses need the rider to “hold a bit more, and they increase nice and big”. Others need you to “open up the front door a little bit” so the stride can come out at all.

And some horses will give you “that slight explosiveness” and stay balanced. Others will “immediately run”, which means you have to “squeeze it slowly out.”

The skill is not picking one method and sticking to it. The skill is developing feel and being able to adjust without changing the rhythm.

While you’re still developing that feel, record yourself as often as you can riding forward and back. Did the stride actually get longer, or did the tempo just increase?

One useful exercise borrowed from showjumping is stride adjustment. Jump riders learn to ride, say, three or five strides between fences without changing the rhythm. You can apply the same idea on the flat.

Pick two markers in your school and practise riding different numbers of canter strides between them, increasing and decreasing the length of the stride without letting the canter run.

The rider problem: hanging on down the rein

For many riders, the real barrier isn’t the horse. It’s the habit of using the hand to manage power.

Laura’s solution is to teach an “independence from the hands” so the rider can sit, create energy, and then allow.

She again recommends lots of forward-back work on a circle, teaching the rider to push forwards with the seat and then bring the horse back “with your thighs – feeling like you’re sucking those back towards you”.

Then comes the important test: can you bring the horse back, “give a pat and see if the horse stays collected in that moment”?

Or, more simply: can you “put your hands forward to the mouth and back” without the canter changing?

Those small exercises teach you that you don’t have to hold the horse together. And that matters because if you ride the extended canter by holding on, you pay for it at the end too.

As Laura says, if you want the horse to come back, “you squeeze, you set up a little half-halt, and you’re already soft again.” If you’ve been strangling the canter, the return is abrupt, and it ruins what comes next – especially if there’s a flying change afterwards.

Why the return matters as much as the extension

The judges don’t score extended canter in isolation.

If the horse lengthens and then can’t rebalance, the movement loses quality. It looks like a horse being sent away rather than a horse being ridden.

Laura links it directly to self-carriage: it’s easier when the horse is “in his own balance, self-carriage, rather than me holding him.”

Common mistakes in extended canter (and fixes)

1: It turns into a run

Fix: ride short increases (5–6 strides), then back. Catch the first good steps.

2: The horse flattens

Fix: think lift in front. Use a touch of shoulder-fore to keep the inside shoulder from dropping.

3: Too much bend and inside flexion

Fix: keep the neck straight “up and out” so the shoulder can lift and the stride can open.

4: The rider hangs on the rein to control it

Fix: build independence from the hand with forward-back on a circle, then test it by giving and retaking the rein without changing the canter.

5: The return to collection is abrupt

Fix: organise before the end of the diagonal. Half-halt, then soften. Don’t pull and hope.

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How to ride better downward transitions for top marks with advice from an Olympic medallist

Oscar Williams — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 12:39:59 +0000

Whatever downward transitions you’re working on, turn the 6.5s into 8s or higher with the advice and exercises from Laura Tomlinson in this exclusive article for H&H subscribers

You see the marker coming. You’ve practised riding downward transitions at home. You’re waiting, waiting… then bam. You hit the transition as you pass the letter, right in front of the judge. Surely that’s worth a decent mark?

But later, hopefully with a burger in hand, you grab your test sheet, and there it is: a 6.5.

A 6.5! How? You were bang on the marker.

Here’s why accuracy isn’t the whole story – and how to turn those 6.5s into higher marks.

The moment you ask for a downward transition – canter-trot, canter-walk or trot-walk – every weakness shows up: loss of balance, dropping the contact, switching off behind or tipping onto the forehand.

As Olympic medallist Laura Tomlinson puts it: “If you keep them too round in the downward transition, they fall on the floor. They load the front end, and the hindleg disappears.”

Ride downward transitions well, and everything in the test becomes easier. Ride them badly, and the picture unravels fast.

So if you’re wondering how to ride downward transitions with balance, control and clarity, here’s what really matters.

What the judge wants to see in downward transitions

Good downward transitions show:

A clear, prompt reaction
Uphill balance, not a collapse forward
Active hindlegs both before and after the transition
A steady, elastic contact
A horse that waits for the rider

The judge is looking for carrying power, not a shut-down. As Laura says, “You have to keep the energy behind and up in front.”

Why downward transitions fall apart

Most issues with downward transitions come back to the same bad habits.

1. Too much hand

Holding the horse round into the transition blocks the front and drags the wither down. This is the quickest way to lose the hindleg.

2. Not enough energy

If the hindlegs switch off even one stride too early, the horse sinks, slips into walk or loses rhythm.

Laura sees this often with horses that misunderstand the question:

“He might think downward transitions are just one step away from the walk break.”

3. Asking before the balance is ready

You cannot fix the transition in the transition. If the canter is flat or running, the downward step won’t improve it.

Laura’s rule is simple: “Head up in the transition and energy behind.”

Not hollow. Not tight. Just enough lift in front that the wither stays up and the hind leghas room to come through.

Laura’s coach, Carl Cuypers, explains the biomechanics behind this. “When the horse can lift through the breastbone, the wither comes up,” he says. “When the front lifts, you get more airtime, and that gives the hindleg more time to come through. And that keeps it uphill.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Exercises to improve downward transitions

Laura uses these exercises at home to teach riders how to ride downward transitions with more balance and self-carriage.

1. Collect before you ask

Just a stride or two. Think “wait, sit, stay with me”, then soften and give the aid.

Why it works: You create balance first, then change gear.

2. Canter-trot-canter

Laura says riders abandon this too early:

“So many horses get to a certain level, and people don’t practise that anymore.”

Ride a prompt canter-trot, then straight back to canter with purpose.

Why it works: It stops the horse from treating downward transitions as a chance to switch off.

3. Canter-walk-canter (or canter-halt for stronger horses)

Laura and Carl often use canter-halt.

“Carl will get me to go canter-halt so they’re immediately engaged from behind. They don’t go into that collapse condition.”

Why it works: The horse must sit and stay organised – there’s no room to fall onto the forehand.

4. Forward-back on a circle

Collect a few strides, then ride out positively again. Use the seat to bring the horse back, not the hand.

Why it works: It teaches the horse to wait for the rider’s body rather than hanging on the rein.

5. Regather after mistakes

If the horse trips into the walk or loses rhythm, Laura doesn’t fire straight back up.

“I’ll bring the walk into a sensible pace, pick up canter, and repeat. It’s not a punishment – it’s clarity. I’m always thinking, ‘How can I make this as easy to understand for the horse as possible?’”

Why it works: It keeps the horse calm while reinforcing what the rider actually wanted.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Why timing matters

If Laura needs a stronger half-halt, she never puts it in the transition itself:

“If I need to be stronger with my half-halt, I do it before the transition, not in it. In the transition, I want to be soft.”

That timing stops the horse bracing against the hand and teaches self-carriage.

Even with her greener horses, Laura sets the foundation early: “Even if it’s only a couple of strides of collection, it teaches them to wait.”

The aim isn’t a perfect transition or grand prix-ready collection at that stage. It’s the idea of balance, patience and staying with the rider.

Common mistakes riders make in downward transitions

1. Letting the horse dive

Cause: too round, too much hand

Fix: lift the front slightly before the aid, keep the hindleg active

2. Horse drops into walk too early

Cause: no energy behind

Fix: more transitions within the pace, keep the canter or trot alive right until the aid

3. Grabbing with the hand

Cause: rider tension

Fix: seat first, leg supporting, soft hand

4. Rider corrects during the transition

Cause: late reaction

Fix: organise before, allow during

5. Rider collapses in their body

Cause: rider drops their chest or looks down – judges see this all the time, and it influences balance directly

Fix: stay tall through the front of your torso and look past the next marker

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How to improve a horse’s gallop: top eventers share their tips for productive fast work

Ellie Hughes — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 08:35:36 +0000

While some horses find galloping easy, for many it is something that needs to be taught. Five-star winner Austin O’Connor, cross-country specialist Tom Crisp and Olympian turned coach Nicola Wilson share their tips in this exclusive article for H&H subscribers

We spend hours training our event horses to be soft and supple on the flat, and careful and accurate over a fence, but most of us spend far less time teaching them to stay balanced and controlled at the gallop. Is it a case of teaching a fish to swim or can we actually improve a horse’s gallop?

Cross-country maestros Austin O’Connor and Tom Crisp point out that despite this gait being such an integral and important part of an event horse’s armoury, it is the one that riders typically spend least time training.

“I generally don’t take my horses to the gallops until they’re competing at three-star level, but I do spend a lot of time before that laying good foundations,” reveals the 2023 Maryland five-star winner and reigning Burghley runner-up, Austin O’Connor, who explains that adjustability at a faster pace is something that needs to be worked on.

How to improve your horse’s gallop

“Younger horses and those competing at the lower levels of eventing don’t need to be going to the gallops, but they need to learn how to open up and come back in the canter, and I will work on this at home, mostly when out hacking,” adds Austin.

Tom Crisp starts sowing the seeds from an early age.

“All my five-year-olds do a bit of fast work,” he says. “I think it’s important that it becomes part of their work routine sooner rather than later so they learn how to gallop in balance before they start getting to the higher levels.

“Horses with a lot of thoroughbred blood in them will naturally find it easier to open out and cover the ground, but they might not find it as easy to compress the canter and keep the power.”

Train on varied terrain

How, where and when you do your fast work will depend on factors such as the horse’s type and temperament, and the facilities that are available to you.

Tom explains that his current stable-full of rides vary enormously in their stamp, which makes him “think outside of the box” when it comes to training them at speed.

“I ride everything, from nippy thoroughbreds to slow and deliberate warmbloods and they all need treating a bit differently,” he says. “When they move up the levels, the warmblood types might need fast work every three or four days, while more thoroughbred types might only need it once a week.

“I used to do almost all my gallop work up hills, but I’ve started varying it a lot more since a racehorse trainer pointed out that if you are always on a hill the horse is never learning to move his legs quickly [because the incline changes the mechanics of how the horse gallops]. I’ve taken this forward in the way I train some of mine.

“Hillwork is great for fitness and for making a horse work hard without putting extra mileage on his legs, but if you want to teach him to sprint and cover the ground more quickly you might also need to gallop on flatter ground.”

Working on different gradients, surfaces and at different speeds will all help improve your horse’s gallop. (Image credit: William Carey)

Strength, balance and control in the gallop

“To build strength you need to come and go in the gallop and not just keep going at one pace,” Tom continues. “I might do a couple of short, sharp gallops one week and one long one the next. It just depends on the horse’s natural core fitness and their temperament – which bits they find easy and which bits you need to work on.”

Austin adds: “You have to find a balance because if you do too much fast work too soon, when the horse isn’t strong enough, then you are at higher risk of them injuring themselves.”

Just as you teach a horse to be on your aids in walk, trot and canter, a horse must stay between your hand and leg at a gallop.

“The way a horse gallops is just as important as how much or how often he does it,” says Tom. “You should always be thinking about balance and control – don’t just let the horse steam off. He must allow himself to be balanced by accepting the rider’s leg aids.”

Adapt training for your horse

Top coach Nicola Wilson agrees that there is no one-system-fits-all.

“Every horse has its own strengths and weaknesses and you have to spend time improving the things they find most difficult,” she says.

“Modern warmblood types typically have more expression in their paces and tend to go up and down when you ask them to go forward, and have more explosive power, while thoroughbreds find it easier to lengthen out, flatten and cover the ground.

The 2025 European champion London 52 is a big-moving warmblood who has learnt to gallop at the required speed for top-level success. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

“Confidence plays a big role,” adds Nicola. “The more the horse is accustomed to working up and down the gears, the more they will naturally start to open up and flatten out in the gallop.”

Teaming up for training

Working upsides can be beneficial to improve a horse’s gallop, especially when a natural galloper is paired up with one who’s a little less confident.

“Working horses in company is a good way of making them more competitive without putting a gun to their head,” says Austin, who explains that his superstar grey, the 2025 Burghley runner-up Colorado Blue, benefits from this approach.

“‘Salty’ falls into the laid-back category and needs a bit of encouragement to work at home, so I always gallop him alongside another horse to keep him keen and interested,” he reveals. “On the other hand, a horse that gets too lit up may be better galloping on his own. It’s about knowing each individual.”

Nicola adds: “If you do gallop your horse alongside another, just be mindful that the lead horse doesn’t get too far ahead or it can have the opposite effect on the slower horse and leave him feeling a bit demoralised.”

Working horses in company can encourage their competitive instinct. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Rules for fast work

1. Warm-up properly

Always start a fast work session with at least 10-15min of walk, trot and slow canter to warm up and switch on muscles, and help prevent injury.

2. Make use of the facilities you have

Not everybody is blessed with a gallop on their doorstep or fields suitable for galloping across within hacking distance of the yard.

“There is lots you can do in your day-to-day riding that will help your horse’s adjustability and balance in a faster pace,” says Nicola Wilson.

“In your normal canter work, whether that’s in the arena or out hacking, practise going from a more open canter to compressing the canter but keeping the horse connected and powerful – this is the foundation of cross-country riding.”

3. Be patient

It is important not to push too hard too soon. Some horses take longer to develop their strength and learn how to maintain their balance and stamina than others.

“Learning how to sustain a gallop is part of a horse’s natural development, so be patient and give it time,” says Nicola. “Quiet repetition is the key.”

4. Work on rider fitness and balance, too

You can’t expect your horse to gallop efficiently if you’re not balanced in your position. If your horse is strong, bridging the reins – looping your left rein into your right hand and your right rein into your left hand so each hand holds the rein twice – can help by giving you more security.

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How to improve a horse’s jumping technique and encourage tidy front legs, with tips from gold medallist Will Fletcher

Ellie Hughes — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:41:47 +0000

Help your horse sharpen up his technique with the advice from European young rider gold medallist Will Fletcher and grand prix rider and accredited coach, Joao Charlesworth, in this exclusive article for H&H subscribers

Not all horses are born with the ability to tuck their knees right up, dropping their head into a perfect bascule. And while many showjumpers get along just fine in their own style, knowing how to improve a horse’s jumping technique will ultimately make you safer and more competitive in the ring.

“There are plenty of good horses who don’t tuck their front legs right up, but who are very, very successful,” says four-star grand prix winner Will Fletcher, who reels off several household names – past and present – whose forelimb techniques were less than copybook.

“Growing up I can remember watching a brilliant German stallion called Embassy, ridden by Hans-Dieter Dreher, who jumped with a very ‘open’ technique rather than folding quickly at the knee,” says Will. “He was so powerful and careful that it didn’t matter that he didn’t bring his front legs right up underneath him. He made it look easy.”

Even more famous was Milton, who had a habit of dangling his front legs and over-jumping, especially at the beginning of his career. His rider, John Whitaker, once said that his legs were “all over the place”.

Milton had his own inimitable jumping style. (Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

There is no question that being snappy in front is a desirable trait in a top-notch jumper, but the good news is that there is plenty you can do in training to encourage a horse to bend his knees and sharpen his reflexes.

“If a horse can leave the fences up I don’t worry too much if he is a bit untidy, so long as he has the power and conscience to make up for it,” says Will.

Grand prix rider and top coach Joao Charlesworth agrees.

“Horses that don’t have a classic fold are mechanically slower to bring their forearms up and over the jump, but if they’re brave enough and you’ve built their heart up, they can still jump clear rounds,” he points out.

The role of conformation in jumping technique

There are many factors that influence a horse’s foreleg technique, with conformation being one of the most important.

“A horse who is straight through the shoulder will find it harder to bring his knees up than a horse with long, sloping shoulder,” points out Will, who explains that there is a big difference between a horse that hangs its forearm and one that dangles its legs below the knee.

“A dangly forearm is much more of a worry,” he says. “No amount of gridwork is going to fix that, but a young or inexperienced horse may jump with an open technique because he doesn’t yet have the strength to be neat in front. This often improves over time,” he adds.

Knees up! This horse is showing a tidy jumping technique, tucking his forearms up to clear the fence. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Exercises to improve a horse’s jumping technique

Both Will and Joao agree that the focus on how to improve a horse’s jumping technique should revolve around building core strength, confidence and self-awareness. Here are some jumping exercises to try.

1. Add a groundline

“A horse that doesn’t snap up quickly needs to be given more time in front of the fence,” says Joao. “Using a good groundline can help with this as it will give him more time to fold his legs and bascule.

“If you get in too deep to a fence too often, you’re not giving the horse the opportunity to organise his legs and that’s when he might lose a bit of self-belief.”

Joao explains that at home he uses shorter distances in tandem with groundlines to encourage the horse to work harder and be quicker with his reactions.

“The groundlines will be pulled out a foot or so from the base of the fence to give him room to get his forearm up and over,” he says.

Joao uses this simple gymnastic exercise to help a horse use his shoulders and sharpen up his technique.

2. Introduce “V” rails

This groundline exercise can be built on by adding V-shaped guide rails.

“Set up a placing pole three yards away from a small upright (starting at no more than about 70cm) with a ground rail, followed three yards later by a slightly taller vertical with “V” guide rails to encourage the horse to stay in the middle of the fence and use his shoulders.

“Keep the fences small to start with and the “V” rails pulled apart so you don’t surprise the horse. Approach in a short, bouncy canter. Be prepared for a green horse to have a look, so keep your leg on and don’t get in front of the movement.

V poles encourage the horse to stay in the middle of the fence and use his shoulders. Be prepared for a green horse to take a look. (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

“When the horse is jumping through this set-up confidently you can add another upright seven yards after.

“For a more experienced horse you can play around with shortening the distance between the final two uprights. I find this exercise is great for building the horse’s confidence in his jump.”

3. Speed up reactions with bounces

Will Fletcher’s go-to exercise to help improve core strength and encourage quicker reactions is a very simple row of bounces.

“I do a lot of bounces with my horses at every stage of their career as it teaches them to be quick-thinking, athletic and to use their shoulders,” he says.

“I start with two bounces on a 12-foot distance and add in one more bounce at a time until there are four in a row.

A row of bounces is William Fletcher’s go-to exercise for improving core strength and reactions. (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

“Approach in a quiet canter and ‘pop’ in over the first part, making sure you stay soft through your arms and follow the horse’s movement.

“It’s important not to overdo this sort of work. Bounces are hard work physically and mentally and doing them four or five times is enough.”

Tactics in the ring

Once you’re in the arena, you won’t have the benefit of a judiciously placed ground rail or a row of bounces to help you warm up.

“You need to think about giving your horse a little bit more room in front of the fences,” says Joao. “This isn’t an easy thing for an amateur to do, but you can start by making sure your canter has plenty of power so you’re not creeping into deep spots.

“You also need to consider how you ride related distances. For example, if you have a five-stride distance, you don’t want to be pushing down the distance and ending up with your fifth stride too close to the base of the second fence or you run the risk of your horse not getting his front end out of the way quickly enough. Instead, sit up as soon as you land and rebalance early, so you can then ride forward to the second fence without ending up too close and deep to it.

“Similarly, if you have a regular three- or four-stride distance it can be a good idea to treat it as if it were on the short side, so you’re giving the horse more room in front of the second fence. Sit up on landing and support the horse between your leg and hand, so you’re not too open and floating between the fences.”

Will adds: “You can help the horse by keeping your upper body up, especially in the last few strides before a fence, so you’re giving him time and space to bring his shoulders up without restricting him.”

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No more poles down! Training exercises and tips to sharpen your horse’s reflexes and ace those important showjumping clear rounds

Emily Bevan — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 12:31:07 +0000

Are you an eventer looking to sharpen your showjumping skills so that clear rounds become your new norm? We speak to international event rider Jeanette Brakewell and accredited trainer Cameron Beer to discover how to improve both horse and rider’s reactions and make sure you leave the coloured poles in their cups

It’s easy for event riders to neglect training over coloured poles in favour of cross-country schooling practice. But whereas a little rub on a fixed fence or brushing through a hedge is part and parcel of efficient cross-country riding, most of us need to adjust our skills to learn how to stop a horse knocking down jumps when each one costs four penalties. We need to sharpen our showjumping reflexes (both horse and rider’s) so that our hard-won, speedy clear across country is not nullified by rails down.

The boldness of a natural cross-country horse doesn’t always translate to the jumping ring, where a careful bascule, pinpoint accuracy and a good jumping technique are required. This is tested to the utmost at a three-day event, with the showjumping phase on the final day, when the horse may jump flatter and feel a little more fatigued than normal after his efforts on the cross-country.

Of course, it all starts long before you even get into the competition arena. A good warm-up is crucial to securing those fault free rounds so make sure you use your time wisely, ensure your horse is listening to you and that you’re in the correct canter.

How to stop a horse knocking down jumps: warm-up exercises

1. “Shoulder-in is a good warm-up exercise to sharpen your reflexes for showjumping because you’re positioning the shoulders, so the horse has to work around your inside leg more,” says Jeanette Brakewell, who won individual silver at the 2002 World Equestrian Games.

“It’s important that the rider’s doing shoulder-in correctly. Put the horse on a nice angle and let them carry themselves on that line, don’t hold them there. If you apply too much pressure and hold the horse there, they tend to slow down and switch off.”

2. British Eventing UKCC level 3 accredited coach Cameron Beer suggests doing a warm-up exercise called 4-4-4 which works on changes of pace within the canter to help sharpen both horse and rider reflexes.

“Do four strides in collected canter, four in working canter, four in medium canter, then back to working, then back to collected,” he suggests. “If 4-4-4 is too much, start with 6-6-6 but not more than six because that defeats the point of the exercise.

“It’s a simple warm-up exercise but it’s helpful as it works the gears. Often riders have stayed in one gear forever and it takes them 10 strides to change to another gear. In this exercise you’ve only really got one stride to change it.”

Training quick reactions for the horse

Ensuring your horse responds to your aids in a timely manner is also important.

“As a rider, it’s important to be aware that you’re always training the horse to be reactive to your aids. That means using your aids with good timing and the correct amount of pressure,” says Jeanette.

“Some horses are naturally more reactive than others. For horses that aren’t reactive enough, it’s important to sensitise them. That doesn’t mean riding with loads of leg and loads of pressure. You want your horse going in a reactive, fresh way – not a dull, bored one.

“To get a better reaction from your leg, you don’t necessarily apply a stronger leg aid – you might use a quicker, sharper aid and then relax your leg. If the horse thinks, ‘Oh, you’re not telling me to keep going so I’ll slow down,’ you give them another quick reminder with your leg saying, ‘Come on, stay in front of me’.

“That should help activate the hindlegs so they can carry their own balance, rather than dropping onto the forehand and ignoring the leg.”

Building “A frames” on fences as well as using gridwork exercises can be a useful tool to hone accuracy, rhythm and confidence.

An “A frame” on the fence can help sharpen the front leg action and encourage straightness. (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

“The key to gridwork is to ride with good balance and enough energy, so the grid does the work in teaching the horse to use its body properly,” says Jeanette. “The distances are all set, so once you’re in you can focus on your position and your balance.”

Jeanette recommends adding ground poles or dressage boards (positioned wide enough for the horse to easily work out and go between) in front of the middle of the fence if you’re struggling with straightness.

Training quick reactions for the rider

Working to sharpen showjumping reflexes is not all about the horse. To test rider reactions, Cameron likes to change the profile of fences – although they don’t need to be big or difficult.

“I would use an ascending oxer, with the back rail three to five holes bigger than the front, and with a ground rail,” says Cameron. “I’ll do that off the turn, and then an unrelated related distance to a double of verticals on a short distance, or a bounce, or a plank with no ground rail.

“It’s about the rider having to come in brave to that ascending oxer – they can’t cheat and come in quiet – and then put the horse back to the correct gear for the different fence coming up next.

“Then mix in lots of blind turns and rollbacks. With the blind turns make sure you put a wing in to go around as that breaks up their eye. Then they come around that wing and suddenly pick a distance. You have to think about the canter quality, trust your eye and be more reactive rather than just counting canter strides.”

Cameron also believes in applying pressure to riders during training to mimic the competition environment, providing it’s a safe time in their stage of training to do so.

“Sometimes I will say, ‘We’ve warmed up. We’re going to jump the course once and I’d like you to jump a clear round’,” explains Cameron.

“That makes the rider feel a little more nervous, but it’s important to put the rider under pressure in that situation because then their reactions might feel a little blurrier, and they have to deal with that – which then puts them in that competitive mindset.

Practise at home as if you were in competition environment. Here, Bubby Upton jumps an oxer in training on her Euros 2025 ride Its Cooley Time. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

“If you train too safe with no pressure, then the rider may not have the right reaction when pressure’s put on – but that only comes when you know they’re comfortable with all the questions being asked, you have all the building blocks, and they have in their head what the priorities would be for them and their horse.”

From frustration to riding club champion

Following a frustrating spell in the showjumping phase for event rider Esther Bowness and her 13-year-old Irish grey mare Blackwater Grey Lady (Polly), straightness was a key part of their homework with trainer Catherine Vale.

“Catherine’s favourite phrase is ‘straightness is greatness’, because it doesn’t matter what angle you’re coming into the fence, you’ve got to be straight,” says Esther.

“Catherine gave me a few simple tips like keeping my body upright and tall, lowering my hands and riding straight and I found that my mare wasn’t fighting me into the fence, and she was much more relaxed over it.

“I was also told to balance the canter. I started leg-yielding Polly to make sure she’s listening and off my leg on both reins and then did a few teardrop shapes in canter to ensure we’ve got that uphill canter that you need for showjumping.

“Those tweaks were massive in terms of what they’ve achieved because I was thinking about them rather than micromanaging Polly into the fence. We’ve gone from knocking fences down to consistently jumping clear and we recently won the senior 80 showjumping competition at the British Riding Clubs National Championships.”

Did you find this article useful? You may also enjoy reading…

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

How to improve a horse’s jumping technique and encourage tidy front legs, with tips from gold medallist Will Fletcher

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Olympian Ginny Elliot’s tips to stop your horse’s cross-country spooks and nail a fast round – and her own reactive horse who turned a corner to become a champion

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘Help! My horse is running out at skinnies’ Olympic eventer Ginny Elliot’s tips on how to stay between the flags

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Sharp and snappy: Gemma Stevens’ gridwork exercise that will teach your horse to be both careful and bold

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‘I fell for King William instantly’: how love at first sight for Mary King grew into one of the greatest eventing partnerships of all time

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How to watch the European Eventing Championships at Blenheim live, wherever you are

Pippa Roome — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 15:30:31 +0000

Want to know how to watch the Blenheim European Championships live? The excitement is building for this European Eventing Championships, which is happening in Britain for the first time since 2015, and it’s time to figure out how you’ll be following the event.

Whether you’re travelling to Blenheim, tuning in via livestream, or just keeping tabs on results, Horse & Hound will be your go-to source for supporting information. From breaking news and in-depth reports to expert analysis, interviews and photography, we’ll be covering it all as it happens.

If you’re abroad, and trying to watch the action like you normally would back in the UK, then you can use a VPN. Check out NordVPN, where you can get 76% off, four extra months free (which does not appear until you go to the check out) plus a £50 Amazon gift card and a 30-day money back guarantee, and follow the instructions below.

How to watch the Blenheim European Championships on TV

All the action will be shown on FEI TV powered by ClipMyHorse.TV. An annual premium subscription costs £207.99. All days are available on ClipMyHorse.TV with English or no commentary, with German commentary also available on Saturday and Sunday.

You can watch the cross-country and showjumping live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app. Saturday’s cross-country will be broadcast from 10.45am until 3.55pm, with Sunday’s showjumping live from 10.50am until 12.50pm and 1.50pm until 3.25pm. You can also play back those phases on iPlayer for 30 days after the event.

There will be a live stream on the Blenheim Facebook page of the draw of nations (9.30am), first horse inspection (noon), allocation of starting positions and individual draw (2pm) and opening ceremony (3.30pm) on Wednesday, 17 September. The second horse inspection is also likely to be streamed there.

How to follow with Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound will have four journalists and a photographer at Blenheim throughout the competition.

Website

The H&H team will be creating extensive online coverage of the European Championships, in addition to what will be included in the magazine report. Our coverage will include:

Course photos of the five-star cross-country track on Wednesday, 17 September.
Photos from the first trot-up.
Times for the next day’s competition so you know when the British riders and top contenders compete.
Breaking news and numerous reports on all the action as it unfolds throughout the event.
Interviews with first-timers, comeback stars, British heroes, grooms and more.
To keep reading at horseandhound.co.uk after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription either to the website or to the magazine.
Magazine and website unlimited subscription: six issues for £6, followed by our flexible offer of £29.99 quarterly, saving 29%. Visit: magazinesdirect.com/XHH/DJ59M
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If you are already a magazine subscriber, find out how to activate your website access at horseandhound.co.uk/subscription-benefits

Magazine

11 September issue: course-walk with reigning European individual silver medallist Kitty King, plus full rundown of the Brits, the Irish, their major rivals, medal predictions and who to watch.
18 September issue: exclusive interview with Zara Tindall (née Phillips) looking back on her double gold at the 2005 Europeans, plus full form guide with details of every pair competing.
25 September issue: 26-page special report, with the best photos, analysis and insight from our team on the ground at Blenheim, as well as from experts including ground jury member Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride and Mark Phillips. We will also report on the eight- and nine-year-old class in this issue.

Video

Video interviews on our website and social media.

How to watch the European Eventing Championships on TV from anywhere

Not in the UK right now? You don’t have to miss out on any of the action from the European Eventing Championships.

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How to watch the St Leger at Doncaster 2025 live streams and on TV wherever you are

Gemma Redrup — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:30:21 +0000

Flat racing fans who want to watch the live action from the St Leger at Doncaster meeting (11–14 September) will need to tune into ITV, who will be showing 12 hours of footage on all four days of the event, or a free livestream. ITV Racing will be covering 20 races during the meeting of this prestigious meeting, plus there are livestream options to choose from too.

The St Leger meeting plays host to the Group One Betfred St Leger Stakes on the third day of this Doncaster meeting. This 1m6½f contest is open to any racehorse who is three years old or above and the winner will take home £396,970.

Irish raider Scandinavia is currently favourite to take the win at odds of 11/8 for trainer Aidan O’Brien and owners Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Mrs John Magnier.

Here’s our full guide on how to watch the St Leger at Doncaster on TV so you don’t miss a moment of the action…

ITV and the ITVX streaming service will be showing 20 races from the St Leger at Doncaster meeting for free in the UK. If you’re abroad, and trying to watch ITVX like you normally would back in the UK, then you can use a VPN. Check out NordVPN, where you can get 76% off, four extra months free (which does not appear until you go to the check out) plus a £50 Amazon gift card and a 30-day money back guarantee, and follow the instructions below.

How to watch the St Leger from Doncaster on TV

ITV is the place for UK audiences to watch all four days of the St Leger meeting at Doncaster for free on terrestrial TV and ITVX. There is also an ITVX app that works on almost all smart devices. Just search for the app on any device, phone or console you have.

Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani will host the live TV coverage which runs from 1pm to 4pm between Thursday and Saturday and 2.15-5pm on Sunday. They will be joined by former jockey and expert Jason Weaver with Adele Mulrennan, plus other top racing names.

The Opening Show will be presented by Oli Bell on the morning of the Saturday of the St Leger meeting at Doncaster on ITV4, previewing the day’s big races between 9.30am and 10.30am.

You can also watch all of the action from both days of the meeting live via the pay-for channel, Sky Sports Racing.

What time does the St Leger at Doncaster start?

The showcase Betfred St Leger Stakes gets underway at 3.40pm on Saturday 13 September.

How to watch the St Leger from Doncaster on TV from anywhere

Not in the UK right now? You don’t have to miss out on any of the action from the St Leger. ITVX is geo-restricted, meaning it doesn’t usually work outside of the UK, but a VPN is a simple and safe way around this.

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How do I bet during the St Leger?

Online betting companies will be clamouring for your custom during the St Leger so look out for some of their promotional deals for new customers which include everything from a free bet to giving your money back if your horse loses. You’ll need to deposit some money into your betting account, choose a race, select your horse (you could study the form, or you could simply pick your lucky number of favourite colour from the jockeys’ silks) and the type of bet — then get ready to cheer!

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We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Download and install the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access – UK for ITV.

3. Then head over to your streaming service on your device and enjoy the live stream.

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

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How to follow the 2025 National Dressage Championships live streams and on TV wherever you are

Gemma Redrup — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:32:48 +0000

If you’re wondering how to follow all the action at the LeMieux National Dressage Championships this year, you’ve come to right place.

The National Dressage Championships are taking place on 11–14 September at Somerford Park in Cheshire, with the nation’s leading combinations across all levels set to take part.

The H&C+ streaming service will be showing selected classes from the main arena at the National Dressage Championships from Thursday 11 September until Sunday 14 September for a fee in the UK. If you’re abroad, and trying to watch H&C+ like you normally would back in the UK, then you can use a VPN. Check out NordVPN, where you can get 72% off, plus a £50 Amazon gift card and a 30-day money back guarantee, and follow the instructions below.

H&C+ provides its service to Germany, the UK, the USA, the Netherlands and Switzerland, so you will be able to tune in via Horse & Country in those destinations.

Alongside the senior championships, the KBIS Young Horse and Rothera Bray under-21 finals spotlight future stars, while the Equissage Pulse Para classes showcase top-level para dressage.

This year marks the 70th running of the Nationals, with the LeMieux grand prix and Kudos grand prix freestyle set to decide who joins legends such as Jennie Loriston-Clarke and Carl Hester on the roll of honour as national champion.

Spectators can watch every test up close from the grandstands or head to the warm-up rings to catch the behind-the-scenes buzz. Big names including Becky Moody, Gareth Hughes, Abi Lyle, and returning national champion Lewis Robertson-Carrier, are on the start list. Anna Ross adds extra sparkle with a weekend masterclass and a new British breeding showcase.

How to watch the National Dressage Championships on TV

There will be no terrestrial TV coverage available from this year’s National Dressage Championships.

H&C+ provides its service to Germany, the UK, the USA, the Netherlands and Switzerland, so you will be able to tune in via H&C+ in those destinations.

Annual H&C+ membership is £84.99 as a one-off payment and there’s also an option to pay in 12 monthly instalments of £14.99. Non-members of H&C+ are also able to watch this event with a H&C+ event pass, which allows you to purchase a pay-per-view pass to view this event alone from £14.99 for 30 days.

*Pricing for the H&C+ Annual Membership and H&C+ Freestyle options may differ by territory. Please see the H&C website for further details.

How to watch the National Dressage Championships from anywhere

Not in the UK right now? You don’t have to miss out on any of the action from the National Dressage Championships.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) will alter your device’s IP address to make it appear to be in a different country, allowing you to access your usual streaming services from anywhere in the world. It’s great for watching horse sport on the move, and it’s also handy even if you’re watching at home. VPNs are designed with internet security in mind, creating encrypted connections that keep your data safe from third parties and improve streaming speeds by preventing bandwidth ‘throttling’ from your internet service provider.

How to use a VPN

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access.

3. Then head over to H&C+ on your browser or device and enjoy the livestream.

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If you want to watch the rest of the action as it happens, you will need to attend the event in person. All tickets must be ordered online and will be issued as e-tickets (you can pay for these on the gate, but they must be booked beforehand).

Whether you’re ringside or tuning in from home, Radio Nationals adds another layer to the experience. Kim Ratcliffe and John Bowen will be on air throughout the four days, mixing expert commentary with plenty of good-humoured chat.

You can listen to Radio Nationals via the British Dressage website on any smart device, and Kim and John will be on air from the main LeMieux arena early on Thursday 11 September. Live scoring will also be available on Equipe throughout the event.

H&H will be on the ground at the 2025 nationals too, bringing you rolling coverage online every day. And for the full round-up and in-depth analysis, don’t miss the 18 September issue of the magazine.

We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

(Image credit: Kevin Sparrow Photography)

How to get your hands on tickets for the BD National Dressage Championships

(Image credit: Kevin Sparrow Photography)

Looking for somewhere to stay near Somerford? Look no further…

(Image credit: Kevin Sparrow Photography)

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‘Help! My horse is running out at skinnies’ Olympic eventer Ginny Elliot’s tips on how to stay between the flags

Emily Bevan — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 15:29:23 +0000

Skinnies are a common bogey fence in eventing, but what makes them so difficult? We ask Olympic medallist and five-time Burghley winner Ginny Elliot and BE UKCC level 3 accredited coach Cameron Beer for their help, advice and top tips on how to stop your horse running out at skinny jumps on a cross-country course so that you stay straight as a die between the flags.

“The ability to control the body of the horse with the lower leg is the most important part of being able to jump a skinny,” says Ginny, also a former world and European eventing champion.

“Your leg aids need to be really good and responded to by the horse – that’s the only way you can control the horse’s body.

“If I put my right leg on the horse should go left, if I put the left leg on the horse should go right, and it should happen instantly. If both your legs are together, the horse should stay straight.”

Making sure your horse moves instantly away from the leg on both sides, without accelerating, is imperative before embarking on skinnies training. (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Cameron Beer agrees, stressing the importance of perfecting those aids.

“Before you attempt a skinny jump, it’s important you can leg-yield off both legs without the horse speeding up and you can do a calm but quick straight line, halt and – in a perfect world – a rein back,” says Cameron, who’s evented up to CCI4* level. “To be fair to the horse, you have to make sure those aids are concrete.

“Most problems at skinnies occur where horses don’t understand the question, run through the bridle and don’t allow the rider help them in that moment. You have to break down those simple communications for the horse.

“If you don’t have those communications, and then you come to a fence and your horse loses a bit of confidence and wobbles, the aids aren’t there to put it back, and that’s unfair on the horse.”

A copybook example of accuracy between the flags at a skinny fence at five-star level, but the foundations start without even jumping a fence. (Image credit: Alamy)

How to stop horse running out at skinny jumps – an exercise

A simple exercise to improve those skills involves placing a pair of jump wings narrowly together with nothing between them. Ride towards them and halt before them. Once your horse has halted gently put on a leg aid to go forwards and walk through the wings.

“This exercise trains the horse to come to the skinny, slow down in a straight way, pause, think and then go forward rather than getting to the narrow gap, panicking and rushing through, as most horses do,” continues Cameron.

“You can evolve this exercise to having something on the floor that the horse can walk over so you come in, either hold or slightly slow the pace, apply the leg, and over they go.”

If the horse wobbles as you approach the fence, straighten them with your leg before going forwards and over the object.

“The horse needs to learn that when it comes to a narrow fence and you apply a leg aid that they respond immediately,” says Cameron. “You need to be very systematic in your training so the horse feels so confident in those aids that they will never have a run out. Then you can build it up very simply.”

Once you have nailed these aids you can focus on controlling the horse’s body and achieving straightness as you approach the fence, which will help stop your horse from running out at skinny jumps.

Ginny Elliot’s approach for how to jump cross-country skinnies

Ginny explains her process: “Whenever I was approaching skinnies, my first thought once I got myself lined up was – is the body following what I can see in front of me, that is the head and the neck? I think that conscious thought’s really important to be successful at jumping skinnies.

“It’s like driving a car and trailer. Don’t forget what the trailer is doing versus the car. Straightness is everything.

“Come off a corner and then when you straighten up, think has the body followed? Is it in line with the head and neck? Once you’ve got control of the body, for me, there’s very little reason why you shouldn’t be jumping the accurate fences like skinnies, very successfully.

“There should be minimal interference with the horse’s mouth from three strides from the fence. You need to be totally organised with speed and balance to allow the horse to focus on his job. A sudden pull or straightening movement from the rider close to the fence can cause the horse to lose vision of the fence, balance and concentration,” says Ginny.

Although skinny fences were less prevalent in Ginny Elliot’s heyday (pictured on Priceless at Burghley, 1985), the key skills of straightness and balance across country were the same. (Image credit: Stuart Newsham/H&H Archives)

Troubleshooting: how to stop a horse running out at skinny jumps

Sophie Taylor went back to basics with her five-year-old New Forest pony Bramble after they had a run out at a skinny jump at two events.

“I couldn’t trust him to hold his line so we went back into the school and began working on our straightness and accuracy,” says Sophie, who works for British Riding Clubs.

“We started by riding through two parallel poles on the ground, making sure we could stay straight through the centre of them. Once we could do that confidently on both reins we added a small narrow fence with jump wings at one end, focusing on holding our line and jumping the middle of the fence.”

Going back to basics: practise riding between two parallel poles on the ground to ensure you can hold your line and so improve your straightness. (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

As Sophie and Bramble became proficient with that exercise, they gradually increased the height of the fence and moved the guide poles further away before removing them completely. All the time, the aim was to remain straight and jump the centre of the fence.

“It was something we worked on over several months for short periods of time,” explains Sophie. “As we became more confident and our accuracy improved, we increased the difficulty by taking the jump wings away and jumping two skinnies in a row.”

Sophie and Bramble, who’s now nine, are now confident in jumping skinnies and haven’t incurred any further penalties.

Another key to jumping skinnies successfully is to ensure you and your horse are confident riding through narrow spaces.

“It’s often the narrow gap people are nervous about, rather than the actual fence itself. Make sure you ride through narrow spaces regularly so that it’s not an issue,” says Cameron.

Ginny concludes: “Flatwork is, in a way, more important than anything for cross-country riding. If the flatwork is good, the cross-country and the showjumping will be good, it’s as simple as that.”

To enjoy more expert advice on how to boost your training with your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

If you found this article helpful, you may also like to read…

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Gemma Tattersall: how to make skinnies easy

Not a big fan of narrow fences? Gemma Tattersall explains an exercise to make skinnies easier to tackle

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Watch Ros Canter’s 2023 Blenheim winner learning to jump skinny fences as a rising five-year-old

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Improve your horse’s rideability and straightness with Harry Meade’s three-fence jumping exercise

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

How Alex Bragg’s training exercise uses turns to master straightness while jumping

The ultimate accuracy test? How to master a skinny corner with Gemma Tattersall

The Olympic eventer gives her step-by-step guide to an exercise to help you with skinny corners, and fences that require

How to watch Burghley Horse Trials 2025 live streams and on TV wherever you are

Pippa Roome — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:58:46 +0000

Want to find out how to watch Defender Burghley Horse Trials live (4-7 September)? Read on for everything you need to know about following the British autumn five-star.

If you’re abroad, and trying to watch Burghley on TV like you normally would back in the UK, then you can use a VPN. Check out NordVPN, where you can get 76% off, four extra months free (which does not appear until you go to the check out) plus a £50 Amazon gift card and a 30-day money back guarantee, and follow the instructions below.

How to watch Burghley Horse Trials live

The only way to watch all of the Burghley action live is to subscribe to Burghley TV.

New presenter Tom Stanley joins the line-up, alongside Nick Luck, while John Kyle and Nicole Brown will again anchor the commentary, supported by Tina Cook and Nicola Wilson. Nick Burton will give his dressage insight, with Carl Hester also on the mic on Friday.

Between them the team will deliver interviews and feature content plus a daily highlights show, and every step of the action from the Wednesday trot-up to the final showjumping rounds and prize-giving, as well as the masterclasses. The Burghley young event horse final will also be shown.

The £25 annual subscription enables you to watch live or on demand, plus gives access to archive footage dating back to 1990.

Will the BBC show Burghley Horse Trials?

The BBC will show a highlights programme on BBC2 on Sunday 7 September from 5pm to 6.30pm. If you want to watch all the live action, you will need to subscribe to Burghley TV.

How to follow all the action with H&H

Horse & Hound will have four journalists and a photographer on the ground at Burghley throughout the competition.

Website

Horse & Hound will be creating extensive online coverage of Burghley in addition to what will be included in the magazine report. Our coverage will include:

Course photos of the five-star cross-country track on Wednesday, 3 September.
Fashion photos from the first trot-up.
Times for the next day’s competition so you know when your favourites compete.
Breaking news and numerous reports on all the action as it unfolds throughout the event.
Interviews with first-timers, comeback stars, British heroes, grooms and more.
Report on the Dubarry Burghley young event horse final.

To keep reading after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription either to the website or to the magazine (see details of subscription offers below). If you are already a magazine subscriber, find out how to activate your website access at horseandhound.co.uk/subscription-benefits

Magazine

28 August issue: preview including course-walk with two-time Burghley winner Pippa Funnell.
4 September issue: full form guide with details of every horse and rider competing.
11 September issue: 20-page special report, containing the best photos, analysis and insight from our team on the ground at Burghley, as well as from experts including six-time Burghley winner William Fox-Pitt. We will also report on the Burghley young event horse final in this issue.

Video

Video interviews on our website and social media.

Horse & Hound subscription offers

Magazine and website unlimited subscription: six issues for £6, followed by our flexible offer of £29.99 quarterly, saving 29%. Visit: magazinesdirect.com/XHH/DJ59M
Website unlimited subscription: save 40% – pay £52 for a full year of access. Visit: horseandhound.co.uk/join

How to watch Burghley Horse Trials live from anywhere

Not in the UK right now? You don’t have to miss out on any of the action from Burghley Horse Trials.

Get 76% off, four extra months free and a £50 Amazon gift card with NordVPN
TechRadar love NordVPN’s ability to unblock streaming services, its compatibility, and its top-level security. It comes with a big discount in time for Burghley Horse Trials and a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it 100% risk-free.View Deal

Why Burghley Horse Trials launched Burghley TV in 2022

“At Burghley we strive towards the best possible quality, whether that is the footing for the horses, the visitor experience or the way in which a global audience can watch this top-class event,” Defender Burghley event director Martyn Johnson told H&H when Burghley TV launched in 2022.

“Many sporting events have moved towards pay-to-view livestreaming, often offering quite a basic model. We believe we can offer a significantly upgraded viewer experience with sophisticated production and better, more in-depth content.

“Burghley TV will offer a really first-class viewing package with excellent presenters, guests, features and special footage that showcases our event and the wider sport – in the way that it deserves.

“We’re really excited to be launching Burghley TV – this will be a comprehensive production of unprecedented quality, which offers a wealth of content both in terms of live sport, but also with superb added value from our team of expert commentators and presenters.

“With streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime considered mainstream viewing these days, we felt now was the time to establish our own, bespoke TV production service. It gives us the scope to create a unique viewing experience for anyone unable to visit in person or who prefers to watch from the comfort of their sofa. It also means we have global reach and the opportunity for international eventing fans to access the competition.”

We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

To stay up-to-date with all the breaking news throughout Burghley and other major shows this year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to watch the European Para Dressage Championships live, wherever you are

Oscar Williams — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:54:13 +0000

The 2025 European Para Dressage Championships are being held at the Dutch National Equestrian Centre in Ermelo, the Netherlands, with the continent’s top combinations going head-to-head for team and individual honours — and here’s everything you need to know to watch the European Para Dressage Championships live.

It promises to be a compelling week. The Netherlands look near-untouchable for team gold on home soil, while Italy and Denmark shape up as the main challengers. Britain arrive in transition with fresh faces and lowered pressure, and Ireland’s teenagers headline a bright new era.

Whether you’re travelling to Ermelo, tuning in via livestream, or just keeping tabs on results, Horse & Hound will be your go-to source. From breaking news and in-depth reports to expert analysis, interviews and photography, we’ll be covering it all as it happens.

If you’re abroad, and trying to watch ClipMyHorse like you normally would back in the UK, then you can use a VPN. Check out NordVPN, where you can get 76% off, four extra months free (which does not appear until you go to the check out) plus a £50 Amazon gift card and a 30-day money back guarantee, and follow the instructions below.

How to watch the European Para Dressage Championships on TV

If you’re wondering how to watch the European Para Dressage Championships on TV, each day will be livestreamed on FEI.TV via ClipMyHorse.TV Subscriptions to this livestream service start from £17.33 per month when paying for an annual subscription (£207.99). All tests will also be available to watch back on demand, with rider clips available for purchase.

All the action will also be available to watch via the FEI YouTube channel.

Free audio coverage will be available via Gazeti, on Thursday afternoon, Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday, as part of an initiative to make the sport more accessible for visually impaired fans.

If you’re abroad, and trying to watch ClipMyHorse.TV like you normally would back in the UK, then you can use a VPN. Check out NordVPN, where you can get 76% off, four extra months free (which does not appear until you go to the check out) plus a £50 Amazon gift card and a 30-day money back guarantee, and follow the instructions below.

Follow the European Dressage Championships with H&H

Online coverage

Alongside our full magazine report, the Horse & Hound will report direct from Ermelo every day, bringing you:

Breaking news and multiple reports across the team and individual competitions
Daily round-ups with results, facts and key talking points in one place
Exclusive interviews with leading contenders, rising stars, British riders, and returning favourites

To keep reading on our website after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription. Visit horseandhound.co.uk/join to buy a H&H website unlimited subscription or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com/XHH-brandsite for a combined magazine and website subscription. If you are already a magazine subscriber, you are eligible for free unlimited access to the website – click here to learn more.

In Horse & Hound magazine

11 September issue: don’t miss our in-depth 14-page special report from Ermelo, packed with exclusive interviews, analysis and standout photography.

How to watch the European Para Dressage Championships on TV from anywhere

Not in the UK right now? You don’t have to miss out on any of the action from the European Para Dressage Championships.

Get 76% off, four extra months free and a £50 Amazon gift card with NordVPN
TechRadar love NordVPN’s ability to unblock streaming services, its compatibility, and its top-level security. It comes with a big discount in time for the European Para Dressage Championships and a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it 100% risk-free.View Deal

European Para Dressage Championships 2025 timetable

All times shown in BST (local time in Ermelo is BST +1).

Wednesday 3 September

8.30am – Individual grand prix A: Grade II
10.00am – Individual grand prix A: Grade I
1.30pm – Individual grand prix A: Grade III

Thursday 4 September

8.00am – Individual grand prix A: Grade IV
11.30am – Individual grand prix A: Grade V

Friday 5 September

8.00am – Team grand prix B: Grade III
11.00am – Team grand prix B: Grade II
12.45pm – Team grand prix B: Grade I

Saturday 6 September

7:45am – Team grand prix B: Grade V
12.00pm – Team grand prix B: Grade IV

Sunday 7 September

7.30am – Freestyle to music: Grade III
9.00am – Freestyle to music: Grade II
10.00am – Freestyle to music: Grade I
12.30pm – Freestyle to music: Grade V
2pm – Freestyle to music: Grade IV

Freestyle qualification: Top eight athletes per grade (including ties for 8th) based on combined grand prix A + B results; riders must average ≥60% across both tests.

We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

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How to watch the European Dressage Championships via live streams wherever you are around the world

Oscar Williams — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:30:32 +0000

The European Dressage Championships 2025 take place in Crozet, France (27–31 August), with the continent’s top combinations going head-to-head for team and individual honours and here, we bring you everything you need to know about how to watch the European Dressage Championships on TV

It promises to be one of the closest battles in years. Can Great Britain defend the team crown they claimed at Riesenbeck in 2023, or will Olympic champions Germany reclaim top spot?

Belgium are chasing a historic first medal, spearheaded by rising stars Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus, while Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, Lottie Fry and Isabell Werth headline a stellar cast in the hunt for individual honours. The stage is set for a showdown where even the smallest mistake could decide gold.

Whether you’re travelling to Crozet, tuning in via livestream, or just keeping tabs on the results, Horse & Hound will be your go-to source for everything you need to stay up to date. From breaking news and in-depth reports to expert analysis, interviews, and photography, we’ll be covering it all as it happens.

How to watch the European Dressage Championships on TV

If you’re wondering how to watch the European Dressage Championships on TV, each day will be livestreamed on FEI.TV via ClipMyHorse.TV Subscriptions to this livestream service start from £17.33 per month when paying for an annual subscription (£207.99). All tests will also be available to watch back on demand, with rider clips available for purchase.

How to watch the European Dressage Championships from anywhere

Not in the UK right now? You don’t have to miss out on any of the action from the European Dressage Championships.

How to use a VPN

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access.

3. Then head over to ClipMyHorse on your browser or device and enjoy the livestream.

Get 76% off, four extra months free and a £50 Amazon gift card with NordVPN
Use this secure VPN to access the European Dressage Championships live stream from anywhere in the world. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.View Deal

Follow the European Dressage Championships with H&H

Online coverage

Alongside our full magazine report, the Horse & Hound team will be reporting direct from Crozet every day, bringing you:

Breaking news and multiple reports throughout each day, across both team and individual competitions
Daily round-ups with results, facts, and key talking points in one place
Exclusive interviews with leading contenders, rising stars, British heroes, returning favourites, and the grooms who make it all possible

In Horse & Hound magazine

4 September issue: don’t miss our bumper 26-page special report from Crozet, packed with exclusive interviews, expert insight, analysis, and stunning photography. Plus commentary from Anna Ross and Richard Davison.

European Dressage Championships 2025 timetable

All times shown in BST (local time in Crozet is one hour ahead).

Tuesday 26 August

Horse inspection and arena familiarisation for all competitors

Wednesday 27 August

9am: grand prix (part one) – first half of the team competition. All riders perform the grand prix test, which also serves as the first individual qualifier.

Thursday 28 August

9am: grand prix (part two) – second half of the grand prix. Team medals decided on the best three scores per nation.

Friday 29 August

10am: grand prix special – top 30 combinations from the grand prix (including ties) compete for the first set of individual medals.

Saturday 30 August

Rest day – no competition scheduled

Sunday 31 August

10.30am: grand prix freestyle to music – top 18 riders from the special (maximum three per nation) compete for the second set of individual medals.

We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

To stay up to date with all the news from the European Dressage Championships as it happens, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website today from just £1 a week.

Have you considered an Arabian as your next horse? Tips on how to find the right one

Alex Robinson — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 07:30:44 +0000

Whether you’re looking to buy an Arabian horse, or had never even considered the breed before, this advice might help you decide if they are the horse for you.

Would an Arab horse be suitable for me?

The Arab horse is one of the world’s most distinctive breeds of horse. It’s arguably one of the oldest breeds still in existence and it is recognised by key traits such as a dished head, high tail carriage and extravagant movement. While pure-bred Arab breeding is still thriving among dedicated enthusiasts in the UK and overseas, the bloodlines have contributed to nearly every modern light horse breed. The part-bred Arab is a hugely popular cross, too, and horses and ponies with Arab blood can be found in many competitive disciplines.

Arab horses typically stand between 14.1hh – 15.1hh but are compact and strong in stature. They are known for being quite highly-strung animals that enjoy work, but the temperament largely depends on the individual animal. While they can be a good choice for a competitive rider with performance ambitions, those horses with a quiet disposition can make ideal mounts for leisure riders.

What can I do with an Arab horse?

Arabs have their own classes within the show ring, with finals for pure-breds being held at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Royal International. The Arab Horse Society of Great Britain also holds shows for in-hand and ridden Arabs, and many breeders and enthusiasts use these shows as a lead up to the global stage, with many opting to travel to Europe and the Middle East with their horses to compete for international titles.

Arabs are popular endurance horses due to their stamina and ability. Due to the harsh environment they were bred to survive in, the Arab horse has strong endurance capabilities making them ideally suited to this challenging discipline.

Arabs are definitely not one-trick horses and they are capable of performing multiple jobs, including jumping and dressage.

The part-bred Arab is an equally popular choice that is capable of being enjoyed in many different spheres, with the Arab adding refined qualities, endurance and athleticism to the other parent. The showing of part-bred Arabs is also a popular sector, and classes specifically for this cross-bred are found at all major shows.

What should I look for in a ridden Arab horse?

Sian Warman has ridden and produced pure-bred Arab horses at top level for many years. She is a regular face in the pure-bred ridden Arab final at HOYS, and she has also won the supreme of show at the Arab National Show and supreme ridden title at the British Arab championships during her career.

She describes what she’d be looking for in a prospect for the show ring and beyond: “First and foremost, I’m looking for a good base. Everyone has their own opinion on type, but I am not a lover of the taller, more sporty types and I prefer the more compact types that have a leg at each corner. I need to be able to look at the horse and see where the saddle will sit.

“I’m looking for all the features of a good Arab which include a set of strong, big side eyes and expressive nostrils that lead into the dished head. I’d be assessing the head carriage and neck line as well as the tail set, which should be high. We want nice, sound bone, well proportioned feet, long, sloping pasterns and sturdiness of the croup.

“Movement-wise, they must be straight. I do like a big mover, but their step must come through the shoulder. It’s this action that gives them that long, elegant stride. Personally, I like to think of my ridden Arab as a mini hack. I am looking for elegance combined with beautiful movement, a rhythmical canter and evidence that they can carry the rider.

“Upbringing is important, too. I like all of my horses to do other things, such as hacking and pole work, so it’s important that they have been raised well and have seen a bit of the world.”

Where should I buy an Arab horse from?

If you want to buy an Arab horse, they will be advertised at various times in the season on online platforms by private sellers, studs and professional agents who specialise in the breed, as well as via word of mouth.

“I would suggest going to a breeder with a good record,” says Sian. “Do your research into a breeder’s history to see what they’ve bred over the years, and possibly get into a discussion with them to see what they have available.

“I would also look at certain lines and see which sire’s stock you favour. For example, the stallion Emerald J has produced many top ridden horses currently out and about on the circuit. There are also consultants in the Arab world who do a lot of selling.”

How much should I expect to pay?

“The prices of horses can vary massively, as in any type,” Sian says. “Horses with show ring CVs will be priced in double figures. A horse that has been shown to a good level, or a promising novice, can easily fetch between £6,000 and £10,000. The bloodlines can also determine prices and breeding stock with successful in-hand records can go for really good money.

“A proven in-hand horse, though, that has been successful in the Middle East or aboard might not make the ideal ridden horse for the UK circuit.”

I’ve agreed to buy an Arab horse, what now?

It’s strongly recommended to arrange a pre-purchase vetting when you have found the right horse.

The vet will assess the horse with the specific job you want it for in mind. It’s important to let the vet know prior to the vetting what you hope to do with the horse. The vet should pay close attention to any conformational faults which could impact its future in any sphere, even if they don’t affect soundness or performance.

“It is always recommended that you get a horse put through a vetting, especially if you are spending a certain amount of money,” says Sian. “I would always get the basic assessments done, and then you can take what you want from that.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to keep stables cool in summer including construction, ventilation and post-build tips from industry experts Sponsored

Bethany Stone — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 07:30:57 +0000

Horse & Hound created this content as part of a paid partnership with Monarch Equestrian. The contents of this article are entirely independent and solely reflect the editorial opinion of Horse & Hound.

With hotter, drier summers now the UK norm, you’re probably wondering how to keep stables cool in summer.

Of course, all horse owners should ensure management is adapted to the hotter time of year.

“Horses need to be monitored closely when temperatures soar,” remarks Michael Thompson of Monarch. “Keeping a thermometer in a central location will make you aware of internal temperatures in buildings. Prolonged stable temperatures of more than 32ºC can be dangerous.”

Ensuring unlimited fresh water is essential.

“Our auto-drinkers ensure a constant and reliable supply as a horse’s water intake increases,” he adds. “Gentle exercise in the shade, such as on one of our covered walkers, gives horses a break from their stable with protection from the midday sun.”

There is much you can do to cool down a horse, such as opting for night-time turnout, or for instant relief you can cold hose and leave the horses to dry naturally. However, neither of these actions has a lasting impact if your horse has to return to a warm stable.

So, how can you adapt your horse’s stable to reduce the internal temperature? Is it possible to build cooler stables? And how can you ensure the effects aren’t reversed in winter?

How to keep stables cool: ventilation

Stagnant air is bad news for ammonia and dust build-up. Not only this, but it also increases humidity, which can make stables feel stuffy and unbearably warm.

“Stables can quickly become hotboxes in the summer if not properly ventilated,” warns Michael. “They can trap heat and humidity, making them uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for horses.

“Our designers implement proper ventilation into each design,” he continues. “Design features such as high ceilings, windows, and vents all allow for natural airflow, keeping the stable cool in summer.”

But how do vents work?

“Fresh air must enter the building at the eaves, or gutter level, and escape through a ridge of the roof, which is called a vented ridge,” explains Hugh Daly of Equus Works. “This works because fresh air enters through the eaves, warms and rises to escape from the vented ridge.

“In existing barns, cladding can be removed at the eaves to allow ingress of fresh air,” he adds. “A crossflow of air is essential, and all too often modern barns are closed off from fresh air.”

Hugh adds that, ideally, stables should have at least a 1x1m window on the back wall.

“This allows for seasonal temperature changes,” he explains. “Toughened glass with window bars will allow natural light all year round, and can be opened for a further source of fresh air in summer.

“We use turn-and-tilt windows to keep the elements out but allow air in.”

Removing barn cladding near the eaves boosts airflow. (Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

Constructing stables for optimal temperature

When considering how to keep stables cool, materials matter.

“Monarch’s polycarbonate roof sheets incorporate UV protection, heat blocking and multi-layered colour combinations for dispersing heat and light,” explains Michael.

“Our slate effect sheets allow for air to travel freely behind and underneath, ensuring a breathable roof,” he continues. However, breathability does mean compromising on warmth in winter. “We also offer insulated slate roof systems that provide tremendous thermal retention in the colder months.”

Hugh also recommends insulated roof sheets to both reflect heat in the summer and reduce heat loss in winter. While maximising natural light is important in stable construction, Hugh advises owners to avoid one common mistake.

“Roof light sheets, while letting the light in, bring the sun directly into stables and heat them up,” he warns. “In an American barn, we always recommend a vented light ridge over the walkway. That way, you get light without direct sun on the horses and a vent for warm air to escape from.”

Finally, the build position influences temperature.

“South-facing walls could be considered a heat source,” remarks Hugh, adding that insulated walls with internal stables positioned on the north side of a building can help guard against overheating.

Implementing cooling systems

Stable fans are a simple, low-investment method of keeping horses cool in stables. As well as boosting airflow for comfort, stable fans have many benefits, such as disrupting biting insects and dispersing ammonia build-up. Floor and wall-mounted fans are most commonly available.

Hosing horses down can cool them in the short term, but the effects are temporary. (Image credit: Emma Herrod)

Misting fans are a more sophisticated solution. They come in a variety of designs, from a portable fan setup for competitions, single-stable systems to large misting lines that can be suspended in the apex of a barn or marquee.

Koolfog’s high-pressure misting fans work by producing micron-sized water droplets that, while evaporating and turning to vapour, remove heat from the air, cooling the surrounding area.

“This process, called adiabatic cooling, reduces outdoor temperatures by as much as 18ºC,” explains Jason Coller, managing director at Koolfog. “It makes days where temperatures exceed even 38ºC comfortable.”

Systems like Koolfog’s come with pre-fabricated misting apparatus that is easy to install.

“Portable systems are delivered ready assembled and simply need to be wheeled into place and connected to a water supply – a standard yard tap is fine.” adds Jason.

What’s more, cooling in this way does not risk bedding waste.

“High-pressure systems like Koolfog’s produce a fine mist that evaporates before it reaches the ground, so it does not make bedding wet.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to watch the London GCT grand prix 2025 live streams and on TV wherever you are

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:40:39 +0000

We’re being treated to another showjumping feast of the 2025 season this weekend as the Longines Global Champions Tour swings in to London. So how can you watch the London GCT live?

The show’s feature class, the Longines grand prix, kicks off on Sunday 10 August at 3pm.

GCTV is the only way to watch all the live action of any of the GCT classes globally from anywhere in the world, apart from the main grand prix class, which will be shown live on ITVX for the first time in 2025, If you’re abroad, and trying to watch GCTV or ITVX like you normally would back in the UK, then you can use a VPN. Check out NordVPN, where you can get 72% off, plus a £50 Amazon gift card and a 30-day money back guarantee, and follow the instructions below.

How to watch the London GCT on TV

The Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix, and every other class at the show, is available to watch via either a free or paid subscription – depending on what you want from the service – to GCTV (Global Champions TV). As previously mentioned, you can watch the main LGCT grand prix live on ITVX too.

Keep up with all the action with H&H

H&H’s reporting team are covering the event at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, bringing you stories as they happen. Find all our GCT news at horseandhound.co.uk/global-champions-tour including:

Reports from the classes
Behind-the-scenes news
Reaction from riders

Our magazine report will contain the best photos, analysis and insight from our team and you can read it all in the issue out on Thursday 14 August.

How to watch London GCT on TV from anywhere

Not in the UK right now? You don’t have to miss out on any of the action from the London GCT. ITVX is geo-restricted, meaning it doesn’t usually work outside of the UK, but a VPN is a simple and safe way around this.

Get 76% off, four extra months free and a £50 Amazon gift card with NordVPN
TechRadar love NordVPN’s ability to unblock streaming services, its compatibility, and its top-level security. It comes with a big discount in time for the the London GCT and a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it 100% risk-free.View Deal

We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Download and install the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access – UK for ITV.

3. Then head over to your streaming service on your device and enjoy the live stream.

(Image credit: Jorge Cunhe / LGCT)

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to buy a Dales pony, plus what to look for in a quality example of this native breed

Alex Robinson — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 07:30:47 +0000

If you’re hoping to buy a Dales pony for the show ring or to simply enjoy, then this guide on what to look for is the ideal starting point.

What is a Dales pony?

The Dales pony is one of the Britain’s native breeds. According to the Dales Pony Society (DPS), the Dales is a native of the upper dales of the eastern slopes of the Pennine range, from the High Peak in Derbyshire to the Cheviot Hills near the Scottish Border, where a lead mining industry flourished from Roman times until the mid-nineteenth century.

During the late 17th Century, the Scotch Galloway was the favoured breed for fast pack work.

The DPS says: “Suitable native mares ran with the breeding herds and it is recorded that farmers also liked to run a few Scotch mares with the native herds on the fell.

“The largest, strongest and most active ponies were chosen for pack work and were well fed to ensure fitness and speed. So it was that the black Galloways of the mixed herds eventually superseded the Scotch Galloway, and eventually became the Dales pony through a series of improvements from several sources.

“The Scotch Galloways were famous for their ‘peculiarly deep and clean legs, their qualities were speed, stoutness and sure-footedness over a rugged and mountainous country’. In turn, the Dales ponies became renowned for their great strength, iron constitution, endurance, and the ability to get over rough country fast.”

Dales ponies ideally stand between 14hh to 14.2hh, but there is no upper height limit on the breed.

Dales ponies can be registered as follows (credit DPS):

Section A: By a registered, licensed stallion, and out of either a section A or a section B mare, and displaying correct markings.
Section B: By a registered, licensed stallion and:
a) out of a section A or a section B mare, but displaying incorrect markings.
b) out of section C mare, and correct in type and colour.
Section C: By a registered, licensed stallion and out of section D mare, and correct in type & colour.
Section D: Passed by two inspectors as being true to type, height and colour (closed 31 December 1971).

The Society also maintains a part-bred register.

Dales ponies are predominantly black but some are brown, bay, grey and, more rarely, roan. White markings, such as a star and/or a snip, and white to the hind fetlocks, are allowed. Ponies displaying more white than this are down graded from section A to section B.

Dales Pony Society breed standard

Head: Neat and pony-like. Broad between the eyes, which should be bright and alert. Pony ears slightly incurving. Long foretop of straight hair down the face.

Neck: Strong and of ample length. Stallions should display a bold outlook with a well-arched crest. Throat and jaws clean-cut. Long, flowing mane.

Shoulders: Well-laid, long, sloping shoulders with well-developed muscles. Withers not too fine.

Body: Short-coupled and deep through the chest, with well-sprung ribs.

Hindquarters: Deep, lengthy and powerful. Second thighs well-developed and very muscular. Tail well set on, not high, with plenty of long, straight hair reaching the ground.

Hocks: Broad, Flat and clean. Well let down with plenty of dense flat bone below.

Forearms: Set square. Short and very muscular, with broad, well-developed knees.

Feet, legs and joints: The very best of feet and legs, with flexible joints, showing quality with no coarseness. The cannons should display eight to nine inch (20.3cm — 22.9cm) of flat, flinty bone and well defined tendons. Pasterns should be nicely sloping and of good length. Ample silky feather on the heels. Large, round feet open at the heels, with well developed frogs.

Action: The Dales is defined by its flashy, energetic action. The knee and hock should be lifted and the hind legs should be flexed well under the body for powerful drive.

Dales ponies are popular all-rounders, succeeding in multiple disciplines. The DPS says: “Dales ponies were bred for a specific job in a harsh environment. When the job changed, they were successfully adapted for other uses, and today the ponies can demonstrate all the qualities and abilities which brought their forebears such renown.

“The combination of strength, agility, thrift, hardiness and high courage, with good conformation and a calm, intelligent nature, makes the Dales pony a first-class riding and driving pony with all the abilities of a true all-rounder.”

What should I look for in a Dales pony?

Anna Pennell and her family breed Dales ponies under the Nipna prefix. Ponies from the stud have won at all major fixtures as well as at breed shows. Their stallion Nipna Midnight Rambler was crowned supreme M&M champion at London International in 2023.

“Whatever pony I’m looking at I start with the quality of the feet and the lower limbs,” explains Anna. “They need to have quality bone with a good-sized, strong foot. Hocks and joints are so important to any breed.

“Working our way up the pony, I’d look for a good shoulder, especially if seeking a future ridden pony. If looking for a ridden animal, I’d like slightly longer pasterns, but not too long as they need to stand up to work. The angle of the pastern should also match the length of the shoulder. This gives them the true Dales trot and comfortable ride that they are known for.”

Anna also says that Dales ponies are known to be slow maturers compared to other natives, so going into a viewing with an open mind is essential: “Don’t expect most four-year-olds to be ready to go out and do it all. I would not be worried if a six or seven-year-old was immature, either, as most of them don’t come into their prime until they are at least eight years old, but some take even longer. Of course, there are the odd exceptions to this rule, but they are generally late maturers that require time and patience to develop both mentally and physically.

“The action of a Dales should be akin to a wagon wheel,” Anna continues. “They should move up and travel forwards. We don’t want a pony to ‘potato-mash’ up and down, or daisy cut. The best of the best tend to move from the get go, but if I saw a nice two or three-year-old with quite average movement I would not write it off. They can often develop their action under-saddle and it can take time for them to strengthen and become more powerful.”

When asked if prospective buyers should look for a section A or a section B Dales, Anna advises: “I have no issues with section Bs — there are successful section Bs out and about on the circuit. If you want to show then a pony with four white socks and a blaze is not ideal, but they are extra markings at the end of the day, not a conformational defect. If you don’t want to show, a section A or a section B could be suitable for you as Dales ponies generally make super all-rounders that can do anything and everything.”

Where to buy a Dales pony

Online horse for sale sites have Dales ponies advertised when they are available, but Anna warns that as the Dales is a rare and in demand breed, they are rarely advertised on the open market.

“A good starting point is to get in touch with the DPS,” says Anna. “Then, it’s always a good idea to go to breed shows and speak with breeders who might have stock currently available or coming up for sale in the near future. I would not expect many ponies to be advertised on sales sites throughout the year, though; once people get hold of a Dales they rarely want to let them go!”

How much does a Dales pony cost?

The price of a Dales pony will depend on several factors, including breeding, age and competition record.

“We have sold colt foals for around £2,000 and filly foals for around £3,000,” Anna says. “If you have a rising four or five-year-old ready for breaking you could expect them to sell for between £4,000 and £5,000, perhaps more. An established show pony could easily fetch between £10,000 and £15,000. This is an estimate for ponies good enough to show, though you can certainly find ponies for less, and for more.”

What happens when I’ve agreed to buy a pony?

If you decide to purchase a pony a pre-purchase vetting is strongly recommended. It’s important to let the vet know prior to the vetting what you intend to use the pony for so they can assess it accordingly.

“I would have an older pony put through a two-stage vetting, at least,” Anna says. “But a lot of buying a pony is about common sense. If you don’t feel you are experienced enough to make a decision on a pony’s health and soundless, always seek professional advice.”

For more information, you can read H&H’s ultimate guide to buying a horse.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Seven phrases non-horsey people say that are likely to offend equestrians

Alex Robinson — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 15:30:34 +0000

We might be tougher than nails when it comes to battling through the elements to get our horses exercised, but words can upset us horsey folk, too.

Here are seven phrases non-equestrians often bat around without realising that they might well offend a horse owner…

1. “Horse riding isn’t a real sport”

Usually followed by a justification similar to: “but the horse does all the work”.

2. “Your horse is sooo cute”

He’s actually an elite athlete with multiple talents, who is disguised as a cuddly, fluffy teddy bear who likes back scratches and mints.

3. “You must be really rich if you have a horse”

Correction, I could possibly be rich if I didn’t have a horse…

4. “Why does he/she always beat you?”

Usually spoken by a new-to-the-scene significant other who has recently been thrust into the world of equestrian competition and doesn’t know the difference between the professionals and you. Give it time. Those stark contrasts will soon become apparent…

5. “That (pointing to a random donkey across the hillside) looks like your horse!”

Saying that all horses look the same is the equivalent of saying that all children under four years old look the same. It’s not true and it’s pretty damn rude to someone’s carefully selected genetics, equine or human.

6. “You look like you have a horse”

What does this actually mean? That I somehow resemble a horse in my physique or facial aesthetics? Or do I just have a ‘horsey person’ look about me? Either way, I’m offended by this statement.

7. “Just have a day off from the horses”

Equestrianism is a way of life, not a hobby you can just pick up and put down. 24/7, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If you want my company you have to book me five or six working weeks ahead so I can arrange suitable care for my beloved. And if I’m away from the yard for too long I get withdrawals, so we better not go away for too long…

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

You may think you blend seamlessly into your current life as an astrophysicist/CEO/airline pilot, but there will always be those

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

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How to watch the King George at Ascot 2025 live streams and on TV wherever you are

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 07:30:10 +0000

Flat racing fans who want to watch the live action from the King George Racing Weekend at Ascot (25-26 July) will need to tune into ITV, who will be showing three hours of footage on Saturday, or a free livestream. ITV Racing will be covering five races on the second day of this prestigious meeting, plus there are livestream options to choose from too.

The King George Racing Weekend plays host to the Group One King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes on the second day of this Ascot meeting. This 1m4f contest is open to any racehorse who is three years old or above and the winner will take home £850,650.

French raider Calandagan is currently joint-favourite to take the win at odds of 7/4 for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, jockey Mikael Barzalona and owner Aga Khan Studs SCEA. Joining Calandagan in favouritism is the Aidan O’Brien-trained Jan Brueghel, who is owned by Westerberg, Mrs J Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, and will be ridden by Ryan Moore.

Here’s our full guide on how to watch the King George at Ascot on TV so you don’t miss a moment of the action…

ITV and the ITVX streaming service will be showing five races from the King George Racing Weekend for free in the UK. If you’re abroad, and trying to watch ITVX like you normally would back in the UK, then you can use a VPN. Check out NordVPN, where you can get 76% off, four extra months free (which does not appear until you go to the check out) plus a £50 Amazon gift card and a 30-day money back guarantee, and follow the instructions below.

How to watch the King George at Ascot on TV

ITV is the place for UK audiences to watch the second day of the King George Racing Weekend for free on terrestrial TV and ITVX. There is also an ITVX app that works on almost all smart devices. Just search for the app on any device, phone or console you have.

Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani will host the live TV coverage which runs from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. They will be joined by former jockey and expert Jason Weaver with Adele Mulrennan, plus other top racing names.

The Opening Show will be presented by Oli Bell on the morning of the second day of the King George Racing Weekend on ITV4, previewing the day’s big races between 9.30am and 10.30am.

You can also watch all of the action from both days of the meeting live via the pay-for channel, Sky Sports Racing.

What time does the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes start?

The showcase King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes gets underway at 4.10pm on Saturday 26 July.

How to watch the King George at Ascot on TV from anywhere

Not in the UK right now? You don’t have to miss out on any of the action from the King George Racing Weekend. ITVX is geo-restricted, meaning it doesn’t usually work outside of the UK, but a VPN is a simple and safe way around this.

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How do I bet during the King George Racing Weekend?

Online betting companies will be clamouring for your custom during the King George Racing Weekend so look out for some of their promotional deals for new customers which include everything from a free bet to giving your money back if your horse loses. You’ll need to deposit some money into your betting account, choose a race, select your horse (you could study the form, or you could simply pick your lucky number of favourite colour from the jockeys’ silks) and the type of bet — then get ready to cheer!

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2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access – UK for ITV.

3. Then head over to your streaming service on your device and enjoy the live stream.

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Do you want to buy a horse to show side-saddle? This guide will help you on your search for the right mount…

Alex Robinson — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 07:30:07 +0000

A ladies’ horse for the show ring has a niche set of requirements, so if you’re looking to buy a side-saddle horse for this season or for some time in the future, then our guide is a must-read.

What is riding side-saddle?

Side-saddle is a style of riding that requires the rider to sit with both legs to one side of the saddle, rather than astride. Traditionally, side-saddle riding was undertaken by women out hunting, hence the word ladies’ being used when referring to side-saddle showing classes. Sitting sideways allowed a woman to ride a horse while also wearing a long dress.

Compared to riding astride, a side-saddle rider sits further back and on more top of the horse with both legs positioned to one side. Many riders carry a cane to use as a guide, support and to give signals to the horse on the offside, and have a longer length of rein.

Many showing classes permit side-saddle riders and there are also a host of sections and shows specifically for enthusiasts, such as the National Side-Saddle Association championships. On the showing circuit, the most prestigious classes to win are the ladies’ show hunter final at the Royal International (RIHS) and the ladies’ show horse of the year at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Many riders choose to ride sideways and there are many opportunities to give it a go aside from in the show ring. Hunting and dressage are disciplines where you may spot side-saddle riders.

Will my current horse do side-saddle?

Katie Jerram-Hunnable has ridden many top side-saddle horses during her career. She was supreme at HOYS in 2010 with the ladies’ champion Dunbeacon.

Katie advises that if you have a younger horse that has never carried a side-saddle before, then it is not a given that the horse will take to it.

“While you can often predict if a horse is going to carry a side-saddle due to their stamp and how they are put together, sometimes they just don’t like the feel of it,” Katie says. “In this instance I would not push it; it’s a big heavy saddle and it can provide a feeling that not every horse will cope with.”

What qualities should I look for in a side-saddle horse?

“A good ladies’ horse should not be so big that it’s possibly intimidating,” Katie continues. “For me, an ideal stamp would be somewhere between a large riding horse and a lightweight hunter, and in years gone by, the top ladies’ rides were lovely thoroughbred horses.”

Conformation, like in any type of show horse, is key, as Katie explains: “You want a nice shoulder, a good length of rein and somewhere for the saddle to sit comfortably on the back. For the ladies’ job, I would avoid a horse that is too tall – it will be difficult for the judge to get on – or something with flat withers. I would also avoid a horse with choppy striding, an upside down neck or an excessively straight shoulder. If the horse had plenty of length through the ribs that would be preferable to a horse that was shorter and more butty in its body.

“Temperament wise, you want a horse that is trainable, and also not cold backed in the slightest,” Katie adds. “Side-saddle horses have to cope with a lot; you only have one leg, using a stick as the other, so they do need to be relatively easy going, though they can learn and improve with consistent training. I like a horse with a good mouth for this job; when I’m ride judging I like to be able to take a contact. We don’t want something that holds itself too high or won’t take the rein forward, we are looking for an even and soft feel in the contact.”

How much should I expect to pay?

Horses vary in price depending on many factors such as competition record, breeding, age, temperament and experience, as well as the situation of the seller. As a ladies’ horse will likely have a sound temperament and usually takes a side-saddle as a secondary job, they can fetch higher prices.

“I would expect to pay between £15,000 and £30,000 for a good ladies’ horse with a nice temperament and quality conformation,” says Katie. “That is quite a large window, but an open horse or something that is at least up and running in a side-saddle would be in demand.”

Where should I look?

Side-saddle horses will be advertised at various times in the season on online platforms, via private sellers and professional horse dealers. Horses are sometimes sold via word of mouth.

Katie has introduced many horses to a side-saddle herself, though she says this is not something to introduce during a viewing: “If someone came to view a horse that had never taken a side-saddle before and asked if it could be ridden in one on the day, I would say no, even if they thought it to be the ideal stamp for the job. This would be your responsibility once you got the horse home and had gotten used to him astride. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so don’t rush this process.”

I’ve agreed to buy a horse, now what?

When you have agreed on a sale, it is time to organise a pre-purchase vetting, something that is strongly recommended.

The vet will assess the horse with the specific job you want it for in mind, so it’s important to let the vet know prior to the vetting that your main goal is to ride side-saddle. If you tell the vet that you want the horse for the show ring, they should hopefully inform you of any blemishes or conformational faults which could impact its future career, even if they don’t impact its soundness or performance.

“I would never sell a horse without a vetting being done, and I would never buy a horse without a vetting certificate, either,” says Katie. “A five-stage would be preferable for an open show horse.”

For more information, you can read H&H’s ultimate guide to buying a horse.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the season, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to watch the European Showjumping Championships via live streams and on TV wherever you are around the world

Gemma Redrup — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 13:40:19 +0000

The teams have been finalised and the last-minute preparations made, so the question we’re all asking now is how to watch the European Showjumping Championships 2025 on TV? This year’s competition takes place at Casas Novas Equestrian Center in A Coruña, north west Spain, (16-20 July).

The European Showjumping Championships are sure to be thrilling and shouldn’t be missed. Can Great Britain continue a remarkable championship medal haul following their team gold medal-winning performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics?

You needn’t miss out on any of the week’s action with H&H’s handy guide as to how to watch the European Showjumping Championships on TV and online, wherever you are in the world.

How to watch the European Showjumping Championships on TV

In the UK, if you are a TNT Sports subscriber, you can watch the action live via Sky channel 413 TNT Sports 3 or via the Discovery+ app (Discovery+ Premium subscription or TNT subscription required). You can also follow all the live action on FEI.TV, via ClipMyHorse.TV. Subscriptions to this livestream service start from £17.33 per month when paying for an annual subscription (£207.99).

Classes will be available to view on demand at ClipMyHorse.TV soon after the completion of the competition, where rider clips will be available to purchase.

How to watch the European Showjumping Championships from anywhere

Not in the UK right now? You don’t have to miss out on any of the action from the European Showjumping Championships.

How to use a VPN

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access.

3. Then head over to ClipMyHorse on your browser or device and enjoy the livestream.

Get 76% off, four extra months free and a £50 Amazon gift card with NordVPN
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Follow the European Showjumping action with H&H

Horse & Hound’s dedicated team of journalists and photographers will be bringing you all the action, breaking news, interviews and facts and figures you may need to stay up-to-date over the course of the five days of this year’s European Showjumping Championships.

Online and via social media

The H&H team will bring you all the latest news via our extensive online coverage, in addition to what will be included in the following week’s magazine report. You can find all our latest coverage of the European Showjumping Championships here, including:

Breaking news
Reports throughout the day during each round of showjumping
Exclusive photos and opinion
Interviews with top contenders and a round-up of each day’s action, including timings for the following day and all the facts and figures to have at your fingertips.

To keep reading on our website after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription. Visit horseandhound.co.uk/join to buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com/XHH-brandsite for a combined magazine and website subscription. If you are already a magazine subscriber, you are eligible for free unlimited access to the website – click here to learn more.

In H&H magazine

Don’t miss our European Showjumping Championships preview issue, featuring a who’s who of horses and riders, team assessments and podium predictions, in the Thursday 10 July issue.

Our bumper European Showjumping Championships report issue packed full of sporting coverage, analysis, imagery and insight, hits the shops on Thursday 24 July.

European Showjumping Championships 2025 timetable

Wednesday 16 July: 3pm local time (2pm British time): first qualifier for individuals and teams.

Thursday 17 July: 3pm local time (2pm British time): round one for final teams, second qualifier for individuals.

Friday 18 July: 4.15pm local time (3.15pm British time): round two for finals teams, third qualifier for individuals. Team medals presented.

Saturday 19 July: no competition for European Showjumping Championships competitors

Sunday 20 July: 2pm local time (1pm British time): round one of individual final. 4.30pm local time (3.30pm British time): round two of individual final. Individual medals presented.

We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

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To stay up to date with all the news from the European Showjumping Championships as it happens, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website today from just £1 a week. Our reporter Eleanor Jones will be on site throughout

Want to buy a Highland pony? A breeder explains how to begin your search for your dream partner

Alex Robinson — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 07:30:49 +0000

Looking to buy a Highland pony to be your next best friend? If you’re wanting a ride for the show ring, or you are simply looking for a larger pony that’s hardy, versatile and fun, this native breed is definitely worthy of your consideration.

What is a Highland pony?

The Highland Pony is one of the three native pony breeds of the Scottish Highlands and Islands (alongside the Shetland and Eriskay), but there are now studs located throughout Scotland, England, Wales, Europe and across the rest of the word. The Highland pony was originally bred to work on small farms in Scotland, and while some ponies are still worked in parts of the countryside, they are now used for a variety of riding activities.

The Highland Pony Society (HPS) is the guardian of the breed and offers the following description on what to look for in a good example:

“The Highland pony is a strong, well-balanced, compact pony with all its features being in proportion to its height. It is one of the largest of the British native breeds and should show substance and strength. The strength and sound temperament of Highland ponies make them good work horses and they are still used in areas inaccessible to machines, such as in logging or to extract deer carcasses from the hill.”

Height: Not to exceed 14.2hh (148cm).

Head: Well carried and alert with kindly eye. Broad muzzled with a deep jowl.

Neck and Shoulders: Reasonable length of neck from wither with a good sloping shoulder and well placed forearm.

Body: Well balanced and compact with plenty of room for heart and lungs. Ribs well sprung.

Quarters and Hindlegs: Powerful quarters with well developed thigh, strong second thigh and clean flat hocks.

Legs: Flat hard bone, broad knees, short cannon bones, oblique pasterns and well shaped broad dark hoofs. Feather soft and silky. Ponies of Western Isles type may have striped hoofs which grow out at maturity.

Mane and Tail: Hair should be natural, flowing and untrimmed with a full tail.

Colours: A range of duns, mouse, yellow, grey, cream. Also grey, brown, black, bay and occasionally liver chestnut with silver mane and tail. Many ponies have a dorsal stripe and some show zebra markings on legs and shoulder. Foal coat colour often changes and many ponies change colour gradually as they grow older, especially those with grey hairs interspersed with the original colour. Others show a slight seasonal change in colour between winter and summer coats. Broken colours are not allowed. A small star is acceptable but other white markings are discouraged. Stallions with white markings other than a small star are not eligible for licensing.

Action: Straight and free moving without undue knee action.

Capabilities: A ride, drive and pack animal which can adapt to many equestrian disciplines.

The late Queen Elizabeth II was known for her love of the breed. She was a patron of the society and she bred Highland ponies under the Balmoral prefix. Her ponies won many titles, including the in-hand supreme at Royal Windsor.

The Highland Pony Enthusiasts Club says the fact that Highlands perform well in comparatively slow work such as trekking, forestry and deer-carrying suggests that they have a calm, steady temperament: “This makes them outstandingly suitable for the nervous or elderly, and they have also been used successfully as mounts for disabled riders, all of whom appreciate their confidence-giving attributes.

“However, it must not be thought that, because they are kind and reliable, they are also dull. For many a Highland has shown itself to be a keen, active ride in the hunting field and, correctly schooled, to be able to compete with great success in Pony Club and riding club activities – making up by sure-footedness and handiness what it may lack in outright speed. With the present revival in harness work both for showing and for pleasure, the ponies are once more proving their worth in this field also.

“Safe, reliable, friendly, a good, comfortable ride, constitutionally strong and hardy, attractive to look at, and with considerably more versatility than is generally appreciated, the Highland pony has so much to offer.”

Highland ponies are popular in the show ring and they have form at major shows. An example is stallion Benbreac Of Crolia who was the 2018 Royal International supreme pony, becoming the first native to land the title, while stallion Stirlingdene was supreme at HOYS in 2012.

What should I look for in a Highland?

Gillian McMurray is a leading judge and she also breeds Highlands under the Trailtrow Prefix. Ponies from the Trailtrow Stud have featured at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and London International several times, winning best of breed titles on many occasions. Gillian was supreme at Olympia in 1987 riding her foundation mare, Dunrowan Dolphin.

“I would recommend that most prospective buyers attend some big shows – such as Blair, the Royal Highland or the HPS breed show – to look at classes of ponies and see how much variation in type there is within the breed,” says Gillian.

“The type you would want for a top ridden pony would differ compared to the pony you’d need for hacking or deer work. If looking for a pony for the ridden job, I would want something with a good length of rein and a good shoulder, nothing too straight. Then, we want a lovely round hind-end with a short second thigh; this is the engine of the pony that pushes it forwards. There are a few ponies out there that are too straight in the hind-leg and it does show during their ridden work.

“Like with any pony, we want nice straight limbs that don’t deviate from the knee down, as well as good strong feet.

“Movement wise, the walk is a really important pace. Traditionally, the Highland would spend the majority of its time walking. Canter isn’t their natural pace; many can find it hard to come up off their forehand in the canter. However, if you find something with a good hind leg they will find it easier.”

Where should I buy a Highland from?

There are online sale sites that have Highland ponies advertised throughout the year.

“Attending shows to see what type of pony you are looking for is the best place to start,” says Gillian. “Then, it would be a case of approaching breeders. Some breeders produce for riding more than others, so it completely depends on what job you want your pony to do. Most breeders will have youngstock for sale, so if you’re looking for a pony that is up and running, you should check out breed enthusiast groups, or the HPS has a sales list on their website.

“Make sure you ask around to see if anyone has seen the pony out and about, especially if it’s done some showing,” Gillian adds. “This could help you gage if the pony is suitable for you and your set-up.”

How much should I expect to pay?

Prices vary greatly depending on the age and experience of the pony.

“I would be wary of something that is very cheap due to the general price of Highlands these days,” Gillian says. “There are only approximately 250 foals born each year, so prices have gone up. At minimum, you can expect to pay anything from £2,000 for a foal at weaning, and you can expect a reasonable amount to be added on each year. A pony ready for breaking could reach anything from £5,000 upwards. Winning ponies with experience have been advertised for around the £15,000 mark.”

I’ve found a pony, now what?

It is time to organise a pre-purchase vetting, something that is strongly recommended. If the pony is for a junior rider, asking for a trial period would be sensible, but not all sellers will agree to this.

It’s important to let the vet know prior to the vetting what you intend to use the pony for so they can assess it accordingly. If you tell the vet that you want the pony for the show ring, they should hopefully inform you of any blemishes or conformational faults which could impact its future career, even if they don’t impact its soundness or performance.

“A vetting is sensible, though a five-stage would not be appropriate for a youngster,” Gillian says. “If you’re going to view young ponies, do take someone experienced with you. If you are buying something up and running, then a vetting would be advised.”

For more information, you can read H&H’s ultimate guide to buying a horse.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to watch The July Festival at Newmarket 2025 live streams and TV coverage: your armchair viewing guide

Gemma Redrup — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 07:30:07 +0000

Flat racing fans who want to watch the live action from the Debenhams July Festival at Newmarket (10-12 July) will need to tune into ITV or a free livestream. With eight-and-a-half hours’ live footage on the main ITV channel, ITV Racing will be covering 14 races across the three days of this prestigious meeting, plus there are livestream options to choose from too.

The July Festival plays host to two Group One Flat races; the Falmouth Stakes for fillies and mares on the Friday and the July Cup Stakes on the Saturday.

Cinderella’s Dream is currently 11/4 favourite for the Falmouth Stakes for trainer Charlie Appleby and owners Godolphin and will be ridden by William Buick, while Notable Speech is currently 7/2 favourite to take the July Cup Stakes for the same connections.

Here’s our full TV guide so you don’t miss a moment of the action…

ITV and the ITVX streaming service will be showing 14 races from The July Festival for free in the UK. If you’re abroad, and trying to watch ITVX like you normally would back in the UK, then you can use a VPN. Check out NordVPN, where you can get 76% off, four extra months free (which does not appear until you go to the check out) plus a £50 Amazon gift card and a 30-day money back guarantee, and follow the instructions below.

The July Festival on TV: how to watch

ITV is the place for UK audiences to watch the majority of The July Festival for free on ITVX. There is also an ITVX app that works on almost all smart devices. Just search for the app on any device, phone or console you have.

Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani will host the live TV coverage which runs from 1.30pm to 4pm on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 July and between 1.30pm and 5pm on Saturday 12 July.

They will be joined by former jockey and expert Jason Weaver with Adele Mulrennan, plus other top racing names.

The Opening Show will be presented by Oli Bell on the morning of the July Cup Stakes, previewing the day’s big races between 9.30am and 10.30am.

You can also watch the action live via the pay-for channel, Racing TV.

What time does the July Cup Stakes start?

The July Cup Stakes gets underway at 4.35pm on Saturday 12 July.

How to watch The July Festival from anywhere

Not in the UK right now? You don’t have to miss out on any of the action from The July Festival. ITVX is geo-restricted, meaning it doesn’t usually work outside of the UK, but a VPN is a simple and safe way around this.

Get 76% off, four extra months free and a £50 Amazon gift card with NordVPN
TechRadar love NordVPN’s ability to unblock streaming services, its compatibility, and its top-level security. It comes with a big discount in time for The July Festival and a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it 100% risk-free.View Deal

How do I bet during The July Festival?

Online betting companies will be clamouring for your custom during The July Festival so look out for some of their promotional deals for new customers which include everything from a free bet to giving your money back if your horse loses. You’ll need to deposit some money into your betting account, choose a race, select your horse (you could study the form, or you could simply pick your lucky number of favourite colour from the jockeys’ silks) and the type of bet — then get ready to cheer!

Get £10 in FREE bets
Want to place a bet during The July Festival? Sign up to Betway and receive a £10 welcome bet.View Deal

We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Download and install the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access – UK for ITV.

3. Then head over to your streaming service on your device and enjoy the live stream.

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

If you fancy having a flutter on a horse race but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Buying a mini show pony: top tips on how to find your child’s next superstar

Alex Robinson — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 07:30:53 +0000

If you’re looking to buy a mini show pony for either lead rein or first ridden classes, continue reading for expert advice on how to source the correct partner for your young child.

What is a show pony?

The show pony, also known as the children’s riding pony, is a type of pony that has its own defined category within showing.

Show pony classes are usually divided into height sections with each class possessing its own rider age limit.

The four individual classes run 128cm, 138cm, and 148cm sections with a single championship, and lead rein and first ridden show ponies have their own separate classes culminating in their own mini championship.

Show ponies should be elegant, graceful and mannerly, suitable for a child or young person to show. They should possess clean limbs, balanced yet expressive paces, pretty heads and a good length of rein.

Show ponies are judged on an individual show and on their conformation.

The highest level of show pony classes are governed by the British Show Pony Society (BSPS). In the UK, the riding pony stud-book is still administered by the National Pony Society (NPS) — first formed in 1893 as the Polo Pony Stud Book Society.

Show ponies are presented plaited up and in a bridle with a coloured browband. Jockeys wear navy jackets and short jodhpur boots.

What are the restrictions on mini show ponies?

In the lead rein and first ridden show pony classes, ponies must not exceed 122cm.

Under BSPS rules, riders in lead rein classes must not have attained their eighth birthday before 1 January in the current year. Riders must not be under three years of age. In first ridden classes, a rider is not to have attained their 10th birthday before 1 January in the current year.

In tiny tots first ridden classes, riders must be under eight years of age. Lead rein tiny tops competitors must be aged under five.

Show pony classes are hosted at most shows across the country, from local level to national championships.

What makes a good mini show pony?

Claire Smalley and her mother Ann breed show ponies under the Barkway Prefix. Ponies from the Barkway Stud have won accolades at all major shows, including the Royal International and Horse of the Year Show.

Top ponies from the stud include Barkway Take That, Barkway Black Jack, Barkway Moonfair, Barkway Mr McGregor, Barkway Huckleberry, Barkway Sweet William, Barkway Precocious and Barkway Blackberry. Their home-breds have dominated the line-ups at the HOYS and the RIHS.

“Temperament is key with mini ponies of any type,” says Claire. “You need a pony that is trainable, safe and sensible, especially when it is for a young child. A show pony, though, also needs to have that look-at-me quality. If they are going into the show ring they need to stand out and have a little spark about them that catches the eye.

“Conformation wise, the pony must be of quality. I would not buy anything that is over at the knee. I like a big front and a good shoulder, and a visible position for the saddle. Mini ponies don’t need such a huge engine, but I do like nice, big movement. When you look at a pony everything should be correct and look like it belongs together. A weak back end is never good. Also, something I think I’ve inherited from Mum, is a liking for a very pretty head; it’s the first thing you see.

“I have never been particular about coat colour,” Claire adds. “There are some people who can’t look past some colours, including chestnuts, and favour others, particularly black ponies, but in my opinion colour shouldn’t matter. I also think something a bit different stands out!”

Do lead reins and first riddens differ in type?

Claire says the type of pony you choose will depend on what job you want it for.

“A first ridden will be scopier, have a slightly bigger frame and should stand over more ground than a lead rein. A first ridden should also differ in type to an open 128cm contender,” she says. “We’ve previously had two black youngsters in the field and while from afar they looked very similar, on closer inspection they were of a different type. One was dinkier and more petite, the ideal lead rein, while the other had more scope and range, though not bigger in height, so more likely to be a successful first ridden.

“It can be beneficial for people to take their first riddens out in lead rein classes at the beginning of their careers, however, to gain experience and learn,” Claire adds.

How much should I pay for a mini show pony?

The prices of mini show ponies will vary depending on many factors, including the show ring CV of the pony.

“The market can vary greatly,” says Claire. “But over the past 20 years we’ve sold three-year-old ponies for between £3,000 and £4,000, on average. Breeders work hard to match bloodlines, keep the mare, get the foal on the ground and keep the pony until it’s aged three or four. If we sell it for around this mark then we’re not making money; it’s definitely a labour of love!

“A pony that has been in the ring and has enjoyed success could easily be worth between £10,000 and £15,000, especially if it’s a safe first ridden with a good temperament,” Claire adds.

Where should I buy a mini show pony from?

There are online sale sites such as Whickr that have show pony lead reins and first riddens advertised throughout the year.

Where you source your new pony from will depend on what stage you would like the animal to be at.

“It depends on your experience, your own set up and your personal finances,” Claire says. “And it also depends if you want to buy a ready made pony or you would rather do it yourself. If you want a pony that is ready to go and you have a child who is of the right age you might be looking at a pony that’s with a producer or in a private home. If you’re wanting a new face you can approach breeders. You’re likely to get more quality for less money if you buy something that is not established.”

I’ve agreed to buy a pony, now what?

It is strongly recommended that you arrange a pre-purchase vetting. As the pony is for a child, asking for a trial period would be sensible, but not all sellers will agree to this. If you do have a pony on trial, it is important that you insure it.

Let the vet know prior to the vetting what you intend to use the pony for so they can assess it with this in mind. If you want the pony for the show ring, ask the vet to inform you of any blemishes or conformational faults which could impact its career, but do bear in mind that vets are not showing judges.

It’s also worth sharing with the vet the age and experience of the junior rider the pony is intended for, and whether you intend to place the pony with a professional producer or have the pony at home, so they can consider on the pony’s temperament during the assessment, too. Small ponies can also be susceptible to laminitis so you may want to ask the vet to consider this risk.

“Whether or not to proceed with a vetting does depend on how experienced you are, for example, would you be able to spot if a pony shows signs of lameness?” Claire says. “If you are in any doubt about anything then cover yourself with a vetting, and it also depends on how much money you are spending on a pony. I’ve had ponies vetted, and others not, though it’s always a gamble when buying a horse or pony.”

For more information, you can read H&H’s ultimate guide to buying a horse.

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How to watch CHIO Aachen from anywhere in the world

Gemma Redrup — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 05:30:18 +0000

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CHIO Aachen is a feast for all equestrian enthusiasts to enjoy. The event, which runs between 27 June and 6 July, hosts world class competition in showjumping, eventing, dressage, driving and vaulting, and if you can’t attend in person, here’s how to watch CHIO Aachen on TV.

The ClipMyHorse.TV streaming service will be showing all of the action from all classes at CHIO Aachen for a fee, but there is also a free livestream for certain aspects of the competition too.

How to watch CHIO Aachen on TV

There will be no terrestrial TV coverage available from this year’s CHIO Aachen in the UK.

A free livestream for showjumping, eventing, dressage and vaulting is available to watch while the classes that are not being shown on German terrestrial TV are running.

You can follow all the live action from the all classes on ClipMyHorse.TV. Subscriptions to this livestream start from £17.33 per month.

Classes will be available to view on demand at ClipMyHorse.TV soon after the completion of the competition, where rider clips will be available to purchase.

German residents will be able to watch the action on terrestrial TV during a variety of times during the week across three channels; WDR, ARF and ZDF. Find out more here.

How to watch CHIO Aachen from anywhere

Not in the UK right now? You don’t have to miss out on any of the action from CHIO Aachen.

How to use a VPN

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access.

3. Then head over to ClipMyHorse on your browser or device and enjoy the livestream.

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We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

The Aachen stadium. (Image credit: Corbis via Getty Images)

Aachen CHIO — an insider’s guide to this equestrian bonanza that should be on everyone’s bucket list

Credit: Future

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Want a standard Shetland? Follow this guide on how to find the perfect pony

Alex Robinson — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 07:30:59 +0000

If you want to buy a Shetland pony for yourself if you’re a small adult or for your child, then this guide with tips from a breeder is good place to start.

What is a Shetland pony?

The Shetland pony is a British native breed of pony that hails from the Shetland Isles. It is a small and hardy breed, standing at no more than 42 inches (107 cms), while their minimum height limit is 28 inches (71.1 cms).

The Shetland Pony Stud Book Society provides a breed standard that describes the ideal type:

Shetland ponies may be any colour known in horses except spotted. The mane and tail hair should be long, straight and profuse.

The head should be small, and in proportion. Ears should be small and erect, wide set but pointing well forward. Forehead should be broad with bold, dark, intelligent eyes. Muzzle must be broad with nostrils wide and open. Teeth and jaw must be correct.

The neck should be properly set onto the shoulder, which in turn should be sloping, not upright, and end in a well defined wither. The body should be strong, with plenty of heart room, well sprung ribs, the loin strong and muscular.

The quarters should be broad and long with the tail set well up on them.

These should have good, flat bone. Strong forearm. Short balanced cannon bone. Springy pasterns.

The thighs should be strong and muscular with well-shaped strong hocks. When viewed from behind, the hindlegs should not be set too widely apart, nor should the hocks be turned in.

Straight and free action using every joint. Tracking up well.

The feet should be tough, round and well shaped.

A most salient and essential feature of the Shetland pony is its general air of vitality (presence), stamina and robustness.

Shetland ponies are shown in small breed ridden mountain and moorland (M&M) classes and currently they compete against Exmoors at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) final. They are popular choices for junior, lead rein and first ridden ponies, too, given their size. Scopey Shetlands have also featured in 122cm working hunter pony classes over the years.

The Shetland Pony Grand National is an organisation that raises money each year for a nominated charity. A number of ponies and their jockeys race at prestigious venues across the country.

Shetland ponies are also a good option for driving exhibits given their temperaments, weight-carrying abilities, stamina and intelligence.

What should I look for when I buy a Shetland pony?

Claire Connor of the Acresdale Prefix has been breeding Shetlands for a decade.

She regularly imports stock from Europe, also selling foals and youngstock to homes in the UK and across the globe. Her ponies have won breed show championships and have also contended HOYS, London International and The Royal International Horse Show under-saddle.

“First and foremost, a Shetland pony needs to have a good temperament, especially if it’s for a child,” Claire says. “No matter how good a quality a pony may be, if it’s not got a level head and trainable willing nature you won’t be able to get the very best out of that pony.”

Alongside this, Claire says it’s important to source a pony from a reputable and knowledgeable breeder who will have ensured the pony has had the best upbringing prior to your acquisition of it: “People might breed or buy a Shetland as they assume they’re funny, cute and small, and while they are, I’ve seen ponies regularly allowed to run riot and perform tricks, such as rearing up at people especially as foals. Once they get into these habits it’s very hard to stop that behaviour and once fully grown can become dangerous.”

Buying from somebody who has given the pony the correct upbringing and education is advised.

“Shetlands, as with any breed, can also have health issues. For example, some ponies can have issues with their mouths. Jaws can be undershot or overshot meaning their teeth do not aline correctly. Even if you’re not wanting to show, a pony with an incorrect mouth could potentially have issues with eating.

“Also look out for incorrect movement and permanent noise in stifle and hock joints. It doesn’t appear to cause pain, but it can cause a pony to move incorrectly and should be avoided if possible.

“Ultimately, the stamp of Shetland you should look for will depend on the job you want the pony to do; If someone is coming to look at a pony I will always ask what job they have in mind. Do you want the pony for a show/ridden role, are you wanting it more as a family pet, or are you wanting to breed from the pony? It is important to look for attributes that would best suit the job in mind. For example Shetland ponies of a heavier stamp with a much shorter back and limb may not be quite as well suited for the ridden show job as your slightly more athletic stamp of Shetland is.

“Many showing people will seek a full-up 42 inch pony, though in my opinion they are overlooking some real quality marginally smaller ponies by having this mindset. Some people become fixated on the height, being willing to compromise on quality in the process; a bit like four white socks are often idealised in the Welsh breeds.”

Where should I buy a Shetland pony from?

There are online sale sites that have Shetland ponies advertised throughout the year.

You can also pursue private sales, or approach breeders, or visit auctions. The official Shetland breed sale is a warranted sale.

“If you are looking for a ready-made child’s pony with miles on the clock, then a private home could be the best option. “If you have the space and inclination, buying a foal is a good idea; you can put your own stamp on it and you will also get a larger variety of choice,” Claire continues. “Breeders are often looking to retain the three or four-year-olds they have run on in their studs, whereas they’re usually more willing to part with some of their best foals that would otherwise have been retained. You can usually get more for your money in the long run by doing this.”

How much should I expect to pay for a pony?

Claire says standard Shetlands are hard to come by these days, which has impacted the market.

“People have stopped breeding as much so there is consequently a huge lack of standard Shetlands, causing the prices to go up,” she says. “On average, you can buy a foal for between £500 and £1500, with the bigger studs often taking less money for one.

“There seems to be less demand for a one or two-year-old, so they’d usually sell for between £1200 and £1800, on average.

“The prices for three and four-year-olds then jump up massively. For a halter broken three-year-old ready to commence education you can be looking for an average of between £2500 and £3500.

“Ridden ponies can also fetch strong money as there is a big market for them; I’ve had ponies that are going under-saddle for sale that I could have sold 40 times over. Shetlands that do a bit of everything, but might not win HOYS, can go for between £8000 and £10,000. At the end of the day, finding the right pony is priceless to some people.”

I’ve agreed to buy a pony, now what?

It is time to organise a pre-purchase vetting, something that is strongly recommended. If the pony is for a child, perhaps asking for a trial period would be sensible, but not all sellers will agree to this.

It’s important to let the vet know prior to the vetting what you intend to use the pony for so they can assess it accordingly. If the pony is for a child, the vet will hopefully keep an eye on the temperament during the assessment, too. Small ponies can be more susceptible to laminitis so ask the vet to consider this risk.

“I would always check teeth, heart, eyes, limbs and stifles,” Claire says. “If you do not feel experienced enough to assess a pony, I do recommend seeking a vetting, even if just a two-stage, or asking for a simple vet check.”

For more information, you can read H&H’s ultimate guide to buying a horse.

Horse flies – and how to deal with pesky horse fly bites

Carol Phillips — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 07:30:57 +0000

Horse flies (Tabinidae) are ever-present pests during the summer, with horse fly bites being a particular problem for horses, and riders, alike. Flies can carry disease and an allergic reaction can result from any fly bite, while all flies cause annoyance and irritation to horses and humans alike – an important consideration when working or competing horses. Methods of protection include horse fly traps, repellents in the forms of sprays and gels, and fly rugs.

What do horse flies look like?

Horse flies are a fairly large, dark, winged insect, that is cylindrical in shape and can measure up to 1in (2.54cm) in length, making them significantly larger than most flies. They have a large head with very large eyes.

A horse fly is a large dark fly that can measure up to an inch in length. (Image credit: Free)

Do horse flies bite?

Female horse flies bite to pierce the skin and feed on a horse – or human’s – blood. They need to drink blood to support their egg production. The insect’s jaw is shaped like scissors and can cut into the skin to access the blood capillaries close to the skin’s surface. Their jaw also has small hooks to help them hold on while sucking the blood, which can make them difficult to dislodge once they have locked on to the skin. The males do not bite – they feed on nectar.

Favourite feeding sites for horse flies include the horse’s underside, legs, neck and withers. They will also bite any exposed areas of human skin. The bites appear as painful papules (pimples) and wheals (small lumps) with a characteristic, central ulcer.

What attracts horse flies?

Horse flies are most active on warm, sultry days and are attracted by dark, rapidly moving objects, sweat and carbon dioxide. As a result dark horses being exercised on warm summer days tend to attract horse flies more so than their lighter counterparts. When protecting horses from flies during turnout, light coloured fly rugs are often used, along with fly repellents and fly traps, such as these on Amazon. These flies will rarely venture into dark areas, so stabling can offer some protection, too.

Where do horse flies live?

The adult horsefly is attracted to areas with moist soil, such as near streams and damp woodland. The females will lay their eggs on wet soil or vegetation that overhangs damp/wet areas so the larvae can burrow into the soft soil and feed on the organic debris and small insects before they transition into the adult fly.

When do horse flies die off?

The flies typically emerge in June and July in the UK and horse fly season lasts throughout the summer months. An individual fly has an adult lifespan of 30–60 days, although the life cycle of the pest is one year.

How to treat horse fly bites

For a one-off bite, apply an ice pack (like this one on Amazon) or bathe with cool, salt water (use a teaspoon of salt to two mugs of water). However, with multiple bites, a mild horse shampoo can help to remove irritating scurf or bacteria and cool the inflamed skin. A topical anti-itch preparation, such as colloidal oatmeal, witch hazel, calamine lotion or zinc oxide cream can also help. In addition, try to prevent the horse making the affected area worse by rubbing. It is rare for a bite to turn septic; if the area is open and weeping, bathe with a mild antiseptic solution, such as Hibiscrub (sold on Amazon), and if this does not help, consult your vet.

How to protect your horse against horse flies

Using barriers, such as anti-midge sweet itch rugs/fly rugs and neck covers, fly masks, fly fringes or other protective gear is a good place to start. If the weather is changeable, a fly rug with water-resistant top panel may be useful, too.

Horse fly repellents

In general, home-made fly repellents are of little benefit against horseflies, as they are robust creatures. Insecticides known as synthetic pyrethroids – especially permethrin or cypermethrin – offer the best solution and can be bought online. Follow the directions on the product, as many are not suitable for daily use and always do a spot test on a small area first to test for sensitivity. Insecticides can be applied to stables and field shelters to help eliminate the insects.

Horse fly traps

There are a range of horse fly traps available that are designed to attract the flies, before trapping the insects to prevent breeding.

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Other types of flies that trouble horses

Black flies (Simuliidae) are small in size (approximately 2–5mm) and breed in rapidly moving water. High-risk times are dawn and dusk during spring and early summer, when stabling may be helpful. These flies commonly feed around the face – particularly inside the ears, where they trigger allergic skin reactions to their saliva, and distract the horse – but also on the horse’s neck and underside. Bites form as painful lumps, often with pin-prick areas of bleeding and crusting.

Synthetic pyrethroid fly sprays can act as a deterrent, although physical barriers such as ear nets and oil-based products – oil of citronella, for example – will discourage these flies from landing on the horse. Petroleum jelly applied inside the ears may prevent the insects biting.

Midges (Culicoides) are 1mm-3mm long and hover in swarms at dawn and dusk. Eggs are laid in standing water, so avoid stagnant areas. Different species of midges feed at different sites on the horse. Classically, mane and tail hairs are broken or rubbed away, exacerbating sweet itch in animals that are allergic to the bites.

Insect repellents can be very effective against these pests. Permethrin-based products are best and should be applied in late afternoon. Oil-based products can be applied several times daily to prevent flies landing. Bringing horses in before dusk and using a fan to create a brisk breeze helps keep midges away, while rugs may also be useful.

Stable flies lay eggs in moist, rotting vegetation – typically, hay or silage that is contaminated with urine, water or manure – so are associated with poor hygiene. They feed on horses’ legs and abdomens, and bites typically appear as itchy or painful wheals or papules with a central crust. The best prevention is to maintain high hygiene standards, but repellents can also be used. Permethrin-based products are most effective directed at the legs.

Other problematic insects include mosquitoes, bees and wasps – these produce uncomfortable bites, as well as causing alarm to horses. While wasps and bees are present throughout the day, mosquitoes are at their worst in the two hours after sunset.

As they are alkaline, wasp stings should be bathed with a dilute acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice. Bee stings, however, are acidic and should be bathed with bicarbonate of soda. The bee leaves its sting behind, so try to remove this with tweezers, as venom will continue to enter the skin. If the stinger is below the surface, it will be shed with normal skin healing.

Other methods to prevent flies

Eliminate puddles and ponds of still water, where midges might breed
Practise good hygiene around the yard
Worm horses against bot flies in winter
Keep horses in when the flies are bad
Use a fan in the stable to blow away flies

You may find these useful…

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

10 of the best fly sprays we’ve put to the test and found to really work

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Find the perfect fly mask to keep your horse comfortable all summer long

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

12 of the best fly rugs that offer horses extra protection from summer pests

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

12 of the best waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘It’s show time’: Shane Breen on how to ride the Hickstead Derby

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 15:30:12 +0000

It’s a unique challenge of skill, ability and bravery, so what does it take to ride round Hickstead’s famous Derby fences? 2022 winner Shane Breen guides us round ahead of this year’s renewal, which takes place on Sunday 22 June

Since the master of Hickstead Douglas Bunn held the first Hickstead Derby in 1961, the class has attracted a succession of the world’s leading athletes and horses ready to bravely tackle its notorious fences, from the fiendishly difficult Devil’s Dyke to the world renowned 10ft 6in Bank.

Clear rounds are remarkably hard to achieve, so what does it take? The 2022 winner of the Hickstead Derby Shane Breen shares his insight.

“There’s nothing quite like trotting into the International Arena at Hickstead to compete in this special class,” says Shane, who won the Hickstead Derby with the sole clear on Can Ya Makan three years ago.

“Many of the experienced horses rise to the occasion, but when the crowd applauds it’s natural for them to get a bit anxious – they know it’s show time. From a rider’s point of view, you’re therefore trying to get them settled and relaxed before the bell rings for you to start.”

If you’re interested in watching the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby action in person, you can buy tickets here.

How to ride the Hickstead Derby, fence by fence

Fence 1: The Cornishman (4ft 8in/1.42m)

“Horses don’t normally spook at a fence like this; even Hickstead Derby newcomers will have jumped a similar brick wall. Never dismiss it though – one year John Ledingham and Kilbaha did a funny slip coming into it in the jump-off and knocked the rustic pole off the top. You can’t take anything for granted around the Hickstead Derby.”

Fence 2: white oxer (4ft 3in/1.30m high and 6ft 6in/1.98m wide)

“You have to steer around the Irish bank to get to this oxer of white poles, so the horses don’t see it until quite late. It’s not that high but it is very wide, so you can’t just waltz round the corner under-paced and expect them to clear it. Some horses can get a bit high over it because they’re not used to seeing Christmas trees in a jump like that, but again it’s Derby day so people have schooled and prepared – the course hasn’t changed for 60 years so you can do your homework.”

Fence 3a and b: double of water ditches (5ft/1.52m and 5ft 2in/1.57m)

“These are all about straightness, the approach and good rhythm. The fences are very tall and if it’s a sunny day you can get glare off the water underneath, so with that, the blue of the water and the white rails, you do have to focus to see the poles. The ground is running downhill, so you need to keep your leg on but sit tall.

“You land and you’ve one stride before the second obstacle, which is exactly like the first but even bigger. They’re a bit like jumping two triple bars because from take-off to clearing the top rail is such a stretch. You need to meet the first fence on a good stride with good pace so the second one comes easy – miss it and the second one feels twice as big and wide!”

Fence 4: black gate (5ft 3in/1.60m)

“The Hickstead Derby’s time allowed is generous, but almost everyone turns inside the balustrade to get to the gate because you’re giving yourself a bit of extra time if you need to be patient later on, at the Bank, say. So you swing left, then you keep straight before you do a nice flying change to the right. The gate is maximum height and falls easily, so it takes precision, but it’s also placed beside the pond, which doesn’t seem to give the horses any problems but it’s down to the rider to get a nice rhythm, very balanced and a good stride. You rarely see gates in jumping tracks nowadays but it does jump well.”

Fence 5: wall (5ft 3in/1.60m)

“Similarly the wall is one of the tallest on course, with an arch underneath, but very rarely do you see a horse take a brick off. The fence is lighter than years before when it was chunkier and wider.”

Fence 6: privet hedge oxer (4ft 11in/1.50m high and 6ft 6in/1.98m wide)

“It’s wide and those poles are about 16 ft long, which is remarkable. You’re coming away from the in-gate, so again you need to make sure your rhythm is correct and you’re on a good stride to make it easy for the horse to clear it – there’s still a long way to go, so you don’t want them having to overexert themselves at this stage.”

Fence 7a and b: road jump (5ft/1.52m and 5ft 2in/1.57m)

“You’re drawn here nicely on a line from the hedge and again the poles here are so long that every horse seems to hit it in the middle. You jump onto the higher ground, then there are three strides across the top before you jump out, and you can really feel the drop.”

Fence 8: Derby bank (3ft 5in/1.04m rail followed by 10ft 6in/3.20m drop)

The Derby bank.

“You’ve a bit of time now to fix your hat or give your horse a reassuring pat on the neck. You’re in your own little world, but you can feel the hush of the crowd waiting to see how you’ll execute the Bank. You canter up and ideally you just pop over the fence at the top to give you time to steady up before the drop – the fence is small in comparison with everything else, but it’s still big enough, especially situated up there, to warrant respect.

“Obviously you won’t have schooled over a bank with those kind of dimensions but everybody will have prepared down a bank of some description because you want your horse to be really confident so that when you’ve come to a standstill at the top, there’s no risk of them stepping back, or even putting too much pressure on and going down too quick.

“When he makes the initial descent with his front legs, he should know to gently follow on until halfway down before he pops off the side of it. I’ve ridden it the same way every year – pop the fence, steady up, talk to the horse, let them do their thing.”

Fence 9: white rails (5ft 3in/1.60m)

“It doesn’t always go smoothly, of course, but the perfect descent allows you two very nice normal strides to the rails, which are tall. If you’re clear over them, it’s a very welcome round of applause! But you have to block that out because this is where you need to steer your route carefully to the Devil’s Dyke.”

Fence 10a, b and c: Devil’s Dyke (4ft 9in/1.45m, 4ft 9in/1.45m and 4ft 8in/1.42m)

“Opinion is divided here, some go to the left of the road jump, some go to the right but keep away from the crowds, but in the last few years I’ve come to the right of the road jump and cantered all the way up along the rail. I try to go far enough along that when I come off the fence, I’ve four strides.

“Horses tend to drift right through the Dyke because of the camber, so I jump the opening fence slightly left of centre, so they’ll hit the b part in the middle, hoping they’ll only be slightly right of centre for the c element. It’s also quite a steep drop from take-off to landing over fence a, which catches the horse’s eye, taking their attention away from the pole and that’s when you can have a fault. It really is a combination like no other.”

Fence 11: open water (15ft/5.6m wide)

“By this point, horses have had two out-of-the-ordinary experiences with the Bank and Devil’s Dyke so it’s time for you both to take a deep breath, especially if you’re still clear. There’s a 3m rise in gradient from the bottom of the arena to the Master’s Box, so you’re travelling uphill at this point so you don’t want to set off at the water too early.

“I find you’re better off to get up the hill, then when you turn for the water, pick up the distance you want and kick on! Water jumps can cause horses to spook and wobble in normal jumping classes, but interestingly in the Derby the water doesn’t seem to cause any trouble.”

Fence 12: Derby rails (5ft 3in/1.60m)

“After the water you have 10 or 11 strides to the very tall Derby rails – most people seem to jump it on the right hand side of its five sections because it’s then a tight enough turn back to the dry ditch.”

Fence 13: dry ditch (5ft 1in/1.55m high, 6ft /1.8m wide ditch)

“Dimension-wise, this is quite similar to fence three, the double of water ditches – it’s quite a stretch but if the horses are confident about jumping the dry ditch, they normally clear it well.”

Fence 14: balustrades (5ft 3in/1.60m)

“Seven or eight strides later – which is purely down to the rider’s discretion and I’ve done both, but eight strides is my preference as it keeps you more balanced – the balustrades normally jump well. However, you’re travelling downhill again and if the horses are getting a bit tired, they can land over the dry ditch on their forehand.”

Fence 15a and b: double of gates (4ft 10in/1.47m and second element 5ft 6in/1.68m wide)

“You’re turning left-handed to go back up the arena, so you want to try to get a tired horse nicely collected, with good power in the hindlegs, to jump the first gate, then it’s one stride and a stretch over the second gate with a pole out the back. It’s wide, and horses tend to back off the gates, so it’s quite an effort for a horse who has made a lot of effort already in the last 85 seconds!”

Fence 16: rustic oxer (4ft 10in/1.47m high, 6ft 6in/1.98m wide)

“I wouldn’t go looking at the time here, but depending on your horse or whether you’ve had a delay earlier on, you might check it as you reach the home straight. It takes time to get to the final big, brown oxer with Christmas trees in the middle, because you’re coming round the water jump, making it easier to find your line.

“There are four sections and it’s quite long, which is good because it means you can ride at it a bit – but you also have to keep your cool and ride it like it’s fence two, not like you’re about to win the Derby! It ain’t over till the fat lady sings and that big oxer requires your full attention. Your horse has helped you over the previous 15 fences and you’re a partnership so don’t let your guard down here – it’s your turn to support him and help the horse jump it.

“Riders tend to pick one of the uprights to aim at because the poles are flush with the uprights, which encourages a horse to jump a bit higher. If you land and you’re clear, there’s a great cheer from the packed stands – there really is no better feeling.”

Heading to Hickstead? Don’t miss some great shopping…

There are more than 120 tradestands, up 10% from last year, for you to get stuck into if you’re heading to the Hickstead Derby meeting this week (19–22 June).

From fashion to street food, there’s something for everyone, so don’t miss out.

Has this whetted your appetite? Buy tickets to the Hickstead Derby meeting now

If you’d like to head to the Hickstead Derby meeting this week, you can buy tickets here.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Credit: Peter Nixon

How to watch Hickstead 2025 live streams: your armchair viewing guide

William Whitaker jumps the second of three fences that make up the Devil’s Dyke. (Image credit: Boots and Hooves)

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Hickstead Derby legend Michael Whitaker is a four-time winner of the iconic class, including a hat-trick with Monsanta in 1991, 1992 and 1993. (Image credit: TI MEDIA)

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Credit: Future

How to watch Royal Ascot 2025 live streams and TV coverage: your armchair viewing guide

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 10:32:43 +0000

Horse & Hound is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Learn more

Flat racing fans who want to watch the live action from Royal Ascot (17-21 June) will need to tune into ITV or a free livestream. With over seven hours’ live footage on the main ITV channel, ITV Racing will be covering five races on each day of the five-day meeting, plus there are plenty of livestream options to choose from too.

Here’s our full TV guide so you don’t miss a moment of the action…

ITV and the ITVX streaming service will be showing all Royal Ascot races for free in the UK. If you’re abroad, and trying to watch ITVX like you normally would back in the UK, then you can use a VPN. Check out NordVPN, where you can get 72% off, plus a £50 Amazon gift card and a 30-day money back guarantee, and follow the instructions below.

Royal Ascot on TV: how to watch

ITV is the place for UK audiences to watch Royal Ascot, with most of the races from the meeting being streamed for free on ITVX. There is also an ITVX app that works on almost all smart devices. Just search for the app on any device, phone or console you have. You will also be able to watch on both the ITV and ITV4 channels on TV.

Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani will host the live TV coverage which runs from 1.30pm to 6pm each day from Tuesday 17 June to Saturday 21 June.

They will be joined by former jockey and expert Jason Weaver with Adele Mulrennan, plus many other top racing names during the meeting.

Oli Bell, Rishi Persad and Matt Chapman will be out and about on course daily, with Luke Harvey down at the starts. Brian Gleeson will be in the betting ring with Richard Hoiles and Mark Johnson commentating on the 35 races. Good Morning Britain’s Charlotte Hawkins and Lorraine’s Mark Heyes will be taking in all the colour and action around the famous enclosures. Brough Scott and Kevin Blake also join the team throughout the week.

The Opening Show will be presented by Oli Bell on all five days, and he will be joined across the week by Matt Chapman, Rishi Persad, Adele Mulrennan, Megan Nicholls and other guests. They will be out on track every morning with all the latest news and previewing all the day’s big races.

You can also watch the action live via the pay-for channel, Sky Sports Racing.

What time does Royal Ascot start?

The ITV Racing Royal Ascot coverage will show racing between 1.30pm and 6.30pm between the main ITV channel and ITV4.

ITV’s Morning Show will be shown between 9.30am and 10.30am each morning of the meeting.

The full 2025 Royal Ascot racecard is as follows.

Tuesday 17 June — Queen Anne Stakes, King Charles III Stakes and St. Jame’s Palace Stakes day

ITV4 – The Opening Show – 9.30-10.30am

ITV – live racing – 1.30-6pm

ITV4 – live racing – 5.50-6.30pm

Wednesday 18 June — Prince Of Wales’s Stakes day

ITV4 – The Opening Show – 9.30-10.30am

ITV4 – live racing – 1.30-6pm

ITV4 – live racing – 5.50-6.30pm

Thursday 19 June — Gold Cup day

ITV4 – The Opening Show – 9.30-10.30am

ITV – live racing – 1.30-6pm

ITV4 – live racing – 5.50-6.30pm

Friday 20 June — Commonwealth Cup and Coronation Stakes day

ITV4 – The Opening Show – 9.30-10.30am

ITV – live racing – 1.30-6pm

ITV4 – live racing – 5.50-6.30pm

Saturday 21 June — Diamond Jubilee Stakes day

ITV4 – The Opening Show – 9.30-10.30am

ITV – live racing – 1.30-6pm

ITV4 – live racing – 5.50-6.30pm

How to watch Royal Ascot from anywhere

Not in the UK right now? You don’t have to miss out on any of the action from Royal Ascot. ITVX is geo-restricted, meaning it doesn’t usually work outside of the UK, but a VPN is a simple and safe way around this.

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How do I bet at Royal Ascot?

Online betting companies will be clamouring for your custom during Royal Ascot so look out for some of their promotional deals for new customers which include everything from a free bet to giving your money back if your horse loses. You’ll need to deposit some money into your betting account, choose a race, select your horse (you could study the form, or you could simply pick your lucky number of favourite colour from the jockeys’ silks) and the type of bet — then get ready to cheer!

Get £10 in FREE bets
Want to place a bet at Royal Ascot? Sign up to Betway and receive a £10 welcome bet.View Deal

We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Download and install the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access – UK for ITV.

3. Then head over to your streaming service on your device and enjoy the live stream.

Don’t miss the full report from Royal Ascot 2025 in the 26 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine, plus we will be bringing you all of the top stories from the meeting as and when they happen on horseandhound.co.uk

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to watch Hickstead 2025 live streams: your armchair viewing guide

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:30:03 +0000

Horse & Hound is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Learn more

The first major show to be held at Hickstead this year is the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting (19-22 June), and if you can’t attend in person, here’s how to watch Hickstead on TV.

There will be a huge number of showjumping classes, culminating in the iconic Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby on Sunday 22 June, as well as the usual showing and carriage driving classes.

The ClipMyHorse.TV streaming service will be showing all of the action from the International Arena at Hickstead for a fee in the UK. If you’re abroad, and trying to watch ClipMyHorse.TV like you normally would back in the UK, then you can use a VPN. Check out NordVPN, where you can get 72% off, plus a £50 Amazon gift card and a 30-day money back guarantee, and follow the instructions below.

How to watch Hickstead on TV

There will be no terrestrial TV coverage available from this year’s Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting.

You can follow all the live action from the International Arena at Hickstead on ClipMyHorse.TV. Subscriptions to this livestream start from £17.33 per month.

Classes will be available to view on demand at ClipMyHorse.TV soon after the completion of the competition, where rider clips will be available to purchase.

How to watch Hickstead from anywhere

Not in the UK right now? You don’t have to miss out on any of the action from Hickstead.

How to use a VPN

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access.

3. Then head over to ClipMyHorse on your browser or device and enjoy the livestream.

Save 72%, plus get a £50 Amazon gift card with NordVPN
Use this secure VPN to access the Hickstead live stream from anywhere in the world. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.View Deal

We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

William Whitaker jumps the second of three fences that make up the Devil’s Dyke. (Image credit: Boots and Hooves)

Advance tickets for the Hickstead Derby meeting are now on sale

Hickstead Derby legend Michael Whitaker is a four-time winner of the iconic class, including a hat-trick with Monsanta in 1991, 1992 and 1993. (Image credit: TI MEDIA)

Hickstead Derby legend bids for historic comeback: ‘A fifth one would be nice!’

Credit: Future

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to buy the perfect Welsh section B pony including what to look for and where to start your search

Alex Robinson — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 07:30:48 +0000

If you are hoping to buy a Welsh section B pony, this guide with advice from a top breeder should help you start your search for the right one

What is a Welsh section B?

The Welsh section B pony is one of the four Welsh breeds. It is the finer and arguably most athletic of the sections. The section B cannot exceed 13.2hh (137.2cm) in height but you regularly see smaller breed representatives out and about.

According to the Welsh Pony and Cob Association (WPCS): “The general description of ponies in section A of the stud book is applicable to those in section B. But more particularly the section B pony shall be described as a riding pony, with quality, riding action, adequate bone and substance, hardiness and constitution and with pony character.”

They can be described as the more refined and taller version of the section A. The B was developed by breeding mountain ponies with Hackney, Arab and thoroughbred influences.

The section B was added to the stud book in 1931 and the WPCS provides the same breed standard as the section A with the above characteristics:

Head: Small, clean-cut, well set on and tapering to the muzzle

Ears: Well placed, small and pointed, well up on the head, proportionately close

Neck: Lengthy, well carried and moderately lean in the case of mares, but inclined to be cresty in the case of mature stallions

Shoulders: Long and sloping well back. Withers moderately fine, but not “knifey”. The humerus upright so that the foreleg is not set in under the body.

Forelegs: Set square and true, and not tied in at the elbows. Long, strong forearm, well developed knee, short flat bone below knee, pasterns of proportionate slope and length, feet well-shaped and round, hoofs dense.

Back and loins: Muscular, strong and well coupled

Hind quarters: Lengthy and fine. Not ragged or goose-rumped. Tail well set on and carried gaily.

Hind legs: Hocks to be large, flat and clean with points prominent, to turn neither inwards nor outwards. The hind legs not to be too bent. The hock not to be set behind a line from the point of the quarter to the fetlock joint. Pasterns of proportionate slope and length. Feet well-shaped, hooves dense.

They have straighter, more low and long striding movement than the A, C and D sections arguably with a more pointed toe, though they still need to have appropriate hock action from behind.

What should I look for in a Welsh section B?

Hayley Grota runs the successful Cadlan Valley Stud alongside her parents, Howell and Yvonne Davies. Hayley’s daughter, Libby, currently competes the home-bred ponies under-saddle.

Ponies with the Cadlan Valley prefix have won at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), Royal International and Olympia.

“Conformation and breed type are the most important things to look for in a quality Welsh section B,” says Hayley. “I like a section B to possess Welsh pony characteristics, too, as well as plenty of substance and limb, two things a lot of ponies have lost over the years, which in turn has meant they’ve lost some of their hardiness.

“Today, a lot of Bs are weak in their hind legs; they move in front but they don’t move from behind. I like a pony to really use itself from the back end. Adding to this, I would never buy a section B that looks like a show pony, unless you intend it for this class; I like a pony with substance, limb and bone.”

What can I do with a Welsh section B?

Welsh section Bs are versatile and they can fare well in multiple jobs due to their athleticism and level temperaments.

Welsh section Bs have their own final at Horse of the Year Show. Sometimes they compete against Welsh section As or against other small breeds.

Many modern section Bs are also successful in plaited showing classes, standing at the top of show hunter pony and plaited working hunter pony line ups at championship level.

Smaller section Bs can make good first ridden ponies, and the breed is also a popular choice for native working hunter classes due to their natural scope and stamp.

“Welsh Bs are highly popular, both in the UK but especially in the USA,” Hayley notes.

Where should I buy a Welsh section B pony from?

There are online sale sites such as Whickr that have Welsh section B ponies advertised throughout the year.

“I advise you to do research into certain bloodlines and types that you like,” Hayley says. “Buying direct from a breeder, especially if you are looking for a youngster, is a good way of sourcing exactly what you want. Do your research and look at the back breeding of certain ponies you like that are out and about on the circuit.

“Usually, good families pass on their temperaments, which is ultimately the most important thing if you’re looking for a ridden pony. For example, if we had a stallion that didn’t have the best attitude we would not use him again.”

How much should I expect to pay?

As with all breeds and types of horses and ponies, the price you will be looking to pay for an animal will depend on your own personal budget, the competition CV of said horse or pony and the level of the sales market at the time.

“A two or three-year-old Welsh section B pony that is nice but that is not going to be a world beater could still fetch anything from between £2,500 to £3,000,” Hayley says. “If you have a youngster that is a bit more special then you’re looking at prices from £5,000 upwards, especially if the pony has done some winning in-hand.

“When it comes to older ponies with competition records they can go for anything over five figures. I have spoken to people who have sold HOYS-level Welsh section B ponies for up to £25,000. I do think breeders will sometimes sell ponies for less money, especially if they know the home is knowledgeable.”

I’ve bought a pony, now what?

If the pony is for a child, the vet will hopefully keep an eye on the temperament during the assessment, too. Small ponies can be more susceptible to laminitis so ask the vet to consider this risk.

“We have been doing this long enough that we don’t tend to have unbroken ponies vetted as we can look at their teeth and limbs, and we have a friend who is a vet who is always willing to provide advice on certain aspects I might be worried about,” Hayley says. “I know people who have had ponies vetted and something has gone wrong later down the line, and I’ve also known ponies that fail the vet but have gone on to be great with no issues.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the season, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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