<![CDATA[ Latest from Horse & Hound in Equine ]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/equine Sun, 30 Aug 2026 06:05:00 +0000 en <![CDATA[ Teamwork, patience and a ‘remarkably capable horse’: lifeboat crew to the rescue as horse stranded by rapidly rising tide ]]> A horse – and a fisherman – in danger of being stranded by a rapidly rising tide have been saved, in one of the Gravesend Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s most unusual rescues.

The volunteer crew of the Atlantic 85 lifeboat was returning from a training exercise on 19 July, when a call came in from the Coastguard River. A member of the public had called to report a horse and rider stuck on the Thames foreshore at Tilbury Fort.

Thames commander Stewart Challis, the duty commander on the day, told H&H the crew was already at sea, so able to respond very quickly.

“On arrival, it became clear the situation was somewhat different from the original report,” he said. “The horse was not being ridden and neither the horse nor the person alongside it was trapped in mud. The individual was a fisherman who had gone on to the foreshore in an attempt to prevent an escaped horse from getting into further difficulty.

“Although neither was stuck, both were at risk of being cut off by the rapidly rising tide.”

One of the crew went ashore to work with the Kent Fire and Rescue animal rescue team on a plan to rescue the horse and keep everyone safe.

Little experience of human contact

“It soon became apparent that the horse had little experience of human contact,” Mr Challis said.

“Before long, the horse’s owners arrived and attempted to fit a temporary harness to lead it to safety. But by this stage the tide had risen significantly, leaving no dry route back to land, and the horse was reluctant to approach anyone. It eventually entered a relatively shallow area of water, belly-deep in places, before making its way to another section of the foreshore.”

Everyone moved away from the area and a crew member went nearer the horse to try to encourage it to safety.

“Dressed in bright yellow rescue gear, he was hardly the most reassuring sight to an already nervous animal!” Mr Challis said. “The horse continued moving away from the crew member, gradually heading towards safety, until it encountered a narrow gap in railings spanning a storm drain. Unwilling to pass through the gap, it stopped and remained on the wrong side of the obstacle.

“At this point, the horse’s owners tried to approach the animal with a harness. The horse, however, had other ideas! Rather than allow itself to be caught, it entered the water and began swimming around the storm drain. It was a remarkable sight.

“Despite the strong incoming tide, the horse swam confidently with only its head visible above the water. I was surprised how well a horse could swim against the tide. The lifeboat crew positioned themselves at a safe distance, close enough to discourage the horse from venturing further into deeper, faster-moving water, but far enough away to avoid causing additional distress.”

A dark bay horse swimming in a river, taken from a lifeboat

(Image credit: Gravesend RNLI)

After about 100m, the horse got to a grassy area out of immediate reach of the tide, but was still stuck the wrong side of the sea wall.

The lifeboat crew member, fire service team and the horse’s owners encouraged it deeper into Bill Meroy Creek, where it was finally caught.

“What followed was another surprising sight,” Mr Challis said. “The horse was successfully led up a metal staircase and over the sea wall to safety.

“With the horse finally on the correct side of the sea wall and all personnel safely clear of the foreshore, the crew recovered their colleague from the shore and returned to station.”

Mr Challis said it later emerged that the horse had first been spotted some distance away. Walkers had tried to stop it going towards the foreshore but it was spooked and moved further in the wrong direction until it had to be rescued.

“To my knowledge this was the first horse rescue by Gravesend RNLI,” he added. “One of my colleagues said ‘That’s the first time I have ever needed to use an Atlantic 85 lifeboat to corral a horse’! Gravesend lifeboat has, however, been tasked to a number of other animals including dogs and swans. We have also helped waterlogged pigeons and gulls too. Every life matters, especially if we prevent members of the public putting themselves at risk to try and rescue an animal.”

Mr Challis said rescuing animals always comes with the challenge that the animals do not understand help is at hand, and can be unpredictable.

Caution and respect

“For that reason, rescue teams treat animals with caution and respect, maintaining safe distances wherever possible to avoid causing further stress or harm,” he said.

“In this case, the horse ultimately played a significant role in its own rescue. Nevertheless, without the coordinated efforts of the RNLI, HM Coastguard, the fire and rescue service and the horse’s owners, it may not have found its way back to safety.

“Incidents involving animals also carry another important consideration. Time and again, people instinctively place themselves at risk in an attempt to save a beloved pet or animal. While we never want to see an animal in distress, we are equally concerned about the safety of those who may feel compelled to help. That is why the RNLI responds to reports of animals in danger, not only to assist the animal itself but also to prevent well-intentioned members of the public from putting themselves in harm’s way.

“On this occasion, thanks to teamwork, patience and a remarkably capable horse, the story ended with everyone safely back on dry land.”

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/gravesend-rnli-rescue-horse-thames ht4mReNY5ZuiFSD6tYCXWo Sun, 30 Aug 2026 06:05:00 +0000 false false false

A horse – and a fisherman – in danger of being stranded by a rapidly rising tide have been saved, in one of the Gravesend Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s most unusual rescues.

The volunteer crew of the Atlantic 85 lifeboat was returning from a training exercise on 19 July, when a call came in from the Coastguard River. A member of the public had called to report a horse and rider stuck on the Thames foreshore at Tilbury Fort.

Thames commander Stewart Challis, the duty commander on the day, told H&H the crew was already at sea, so able to respond very quickly.

“On arrival, it became clear the situation was somewhat different from the original report,” he said. “The horse was not being ridden and neither the horse nor the person alongside it was trapped in mud. The individual was a fisherman who had gone on to the foreshore in an attempt to prevent an escaped horse from getting into further difficulty.

“Although neither was stuck, both were at risk of being cut off by the rapidly rising tide.”

One of the crew went ashore to work with the Kent Fire and Rescue animal rescue team on a plan to rescue the horse and keep everyone safe.

Little experience of human contact

“It soon became apparent that the horse had little experience of human contact,” Mr Challis said.

“Before long, the horse’s owners arrived and attempted to fit a temporary harness to lead it to safety. But by this stage the tide had risen significantly, leaving no dry route back to land, and the horse was reluctant to approach anyone. It eventually entered a relatively shallow area of water, belly-deep in places, before making its way to another section of the foreshore.”

Everyone moved away from the area and a crew member went nearer the horse to try to encourage it to safety.

“Dressed in bright yellow rescue gear, he was hardly the most reassuring sight to an already nervous animal!” Mr Challis said. “The horse continued moving away from the crew member, gradually heading towards safety, until it encountered a narrow gap in railings spanning a storm drain. Unwilling to pass through the gap, it stopped and remained on the wrong side of the obstacle.

“At this point, the horse’s owners tried to approach the animal with a harness. The horse, however, had other ideas! Rather than allow itself to be caught, it entered the water and began swimming around the storm drain. It was a remarkable sight.

“Despite the strong incoming tide, the horse swam confidently with only its head visible above the water. I was surprised how well a horse could swim against the tide. The lifeboat crew positioned themselves at a safe distance, close enough to discourage the horse from venturing further into deeper, faster-moving water, but far enough away to avoid causing additional distress.”

A dark bay horse swimming in a river, taken from a lifeboat

(Image credit: Gravesend RNLI)

After about 100m, the horse got to a grassy area out of immediate reach of the tide, but was still stuck the wrong side of the sea wall.

The lifeboat crew member, fire service team and the horse’s owners encouraged it deeper into Bill Meroy Creek, where it was finally caught.

“What followed was another surprising sight,” Mr Challis said. “The horse was successfully led up a metal staircase and over the sea wall to safety.

“With the horse finally on the correct side of the sea wall and all personnel safely clear of the foreshore, the crew recovered their colleague from the shore and returned to station.”

Mr Challis said it later emerged that the horse had first been spotted some distance away. Walkers had tried to stop it going towards the foreshore but it was spooked and moved further in the wrong direction until it had to be rescued.

“To my knowledge this was the first horse rescue by Gravesend RNLI,” he added. “One of my colleagues said ‘That’s the first time I have ever needed to use an Atlantic 85 lifeboat to corral a horse’! Gravesend lifeboat has, however, been tasked to a number of other animals including dogs and swans. We have also helped waterlogged pigeons and gulls too. Every life matters, especially if we prevent members of the public putting themselves at risk to try and rescue an animal.”

Mr Challis said rescuing animals always comes with the challenge that the animals do not understand help is at hand, and can be unpredictable.

Caution and respect

“For that reason, rescue teams treat animals with caution and respect, maintaining safe distances wherever possible to avoid causing further stress or harm,” he said.

“In this case, the horse ultimately played a significant role in its own rescue. Nevertheless, without the coordinated efforts of the RNLI, HM Coastguard, the fire and rescue service and the horse’s owners, it may not have found its way back to safety.

“Incidents involving animals also carry another important consideration. Time and again, people instinctively place themselves at risk in an attempt to save a beloved pet or animal. While we never want to see an animal in distress, we are equally concerned about the safety of those who may feel compelled to help. That is why the RNLI responds to reports of animals in danger, not only to assist the animal itself but also to prevent well-intentioned members of the public from putting themselves in harm’s way.

“On this occasion, thanks to teamwork, patience and a remarkably capable horse, the story ended with everyone safely back on dry land.”

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> <![CDATA[ Six days in hospital and serious injuries: this is the impact of driving too fast past a horse ]]> Police are hunting the van driver whose speed caused a horse to spook and trample her fallen rider, causing serious injuries.

Hannah Green suffered a broken rib, lacerated liver and internal bleeding when her thoroughbred Winnie stood on her in Melksham, Wiltshire, on 31 July. Hannah told H&H the driver did not stop.

“It all happened so fast,” she said. “I didn’t even really see the van as he went past so fast, and Winnie just went straight up.”

Hannah said there is a lay-by area outside her yard on Lower Woodrow Road so riders can close the gate then use a mounting block to get on.

“I was just on and she’s a typical racehorse who wants to walk straight away but she only went two steps, stopped at the front of the drive, and this van came whizzing past,” she said.

“It might not have been on purpose because he didn’t see us because of the hedges but it just freaked her out. She reared up, ran backwards, hit the gate, which freaked her out even more.

“She shot out across the road, fell down the ditch, and when she came out, I came off. She ran over me, fell down the ditch on the same side as the yard, then ran down the road.”

Luckily, Winnie turned and came back to the yard drive rather than carrying on along the road. Hannah called her husband, and she was taken to hospital.

Taken to hospital

“My friend said to my husband: ‘I don’t know where Hannah or the horse is, so be careful going round the corners’,” she said. “A man on a pushbike got to me first, then a lady in a car, and another man held Winnie. I got taken by ambulance to Bath hospital; they scanned me and found I was internally bleeding so I was transferred to Southmead, and spent six days there.”

Hannah had to spend another five days on bed rest at home, except a very minor trip to the yard when a chiropractor came to check her.

“I was there as Winnie had kissing spines surgery last July and I wanted to make sure she was ok,” she said. “She was out in her hips and shoulders but she sorted her out and gave her the green light, and a friend’s ridden her for me. I’ve had to have friends looking after her.”

Hannah hopes to start riding again next month if she is recovered enough. She added that there are already horse warning signs on that stretch of road, as there are a few yards there.

60mph speed limit

“The speed limit is 60mph and it needs to be lower, and have more horse signs, as there are six yards on that bit of toad,” she said. “I have spoken to the rural police team and they’ve given me some British Horse Society signs and I’ve got to speak to the yard owner about putting them up.

“It could have been so much worse; if the people in the car had been that much closer, they would have hit us.”

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said officers would like to hear from anyone who saw the incident or may have dashcam footage of the van. It is described as white with brown markings on the side.

“We’d also like to remind drivers of the importance of passing horses wide and slow, keeping at least two metres’ distance and reducing speed to a maximum of 10mph,” he said.

“If you can help, please email PC Hosken at 70915@wiltshire.police.uk quoting reference 54260097384.”

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/impact-of-speeding-past-horses boSo5WnCQj5WMEnZtuSDfk Sat, 29 Aug 2026 06:05:00 +0000 false false false

Police are hunting the van driver whose speed caused a horse to spook and trample her fallen rider, causing serious injuries.

Hannah Green suffered a broken rib, lacerated liver and internal bleeding when her thoroughbred Winnie stood on her in Melksham, Wiltshire, on 31 July. Hannah told H&H the driver did not stop.

“It all happened so fast,” she said. “I didn’t even really see the van as he went past so fast, and Winnie just went straight up.”

Hannah said there is a lay-by area outside her yard on Lower Woodrow Road so riders can close the gate then use a mounting block to get on.

“I was just on and she’s a typical racehorse who wants to walk straight away but she only went two steps, stopped at the front of the drive, and this van came whizzing past,” she said.

“It might not have been on purpose because he didn’t see us because of the hedges but it just freaked her out. She reared up, ran backwards, hit the gate, which freaked her out even more.

“She shot out across the road, fell down the ditch, and when she came out, I came off. She ran over me, fell down the ditch on the same side as the yard, then ran down the road.”

Luckily, Winnie turned and came back to the yard drive rather than carrying on along the road. Hannah called her husband, and she was taken to hospital.

Taken to hospital

“My friend said to my husband: ‘I don’t know where Hannah or the horse is, so be careful going round the corners’,” she said. “A man on a pushbike got to me first, then a lady in a car, and another man held Winnie. I got taken by ambulance to Bath hospital; they scanned me and found I was internally bleeding so I was transferred to Southmead, and spent six days there.”

Hannah had to spend another five days on bed rest at home, except a very minor trip to the yard when a chiropractor came to check her.

“I was there as Winnie had kissing spines surgery last July and I wanted to make sure she was ok,” she said. “She was out in her hips and shoulders but she sorted her out and gave her the green light, and a friend’s ridden her for me. I’ve had to have friends looking after her.”

Hannah hopes to start riding again next month if she is recovered enough. She added that there are already horse warning signs on that stretch of road, as there are a few yards there.

60mph speed limit

“The speed limit is 60mph and it needs to be lower, and have more horse signs, as there are six yards on that bit of toad,” she said. “I have spoken to the rural police team and they’ve given me some British Horse Society signs and I’ve got to speak to the yard owner about putting them up.

“It could have been so much worse; if the people in the car had been that much closer, they would have hit us.”

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said officers would like to hear from anyone who saw the incident or may have dashcam footage of the van. It is described as white with brown markings on the side.

“We’d also like to remind drivers of the importance of passing horses wide and slow, keeping at least two metres’ distance and reducing speed to a maximum of 10mph,” he said.

“If you can help, please email PC Hosken at 70915@wiltshire.police.uk quoting reference 54260097384.”

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> <![CDATA[ Steps taken to unite jousting’s voice and make it a recognised sport ]]> Steps are being taken to give the sport of jousting a “united voice”, run modern tournaments, raise the sport’s profile and engage new fans and participants.

International jouster Emma Pearn and her team-mate Mike Collin have set up Full Tilt, and are running their first tournament on 12–13 September. This includes a category for new jousters; equestrians who are not from a historical or re-enactment background.

Emma told H&H one of Full Tilt’s long-term aims is to set up a governing body, to share best practice and standardise rules and equipment.

“We’re not there yet but we’re trying to get the rest of the jousting community on board, raising awareness of what we’re looking to do,” she said. “Mike and I don’t have all the answers so we’re looking to make this a collective effort.”

The pair have set up a group for international jousters, trying to co-ordinate events to avoid date clashes and share best practice.

Another main aim is to make the sport accessible to more riders.

“Since jousting’s made its resurgence, people have come almost exclusively from the historical, re-enactment worlds,” she said. “But we’re trying to open avenues for strong riders and try to give them routes in.”

A post shared by @fulltiltjousting

A photo posted by

Emma added that the ambition is for jousting to be a recognised sport, with standards, rules and a welfare focus, as the other disciplines have.

“We want to make it safer, better, more accessible and to do more of it,” she said, adding that anyone new coming into equestrianism, as a participant or spectator, is good for the industry.

She and Mike are also looking into VAR (video assistant referee) technology to support judges and to share top performances. This will be trialled at next month’s tournament; this first one is not open to the public, as details are being ironed out, but attracting audiences for jousting as competition rather than historical display is a big aim.

“We’re trying to show it as more of a modern sport and move away from the history; we’ve taken inspiration from other sports,” she said. “It’s very early days but we’ll hopefully communicate jousting in a different way, make it feel a lot more modern and fresh. It’s getting away from ‘Good knight versus bad knight’ to something that’s a lot more serious, a lot more high octane and hopefully a lot more fun too.”

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/jousting-sport qa4sNnco4MiSPu4JsonoTX Sat, 29 Aug 2026 06:05:00 +0000 false false false

Steps are being taken to give the sport of jousting a “united voice”, run modern tournaments, raise the sport’s profile and engage new fans and participants.

International jouster Emma Pearn and her team-mate Mike Collin have set up Full Tilt, and are running their first tournament on 12–13 September. This includes a category for new jousters; equestrians who are not from a historical or re-enactment background.

Emma told H&H one of Full Tilt’s long-term aims is to set up a governing body, to share best practice and standardise rules and equipment.

“We’re not there yet but we’re trying to get the rest of the jousting community on board, raising awareness of what we’re looking to do,” she said. “Mike and I don’t have all the answers so we’re looking to make this a collective effort.”

The pair have set up a group for international jousters, trying to co-ordinate events to avoid date clashes and share best practice.

Another main aim is to make the sport accessible to more riders.

“Since jousting’s made its resurgence, people have come almost exclusively from the historical, re-enactment worlds,” she said. “But we’re trying to open avenues for strong riders and try to give them routes in.”

A post shared by @fulltiltjousting

A photo posted by

Emma added that the ambition is for jousting to be a recognised sport, with standards, rules and a welfare focus, as the other disciplines have.

“We want to make it safer, better, more accessible and to do more of it,” she said, adding that anyone new coming into equestrianism, as a participant or spectator, is good for the industry.

She and Mike are also looking into VAR (video assistant referee) technology to support judges and to share top performances. This will be trialled at next month’s tournament; this first one is not open to the public, as details are being ironed out, but attracting audiences for jousting as competition rather than historical display is a big aim.

“We’re trying to show it as more of a modern sport and move away from the history; we’ve taken inspiration from other sports,” she said. “It’s very early days but we’ll hopefully communicate jousting in a different way, make it feel a lot more modern and fresh. It’s getting away from ‘Good knight versus bad knight’ to something that’s a lot more serious, a lot more high octane and hopefully a lot more fun too.”

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> <![CDATA[ ‘He’s been a joy’: second chance for pony left injured in the road after collision with car ]]> A young pony left wounded in the road after the driver of the vehicle that hit him drove away is recovering well, and has been a “joy” to look after.

The cob colt sustained injuries to his face and hindquarters in July, and was taken to World Horse Welfare’s Hall Farm in Norfolk.

“The police and a vet had attended after the pony, now named Arthur, had been hit and got him moved out of the road, but it was clear that the pony was in urgent need of rescuing,” a spokesperson for the charity said. “

World Horse Welfare’s yard supervisor Lorraine Holmes said it appeared Arthur had had very little handling.

“But he has such a wonderful nature, I was able to get a headcollar on him,” she said. “He loaded really well, which was amazing given what he’d just been through.

“We kept Arthur occupied with some pony nuts and he let the vet check him over thoroughly and flush the wound on his hindquarters, which we were worried could get infected.

Young pony Arthur now, looking better

(Image credit: World Horse Welfare)

“It was amazing how he took it all in his stride – his gentle nature really shone through. He was very happy to see some other horses in the distance when we first took him out to the field once his wounds had been treated. As soon as I let him go, he started eating and just didn’t stop!”

The team has been treating Arthur’s wounds in line with the vet’s recommendations and they have been healing well, the spokesperson said. His groom Martha worked with him to get him used to a fly mask, which has helped protect and keep flies away from his injured face.

“Once again, Arthur was amazingly calm and was soon happy to have his fly mask on and off,” said Lorraine. “He’s a really lovely character and has been a joy to work with ever since we first brought him in – he’s come so far with his handling skills already.

“Now we’re waiting for some cooler weather so that he can be castrated as the next step in his rehabilitation journey. When he’s eventually ready to find a home of his own, whoever rehomes him is going to be getting a fabulous little pony.”

An abandonment notice was left at the place Arthur was found, but no owner came forward so he was taken into World Horse Welfare’s ownership and he will be available for rehoming in future.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/second-chance-injured-pony USCSJSsjUdmzEvgwvxgYaU Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:57:56 +0000 false false false

A young pony left wounded in the road after the driver of the vehicle that hit him drove away is recovering well, and has been a “joy” to look after.

The cob colt sustained injuries to his face and hindquarters in July, and was taken to World Horse Welfare’s Hall Farm in Norfolk.

“The police and a vet had attended after the pony, now named Arthur, had been hit and got him moved out of the road, but it was clear that the pony was in urgent need of rescuing,” a spokesperson for the charity said. “

World Horse Welfare’s yard supervisor Lorraine Holmes said it appeared Arthur had had very little handling.

“But he has such a wonderful nature, I was able to get a headcollar on him,” she said. “He loaded really well, which was amazing given what he’d just been through.

“We kept Arthur occupied with some pony nuts and he let the vet check him over thoroughly and flush the wound on his hindquarters, which we were worried could get infected.

Young pony Arthur now, looking better

(Image credit: World Horse Welfare)

“It was amazing how he took it all in his stride – his gentle nature really shone through. He was very happy to see some other horses in the distance when we first took him out to the field once his wounds had been treated. As soon as I let him go, he started eating and just didn’t stop!”

The team has been treating Arthur’s wounds in line with the vet’s recommendations and they have been healing well, the spokesperson said. His groom Martha worked with him to get him used to a fly mask, which has helped protect and keep flies away from his injured face.

“Once again, Arthur was amazingly calm and was soon happy to have his fly mask on and off,” said Lorraine. “He’s a really lovely character and has been a joy to work with ever since we first brought him in – he’s come so far with his handling skills already.

“Now we’re waiting for some cooler weather so that he can be castrated as the next step in his rehabilitation journey. When he’s eventually ready to find a home of his own, whoever rehomes him is going to be getting a fabulous little pony.”

An abandonment notice was left at the place Arthur was found, but no owner came forward so he was taken into World Horse Welfare’s ownership and he will be available for rehoming in future.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> <![CDATA[ Horse owners urged to mow before they harrow to control worms in hot weather ]]> Horse owners are urged to mow before they harrow, as this summer’s high temperatures have provided a “rare window” for effective worm control.

Parasitologist Diane Gilby, founder of Intelligent Worming, which creates individual equine parasite control programmes, has put together evidence-based guidance for owners. She said the critical step is mowing before the harrow goes in.

“Everyone knows you should harrow in hot, dry weather. What almost nobody talks about is the height of the grass,” she said.

“If the sward is above 15–20cm, the canopy creates shade and traps moisture at ground level, which is exactly where the larvae concentrate. You end up spreading viable parasites under a grass canopy where UV cannot reach them. You have made the problem worse, not better.”

Research has found that grass must be cut to below 10cm to ensure faeces broken up by the harrow is exposed to sunlight and air.

Having considered the findings from peer-reviewed studies, Ms Gilby recommends a specific procedure. When at least five consecutive days of hot, dry and sunny weather is forecast, fields should be topped so the grass is below 10cm in height, and all horses removed before the harrow goes in.

Paddocks should then be rested for at least a week before horses return, although a longer break is more effective. Fields should not be harrowed if rain is forecast within three days, the temperature is under 25°C or in overcast, humid conditions. If the grass is over 15cm tall and cannot be mowed first, these fields should also not be harrowed.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/mowing-before-harrowing jVdEfxCwT8p6iCV4RKtvwg Fri, 28 Aug 2026 12:05:00 +0000 Fri, 28 Aug 2026 12:51:25 +0000 false false false

Horse owners are urged to mow before they harrow, as this summer’s high temperatures have provided a “rare window” for effective worm control.

Parasitologist Diane Gilby, founder of Intelligent Worming, which creates individual equine parasite control programmes, has put together evidence-based guidance for owners. She said the critical step is mowing before the harrow goes in.

“Everyone knows you should harrow in hot, dry weather. What almost nobody talks about is the height of the grass,” she said.

“If the sward is above 15–20cm, the canopy creates shade and traps moisture at ground level, which is exactly where the larvae concentrate. You end up spreading viable parasites under a grass canopy where UV cannot reach them. You have made the problem worse, not better.”

Research has found that grass must be cut to below 10cm to ensure faeces broken up by the harrow is exposed to sunlight and air.

Having considered the findings from peer-reviewed studies, Ms Gilby recommends a specific procedure. When at least five consecutive days of hot, dry and sunny weather is forecast, fields should be topped so the grass is below 10cm in height, and all horses removed before the harrow goes in.

Paddocks should then be rested for at least a week before horses return, although a longer break is more effective. Fields should not be harrowed if rain is forecast within three days, the temperature is under 25°C or in overcast, humid conditions. If the grass is over 15cm tall and cannot be mowed first, these fields should also not be harrowed.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> <![CDATA[ Who are your heroes? Time to nominate World Championship stars – or others – for the Horse & Hound Awards ]]> There’s still time to nominate for this year’s Horse & Hound Awards, in partnership with NAF and Agria – and perhaps the World Championships have influenced who you think should win.

Nominations are open for the 2026 awards, which celebrate the countless heroes – human and equine – in our industry.

Did Glamourdale’s double gold in Aachen, or Jagerbomb’s fabulous freestyle, make you think either should be D&H Elite Sport Dressage Horse of the Year, or team and individual medallists Lordships Graffalo and London 52 the Event Horse of the Year? LT Holst Freda’s double world bronze could mean she’s well in the running for showjumping horse of the year – and there’s the small matter of the professional rider of the year to crown too.

It’s not all about the worlds of course; it’s up to you. Memories of the Royal International Horse Show are still fresh; should King George winner Vermento be named showjumping horse of the year, or Boston Black Tie show horse of the year?

You can tell us who you think should be the worthy winners of these and all the other categories; the grooms were rightly celebrated in Aachen, will one of them be our Absorbine groom of the year?

“We’re always excited to receive your nominations – it’s great fun reading all your stories,” said H&H editor-in-chief Sarah Jenkins.

“The awards are so special because they celebrate the obvious stars of the year – winners and medallists – but also hidden heroes, from horses who make their owners’ lives better to people who make it possible for others to succeed or enjoy their horses.”

You can nominate in all 13 categories, by 10 September. The shortlists will be announced in October and the winners announced at a ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club, Warwickshire, on 25 November.

The Horse & Hound Awards Categories

● D&H Elite Sport Dressage Horse of the Year

● Event Horse of the Year

● Showjumping Horse of the Year

● Show Horse of the Year

● Agria Horse of a Lifetime

● NAF Unsung Partnership of the Year

● Professional Rider of the Year

● Amateur Rider of the Year

● Young Rider of the Year

● Absorbine Groom of the Year

● Baileys Horse Feeds Vet of the Year

● SPILLERS Horse Feeds Riding School of the Year

● Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement Award

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/who-are-your-heroes-time-to-nominate-world-championship-stars-or-others-for-the-horse-and-hound-awards vkEhZHpYKzyVSUAwkLnAiM Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:14:23 +0000 Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:56:42 +0000 false false false

There’s still time to nominate for this year’s Horse & Hound Awards, in partnership with NAF and Agria – and perhaps the World Championships have influenced who you think should win.

Nominations are open for the 2026 awards, which celebrate the countless heroes – human and equine – in our industry.

Did Glamourdale’s double gold in Aachen, or Jagerbomb’s fabulous freestyle, make you think either should be D&H Elite Sport Dressage Horse of the Year, or team and individual medallists Lordships Graffalo and London 52 the Event Horse of the Year? LT Holst Freda’s double world bronze could mean she’s well in the running for showjumping horse of the year – and there’s the small matter of the professional rider of the year to crown too.

It’s not all about the worlds of course; it’s up to you. Memories of the Royal International Horse Show are still fresh; should King George winner Vermento be named showjumping horse of the year, or Boston Black Tie show horse of the year?

You can tell us who you think should be the worthy winners of these and all the other categories; the grooms were rightly celebrated in Aachen, will one of them be our Absorbine groom of the year?

“We’re always excited to receive your nominations – it’s great fun reading all your stories,” said H&H editor-in-chief Sarah Jenkins.

“The awards are so special because they celebrate the obvious stars of the year – winners and medallists – but also hidden heroes, from horses who make their owners’ lives better to people who make it possible for others to succeed or enjoy their horses.”

You can nominate in all 13 categories, by 10 September. The shortlists will be announced in October and the winners announced at a ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club, Warwickshire, on 25 November.

The Horse & Hound Awards Categories

● D&H Elite Sport Dressage Horse of the Year

● Event Horse of the Year

● Showjumping Horse of the Year

● Show Horse of the Year

● Agria Horse of a Lifetime

● NAF Unsung Partnership of the Year

● Professional Rider of the Year

● Amateur Rider of the Year

● Young Rider of the Year

● Absorbine Groom of the Year

● Baileys Horse Feeds Vet of the Year

● SPILLERS Horse Feeds Riding School of the Year

● Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement Award

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> <![CDATA[ What’s in this week’s Horse & Hound, in shops from Thursday 27 August ]]> This week’s edition of Horse & Hound, in shops from Thursday 27 August, features our FEI World Championships special report featuring analysis of the showjumping, para dressage and more. Enjoy our Burghley Horse Trials preview, with a look at the course with Tina Cook, what to wear and more.

In the news pages, we revisit Britain’s success at Aachen, find out how riders can protect their backs and much more. We present the best air jackets available on the market right now, and explore a vet’s view on how to sort fact from fiction in the Vet Clinic.

This week, our interviewee is young eventing star Cerys Macaulay, and Mark Phillips and Stuart Hollings share the views on the hot topics in eventing and showing. Our foal file this week is American Affair.

As ever, enjoy in-depth reports from the latest fixtures, including Bury Farm, Forgandenny and more. There are many other articles for equestrians to enjoy inside – see a more detailed breakdown below.

What’s in Horse & Hound magazine: on sale 27 August 2026

News

  • British success for all
  • Horses and riders considered in new routes
  • Owner’s plea to others after horse fatally injured
  • How to protect your back as a rider

World Championship reports

  • Showjumping Harry Charles climbs the ranks
  • Team Brits win bronze
  • Individual Guerdat’s triumph, plus leaderboard
  • Para dressage Gold, glory and goodbyes
  • Individual Brits’ medals
  • Team US break record
  • Freestyle Music gold

Burghley preview

  • Tina Cook’s course walk Every fence rated
  • What to wear Looking and feeling good on-site
  • How to follow 

Opinion

  • Letters of the week
  • Showjumping: William Funnell
  • Showing: Stuart Hollings
  • Foal Files: American Affair

People and horses

  • H&H interview How young star Cerys Macaulay makes it work
  • All in a day’s work: Hound sports apprentice
  • Foal files: American Affair

Vet Clinic

  • A vet’s guide to telling fact from fiction

Property and kit

  • Historic homes: Find a home with heritage
  • Products: Air jackets

Reports

  • Dressage: Bury Farm 
  • Eventing: Forgandenny 
  • Showing: SHB(GB) National Hunter Supreme

Hunting

  • Bertie Hill: Eventer and hunting man

Classified Ads

  • Horses for sale, horseboxes, vehicles, stabling, jobs, insurance and more

Get your magazine

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/whats-in-this-weeks-horse-and-hound-in-shops-from-thursday-27-august M4aQvFQzcguedpWFJJtT67 Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:55:00 +0000 Thu, 27 Aug 2026 07:40:23 +0000 false false false

This week’s edition of Horse & Hound, in shops from Thursday 27 August, features our FEI World Championships special report featuring analysis of the showjumping, para dressage and more. Enjoy our Burghley Horse Trials preview, with a look at the course with Tina Cook, what to wear and more.

In the news pages, we revisit Britain’s success at Aachen, find out how riders can protect their backs and much more. We present the best air jackets available on the market right now, and explore a vet’s view on how to sort fact from fiction in the Vet Clinic.

This week, our interviewee is young eventing star Cerys Macaulay, and Mark Phillips and Stuart Hollings share the views on the hot topics in eventing and showing. Our foal file this week is American Affair.

As ever, enjoy in-depth reports from the latest fixtures, including Bury Farm, Forgandenny and more. There are many other articles for equestrians to enjoy inside – see a more detailed breakdown below.

What’s in Horse & Hound magazine: on sale 27 August 2026

News

  • British success for all
  • Horses and riders considered in new routes
  • Owner’s plea to others after horse fatally injured
  • How to protect your back as a rider

World Championship reports

  • Showjumping Harry Charles climbs the ranks
  • Team Brits win bronze
  • Individual Guerdat’s triumph, plus leaderboard
  • Para dressage Gold, glory and goodbyes
  • Individual Brits’ medals
  • Team US break record
  • Freestyle Music gold

Burghley preview

  • Tina Cook’s course walk Every fence rated
  • What to wear Looking and feeling good on-site
  • How to follow 

Opinion

  • Letters of the week
  • Showjumping: William Funnell
  • Showing: Stuart Hollings
  • Foal Files: American Affair

People and horses

  • H&H interview How young star Cerys Macaulay makes it work
  • All in a day’s work: Hound sports apprentice
  • Foal files: American Affair

Vet Clinic

  • A vet’s guide to telling fact from fiction

Property and kit

  • Historic homes: Find a home with heritage
  • Products: Air jackets

Reports

  • Dressage: Bury Farm 
  • Eventing: Forgandenny 
  • Showing: SHB(GB) National Hunter Supreme

Hunting

  • Bertie Hill: Eventer and hunting man

Classified Ads

  • Horses for sale, horseboxes, vehicles, stabling, jobs, insurance and more

Get your magazine

]]> <![CDATA[ ‘Another level’: the bizarre case of a pony rescued with two very large ’teeth’ growing in one ear ]]> A pony found tethered, underweight and in need of help was found to have a more unusual issue – two “teeth” growing at the base of his ear.

World Horse Welfare took in two-year-old King last October after a welfare report was made about a tethered pony in Bradford.

Field officer Sarah Tucker, who found the Welsh pony, said: “I found out that the emergency services had been called out to King multiple times. He’d needed rescuing after sliding down an embankment into a ditch, as well as getting loose and running on to a main road. With his owner nowhere to be found, it was clear King needed to be taken to safety.”

King was taken to the charity’s Penny Farm, where the team found a lump at the bottom of one ear.

“When we started to investigate the lump, we found out it wasn’t an abscess,” said centre manager Adam Cummins. “Instead, it was a rare developmental defect called a dentigerous cyst, also known as an ‘ear tooth’.

“These are uncommon, but King’s case was on another level – he had two teeth in his, which is even more unusual.”

Kai Cahun of Oakhill Vets said it was clear the issue was causing problems; King had persistent discharge and was headshaking and showing other signs of irritation.

“When a short course of antimicrobials gave only limited improvement, I was suspicious that something more unusual was going on,” he said.

“Given the location and lack of response to treatment, a dentigerous cyst was high on the list.”

This was found to be the case and King underwent surgery.

“I administered a general anaesthetic so King could have his ‘ear teeth’ removed safely,” Mr Cahun said. “Our diplomat surgeon, Guy Hinnigan, worked for several hours to remove them, while navigating the many vital structures in the area and avoiding any damage to the nerves responsible for facial movement and ear function.

The horse

The ear teeth after removal (Image credit: Oakhill Vets)

“In most cases, the abnormally developed tooth is relatively small compared to typical horse teeth. However, in King's case he had not one but two almost completely normal-sized teeth that had grown inside his skull. We have seen several cases of dentigerous cysts through the years, but none with two very large teeth involved. King’s case was certainly one of the most bizarre we’ve experienced!”

A charity spokesperson said that free of the teeth, King recovered well and has “blossomed” in the expert care of the Penny Farm team.

World Horse Welfare director of UK Malcolm Morley said: “If left untreated, dentigerous cysts can cause lifelong pain and result in challenging complications and abscesses. So, what appeared like an unassuming lump could have had some very nasty consequences for King had he not come into our care.”

King is now three and ready for rehoming.

“He’s been transformed into a happy, healthy young pony,” a World Horse Welfare spokesperson said. “Now aged three, King is ready for rehoming as a youngster with the potential to be brought into work when he’s old enough and has a bright future ahead of him.”

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/ear-teeth-horse M8wuiYFULdkp8KtLt6VWu6 Tue, 25 Aug 2026 15:31:10 +0000 false false false

A pony found tethered, underweight and in need of help was found to have a more unusual issue – two “teeth” growing at the base of his ear.

World Horse Welfare took in two-year-old King last October after a welfare report was made about a tethered pony in Bradford.

Field officer Sarah Tucker, who found the Welsh pony, said: “I found out that the emergency services had been called out to King multiple times. He’d needed rescuing after sliding down an embankment into a ditch, as well as getting loose and running on to a main road. With his owner nowhere to be found, it was clear King needed to be taken to safety.”

King was taken to the charity’s Penny Farm, where the team found a lump at the bottom of one ear.

“When we started to investigate the lump, we found out it wasn’t an abscess,” said centre manager Adam Cummins. “Instead, it was a rare developmental defect called a dentigerous cyst, also known as an ‘ear tooth’.

“These are uncommon, but King’s case was on another level – he had two teeth in his, which is even more unusual.”

Kai Cahun of Oakhill Vets said it was clear the issue was causing problems; King had persistent discharge and was headshaking and showing other signs of irritation.

“When a short course of antimicrobials gave only limited improvement, I was suspicious that something more unusual was going on,” he said.

“Given the location and lack of response to treatment, a dentigerous cyst was high on the list.”

This was found to be the case and King underwent surgery.

“I administered a general anaesthetic so King could have his ‘ear teeth’ removed safely,” Mr Cahun said. “Our diplomat surgeon, Guy Hinnigan, worked for several hours to remove them, while navigating the many vital structures in the area and avoiding any damage to the nerves responsible for facial movement and ear function.

The horse

The ear teeth after removal (Image credit: Oakhill Vets)

“In most cases, the abnormally developed tooth is relatively small compared to typical horse teeth. However, in King's case he had not one but two almost completely normal-sized teeth that had grown inside his skull. We have seen several cases of dentigerous cysts through the years, but none with two very large teeth involved. King’s case was certainly one of the most bizarre we’ve experienced!”

A charity spokesperson said that free of the teeth, King recovered well and has “blossomed” in the expert care of the Penny Farm team.

World Horse Welfare director of UK Malcolm Morley said: “If left untreated, dentigerous cysts can cause lifelong pain and result in challenging complications and abscesses. So, what appeared like an unassuming lump could have had some very nasty consequences for King had he not come into our care.”

King is now three and ready for rehoming.

“He’s been transformed into a happy, healthy young pony,” a World Horse Welfare spokesperson said. “Now aged three, King is ready for rehoming as a youngster with the potential to be brought into work when he’s old enough and has a bright future ahead of him.”

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> <![CDATA[ Global call for owners of horses recently diagnosed with kissing spines ]]> The aim of new kissing spines research is to build understanding of the condition, and help guide owners and horses dealing with it.

A team from the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) has already carried out research on the benefits of an exercise rehab programme for kissing spines, and now wants to follow horses from across the world through their rehab in real time.

The researchers are looking for owners of horses who have been diagnosed with kissing spines and/or thoracic facet joint arthritis within the last two months.

Tracy Bye, the main investigator and RAU senior lecturer in equine science, said: “The effects of kissing spines can range from mild, localised, inflammation through to changes to the bone itself. Understandably this can be painful for the horse and can affect both its ridden career and long-term quality of life.

“Last year we published a study looking at the outcomes for 260 horses in the UK that had been diagnosed with kissing spines and one of the most striking findings was that horses whose owners implemented an exercise rehabilitation programme with them were significantly more likely to have a successful outcome, regardless of what other treatments they used.

Kissing spines research could provide helpful information

“This has the potential to be really helpful information. If we can equip owners with the knowledge and support to rehabilitate their horses, we could greatly improve the outcomes and quality of life for horses diagnosed with this condition, for little to no additional cost to the owner.”

The team wants more information on rehab practices used and their success rates, as well as data from the owners.

The study is being led by RAU postgraduate student Becky Brassington, who said: “We are inviting owners from any country, whose horses have been diagnosed with kissing spines and/or thoracic facet joint arthritis within the last two months, to take part.

“By extending our research globally, we aim to gather a broad and wide-ranging data set which captures the experiences of horses and their owners around the world.”

Owners will be asked to complete an initial survey to give details of the diagnosis and treatment, then follow-up questionnaires after three and six months. The team also hopes to speak to each horse’s vet.

Ms Bye said: “We know that it can be stressful for owners when their horse has just been diagnosed with a condition like this, and taking part in research might be the furthest thing from their mind.

“But, in order to get the most accurate data, it’s really important that we gather information as soon as possible after the horse is diagnosed and the treatment plan developed, so that all of the details are fresh in the owner’s mind.

“The aim is that the data provided here will inform rehabilitation recommendations for horses diagnosed with back conditions in the future, which could help hundreds of horses have a better chance of recovery.”

Owners can register their interest online, or email Ms Brassington at rebecca.brassington@student.rau.ac.uk.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/kissing-spines-research YTrq94YzwwFzTvFZpx6zqH Tue, 25 Aug 2026 08:21:36 +0000 Tue, 25 Aug 2026 13:21:19 +0000 false false false

The aim of new kissing spines research is to build understanding of the condition, and help guide owners and horses dealing with it.

A team from the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) has already carried out research on the benefits of an exercise rehab programme for kissing spines, and now wants to follow horses from across the world through their rehab in real time.

The researchers are looking for owners of horses who have been diagnosed with kissing spines and/or thoracic facet joint arthritis within the last two months.

Tracy Bye, the main investigator and RAU senior lecturer in equine science, said: “The effects of kissing spines can range from mild, localised, inflammation through to changes to the bone itself. Understandably this can be painful for the horse and can affect both its ridden career and long-term quality of life.

“Last year we published a study looking at the outcomes for 260 horses in the UK that had been diagnosed with kissing spines and one of the most striking findings was that horses whose owners implemented an exercise rehabilitation programme with them were significantly more likely to have a successful outcome, regardless of what other treatments they used.

Kissing spines research could provide helpful information

“This has the potential to be really helpful information. If we can equip owners with the knowledge and support to rehabilitate their horses, we could greatly improve the outcomes and quality of life for horses diagnosed with this condition, for little to no additional cost to the owner.”

The team wants more information on rehab practices used and their success rates, as well as data from the owners.

The study is being led by RAU postgraduate student Becky Brassington, who said: “We are inviting owners from any country, whose horses have been diagnosed with kissing spines and/or thoracic facet joint arthritis within the last two months, to take part.

“By extending our research globally, we aim to gather a broad and wide-ranging data set which captures the experiences of horses and their owners around the world.”

Owners will be asked to complete an initial survey to give details of the diagnosis and treatment, then follow-up questionnaires after three and six months. The team also hopes to speak to each horse’s vet.

Ms Bye said: “We know that it can be stressful for owners when their horse has just been diagnosed with a condition like this, and taking part in research might be the furthest thing from their mind.

“But, in order to get the most accurate data, it’s really important that we gather information as soon as possible after the horse is diagnosed and the treatment plan developed, so that all of the details are fresh in the owner’s mind.

“The aim is that the data provided here will inform rehabilitation recommendations for horses diagnosed with back conditions in the future, which could help hundreds of horses have a better chance of recovery.”

Owners can register their interest online, or email Ms Brassington at rebecca.brassington@student.rau.ac.uk.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> <![CDATA[ Should small country roads have a 20mph speed limit? New guidance for rural routes ]]> Riders and bridleways should be part of the picture when councils are planning new routes – and shared country roads should have a 20mph speed limit.

Those are two of the headline recommendations from the new national rural design guide, which provides technical guidance on planning and designing routes and facilities in rural areas.

It was created by Government quango Active Travel England, and the British Horse Society (BHS) was among those to help shape it. Although local authorities are not legally bound to follow it, it sets out advice and “best practice” examples of “to help them provide high-quality active travel routes tailored to the unique requirements of villages, small market towns and the countryside”.

The first chapter of the 253-page guide states that although it is “not a comprehensive manual for designing equestrian routes, it recommends that, wherever possible, routes should be made accessible for horse riders, particularly where there are pre-existing equestrian routes”. In all, horses are referred to 84 times, and there are 36 mentions of bridleways.

It sets out when people should be separated from traffic, for example by having their own designated path, and also gives recommended maximum speed limits depending on how busy a shared road is.

The guide states that where pedestrians and cyclists share carriageways with motor vehicles, the volume of traffic should be no more than 1,000 vehicles per day (vpd), or 100 vehicles per hour (vph). On these roads, it adds that “actual traffic speeds should be no more than around 20mph, although speed limits are set by local highway authorities and should be based on local circumstances”.

“Similarly, low traffic speeds and volumes are desirable to create safe and comfortable conditions for equestrians sharing space with motor vehicles,” states the guide.

“Where separate provision for people to walk and wheel has been provided and cyclists and equestrians are mixing with motor vehicles travelling at up to around 20mph, traffic volumes may be up to 2,500vpd or 250vph, but should desirably be less.”

It even considers how the width of off-road paths may need to be considered if they are shared by horse riders and people walking, wheeling and cycling, and that highway verges need to be wide enough to be safe for riders.

BHS director of access Mark Weston told H&H the charity is “really pleased” to see the new guidance.

“For many years, we've been calling for horse riders to be considered as part of active travel rather than being overlooked so this is a positive step in the right direction,” said Mr Weston.

“By giving local authorities clear guidance on how to include equestrians when planning new active travel routes in rural areas, we hope to see more routes that are safer, more connected and accessible for everyone who uses them.”

He added: "We also welcome the recognition of the role that 20mph speed limits can play in improving road safety. Anything that helps reduce the number of horses, riders and carriage drivers being killed or injured on our roads is a step forward, and we look forward to continuing to work with partners to make Britain's roads and off-road networks safer for all."

“Anything that helps reduce the number of horses, riders and carriage drivers being killed or injured on our roads is a step forward”

Mark Weston, BHS

Countryside Alliance chief executive Tim Bonner raised concerns over the “huge impact” a “blanket 20mph limit on rural lanes” would have on rural communities.

“Given that every country lane will have someone walking or riding a bike (or horse) along it at some time or another the guidance is essentially recommending a 20mph limit on all country lanes,” he said.

“The guidance is run through with assumptions and ignorance and has a complete lack of any consideration of the interests of rural communities.”

What do you think? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/should-small-country-roads-have-a-20mph-speed-limit-new-guidance-for-rural-routes 5DCugyed4H5aCV7vTN33ME Mon, 24 Aug 2026 15:29:31 +0000 Tue, 25 Aug 2026 13:02:11 +0000 false false false

Riders and bridleways should be part of the picture when councils are planning new routes – and shared country roads should have a 20mph speed limit.

Those are two of the headline recommendations from the new national rural design guide, which provides technical guidance on planning and designing routes and facilities in rural areas.

It was created by Government quango Active Travel England, and the British Horse Society (BHS) was among those to help shape it. Although local authorities are not legally bound to follow it, it sets out advice and “best practice” examples of “to help them provide high-quality active travel routes tailored to the unique requirements of villages, small market towns and the countryside”.

The first chapter of the 253-page guide states that although it is “not a comprehensive manual for designing equestrian routes, it recommends that, wherever possible, routes should be made accessible for horse riders, particularly where there are pre-existing equestrian routes”. In all, horses are referred to 84 times, and there are 36 mentions of bridleways.

It sets out when people should be separated from traffic, for example by having their own designated path, and also gives recommended maximum speed limits depending on how busy a shared road is.

The guide states that where pedestrians and cyclists share carriageways with motor vehicles, the volume of traffic should be no more than 1,000 vehicles per day (vpd), or 100 vehicles per hour (vph). On these roads, it adds that “actual traffic speeds should be no more than around 20mph, although speed limits are set by local highway authorities and should be based on local circumstances”.

“Similarly, low traffic speeds and volumes are desirable to create safe and comfortable conditions for equestrians sharing space with motor vehicles,” states the guide.

“Where separate provision for people to walk and wheel has been provided and cyclists and equestrians are mixing with motor vehicles travelling at up to around 20mph, traffic volumes may be up to 2,500vpd or 250vph, but should desirably be less.”

It even considers how the width of off-road paths may need to be considered if they are shared by horse riders and people walking, wheeling and cycling, and that highway verges need to be wide enough to be safe for riders.

BHS director of access Mark Weston told H&H the charity is “really pleased” to see the new guidance.

“For many years, we've been calling for horse riders to be considered as part of active travel rather than being overlooked so this is a positive step in the right direction,” said Mr Weston.

“By giving local authorities clear guidance on how to include equestrians when planning new active travel routes in rural areas, we hope to see more routes that are safer, more connected and accessible for everyone who uses them.”

He added: "We also welcome the recognition of the role that 20mph speed limits can play in improving road safety. Anything that helps reduce the number of horses, riders and carriage drivers being killed or injured on our roads is a step forward, and we look forward to continuing to work with partners to make Britain's roads and off-road networks safer for all."

“Anything that helps reduce the number of horses, riders and carriage drivers being killed or injured on our roads is a step forward”

Mark Weston, BHS

Countryside Alliance chief executive Tim Bonner raised concerns over the “huge impact” a “blanket 20mph limit on rural lanes” would have on rural communities.

“Given that every country lane will have someone walking or riding a bike (or horse) along it at some time or another the guidance is essentially recommending a 20mph limit on all country lanes,” he said.

“The guidance is run through with assumptions and ignorance and has a complete lack of any consideration of the interests of rural communities.”

What do you think? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

]]> <![CDATA[ Feeling the change: meet the bridleless rider who opened the World Championships in Aachen ]]> Meet the rider and trainer who combines competing with liberty work, and teaching chemistry – and who opened the World Championships in Aachen, the biggest stage in the world, without a bridle.

Lisa Röckener turned heads in the championships opening ceremony last week, as she jumped through the Welcome Home arch, pulled a golden flag from its ceiling and galloped around the ring – with the horse who helped change her life.

Lisa told H&H she has ridden since before she could walk; she grew up on a small farm surrounded by ponies, a donkey, dogs and chickens.

“It was an amazing childhood,” she said. “My father is a blacksmith so my whole life has been about horses.”

Lisa’s first competition was when she was two, her father leading. She went into eventing, representing her country, and was on an elite programme for up-and-coming riders.

“It was an amazing time,” she said. “But then I had a big accident with my horse, a week or two before the European Championships. We had a rotational fall, I broke my bones and my body wasn’t looking so good.

“I went to hospital, had a lot of operations, and after that my parents thought I would stop riding, I’d never get on a horse again. I was very lucky to survive – it was my second birthday – but although I tried and tried to ride cross-country again, I was scared.”

Lisa, who was 17 at the time of her fall, thought she would stop riding and concentrate on her studies. But then Valoo came along.

“He was three and a half years old, so he didn’t know anything,” she said. “It gave me a new project, a way to go back to riding. Every day I drove three to three and a half hours to study, then I rode the horse in the afternoon.

“Before him, I sometimes tried groundwork but trainers didn’t smile when I did it! I did a small show at our riding club at home, at Christmas, but I didn’t film it or tell anyone because I was a bit shy, I thought ‘I’m a rider, not a groundworker’. But I lost my fear of riding through the groundwork.”

Lisa Röckener: building relatinships

Having built the relationship with Valoo on the ground, she tried riding him with a neck rope.

“I felt the connection with the horse so much deeper than with a bridle,” she said. “I realised I could go left and right, do this and that without the bridle – it was amazing for me.”

Lisa rides both with and without a bridle, competing and giving displays, and as well as teaching chemistry – and PE – at school, she has built a reputation as a trainer.

“When I started with this, people would say ‘Oh it’s Lisa Röckener, she does fancy dress on the horse, she doesn’t do big competitions’,” she said. “Now, Ingrid Klimke and all the big riders ask me for training, and I train the Olympic riders in Germany. It’s so cool because they can help me with ‘normal’ riding, a flying change, jumping or cross-country, and I help them with the everyday work.”

Ingrid even rode Valoo at the Ball des Sports, a major German festival of all sports.

“She rang me, after a show I did, and said ‘Hi Lisa’, and I said ‘Oh, hey Ingrid Klimke’! As I only know her from TV, it was very special. We were there five days and at first I trained him over the jump, then she came and rode my horse. We’ve been friends since.”

The pair have put out educational videos as well as working and training together; Lisa said Ingrid’s horses have learned to lie down when asked.

“That’s a thing I do at the end of the training,” Lisa said. “People sometimes say they want to learn only that, and I said ‘Ok but for this you need a very strong connection with your horse, and the trust’, it’s not something for the beginning. But in every lesson, with every rider, there are moments of ‘Yes, I feel it, this works’. It’s like all riding, and you get another feeling and connection with the horse when you do the groundwork.”

Lisa said friends of hers sent video of her riding to the organisers of a “talent show” that led to her participating in the World Championships opening ceremony.

A post shared by FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 (@aachen2026_official)

A photo posted by

“It was amazing,” she said. “Before the show, I was so nervous; normally I’m not as I’ve been doing shows 10 years but in Aachen I was nervous. Because an hour before I got on the horse, they said ‘You’ll jump, then maybe 10 seconds later we’ll have fireworks’. I said ‘Ok, you know I’m on the horse without a bridle?’! But ‘Yes, ok, I can do this’.

“I did have one hand on the neck rope; normally I’d have both hands on the golden flag but my horse was fast!”

Lisa now has more shows planned, and hopes to go bigger, as she tries to spread the word of another way of riding.

“I have people who only do groundwork, Olympic riders, young people, old people, everyone in my lessons,” she said. “It’s amazing to see how much you can do with one lesson, for the feeling as the beginning, then the open mind for everything else. You don’t have to do 100 hours’ groundwork to feel something, you feel it in the first lesson. I often see open eyes of people, and I say ‘Yes, this is the feeling’.”

Lisa added that she heard and saw events at the first British Bridleless Competition in the UK this year, and thinks there is a change in the air.

“I feel it, after Aachen,” she said. “The internet is full of ‘To change the World Championships’. I say I’m not changing it – but maybe I’ve given a little kick towards the other side.”

To stay up to date with the latest news and reports for the rest of the Aachen World Championships, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/lisa-rockener-aachen gbNz7zh5FSj4AzYF2yQDNE Sat, 22 Aug 2026 12:05:00 +0000 false false false

Meet the rider and trainer who combines competing with liberty work, and teaching chemistry – and who opened the World Championships in Aachen, the biggest stage in the world, without a bridle.

Lisa Röckener turned heads in the championships opening ceremony last week, as she jumped through the Welcome Home arch, pulled a golden flag from its ceiling and galloped around the ring – with the horse who helped change her life.

Lisa told H&H she has ridden since before she could walk; she grew up on a small farm surrounded by ponies, a donkey, dogs and chickens.

“It was an amazing childhood,” she said. “My father is a blacksmith so my whole life has been about horses.”

Lisa’s first competition was when she was two, her father leading. She went into eventing, representing her country, and was on an elite programme for up-and-coming riders.

“It was an amazing time,” she said. “But then I had a big accident with my horse, a week or two before the European Championships. We had a rotational fall, I broke my bones and my body wasn’t looking so good.

“I went to hospital, had a lot of operations, and after that my parents thought I would stop riding, I’d never get on a horse again. I was very lucky to survive – it was my second birthday – but although I tried and tried to ride cross-country again, I was scared.”

Lisa, who was 17 at the time of her fall, thought she would stop riding and concentrate on her studies. But then Valoo came along.

“He was three and a half years old, so he didn’t know anything,” she said. “It gave me a new project, a way to go back to riding. Every day I drove three to three and a half hours to study, then I rode the horse in the afternoon.

“Before him, I sometimes tried groundwork but trainers didn’t smile when I did it! I did a small show at our riding club at home, at Christmas, but I didn’t film it or tell anyone because I was a bit shy, I thought ‘I’m a rider, not a groundworker’. But I lost my fear of riding through the groundwork.”

Lisa Röckener: building relatinships

Having built the relationship with Valoo on the ground, she tried riding him with a neck rope.

“I felt the connection with the horse so much deeper than with a bridle,” she said. “I realised I could go left and right, do this and that without the bridle – it was amazing for me.”

Lisa rides both with and without a bridle, competing and giving displays, and as well as teaching chemistry – and PE – at school, she has built a reputation as a trainer.

“When I started with this, people would say ‘Oh it’s Lisa Röckener, she does fancy dress on the horse, she doesn’t do big competitions’,” she said. “Now, Ingrid Klimke and all the big riders ask me for training, and I train the Olympic riders in Germany. It’s so cool because they can help me with ‘normal’ riding, a flying change, jumping or cross-country, and I help them with the everyday work.”

Ingrid even rode Valoo at the Ball des Sports, a major German festival of all sports.

“She rang me, after a show I did, and said ‘Hi Lisa’, and I said ‘Oh, hey Ingrid Klimke’! As I only know her from TV, it was very special. We were there five days and at first I trained him over the jump, then she came and rode my horse. We’ve been friends since.”

The pair have put out educational videos as well as working and training together; Lisa said Ingrid’s horses have learned to lie down when asked.

“That’s a thing I do at the end of the training,” Lisa said. “People sometimes say they want to learn only that, and I said ‘Ok but for this you need a very strong connection with your horse, and the trust’, it’s not something for the beginning. But in every lesson, with every rider, there are moments of ‘Yes, I feel it, this works’. It’s like all riding, and you get another feeling and connection with the horse when you do the groundwork.”

Lisa said friends of hers sent video of her riding to the organisers of a “talent show” that led to her participating in the World Championships opening ceremony.

A post shared by FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 (@aachen2026_official)

A photo posted by

“It was amazing,” she said. “Before the show, I was so nervous; normally I’m not as I’ve been doing shows 10 years but in Aachen I was nervous. Because an hour before I got on the horse, they said ‘You’ll jump, then maybe 10 seconds later we’ll have fireworks’. I said ‘Ok, you know I’m on the horse without a bridle?’! But ‘Yes, ok, I can do this’.

“I did have one hand on the neck rope; normally I’d have both hands on the golden flag but my horse was fast!”

Lisa now has more shows planned, and hopes to go bigger, as she tries to spread the word of another way of riding.

“I have people who only do groundwork, Olympic riders, young people, old people, everyone in my lessons,” she said. “It’s amazing to see how much you can do with one lesson, for the feeling as the beginning, then the open mind for everything else. You don’t have to do 100 hours’ groundwork to feel something, you feel it in the first lesson. I often see open eyes of people, and I say ‘Yes, this is the feeling’.”

Lisa added that she heard and saw events at the first British Bridleless Competition in the UK this year, and thinks there is a change in the air.

“I feel it, after Aachen,” she said. “The internet is full of ‘To change the World Championships’. I say I’m not changing it – but maybe I’ve given a little kick towards the other side.”

To stay up to date with the latest news and reports for the rest of the Aachen World Championships, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> <![CDATA[ What’s in this week’s Horse & Hound, in shops from Thursday 20 August ]]> This week’s edition of Horse & Hound, in shops from Thursday 20 August, features a 47-page analysis of the action at the FEI World Championships so far. Don’t miss our in-depth, expert report of the eventing championship, as well as the dressage grand prix, grand prix special and freestyle.

In the news pages, we revisit Britain’s triumph at Aachen, find out how the course is being prepared ready for Burghley Horse Trials and much more. We present the best brushing boots available on the market right now, and explore a vet’s view of biomechanics in the Vet Clinic.

This week, our interviewees this week are Ben Asselin and Kyle Koss, the brothers behind showjumping’s answer to Drive to Survive. We have an opinion triple this week; hear from Mark Phillips, Richard Davison and Peter Charles on eventing, dressage and showjumping. For hunting fans, we report from the Rydal hound show.

As ever, enjoy in-depth reports from the latest fixtures, including Hartpury, Hickstead, Dublin Horse Show and much, much more. There are many other articles for equestrians to enjoy inside – see a more detailed breakdown below.

What’s in Horse & Hound magazine: on sale 20 August 2026

News

  • Britain triumphant at Aachen
  • Burghley on course
  • How rider personality affects bond with horses
  • Jousting's ambitions

World Championship reports

  • Eventing summary
  • Dressage: Early leaders, plus Bettina Hoy’s analysis
  • Cross-country
  • Showjumping
  • Leaderboard
  • Dressage summary
  • Grand prix: The team medals are decided
  • Special: Fry shines
  • Freestyle: Double glory

Opinion

  • Letters of the week
  • Eventing: Mark Phillips
  • Dressage: Richard Davison
  • Showjumping: Peter Charles

People and horses

  • H&H interview: The brothers behind Faultless
  • All in a day's work: Event secretary and scorer
  • Foal files: Ladies Man

Products

  • Brushing boots

Vet Clinic

  • A vet’s view on biomechanics

Reports

  • Eventing: All the national and international action from Hartpury
  • Showjumping: Hickstead, New Forest and Hampshire County, Ottawa international and more
  • Showing: Dublin Horse Show, Welsh Pony and Cob Society and more
  • Dressage: Hartpury College regionals and more

Hunting

  • Rydal hound show: The Blencathra once again come out on top

Classified Ads

  • Horses for sale, horseboxes, vehicles, stabling, jobs, insurance and more

Get your magazine

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/whats-in-this-weeks-horse-and-hound-in-shops-from-thursday-20-august VMqPr8W3yChUFYaMJhRziA Wed, 19 Aug 2026 07:15:00 +0000 Thu, 20 Aug 2026 07:29:06 +0000 false false false

This week’s edition of Horse & Hound, in shops from Thursday 20 August, features a 47-page analysis of the action at the FEI World Championships so far. Don’t miss our in-depth, expert report of the eventing championship, as well as the dressage grand prix, grand prix special and freestyle.

In the news pages, we revisit Britain’s triumph at Aachen, find out how the course is being prepared ready for Burghley Horse Trials and much more. We present the best brushing boots available on the market right now, and explore a vet’s view of biomechanics in the Vet Clinic.

This week, our interviewees this week are Ben Asselin and Kyle Koss, the brothers behind showjumping’s answer to Drive to Survive. We have an opinion triple this week; hear from Mark Phillips, Richard Davison and Peter Charles on eventing, dressage and showjumping. For hunting fans, we report from the Rydal hound show.

As ever, enjoy in-depth reports from the latest fixtures, including Hartpury, Hickstead, Dublin Horse Show and much, much more. There are many other articles for equestrians to enjoy inside – see a more detailed breakdown below.

What’s in Horse & Hound magazine: on sale 20 August 2026

News

  • Britain triumphant at Aachen
  • Burghley on course
  • How rider personality affects bond with horses
  • Jousting's ambitions

World Championship reports

  • Eventing summary
  • Dressage: Early leaders, plus Bettina Hoy’s analysis
  • Cross-country
  • Showjumping
  • Leaderboard
  • Dressage summary
  • Grand prix: The team medals are decided
  • Special: Fry shines
  • Freestyle: Double glory

Opinion

  • Letters of the week
  • Eventing: Mark Phillips
  • Dressage: Richard Davison
  • Showjumping: Peter Charles

People and horses

  • H&H interview: The brothers behind Faultless
  • All in a day's work: Event secretary and scorer
  • Foal files: Ladies Man

Products

  • Brushing boots

Vet Clinic

  • A vet’s view on biomechanics

Reports

  • Eventing: All the national and international action from Hartpury
  • Showjumping: Hickstead, New Forest and Hampshire County, Ottawa international and more
  • Showing: Dublin Horse Show, Welsh Pony and Cob Society and more
  • Dressage: Hartpury College regionals and more

Hunting

  • Rydal hound show: The Blencathra once again come out on top

Classified Ads

  • Horses for sale, horseboxes, vehicles, stabling, jobs, insurance and more

Get your magazine

]]> <![CDATA[ NAF Unsung Partnershipof the Year 2026 ]]> NAF Unsung Partnership of the Year 2026

Celebrating the unbreakable bond between a particular horse and rider who are not in the public eye – a wonderful partnership in which each one has helped the other in extraordinary ways.

In a new category for 2026, we will be celebrating those incredible bonds between horse and rider away from the spotlight in the Horse & Hound Awards.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/unsung-partnership-of-the-year-2026 53jcVcBDkrLkprejvkqdDG Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:22:46 +0000 false false false

NAF Unsung Partnership of the Year 2026

Celebrating the unbreakable bond between a particular horse and rider who are not in the public eye – a wonderful partnership in which each one has helped the other in extraordinary ways.

In a new category for 2026, we will be celebrating those incredible bonds between horse and rider away from the spotlight in the Horse & Hound Awards.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> <![CDATA[ SPILLERS Horse Feeds Riding School of the Year 2026 ]]> SPILLERS Horse Feeds Riding School of the Year 2026

The BHS/ABRS-accredited riding school that sets the standard – both in rider satisfaction and horse welfare – when it comes to starting children or adults on their riding journey.

In a new category for 2026, we will be celebrating the very best riding schools from around the country in the Horse & Hound Awards.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/riding-school-of-the-year-2026 Nd2MyCgQgiVk8jfKe86PBe Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:22:42 +0000 false false false

SPILLERS Horse Feeds Riding School of the Year 2026

The BHS/ABRS-accredited riding school that sets the standard – both in rider satisfaction and horse welfare – when it comes to starting children or adults on their riding journey.

In a new category for 2026, we will be celebrating the very best riding schools from around the country in the Horse & Hound Awards.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> <![CDATA[ Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement 2026 ]]> Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award 2026

The Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award winner is selected by a panel to celebrate the life and work of the individual whose contribution to equestrian sport is unparalleled and worthy of sincerest praise.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award winners

Previous worthy winners of this award include:

2025: Jane Holderness-Roddam

2024: William Fox-Pitt

2023: The late Queen’s former stud manager Terry Pendry

2022: David Broome

2021: showing supremo Allister Hood

2020: Lucinda Green

2019: Bob Ellis

2018: Cptn Mark Phillips

2017: the late 11th Duke of Beaufort

2016: Nick Skelton

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/horse-hound-lifetime-achievement-2026 j4wHwYG5h72NDD7ZR9scQ9 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:22:37 +0000 false false false

Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award 2026

The Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award winner is selected by a panel to celebrate the life and work of the individual whose contribution to equestrian sport is unparalleled and worthy of sincerest praise.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award winners

Previous worthy winners of this award include:

2025: Jane Holderness-Roddam

2024: William Fox-Pitt

2023: The late Queen’s former stud manager Terry Pendry

2022: David Broome

2021: showing supremo Allister Hood

2020: Lucinda Green

2019: Bob Ellis

2018: Cptn Mark Phillips

2017: the late 11th Duke of Beaufort

2016: Nick Skelton

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> <![CDATA[ Agria Horse of a Lifetime 2026 ]]> Agria Horse of a Lifetime 2026

The horse who may not be a superstar in the eyes of the world, but who has changed lives – and deserves to be recognised for the magic he or she has produced for the good of those around him or her.

A horse doesn’t have to win medals to be considered a hero. We want to raise a glass to those fabulous horses who have changed the lives of those connected with them.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Previous Agria Horse of a Lifetime winners

This award is now in its fifth year at the Horse & Hound Awards, with the previous winners being:

  • 2025: Hovis, the late H&H “diarist”, fundraiser and inspiration for books – with legions of fans
  • 2024: Waltham Scorpio, Emma Barrow’s Welsh section D, who died in 2024, aged 31
  • 2023: Cashel Bay JJ, a top working hunter pony
  • 2022: Carltonlima Emma, The late Queen’s beloved hack

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/agria-horse-of-a-lifetime-2026 emG4BqTE7UWSsXdofLGHXQ Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:22:34 +0000 false false false

Agria Horse of a Lifetime 2026

The horse who may not be a superstar in the eyes of the world, but who has changed lives – and deserves to be recognised for the magic he or she has produced for the good of those around him or her.

A horse doesn’t have to win medals to be considered a hero. We want to raise a glass to those fabulous horses who have changed the lives of those connected with them.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Previous Agria Horse of a Lifetime winners

This award is now in its fifth year at the Horse & Hound Awards, with the previous winners being:

  • 2025: Hovis, the late H&H “diarist”, fundraiser and inspiration for books – with legions of fans
  • 2024: Waltham Scorpio, Emma Barrow’s Welsh section D, who died in 2024, aged 31
  • 2023: Cashel Bay JJ, a top working hunter pony
  • 2022: Carltonlima Emma, The late Queen’s beloved hack

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> <![CDATA[ Young Rider of the Year 2026 ]]> Young Rider of the Year 2026

Celebrating up-and-coming talent in the horse world. Nominees must be under 25 years old on the day of the H&H Awards (25 November 2026).

There’s a buzz about the burgeoning talent both in and coming up from the youth ranks, but which of this year’s under-25s deserve to win in the Horse & Hound Awards?

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Previous Young Rider of the Year award winners

Previous winners of this award include:

  • 2025: Rachel Proudley, showjumper
  • 2024: Olli Fletcher, showjumper
  • 2023: Alice Casburn, eventer
  • 2022: Joe Stockdale, showjumper
  • 2021: Ruby Hughes, dressage rider and vaulter
  • 2020: Tabitha Kyle, showjumper
  • 2019: Finn Healy, eventer
  • 2018: Lottie Fry, dressage rider
  • 2017: Will Furlong, eventer

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/young-rider-of-the-year-2026 Fp2cu7fUuJeqQPzanuJAZa Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:22:30 +0000 false false false

Young Rider of the Year 2026

Celebrating up-and-coming talent in the horse world. Nominees must be under 25 years old on the day of the H&H Awards (25 November 2026).

There’s a buzz about the burgeoning talent both in and coming up from the youth ranks, but which of this year’s under-25s deserve to win in the Horse & Hound Awards?

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Previous Young Rider of the Year award winners

Previous winners of this award include:

  • 2025: Rachel Proudley, showjumper
  • 2024: Olli Fletcher, showjumper
  • 2023: Alice Casburn, eventer
  • 2022: Joe Stockdale, showjumper
  • 2021: Ruby Hughes, dressage rider and vaulter
  • 2020: Tabitha Kyle, showjumper
  • 2019: Finn Healy, eventer
  • 2018: Lottie Fry, dressage rider
  • 2017: Will Furlong, eventer

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> <![CDATA[ Amateur Rider of the Year 2026 ]]> Amateur Rider of the Year 2026

Acknowledging the rider who does not make their living from riding, training or competing horses, yet dedicates themselves to their passion.

Whether working on long-haul flights or solving crimes, few are more busy than our most successful amateur riders who juggle their jobs outside horses with their competitive goals – we recognise them in this year’s Horse & Hound Awards.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Previous Amateur Rider of the Year award winners

Previous winners of this award include:

  • 2025: Hollie Clark, Police investigator, prolific winning showjumper and a regular at elite shows
  • 2024: Lucy Latta, the marketing professional who was Badminton five-star runner-up – on her five-star debut
  • 2023: amateur event rider Amy Dixon, who won BE90 Badminton grassroots and Blair Scottish Championships
  • 2022: amateur five-star event rider who works full-time in the medical devices industry Libby Seed
  • 2021: accountant and an amateur four-star event rider Lauren Innes
  • 2020: Inspirational para showjumper and disability campaigner Evie Toombes was crowned amateur rider of the decade (2011-2020)
  • 2019: amateur event rider Adam Harvey
  • 2018: amateur event rider Katie Preston
  • 2017: amateur event rider Alice Goring
  • 2016: amateur dressage rider Claire Abel

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/amateur-rider-of-the-year-2026 stDJ5bjmTKEo7t8X5MZKtS Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:22:23 +0000 false false false

Amateur Rider of the Year 2026

Acknowledging the rider who does not make their living from riding, training or competing horses, yet dedicates themselves to their passion.

Whether working on long-haul flights or solving crimes, few are more busy than our most successful amateur riders who juggle their jobs outside horses with their competitive goals – we recognise them in this year’s Horse & Hound Awards.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Previous Amateur Rider of the Year award winners

Previous winners of this award include:

  • 2025: Hollie Clark, Police investigator, prolific winning showjumper and a regular at elite shows
  • 2024: Lucy Latta, the marketing professional who was Badminton five-star runner-up – on her five-star debut
  • 2023: amateur event rider Amy Dixon, who won BE90 Badminton grassroots and Blair Scottish Championships
  • 2022: amateur five-star event rider who works full-time in the medical devices industry Libby Seed
  • 2021: accountant and an amateur four-star event rider Lauren Innes
  • 2020: Inspirational para showjumper and disability campaigner Evie Toombes was crowned amateur rider of the decade (2011-2020)
  • 2019: amateur event rider Adam Harvey
  • 2018: amateur event rider Katie Preston
  • 2017: amateur event rider Alice Goring
  • 2016: amateur dressage rider Claire Abel

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> <![CDATA[ Professional Rider of the Year 2026 ]]> Professional Rider of the Year 2026

Honouring the greatest rider of the year, who is a hero and an inspiration to others, and whose ability is a blessing for both their horses and our sport.

Six pros – who have each delivered glittering performances on the world’s biggest stages – were shortlisted in the annual Horse & Hound Awards, and the winner is…

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Previous Professional Rider of the Year award winners

Previous winners of this award include:

  • 2025: Ros Canter, winner of Badminton and Burghley in the same year
  • 2024: Ros Canter, Olympic team gold medallist and Burghley winner
  • 2023: Ros Canter, Badminton winner, European champion and world number two
  • 2022: Laura Collett, Badminton winner, adding a second five-star title to her win at Pau in 2020, plus Tokyo Olympic eventing team gold
  • 2021: Tom McEwen, winner of Tokyo Olympic eventing team gold and individual silver medallist
  • 2020: Charlotte Dujardin, who was selected as professional rider of the decade (2011-2020)
  • 2019: Piggy French, who won Badminton for the first time among a record 14 internationals, including Blenheim CCI4*-L, was second at Burghley on Vanir Kamira and took European team silver with Quarrycrest Echo
  • 2018: Ros Canter, who became eventing individual world champion at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon
  • 2017: Nicola Wilson, who took team gold and individual bronze at the European Eventing Championships
  • 2016: Charlotte Dujardin, who added a second individual Olympic gold at Rio 2016 and helped the Brits to team silver

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/professional-rider-of-the-year-2026 wmbpLhDiyYxAmCHH4eXp7e Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:22:20 +0000 false false false

Professional Rider of the Year 2026

Honouring the greatest rider of the year, who is a hero and an inspiration to others, and whose ability is a blessing for both their horses and our sport.

Six pros – who have each delivered glittering performances on the world’s biggest stages – were shortlisted in the annual Horse & Hound Awards, and the winner is…

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Previous Professional Rider of the Year award winners

Previous winners of this award include:

  • 2025: Ros Canter, winner of Badminton and Burghley in the same year
  • 2024: Ros Canter, Olympic team gold medallist and Burghley winner
  • 2023: Ros Canter, Badminton winner, European champion and world number two
  • 2022: Laura Collett, Badminton winner, adding a second five-star title to her win at Pau in 2020, plus Tokyo Olympic eventing team gold
  • 2021: Tom McEwen, winner of Tokyo Olympic eventing team gold and individual silver medallist
  • 2020: Charlotte Dujardin, who was selected as professional rider of the decade (2011-2020)
  • 2019: Piggy French, who won Badminton for the first time among a record 14 internationals, including Blenheim CCI4*-L, was second at Burghley on Vanir Kamira and took European team silver with Quarrycrest Echo
  • 2018: Ros Canter, who became eventing individual world champion at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon
  • 2017: Nicola Wilson, who took team gold and individual bronze at the European Eventing Championships
  • 2016: Charlotte Dujardin, who added a second individual Olympic gold at Rio 2016 and helped the Brits to team silver

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> <![CDATA[ Event Horse of the Year 2026 ]]> Hit Air Event Horse of the Year 2026

The event horse who has thrilled the crowds with his or her skill and bravery across the disciplines.

Once again we will crown the best horses in their individual sports based on your votes as part of the annual Horse & Hound Awards.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Previous Event Horse of the Year Award winners

The previous winners of the Event Horse of the Year Award are:

  • 2025: Lordships Graffalo, Ros Canter's ride sealed his legendary status by taking both British five-star titles, becoming the first horse to win both Badminton and Burghley twice
  • 2024: London 52, Laura Collett’s three-time five-star-winning ride who led Britain to Olympic team gold and snaffled his own individual bronze in Paris
  • 2023: Lordships Graffalo, Ros Canter’s brilliant partner who won Badminton and the Europeans

Prior to 2023, the Horse of the Year Award ran across all equestrian disciplines, and the winners include:

  • 2022: Vanir Kamira, the much-loved veteran mare, who added Burghley to her previous Badminton win
  • 2021: the world’s best showjumper and Olympic champion Explosion W, ride of Ben Maher
  • 2020: the legendary Valegro was crowned the horse of the decade (2011-2020) by H&H readers
  • 2019: Piggy French’s ride Vanir Kamira may be “a pain in the arse 352 days a year”, but this true five-star horse “comes into her own at Badminton and Burghley”
  • 2018: Arctic Soul, the former racehorse turned elite eventer, ridden by Gemma Tattersall
  • 2017: Nip Tuck, Carl Hester’s outstanding equine partner
  • 2016: Valegro, the elite dressage star and world record breaker, ridden by Charlotte Dujardin

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/event-horse-of-the-year-2026 7xi4FseNsmNo6ME49kUBU4 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:22:16 +0000 false false false

Hit Air Event Horse of the Year 2026

The event horse who has thrilled the crowds with his or her skill and bravery across the disciplines.

Once again we will crown the best horses in their individual sports based on your votes as part of the annual Horse & Hound Awards.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Previous Event Horse of the Year Award winners

The previous winners of the Event Horse of the Year Award are:

  • 2025: Lordships Graffalo, Ros Canter's ride sealed his legendary status by taking both British five-star titles, becoming the first horse to win both Badminton and Burghley twice
  • 2024: London 52, Laura Collett’s three-time five-star-winning ride who led Britain to Olympic team gold and snaffled his own individual bronze in Paris
  • 2023: Lordships Graffalo, Ros Canter’s brilliant partner who won Badminton and the Europeans

Prior to 2023, the Horse of the Year Award ran across all equestrian disciplines, and the winners include:

  • 2022: Vanir Kamira, the much-loved veteran mare, who added Burghley to her previous Badminton win
  • 2021: the world’s best showjumper and Olympic champion Explosion W, ride of Ben Maher
  • 2020: the legendary Valegro was crowned the horse of the decade (2011-2020) by H&H readers
  • 2019: Piggy French’s ride Vanir Kamira may be “a pain in the arse 352 days a year”, but this true five-star horse “comes into her own at Badminton and Burghley”
  • 2018: Arctic Soul, the former racehorse turned elite eventer, ridden by Gemma Tattersall
  • 2017: Nip Tuck, Carl Hester’s outstanding equine partner
  • 2016: Valegro, the elite dressage star and world record breaker, ridden by Charlotte Dujardin

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> <![CDATA[ Show Horse of the Year 2026 ]]> Show Horse of the Year 2026

With film-star looks, superb ringcraft and manners to burn, the show horse who gives both an impeccable ride and wows the spectators.

For the third year in a row, we will crown the best horses in their individual sports based on your votes as part of the annual Horse & Hound Awards.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Previous Show Horse of the Year Award winners

The previous winners of the Show Horse of the Year Award are:

  • 2025: Stoneleigh Showtime, supreme pony at Royal International Horse Show, three-time show pony champion at Royal Windsor and HOYS winner
  • 2024: Mulberry Lane, the working hunter who was crowned supreme horse at both Royal International and Horse of the Year Show
  • 2023: Forgeland Hyde Park, one of the most consistent hacks of the past decade

Prior to 2023, the Horse of the Year Award ran across all equestrian disciplines, and the winners include:

  • 2022: Vanir Kamira, the much-loved veteran mare, who added Burghley to her previous Badminton win
  • 2021: the world’s best showjumper and Olympic champion Explosion W, ride of Ben Maher
  • 2020: the legendary Valegro was crowned the horse of the decade (2011-2020) by H&H readers
  • 2019: Piggy French’s ride Vanir Kamira may be “a pain in the arse 352 days a year”, but this true five-star horse “comes into her own at Badminton and Burghley”
  • 2018: Arctic Soul, the former racehorse turned elite eventer, ridden by Gemma Tattersall
  • 2017: Nip Tuck, Carl Hester’s outstanding equine partner
  • 2016: Valegro, the elite dressage star and world record breaker, ridden by Charlotte Dujardin

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/show-horse-of-the-year-2026 CGtRePWY85vHN2fzGdbsBW Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:22:13 +0000 false false false

Show Horse of the Year 2026

With film-star looks, superb ringcraft and manners to burn, the show horse who gives both an impeccable ride and wows the spectators.

For the third year in a row, we will crown the best horses in their individual sports based on your votes as part of the annual Horse & Hound Awards.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Previous Show Horse of the Year Award winners

The previous winners of the Show Horse of the Year Award are:

  • 2025: Stoneleigh Showtime, supreme pony at Royal International Horse Show, three-time show pony champion at Royal Windsor and HOYS winner
  • 2024: Mulberry Lane, the working hunter who was crowned supreme horse at both Royal International and Horse of the Year Show
  • 2023: Forgeland Hyde Park, one of the most consistent hacks of the past decade

Prior to 2023, the Horse of the Year Award ran across all equestrian disciplines, and the winners include:

  • 2022: Vanir Kamira, the much-loved veteran mare, who added Burghley to her previous Badminton win
  • 2021: the world’s best showjumper and Olympic champion Explosion W, ride of Ben Maher
  • 2020: the legendary Valegro was crowned the horse of the decade (2011-2020) by H&H readers
  • 2019: Piggy French’s ride Vanir Kamira may be “a pain in the arse 352 days a year”, but this true five-star horse “comes into her own at Badminton and Burghley”
  • 2018: Arctic Soul, the former racehorse turned elite eventer, ridden by Gemma Tattersall
  • 2017: Nip Tuck, Carl Hester’s outstanding equine partner
  • 2016: Valegro, the elite dressage star and world record breaker, ridden by Charlotte Dujardin

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> <![CDATA[ Showjumping Horse of the Year 2026 ]]> Showjumping Horse of the Year 2026

An elite showjumper’s sheer talent to clear the highest fences is sublime – which horse deserves top honours in 2026?

One again we will crown the best horses in their individual sports based on your votes as part of the annual Horse & Hound Awards.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Previous Showjumping Horse of the Year Award winners

The previous winners of the Showjumping Horse of the Year Award are:

  • 2025: Hello Folie, this spirited mare captured our hearts with her enthusiastic and faultless dual silver medal-winning performance at the Europeans
  • 2024: the late Mr Blue Sky UK, one of the greatest and most popular puissance horses of all time, partnered by Guy Williams
  • 2023: Flying Tinker II, Mark Edwards’ home-bred and one of the most consistent horses on the national circuit

Prior to 2023, the Horse of the Year Award ran across all equestrian disciplines, and the winners include:

  • 2022: Vanir Kamira, the much-loved veteran mare, who added Burghley to her previous Badminton win
  • 2021: the world’s best showjumper and Olympic champion Explosion W, ride of Ben Maher
  • 2020: the legendary Valegro was crowned the horse of the decade (2011-2020) by H&H readers
  • 2019: Piggy French’s ride Vanir Kamira may be “a pain in the arse 352 days a year”, but this true five-star horse “comes into her own at Badminton and Burghley”
  • 2018: Arctic Soul, the former racehorse turned elite eventer, ridden by Gemma Tattersall
  • 2017: Nip Tuck, Carl Hester’s outstanding equine partner
  • 2016: Valegro, the elite dressage star and world record breaker, ridden by Charlotte Dujardin

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/showjumping-horse-of-the-year-2026 7admknY92dsDApwjWpukxF Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:22:09 +0000 false false false

Showjumping Horse of the Year 2026

An elite showjumper’s sheer talent to clear the highest fences is sublime – which horse deserves top honours in 2026?

One again we will crown the best horses in their individual sports based on your votes as part of the annual Horse & Hound Awards.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Previous Showjumping Horse of the Year Award winners

The previous winners of the Showjumping Horse of the Year Award are:

  • 2025: Hello Folie, this spirited mare captured our hearts with her enthusiastic and faultless dual silver medal-winning performance at the Europeans
  • 2024: the late Mr Blue Sky UK, one of the greatest and most popular puissance horses of all time, partnered by Guy Williams
  • 2023: Flying Tinker II, Mark Edwards’ home-bred and one of the most consistent horses on the national circuit

Prior to 2023, the Horse of the Year Award ran across all equestrian disciplines, and the winners include:

  • 2022: Vanir Kamira, the much-loved veteran mare, who added Burghley to her previous Badminton win
  • 2021: the world’s best showjumper and Olympic champion Explosion W, ride of Ben Maher
  • 2020: the legendary Valegro was crowned the horse of the decade (2011-2020) by H&H readers
  • 2019: Piggy French’s ride Vanir Kamira may be “a pain in the arse 352 days a year”, but this true five-star horse “comes into her own at Badminton and Burghley”
  • 2018: Arctic Soul, the former racehorse turned elite eventer, ridden by Gemma Tattersall
  • 2017: Nip Tuck, Carl Hester’s outstanding equine partner
  • 2016: Valegro, the elite dressage star and world record breaker, ridden by Charlotte Dujardin

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> <![CDATA[ D&H Elite Sport Dressage Horse of the Year 2026 ]]> D&H Elite Sport Dressage Horse of the Year 2026

Celebrating the dressage horse who is at the top of his or her game and is a pure joy to watch

We will crown the best horses in their individual sports based on your votes as part of the annual Horse & Hound Awards.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Previous Dressage Horse of the Year Award winners

The previous winners of the Dressage Horse of the Year Award are:

  • 2025: Jagerbomb, challenged the sport’s most decorated names while becoming role models for the next generation
  • 2024: Jagerbomb, scored a personal best in the grand prix special at the Paris Olympics helping Britain win bronze
  • 2023: Glamourdale, 2022 world champion and individual silver medallist at the 2023 Europeans

Prior to 2023, the Horse of the Year Award ran across all equestrian disciplines, and the winners include:

  • 2022: Vanir Kamira, the much-loved veteran mare, who added Burghley to her previous Badminton win
  • 2021: the world’s best showjumper and Olympic champion Explosion W, ride of Ben Maher
  • 2020: the legendary Valegro was crowned the horse of the decade (2011-2020) by H&H readers
  • 2019: Piggy French’s ride Vanir Kamira may be “a pain in the arse 352 days a year”, but this true five-star horse “comes into her own at Badminton and Burghley”
  • 2018: Arctic Soul, the former racehorse turned elite eventer, ridden by Gemma Tattersall
  • 2017: Nip Tuck, Carl Hester’s outstanding equine partner
  • 2016: Valegro, the elite dressage star and world record breaker, ridden by Charlotte Dujardin

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/dressage-horse-of-the-year-2026 BQompGgnG2yYzDk7moumN5 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:21:55 +0000 false false false

D&H Elite Sport Dressage Horse of the Year 2026

Celebrating the dressage horse who is at the top of his or her game and is a pure joy to watch

We will crown the best horses in their individual sports based on your votes as part of the annual Horse & Hound Awards.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Previous Dressage Horse of the Year Award winners

The previous winners of the Dressage Horse of the Year Award are:

  • 2025: Jagerbomb, challenged the sport’s most decorated names while becoming role models for the next generation
  • 2024: Jagerbomb, scored a personal best in the grand prix special at the Paris Olympics helping Britain win bronze
  • 2023: Glamourdale, 2022 world champion and individual silver medallist at the 2023 Europeans

Prior to 2023, the Horse of the Year Award ran across all equestrian disciplines, and the winners include:

  • 2022: Vanir Kamira, the much-loved veteran mare, who added Burghley to her previous Badminton win
  • 2021: the world’s best showjumper and Olympic champion Explosion W, ride of Ben Maher
  • 2020: the legendary Valegro was crowned the horse of the decade (2011-2020) by H&H readers
  • 2019: Piggy French’s ride Vanir Kamira may be “a pain in the arse 352 days a year”, but this true five-star horse “comes into her own at Badminton and Burghley”
  • 2018: Arctic Soul, the former racehorse turned elite eventer, ridden by Gemma Tattersall
  • 2017: Nip Tuck, Carl Hester’s outstanding equine partner
  • 2016: Valegro, the elite dressage star and world record breaker, ridden by Charlotte Dujardin

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> <![CDATA[ Baileys Horse Feeds Vet of the Year 2026 ]]> Baileys Horse Feeds Vet of the Year 2026

Appreciating the singular difference this skilled professional has made to horses’ lives, and subsequently to their owners’ lives too.

These highly skilled knights in shining armour – or muddy overalls – have given your horses and ponies the best possible healthcare in 2026.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Previous Vet of the Year award winners

Previous winners of this award include:

  • Claire Maher of Avonvale Equine Vet Practice, Upton, Oxon
  • Philippa Hughes of Dyffryn Tywi Equine Clinic
  • Sophie Fulton of SF Equine Vets
  • Emily Willoughby of EW Equine Vets
  • Elizabeth Frew of Kings Bounty Equine
  • Tim Randle
  • Ken Anderson
  • Alistair Field
  • Natalie McGoldrick

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/baileys-horse-feeds-vet-of-the-year-2026 DXBsc5XHazWSrNVBn6f4BX Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:21:18 +0000 false false false

Baileys Horse Feeds Vet of the Year 2026

Appreciating the singular difference this skilled professional has made to horses’ lives, and subsequently to their owners’ lives too.

These highly skilled knights in shining armour – or muddy overalls – have given your horses and ponies the best possible healthcare in 2026.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Previous Vet of the Year award winners

Previous winners of this award include:

  • Claire Maher of Avonvale Equine Vet Practice, Upton, Oxon
  • Philippa Hughes of Dyffryn Tywi Equine Clinic
  • Sophie Fulton of SF Equine Vets
  • Emily Willoughby of EW Equine Vets
  • Elizabeth Frew of Kings Bounty Equine
  • Tim Randle
  • Ken Anderson
  • Alistair Field
  • Natalie McGoldrick

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> <![CDATA[ Absorbine Groom of the Year 2026 ]]> Absorbine Groom of the Year 2026

Honouring the dedication, skill and sheer effort and love of horses this individual displays in the care of their charges day and night.

Behind the scenes, grooms are the linchpins of every yard, whether away at competitions or a vital cog at home. We celebrate their work in the annual Horse & Hound Awards.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Previous winners of the Groom of the Year award

Previous winners of this award include:

  • 2025: Kim Masson, competition groom for Becky Moody during annual leave from her full-time job in marketing
  • 2024: Jackie Potts, groom to William Fox-Pitt for over 30 years
  • 2023: Lucy Scudamore, groom to Carl Hester
  • 2022: Ruth Asquith, Nicola Wilson’s head groom, who joined her team in March 2016
  • 2021: Tilly Hughes, groom to Laura Collett and was her travelling groom for the Tokyo Games
  • 2020: Amelia Jay Sanderson, freelance groom
  • 2019: Amy Phillips, groom to Piggy French
  • 2018: Jane Felton, groom to Jonty Evans
  • 2017: E-J Eldridge, yard manager at Stallions AI breeding station
  • 2016: Alan Davies, groom to Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/absorbine-groom-of-the-year-2026 8WvBHWL3z4rbAJXoAPpirM Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:20:34 +0000 false false false

Absorbine Groom of the Year 2026

Honouring the dedication, skill and sheer effort and love of horses this individual displays in the care of their charges day and night.

Behind the scenes, grooms are the linchpins of every yard, whether away at competitions or a vital cog at home. We celebrate their work in the annual Horse & Hound Awards.

Nominations for this award open on Thursday 13 August, close at 5pm (UK time) on Thursday 10 September, and can be submitted via the link below.

Submit your nominations now

Previous winners of the Groom of the Year award

Previous winners of this award include:

  • 2025: Kim Masson, competition groom for Becky Moody during annual leave from her full-time job in marketing
  • 2024: Jackie Potts, groom to William Fox-Pitt for over 30 years
  • 2023: Lucy Scudamore, groom to Carl Hester
  • 2022: Ruth Asquith, Nicola Wilson’s head groom, who joined her team in March 2016
  • 2021: Tilly Hughes, groom to Laura Collett and was her travelling groom for the Tokyo Games
  • 2020: Amelia Jay Sanderson, freelance groom
  • 2019: Amy Phillips, groom to Piggy French
  • 2018: Jane Felton, groom to Jonty Evans
  • 2017: E-J Eldridge, yard manager at Stallions AI breeding station
  • 2016: Alan Davies, groom to Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin

About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026

The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.

As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.

The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.

]]> <![CDATA[ What’s in this week’s Horse & Hound, in shops from Thursday 13 August ]]> This week’s edition of Horse & Hound, in shops from Thursday 13 August, features part two of our FEI World Championships form guide. It’s the essential companion to Aachen 2026, with detailed dives into all the starters in eventing and showjumping. The dressage form guide was published in 6 August issue.

In the news pages, we explore the latest laminitis research, the progress made – and work to do – on obesity in showing, and more. We also round up some of the best joint supplements on the market and explore horse lorry design.

The spotlight is firmly on fly bites and sores in the Vet Clinic, and our interviewee this week is British showjumper Jessica Mendoza. Hear from Pammy Hutton and Graham Fletcher for their takes on hot topics in dressage and showjumping, and for hunting fans, we report from the West of England Hound Show.

As ever, enjoy in-depth reports from the latest fixtures, including LGCT London, Equifest, Bishop Burton and much, much more. There are many other articles for equestrians to enjoy inside – see a more detailed breakdown below.

What’s in Horse & Hound magazine: on sale 13 August 2026

News

  • Calls for standardised blood rules across sports
  • Laminitis: latest research provides advice for owners
  • Progress made on obesity in showing but more work to do
  • New in-hand championship announced

World Championship Form Guide

  • The entries: How to use this form guide
  • Eventing
  • Showjumping

H&H Awards in partnership with NAF and Agria

  • Your heroes of 2026: How to nominate them

Opinion

  • Letters of the week
  • Dressage: Pammy Hutton
  • Showjumping: Graham Fletcher

People and horses

  • H&H interview: British showjumper Jess Mendoza
  • Foal files: Paulank Brockagh, 2014 Badminton winner and Rio medallist

Property and kit

  • Settle in Sussex: A horse haven
  • Joint health: Support your horse’s joints with these supplements
  • Standing room only: Horsebox design

Vet Clinic

  • Types of fly bites, plus summer sores

Reports

  • Showjumping: London LGCT and nationals
  • Showing: Equifest
  • Eventing: Bishop Burton and Blindley Heath
  • Dressage: Bicton Arena, Vale View and more
  • Riding Club: Horse Trials Championships
  • Hunting: West of England Hound Show

Classified Ads

  • Horses for sale, horseboxes, vehicles, stabling, jobs, insurance and more

Get your magazine

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/whats-in-this-weeks-horse-and-hound-in-shops-from-thursday-13-august BdRPrcRjkNYxQCzUphtMz6 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 08:42:45 +0000 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 07:34:50 +0000 false false false

This week’s edition of Horse & Hound, in shops from Thursday 13 August, features part two of our FEI World Championships form guide. It’s the essential companion to Aachen 2026, with detailed dives into all the starters in eventing and showjumping. The dressage form guide was published in 6 August issue.

In the news pages, we explore the latest laminitis research, the progress made – and work to do – on obesity in showing, and more. We also round up some of the best joint supplements on the market and explore horse lorry design.

The spotlight is firmly on fly bites and sores in the Vet Clinic, and our interviewee this week is British showjumper Jessica Mendoza. Hear from Pammy Hutton and Graham Fletcher for their takes on hot topics in dressage and showjumping, and for hunting fans, we report from the West of England Hound Show.

As ever, enjoy in-depth reports from the latest fixtures, including LGCT London, Equifest, Bishop Burton and much, much more. There are many other articles for equestrians to enjoy inside – see a more detailed breakdown below.

What’s in Horse & Hound magazine: on sale 13 August 2026

News

  • Calls for standardised blood rules across sports
  • Laminitis: latest research provides advice for owners
  • Progress made on obesity in showing but more work to do
  • New in-hand championship announced

World Championship Form Guide

  • The entries: How to use this form guide
  • Eventing
  • Showjumping

H&H Awards in partnership with NAF and Agria

  • Your heroes of 2026: How to nominate them

Opinion

  • Letters of the week
  • Dressage: Pammy Hutton
  • Showjumping: Graham Fletcher

People and horses

  • H&H interview: British showjumper Jess Mendoza
  • Foal files: Paulank Brockagh, 2014 Badminton winner and Rio medallist

Property and kit

  • Settle in Sussex: A horse haven
  • Joint health: Support your horse’s joints with these supplements
  • Standing room only: Horsebox design

Vet Clinic

  • Types of fly bites, plus summer sores

Reports

  • Showjumping: London LGCT and nationals
  • Showing: Equifest
  • Eventing: Bishop Burton and Blindley Heath
  • Dressage: Bicton Arena, Vale View and more
  • Riding Club: Horse Trials Championships
  • Hunting: West of England Hound Show

Classified Ads

  • Horses for sale, horseboxes, vehicles, stabling, jobs, insurance and more

Get your magazine

]]> <![CDATA[ ‘Early-morning grass isn’t always safe’: laminitis prevention advice for owners after new research ]]> Advances in feeding and managing horses to reduce risk of laminitis are being shared following a significant body of recent research.

Scientists presented new findings, undertaken in collaboration with equine feed company Spillers, on laminitis risk, grazing management and the equine microbiome at the 13th European workshop on equine nutrition in Lisbon last month.

They gave eight presentations covering 11 studies, of which seven offered new insights into reducing the risk of laminitis and advancing understanding of the equine digestive system and microbiome.

This huge body of research has also resulted in valuable findings and practical advice for owners.

“It is excellent that research like this is under way”

H&H vet Karen Coumbe

Most cases of laminitis are related to high levels of insulin in the blood. In many, it is triggered by an equine eating enough non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) or “starch and sugar” to raise insulin levels.

Spring grass was shown to contain consistently high levels of NSC through the day and overnight, resulting in high insulin levels in horses with insulin dysregulation (ID) and some non-ID horses.

In late summer, NSC levels in grass peaked at 7pm and were lowest early in the morning. Insulin responses in ID horses mirrored these changes.

Moving from grass to a grass-free dry lot and feeding low NSC hay significantly reduced insulin levels after 24 hours in five of the six ID horses studied.

Grazing muzzles may help reduce insulin response in some horses, although their effectiveness varies between individuals and may be influenced by grass NSC levels.

“In terms of practical advice for horse owners the studies show we mustn’t assume early morning turnout is always safe during periods when grass NSC levels remain high,” said Edd Knowles, science and nutrition director at Mars Horsecare, Spillers’ parent company.

“Even metabolically healthy horses can produce high amounts of insulin when grazing high-NSC pasture, while insulin-dysregulated horses may still require restricted grazing even when grass sugar levels are relatively low.

“Complete removal from pasture may be necessary for horses at greatest risk especially during high-risk periods such as spring and autumn, while veterinary guidance and individual testing remain essential, as horses can respond very differently to the same forage.”

H&H vet Karen Coumbe, who was not involved in the studies, told H&H research in this area is “so very important”.

“Weight control needs to be taken seriously in horses and it is excellent that research like this is under way to provide evidence as to what is the best course of action,” said Dr Coumbe.

Pat Harris, who co-authored all eight abstracts presented with Spillers, told H&H these are part of a series of studies undertaken at the University of Kentucky with Dr Amanda Adams that are trying to provide better advice on the level of NSCs that should be provided, especially in severely ID horses.

She said this work has enabled Spillers to give a guide starting point from which people can then work with the vet and nutritionist, but stressed that horses are all individuals.

“Using this research Spillers has put together good general advice, which is very valuable and gives some good starting points, but you may have to tailor it and consider monitoring for an individual animal, especially if you're concerned,” said Dr Harris.

She suggested that for owners concerned about the NSC levels of their pasture, 3-7pm would be a good time to test their animals for insulin. Dr Harris also noted that even if a horse is out on a low-NSC pasture, using a properly fitted grazing muzzle, may help reduce insulin even further and might help reduce the risk of obesity.

She also agreed with Dr Knowles that during periods when pasture NSC levels are high, there is “no real safe time” especially for a severely ID animal to be grazing and noted that it is not only overweight or obese animals that can be ID.

“Even some of the non-ID horses when turned out on that high-NSC pasture also ended up with high insulin values,” she said. “Just because you've tested your animal and found they are not insulin dysregulated, it does not mean there is not a laminitis risk when they're out on high-NSC pastures.”

● What do you think? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/new-laminitis-research khzYiqCmBNWSExX6FvK9YB Tue, 11 Aug 2026 07:22:05 +0000 false false false

Advances in feeding and managing horses to reduce risk of laminitis are being shared following a significant body of recent research.

Scientists presented new findings, undertaken in collaboration with equine feed company Spillers, on laminitis risk, grazing management and the equine microbiome at the 13th European workshop on equine nutrition in Lisbon last month.

They gave eight presentations covering 11 studies, of which seven offered new insights into reducing the risk of laminitis and advancing understanding of the equine digestive system and microbiome.

This huge body of research has also resulted in valuable findings and practical advice for owners.

“It is excellent that research like this is under way”

H&H vet Karen Coumbe

Most cases of laminitis are related to high levels of insulin in the blood. In many, it is triggered by an equine eating enough non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) or “starch and sugar” to raise insulin levels.

Spring grass was shown to contain consistently high levels of NSC through the day and overnight, resulting in high insulin levels in horses with insulin dysregulation (ID) and some non-ID horses.

In late summer, NSC levels in grass peaked at 7pm and were lowest early in the morning. Insulin responses in ID horses mirrored these changes.

Moving from grass to a grass-free dry lot and feeding low NSC hay significantly reduced insulin levels after 24 hours in five of the six ID horses studied.

Grazing muzzles may help reduce insulin response in some horses, although their effectiveness varies between individuals and may be influenced by grass NSC levels.

“In terms of practical advice for horse owners the studies show we mustn’t assume early morning turnout is always safe during periods when grass NSC levels remain high,” said Edd Knowles, science and nutrition director at Mars Horsecare, Spillers’ parent company.

“Even metabolically healthy horses can produce high amounts of insulin when grazing high-NSC pasture, while insulin-dysregulated horses may still require restricted grazing even when grass sugar levels are relatively low.

“Complete removal from pasture may be necessary for horses at greatest risk especially during high-risk periods such as spring and autumn, while veterinary guidance and individual testing remain essential, as horses can respond very differently to the same forage.”

H&H vet Karen Coumbe, who was not involved in the studies, told H&H research in this area is “so very important”.

“Weight control needs to be taken seriously in horses and it is excellent that research like this is under way to provide evidence as to what is the best course of action,” said Dr Coumbe.

Pat Harris, who co-authored all eight abstracts presented with Spillers, told H&H these are part of a series of studies undertaken at the University of Kentucky with Dr Amanda Adams that are trying to provide better advice on the level of NSCs that should be provided, especially in severely ID horses.

She said this work has enabled Spillers to give a guide starting point from which people can then work with the vet and nutritionist, but stressed that horses are all individuals.

“Using this research Spillers has put together good general advice, which is very valuable and gives some good starting points, but you may have to tailor it and consider monitoring for an individual animal, especially if you're concerned,” said Dr Harris.

She suggested that for owners concerned about the NSC levels of their pasture, 3-7pm would be a good time to test their animals for insulin. Dr Harris also noted that even if a horse is out on a low-NSC pasture, using a properly fitted grazing muzzle, may help reduce insulin even further and might help reduce the risk of obesity.

She also agreed with Dr Knowles that during periods when pasture NSC levels are high, there is “no real safe time” especially for a severely ID animal to be grazing and noted that it is not only overweight or obese animals that can be ID.

“Even some of the non-ID horses when turned out on that high-NSC pasture also ended up with high insulin values,” she said. “Just because you've tested your animal and found they are not insulin dysregulated, it does not mean there is not a laminitis risk when they're out on high-NSC pastures.”

● What do you think? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

]]> <![CDATA[ What do owners know about horse welfare – and what would help them do better ]]> Owners care deeply about their horses’ welfare – but more can be done to “empower” them with the best ways to put evidence-based guidance into real everyday routines.

New research from Hartpury, Swedish and Dutch universities and equestrian marketing company EQuerry looked into aspects of care and practice that owners consider essential for safeguarding equine welfare.

The study, titled “What is Welfare? A Qualitative Study into Perceptions of Equine Welfare of Horse Owners ” was published in the International Journal of Equine Science in June.

Co-author Victoria Lewis told H&H the idea behind the research was sparked by a study fellow author Inga Wolframm had done in the Netherlands. Dr Wolframm shared the initial survey she had used, which featured questions based around various scenarios, and the researchers adapted these for this project.

The study posed eight open-ended questions – the kind that might come up in the real world. For example, “A friend wants to stable her horse at a livery/boarding facility with welfare as a top priority. What advice would you give her?” Others included what someone – who has just started riding – should know or be able to do, what owners wish they had known when they started their journey with horses, their thoughts on traditional training methods and what the focus should be on to improve horse welfare in all areas of their lives.

“I think it allowed for maybe some more in-depth answers than potentially we would have got from just a standard survey,” said Dr Lewis.

The team had 341 responses and Dr Lewis said some interesting themes cropped up during the analysis. Welfare was a high priority, and people are particularly keen on ensuring that horses have regular turnout and access to other horses, but this can be a struggle, particularly at livery yards.

She said another point that “jumped out” is that people want to find coaches with good knowledge, but also with high ethics and welfare standards.

More education also came up as a key area, and that it needs to be focused on evidence-based scientific research into what welfare is and looks like.

Dr Lewis added that an overall “strong theme” from the research is that owners considered horse welfare as a “key priority”.

“I was impressed with the fact there was quite good knowledge of what they thought equine welfare should be, linked quite closely to some of the evidence base and research that's been done,” she said.

“I think the more we can learn how to do things better, and share that knowledge, the better it's going to be for the individual horses.”

Other interesting points included how welfare is not just about technical knowledge or management practices, it “is deeply affected by the cognitive and moral frameworks through which humans understand their role in the horse-human relationship”.

The study looked at how owners’ beliefs about sentience, emotional capacity and behavioural interpretation “profoundly shape the lived experience of horses”. It also highlighted that owners who “actively sought out new scientific knowledge... may be more equipped or willing to question traditional practices and implement humane alternatives”.

“Owner behaviour is not static but evolves through exposure to coaching, education and self-reflection,” states the study. “Programs aimed at welfare enhancement should therefore include not just practical skills, but also opportunities for critical engagement with ethical and scientific principles.

“By embedding personal development into equestrian education, the industry can better support the transition from outdated views of horsemanship towards practices rooted in empathy, evidence and ethical integrity.”

It concludes that the findings “affirm a widespread and genuine concern for horse welfare”, adding, “The next step lies in empowering individuals through evidence-based guidance and accessible education to embed welfare-focused practices into everyday routines.

“Strengthening this connection between intention and action is essential for ensuring a more ethical, informed and sustainable future for horses and the people who care for them.”

● Read the full study: https://rasayely-journals.com/index.php/ijes/article/view/219/154

● What do you think? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/what-is-welfare-horse-owner-perceptions-research-study 7Qedg8Wm4Luzgw759nrv6J Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:47:10 +0000 false false false

Owners care deeply about their horses’ welfare – but more can be done to “empower” them with the best ways to put evidence-based guidance into real everyday routines.

New research from Hartpury, Swedish and Dutch universities and equestrian marketing company EQuerry looked into aspects of care and practice that owners consider essential for safeguarding equine welfare.

The study, titled “What is Welfare? A Qualitative Study into Perceptions of Equine Welfare of Horse Owners ” was published in the International Journal of Equine Science in June.

Co-author Victoria Lewis told H&H the idea behind the research was sparked by a study fellow author Inga Wolframm had done in the Netherlands. Dr Wolframm shared the initial survey she had used, which featured questions based around various scenarios, and the researchers adapted these for this project.

The study posed eight open-ended questions – the kind that might come up in the real world. For example, “A friend wants to stable her horse at a livery/boarding facility with welfare as a top priority. What advice would you give her?” Others included what someone – who has just started riding – should know or be able to do, what owners wish they had known when they started their journey with horses, their thoughts on traditional training methods and what the focus should be on to improve horse welfare in all areas of their lives.

“I think it allowed for maybe some more in-depth answers than potentially we would have got from just a standard survey,” said Dr Lewis.

The team had 341 responses and Dr Lewis said some interesting themes cropped up during the analysis. Welfare was a high priority, and people are particularly keen on ensuring that horses have regular turnout and access to other horses, but this can be a struggle, particularly at livery yards.

She said another point that “jumped out” is that people want to find coaches with good knowledge, but also with high ethics and welfare standards.

More education also came up as a key area, and that it needs to be focused on evidence-based scientific research into what welfare is and looks like.

Dr Lewis added that an overall “strong theme” from the research is that owners considered horse welfare as a “key priority”.

“I was impressed with the fact there was quite good knowledge of what they thought equine welfare should be, linked quite closely to some of the evidence base and research that's been done,” she said.

“I think the more we can learn how to do things better, and share that knowledge, the better it's going to be for the individual horses.”

Other interesting points included how welfare is not just about technical knowledge or management practices, it “is deeply affected by the cognitive and moral frameworks through which humans understand their role in the horse-human relationship”.

The study looked at how owners’ beliefs about sentience, emotional capacity and behavioural interpretation “profoundly shape the lived experience of horses”. It also highlighted that owners who “actively sought out new scientific knowledge... may be more equipped or willing to question traditional practices and implement humane alternatives”.

“Owner behaviour is not static but evolves through exposure to coaching, education and self-reflection,” states the study. “Programs aimed at welfare enhancement should therefore include not just practical skills, but also opportunities for critical engagement with ethical and scientific principles.

“By embedding personal development into equestrian education, the industry can better support the transition from outdated views of horsemanship towards practices rooted in empathy, evidence and ethical integrity.”

It concludes that the findings “affirm a widespread and genuine concern for horse welfare”, adding, “The next step lies in empowering individuals through evidence-based guidance and accessible education to embed welfare-focused practices into everyday routines.

“Strengthening this connection between intention and action is essential for ensuring a more ethical, informed and sustainable future for horses and the people who care for them.”

● Read the full study: https://rasayely-journals.com/index.php/ijes/article/view/219/154

● What do you think? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

]]> <![CDATA[ Horse goes one better than man or machine to benefit river and its fish ]]> You can take a horse to water…

That’s just what Dave Skinner has been doing, with eight-year-old Harry, to carry out work not done this way in Britain for decades.

Dave and the French Comtois draught, who is more usually seen working in woodlands, have been chain-harrowing the bed of the river Coln, on the Fairford Estate in Gloucestershire.

River keeper Mark Cameron, who works for the landowner, the Ernest Cook Trust, came up with the idea of asking for Harry to help.

“The action lifts the silt that clogs the gravels, allowing clean, well-oxygenated water to flow through them, improving the riverbed for spawning trout and grayling,” a spokesperson for the trust said.

A horse with his handler in a river

(Image credit: Jake Newman/The Ernest Cook Trust)

“It is a process more usually carried out by machine, but using a draught horse reduces the damage to the riverbank and the risk of fuel spills.”

The spokesperson said a horse can harrow 50m of the river bed in 10 minutes, whereas it would take a river keeper using traditional rakes and jets most of a day.

He will return roughly fortnightly to work on stretches of the Coln until the start of the fish spawning season in November.

Mark said: “Harry was in and off up the river like he had been doing it for ever. The rush of excitement was incredible, to be walking through the river ahead of three quarters of a ton of working horse was amazing. Not a single day on the river is taken for granted but this really did feel like a particularly special moment.”

The Ernest Cook Trust, which owns 10 estates from Dorset to Cumbria, is a charity that uses the income generated by its land to support education of children and young people in the countryside.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/horse-chain-harrowing-river VaTFZ5Ce7ygbXMfGM2bLEe Mon, 10 Aug 2026 16:37:28 +0000 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 16:37:43 +0000 false false false

You can take a horse to water…

That’s just what Dave Skinner has been doing, with eight-year-old Harry, to carry out work not done this way in Britain for decades.

Dave and the French Comtois draught, who is more usually seen working in woodlands, have been chain-harrowing the bed of the river Coln, on the Fairford Estate in Gloucestershire.

River keeper Mark Cameron, who works for the landowner, the Ernest Cook Trust, came up with the idea of asking for Harry to help.

“The action lifts the silt that clogs the gravels, allowing clean, well-oxygenated water to flow through them, improving the riverbed for spawning trout and grayling,” a spokesperson for the trust said.

A horse with his handler in a river

(Image credit: Jake Newman/The Ernest Cook Trust)

“It is a process more usually carried out by machine, but using a draught horse reduces the damage to the riverbank and the risk of fuel spills.”

The spokesperson said a horse can harrow 50m of the river bed in 10 minutes, whereas it would take a river keeper using traditional rakes and jets most of a day.

He will return roughly fortnightly to work on stretches of the Coln until the start of the fish spawning season in November.

Mark said: “Harry was in and off up the river like he had been doing it for ever. The rush of excitement was incredible, to be walking through the river ahead of three quarters of a ton of working horse was amazing. Not a single day on the river is taken for granted but this really did feel like a particularly special moment.”

The Ernest Cook Trust, which owns 10 estates from Dorset to Cumbria, is a charity that uses the income generated by its land to support education of children and young people in the countryside.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> <![CDATA[ Partly paralysed horseman says injury was ‘the greatest gift ever’ as it built a better way of working with horses ]]> A rider who was told he might never walk again and found himself at rock bottom after a serious injury has created a new career with dogs and horses – and said the injury is the best thing that has ever happened to him.

Adam Watson grew up with horses and ranch work in the US but the spinal cord injury he sustained in 2018 meant he lost the use of his right arm. But he said the adaptations he has made to be able to work with horses again, with his increased knowledge of psychology and his own tendency for horse-first training principles, have helped change his life.

“Ten years ago, I was a monster of a man, a mean biker,” Adam told H&H. “It took me getting hurt to realise I spent the first 38 years of my life trying to hide insecurities. Now, I’m peaceful, I don’t have to prove anything.

“My accident and injury cured a lifetime of insecurity – and the horses were everything to do with it.”

Adam grew up working on his father’s ranch, and backing and selling mustangs, but then spent over 20 years working in areas including emergency services, international field operations and working-dog training. Then he sustained the work-related brachial plexus injury, damage to the nerves to his right arm, and everything changed.

“They were telling me I had high potential of being a quadriplegic the rest of my life,” he said. “It was a pretty terrifying experience.”

Adam started to recover, and decided to build a dog-training facility.

Adam Watson: rebuilding

“I would say I was ambulatory but not functioning,” he said. “I spent more than several days where I would just sit out in the yard and cry. I remember trying to build a little obstacle, and all I needed to do was drive one nail.

“There were a lot of days like that, but that day in particular. I remember I had a full meltdown in the yard. I cried. I threw things.

“It was the whole deal that day, but that really needed to happen. I needed to go through that bad spot, because I’m the type of person who needs the challenge to drive me. Then I needed to find a way to make things work; it was me against it.”

Adam cites the support he had from Ben Radar, US army veteran and former kennel master, who he would speak to for hours on the phone.

“Ben’s psychology knowledge base is insane,” he said. “He gave me a master’s education in applied psychology, in a format I really understood. He allowed me to apply the correct terminology and the psychology to an entire childhood of watching my daddy work horses.

“Once I understood what I’d been seeing my whole life, I had something to move on.”

Adam said he “reconnected” with horses after his accident, partly after going back to rodeos with his brother and nephew, and realised he had missed having them as part of his life.

He explained that as he is limited physically, he has had to develop different methods for working, which benefits the horses and his relationship with them.

“Adaptation is the mother of change,” he said, giving the example of putting a bridle on to show that having a better relationship with a horse.

“That’s not the easiest thing without two hands; I challenge anyone to go and bridle a horse with one hand,” he said. “Unless that horse is a willing participant, you can’t do it.”

Adam Watson standing with a horse

(Image credit: None)

Adam now works in search and rescue – and has taught horses to scent-track missing people – and with disaster response organisation Mission Mules.

“Horsemanship, injury adaptation, search-and-rescue thinking, working dogs and field capability all came together after the loss of use of my right arm,” he said. “This is not a pity story, it’s about rebuilding real capability and showing how clearer systems can make horses, riders, handlers and field teams safer.

“Adaptation acts as a stress test for horse-handling systems and can reveal safer, cleaner methods that benefit other riders, grooms and yard staff too.”

Adam said he still suffers from severe pain from his injury, but that he still considers it a blessing.

“I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world,” he said. “This injury absolutely is the greatest thing that ever happened to me, the greatest gift God ever gave me.”

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/adam-watson-horses-dogs fiYp7Eji4sHrfDXJZrnXPL Sun, 09 Aug 2026 12:30:31 +0000 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 07:35:01 +0000 false false false

A rider who was told he might never walk again and found himself at rock bottom after a serious injury has created a new career with dogs and horses – and said the injury is the best thing that has ever happened to him.

Adam Watson grew up with horses and ranch work in the US but the spinal cord injury he sustained in 2018 meant he lost the use of his right arm. But he said the adaptations he has made to be able to work with horses again, with his increased knowledge of psychology and his own tendency for horse-first training principles, have helped change his life.

“Ten years ago, I was a monster of a man, a mean biker,” Adam told H&H. “It took me getting hurt to realise I spent the first 38 years of my life trying to hide insecurities. Now, I’m peaceful, I don’t have to prove anything.

“My accident and injury cured a lifetime of insecurity – and the horses were everything to do with it.”

Adam grew up working on his father’s ranch, and backing and selling mustangs, but then spent over 20 years working in areas including emergency services, international field operations and working-dog training. Then he sustained the work-related brachial plexus injury, damage to the nerves to his right arm, and everything changed.

“They were telling me I had high potential of being a quadriplegic the rest of my life,” he said. “It was a pretty terrifying experience.”

Adam started to recover, and decided to build a dog-training facility.

Adam Watson: rebuilding

“I would say I was ambulatory but not functioning,” he said. “I spent more than several days where I would just sit out in the yard and cry. I remember trying to build a little obstacle, and all I needed to do was drive one nail.

“There were a lot of days like that, but that day in particular. I remember I had a full meltdown in the yard. I cried. I threw things.

“It was the whole deal that day, but that really needed to happen. I needed to go through that bad spot, because I’m the type of person who needs the challenge to drive me. Then I needed to find a way to make things work; it was me against it.”

Adam cites the support he had from Ben Radar, US army veteran and former kennel master, who he would speak to for hours on the phone.

“Ben’s psychology knowledge base is insane,” he said. “He gave me a master’s education in applied psychology, in a format I really understood. He allowed me to apply the correct terminology and the psychology to an entire childhood of watching my daddy work horses.

“Once I understood what I’d been seeing my whole life, I had something to move on.”

Adam said he “reconnected” with horses after his accident, partly after going back to rodeos with his brother and nephew, and realised he had missed having them as part of his life.

He explained that as he is limited physically, he has had to develop different methods for working, which benefits the horses and his relationship with them.

“Adaptation is the mother of change,” he said, giving the example of putting a bridle on to show that having a better relationship with a horse.

“That’s not the easiest thing without two hands; I challenge anyone to go and bridle a horse with one hand,” he said. “Unless that horse is a willing participant, you can’t do it.”

Adam Watson standing with a horse

(Image credit: None)

Adam now works in search and rescue – and has taught horses to scent-track missing people – and with disaster response organisation Mission Mules.

“Horsemanship, injury adaptation, search-and-rescue thinking, working dogs and field capability all came together after the loss of use of my right arm,” he said. “This is not a pity story, it’s about rebuilding real capability and showing how clearer systems can make horses, riders, handlers and field teams safer.

“Adaptation acts as a stress test for horse-handling systems and can reveal safer, cleaner methods that benefit other riders, grooms and yard staff too.”

Adam said he still suffers from severe pain from his injury, but that he still considers it a blessing.

“I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world,” he said. “This injury absolutely is the greatest thing that ever happened to me, the greatest gift God ever gave me.”

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> <![CDATA[ Riders urged to stand strong together – as no one has to face life’s challenges alone ]]> “Stand strong” is the message behind this year’s Riders Minds Day today (9 August) as the equestrian community is reminded that no one has to face life’s challenges alone.

The annual initiative, now in its third year, is organised by mental health charity Riders Minds. It is “an opportunity to wear purple and raise awareness of mental health across the equestrian community, encourage meaningful conversations, and remind everyone involved with horses that no one has to face life’s challenges alone”.

The charity’s position is that we all have a role to play in protecting mental health. This year’s theme, stand strong, “celebrates the strength that comes from standing together, supporting one another, and recognising that asking for help is a sign of courage, not weakness”.

Riders Minds chair and founder Victoria Wright said standing strong does not mean facing challenges alone.

“True strength comes from reaching out, listening without judgement, showing kindness and reminding one another that we all matter,” she said.

“Riders Minds Day is about uniting our community, encouraging open conversations around mental health and letting every equestrian know that support is always available. Together, we can build a stronger, kinder and more compassionate equestrian community where no one feels they have to struggle in silence.”

Riders Minds Day: get involved

People and organisations are encouraged to show their support for Riders Minds Day by wearing purple, checking in on other people, talking about mental health and wellbeing and raising awareness of the support the charity offers.

“The campaign also continues to champion the message of #equestrianstogether, recognising that a stronger equestrian community is one where everyone feels seen, heard and supported,” a spokesperson for the charity said.

Riders Minds is also looking for fundraisers throughout August; more information on this is on the charity’s website.

Anyone looking for support can call the Riders Minds helpline on 0800 088 2073, text 07480 488103 or use the live chat on the website. All services are free, confidential and accessible 24 hours a day.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/riders-minds-day-2026 uuATm2aSwJ7hMza8tUaFWn Sat, 08 Aug 2026 06:05:00 +0000 false false false

“Stand strong” is the message behind this year’s Riders Minds Day today (9 August) as the equestrian community is reminded that no one has to face life’s challenges alone.

The annual initiative, now in its third year, is organised by mental health charity Riders Minds. It is “an opportunity to wear purple and raise awareness of mental health across the equestrian community, encourage meaningful conversations, and remind everyone involved with horses that no one has to face life’s challenges alone”.

The charity’s position is that we all have a role to play in protecting mental health. This year’s theme, stand strong, “celebrates the strength that comes from standing together, supporting one another, and recognising that asking for help is a sign of courage, not weakness”.

Riders Minds chair and founder Victoria Wright said standing strong does not mean facing challenges alone.

“True strength comes from reaching out, listening without judgement, showing kindness and reminding one another that we all matter,” she said.

“Riders Minds Day is about uniting our community, encouraging open conversations around mental health and letting every equestrian know that support is always available. Together, we can build a stronger, kinder and more compassionate equestrian community where no one feels they have to struggle in silence.”

Riders Minds Day: get involved

People and organisations are encouraged to show their support for Riders Minds Day by wearing purple, checking in on other people, talking about mental health and wellbeing and raising awareness of the support the charity offers.

“The campaign also continues to champion the message of #equestrianstogether, recognising that a stronger equestrian community is one where everyone feels seen, heard and supported,” a spokesperson for the charity said.

Riders Minds is also looking for fundraisers throughout August; more information on this is on the charity’s website.

Anyone looking for support can call the Riders Minds helpline on 0800 088 2073, text 07480 488103 or use the live chat on the website. All services are free, confidential and accessible 24 hours a day.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> <![CDATA[ ‘Worms don’t go on holiday’: owners urged not to delay testing as heat and drought may increase parasite risk ]]> “Worms don’t go on holiday” is the message to equestrians this summer, and higher temperatures may mean more horses need treating than normal.

Parasite specialist Westgate Labs is urging people to stick to eight- to 12-week testing intervals as the high temperatures are replicating conditions in 2025, when “significantly more” horses needed treatment than usual.

“As 2026 has already brought record-breaking spring temperatures and repeated summer heatwaves, the laboratory is encouraging owners to keep to the recommended testing intervals, even for horses that have historically returned low worm egg counts,” a spokesperson for Westgate Labs said.

The company has analysed more than 50,000 egg count results from last autumn and winter and found that 27% of horses exceeded the treatment threshold, compared to 21% in 2024-2025 and 18% the previous year.

“After allowing for the normal seasonal rise in egg shedding through autumn and winter, the increase remained statistically significant,” the spokesperson said.

“The small redworm has a fast lifecycle of around four to six weeks. Experts have summarised that the warm weather accelerates the larval development phase of the parasites, allowing horses to become more readily infected as they graze. This, combined with burnt-off paddocks and low grass growth means reduced opportunity to rest and rotate grazing. With less forage available, horses have been cropping the grass closer to the soil and dung piles, further increasing infection potential.”

Misconceptions

Westgate Labs director Kristy Hodgson said a common misconception is that a horse “looks fine” so testing can be delayed.

“Last year’s data showed that isn’t always the case,” she said.

“Regular testing allows us to spot changes before they become a problem. If owners stretch the interval between tests, there’s a greater chance that horses shedding higher numbers of parasite eggs will contaminate the pasture for longer, increasing infection pressure for the whole group.

“Testing every eight to 12 weeks means you’re responding to what’s happening now, rather than what happened three or four months ago. This intervention could easily prevent a bigger problem down the line.”

Research suggests that warmer temperatures and milder winters are likely to favour parasite development. England has had its warmest spring on record this year, and there have been heatwaves and droughts across the country.

To encourage testing, Westgate Labs is offering a daily prize draw from 17 to 28 August. One customer, drawn at random, will get their next tests for free, to the value of the tests submitted. The draw will take place on social media, each day, Monday to Friday.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/summer-worm-counts-horses BD5wVpUA5h7ngbDPVUuxec Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:30:32 +0000 Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:48:52 +0000 false false false

“Worms don’t go on holiday” is the message to equestrians this summer, and higher temperatures may mean more horses need treating than normal.

Parasite specialist Westgate Labs is urging people to stick to eight- to 12-week testing intervals as the high temperatures are replicating conditions in 2025, when “significantly more” horses needed treatment than usual.

“As 2026 has already brought record-breaking spring temperatures and repeated summer heatwaves, the laboratory is encouraging owners to keep to the recommended testing intervals, even for horses that have historically returned low worm egg counts,” a spokesperson for Westgate Labs said.

The company has analysed more than 50,000 egg count results from last autumn and winter and found that 27% of horses exceeded the treatment threshold, compared to 21% in 2024-2025 and 18% the previous year.

“After allowing for the normal seasonal rise in egg shedding through autumn and winter, the increase remained statistically significant,” the spokesperson said.

“The small redworm has a fast lifecycle of around four to six weeks. Experts have summarised that the warm weather accelerates the larval development phase of the parasites, allowing horses to become more readily infected as they graze. This, combined with burnt-off paddocks and low grass growth means reduced opportunity to rest and rotate grazing. With less forage available, horses have been cropping the grass closer to the soil and dung piles, further increasing infection potential.”

Misconceptions

Westgate Labs director Kristy Hodgson said a common misconception is that a horse “looks fine” so testing can be delayed.

“Last year’s data showed that isn’t always the case,” she said.

“Regular testing allows us to spot changes before they become a problem. If owners stretch the interval between tests, there’s a greater chance that horses shedding higher numbers of parasite eggs will contaminate the pasture for longer, increasing infection pressure for the whole group.

“Testing every eight to 12 weeks means you’re responding to what’s happening now, rather than what happened three or four months ago. This intervention could easily prevent a bigger problem down the line.”

Research suggests that warmer temperatures and milder winters are likely to favour parasite development. England has had its warmest spring on record this year, and there have been heatwaves and droughts across the country.

To encourage testing, Westgate Labs is offering a daily prize draw from 17 to 28 August. One customer, drawn at random, will get their next tests for free, to the value of the tests submitted. The draw will take place on social media, each day, Monday to Friday.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> <![CDATA[ Horse & Hound Awards 2026 Terms and Conditions ]]> 1. Nominees (“Nominees”) must be UK residents, excluding FUTURE’s current and past employees. Promoter of the Horse & Hound Awards (“Awards”): Future Publishing Ltd (“FUTURE”), which has its registered offices located at the Quay House, The Ambury, Bath, BA1 1UA and is a company registered in England and Wales under company number 02008885.

2. Method of Nomination

♦ Online:

You can go to the website at www.horseandhound.co.uk/awards and follow the instructions to complete the relevant online nomination form.

3. Start date for entries: Thursday, 13 August 2026

4. Closing date for entries: 17:00 on Thursday, 10 September 2026

5. Voting opens on: Thursday, 8 October 2026 and closes at 17:00 on Friday, 16 October 2026

6. Winners announced: at the Horse & Hound Awards ceremony on Wednesday, 25 November 2026

7. Eligibility: employees (including their families, including any live-in partner), any of the category sponsors, FUTURE’s printers and agents and anyone materially connected to the administration of the Awards are not eligible.

♦ There is no limit on the number of nominations you may submit.

♦ You can nominate yourself or someone else, but it is your responsibility to obtain permission from the person you are nominating before submitting the nomination.

♦ If you are under eighteen (18) years old, you must have the permission of your parent or legal guardian to submit a nomination, and you must provide the name and daytime telephone number of your parent or legal guardian on request.

♦ For Nominees under 18 years old, you must obtain consent from their parent or legal guardian before you nominate them for the award, and you must provide the name and daytime telephone number of their parent or legal guardian on request.

♦ FUTURE reserves the right to contact the relevant parent or legal guardian to check consent and to exclude nominations for which the requisite consent has not been given.

♦ Nominees must be available to be contacted between 21 October and 25 November 2026.

♦ If you are shortlisted and/or a winning Nominee, you agree to take part in any interviews, photographic shoots and post-winning publicity surrounding the Awards as may be asked by FUTURE and/or selected partners; and consent for FUTURE and selected partners to use the above-mentioned images and interviews howsoever they see fit, including for promotional purposes, with no financial claim.

♦ In the event that you are nominating someone else for the Awards, it is your responsibility to make the Nominee aware of these terms and conditions.

♦ Proof of eligibility must be provided upon request.

♦ Nominations submitted online using methods generated by a script, macro or the use of automated devices will be void. Nominations that are incomplete, illegible or indecipherable will not be valid and will be deemed void. Use of a false name or address will result in disqualification.

♦ No nominations or photographs can be returned.

6. Prizes:

♦ There are 13 categories: Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement, Dressage Horse of the Year, Event Horse of the Year, Showjumping Horse of the Year, Show Horse of the Year, Professional Rider of the Year, Amateur Rider of the Year, Groom of the Year, Vet of the Year, Young Rider of the Year, Unsung Partnership of the Year, Riding School of the Year, and Horse of a Lifetime.

♦ The shortlisted Nominees are responsible for any costs or expenses incurred in attending the Awards ceremony.

♦ The Prizes are as stated and are not transferable to another individual. No cash or other alternatives will be offered. The Prizes cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offer.

♦ Prizes are subject to availability. FUTURE accepts no responsibility whatsoever for elements of the Prizes being withdrawn. In the event of a Prize being unavailable, FUTURE reserves the right to offer an alternative Prize of equal or greater value.

♦ If applicable, the Prizes are subject to the terms and conditions of the relevant sponsors or Prize supplier, which will be provided to the Winner when booking the Prize or with the Prize.

♦ The Winners in each category will receive their award trophy at the ceremony on the 25th of November 2026. There will not be any monetary or similar Prize.

7. Nomination Selection Process

♦ All nominations received by the closing date and time will be considered. A shortlist of three (3) to five (5) entries in each category, except the Lifetime Achievement award, will be selected by the judging panel to be put forward for public vote.

♦ The shortlisted Nominees will be selected by the judging panel from the best stories and examples of excellence in their nominated category, and the judging panel will be influenced by the number of nominations for any particular nominee as well as the strength of their entry. For further details, refer to the nomination form for information on the specific categories and the judging criteria.

♦ The judging panel consists of members of the Horse & Hound team, who will decide the Winner of the Lifetime Achievement award and the shortlist for the other fourteen (14) awards. The decisions of the judging panel will be final and no correspondence will be entered into over the decisions.

♦ Judging of nominations will take place from 10 September 2026 and shortlisted Nominees will be notified by 8 October 2026.

♦ Shortlisted Nominees will then be put forward for public vote by Horse & Hound website users, with the exception of the Lifetime Achievement award, which will be decided by the Horse & Hound panel. Voting opens on 8 October 2026. The Winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony on 25 November 2026.

♦ Failure to respond to information requested by FUTURE, failure to provide a valid UK address for delivery, or failure to meet the eligibility requirements may result in forfeiture of the Prize.

♦ The Winner in each category will be published in Horse & Hound magazine on 3 December 2026.

8. Use of information provided

♦ All nominations will become the property of FUTURE. FUTURE accepts no responsibility for nominations unsuccessfully submitted.

♦ By submitting a nomination form, you consent to give FUTURE a royalty-free, non-exclusive licence to use, reproduce, modify, publish, create derivative works from, and display the nomination (and any photograph included with the nomination) in whole or in part, on a worldwide basis, and to incorporate it singly or collectively into other works in any form, media or technology now known or later developed (including, without limitation, magazines and online), including for promotional or marketing purposes. If necessary, you will sign any necessary documentation that may be required for FUTURE to make use of the non-exclusive rights you are granting to use the nomination (and any photograph included with the nomination).

♦ FUTURE reserves the right to make the nomination and all reproductions thereof available, either wholly or in part, in any manner or form whatsoever and in any medium or format, either separately or in conjunction with any other content.

♦ FUTURE reserves the right to publish names, photographs and country of residence of any Winner. The Winner agrees to the use of their name, photograph and disclosure of county of residence.

♦ You agree to waive all moral rights or any similar personal rights in any nomination you submit.

♦ Any personal information, including without limitation, your and the Nominee’s name, age, address (including postcode) and/or email address, will be used by FUTURE in accordance with its privacy policy available at https://www.futureplc.com/privacy-policy/ .

♦ Your information and the information of the Nominee may be shared with the relevant class sponsor — NAF, Absorbine, SPILLERS Horse Feeds, Baileys Horse Feeds, Dodson & Horrell and Agria — for the purposes of Prize fulfilment and the administration of the Awards, which will use such information subject to its privacy policy.

9. General

♦ By submitting a nomination, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.

♦ Your submission of nominations is not dependent on any purchase.

♦ No responsibility can be accepted for entries lost, damaged or delayed in the post, or due to computer error in transit.

♦ FUTURE reserves the right to hold void, suspend, cancel or amend the Awards at any time. FUTURE reserves the right to change these terms and conditions at any time.

♦ FUTURE also reserves the right to cancel individual nominations without liability to affected participants where such nominations do not, in the opinion of FUTURE, enter into the spirit of the Awards or if the security or proper administration of the Awards or the validity of a nomination is adversely affected. In the event of cancellation, termination or suspension, FUTURE may, at their discretion, select a Winner from eligible, non-suspect or unaffected nominations received prior to the event requiring such cancellation, termination or suspension.

♦ Insofar as is permitted by law, FUTURE, their agents or distributors will not in any circumstances be responsible or liable to compensate the Winner(s) or accept any liability for any loss, damage, personal injury or death occurring as a result of taking up the Prize except where it is caused by the negligence of FUTURE, their agents or distributors or that of their employees. Your statutory rights are not affected.

♦ In the event of a discrepancy between these terms and conditions and the details in the promotional material, the details in these terms and conditions shall prevail.

♦ These terms and conditions shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales and any dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//awardsrules2026 9vjs7WvTUAotjkNwjv84mY Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:19:13 +0000 Sun, 09 Aug 2026 18:28:00 +0000 false false false

1. Nominees (“Nominees”) must be UK residents, excluding FUTURE’s current and past employees. Promoter of the Horse & Hound Awards (“Awards”): Future Publishing Ltd (“FUTURE”), which has its registered offices located at the Quay House, The Ambury, Bath, BA1 1UA and is a company registered in England and Wales under company number 02008885.

2. Method of Nomination

♦ Online:

You can go to the website at www.horseandhound.co.uk/awards and follow the instructions to complete the relevant online nomination form.

3. Start date for entries: Thursday, 13 August 2026

4. Closing date for entries: 17:00 on Thursday, 10 September 2026

5. Voting opens on: Thursday, 8 October 2026 and closes at 17:00 on Friday, 16 October 2026

6. Winners announced: at the Horse & Hound Awards ceremony on Wednesday, 25 November 2026

7. Eligibility: employees (including their families, including any live-in partner), any of the category sponsors, FUTURE’s printers and agents and anyone materially connected to the administration of the Awards are not eligible.

♦ There is no limit on the number of nominations you may submit.

♦ You can nominate yourself or someone else, but it is your responsibility to obtain permission from the person you are nominating before submitting the nomination.

♦ If you are under eighteen (18) years old, you must have the permission of your parent or legal guardian to submit a nomination, and you must provide the name and daytime telephone number of your parent or legal guardian on request.

♦ For Nominees under 18 years old, you must obtain consent from their parent or legal guardian before you nominate them for the award, and you must provide the name and daytime telephone number of their parent or legal guardian on request.

♦ FUTURE reserves the right to contact the relevant parent or legal guardian to check consent and to exclude nominations for which the requisite consent has not been given.

♦ Nominees must be available to be contacted between 21 October and 25 November 2026.

♦ If you are shortlisted and/or a winning Nominee, you agree to take part in any interviews, photographic shoots and post-winning publicity surrounding the Awards as may be asked by FUTURE and/or selected partners; and consent for FUTURE and selected partners to use the above-mentioned images and interviews howsoever they see fit, including for promotional purposes, with no financial claim.

♦ In the event that you are nominating someone else for the Awards, it is your responsibility to make the Nominee aware of these terms and conditions.

♦ Proof of eligibility must be provided upon request.

♦ Nominations submitted online using methods generated by a script, macro or the use of automated devices will be void. Nominations that are incomplete, illegible or indecipherable will not be valid and will be deemed void. Use of a false name or address will result in disqualification.

♦ No nominations or photographs can be returned.

6. Prizes:

♦ There are 13 categories: Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement, Dressage Horse of the Year, Event Horse of the Year, Showjumping Horse of the Year, Show Horse of the Year, Professional Rider of the Year, Amateur Rider of the Year, Groom of the Year, Vet of the Year, Young Rider of the Year, Unsung Partnership of the Year, Riding School of the Year, and Horse of a Lifetime.

♦ The shortlisted Nominees are responsible for any costs or expenses incurred in attending the Awards ceremony.

♦ The Prizes are as stated and are not transferable to another individual. No cash or other alternatives will be offered. The Prizes cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offer.

♦ Prizes are subject to availability. FUTURE accepts no responsibility whatsoever for elements of the Prizes being withdrawn. In the event of a Prize being unavailable, FUTURE reserves the right to offer an alternative Prize of equal or greater value.

♦ If applicable, the Prizes are subject to the terms and conditions of the relevant sponsors or Prize supplier, which will be provided to the Winner when booking the Prize or with the Prize.

♦ The Winners in each category will receive their award trophy at the ceremony on the 25th of November 2026. There will not be any monetary or similar Prize.

7. Nomination Selection Process

♦ All nominations received by the closing date and time will be considered. A shortlist of three (3) to five (5) entries in each category, except the Lifetime Achievement award, will be selected by the judging panel to be put forward for public vote.

♦ The shortlisted Nominees will be selected by the judging panel from the best stories and examples of excellence in their nominated category, and the judging panel will be influenced by the number of nominations for any particular nominee as well as the strength of their entry. For further details, refer to the nomination form for information on the specific categories and the judging criteria.

♦ The judging panel consists of members of the Horse & Hound team, who will decide the Winner of the Lifetime Achievement award and the shortlist for the other fourteen (14) awards. The decisions of the judging panel will be final and no correspondence will be entered into over the decisions.

♦ Judging of nominations will take place from 10 September 2026 and shortlisted Nominees will be notified by 8 October 2026.

♦ Shortlisted Nominees will then be put forward for public vote by Horse & Hound website users, with the exception of the Lifetime Achievement award, which will be decided by the Horse & Hound panel. Voting opens on 8 October 2026. The Winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony on 25 November 2026.

♦ Failure to respond to information requested by FUTURE, failure to provide a valid UK address for delivery, or failure to meet the eligibility requirements may result in forfeiture of the Prize.

♦ The Winner in each category will be published in Horse & Hound magazine on 3 December 2026.

8. Use of information provided

♦ All nominations will become the property of FUTURE. FUTURE accepts no responsibility for nominations unsuccessfully submitted.

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]]> <![CDATA[ Young horse driven to the point of exhaustion highlights peak in cruelty cases ]]> The story of a two-year-old driven to the point of exhaustion and in need of vet care has been released by the RSPCA to highlight the rise in cruelty cases in summer.

Prince was rescued from the northwest area in June and taken in by the charity, which has launched a “Cruelty hurts, love rescues” campaign in response to a seasonal surge in calls to its cruelty line.

“One such horse is Prince, a two-year-old colt who was rescued by the RSPCA after he was driven pulling a cart to the point he was exhausted,” a spokesperson for the charity said. “He was also found to have poorly fitted shoes that caused him discomfort, and sores under his tail which needed veterinary attention.”

The spokesperson said Prince was nervous when he arrived at the RSPCA rehoming centre but is now doing better. He was treated for wounds including a “particularly nasty” one under his tail and others from badly fitting tack on the rest of his body.

“We think he has had a negative experience when being shod as he is terrified of the farrier, his feet were very long and his shoes were incorrectly fitted when he was seized so more farriery work will be needed,” she said.

Prince is to be gelded and once his rehabilitation is complete, he will be looking for his forever home.

Increased reports

The spokesperson said that the charity has had a 69% increase in reports of cruelty to horses in summer in the past three years; in June, July and August 2025, a total of 164 calls were made about deliberate cruelty to horses. During the same period in 2023, there were 97 such calls.

RSPCA inspector Christine Styles, who leads the charity’s equine officers, said: “It’s incredibly alarming that we are seeing such rising reports of cruelty, especially the rise in deliberate cruelty to horses. Sadly, it’s not uncommon for us to be called by worried people who have seen horses being beaten, whipped or subjected to harsh and aversive training methods. Horses are sensitive animals and it’s always incredibly tough for us to investigate acts of deliberate cruelty.

“The summer months are our busiest times of year and our frontline rescue teams, specialist vets, behaviourists, rehabilitation and rehoming teams, will be working tirelessly to help as many animals as possible.

“Today, in response to the crisis, we have launched our ‘Cruelty hurts, love rescues’ campaign to highlight this shocking trend and the work we are doing to save so many animals from horrific abuse and suffering.”

Ms Styles said the driver of this summer peak in cruelty reports, especially to horses, is unknown.

Inexperience or outdated methods?

“It could be inexperienced owners, or those using outdated methods or becoming frustrated with young or large horses,” she said. “In addition, the longer days mean more people may witness and report such violence during the summer.

“Sadly this year we expect the upward trend will continue, and we know we will continue to be called about horses in need of our help. Our equine centres and private boarding stables are full with hundreds of equines; many of these horses, ponies and donkeys are affected physically and mentally by aggressive treatment, trauma and prolonged neglect. Our dedicated equine team is here to help transform their lives so they can find love and happiness in a new home.

“We rely on the public to help us and together we can turn this season of cruelty into one of love, kindness and rescue for animals that need it the most. We’re so grateful to anyone choosing to donate.”

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/young-horse-driven-to-the-point-of-exhaustion-highlights-peak-in-cruelty-cases quHZEcqdmCVDSSAMeVWbr8 Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:00:31 +0000 false false false

The story of a two-year-old driven to the point of exhaustion and in need of vet care has been released by the RSPCA to highlight the rise in cruelty cases in summer.

Prince was rescued from the northwest area in June and taken in by the charity, which has launched a “Cruelty hurts, love rescues” campaign in response to a seasonal surge in calls to its cruelty line.

“One such horse is Prince, a two-year-old colt who was rescued by the RSPCA after he was driven pulling a cart to the point he was exhausted,” a spokesperson for the charity said. “He was also found to have poorly fitted shoes that caused him discomfort, and sores under his tail which needed veterinary attention.”

The spokesperson said Prince was nervous when he arrived at the RSPCA rehoming centre but is now doing better. He was treated for wounds including a “particularly nasty” one under his tail and others from badly fitting tack on the rest of his body.

“We think he has had a negative experience when being shod as he is terrified of the farrier, his feet were very long and his shoes were incorrectly fitted when he was seized so more farriery work will be needed,” she said.

Prince is to be gelded and once his rehabilitation is complete, he will be looking for his forever home.

Increased reports

The spokesperson said that the charity has had a 69% increase in reports of cruelty to horses in summer in the past three years; in June, July and August 2025, a total of 164 calls were made about deliberate cruelty to horses. During the same period in 2023, there were 97 such calls.

RSPCA inspector Christine Styles, who leads the charity’s equine officers, said: “It’s incredibly alarming that we are seeing such rising reports of cruelty, especially the rise in deliberate cruelty to horses. Sadly, it’s not uncommon for us to be called by worried people who have seen horses being beaten, whipped or subjected to harsh and aversive training methods. Horses are sensitive animals and it’s always incredibly tough for us to investigate acts of deliberate cruelty.

“The summer months are our busiest times of year and our frontline rescue teams, specialist vets, behaviourists, rehabilitation and rehoming teams, will be working tirelessly to help as many animals as possible.

“Today, in response to the crisis, we have launched our ‘Cruelty hurts, love rescues’ campaign to highlight this shocking trend and the work we are doing to save so many animals from horrific abuse and suffering.”

Ms Styles said the driver of this summer peak in cruelty reports, especially to horses, is unknown.

Inexperience or outdated methods?

“It could be inexperienced owners, or those using outdated methods or becoming frustrated with young or large horses,” she said. “In addition, the longer days mean more people may witness and report such violence during the summer.

“Sadly this year we expect the upward trend will continue, and we know we will continue to be called about horses in need of our help. Our equine centres and private boarding stables are full with hundreds of equines; many of these horses, ponies and donkeys are affected physically and mentally by aggressive treatment, trauma and prolonged neglect. Our dedicated equine team is here to help transform their lives so they can find love and happiness in a new home.

“We rely on the public to help us and together we can turn this season of cruelty into one of love, kindness and rescue for animals that need it the most. We’re so grateful to anyone choosing to donate.”

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> <![CDATA[ What’s in this week’s Horse & Hound, in shops from Thursday 6 August ]]> This week’s edition of Horse & Hound, in shops from Thursday 6 August, features our FEI World Championships preview. It’s essential reading for any equestrian sports fan, with detailed dives into all the disciplines and the full dressage form guide from our resident expert, dressage editor Oscar Williams.

In the news pages, we pay tribute to Monty Roberts, the man who listened to horses. Plus, read about the new horse-first welfare action plan, the debate surrounding the 'harmony' definition in dressage scoring and more.

The spotlight is firmly on foals and early handling in the Vet Clinic, and our interviewee this week is Milly Hines, women's polo's world number one. Hear from Andrew Nicholson and Rebecca Penny for their takes on hot topics in eventing and showing, and for hunting fans, we bid farewell to Dr Marvin Beeman.

As ever, enjoy in-depth reports from the latest fixtures, including Royal Welsh, Burgham and much, much more. There are many other articles for equestrians to enjoy inside – see a more detailed breakdown below.

What’s in Horse & Hound magazine: on sale 6 August 2026

News

  • Harmony definition debated in international dressage rule changes
  • Tributes paid to successful showjumper
  • Farewell to the man who listened to horses
  • Horses first in new welfare action plan

World Championship Preview

  • How to follow: Timetable and more
  • Dressage
  • Eventing 
  • Showjumping 
  • Para dressage
  • Dressage form guide

Opinion

  • Letters of the week
  • Eventing: Andrew Nicholson
  • Showing: Rebecca Penny

People and horses

  • H&H interview: Milly Hine, women’s world number one in polo
  • All in a day’s work: The Aachen World Championships dressage judge
  • Foal files: Full Moon II

Feature

  • ‘Channel your inner warrior’ Horseback archery, horseball and more

Vet Clinic

  • Early handling of foals

Reports

  • Eventing: Burgham
  • Showjumping: Chard
  • Showing: Royal Welsh and more
  • Dressage: Kingswood

Hunting

  • Farewell to Dr Marvin Beeman
  • From the field: Summer highlights

Classified Ads

  • Horses for sale, horseboxes, vehicles, stabling, jobs, insurance and more

Get your magazine

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/whats-in-this-weeks-horse-and-hound-in-shops-from-thursday-6-august WuM7deufV9eqfttANGAHNH Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:05:00 +0000 Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:04:10 +0000 false false false

This week’s edition of Horse & Hound, in shops from Thursday 6 August, features our FEI World Championships preview. It’s essential reading for any equestrian sports fan, with detailed dives into all the disciplines and the full dressage form guide from our resident expert, dressage editor Oscar Williams.

In the news pages, we pay tribute to Monty Roberts, the man who listened to horses. Plus, read about the new horse-first welfare action plan, the debate surrounding the 'harmony' definition in dressage scoring and more.

The spotlight is firmly on foals and early handling in the Vet Clinic, and our interviewee this week is Milly Hines, women's polo's world number one. Hear from Andrew Nicholson and Rebecca Penny for their takes on hot topics in eventing and showing, and for hunting fans, we bid farewell to Dr Marvin Beeman.

As ever, enjoy in-depth reports from the latest fixtures, including Royal Welsh, Burgham and much, much more. There are many other articles for equestrians to enjoy inside – see a more detailed breakdown below.

What’s in Horse & Hound magazine: on sale 6 August 2026

News

  • Harmony definition debated in international dressage rule changes
  • Tributes paid to successful showjumper
  • Farewell to the man who listened to horses
  • Horses first in new welfare action plan

World Championship Preview

  • How to follow: Timetable and more
  • Dressage
  • Eventing 
  • Showjumping 
  • Para dressage
  • Dressage form guide

Opinion

  • Letters of the week
  • Eventing: Andrew Nicholson
  • Showing: Rebecca Penny

People and horses

  • H&H interview: Milly Hine, women’s world number one in polo
  • All in a day’s work: The Aachen World Championships dressage judge
  • Foal files: Full Moon II

Feature

  • ‘Channel your inner warrior’ Horseback archery, horseball and more

Vet Clinic

  • Early handling of foals

Reports

  • Eventing: Burgham
  • Showjumping: Chard
  • Showing: Royal Welsh and more
  • Dressage: Kingswood

Hunting

  • Farewell to Dr Marvin Beeman
  • From the field: Summer highlights

Classified Ads

  • Horses for sale, horseboxes, vehicles, stabling, jobs, insurance and more

Get your magazine

]]> <![CDATA[ Remembering Monty Roberts – when he started The late Queen’s horses at the Royal Mews in Windsor ]]> Following the news that outstanding horseman Monty Roberts has passed away, aged 91, we dip into the archives to revisit one of his appearances in Horse & Hound. We travel back to May 1989, when Monty demonstrated his methods at the Royal Mews at Windsor Castle with one of The late Queen’s horses. H&H editor Michael Clayton finds Monty “quietly impressive”.

Monty Roberts’ “advance and retreat” method uses the horse’s natural curiosity and its need for support and friendship when suddenly left alone in a training pen. He prefers a pen at home with solid sides to aid the horse’s concentration, but succeeded in this country with a lattice work frame with an audience all round at ground level, although this clearly distracted some horses a little.

I attended the Royal Mews at Windsor Castle on a stormy, blustery morning. The Queen had made the magnificent indoor riding school available and she attended this demonstration, having provided several young horses of her own for “starting”. They had just been brought up from grass at Hampton Court paddocks.

Monty says he aims to compress three weeks of “conventional methods” into 30 minutes. An audience including some distinguished and very knowledgeable horsemen waits for it to happen.

My diary of his first demonstration was as follows:

11.38am. Marmaduke, a 16.2hh hunter or eventer type, three years old in June, starts his training. The horse, which has a skewbald head and white body, has a distinctly worried, suspicious look in his eye and patrols the pen nervously, wearing only a webbing headcollar.

Monty Roberts “advances” on the horse: shoos him away and then flaps some webbing long reins to encourage the horse to lunge loose round the pen.

The horse then stands quietly, perhaps a little tired. Monty puts a hand on its head, strokes its muzzle, and speaks quietly to it. He takes care always not to look it in the eye. He sniffs a little at its nostrils.

Shades of the late Mrs Woodhouse, I thought! But Monty explains later that breathing into the nose does not work with all horses and it is only a minor method of being friendly. It is not a system in itself.

Then Monty walks quietly away from the horse.

The horse tentatively follows him. Monty stops. The horse stops. Monty quietly moves away – and the horse follows him.

Amazingly, the horse is soon following Monty round the pen, without being led.

“We've got join up,” Monty tells us.

“It is my absolute obligation not to let my pulse rate go up one tick”

Monty Roberts

The horse stands quietly without being held while Monty gently pats its back, its girth area and its flanks. He talks soothingly, and picks up all four feet in turn, patting each hoof reassuringly.

“He now thinks I'm his friend, but I'm now going to put a little strain on the relationship,” says Monty.

11.48am. Sean McCarthy comes into the pen and places a saddle, long reins and bridle on a square of canvas. McCarthy leaves. The horse looks most alarmed. It walks up to the tack, puts its head down and blows nervously and loudly.

“It will be interesting to see if he flees, or comes back to me, his new friend,” Monty comments.

The horse goes back to Monty, who pats him “to get back what we had”.

Then, incredibly, the horse stands quietly while Monty puts a numnah on its back. He is impressively deft, quiet and sure in all his movements. If the horse flinches he reassures it with his voice and his soothing touch.

He places a saddle, with stirrup irons at full length, on the horse's back. Then he quietly reaches under its belly and fastens the webbing girth.

The horse suddenly explodes. The stirrups flop against its side. It bucks half a dozen times. Then it stands quietly.

“It is my absolute obligation not to let my pulse rate go up one tick” Monty explains calmly.

Again he pats the horse’s muzzle and talks to him. Then, with great economy of movement, he slips a bridle on the horse, carefully inserting a rubber-covered snaffle bit without fuss. It goes over the webbing headcollar.

“He’s stopped worrying about the saddle. He’s busy thinking about the bridle now,” Monty comments.

He leads the horse a few paces. Then he fastens a strap under the girth to secure each stirrup iron. He loops a long rein through the stirrup iron on each side and fastens it to the ring of the snaffle bit.

11.58am. Making shooing noises, and clicking his tongue, Monty encourages the horse to move ahead on the long reins. Then he flaps the reins on the horse’s flanks and encourages it to walk, trot and canter on long reins round the pen. He quietly halts the horse and carefully makes it rein back one step.

12 noon. Sean McCarthy comes into the pen, wearing a skull cap. Monty Roberts holds the horse by the head and keeps talking to it.

Without hesitation McCarthy pats the horse on the shoulder, and then swings into the saddle. He sits securely while the horse gives three or four small plunges. Monty continues to talk soothingly to it and pats its muzzle.

“He wants to hear your voice too,” Monty says to Sean.

Sean speaks encouragingly and clicks at the horse.

Monty leads the horse a few paces. Then he unclips the lead rein from the headcollar. He uses the headcollar, not the reins, to lead the horse, and explains later that he is always very careful not in any way to hurt nor harm the horse’s mouth.

Sean quietly exerts some leg pressure, and soon has the horse walking, trotting and then cantering round the pen. He keeps his hands high and wide apart. He halts the horse and changes direction.

12.08pm. Sean dismounts. He and Monty make much of the horse, patting it approvingly, and telling it that it has “done a great job, pal”.

They take off the tack and the horse stands quietly by Monty.

We clap and the horse starts and makes off. Then it returns to Monty.

Double page spread of Monty Roberts Horse & Hound feature published in 1989

The original feature, dated 4 May, 1989 (Image credit: Future)

Normal schooling

“You see, he comes back to his friend. That’s a very good thing,” says Monty with warm satisfaction.

The horse is taken from the ring. We are assured that it will have two more such sessions on Wednesday and Thursday and will be ridden in the open, accompanied by mature horses on Friday. Thereafter its riding groundwork and schooling can continue normally.

Monty tells me he dislikes lungeing on a lunge rein; he thinks it can injure the horse and is not good for its movement. He prefers a limited amount of long reining, and quiet riding at all paces, with the accent on careful and sympathetic handling of the horse’s mouth.

He likes to use a loose school and jumping lane for horses being schooled over poles with a jumping career in mind.

Next Monty “starts” a much more difficult case, a two-year-old chesnut filly with four white stockings, belonging to the Queen. The filly is destined to be a polo pony, perhaps to be ridden by the Prince of Wales.

The filly rolls its eyes nervously and is very mistrustful. Monty admits that fillies can be much more difficult: “they can be crabby and their attention span is much shorter”. This one looks an exceedingly difficult case.

Monty is even more sympathetic and sensitive in his handling. He starts at 12.24pm and goes through the same phases described previously. He is concerned because the filly constantly declines to move away. She tends to freeze, standing with a humped back in a corner. At one stage he scuffs sand from the pen surface with his foot, and flicks it at her to make her retreat. She moves away, quite affronted. Then she comes back all the more readily for assurance.

Amazingly, in six minutes she is following him round the ring and allowing a “hands on” friendship to develop. Sometimes she licks her lips.

“That’s a good sign,” says Monty. “She likes me in spite of her fears.”

At 12.38 he has the numnah and saddle on. He keeps the lead rein clipped on to the headcollar this time, in order to give the filly added reassurance, but he does not get into a tug of war situation. If she moves away he hardly pulls on the rein and lets her move readily. She always comes back.

At 12.54 the filly is long reining but will not move on easily, and needs gentle encouragement to get into a trot. Yet two minutes later Sean swings into the saddle, and quietly rides her round the ring at a walk and a trot, but hardly at a canter.

“That’s enough” says Monty; barely three minutes later, at 12.59, only 35 minutes after the filly started her training, it is all over. She is a baby and will clearly need a lot more careful handling and schooling, but she has made a giant stride forward in her training, and one that could have taken weeks by conventional methods.

“If we press her any more today, she’ll go bad. That’s all we’ll ask,” says the relaxed and smiling Monty.

He says he can do this sort of thing with mules, sheep, deer and even fish. We believe him.

  • The original feature was published in Horse & Hound magazine on 4 May, 1989. To access more of the Horse & Hound Archive, visit themagazinearchive.com
]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/monty-roberts-archive JxxfBR8WrE2S9YBauXFqfA Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:24:30 +0000 Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:25:21 +0000 false false false

Following the news that outstanding horseman Monty Roberts has passed away, aged 91, we dip into the archives to revisit one of his appearances in Horse & Hound. We travel back to May 1989, when Monty demonstrated his methods at the Royal Mews at Windsor Castle with one of The late Queen’s horses. H&H editor Michael Clayton finds Monty “quietly impressive”.

Monty Roberts’ “advance and retreat” method uses the horse’s natural curiosity and its need for support and friendship when suddenly left alone in a training pen. He prefers a pen at home with solid sides to aid the horse’s concentration, but succeeded in this country with a lattice work frame with an audience all round at ground level, although this clearly distracted some horses a little.

I attended the Royal Mews at Windsor Castle on a stormy, blustery morning. The Queen had made the magnificent indoor riding school available and she attended this demonstration, having provided several young horses of her own for “starting”. They had just been brought up from grass at Hampton Court paddocks.

Monty says he aims to compress three weeks of “conventional methods” into 30 minutes. An audience including some distinguished and very knowledgeable horsemen waits for it to happen.

My diary of his first demonstration was as follows:

11.38am. Marmaduke, a 16.2hh hunter or eventer type, three years old in June, starts his training. The horse, which has a skewbald head and white body, has a distinctly worried, suspicious look in his eye and patrols the pen nervously, wearing only a webbing headcollar.

Monty Roberts “advances” on the horse: shoos him away and then flaps some webbing long reins to encourage the horse to lunge loose round the pen.

The horse then stands quietly, perhaps a little tired. Monty puts a hand on its head, strokes its muzzle, and speaks quietly to it. He takes care always not to look it in the eye. He sniffs a little at its nostrils.

Shades of the late Mrs Woodhouse, I thought! But Monty explains later that breathing into the nose does not work with all horses and it is only a minor method of being friendly. It is not a system in itself.

Then Monty walks quietly away from the horse.

The horse tentatively follows him. Monty stops. The horse stops. Monty quietly moves away – and the horse follows him.

Amazingly, the horse is soon following Monty round the pen, without being led.

“We've got join up,” Monty tells us.

“It is my absolute obligation not to let my pulse rate go up one tick”

Monty Roberts

The horse stands quietly without being held while Monty gently pats its back, its girth area and its flanks. He talks soothingly, and picks up all four feet in turn, patting each hoof reassuringly.

“He now thinks I'm his friend, but I'm now going to put a little strain on the relationship,” says Monty.

11.48am. Sean McCarthy comes into the pen and places a saddle, long reins and bridle on a square of canvas. McCarthy leaves. The horse looks most alarmed. It walks up to the tack, puts its head down and blows nervously and loudly.

“It will be interesting to see if he flees, or comes back to me, his new friend,” Monty comments.

The horse goes back to Monty, who pats him “to get back what we had”.

Then, incredibly, the horse stands quietly while Monty puts a numnah on its back. He is impressively deft, quiet and sure in all his movements. If the horse flinches he reassures it with his voice and his soothing touch.

He places a saddle, with stirrup irons at full length, on the horse's back. Then he quietly reaches under its belly and fastens the webbing girth.

The horse suddenly explodes. The stirrups flop against its side. It bucks half a dozen times. Then it stands quietly.

“It is my absolute obligation not to let my pulse rate go up one tick” Monty explains calmly.

Again he pats the horse’s muzzle and talks to him. Then, with great economy of movement, he slips a bridle on the horse, carefully inserting a rubber-covered snaffle bit without fuss. It goes over the webbing headcollar.

“He’s stopped worrying about the saddle. He’s busy thinking about the bridle now,” Monty comments.

He leads the horse a few paces. Then he fastens a strap under the girth to secure each stirrup iron. He loops a long rein through the stirrup iron on each side and fastens it to the ring of the snaffle bit.

11.58am. Making shooing noises, and clicking his tongue, Monty encourages the horse to move ahead on the long reins. Then he flaps the reins on the horse’s flanks and encourages it to walk, trot and canter on long reins round the pen. He quietly halts the horse and carefully makes it rein back one step.

12 noon. Sean McCarthy comes into the pen, wearing a skull cap. Monty Roberts holds the horse by the head and keeps talking to it.

Without hesitation McCarthy pats the horse on the shoulder, and then swings into the saddle. He sits securely while the horse gives three or four small plunges. Monty continues to talk soothingly to it and pats its muzzle.

“He wants to hear your voice too,” Monty says to Sean.

Sean speaks encouragingly and clicks at the horse.

Monty leads the horse a few paces. Then he unclips the lead rein from the headcollar. He uses the headcollar, not the reins, to lead the horse, and explains later that he is always very careful not in any way to hurt nor harm the horse’s mouth.

Sean quietly exerts some leg pressure, and soon has the horse walking, trotting and then cantering round the pen. He keeps his hands high and wide apart. He halts the horse and changes direction.

12.08pm. Sean dismounts. He and Monty make much of the horse, patting it approvingly, and telling it that it has “done a great job, pal”.

They take off the tack and the horse stands quietly by Monty.

We clap and the horse starts and makes off. Then it returns to Monty.

Double page spread of Monty Roberts Horse & Hound feature published in 1989

The original feature, dated 4 May, 1989 (Image credit: Future)

Normal schooling

“You see, he comes back to his friend. That’s a very good thing,” says Monty with warm satisfaction.

The horse is taken from the ring. We are assured that it will have two more such sessions on Wednesday and Thursday and will be ridden in the open, accompanied by mature horses on Friday. Thereafter its riding groundwork and schooling can continue normally.

Monty tells me he dislikes lungeing on a lunge rein; he thinks it can injure the horse and is not good for its movement. He prefers a limited amount of long reining, and quiet riding at all paces, with the accent on careful and sympathetic handling of the horse’s mouth.

He likes to use a loose school and jumping lane for horses being schooled over poles with a jumping career in mind.

Next Monty “starts” a much more difficult case, a two-year-old chesnut filly with four white stockings, belonging to the Queen. The filly is destined to be a polo pony, perhaps to be ridden by the Prince of Wales.

The filly rolls its eyes nervously and is very mistrustful. Monty admits that fillies can be much more difficult: “they can be crabby and their attention span is much shorter”. This one looks an exceedingly difficult case.

Monty is even more sympathetic and sensitive in his handling. He starts at 12.24pm and goes through the same phases described previously. He is concerned because the filly constantly declines to move away. She tends to freeze, standing with a humped back in a corner. At one stage he scuffs sand from the pen surface with his foot, and flicks it at her to make her retreat. She moves away, quite affronted. Then she comes back all the more readily for assurance.

Amazingly, in six minutes she is following him round the ring and allowing a “hands on” friendship to develop. Sometimes she licks her lips.

“That’s a good sign,” says Monty. “She likes me in spite of her fears.”

At 12.38 he has the numnah and saddle on. He keeps the lead rein clipped on to the headcollar this time, in order to give the filly added reassurance, but he does not get into a tug of war situation. If she moves away he hardly pulls on the rein and lets her move readily. She always comes back.

At 12.54 the filly is long reining but will not move on easily, and needs gentle encouragement to get into a trot. Yet two minutes later Sean swings into the saddle, and quietly rides her round the ring at a walk and a trot, but hardly at a canter.

“That’s enough” says Monty; barely three minutes later, at 12.59, only 35 minutes after the filly started her training, it is all over. She is a baby and will clearly need a lot more careful handling and schooling, but she has made a giant stride forward in her training, and one that could have taken weeks by conventional methods.

“If we press her any more today, she’ll go bad. That’s all we’ll ask,” says the relaxed and smiling Monty.

He says he can do this sort of thing with mules, sheep, deer and even fish. We believe him.

  • The original feature was published in Horse & Hound magazine on 4 May, 1989. To access more of the Horse & Hound Archive, visit themagazinearchive.com
]]> <![CDATA[ Firefighters step up to help 30 thirsty horses during heatwave ]]> Firefighters have gone to the rescue of 30 horses in an unusual mission on the outskirts of the capital.

London Fire Brigade sent help to a yard in Chislehurst as a burst water main in the area had meant the water supply had been cut off for a few days,

“The owner became concerned for their welfare due to the heat and called London Fire Brigade for help,” a spokesperson for the service said, adding that as there were resources available in the area, control sent blue watch from Bromley Fire Station to the yard.

A firefighter in a field with horses

(Image credit: London Fire Brigade)

Station officer Mark Howlett, who was on the scene, said: “This was one of our more unusual callouts, but firefighters love animals and we were more than willing to help.”

Mr Howlett said the crew used hoses from the one fire engine sent to the scene to fill seven troughs, to ensure the horses had enough water to last several days.

“Given the high risk of wildfires due to the continuing hot weather, we also watered the field to reduce the chance of it catching alight,” he said.

“We’re glad to have been able to help so many animals and this will certainly stand out as a memorable call out for the watch.”

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/firefighters-step-up-to-help-30-thirsty-horses-during-heatwave g4rzF4Kvu6nArmusuBEXaK Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:15:01 +0000 false false false

Firefighters have gone to the rescue of 30 horses in an unusual mission on the outskirts of the capital.

London Fire Brigade sent help to a yard in Chislehurst as a burst water main in the area had meant the water supply had been cut off for a few days,

“The owner became concerned for their welfare due to the heat and called London Fire Brigade for help,” a spokesperson for the service said, adding that as there were resources available in the area, control sent blue watch from Bromley Fire Station to the yard.

A firefighter in a field with horses

(Image credit: London Fire Brigade)

Station officer Mark Howlett, who was on the scene, said: “This was one of our more unusual callouts, but firefighters love animals and we were more than willing to help.”

Mr Howlett said the crew used hoses from the one fire engine sent to the scene to fill seven troughs, to ensure the horses had enough water to last several days.

“Given the high risk of wildfires due to the continuing hot weather, we also watered the field to reduce the chance of it catching alight,” he said.

“We’re glad to have been able to help so many animals and this will certainly stand out as a memorable call out for the watch.”

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> <![CDATA[ ‘The horse must always come first’: British Equestrian shares plans for future ]]> A fresh look at “return to play” protocols for riders who are given horse welfare-related sanctions, and improved traceability of competition horses, are on the cards in a new British Equestrian (BEF) plan.

The BEF’s equine welfare action plan (2026–2028) is a “roadmap” for progress, which focuses on horse welfare and the ethical care and use of horses.

The document sets out the progress of the BEF’s equine welfare steering group, with an expected timeline for each action point.

These include making a clear disciplinary process a condition of BEF membership for organisations, including providing for reciprocal sanctions. A number of BEF member bodies already have these in place – for example, British Eventing upholds suspensions that are given in other disciplines.

Other projects include the equine welfare officer network, whereby member bodies nominate welfare officers to be the main points of contact for reported concerns. They work together across the BEF and with organisations including the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare.

The BEF has implemented a dedicated reporting and case management system, through which horse welfare concerns can be reported. The hope is that this will allow for better reporting, tracking and compliance. All equine fatalities that happen during member bodies’ events are now also reported and reviewed.

A set of principles on the ethical use of medication in horses has been produced, with input from the British Equine Veterinary Association.

Work is under way to improve traceability of each horse’s involvement in federation activities through a registration process, and the coaching reforms (news, 30 July) also came under the plan’s umbrella.

“The horse must always come first. There can be no compromise on their health, safety or wellbeing,” said BEF chair Fields Wicker-Miurin.

“We have a responsibility – as regulators, educators and, most importantly, as people who love horses – to deliver real, tangible change and to hold ourselves and others to the highest standards.

“Increased scrutiny offers an opportunity to demonstrate what good welfare looks like, to be transparent in our actions and to celebrate those who dedicate their lives to delivering a positive environment for horses. We have made good progress, but there is always potential for improvement.

“We keep learning, as science and evidence reveals new insights about horse welfare and behaviour, and we will continue to evolve in response to these developments. Only by being humble and recognising there is collectively more to do will we be able to build a sustainable, trusted future for equestrianism.”

She added: “Our advocacy for horses never stops. Acting as their guardians, we will continue to champion their value to society and never waver in our commitment to put welfare at the forefront of every activity across our community through knowledge, education and learning.”

The plan draws on the BEF charter for the horse, released in 2024 and signed by the BEF’s 19 member bodies and other industry leaders, which pledges to “endorse the highest standards of equine welfare, wellbeing and ethics”. It also ties in with the BEF’s enhanced rulebook and equine ethics and welfare policy, which were released last year.

New research into animal abuse

Also this summer, a new body has been formed to focus on researching the human behaviours and societal systems that drive harm to animals.

The Animal Welfare Evidence Centre will be launched in September by charities RSPCA, Compassion in World Farming, Four Paws UK and Humane World for Animals UK.

Jennifer Maher, chief of research for the centre, said it will “bring the welfare sector together to consolidate existing evidence, identify gaps and generate new social science and multidisciplinary research to further our understanding of the systemic drivers of animal abuse”.

Its first piece of research will focus on economic modelling about the costs of animal cruelty, with the aim of strengthening the case for greater Government investment in preventing harm to animals.

● What do you think? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/british-equestrian-bef-equine-welfare-action-plan JBwKSihtPW4JdXV4xMpeGS Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:57:11 +0000 Tue, 04 Aug 2026 13:11:00 +0000 false false false

A fresh look at “return to play” protocols for riders who are given horse welfare-related sanctions, and improved traceability of competition horses, are on the cards in a new British Equestrian (BEF) plan.

The BEF’s equine welfare action plan (2026–2028) is a “roadmap” for progress, which focuses on horse welfare and the ethical care and use of horses.

The document sets out the progress of the BEF’s equine welfare steering group, with an expected timeline for each action point.

These include making a clear disciplinary process a condition of BEF membership for organisations, including providing for reciprocal sanctions. A number of BEF member bodies already have these in place – for example, British Eventing upholds suspensions that are given in other disciplines.

Other projects include the equine welfare officer network, whereby member bodies nominate welfare officers to be the main points of contact for reported concerns. They work together across the BEF and with organisations including the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare.

The BEF has implemented a dedicated reporting and case management system, through which horse welfare concerns can be reported. The hope is that this will allow for better reporting, tracking and compliance. All equine fatalities that happen during member bodies’ events are now also reported and reviewed.

A set of principles on the ethical use of medication in horses has been produced, with input from the British Equine Veterinary Association.

Work is under way to improve traceability of each horse’s involvement in federation activities through a registration process, and the coaching reforms (news, 30 July) also came under the plan’s umbrella.

“The horse must always come first. There can be no compromise on their health, safety or wellbeing,” said BEF chair Fields Wicker-Miurin.

“We have a responsibility – as regulators, educators and, most importantly, as people who love horses – to deliver real, tangible change and to hold ourselves and others to the highest standards.

“Increased scrutiny offers an opportunity to demonstrate what good welfare looks like, to be transparent in our actions and to celebrate those who dedicate their lives to delivering a positive environment for horses. We have made good progress, but there is always potential for improvement.

“We keep learning, as science and evidence reveals new insights about horse welfare and behaviour, and we will continue to evolve in response to these developments. Only by being humble and recognising there is collectively more to do will we be able to build a sustainable, trusted future for equestrianism.”

She added: “Our advocacy for horses never stops. Acting as their guardians, we will continue to champion their value to society and never waver in our commitment to put welfare at the forefront of every activity across our community through knowledge, education and learning.”

The plan draws on the BEF charter for the horse, released in 2024 and signed by the BEF’s 19 member bodies and other industry leaders, which pledges to “endorse the highest standards of equine welfare, wellbeing and ethics”. It also ties in with the BEF’s enhanced rulebook and equine ethics and welfare policy, which were released last year.

New research into animal abuse

Also this summer, a new body has been formed to focus on researching the human behaviours and societal systems that drive harm to animals.

The Animal Welfare Evidence Centre will be launched in September by charities RSPCA, Compassion in World Farming, Four Paws UK and Humane World for Animals UK.

Jennifer Maher, chief of research for the centre, said it will “bring the welfare sector together to consolidate existing evidence, identify gaps and generate new social science and multidisciplinary research to further our understanding of the systemic drivers of animal abuse”.

Its first piece of research will focus on economic modelling about the costs of animal cruelty, with the aim of strengthening the case for greater Government investment in preventing harm to animals.

● What do you think? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

]]> <![CDATA[ ‘He left the world a better place’: farewell to Monty Roberts, the man who listened to horses, aged 91 ]]> The man who listened to horses for over eight decades, changed collective thinking and touched human and equine lives across the world has died aged 91.

Tributes have flooded in to Monty Roberts, whose lifelong goal was to “leave the world a better place than I found it, for horses and for people”.

Monty was born in California in 1935, the son of a horse trainer who used methods “often violent and rarely fair to the horse”, in Monty’s words. Having watched wild mustangs and learned how horses communicate, he realised using their body language in training would be more effective and humane, and build better relationships.

Monty developed his “join-up” method, which became used all over the world, worked with racehorses and wrote articles about his non-violent methods. These came to the attention of The late Queen, who invited him to Windsor to work with some of her horses. This was the start of a 30-year friendship, and Her late Majesty encouraged Monty to travel the world to share his methods and write a book, both of which he did.

Monty described The Queen as “the wind beneath my wings”; he told H&H in 2016 that she was “responsible for allowing me to go global”.

“Without her I would still be in California dribbling along as a cowboy, telling people not to beat up horses,” he said at the time.

Monty Roberts with a horse, The late Queen and Camilla the present Queen

(Image credit: Alamy)

Monty’s autobiography, The Man who Listens to Horses, has sold more than six million copies. His Dually halter is designed to reward horses for working in partnership with their handlers and his starting stalls blanket designed with Sir Mark Prescott to protect vulnerable areas has helped hundreds of racehorses.

Terry Pendry, former stud groom to Her late Majesty and Household Cavalry senior instructor, and his wife Sue were friends with Monty and his wife Pat for decades, and Terry has used Monty’s methods to train hundreds of horses.

“What an incredible, incredible man he was to share his concepts with the world,” he told H&H. “The horse world is going to be a sad place without him.

“But thank goodness he was courageous enough to show his methods to the world, and that he has now enough disciples, for want of another word, around the world, who will carry on his concepts.

“I remember once, in my living room, he said to me: ‘You can’t actually teach anybody anything. But what you can do is to provide an environment in which people choose to learn. And I’ve never forgotten that.

“He knew no bounds; whether he worked with royalty or the lady with the happy hacker down the road, there was no side to him. Monty Roberts had time for everyone.”

Terry paid tribute to the breadth of Monty’s work, with charities, in prisons and with armed forces veterans.

“He was mainly equestrian but he also helped an awful lot of people,” he said.

Terry added that he and his wife are in constant contact with the Robertses; there will be a private family funeral followed later by a celebration of his life.

“Everyone in in the horse world, our hearts go out to the family,” he said. “But how privileged we were all to have met and known such an incredible man. What a wonderful man; he has left the world a better place for the horse.”

Monty Roberts: “the horseman’s horseman”

Kelly Marks of Intelligent Horsemanship met Monty in 1992, wrote the first courses using his methods and was the first teacher of them around the world.

She told H&H Monty was “the horseman’s horseman”, and admired by so many.

“But what set him apart was his extraordinary curiosity as to how to make things better ‘without violence’,” she said. “He had a great gift as a communicator and also a love of sharing ideas; after a long morning working horses, whether with just three of us over lunch or later, as people warmed to his huge charisma, with an audience of nearly 5,000 at London Arena.”

Kelly said Monty was always good company and passionate about many things, citing his work with charities and armed forces veterans.

“He was just as enthusiastic with or without an audience,” she said. “I remember a stable lass turned up one day because there was an unrideable youngster at her yard. Monty went off on a few spare afternoons to help her get this horse right. What made him happiest was not only the horse improved (that was a given) but that the horse had taught him something new.

“Monty touched an extraordinary number of lives. He changed how many of us understood horses, but perhaps just as importantly, he encouraged us to stay curious, to question what has always been done and to look for a kinder way. He is greatly missed.”

A man of “extraordinary kindness”

In 2011, The late Queen made Monty an honorary member of the Royal Victorian Order, which she gave people who have served her or the monarchy in a personal way. His many other honours included honorary university doctorates and humanitarian and welfare awards. He had a long association with H&H, from the days the then editor Michael Clayton asked him to back a horse, whom Michael named Monty.

Monty died on 31 July, surrounded by his family. He had been married to Pat for 70 years and they had three children.

His daughter Debbie Roberts Loucks is to carry on Monty’s work at his training centre in California and his online “university”.

“For the world, he was known as the man who listens to horses,” she said. “To me, he was simply Dad, a man of extraordinary kindness, unwavering integrity and an unshakable belief that trust could accomplish what force never could.

“For more than eight decades, he dedicated his life to changing the way people understand and work with horses. His mission reached far beyond horsemanship. He believed that true leadership is built on communication, patience, empathy, and respect; lessons that have touched the lives of countless people around the world.

“Our family is deeply grateful for the love, friendship, and support you have shown him throughout his remarkable life. Your letters, visits, stories, and shared experiences have meant more than you could ever know. Together, you became part of a worldwide community united by a common belief that both horses and people thrive when they are treated with kindness and understanding.

“While our hearts are broken, we also find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on every time someone chooses compassion over force, listens before asking, and seeks a better partnership with their horse.”

● Do you have a special memory of Monty Roberts that you’d like to share? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine and on the website.

For unlimited access to more expert training advice from top riders and coaches, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/farewell-monty-roberts jhjrgM4zJoZzeytbeNtmyB Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:04:29 +0000 Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:32:20 +0000 false false false

The man who listened to horses for over eight decades, changed collective thinking and touched human and equine lives across the world has died aged 91.

Tributes have flooded in to Monty Roberts, whose lifelong goal was to “leave the world a better place than I found it, for horses and for people”.

Monty was born in California in 1935, the son of a horse trainer who used methods “often violent and rarely fair to the horse”, in Monty’s words. Having watched wild mustangs and learned how horses communicate, he realised using their body language in training would be more effective and humane, and build better relationships.

Monty developed his “join-up” method, which became used all over the world, worked with racehorses and wrote articles about his non-violent methods. These came to the attention of The late Queen, who invited him to Windsor to work with some of her horses. This was the start of a 30-year friendship, and Her late Majesty encouraged Monty to travel the world to share his methods and write a book, both of which he did.

Monty described The Queen as “the wind beneath my wings”; he told H&H in 2016 that she was “responsible for allowing me to go global”.

“Without her I would still be in California dribbling along as a cowboy, telling people not to beat up horses,” he said at the time.

Monty Roberts with a horse, The late Queen and Camilla the present Queen

(Image credit: Alamy)

Monty’s autobiography, The Man who Listens to Horses, has sold more than six million copies. His Dually halter is designed to reward horses for working in partnership with their handlers and his starting stalls blanket designed with Sir Mark Prescott to protect vulnerable areas has helped hundreds of racehorses.

Terry Pendry, former stud groom to Her late Majesty and Household Cavalry senior instructor, and his wife Sue were friends with Monty and his wife Pat for decades, and Terry has used Monty’s methods to train hundreds of horses.

“What an incredible, incredible man he was to share his concepts with the world,” he told H&H. “The horse world is going to be a sad place without him.

“But thank goodness he was courageous enough to show his methods to the world, and that he has now enough disciples, for want of another word, around the world, who will carry on his concepts.

“I remember once, in my living room, he said to me: ‘You can’t actually teach anybody anything. But what you can do is to provide an environment in which people choose to learn. And I’ve never forgotten that.

“He knew no bounds; whether he worked with royalty or the lady with the happy hacker down the road, there was no side to him. Monty Roberts had time for everyone.”

Terry paid tribute to the breadth of Monty’s work, with charities, in prisons and with armed forces veterans.

“He was mainly equestrian but he also helped an awful lot of people,” he said.

Terry added that he and his wife are in constant contact with the Robertses; there will be a private family funeral followed later by a celebration of his life.

“Everyone in in the horse world, our hearts go out to the family,” he said. “But how privileged we were all to have met and known such an incredible man. What a wonderful man; he has left the world a better place for the horse.”

Monty Roberts: “the horseman’s horseman”

Kelly Marks of Intelligent Horsemanship met Monty in 1992, wrote the first courses using his methods and was the first teacher of them around the world.

She told H&H Monty was “the horseman’s horseman”, and admired by so many.

“But what set him apart was his extraordinary curiosity as to how to make things better ‘without violence’,” she said. “He had a great gift as a communicator and also a love of sharing ideas; after a long morning working horses, whether with just three of us over lunch or later, as people warmed to his huge charisma, with an audience of nearly 5,000 at London Arena.”

Kelly said Monty was always good company and passionate about many things, citing his work with charities and armed forces veterans.

“He was just as enthusiastic with or without an audience,” she said. “I remember a stable lass turned up one day because there was an unrideable youngster at her yard. Monty went off on a few spare afternoons to help her get this horse right. What made him happiest was not only the horse improved (that was a given) but that the horse had taught him something new.

“Monty touched an extraordinary number of lives. He changed how many of us understood horses, but perhaps just as importantly, he encouraged us to stay curious, to question what has always been done and to look for a kinder way. He is greatly missed.”

A man of “extraordinary kindness”

In 2011, The late Queen made Monty an honorary member of the Royal Victorian Order, which she gave people who have served her or the monarchy in a personal way. His many other honours included honorary university doctorates and humanitarian and welfare awards. He had a long association with H&H, from the days the then editor Michael Clayton asked him to back a horse, whom Michael named Monty.

Monty died on 31 July, surrounded by his family. He had been married to Pat for 70 years and they had three children.

His daughter Debbie Roberts Loucks is to carry on Monty’s work at his training centre in California and his online “university”.

“For the world, he was known as the man who listens to horses,” she said. “To me, he was simply Dad, a man of extraordinary kindness, unwavering integrity and an unshakable belief that trust could accomplish what force never could.

“For more than eight decades, he dedicated his life to changing the way people understand and work with horses. His mission reached far beyond horsemanship. He believed that true leadership is built on communication, patience, empathy, and respect; lessons that have touched the lives of countless people around the world.

“Our family is deeply grateful for the love, friendship, and support you have shown him throughout his remarkable life. Your letters, visits, stories, and shared experiences have meant more than you could ever know. Together, you became part of a worldwide community united by a common belief that both horses and people thrive when they are treated with kindness and understanding.

“While our hearts are broken, we also find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on every time someone chooses compassion over force, listens before asking, and seeks a better partnership with their horse.”

● Do you have a special memory of Monty Roberts that you’d like to share? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine and on the website.

For unlimited access to more expert training advice from top riders and coaches, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> <![CDATA[ ‘He should still be here’: heartbroken owners of horse fatally injured in lorry urge others to check floors before it’s too late ]]> The owners of a horse who suffered catastrophic injuries when his leg went through a horsebox floor are sharing his heartbreaking story in hopes of saving others from the same fate.

Thoroughbred Sunset Over Loule (Kevin) had to be put down on 18 July as his injuries were so severe he could not be saved. Owner Lilly Thompson posted about it on social media, explaining that if this prompts one owner to check their lorry floor, “his life will have saved another”.

Kevin lived at a yard owned by a friend of Lilly’s mother Emma, who told H&H the incident happened just at the bottom of the drive.

“He nearly made it home,” she said. “It was just a nightmare; it still is.”

Emma said Kevin had been given a lift to the show, as her own horsebox was out of action, and she had driven in her car.

“It was his first ever show, and he never even made his class,” she said, explaining that when they arrived, they found that the former racehorses and Irish Draughts had been swapped, so Kevin could not compete in hand as planned. He then bumped a leg slightly on the lorry steps, so Emma did not compete under saddle either.

“So he basically got walked round, we stood with him so he could take everything in, grazed in hand, or stood on the box and ate, I think he had a whale of a time that day!” she said.

A close-up of a rider hugging a horse

(Image credit: Emma)

“Then we loaded them up, and they said they’d take five minutes and then leave, so I set off to get Kevin’s stable ready for him. I was sitting in the car waiting for them to come back, and got a call, they were screaming down the phone that he was stuck.”

Kevin’s hind leg had gone through the floor, and he suffered further significant forelimb injuries freeing himself.

“It seemed like a lifetime,” Emma said. “While I was on the phone to the fire brigade, he’d got himself out and was just standing there. We were trying to keep him calm and he stood there like a champ. But I knew what had to happen, and when the vet came, she had a look at him and said: ‘I’m really sorry’.”

Emma said she and Lilly just want other people to be aware that such things can happen, and that although lorries can look safe, rot and corrosion can be hidden, on the underside of floors or under rubber matting.

“Damage isn’t always visible until it’s too late,” Lilly said. “Regular inspections and servicing by someone qualified could identify problems before they become catastrophic.

“If you own a horse box or trailer, have the floor inspected regularly, keep up with servicing and maintenance, replace worn or damaged flooring immediately and never ignore signs of damp, rust, soft spots or deterioration.

“We spend so much time making sure our horses are fit, healthy and cared for, but the vehicle that carries them deserves the same attention. They trust us every time they step on board.

“Kevin should still be here today. Please, in his memory, check your horsebox. Don’t put it off until tomorrow. It could save your horse’s life.

“Loved beyond words”

“My beautiful Kevin. You were loved beyond words, and you always will be.”

Emma said her farrier told her another of his clients had booked in her lorry for a full check.

“Lilly was over the moon to hear that as one person had listened,” she said. “I don’t want anyone else to have to go through that because it was horrific.”

Emma paid tribute to the “amazing” Caledonia Farm Vets for everything they did for Kevin, whom they bought as a three-year-old, four years ago.

“I couldn’t have asked for a kinder person to come to do what they had to do,” she said.

“Kevin loved people. You didn’t have a choice whether or not you were going to be his best friend. You were going to be his best friend. If you went close to his stable door, he’d scoop you in with his head for a hug, and if you were sad, he knew and was extra affectionate. He was an absolute angel and I think maybe he was just too good for this world.

“If this makes someone check their lorry, if it saves one horse, that’s his legacy.”

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website


]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/lorry-floor-warning-fatal-injuries xzNzAvKBy7eSuLjotpftCh Sun, 02 Aug 2026 12:05:00 +0000 Sun, 02 Aug 2026 16:51:41 +0000 false false false

The owners of a horse who suffered catastrophic injuries when his leg went through a horsebox floor are sharing his heartbreaking story in hopes of saving others from the same fate.

Thoroughbred Sunset Over Loule (Kevin) had to be put down on 18 July as his injuries were so severe he could not be saved. Owner Lilly Thompson posted about it on social media, explaining that if this prompts one owner to check their lorry floor, “his life will have saved another”.

Kevin lived at a yard owned by a friend of Lilly’s mother Emma, who told H&H the incident happened just at the bottom of the drive.

“He nearly made it home,” she said. “It was just a nightmare; it still is.”

Emma said Kevin had been given a lift to the show, as her own horsebox was out of action, and she had driven in her car.

“It was his first ever show, and he never even made his class,” she said, explaining that when they arrived, they found that the former racehorses and Irish Draughts had been swapped, so Kevin could not compete in hand as planned. He then bumped a leg slightly on the lorry steps, so Emma did not compete under saddle either.

“So he basically got walked round, we stood with him so he could take everything in, grazed in hand, or stood on the box and ate, I think he had a whale of a time that day!” she said.

A close-up of a rider hugging a horse

(Image credit: Emma)

“Then we loaded them up, and they said they’d take five minutes and then leave, so I set off to get Kevin’s stable ready for him. I was sitting in the car waiting for them to come back, and got a call, they were screaming down the phone that he was stuck.”

Kevin’s hind leg had gone through the floor, and he suffered further significant forelimb injuries freeing himself.

“It seemed like a lifetime,” Emma said. “While I was on the phone to the fire brigade, he’d got himself out and was just standing there. We were trying to keep him calm and he stood there like a champ. But I knew what had to happen, and when the vet came, she had a look at him and said: ‘I’m really sorry’.”

Emma said she and Lilly just want other people to be aware that such things can happen, and that although lorries can look safe, rot and corrosion can be hidden, on the underside of floors or under rubber matting.

“Damage isn’t always visible until it’s too late,” Lilly said. “Regular inspections and servicing by someone qualified could identify problems before they become catastrophic.

“If you own a horse box or trailer, have the floor inspected regularly, keep up with servicing and maintenance, replace worn or damaged flooring immediately and never ignore signs of damp, rust, soft spots or deterioration.

“We spend so much time making sure our horses are fit, healthy and cared for, but the vehicle that carries them deserves the same attention. They trust us every time they step on board.

“Kevin should still be here today. Please, in his memory, check your horsebox. Don’t put it off until tomorrow. It could save your horse’s life.

“Loved beyond words”

“My beautiful Kevin. You were loved beyond words, and you always will be.”

Emma said her farrier told her another of his clients had booked in her lorry for a full check.

“Lilly was over the moon to hear that as one person had listened,” she said. “I don’t want anyone else to have to go through that because it was horrific.”

Emma paid tribute to the “amazing” Caledonia Farm Vets for everything they did for Kevin, whom they bought as a three-year-old, four years ago.

“I couldn’t have asked for a kinder person to come to do what they had to do,” she said.

“Kevin loved people. You didn’t have a choice whether or not you were going to be his best friend. You were going to be his best friend. If you went close to his stable door, he’d scoop you in with his head for a hug, and if you were sad, he knew and was extra affectionate. He was an absolute angel and I think maybe he was just too good for this world.

“If this makes someone check their lorry, if it saves one horse, that’s his legacy.”

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website


]]> <![CDATA[ Woman who neglected 27 horses and 33 dogs was ‘embarrassed to ask for help’ ]]> A woman who neglected 27 horses, and 33 dogs, said she was embarrassed to ask for help.

Jean Winn, 75, was banned from keeping horses and dogs, after she pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said the charity’s officers accompanied police to execute a warrant in January 2025, after concerns were raised about animals Winn owned.

“Animals were discovered in unsuitable and cramped conditions with various health issues,” he said.

“At an address in Lymington, dogs were found in dirty cages with no food and water throughout rooms at the property.

“Horses were also found in stables and fields at the address; RSPCA officers found no evidence of a food source, nor that any food had been supplied recently. The ground was heavily poached with hazards, with other patches consisting of mud and faecal matter.”

Neglected horses in a field

(Image credit: RSPCA)

Horses were also removed from two locations in Sway, Lymington.

RSPCA inspector Hannah Nixon said: “Meeting the needs of animals in your care is an essential component of animal welfare. In this instance the needs of a large number of horses and dogs were sadly not being met for a prolonged period of time. It’s important for owners to understand that meeting the needs of animals is essential.”

Winn was banned from owing dogs or horses for seven years. She was also sentenced to a 12-month community order, which features a 9pm-8am daily curfew for six months, and must pay £400 costs. The animals were signed over into RSPCA care for rehoming.

“In mitigation, it was highlighted that Mrs Winn had a 60-year history of keeping and breeding animals without issue, even during challenging personal circumstances,” the spokesperson said. “She accepted there was too much to handle and was embarrassed to ask for help, though she did try to seek support. She said she had also struggled with challenges with her property and health.”

PC Sam Chapman from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary thanked all those who supported the action.

“This is a great example of RSPCA officers and police working together to safeguard animals, which were at the very heart of all of our hard work.”

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/jean-winn-horses-ban 9YHYbV5cpvZN77gYKQQ6ng Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:19:44 +0000 Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:20:33 +0000 false false false

A woman who neglected 27 horses, and 33 dogs, said she was embarrassed to ask for help.

Jean Winn, 75, was banned from keeping horses and dogs, after she pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said the charity’s officers accompanied police to execute a warrant in January 2025, after concerns were raised about animals Winn owned.

“Animals were discovered in unsuitable and cramped conditions with various health issues,” he said.

“At an address in Lymington, dogs were found in dirty cages with no food and water throughout rooms at the property.

“Horses were also found in stables and fields at the address; RSPCA officers found no evidence of a food source, nor that any food had been supplied recently. The ground was heavily poached with hazards, with other patches consisting of mud and faecal matter.”

Neglected horses in a field

(Image credit: RSPCA)

Horses were also removed from two locations in Sway, Lymington.

RSPCA inspector Hannah Nixon said: “Meeting the needs of animals in your care is an essential component of animal welfare. In this instance the needs of a large number of horses and dogs were sadly not being met for a prolonged period of time. It’s important for owners to understand that meeting the needs of animals is essential.”

Winn was banned from owing dogs or horses for seven years. She was also sentenced to a 12-month community order, which features a 9pm-8am daily curfew for six months, and must pay £400 costs. The animals were signed over into RSPCA care for rehoming.

“In mitigation, it was highlighted that Mrs Winn had a 60-year history of keeping and breeding animals without issue, even during challenging personal circumstances,” the spokesperson said. “She accepted there was too much to handle and was embarrassed to ask for help, though she did try to seek support. She said she had also struggled with challenges with her property and health.”

PC Sam Chapman from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary thanked all those who supported the action.

“This is a great example of RSPCA officers and police working together to safeguard animals, which were at the very heart of all of our hard work.”

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> <![CDATA[ Can you help? Appeal for information as decapitated mare dumped with foal on byway ]]> The bodies of a decapitated mare and foal have been found dumped in a byway in Shropshire.

The RSPCA has put out an appeal for information after a member of the public made the “distressing” discovery in Claverly on Sunday (26 July).

Charity animal rescue officers Sarah Guest and Meg Cross went to the scene, and have since been making enquiries about the “suspicious circumstances”.

“We’re grateful to the member of the public who contacted us; it must have been very distressing and upsetting to find,” Ms Guest said.

“The deceased bay was found in three pieces and they were covered with a tarpaulin when we visited. There were flies and maggots so it appears they have been deceased for longer than when they were reported to have been dumped.

“Due to the condition of the remains, we couldn’t locate a microchip. The horse – who we are presuming is a mare – appeared underweight and had long hooves.

“We don’t know how the [foal] or mare died but the circumstances are clearly a potential cause for concern, and we are looking into what may have happened here.”

Anyone with first-hand information about the horses is asked to call the RSPCA on 0300 1238018, quoting reference 01864949.

The charity has launched a “cruelty hurts, love rescues” fundraising campaign, as reports of cruelty peak in summer. New figures show that in June, July and August 2025, 6,322 cruelty-related calls were made to the RSPCA emergency line, one in every 10 minutes the line is open. This compares to 3,852 calls in the same three months of 2021.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/dead-horses-dumped-claverly oD43uFTQq6yJZCpCuQbATi Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:54:54 +0000 false false false

The bodies of a decapitated mare and foal have been found dumped in a byway in Shropshire.

The RSPCA has put out an appeal for information after a member of the public made the “distressing” discovery in Claverly on Sunday (26 July).

Charity animal rescue officers Sarah Guest and Meg Cross went to the scene, and have since been making enquiries about the “suspicious circumstances”.

“We’re grateful to the member of the public who contacted us; it must have been very distressing and upsetting to find,” Ms Guest said.

“The deceased bay was found in three pieces and they were covered with a tarpaulin when we visited. There were flies and maggots so it appears they have been deceased for longer than when they were reported to have been dumped.

“Due to the condition of the remains, we couldn’t locate a microchip. The horse – who we are presuming is a mare – appeared underweight and had long hooves.

“We don’t know how the [foal] or mare died but the circumstances are clearly a potential cause for concern, and we are looking into what may have happened here.”

Anyone with first-hand information about the horses is asked to call the RSPCA on 0300 1238018, quoting reference 01864949.

The charity has launched a “cruelty hurts, love rescues” fundraising campaign, as reports of cruelty peak in summer. New figures show that in June, July and August 2025, 6,322 cruelty-related calls were made to the RSPCA emergency line, one in every 10 minutes the line is open. This compares to 3,852 calls in the same three months of 2021.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> <![CDATA[ New steps to protect riders from online abuse during Aachen World Championships ]]> Steps are being taken to protect riders and officials from online abuse and harassment during the World Championships in Aachen.

The FEI has announced a safeguarding initiative, in partnership with digital intelligence company Signify Group, to provide online monitoring and threat assessment to help protect athletes, coaches, officials and other key stakeholders. This follows a successful pilot during the World Cup Finals in Forth Worth, Texas, in April.

Signify’s artificial intelligence provides real-time monitoring and content moderation across the FEI, organisers’, and riders’ social media channels. When abuse or threats are detected, they are investigated and evidence is gathered so that action can be taken by the FEI, social media platforms or, for severe cases, by law enforcement. Riders can also report abuse received via private message.

Online abuse has continued to be a growing problem across sport. It has been widely reported that athletes in football, rugby and tennis are among those to be targeted and H&H has reported cases of top-level riders and members of the racing community receiving abuse on social media.

FEI legal director Mikael Rentsch told H&H that online abuse is a “growing concern” and the FEI sees a “clear peak” around the Olympics, World Championships and European Championships. The monitoring system was adopted following discussions earlier this year between the FEI and the International Dressage Riders Club and International Jumping Riders Club on how better to protect athletes, when the “vast majority” of abuse comes from those not under FEI jurisdiction.

“Through Signify monitoring we can try to identify who is behind the comments, because that’s one of the key challenges,” said Mr Rentsch.

“We can remove abusive content from official channels – but we don’t want to censor. Constructive criticism and respectful debate remain an important part of sport and will continue to be welcomed.”

Mr Rentsch added that the FEI will continue to monitor horse abuse matters raised on social media and investigate or open disciplinary proceedings as appropriate – but he said the organisation has to be “mindful” because images and videos can be edited or AI-generated.

Riders, officials and national federations heading to Aachen will be invited to online training sessions with the FEI and Signify around protecting themselves online.

“We are still fine-tuning the content, but we’ll cover the dos and don’ts and best practice. We want to be there to help – this is in no way to prevent athletes commenting online, it’s a service to really help them navigate through this quite ‘Wild West’ sometimes,” said Mr Rentsch.

Signify Group’s head of sport Jake Marsh told H&H that the company has helped athletes and governing bodies across sports including football, rugby and tennis. The software can detect 32 different types of abuse and threat, across 100 languages, including slang words – and it is tailored to detect sport-specific terminology.

“The monitoring picks up anything that is abusive or threatening, that’s then filtered further for severity and whether it needs to go through to investigation,” he said, adding that through intelligence and analysis of various platforms, the aim is to provide an identity or identifying details of the person carrying out the abuse to pass to law enforcement.

Mr Marsh added that they want athletes to know they will be supported.

“If they get something they are concerned about or it makes them feel uncomfortable, we want them to report it,” he said. “Once athletes know they can report it and there’s a process, they tend to start thinking, ‘Actually, I can do something about this.’”

Helen Nicholls, British Equestrian World Class performance director, told H&H it fully supports this “great initiative”.

“An online presence is part of everyday life for many athletes, and we must work to ensure their safety and mental wellbeing,” she said.

“Working with UK Sport, we have access to similar digital safeguarding resources and the athletes find it very beneficial.”

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/fei-signify-initiative-protect-riders-from-online-abuse 9kGCuqZ2muJhnkwEuhip3S Wed, 29 Jul 2026 09:56:26 +0000 Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:09:20 +0000 false false false

Steps are being taken to protect riders and officials from online abuse and harassment during the World Championships in Aachen.

The FEI has announced a safeguarding initiative, in partnership with digital intelligence company Signify Group, to provide online monitoring and threat assessment to help protect athletes, coaches, officials and other key stakeholders. This follows a successful pilot during the World Cup Finals in Forth Worth, Texas, in April.

Signify’s artificial intelligence provides real-time monitoring and content moderation across the FEI, organisers’, and riders’ social media channels. When abuse or threats are detected, they are investigated and evidence is gathered so that action can be taken by the FEI, social media platforms or, for severe cases, by law enforcement. Riders can also report abuse received via private message.

Online abuse has continued to be a growing problem across sport. It has been widely reported that athletes in football, rugby and tennis are among those to be targeted and H&H has reported cases of top-level riders and members of the racing community receiving abuse on social media.

FEI legal director Mikael Rentsch told H&H that online abuse is a “growing concern” and the FEI sees a “clear peak” around the Olympics, World Championships and European Championships. The monitoring system was adopted following discussions earlier this year between the FEI and the International Dressage Riders Club and International Jumping Riders Club on how better to protect athletes, when the “vast majority” of abuse comes from those not under FEI jurisdiction.

“Through Signify monitoring we can try to identify who is behind the comments, because that’s one of the key challenges,” said Mr Rentsch.

“We can remove abusive content from official channels – but we don’t want to censor. Constructive criticism and respectful debate remain an important part of sport and will continue to be welcomed.”

Mr Rentsch added that the FEI will continue to monitor horse abuse matters raised on social media and investigate or open disciplinary proceedings as appropriate – but he said the organisation has to be “mindful” because images and videos can be edited or AI-generated.

Riders, officials and national federations heading to Aachen will be invited to online training sessions with the FEI and Signify around protecting themselves online.

“We are still fine-tuning the content, but we’ll cover the dos and don’ts and best practice. We want to be there to help – this is in no way to prevent athletes commenting online, it’s a service to really help them navigate through this quite ‘Wild West’ sometimes,” said Mr Rentsch.

Signify Group’s head of sport Jake Marsh told H&H that the company has helped athletes and governing bodies across sports including football, rugby and tennis. The software can detect 32 different types of abuse and threat, across 100 languages, including slang words – and it is tailored to detect sport-specific terminology.

“The monitoring picks up anything that is abusive or threatening, that’s then filtered further for severity and whether it needs to go through to investigation,” he said, adding that through intelligence and analysis of various platforms, the aim is to provide an identity or identifying details of the person carrying out the abuse to pass to law enforcement.

Mr Marsh added that they want athletes to know they will be supported.

“If they get something they are concerned about or it makes them feel uncomfortable, we want them to report it,” he said. “Once athletes know they can report it and there’s a process, they tend to start thinking, ‘Actually, I can do something about this.’”

Helen Nicholls, British Equestrian World Class performance director, told H&H it fully supports this “great initiative”.

“An online presence is part of everyday life for many athletes, and we must work to ensure their safety and mental wellbeing,” she said.

“Working with UK Sport, we have access to similar digital safeguarding resources and the athletes find it very beneficial.”

]]> <![CDATA[ What’s in this week’s Horse & Hound, in shops from Thursday 30 July ]]> This week’s edition of Horse & Hound, in shops from Thursday 30 July, features our Royal International Horse Show report, including all the showing and showjumping action from Robert Whitaker’s third George V Gold Cup win to Boston Black Tie reining supreme.

In the news pages, we discuss the British and Irish World Championship teams, the plans to protect young riders from online harassment and more. Our opinion columns this week come from Carl Hester and Tim Gredley, who share their views on the hottest topics in dressage and showjumping.

The spotlight is firmly on laminitis in the Vet Clinic, and our Foal File this week is Irish Olympic dressage horse Giraldo. Plus, we get to know World Championships cross-country course designer Giuseppe della Chiesa. For hunting fans, don’t miss our coverage of the Festival of Hounds.

As ever, enjoy in-depth reports from the latest fixtures, including the Great Yorkshire Show, the Youth European Championships and much, much more. There are many other articles for equestrians to enjoy inside – see a more detailed breakdown below.

What’s in Horse & Hound magazine: on sale 30 July 2026

News

  • British and Irish World Championship teams
  • Plans to protect riders from online harassment
  • Young riders bring home medal haul
  • Welfare focus for new coaching framework

Royal International

  • All the showing action from Hickstead
  • ‘It’s incredible to be part of Whitaker history’: Robert takes a third King George V Gold Cup

Opinion

  • Letters of the week
  • Dressage: Carl Hester
  • Showjumping: Tim Gredley

People and horses

  • All in a day’s work: World Championships cross-country course-designer Giuseppe della Chiesa
  • Foal files Irish Olympic dressage horse Giraldo

Property

  • Places with the facilities to run a commercial venture

Vet Clinic

  • Preventing, spotting and treating laminitis

Reports

  • Showjumping: Youth European Championships and
    Great Yorkshire 
  • Dressage: Youth European Championships, plus Summer Regionals 
  • Eventing: Upton House and Tweseldown

Hunting

  • Festival of Hounds

Classified Ads

  • Horses for sale, horseboxes, vehicles, stabling, jobs, insurance and more

Get your magazine

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/whats-in-this-weeks-horse-and-hound-in-shops-from-thursday-30-july J5jy2TZb22CG9JnTs7RjC8 Wed, 29 Jul 2026 07:10:00 +0000 Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:47:44 +0000 false false false

This week’s edition of Horse & Hound, in shops from Thursday 30 July, features our Royal International Horse Show report, including all the showing and showjumping action from Robert Whitaker’s third George V Gold Cup win to Boston Black Tie reining supreme.

In the news pages, we discuss the British and Irish World Championship teams, the plans to protect young riders from online harassment and more. Our opinion columns this week come from Carl Hester and Tim Gredley, who share their views on the hottest topics in dressage and showjumping.

The spotlight is firmly on laminitis in the Vet Clinic, and our Foal File this week is Irish Olympic dressage horse Giraldo. Plus, we get to know World Championships cross-country course designer Giuseppe della Chiesa. For hunting fans, don’t miss our coverage of the Festival of Hounds.

As ever, enjoy in-depth reports from the latest fixtures, including the Great Yorkshire Show, the Youth European Championships and much, much more. There are many other articles for equestrians to enjoy inside – see a more detailed breakdown below.

What’s in Horse & Hound magazine: on sale 30 July 2026

News

  • British and Irish World Championship teams
  • Plans to protect riders from online harassment
  • Young riders bring home medal haul
  • Welfare focus for new coaching framework

Royal International

  • All the showing action from Hickstead
  • ‘It’s incredible to be part of Whitaker history’: Robert takes a third King George V Gold Cup

Opinion

  • Letters of the week
  • Dressage: Carl Hester
  • Showjumping: Tim Gredley

People and horses

  • All in a day’s work: World Championships cross-country course-designer Giuseppe della Chiesa
  • Foal files Irish Olympic dressage horse Giraldo

Property

  • Places with the facilities to run a commercial venture

Vet Clinic

  • Preventing, spotting and treating laminitis

Reports

  • Showjumping: Youth European Championships and
    Great Yorkshire 
  • Dressage: Youth European Championships, plus Summer Regionals 
  • Eventing: Upton House and Tweseldown

Hunting

  • Festival of Hounds

Classified Ads

  • Horses for sale, horseboxes, vehicles, stabling, jobs, insurance and more

Get your magazine

]]> <![CDATA[ How to redeem your Horse & Hound website gift subscription ]]> We are sorry but it is not currently possible to redeem your gift access to HorseandHound.co.uk via the website. Our customer care team are on hand to assist you with setting up your access.

Please contact our customer care team by emailing help@magazinesdirect.com

Our support hours are Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 7pm UK time.

We aim to reply to your query within three working days.

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//gift/redeem AcJuPuTT9oGEqFwugnTBVd Sat, 25 Jul 2026 11:42:18 +0000 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 10:00:53 +0000 false false false

We are sorry but it is not currently possible to redeem your gift access to HorseandHound.co.uk via the website. Our customer care team are on hand to assist you with setting up your access.

Please contact our customer care team by emailing help@magazinesdirect.com

Our support hours are Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 7pm UK time.

We aim to reply to your query within three working days.

]]> <![CDATA[ Emaciated pony found in stream thought to have died while searching for water ]]> An emaciated pony found dead in a stream is thought to have fallen in while in search of water.

Owner Harriet Midgley, of York Place, York Street, Brighouse, West Yorkshire, has been banned from keeping equids for life after the “horrible” circumstances in which her pony Pip was found.

The 26-year-old had pleaded guilty to one Animal Welfare Act offence at a hearing on 30 April, and was sentenced on 10 July by Kirklees magistrates, who described Pip’s circumstances as “horrible”.

The court heard the RSPCA was called in after the 12-year-old Shetland’s body was found in the stream at Wood Bottom Lane, Brighouse, on 11 January 2025.

RSPCA Inspector Adam Dickinson, who went to the scene the next day, gave a written statement to the court. He said the field was covered in snow and ice, and there were hazards including barbed and razor wire, sharp, rusty fragments of metal and broken fence posts.

The snow-covered hazardous field

(Image credit: RSPCA)

“Several trees had teeth/gnaw marks where the bark had been stripped,” he said, adding that bins used to store horse feed appeared “quite old” and there was a “strong, unpleasant smell” coming from them.

“This is an area where there was once a pig barn,” he said. “Several hazards were present, and the floor was very unsteady, with lots of gaps and areas where an animal could become stuck or fall through. The floor was completely covered in faeces and was approximately 10cm thick for the most part, some areas 20 to 30cm deep.”

Mr Dickinson said there was an empty bucket and an empty haynet, and that a supporting beam and some fence panels appeared to have been gnawed.

“The area of the beck where Pip was found could not be accessed any other way than down the bank,” he said. “This was down a seven to eight-metre drop and a gradient of approximately 70 degrees. You could see the flattened vegetation and it appeared that Pip had fallen down the bank, rather than walked.”

The RSPCA spokesperson said there were seven buckets and a large tub in two other “hazard-strewn” areas but all were frozen solid, and the only accessible water was in the stream in which Pip was found dead.

The frozen water containers

(Image credit: RSPCA)

“The court heard the grey Shetland, who was taken to an equine crematorium, was in very poor bodily condition,” an RSPCA spokesperson said. “His spine, ribs and hips were visibly prominent and there was a small wound above his left eye. Pip’s shoulders, neck and head were all stained brown from where he had been submerged under water.”

The spokesperson said the court heard other people had raised concerns with Midgley about the fencing, lack of grazing and unsuitable environment “but offers of help were refused multiple times”.

“Following snowfall on 5 January, no footprints were seen in the field afterwards, and Midgley confirmed to someone else that she had not been out to feed Pip since,” the spokesperson said. “CCTV showed the Shetland had been provided with hay by a member of the public on 30 December before the pony was discovered dead 13 days later.”

A vet who gave written evidence said it was unclear whether Pip was alive when he went into the stream, and drowned, or had died before he went in.

“It is likely from the evidence of Adam Dickinson that the pony fell from the top of the banking due to the environment in that area on his arrival,” the vet said.

“The stream was the only available water source for a number of days and so it is highly likely the pony was trying to access it. The pony was in an emaciated state and as such, he would have been far too weak to traverse a bank as steep as that.

“I cannot confirm this was the absolute scenario that led to the pony being found dead within the stream, but given the circumstances of the environment and the emaciated condition of the pony it seems highly probable.

“However, there is clear and consistent evidence that the pony was in an emaciated condition and that the cause of this was likely primary malnutrition over many weeks. The pony was visually and obviously underweight in July 2024, as demonstrated by photographs, and therefore the owner had more than ample time to respond to his failing health.”

The filthy stable

(Image credit: RSPCA)

The vet said Midgley had failed to provide an adequate diet, suitable environment and appropriate veterinary care and had neglected “the most basic aspects of equine ownership”, which had led Pip to suffer, the spokesperson said.

“In interview with the RSPCA, Midgley said Pip had never looked as thin to her as he did in the image she was shown when he was found. She said he looked to be losing weight about two to four weeks before she last saw him but that he was fed often. Apart from an initial visit, he had not seen a vet in the time she had owned him and she saw no reason to, the court was told.”

In mitigation it was said that Midgley had provided “well-intentioned but incompetent care”. The court heard she had a “deep love of horses” and was well thought of at the premises where she had previously kept equines.

Midgley was also given an 18-month community order and must carry out 270 hours of unpaid work. She was ordered to pay costs of £750 and a victim surcharge of £114. She will not be able to contest the ban for 10 years.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/harriet-midgley-rspca-case 4FgWPz4wSbtKFN499qs5Mg Wed, 22 Jul 2026 06:05:00 +0000 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:44:27 +0000 false false false

An emaciated pony found dead in a stream is thought to have fallen in while in search of water.

Owner Harriet Midgley, of York Place, York Street, Brighouse, West Yorkshire, has been banned from keeping equids for life after the “horrible” circumstances in which her pony Pip was found.

The 26-year-old had pleaded guilty to one Animal Welfare Act offence at a hearing on 30 April, and was sentenced on 10 July by Kirklees magistrates, who described Pip’s circumstances as “horrible”.

The court heard the RSPCA was called in after the 12-year-old Shetland’s body was found in the stream at Wood Bottom Lane, Brighouse, on 11 January 2025.

RSPCA Inspector Adam Dickinson, who went to the scene the next day, gave a written statement to the court. He said the field was covered in snow and ice, and there were hazards including barbed and razor wire, sharp, rusty fragments of metal and broken fence posts.

The snow-covered hazardous field

(Image credit: RSPCA)

“Several trees had teeth/gnaw marks where the bark had been stripped,” he said, adding that bins used to store horse feed appeared “quite old” and there was a “strong, unpleasant smell” coming from them.

“This is an area where there was once a pig barn,” he said. “Several hazards were present, and the floor was very unsteady, with lots of gaps and areas where an animal could become stuck or fall through. The floor was completely covered in faeces and was approximately 10cm thick for the most part, some areas 20 to 30cm deep.”

Mr Dickinson said there was an empty bucket and an empty haynet, and that a supporting beam and some fence panels appeared to have been gnawed.

“The area of the beck where Pip was found could not be accessed any other way than down the bank,” he said. “This was down a seven to eight-metre drop and a gradient of approximately 70 degrees. You could see the flattened vegetation and it appeared that Pip had fallen down the bank, rather than walked.”

The RSPCA spokesperson said there were seven buckets and a large tub in two other “hazard-strewn” areas but all were frozen solid, and the only accessible water was in the stream in which Pip was found dead.

The frozen water containers

(Image credit: RSPCA)

“The court heard the grey Shetland, who was taken to an equine crematorium, was in very poor bodily condition,” an RSPCA spokesperson said. “His spine, ribs and hips were visibly prominent and there was a small wound above his left eye. Pip’s shoulders, neck and head were all stained brown from where he had been submerged under water.”

The spokesperson said the court heard other people had raised concerns with Midgley about the fencing, lack of grazing and unsuitable environment “but offers of help were refused multiple times”.

“Following snowfall on 5 January, no footprints were seen in the field afterwards, and Midgley confirmed to someone else that she had not been out to feed Pip since,” the spokesperson said. “CCTV showed the Shetland had been provided with hay by a member of the public on 30 December before the pony was discovered dead 13 days later.”

A vet who gave written evidence said it was unclear whether Pip was alive when he went into the stream, and drowned, or had died before he went in.

“It is likely from the evidence of Adam Dickinson that the pony fell from the top of the banking due to the environment in that area on his arrival,” the vet said.

“The stream was the only available water source for a number of days and so it is highly likely the pony was trying to access it. The pony was in an emaciated state and as such, he would have been far too weak to traverse a bank as steep as that.

“I cannot confirm this was the absolute scenario that led to the pony being found dead within the stream, but given the circumstances of the environment and the emaciated condition of the pony it seems highly probable.

“However, there is clear and consistent evidence that the pony was in an emaciated condition and that the cause of this was likely primary malnutrition over many weeks. The pony was visually and obviously underweight in July 2024, as demonstrated by photographs, and therefore the owner had more than ample time to respond to his failing health.”

The filthy stable

(Image credit: RSPCA)

The vet said Midgley had failed to provide an adequate diet, suitable environment and appropriate veterinary care and had neglected “the most basic aspects of equine ownership”, which had led Pip to suffer, the spokesperson said.

“In interview with the RSPCA, Midgley said Pip had never looked as thin to her as he did in the image she was shown when he was found. She said he looked to be losing weight about two to four weeks before she last saw him but that he was fed often. Apart from an initial visit, he had not seen a vet in the time she had owned him and she saw no reason to, the court was told.”

In mitigation it was said that Midgley had provided “well-intentioned but incompetent care”. The court heard she had a “deep love of horses” and was well thought of at the premises where she had previously kept equines.

Midgley was also given an 18-month community order and must carry out 270 hours of unpaid work. She was ordered to pay costs of £750 and a victim surcharge of £114. She will not be able to contest the ban for 10 years.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> <![CDATA[ What’s in this week’s Horse & Hound, in shops from Thursday 23 July ]]> Following the heartbreaking news that two riders lost their lives competing affiliated horse trials on Saturday 18 July, we decided to hold fellow event rider Harry Meade’s planned guest edit as a mark of respect to Sophie Fouracre and Kerry Donoghue. Our thoughts remain with their families and friends. Harry Meade’s special issue will be published in September.

Instead this week’s edition of Horse & Hound, in shops from Thursday 23 July, features William Whitaker and his Hickstead Derby victor Flamboyant III as our cover star. Inside William talks us through his epic win. We also detail the major reforms proposed for the veterinary sector, the protection confirmed for Dartmoor hill ponies and more in our news pages.

Hear from Mark Philips and Chris Smith on hot topics in eventing and showjumping and read our in-depth analysis of champion Connemara Castle Comet as a legend of the sport.

In this week’s Vet Clinic, we cover everything horse buyers should look for. We also take a peek at eyecatching equestrian properties and discuss horses’ social lives in the magazine. This week’s foal file is Harry Meade’s eventing star Annaghmore Valoner.

As ever, enjoy in-depth reports from the latest fixtures, including the Great Yorkshire Show, Project Pony Aston-le-Walls and much, much more. There are many other articles for equestrians to enjoy inside – see a more detailed breakdown below.

What’s in Horse & Hound magazine: on sale 23 July 2026

News

  • Major reforms proposed for the veterinary sector
  • Immense sadness as two event riders lose their lives
  • Protection confirmed for Dartmoor hill ponies
  • Government finally listens to firework concerns

Opinion

  • Letters of the week
  • Eventing: Mark Phillips
  • Showjumping: Chris Smith

People and horses

  • How I won: William Whitaker reflects on his second Hickstead Derby win
  • All in a day’s work: Pony Club instructor, Chris Barnett
  • Legends of the sport: Connemara showing stallion Castle Comet
  • Foal files: Top eventer Annaghmore Valoner 

Property

  • Made you look: Three eye-catching equestrian properties 

Vet Clinic

  • What buyers should look out for when shopping for a new horse

Features

  • Harmonious herds: What we know about our horses’ social lives

Reports

  • Eventing: Project Pony Aston-le-Walls
  • Showjumping: Chard International, Scottish Home Pony and more 
  • Showing: Great Yorkshire and Stithians Show
  • Dressage: Youth Europeans and more

Hunting

  • Great Yorkshire hound show: Gloucestershire packs take the top two titles

Classified Ads

  • Horses for sale, horseboxes, vehicles, stabling, jobs, insurance and more

Get your magazine

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/whats-in-this-weeks-horse-and-hound-in-shops-from-thursday-23-july wozDcHZExcSMZStxAzZFQQ Tue, 21 Jul 2026 17:09:53 +0000 Thu, 23 Jul 2026 07:21:06 +0000 false false false

Following the heartbreaking news that two riders lost their lives competing affiliated horse trials on Saturday 18 July, we decided to hold fellow event rider Harry Meade’s planned guest edit as a mark of respect to Sophie Fouracre and Kerry Donoghue. Our thoughts remain with their families and friends. Harry Meade’s special issue will be published in September.

Instead this week’s edition of Horse & Hound, in shops from Thursday 23 July, features William Whitaker and his Hickstead Derby victor Flamboyant III as our cover star. Inside William talks us through his epic win. We also detail the major reforms proposed for the veterinary sector, the protection confirmed for Dartmoor hill ponies and more in our news pages.

Hear from Mark Philips and Chris Smith on hot topics in eventing and showjumping and read our in-depth analysis of champion Connemara Castle Comet as a legend of the sport.

In this week’s Vet Clinic, we cover everything horse buyers should look for. We also take a peek at eyecatching equestrian properties and discuss horses’ social lives in the magazine. This week’s foal file is Harry Meade’s eventing star Annaghmore Valoner.

As ever, enjoy in-depth reports from the latest fixtures, including the Great Yorkshire Show, Project Pony Aston-le-Walls and much, much more. There are many other articles for equestrians to enjoy inside – see a more detailed breakdown below.

What’s in Horse & Hound magazine: on sale 23 July 2026

News

  • Major reforms proposed for the veterinary sector
  • Immense sadness as two event riders lose their lives
  • Protection confirmed for Dartmoor hill ponies
  • Government finally listens to firework concerns

Opinion

  • Letters of the week
  • Eventing: Mark Phillips
  • Showjumping: Chris Smith

People and horses

  • How I won: William Whitaker reflects on his second Hickstead Derby win
  • All in a day’s work: Pony Club instructor, Chris Barnett
  • Legends of the sport: Connemara showing stallion Castle Comet
  • Foal files: Top eventer Annaghmore Valoner 

Property

  • Made you look: Three eye-catching equestrian properties 

Vet Clinic

  • What buyers should look out for when shopping for a new horse

Features

  • Harmonious herds: What we know about our horses’ social lives

Reports

  • Eventing: Project Pony Aston-le-Walls
  • Showjumping: Chard International, Scottish Home Pony and more 
  • Showing: Great Yorkshire and Stithians Show
  • Dressage: Youth Europeans and more

Hunting

  • Great Yorkshire hound show: Gloucestershire packs take the top two titles

Classified Ads

  • Horses for sale, horseboxes, vehicles, stabling, jobs, insurance and more

Get your magazine

]]> <![CDATA[ What’s the best competition photo to share of your horse? The answer is deeper than you might think ]]> A picture tells a thousand words, so the old adage goes – and horse lovers are looking at images through a “welfare-centred lens” above all else.

A new study published in the Journal of Physical Fitness, Medicine & Treatment in Sports dug into how equestrians read “partnership and positive practice” in photos taken at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Researchers from Hartpury, universities in the US and Sweden and media and marketing agency Equerry Co teamed up to look into what visual characteristics of a photo strengthen or erode perceived legitimacy of horse sport’s social licence.

The overarching conclusion is that positive images of Olympic equestrian sport “were viewed through a welfare-centred lens, prioritising horse comfort, agency and partnership over performance aesthetics or athleticism”.

“Imagery that conveys relaxation, empathy and genuine partnership may help sustain social licence, whereas imagery depicting discomfort risks eroding trust and intensifying ethical scrutiny,” stated the study.

A selection of 30 photos, taken by Equerry’s accredited photographer at the Games, were put into a survey, which was shared worldwide on social media and garnered more than 500 responses. Participants were asked to rank images, choose their favourites and answer five open-ended questions.

The study found that participants did not engage with the photos as neutral spectators, but as “evaluators of welfare, ethics and legitimacy”. What people were comfortable with varied between the disciplines.

The researchers also found that although participants showed “strong awareness of the limitations of still photography” and that images "represent only a moment in time”, that acknowledgment didn’t “reduce ethical weight” given to images, but rather intensified concern about how frequently certain patterns were repeated.

“While discipline-specific expectations influenced tolerance for effort, risk and athletic ability, a consistent pattern emerged: images were read as ethical statements about how horses are treated, trained and valued within Olympic sport,” stated the study.

The study found that in dressage, judgements centred on biomechanics, such as self-carriage and poll position, and concerns about restrictive tack. In showjumping, evaluations “blended athleticism with equipment scrutiny”, such as nosebands, bits and martingales, and post-round reward. In eventing, appraisals “weighed dynamism and bravery against fatigue, safety and ethical risk”.

Co-author Victoria Lewis told H&H the study stemmed from conversations around the demand for good-news stories in horse sport, which led the researchers to think about quantifying what “good” looks like.

Dr Lewis said an aspect the team found particularly interesting were comments people made and how respondents used the images to almost confirm or state where they felt the industry, or discipline, sat in terms of their own ethical and philosophical position on welfare in that discipline.

“I think that shows how powerful an image actually is,” she said. “It shows how strongly people feel about welfare and equestrianism as a whole, and that was positive and negative. There were some really amazing comments that came through about the partnership and the trust and that element that I think you know is important for us to acknowledge.”

In terms of what equestrians can take away from the study, Dr Lewis said that it goes “a lot deeper” than choosing which photo to post. She said participants showed awareness of evidence-based training principles, which they wanted to see reflected in photos.

“When we started, we thought this was going to be useful to people wanting to post their own horse pictures on social media or for media outlets to be a little bit more wary of the type of pictures that they use. But actually, what we took from the analysis actually went a lot deeper than that,” she said.

“It really was about how we train our horses, how we look after them. The more holistic approach to getting that horse to the Olympics is not all about just the image; it's what’s behind the image.”

‘It quantifies what we’ve long believed to be true’

H&H’s editor-in-chief Sarah Jenkins shared her thoughts on the findings.

“For the past decade Horse & Hound’s editorial team members have given increasing thought to ensuring the harmony that we witness between horses and riders at events is what is depicted in our pages and on our website and social channels,” she said.

“Photographing horses is a real skill, and it is possible to watch a beautiful test or round with the feeling that horse and rider are working together in complete co-operation and yet still manage to take pictures that do not reflect that. We talk about pictures being a ‘moment in time’, and that’s not to excuse poor training or riding, but it is true that if you take a picture of a horse in the moment in the canter when one front leg is on the ground, it will look awkward and unpleasing to the viewer.

“It makes sense that as humans we want to see horses looking ‘happy’ and making their sports appear effortless. But the reality is that going cross-country and jumping 1m20 is not effortless and in the same way athletes look more relaxed in their wedding photos, horses will look more relaxed in their fields.”

She added: “This research is interesting in that it quantifies what we’ve long believed to be true – people like pleasing pictures, people love horses and want horses to live enjoyable lives, and people are becoming more tuned in to reading signs of discomfort in horses, which is all positive.

“I’d love to see even more research and understanding of what happy and content horses look like (as much as has been done to research signs of discomfort or stress in horses) and sense-check whether when people see that in photographs they interpret it as such.

“For example, we put pictures on our front covers of horses with their ears pricked, because to me certainly it is more aesthetically pleasing, possibly because traditionally we were all taught ‘ears pricked equals happy horse’. But some would say a horse with ears to the side and head lower is actually happier. So I still think there's a slight gap between what we know to be true and what we see as a beautiful photograph, in some instances. Or perhaps that’s for me to get past. I'd be interested to hear readers thoughts for our letters pages.”

● What do you think? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/horse-photos-framing-welfare-study 9CLJTR8hsAd4EqAwjmor9W Sun, 19 Jul 2026 13:05:00 +0000 false false false

A picture tells a thousand words, so the old adage goes – and horse lovers are looking at images through a “welfare-centred lens” above all else.

A new study published in the Journal of Physical Fitness, Medicine & Treatment in Sports dug into how equestrians read “partnership and positive practice” in photos taken at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Researchers from Hartpury, universities in the US and Sweden and media and marketing agency Equerry Co teamed up to look into what visual characteristics of a photo strengthen or erode perceived legitimacy of horse sport’s social licence.

The overarching conclusion is that positive images of Olympic equestrian sport “were viewed through a welfare-centred lens, prioritising horse comfort, agency and partnership over performance aesthetics or athleticism”.

“Imagery that conveys relaxation, empathy and genuine partnership may help sustain social licence, whereas imagery depicting discomfort risks eroding trust and intensifying ethical scrutiny,” stated the study.

A selection of 30 photos, taken by Equerry’s accredited photographer at the Games, were put into a survey, which was shared worldwide on social media and garnered more than 500 responses. Participants were asked to rank images, choose their favourites and answer five open-ended questions.

The study found that participants did not engage with the photos as neutral spectators, but as “evaluators of welfare, ethics and legitimacy”. What people were comfortable with varied between the disciplines.

The researchers also found that although participants showed “strong awareness of the limitations of still photography” and that images "represent only a moment in time”, that acknowledgment didn’t “reduce ethical weight” given to images, but rather intensified concern about how frequently certain patterns were repeated.

“While discipline-specific expectations influenced tolerance for effort, risk and athletic ability, a consistent pattern emerged: images were read as ethical statements about how horses are treated, trained and valued within Olympic sport,” stated the study.

The study found that in dressage, judgements centred on biomechanics, such as self-carriage and poll position, and concerns about restrictive tack. In showjumping, evaluations “blended athleticism with equipment scrutiny”, such as nosebands, bits and martingales, and post-round reward. In eventing, appraisals “weighed dynamism and bravery against fatigue, safety and ethical risk”.

Co-author Victoria Lewis told H&H the study stemmed from conversations around the demand for good-news stories in horse sport, which led the researchers to think about quantifying what “good” looks like.

Dr Lewis said an aspect the team found particularly interesting were comments people made and how respondents used the images to almost confirm or state where they felt the industry, or discipline, sat in terms of their own ethical and philosophical position on welfare in that discipline.

“I think that shows how powerful an image actually is,” she said. “It shows how strongly people feel about welfare and equestrianism as a whole, and that was positive and negative. There were some really amazing comments that came through about the partnership and the trust and that element that I think you know is important for us to acknowledge.”

In terms of what equestrians can take away from the study, Dr Lewis said that it goes “a lot deeper” than choosing which photo to post. She said participants showed awareness of evidence-based training principles, which they wanted to see reflected in photos.

“When we started, we thought this was going to be useful to people wanting to post their own horse pictures on social media or for media outlets to be a little bit more wary of the type of pictures that they use. But actually, what we took from the analysis actually went a lot deeper than that,” she said.

“It really was about how we train our horses, how we look after them. The more holistic approach to getting that horse to the Olympics is not all about just the image; it's what’s behind the image.”

‘It quantifies what we’ve long believed to be true’

H&H’s editor-in-chief Sarah Jenkins shared her thoughts on the findings.

“For the past decade Horse & Hound’s editorial team members have given increasing thought to ensuring the harmony that we witness between horses and riders at events is what is depicted in our pages and on our website and social channels,” she said.

“Photographing horses is a real skill, and it is possible to watch a beautiful test or round with the feeling that horse and rider are working together in complete co-operation and yet still manage to take pictures that do not reflect that. We talk about pictures being a ‘moment in time’, and that’s not to excuse poor training or riding, but it is true that if you take a picture of a horse in the moment in the canter when one front leg is on the ground, it will look awkward and unpleasing to the viewer.

“It makes sense that as humans we want to see horses looking ‘happy’ and making their sports appear effortless. But the reality is that going cross-country and jumping 1m20 is not effortless and in the same way athletes look more relaxed in their wedding photos, horses will look more relaxed in their fields.”

She added: “This research is interesting in that it quantifies what we’ve long believed to be true – people like pleasing pictures, people love horses and want horses to live enjoyable lives, and people are becoming more tuned in to reading signs of discomfort in horses, which is all positive.

“I’d love to see even more research and understanding of what happy and content horses look like (as much as has been done to research signs of discomfort or stress in horses) and sense-check whether when people see that in photographs they interpret it as such.

“For example, we put pictures on our front covers of horses with their ears pricked, because to me certainly it is more aesthetically pleasing, possibly because traditionally we were all taught ‘ears pricked equals happy horse’. But some would say a horse with ears to the side and head lower is actually happier. So I still think there's a slight gap between what we know to be true and what we see as a beautiful photograph, in some instances. Or perhaps that’s for me to get past. I'd be interested to hear readers thoughts for our letters pages.”

● What do you think? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

]]> <![CDATA[ ‘We loved him more than you can imagine’: farewell to police horse with the biggest feet, the longest wees – and a heart of gold ]]> Merseyside Police has paid tribute to a horse with the biggest feet – and the longest wees – in the country, and who has left “the biggest hoofprints on our hearts” after his death aged 27.

PH Major served in Liverpool for 20 years, then enjoyed three “fabulous years” of retirement with mounted branch groom Claire and her veteran horse Ed. The pair were best friends until the decision had to be made to let them go.

Stable and mounted training manager Lindsay Gaven told H&H the mounted branch bought 17.2hh part-bred Shire Major as a four-year-old.

“He was the most kind, affectionate horse who loved to conserve energy between his shifts and sleep and snore really loudly,” she said, adding that Major’s hooves, at 23cm wide, were the biggest of any police horse in the UK.

A hoof with tape measure showing its 23cm width

(Image credit: Merseyside Police)

“Major had a reputation for showing his excitement when any hoof touched grass; he would leap into the air and squeal, hoping his rider could stay with him and share his delight. If they didn’t manage to stay with him, he would just look down at the floor and wait for them to get to their feet and climb back on.

“This meant Major could not contain his excitement reliably enough to lead the winner in of the Grand National at Aintree. On any other surface he was a true reliable gentleman but ridden on grass, he was just way too excitable.

Ms Gaven said that when the police horses were ridden on the beach at Formby, no one wanted to be behind him as his huge feet would scoop up huge amounts of seawater and soak anyone within range.

“Major also bucked so hard with excitement one day in a musical ride, he managed to break the girth straps off both sides of the saddle,” she said. “He came to a halt with a face of glee as a musical ride was just way too exciting when you got to run around in patterns with all your favourite colleagues.

“He would always select the busiest road in Liverpool city centre to decide to have a wee. These wees usually lasted two full cycles of red/amber/green traffic light changes, much to the disgust of his equine colleagues who had to tolerate the splashback.”

But Major was also a “true leader”, policing football matches, heading numerous parades and helping train and support both equine and human colleagues.

“He held his position, helping guide the bus through the crowds at the Liverpool FC homecoming parade [after their Champions League victory] in 2005,” Ms Gaven said. “He paced the bus with his rider, who could not see ahead because of the sheer number of people lining the route. He would often be the sergeant’s horse at the football matches; he knew where to stand, and he would park up and await the fans and their Polo mints, who of course in his mind were all there to see him.”

Two horses grazing in a field

(Image credit: Merseyside Police)

Major was given a long service award from Merseyside Police in 2022, for his 20 years’ continuous service. He retired to live with Claire not long afterwards.

“He had very little respect for fencing of any sort and also needed his feet picking out in a specific order otherwise this confused him and he wouldn’t lift any,” Ms Gaven said. “So in Major’s best interests, we wanted to rehome him with someone who didn’t mind the old boy’s attitude to life and could understand him.

“He lived three fabulous years with more love than you can imagine, full CCTV monitoring for his fence breakage and escape attempts, he grazed in his patrol pair with his best friend Ed and every day would climb upon his muckheap to survey his kingdom.

“Every day, he was Mr Reliable, a brave strong horse with a heart of gold who leaves the biggest hoofprints on our heart.”

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police paid tribute to Major’s character and service, thanking Claire for giving him “the best retirement”.

“We loved him more than you can imagine,” the spokesperson said.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/farewell-ph-major-merseyside-police j2sNmVSgbYUMQ6ySLjBAKd Sun, 19 Jul 2026 12:25:00 +0000 false false false

Merseyside Police has paid tribute to a horse with the biggest feet – and the longest wees – in the country, and who has left “the biggest hoofprints on our hearts” after his death aged 27.

PH Major served in Liverpool for 20 years, then enjoyed three “fabulous years” of retirement with mounted branch groom Claire and her veteran horse Ed. The pair were best friends until the decision had to be made to let them go.

Stable and mounted training manager Lindsay Gaven told H&H the mounted branch bought 17.2hh part-bred Shire Major as a four-year-old.

“He was the most kind, affectionate horse who loved to conserve energy between his shifts and sleep and snore really loudly,” she said, adding that Major’s hooves, at 23cm wide, were the biggest of any police horse in the UK.

A hoof with tape measure showing its 23cm width

(Image credit: Merseyside Police)

“Major had a reputation for showing his excitement when any hoof touched grass; he would leap into the air and squeal, hoping his rider could stay with him and share his delight. If they didn’t manage to stay with him, he would just look down at the floor and wait for them to get to their feet and climb back on.

“This meant Major could not contain his excitement reliably enough to lead the winner in of the Grand National at Aintree. On any other surface he was a true reliable gentleman but ridden on grass, he was just way too excitable.

Ms Gaven said that when the police horses were ridden on the beach at Formby, no one wanted to be behind him as his huge feet would scoop up huge amounts of seawater and soak anyone within range.

“Major also bucked so hard with excitement one day in a musical ride, he managed to break the girth straps off both sides of the saddle,” she said. “He came to a halt with a face of glee as a musical ride was just way too exciting when you got to run around in patterns with all your favourite colleagues.

“He would always select the busiest road in Liverpool city centre to decide to have a wee. These wees usually lasted two full cycles of red/amber/green traffic light changes, much to the disgust of his equine colleagues who had to tolerate the splashback.”

But Major was also a “true leader”, policing football matches, heading numerous parades and helping train and support both equine and human colleagues.

“He held his position, helping guide the bus through the crowds at the Liverpool FC homecoming parade [after their Champions League victory] in 2005,” Ms Gaven said. “He paced the bus with his rider, who could not see ahead because of the sheer number of people lining the route. He would often be the sergeant’s horse at the football matches; he knew where to stand, and he would park up and await the fans and their Polo mints, who of course in his mind were all there to see him.”

Two horses grazing in a field

(Image credit: Merseyside Police)

Major was given a long service award from Merseyside Police in 2022, for his 20 years’ continuous service. He retired to live with Claire not long afterwards.

“He had very little respect for fencing of any sort and also needed his feet picking out in a specific order otherwise this confused him and he wouldn’t lift any,” Ms Gaven said. “So in Major’s best interests, we wanted to rehome him with someone who didn’t mind the old boy’s attitude to life and could understand him.

“He lived three fabulous years with more love than you can imagine, full CCTV monitoring for his fence breakage and escape attempts, he grazed in his patrol pair with his best friend Ed and every day would climb upon his muckheap to survey his kingdom.

“Every day, he was Mr Reliable, a brave strong horse with a heart of gold who leaves the biggest hoofprints on our heart.”

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police paid tribute to Major’s character and service, thanking Claire for giving him “the best retirement”.

“We loved him more than you can imagine,” the spokesperson said.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> <![CDATA[ The summer’s must-have legwear: donkeys cut a dash in fabulous pyjamas and flares ]]> Sometimes you just want to stay in your pyjamas all day – and if you’re a donkey, this has an extra benefit.

Residents of The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon have been spotted sporting the season’s must-have wide-leg look, thanks to students at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

The alma mater of the Prince and Princess of Wales has donated suitable legwear from a recycling initiative, which is now being used to protect the donkeys from biting insects.

“Like many equine owners, the sanctuary experiences the annual challenge of biting flies during the warmer months,” a Donkey Sanctuary spokesperson said.

“For several years, staff have been using trousers, leggings or pyjama bottoms to help protect the donkeys’ legs from bites. The loose-fitting legwear is cut to fit individual donkeys, which by their nature, can get through several pairs a week as they roam around their pastures.”

The charity launched an appeal for suitable used trousers to boost its supplies; groom Lisa Coles said the older donkeys seem to suffer most from the insects, which is “heartbreaking to see”.

The spokesperson said: “The charity recently received an unexpected boost from an inspiring recycling initiative at the University of St Andrews. After hearing how unwanted trousers and leggings can help protect the resident herds, staff and students gathered up a collection of suitable items left over from their recycling project.

A donkey wearing pyjamas

(Image credit: The Donkey Sanctuary)

“The university has its own Reuse shop where students can donate their old clothing when they leave for the summer break or graduate for other students. Some of the clothing gets donated for reuse or upcycling to Fife charities, local creators and schools, and the remaining unwanted pieces are normally thrown away. Fortunately, these have now found a new lease of life over 500 miles south in Devon.” 

Anya Hart Dyke of the university said the team was  “tickled pink” by the thought of donkeys wearing pyjamas for protection.

“We hate seeing any clothes go to waste so we were delighted to source items that were too faded, or worse for wear, to be reworn by students,” she said. ”We’re always looking for new opportunities to keep clothes in play so were thrilled when The Donkey Sanctuary agreed to make use of clothes that would have otherwise been incinerated.”

Lisa said the charity was delighted by the donation.

“Even though the legwear may look a bit unusual at first glance, it really does make a difference to the welfare of our donkeys, and we hope others may be inspired to donate any suitable items we can use,” she said.

Unwanted loose-fitting trousers, leggings, pyjamas or maternity trousers, from women’s size 16 and men’s size L upwards, can be taken to the Sidmouth sanctuary’s onsite gift shop.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]> https://www.horseandhound.co.uk//equine/donkeys-cut-a-dash-fabulous-pyjamas-flares Q24GTxTw4GrrRWjgyQakXM Sat, 18 Jul 2026 11:45:00 +0000 Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:15:02 +0000 false false false

Sometimes you just want to stay in your pyjamas all day – and if you’re a donkey, this has an extra benefit.

Residents of The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon have been spotted sporting the season’s must-have wide-leg look, thanks to students at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

The alma mater of the Prince and Princess of Wales has donated suitable legwear from a recycling initiative, which is now being used to protect the donkeys from biting insects.

“Like many equine owners, the sanctuary experiences the annual challenge of biting flies during the warmer months,” a Donkey Sanctuary spokesperson said.

“For several years, staff have been using trousers, leggings or pyjama bottoms to help protect the donkeys’ legs from bites. The loose-fitting legwear is cut to fit individual donkeys, which by their nature, can get through several pairs a week as they roam around their pastures.”

The charity launched an appeal for suitable used trousers to boost its supplies; groom Lisa Coles said the older donkeys seem to suffer most from the insects, which is “heartbreaking to see”.

The spokesperson said: “The charity recently received an unexpected boost from an inspiring recycling initiative at the University of St Andrews. After hearing how unwanted trousers and leggings can help protect the resident herds, staff and students gathered up a collection of suitable items left over from their recycling project.

A donkey wearing pyjamas

(Image credit: The Donkey Sanctuary)

“The university has its own Reuse shop where students can donate their old clothing when they leave for the summer break or graduate for other students. Some of the clothing gets donated for reuse or upcycling to Fife charities, local creators and schools, and the remaining unwanted pieces are normally thrown away. Fortunately, these have now found a new lease of life over 500 miles south in Devon.” 

Anya Hart Dyke of the university said the team was  “tickled pink” by the thought of donkeys wearing pyjamas for protection.

“We hate seeing any clothes go to waste so we were delighted to source items that were too faded, or worse for wear, to be reworn by students,” she said. ”We’re always looking for new opportunities to keep clothes in play so were thrilled when The Donkey Sanctuary agreed to make use of clothes that would have otherwise been incinerated.”

Lisa said the charity was delighted by the donation.

“Even though the legwear may look a bit unusual at first glance, it really does make a difference to the welfare of our donkeys, and we hope others may be inspired to donate any suitable items we can use,” she said.

Unwanted loose-fitting trousers, leggings, pyjamas or maternity trousers, from women’s size 16 and men’s size L upwards, can be taken to the Sidmouth sanctuary’s onsite gift shop.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

]]>