The finalists have been announced – and it’s time for you to decide who will win the 2026 Horse & Hound Awards, in partnership with NAF and Agria.

Today (8 October) we reveal the people and horses shortlisted in 12 categories, and there is now just over a week for you to tell us who should win.

H&H editor in chief Sarah Jenkins said: “Voting is quick and easy, and it means the world to those who are shortlisted, so if you have just a minute to spare we and they would be thrilled to have your votes.

“Time and time again that is what shortlisted individuals tell us – it’s not even about winning, but knowing that people you have helped or inspired have taken a moment to vote for you means the world. All of those in the shortlist are hugely worthy, we certainly couldn’t pick out a winner in each category without your input and votes. And the stories of those nominated are truly inspiring.”

Vote now

Voting closes at 5pm on 16 October and the winners will be announced at a ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club, Warwickshire, on 25 November, when hundreds of guests from the equestrian world will gather for a BAFTA-style evening.

“Every time we have these awards I’m reminded again what fantastic people make up the horse world and how lucky we are to be a part of it,” Sarah said.

“Narrowing it down to four in each category was a really tough task for the panel. We are surrounded by extraordinary individuals.

“Thank you to all of you who took the time to nominate your heroes and those who have stood out to you in 2026, thank you to all of our sponsors for making these awards possible, and thank you to everyone for taking a moment to vote.”

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

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

The cost of filling up a horsebox or towing vehicle will leave a record-sized dint in riders’ pockets as the price of diesel hits new heights.

The RAC head of policy Simon Williams said this week (28 September) that the average price of a litre of diesel “has now reached the highest level in UK history at 199.18p”.

The RAC calculated that the average cost per litre of diesel in 2025 was 142.88p, which meant that topping up with 50 litres of fuel would have cost, on average, £71.44. To put the same amount in today will set equestrians back just shy of £100 (£99.59) – an increase of nearly £30.

When fuel prices increase, it means prices of other goods and services may also rise as they cost more to produce and deliver. The effect of the US/Iran war, which started in February, is one of the main reasons why fuel prices are so high.

Mr Williams said the record high is a “financial blow to households and businesses that use their vehicles regularly”.

“By eclipsing the previous highest price of 199.09p seen in June 2022, the diesel price has entered new uncharted territory. This spells pain not only at the pumps for drivers, but for everyone who buys goods or services that rely on diesel lorries and vans; undoubtedly these increased costs will be passed on to consumers,” he said, adding that petrol prices are also continuing to rise.

"These extraordinarily high prices are another reminder of just how exposed the UK is to events occurring far away from its shores. Only a sustained lower oil price – over several weeks, not days – will lead to cheaper prices at the pumps. Suggestions of a renewed deal to end the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and get oil supplies moving freely again had offered a slight glimmer of hope for drivers.

"The UK might have limited leverage when it comes to ending the US/Iran war and ultimately bringing oil prices down, but the Government could take steps to ease the burden on drivers by lowering fuel duty further or reducing VAT.

“As things stand, another 5p a litre will be loaded on to pump prices by the spring if the current fuel duty cut is fully reversed as planned.”

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

A new law designed to ensure the public is better protected from terrorism will apply to a number of equestrian events when it comes into effect next spring.

Martyn’s Law is named after Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. Its formal name is the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 and it requires those responsible for events and venues to have a plan as to how they would respond to a terrorist attack, and take steps to reduce vulnerability.

The act became law on 3 April 2025, but with the understanding that there would be an implementation period of at least two years before it comes into force.

It will apply to many venues that reasonably expect 200 or more people to be present, with enhanced measures for those expecting 800 or more people. Exactly which events will fall under its scope will depend on specific criteria, for example type of premises, the number of people expected, if it is accessible to members of the public and more. It will be regulated by the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

A British Equestrian (BEF) spokesperson told H&H Martyn’s Law, and helping the industry get ready for it, has been “very much on our radar”.

The spokesperson said the guidance from ProtectUK (part of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office and which provides free security and preparedness advice, although not equestrian specific) lays everything out clearly so venue owners and organisers can determine if the regulations apply to them and if so, what they need to do. The BEF has shared an outline on the new law and the Protect UK guidance with its member bodies.

MARS Badminton Horse Trials director Jane Tuckwell told H&H the event is “very aware and waiting for further guidance and practice notes to be issued by the SIA”.

Nick Brooks-Ward is operations director at HPower Group, which organises London International and Royal Windsor horse shows, where security is already tight and includes measures such as ticket checks and bag searches.

He told H&H that from their perspective at those shows, “nothing really changes as we have been enacting the thoughts behind Martyn’s Law for many years”.

“This is apart from the fact that there is a requirement for checking of our plans by SIA and SAG [Safety Advisory Group] which are a requirement of Martyn’s Law – something that we would do as a matter of course anyway via the SAG,” he said, noting that the SIA is now the regulatory authority.

He added that at London, HPower dovetails its security and risk management plans with venue Excel, which in turn ensures the procedures meet its expectations and are compliant. Plans are sent to the local authority, which discusses them under the Safety Advisory Group, and HPower and Excel also liaise closely with the police.

“The onus of responsibility lies with Excel as the venue. In 2027 these plans will also be sent to the SIA,” he said.

He added that Windsor is slightly different, as it is not held at a venue in the same way as London International is run at the Excel, but the principles are the same.

“As we are one of the first events to have Martyn’s Law we will be sending our plans in the first instance to the SIA,” he said.

• For more information on Martyn’s Law for venues and organisers, visit: protectuk.police.uk/martyns-law
• Home Office fact sheet on Martyn’s Law

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

A 77-year-old man has been jailed for the sexual assault of a young woman more than 30 years ago.

Geoffrey Green, who at the time was well known in the equestrian industry, offended in the early 1990s, at the yard he ran in the Garstang area of Lancashire.

The victim made a report to Lancashire Police in 2022 and Green was interviewed under caution, during which he denied the offences. He was charged with eight counts of rape of a female over the age of 16 and one count of indecent assault.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges at Preston Crown Court, where he was found guilty of indecent assault, and not guilty of the rape offences. He was sentenced to four years in prison and was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

DC Lydia Dunn, of Lancaster Child Protection said: “Geoffrey Green’s victim was a young woman at the time of the offences, and Green abused his position in the industry to intimidate her.

“The victim has been incredibly brave coming forward all these years later. She has had to live with Green’s actions for more than 30 years. I hope the victim can now begin to move forward knowing that he has been brought to justice.”

DC Dunn said she wants to clarify that however much time has passed, the force takes any report of sexual offences “incredibly seriously”.

“If you make a report to us, we will listen to you, we will investigate appropriately and will do all we can to get you justice,” she said.

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

An HMRC dispute over grooms’ accommodation has highlighted the need for businesses to be aware of the complexities surrounding national minimum wage (NMW) rules.

Coach Rebecca Cowderoy has spoken out after she believed she was following the correct procedure around NMW and staff accommodation – but was found to have incurred NMW arrears owing to confusion around the HMRC accommodation offset rate.

When staff accommodation is provided and the charge meets or is below the offset rate, an employer may deduct this from an employee’s wage for rent. The accommodation charge can also be kept separate so the employee receives their full wage then pays the employer the offset amount, or rent if the amount is lower. If the accommodation costs more than the offset rate, this excess results in the worker’s wage falling below NWM, so the employer must increase the wage to ensure NMW is paid.

In 2021 Rebecca rented property for staff as she did not have accommodation at her yard. She charged only what she was paying on rent, and covered all bills. At the time the weekly offset rate was £58.52 and Rebecca unknowingly accrued £4,179.44 NMW arrears over 12 months relating to one employee.

Having been one of multiple equestrian employers named on the Government’s recent NMW penalty list, Rebecca hopes to make others aware of the complexities around accommodation.

“I was paying NMW or above. I wasn’t trying to get around NMW,” Rebecca told H&H. “I was trying to provide them with somewhere decent to live. I wanted them to have somewhere clean, warm and comfortable – not make money from housing them.”

Rebecca believes the offset rate – which rises annually and is currently £77.60 – is too low.

“This raises a question; is the offset realistic for employers who are trying to provide decent accommodation?” she said.

“Unless you expect someone to share with three or four people or live in a static caravan, it simply wasn’t realistic in my circumstances. The whole experience was incredibly expensive and upsetting, and it has made me realise how important it is to understand how the rules work. What may seem like a perfectly reasonable arrangement can have serious financial consequences.”

Trainer Lucinda Russell – who employs 60 staff, all of whom are paid above minimum wage – was another to be named on the NMW list. Lucinda told H&H the £2,158.39 arrears related to two jockeys and was the result of an error made between October 2023 and 2024 relating to deductions for staff accommodation for one, and livery for the other. The matter has been resolved.

Jodie Seddon, a partner at Aria Grace Law CIC, told H&H: “Under HMRC rules the standard of staff accommodation provided is not relevant to the amount of offset that employers can withhold from salaries; it is a fixed amount, adjusted annually alongside NMW.

“It is great to see more equestrian employers trying to put in place proper arrangements, but we would always encourage people to seek professional advice at the outset – the expense is minimal by comparison with the potential penalties for errors.”

Dan Martin of chartered accountants Ellacotts told H&H accommodation arrangements in many cases are “genuinely generous”.

“The difficulty for the equestrian sector is that generosity is no defence. Layer on other complications, unpaid time at shows, early starts and late nights, travelling days, keep for a groom’s horse, apprentice rates and birthday rate changes, and it becomes easy to fall below the line without any intent to underpay,” he said.

“The employers who end up on the list are rarely the bad actors. They are usually small, well-meaning businesses running payroll without specialist support.”

Mr Martin added that the most common misconception his firm sees is the “belief that if rent is invoiced separately, or paid out of the groom’s bank account, it sits outside payroll and NMW calculation”.

“If the yard owns or rents the cottage, flat or caravan, or if living on site is tied to the job, the offset applies regardless of how the rent is collected. Employers who believe they have structured around the problem are often the ones who get caught,” he said.

Confusion also arises over utility bills, which must be factored into the total accommodation charge under the offset rules. Mr Martin said only charges that are “genuinely optional” fall outside, though these are still tested under ordinary NMW deduction rules.

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

Attitudes to and conditions for the equestrian workforce are changing for the better – but there are still “serious concerns”, especially for those in on-the-job training roles.

A recent British Grooms Association (BGA) survey “demonstrates an urgent need for some equestrian employers to stop ignoring employment legislation and offer only legal terms and conditions”, BGA CEO Lucy Katan said.

The survey, of “working pupils”, apprentices and other grooms in training, found that 72% work over 40 hours per week, 64% have no written contract, 67% are not given payslips and 77% do not get their statutory holiday entitlement. More than half are not paid at least the national minimum wage (NMW).

“The findings highlight an urgent need for the equestrian industry to come together to improve standards and understanding around on-the-job training,” the survey report concludes. “Employers, parents and young people themselves all have a role to play in ensuring they receive proper training alongside the employment rights and protections they are legally entitled to.”

The report also states, as has been said before, that the term “working pupil” must be reconsidered as this is not a legally accepted term and training may not be in lieu of paying the NMW.

“While employers may legitimately provide training alongside employment, training cannot generally be offered in place of wages, and workers should not bear training costs in a way that causes their pay to fall below the NMW,” the report states.

“To avoid this, employers must not deduct training costs from pay, and workers should be provided with a separate invoice for any training charges payable to their employer. These findings may therefore warrant closer scrutiny by enforcement bodies to determine whether employment and pay arrangements comply with NMW legislation.”

Awareness of the law

Ms Katan said overall there is greater awareness of the law, and she believes the situation is changing for the better, citing the fact that since she set up the Equestrian Employers Association, this has helped create 5,500 contracts for staff.

“Do we hear of the same number of ‘working pupil’ positions as historically? No,” she told H&H.

“But the ones bringing people in and giving them training in return for the wage, or some kind of mishmash; are those poor employment? Yes.”

Ms Katan praised recent moves to raise grooms’ profile, such as at the World Championships.

“Progress is being made; groom recognition is much better than it was,” she said.

“But we have to make sure our industry is only a place of good employment. That’s it.”

Have your say

The results were revealed as a the equestrian workforce is encouraged to have its say.

British Equestrian is working with Hartpury University to “build a clearer picture of the people who keep the equestrian sector running, and the challenges and opportunities they face”.

The survey will consider issues such as recruitment, retention and training.

Hartpury director of research Jane Williams said: “By combining our robust research expertise with meaningful engagement across one of our specialist industries, we’ll create the evidence to inform workforce development and help build a more sustainable, inclusive sector.”

There are surveys for paid workers and volunteers.

● Do you work in the industry; what have your experiences been? 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

“Shades of grey and nuance are signs of intelligence – being black and white is a sign of stupidity”.

This was the opinion of one expert, discussed during a debate on the value of X-rays and other imaging techniques at the 2026 British Equine Veterinary Association congress.

In a session titled “Pre-purchase imaging: how much is too much?” veterinary experts considered the different types of imaging and the value they might have.

Jane Boswell of the Veterinary Defence Society, an insurance mutual for vets, covered pre-purchase examination (PPE) X-rays of leisure horses. She stressed, as did the other speakers, that PPEs are not about passing or failing, they are risk assessments considering a horse’s fitness for the intended purpose.

“We don’t have a crystal ball, we’re not going to be able to give a guarantee of future soundness, nor find them the perfect horse,” she said. “Nor should we embark on the PPE thinking it’s going to be a diagnostic investigation. It’s all about assessment of risk and how we contextualise that risk, considering different factors.”

These include details of the horse and intended purpose, but also the buyer’s attitude to risk, aims to resell and of course insurance, all of which should be discussed when deciding whether to X-ray or not.

Pre-purchase X-rays benefits and disadvantages

“The benefits of X-rays: we can perhaps get more information about any abnormalities detected during a clinical examination,” she said. “You find a horse with joint effusion, you may recommend imaging to investigate further. We’re also looking at whether we can identify pathology where we haven’t found any associated clinical signs, to reveal lesions that might be associated with increased future risk.

“Once we can advise purchasers about the risk, they may use that to consider whether they purchase the horse.”

A big disadvantage to X-rays is cost, but “the real challenge is the difficulty in determining the significance of the changes we identify”. She said X-rays must be reviewed carefully in an appropriate environment, rather than a quick look by the stable – but even then, vets can have very different opinions. And a vet reviewing an X-ray two years later, of a horse who has become lame, will have a very different viewpoint.

“Identifying a radiographic change does not necessarily mean it’s clinically relevant and the horse is not suitable for its intended use,” she said. “For many changes we see, particularly in a horse that is clinically asymptomatic and sound, it’s very difficult to give a robust idea of what the probability is of that becoming problematic in future.”

Ms Boswell also cited a study that found little evidence for the significance of neck X-rays in PPEs, pointing out that a thorough examination is likely to provide more information, and “certainly shouldn’t be a step omitted because you’ve got the comfort blanket of thinking, ‘I’m going to X-ray the neck anyway.’

“You’ve got to know, can you defend the decision not to take radiographs?” she said. “But probably most importantly, when you do, could you defend what you told the purchasers about the ones you did take at a future time?”

Changing international sales

Equine sports medicine specialist Jonathan McLellan covered international sales, in which “our reliance on radiography has changed the entire sales process”.

He explained that rather than buyers having the right to X-ray a horse bought at public auction, now sellers submit X-rays in advance, putting pressure, he said, on the vet who takes them and those who interpret them.

He added that there are still risks to the buyer. Not all joints are X-rayed and the assessing vet has to look at the images with no clinical context, not even seeing the horse move in a PPE.

“This quick summary is where we now are,” he said. “Dr [Larry] Bramlage, says it doesn’t matter if we say it’s not important. If there’s writing on the report, the industry doesn’t like it. Everybody wants clean radiographs.

“This becomes a new ethical problem, where we subject horses to multiple radiographs early in their career to make sure the radiographs are clean, so they can be sold. We’ve gone from no radiographs and everybody lining up to perform examinations, a welfare issue, to multiple radiographs to perform surgeries that maybe horses don’t need.

“The only way out of this situation is to try to continue to educate buyers and sellers. The radiograph is only part of this process, it shouldn’t be a massive hurdle to be cleared, and if we help clients understand that, it’ll take away our reliance on radiography.”

Pre-purchase MRI and CT scans

Equine imaging expert Filip Vandenberghe asked whether PPE MRI and CT scans were “worthwhile or a can of worms” – and concluded both options may well be the case. He cited horses who are sound, but may have been injected to make them so, or those who may not be entirely “sound”, but can be managed to be comfortable doing their job.

“An image tells you something, might help you look into the future,” he said, but he added: “Most athletes, including humans, need management. They occasionally go lame and have a gap in their career; does this make them not sustainable?

“But in a PPE, they want a sustainable, ever-healthy and sound horse. We can’t do that. What is the predictive value of these image findings? That’s the question but sometimes we can have a good idea of how they’re going to evolve, the question is when, and the severity of it, and how easy will it be to manage.

“In the real world, there’s more and more pathologies, so try not to use the exceptional as the standard.

“[A PPE] is not a pass or fail, just that risk assessment. Define clearly what is unclear. If things are not known, it’s OK to say we don’t know that, just make sure you’re not the only one who doesn’t know it. I invite you to introduce some grey into your interpretation because grey and nuance is a sign of intelligence. Being black and white is a sign of stupidity.”

● What are your thoughts on pre-purchase or routine X-rays? 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

The British equestrian and racing industries are supporting a new suicide prevention toolkit for people in sport, launched today by the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Retired Classic-winning jockey George Baker, now a jockey coach and broadcaster, appeared in a film released on the Prince and Princess of Wales’s social media channels this week to support the launch of the "On Your Side" toolkit.

George joined other leading sporting figures, including England football captain Harry Kane, to show the power of small, ordinary acts of care and that you do not have to be an expert to start that conversation.

The toolkit is designed to help people in sport spot warning signs, start conversations and connect individuals with support before a crisis happens. It has been created in partnership with the British Standards Institution and mental health charity Chasing The Stigma.

It has also been designed to be used across all sporting environments, from grassroots to elite level, and for everyone involved, including athletes, coaches, staff, volunteers, families and spectators.

British racing has committed to embed the toolkit’s principles across the industry at all levels. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is working with Racing Welfare and the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF), among others, to identify where best practice is already in place and where there is scope to enhance support.

British Equestrian (BEF) is also supporting the campaign and will be adding the toolkit to the mental wellbeing section of the BEF website, alongside a toolkit it has put together with Sport in Mind that addresses a number of wider mental health conditions.

BHA director of integrity John Burgess said the organisation is “proud to support the launch”.

“The racing community can be an immensely supportive environment, especially at times of challenge and tragedy. Our workforce faces some unique pressures and strains, and we have done a huge amount of work to ensure access to specialist health, wellbeing and welfare services,” he said.

“These services are something we are always looking to strengthen so that help is there whenever it is needed. The toolkit published today is an important resource that can make a positive difference within British racing. It will be adopted by the BHA and embedded in our day-to-day activities.”

Lucy Miller, director of welfare at Racing Welfare, added: "The wellbeing of racing's people is a collective responsibility, which is why Racing Welfare is proud to support this important initiative.

“Sport has a unique ability to create connection, purpose and belonging, and this toolkit provides practical guidance to help people recognise when someone may be struggling and support them to seek help.

“We welcome its use across horseracing as part of our shared commitment to suicide prevention and creating environments where people feel safe, supported and able to talk.”

IJF chief executive Lisa Hancock said the multiple pressures jockeys deal with daily “can have significant impact on their general wellbeing”.

“This toolkit is a great resource and can certainly help the horse racing world recognise risk, start conversations, and support those who need help,” she said.

• To access the toolkit, visit: https://hubofhope.co.uk/OnYourSide/

Support

• Samaritans: call 116 123
• Racing Welfare’s 24/7 support line: call 0800 6300 443
• Riders Minds: call 0800 088 2073 or text 07729774117
• Sporting Chance (for current and former Professional Jockeys Association members): 07780 008877

Margot Kennedy (née Esher), who devoted her life to the horse world with an extraordinary level of commitment, athleticism and horsemanship, has died aged 84.

The daughter of Dr Frederick Justus Swinton Esher and Phyllis Binfield Shammon, Margot’s early riding career began in the Pony Club, where her talent was unmistakable. At 18 she came second at the Pony Club horse trials national championships – an early indicator of the competitive spirit and technical skill that would define her decades in the saddle.

Although academically accomplished, with degrees from Bradford university and University College Cardiff, horses were her vocation. Having started her career in management studies, she embraced rural Welsh life and became master of the Gelligaer Farmers Hunt – an extraordinary honour for an Englishwoman in a close-knit farming community.

She continued to compete successfully, qualifying again for national horse trials in 1984.

Margot’s most significant legacy to the sports horse world began with her exceptional competition mare, The Dearest. She was bred to Marius, sire of the legendary Milton, producing Mariuson, the stallion who became the cornerstone of Margot’s stud.

In 1987, she moved her horses, and her heart, to Scotland to marry Dr Bryan Kennedy, rekindling a relationship from decades earlier. Their 27 years together were filled with happiness, worldwide travel and a thriving sports horse breeding enterprise, producing horses who reached Horse of the Year Show and four-star eventing level.

In later years, Margot remained deeply connected to the equestrian world as a racehorse owner, following her horses with the same analytical eye and competitive enthusiasm that had defined her riding career.

She also dedicated herself to community life, organising dining events, social forums, and speaker programmes with characteristic energy and precision.

Even as her eyesight faded, Margot’s independence, pride and love of horses remained undimmed. She lived with purpose, candour and spirit – always at a gallop.

She passed away peacefully, with dignity and on her own terms, in Switzerland.

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

Rider and breeder Jill Banks (née Palethorpe) has died peacefully at the age of 92.

Jill was born at the Palethorpe family home at Blakedown, Worcestershire, to Captain Jack Palethorpe and Elsie “Valerie” Marsh, both from prominent Midlands families well known for meat and sausage manufacturing.

Ponies and horses were always going to be a way of life and her parents acquired ponies for Jill and her sister Dawn.

In 1947 Jill won all three ladies’ championships, Royal Windsor, Southport and the Royal International at White City. In 1950 she won the Princess Elizabeth Cup (later the Queen’s Cup) aged 17, a record that still stands.

Jill and Earlsrath Rambler were selected to ride for Britain and went to the Rotterdam show, then Knokke in Belgium.

Jill had already met up-and-coming National Hunt jockey Peter Ward; they married in 1953 and moved to Wiseton near Bawtry.

She changed focus from showjumping to racing, helping her husband with his growing string, so Earlsrath Rambler went to Dawn.

They trained at Almholme; the Lannis lived next door and the Massarellas close by. They had the opportunity to get better stables at Beverley and moved there.

Jill had ridden in point-to-points and a few months after her first son was born she rode in the Newmarket Town Plate.

After Peter was killed in a road accident, Jill found herself with a large string of racehorses but unable to take over as ladies could not then hold a training licence. She was not yet 23.

She subsequently met and married Stewart Banks, an amateur showjumper. Stewart’s brother Trevor Banks was becoming a prominent showjumping entrepreneur and international owner.

Dawn got married so Jill got Earlsrath Rambler back and rode him in two Nations Cup teams in Dublin, winning the Aga Khan Trophy, in 1958 and 1959. Dawn was also in the 1959 team.

When the Bertram Mills Circus closed, Jill persuaded the head circus horse trainer to base himself at her yard. From him, she learned high school, a spectacular form of dressage with imperceptible commands, usually performed in the circus. It is no wonder she was still pretty good at dressage in her 80s.

In the 1960s Jill met one of the Chipperfield’s Circus family through showjumping and she and Stewart became friends with them all. When they moved to South Africa, the animals stayed with Jill and Stewart and they founded Coventry Zoo Park.

Jill Banks, a Lipizzaner stallion and a baby elephant

They provided animals for filming adverts, including Jeremy the Sugar Puffs bear and Charlie the chimp in the Brooke Bond tea advert. After they sold the zoo they arrived back in East Yorkshire, with a Lipizzaner stallion and a baby elephant.

Jill trained a horse called Hersonslea, on which son Bobby won at the Holderness point-to-point two years running.

Jill and Stewart realised they were not really farmers so they obtained a stallion called Chebs Lad. More stallions arrived including Le Johnstan, Sizzling Melody and Belfort, and Aike Grange Stud was born.

Jill joined the White Rose Riding Club in 1969 as part of the quadrille team. That year they were successful in the inter-club championships and went on to Horse of the Year Show.

Jill became chair of the club, and started her grandchildren Stephanie and Scarlett on ponies.

The Fry family bought Aike Grange Stud from her and ran successful dressage shows; Lottie Fry grew up there and Jill loved attending the shows.

Stewart passed away unexpectedly in 2004.

Three years ago, Jill celebrated her 90th at a family lunch at Stone Manor in Worcestershire, followed by a party by the lake at the Palethorpe family home.

Jill lived a life filled with horses and adventure. From showjumping triumphs to the circus and zoo, from breeding studs to teaching grandchildren.

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

A chunk of the paperwork needed to transport horses between the UK and EU has gone digital with hopes that this will mean smoother travel, provided “teething issues” are fixed.

Since Brexit, people transporting goods – including horses – between the UK and EU on temporary journeys need specific documents to avoid being charged import tax. In most cases for those taking sport horses and related equipment abroad for shows, this means using ATA carnets, essentially a “goods passport” that is valid for up to a year.

These have been issued as paper documents, but are being replaced by digital eATA carnets.

The process is in a transition phase and 30 participating countries (including the UK, EU members, Norway and Sweden) started accepting digital carnets on 1 June 2026. The aim is for the full digital global rollout to conclude by the end of 2027.

Jenna Parker, of horse transport company John Parker International, told H&H that “eventually it will make life easier – as long as the technology holds”.

She said it would be wise for back-up paper carnets not to be phased out too soon until it’s known the digital system works, especially as customs claims can be raised up to three years after issue.

Mrs Parker said that there has been much misinformation surrounding the switchover and that however good the technology is, it still relies on humans to use it. For example, in the past it was easy to spot if customs had missed stamping a particular carnet in a bunch, but drivers would now need to log in and check that all have been scanned correctly.

“One of the queries that has come up is, say items one to 50 have been marked as being re-exported from the EU, but in actual fact, at the last minute, they’re not bringing home item number 49. How do the drivers then do that quickly at the port when they’re in with the customs officers?” she said.

“Whether it’s a mistake or a last-minute change – notoriously within port areas, there’s so much technology that phone signal is bad. That means the driver has to find a spot to be able to log into it, to be able to change it or call us to get to a computer to be able to change it.”

She added: “That’s where the paper, pen and two humans speaking to each other comes into play.”

Polly Connell, one of the company’s drivers, told H&H that there are little “teething problems”, but once those are sorted, she does think digital carnets will be a good thing.

She gave the example of finding a way that drivers can easily check that all the digital carnets have been scanned correctly by customs, adding: “Otherwise, we’re the ones who are going to end up with the hefty fine.”

In her experience, customs officers at Calais only want the digital version, whereas at Dover they will scan or stamp the paper back-up for carnets issued from June.

She added there are positive things about the new system – for example, people won’t have to worry about a physical copy being damaged, lost – or in the wrong place if their travel plans change.

Jan Rogers of the British Horse Council (BHC) told H&H the “BHC supports the move to digital where this underpins horse wellbeing, speeds up administrative processes, reduces costs for owners, keepers and competitors and minimises travel delays for horses”.

“We have been working and still work actively with the Government to illustrate the importance of digital ID being the primary form of ID for horses, because it enables accurate identification and traceability which is in the best interests of our entire equine herd,” she said.

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

With so much emphasis on winning and killer pressure to stay at the top, is our young riders’ system flawed? It should be a stepping-stone to the senior ranks, yet many never successfully make the jump because they have never learned how to produce their own horses. Indeed, many avoid competing against adults until they have to – then get a shock.

Then there’s the ever-present threat of being without a suitable horse; dropped from the World Class Programme and minus the hope that goes with it. So high is the standard of horses that riding merit alone won’t keep a young rider on that top list.

Having said that, there are phenomenal learning opportunities and the current team management is excellent.

At the recent international at Wellington, the new stars on show were really just that.

But the costs of competing, where it’s normalised to spend without restraint, are extraordinary.

In the real world, how many 16- to 21-year-olds can afford £1,000 a pop for a helmet, jacket and riding boots? Or complain that “I’ve only got £250,000 to spend on a horse”, as was expressed to me recently.

As I watched in awe a young rider on a stunning horse coached by a foreign trainer flown in for the day, I realised how so many ambitions remain at home trapped behind the affordability barrier.

One day, we’ll invent a horse with a coin slot between its ears. You put 50p in and turn the ear to the level you require. Then anyone can win!

There are glimmers of hope. A favourite young rider I know gets more pleasure from painting a patent top on their second-hand De Niros than buying a shiny new pair. Even their horses are bargain-bucket rejects; a £200 stud fee and a vet failure.

But sadly, without access to millions, competing at the top level is unreachable for the normal rider. Unless, that is, you are Gracie Catling, whose ability and success are inspirational. Mette Dahl is also brilliant, albeit with a hugely experienced and well-resourced team behind her.

A few are bucking the trend. But even with exceptional talent, young riders need a miracle of luck to achieve without the money. Although affordability perhaps needs addressing, horsemanship should win the day.

Praised, not protected

Written and spoken praise is heaped upon riding schools, crediting them with fostering the future of equestrianism and giving root to many an international rider.

Yet they’re closing faster than village pubs because common sense dictates that it’s financial madness to try to run one.

Unlike other countries, UK riding schools have no government support, fiscal or otherwise. There’s no lobby to clamp down on illegal “lessons on own horses” in defence of lawful, licensed establishments, for instance.

The plight of equestrian businesses has no traction with the public. It’s simply too elitist.

The British Horse Society (BHS) offers much advice and support around how to run a business, from marketing to management.

It runs world-class assessments and globally-recognised qualifications. Yet those of us in the system are having to work harder just to maintain the wherewithal for these to happen, not to mention to create jobs for the newly qualified.

Despite all it does, the BHS lacks political clout. We have the British Horse Council, which does a decent job with the Government, and Defra on equine health and welfare, which overlap into sporting issues. However, there’s a distinct lack of appetite to take up the cudgel on behalf of embattled equestrian businesses.

Farmers have the National Farmers’ Union and Jeremy Clarkson fighting their corner. But despite a preponderance of organisations, the lack of a “National Equestrian Union” renders us voiceless.

Like farmers, our animals are a way of life beyond counting our costs and time. But it would be nice to earn a little money – if only to enable us to keep going and give generations to come the chance to experience the joy of horses and riding.

Good luck to our World Championship teams!

● How can the sport work to make top-level competition affordable again? 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

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Whether it’s your favourite rider, a professional who goes above and beyond or simply the horse who changed your life – this is your last chance to nominate for the 2026 Horse & Hound Awards, in partnership with NAF and Agria.

Nominations officially close tomorrow (10 September) at 5pm for all 13 categories of the 2026 Horse & Hound Awards, which celebrate world-class human and equine champions to the everyday heroes on whom the equestrian community is built.

The shortlists will be announced in October and the winners announced at a ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club, Warwickshire, on 25 November.

“We’re so delighted to bring the awards back in 2026 and, as always, we thank our partners NAF and Agria, as well as all the individual category award sponsors,” said H&H editor-in-chief Sarah Jenkins.

“We’re always excited to receive your nominations – it’s great fun reading all your stories. 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.”

Nominate online now

The 2026 Horse & Hound Awards will culminate at the ceremony on 25 November, when some 300 guests – including top riders, industry leaders and grassroots champions, will gather for the BAFTA-style awards evening.

Eloise Chugg, UK sponsorship and events manager for NAF, said: “We’re delighted to support the Horse & Hound Awards alongside Agria and to put our name to the new unsung partnership category, celebrating the extraordinary bonds between horses and people at the heart of our community. Through everyday care, every challenge and every step forward, these partnerships remind us that sometimes, horses really are all you need.”

Agria UK chief executive Vicki Wentworth said few events bring together and celebrate the equestrian community quite like the H&H Awards.

“Which is why we’re so pleased to be returning as joint headline sponsor and presenting the Agria horse of a lifetime award once again,” she said.

“Since the award was launched, we’ve been privileged to celebrate some truly remarkable horses, from Emma, The late Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved Fell pony to last year’s winner, Hovis, whose story captured the hearts of horse lovers across the country. Yet for many owners, the most important horse in the world is simply the one that changed their life. That’s what this award is all about, recognising those once-in-a-lifetime horses whose impact is never forgotten.”

Nominations close tomorrow

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

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

A woman who was raped as she slept in her caravan after Royal Windsor Horse Show (12-15 May, 2022) has been praised for her strength and courage as her attacker has been jailed, over four years later.

Ryan Dinnage, of Caithness Walk, Croydon, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on 30 July. The 32-year-old had been convicted of one count of rape, in a unanimous jury verdict, on 8 June at the same court. He was found not guilty of two other charges.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police (TVP) said that in the early hours of 16 May, 2022, Dinnage entered the victim’s caravan while she was asleep and raped her. The offence was reported to police that day and Dinnage was arrested on 17 May.

“During police interviews, Dinnage initially denied any sexual activity with the victim,” a TVP spokesperson said. “However, forensic evidence linked him to the offence and he later changed his account, claiming that any sexual activity had been consensual.

“Investigators also uncovered digital evidence from Dinnage’s mobile phone, which contradicted his account and placed him in the vicinity of the victim's caravan at the time of the offence.”

Ryan Dinnage charged

Dinnage was charged in March 2025.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Arshid Ali said: “I am pleased with the sentence handed down, which reflects the seriousness of this offence.

“Thames Valley Police takes all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, and we remain committed to investigating these offences thoroughly and bringing those responsible to justice.

“This has been a long and difficult process for the victim, spanning more than four years. I hope that the sentence handed down provides her with a sense of closure and allows her to begin moving forward with her life.

“I would like to thank her for the courage and strength she has shown throughout the investigation and court proceedings.”

Ryan Dinnage was sentenced to eight years and six months in prison. He had been acquitted of one count of sexual assault and one of causing a female to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.

Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can report it to police by calling 101 or making a report online. If a crime is in progress, call 999.

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

Sherry Lee Belton, the managing director of Albion Saddlemakers died peacefully on 20 July, aged 74, having suffered from Alzheimer’s for the past few years.

It is a cruel irony that one of the brightest minds and hardest workers in the equestrian trade over the last 40 years should have been afflicted in this way.

Sherry was the managing director of Albion Saddlemakers and along with chairman and husband Paul, they took the company from its early days as Mansion House to the leading global saddle brand it remains today.

The achievement of being the first manufacturer to design saddles with horse welfare, rider and horse interaction at the forefront of their mission is not to be underestimated and is down to Paul and Sherry’s shared passion and understanding for horses, as lifelong riders.

Sherry worked closely and directly with medal-winning Olympic riders in dressage and eventing from 1988, including Margit Otto-Crépin, Klaus Balkenhol, Carl Hester, William Fox- Pitt and Laura Tomlinson, until the London Olympics in 2012.

Despite her many achievements, Sherry never sought praise or accolade and remained modest and committed to Albion, and an outstanding ambassador for the trade. In her life before Albion, she was a talented dancer and was offered a place at the Royal Festival Ballet, now the English National Ballet.

She had a lifelong passion for all animals but especially dogs; she was a regular at the local rehoming centres, ready to offer a loving home particularly to elderly “underdogs” who were so easily overlooked.

Sherry was nobody’s fool, and was known for her strong and resilient character, a driving force at home and at work. She, in her own words, would “make it happen!”, fiercely loyal and committed to all she held dear.

Sherry was a devoted and loving wife to Paul and mother to Anna and Alex, a constant to Sarah and Richard and “Grandma” to George, Ava, Henry, Evie and Flossie.

A celebration of her life will be held at a future date and will be posted on Albion Saddlemakers’ Facebook page. Any donations in her memory to Hilbrae Rescue Kennels.

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

The development of new professional standards for equine-assisted therapy providers has been described as an “important moment” for the industry.

In 2022 H&H reported the launch of the Human Equine Interaction Register (HEIR); a voluntary pilot register formed by a working party that included organisations such as HorseBack UK, the Riding for the Disabled Association, and Hartpury College, to help provide governance to therapy providers.

Following the pilot, The Equine Assisted Services Partnership (EASP) – a community interest company – was established in 2024 to move the work forward and establish a membership body for UK equine-assisted therapy providers, now with 100 members.

Last month EASP launched a new scope of practice requirement and professional standards that therapy providers must meet to become a member and be listed on the HEIR. This includes setting out the services they provide, how those services are delivered and the people they serve – as well as evidence of good equine welfare and the effect of the therapy on the equine partner.

“Our stated aim was to be a standards-based, membership-led organisation and the standards launched cements that approach,” Anna Collins, EASP membership and marketing co-ordinator told H&H.

“Over the years there have been many heated debates about who does what and whose model is best. Now, through collaboration, there is agreement and consistency. We hope that this will evolve into a common understanding about the different terms that are used such as equine-assisted therapy, learning, physical therapies and other interventions.”

RDA UK chief executive and EASP director Michael Bishop said: “RDA UK is proud to be part of EASP, working with partners to strengthen and champion the sector, and plays a significant role through its national network of RDA groups and centres.

“The introduction of these new standards is an important moment, helping to strengthen recognition, credibility and professionalism, and ensuring individuals and organisations meet clear standards for safe and effective practice. As equine-assisted services gain wider understanding and acceptance, the standards provide a benchmark for quality as the sector continues to grow and establish itself as a trusted field of practice.”

HorseWorld is an EASP member and chief executive Jo Coombs told H&H she is "really pleased” to see the scope of practice and professional standards. The charity was among those to feed into the development of these.

“We are working in an area that’s currently unregulated; it would take one safeguarding issue for the whole equine-assisted industry to come under pressure and that would be disastrous,” she said.

“The other thing is that we want everything we do to genuinely have an impact and to prove it does. That’s why standards should be set so high.

“In HorseWorld’s case, we are an equine-assisted learning provider rather than therapy; so the education-based standards are quite high and that puts a barrier to stop organisations from cropping up and just start practising without the training and experience needed.”

In May HorseWorld spoke out on the Government’s education white paper, setting out reforms to schools and plans to support young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND; news, 7 May). At the time Ms Coombs discussed the need for the equine-assisted learning industry to be “championed” for the impact it can have on children.

“One of the key things that came out of the white paper was the need to recognise that alternative learning providers can complement mainstream education,” she said.

“That’s why I’m very supportive of EASP’s work because SEND education is under the spotlight and we have to get the standards for equine-assisted learning right, and now is the time.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Most vets are welcoming the “biggest reforms to the veterinary sector” in 60 years after the Government shared plans to overhaul the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966).

The Defra white paper, published on 9 July, outlines major reforms to the veterinary sector and paves the way for regulating others working in animal care under one overarching system. This includes farriers, barefoot trimmers, chiropractors, equine dental technicians and more.

It includes proposals to regulate veterinary and animal healthcare businesses – not just individual vets – and protect the title “veterinary nurse” so it is only used by qualified professionals. Other titles could be added to the protected list in future.

It also sets out plans for a new licence-to-practise system for vets, vet nurses and allied veterinary professionals, a veterinary ombudsman for a clearer complaints process and a fitness-to-practise system focused on current risk and competence rather than only past misconduct. It proposes to abolish the Farriers Registration Council (FRC), as farriers would be regulated by the new system.

The white paper also considers the Competition and Marketing Authority (CMA) recommendations into pricing and transparency, following the CMA report (news, 2 April). It states that time to discuss it will be secured “as soon as parliamentary time allows”.

Tim Hutchinson, president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the regulatory body for veterinary surgeons in the UK, said these proposed reforms “are even more significant for the public interest and animal health and welfare” than the CMA recommendations.

“These changes are essential for protecting animal health and welfare and for maintaining public confidence in the veterinary professions,” he said.

H&H vet Karen Coumbe said she is “very positive” about the reforms, adding that this is a “crucially important topic for the wider veterinary world, not just equine vets”.

“Defra’s proposals are significant for the public interest and animal health and welfare, however as with everything, the devil will be in the detail,” she said.

“In recent years, many veterinary practices have changed from small mixed practice ‘James Herriot’ style surgeries to large, often single-species businesses, not necessarily owned by vets.

“Currently individual vets themselves and registered vet nurses are held accountable for their actions, but the veterinary practices where they work are not fully regulated, when they should be. This applies to every single veterinary business, all of which need to focus on their responsibilities to their staff and most importantly the animals under their care.

“This should apply for all animals, be they farm animals, domestic pets or horses or any other animal undergoing any form of care or treatment.”

She added that currently, the qualification of a veterinary nurse is not properly recognised and, and welcomed the proposal that this title be protected and reserved for those who “are properly trained and appropriately responsible for animals under their care”.

Dr Coumbe also said that anyone involved in looking after and treating any animal ought to be fully regulated.

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has set out an explainer on its website, breaking down what the proposed reforms mean for equine vets, nurses, students and allied professionals.

“For BEVA members, the key message is this: the white paper supports long-overdue reform, but the equine detail now matters enormously. BEVA will be working to make sure the final legislation and the rules that follow it are safe, proportionate and workable for equine practice,” said a BEVA spokesperson.

The FRC responded to the Defra consultation this year, saying that it disagrees with the reform as proposed in the consultation, but is “open to reform where it delivers better regulation for the benefit of animals and the public”. It stated that “what is proposed appears to fly in the face of Government’s own desire for better targeted, agile and proportionate regulation”.

On 17 July, a FRC spokesperson told H&H: “The observations made by the council in response to the Government consultation were valid and relevant to the issue of new veterinary legislation. That they have not been adopted in the white paper – for which no explanation has yet been offered – makes them no less valid and relevant now.”

● 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

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Now is the time to make your voice heard on the impact fireworks can have on horses – as the Government has finally asked for the public’s opinion.

Today (16 July) the Government has launched a public fireworks consultation on “common-sense proposals” that would mean the loudest fireworks could be used only in professional displays.

– Take part in the public fireworks consultation.

The aim is to “crack down on anti-social behaviour and protect vulnerable people, pets and wildlife” and “target a small number of fireworks which have caused distress for residents across the country for too long”, but allow professional displays to continue as before.

This follows multiple debates in parliament sparked by hundreds of thousands of signatures on petitions calling for tougher firework laws, as well as sustained campaigning.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary, one of 19 charities in the Fireworks Impact Coalition highlighting the effect of fireworks can have on people, pets, horses, farm animals and wildlife, has been working for change for years.

Fireworks consultation welcomed

“Having campaigned for improved fireworks regulations after tragically losing three of our own rescued horses due to loud fireworks, Redwings knows the scale of distress, suffering and risk to life that fireworks cause every year, not only to horses, but to the people around them,” said Redwings campaigns manager Helen Whitelegg. “In our survey of more than 5,000 UK horse owners, over 95% told us they wanted to see tighter fireworks regulations; loud bangs cited as the most significant risk factor.

“We therefore warmly welcome the news today that the Government will be consulting with the public on this issue and would encourage animal lovers everywhere to participate and have their say on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. These proposals aim to tackle the biggest concerns raised by the public – particularly noise and antisocial behaviour – while protecting cherished traditions and organised displays that bring communities together.”

The consultation also includes proposals to review whether other high-risk products should be banned from public sale.

Ms Whitelegg said: “When our petition was discussed by 58 MPs in parliamentary debate in January, we heard several MPs echo the thoughts of Robbie Moore, MP for Keighley and Ilkley, when he said, ‘the time for talk is over and we need action now’. Petition debates have become an almost annual event, and we welcome the public consultation as a key step on the road to meaningful regulatory change that will help protect both animals and people.”

MP’s campaign

Luton MP Sarah Owen introduced a private member’s bill to restrict the noise and sale of fireworks, nearly two years ago. Ms Owen has told H&H she often hears of the “absolute distress” caused by fireworks.

She said today: “It has been over 20 years since our fireworks laws have been looked into, so this review is a major win for the campaign to finally deal with the problem of antisocial fireworks that affects so many across the country.

“Ever since I became an MP in 2019, I have been saying our out-of-date fireworks laws needed to change – it’s so good to see this become reality.

“Between the licensing loophole, high noise limits and lack of proper enforcement, our current laws mean misery for residents, often for months on end. It undermines trust that the council and police can act on things that make life worse for people and turns neighbour against neighbour.

“I look forward to engaging with the Government in its review and continuing to make the argument for change.”

The RSPCA’s head of public affairs David Bowles said the charity is “thrilled by this major step forward”.

“We now urge pet owners and animal lovers across England and Wales to act now and give their voice to this consultation and help ensure safer and more responsible use of fireworks,” he said.

“For too long now, pets, horses, wildlife and farm animals have been deeply affected by the impact of fireworks and the lack of regulation – including from DIY and impromptu displays.

“Animals such as dogs and horses can suffer from tinnitus, hearing loss and long-term hearing damage caused by fireworks, while all animals can experience stress and fear – which has in some instances lead to injury and even death. Similarly, livestock and other animals living outdoors often try to escape the bangs out of fear, sometimes injuring themselves in the process, and the consequences can be devastating.”

The RSPCA is also a member of the coalition, and has long called for tighter restrictions on fireworks.

“We’ve known for some time that the public support restrictions; 66% of pet owners found backyard fireworks displayed to be a major concern, but regulation has lagged behind for too long, so this is a really positive step forward,” Mr Bowles said.

“This campaign has never been about spoiling people’s fun, but only ever about protecting animals, together – and this new UK Government consultation has the potential to be a game-changer for animals..

“We now have an amazing opportunity to give animals a voice by rallying all those who care about animals to respond to the consultation and show their support for these long-awaited restrictions, and a better world for every kind.”

Fireworks consultation is your chance to make change

British Horse Society safety team manager Des Payne told H&H the charity welcomes and supports the consultation; the BHS has also campaigned with other coalition members for years for changes to the law.

“Today’s announcement marks a significant moment and a huge step forward in making vital changes to support the needs of vulnerable people and animals,” he said.

“We know that fireworks can have a devastating impact on horses and other animals, causing fear, distress and, in some cases, serious injury or death. That’s why it is so important that members of the public, horse owners and everyone affected take the time to respond to the consultation. The more evidence and lived experiences that are shared, the stronger the case for meaningful change.

“While we are encouraged to see this issue being considered, we also recognise that there is still a long way to go. This consultation is just the beginning, and we will continue working with Government and partners to ensure the needs of horses and the wider equestrian community are properly recognised in future fireworks legislation.

“We encourage everyone to make their voice heard and help ensure this opportunity leads to lasting improvements for horse safety and welfare.”

Take part in the consultation

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NuuMed’s most established lines are back in production in Britain – and back on the market – thanks to a deal that secured the brand’s future.

H&H reported in March that Racesafe had bought NuuMed and Thermatex, brands owned by manufacturer Vale Bros, which went into administration in 2023. At the time of the sale, Racesafe said the move “provides the stable manufacturing structure and technical know-how needed to support long-term growth”.

Today (2 July), a spokesperson for Racesafe confirmed NuuMed is back in production.

“Following Racesafe’s acquisition of the brand earlier this year, its core saddle pads and numnahs are once again being manufactured in Great Britain and returning to riders and retailers,” the spokesperson said.

“Production has been fully integrated into Racesafe’s Northamptonshire factory, supported by former NuuMed specialists to ensure a transfer of knowledge and high standards. The result is the range riders already know and rely on, made to the quality and fit the brand has always been known for, now back in tack rooms across the UK.”

This initial relaunch is of the most established products, and embroidery and customising is available for some items. More products will follow as capacity increases.

NuuMed return: core products first

Racesafe managing director James How said: “From the outset, our priority was to stabilise NuuMed and return its core products to the market as quickly and carefully as possible. We know how much riders value NuuMed, so restoring availability while maintaining the standards the brand is known for has been crucial.

“We hope to evolve the brand but this first stage is about making sure the products people trust are readily available again.”

Event rider and Racesafe and NuuMed brand ambassador Eliza Bell said she was delighted to see the products’ return.

“We’ve always loved the quality and thoughtful design, and it’s clear how comfortable the horses find the products. It’s great to see those same standards being maintained as the brand comes back, and I know many riders will be very pleased to have these products available again.”

The products are available to order now from the NuuMed website, and are due to be with some retailers by mid-July. Thermatex products are due to return to the market within a month.

“This marks the next stage for NuuMed under Racesafe’s ownership and the careful continuation of a trusted brand, now with the support to secure its long-term place in the market,” the spokesperson said.

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

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The US company that has bought Tredstep Ireland said it is “very fortunate” to have secured the rights – and honoured that its founder will remain involved.

Equinavia, based in Connecticut, has worldwide exclusive rights to the equestrian clothing and footwear brand, which was founded by former top eventer Aidan Keogh in 1993. Aidan will “continue to play a key role in the brand’s future through a multi-year consulting agreement”, an Equinavia spokesperson said.

“We are very fortunate to secure the rights to Tredstep and even more honoured that its founder, Aidan Keogh, will continue working with us,” said Fred Erik Nilsen, president of Equinavia.

“We want to sincerely thank all the retail partners and agents who have supported and pushed the Tredstep brand forward over the years. You have done a fantastic job making Tredstep the eminent brand it is today, and we are truly grateful.”

Tredstep sold: next steps

Mr Nilsen added that the team is looking forward to working with these partners to grow the brand.

“We are proud to welcome Tredstep into the Equinavia family,” he said. “We believe it is an excellent strategic fit. We are already working closely with our factories to rebuild stock levels and better serve the strong demand that has historically been underserved. It may take us a minute to fully catch up, but we are fully committed to getting there.”

Equinavia also manufactures rider wear, footwear and helmets, as well as tack, rugs and yard equipment.

Aidan said: “I am pleased to partner with Equinavia to ensure Tredstep’s continued success.

“I believe this is the right next step for the brand and look forward to contributing my experience as we move forward together.”

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

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A Nottinghamshire equestrian manufacturer has been “overwhelmed” by the support after a major fire destroyed its warehouse and stock.

Parallax Equestrian, manufacturer of products including the Hay Play feed ball, said all buildings and stock were destroyed on 12 March – but no one was injured, “for which the team is enormously grateful”. Manufacturing is at a different site to the company’s base in Gunthorpe, to which 10 appliances from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service were sent on Thursday.

“The business is still producing, almost all of the product range can be replaced and business continues as usual,” a spokesperson for the company said, adding that a relocation was already in the pipeline before the fire and the team “is embracing this wholeheartedly as the start of an exciting new chapter”.

Director Anna Gardner said: “There is nothing quite like a moment like this to make you realise the wonderful community and friendships we have built through this business over the years. The support we have received has been truly overwhelming, and we are so grateful.

“We are shocked by what has happened, but we know it could have been far worse — and we are moving forward with real positivity. This is a fresh start. Onwards and upwards!”

Parallax Equestrian makes other products including the HaySaver Feeder, Hay Nest, NIMBRUSH grooming brushes and ECO Polo Boards.

In a previous update last week, Parallax said that for a small business, this was a very difficult time.

“Right now our focus is on assessing the damage and figuring out the next steps for the business,” a spokesperson said. “As a small team this will take a little time, so we really appreciate your patience while we work through everything.

“If you have an existing order or any questions, please email jude@parallaxplastics.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Thank you so much for the support and understanding we’ve already received – it truly means a lot to our small business.”

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UK company Racesafe has bought Nuumed and Thermatex, securing their future and continued manufacture in Britain.

H&H reported that Vale Brothers, the company behind Thermatex, Harry Dabbs and Jeffries Saddlery, went into administration in 2023. In 2025 Bliss of London bought Jeffries Saddlery, Vale Brothers and Harry Dabbs.

Jeffries Lifestyle Ltd, the holding company created in the Vale Brothers administration in 2023, retained the Thermatex and Nuumed brands – but both have now been bought by Racesafe.

“Long established across different disciplines, Nuumed and Thermatex have built loyal followings through their quality, performance and distinctive British heritage,” a Racesafe spokesperson said.

“Their products have become staples in many tack rooms and retail shelves. In recent years, however, like many UK manufacturers, they have faced increasing commercial pressures.

“Racesafe, an established UK manufacturer of body protection and performance apparel, is in the process of integrating both brands into its existing production base. The move provides the stable manufacturing structure and technical know-how needed to support long-term growth.”

Nuumed and Thermatex staff are working with Racesafe to “transfer knowledge and support a careful and structured restart of the ranges”.

Strong foundations

Racesafe managing director James How said: “Nuumed and Thermatex are brands that mean a great deal to riders and retailers alike. They have strong foundations and loyal customers, and we believe they deserve a stable and properly resourced future.

“As a specialist UK manufacturer, we see real opportunity in combining their heritage products with Racesafe’s technical expertise, product development capability and manufacturing strength. Our intention is not simply to restart them, but to strengthen and evolve them carefully so they can thrive again.”

It is expected that an “initial core range” will return to the market in the next few months.

“The company is consulting closely with retailers to prioritise the most commercially important and much-loved products,” the spokesperson said.

“The move reinforces Racesafe’s broader commitment to British manufacturing at a time when many brands in the sector are reassessing domestic production.”

Updates on product relaunches and availability will be announced “in due course”.

“We are proud to keep these brands made in Britain,” said Mr How. “Retaining skills, knowledge and local production capability is vital for the long-term health of our industry. With the right structure and investment, British manufacturing remains both viable and important.”

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Lack of profitability has become ingrained in the equestrian industry – but there are ways for businesses to be viable and compliant with the law.

This was the view of Ali Dane, owner of Hurston Dressage & Eventing, who spoke about the impact of national minimum wage (NMW) increases, at the National Equine Forum on 7 March.

“As an employer in the equestrian industry, this topic is on my mind almost daily,” she said. “We’re now about to see the biggest ever increase to the top bracket.”

The top-rate NMW goes up from £10.42 to £11.44 on 1 April, and the age at which this applies will go down from 23 to 21. As Ms Dane pointed out, this will mean a 21-year-old working a 57-hour week will be entitled to £10,000 more per year.

“If our industry is to survive, we need to adapt, modernise and professionalise,” she said.

“There are plenty of issues I don’t know how to solve but I know how to solve poor employment. Good business and valuing people more. Lack of profitability is baked into the bones of our industry, equestrianism has been a vocation or hobby rather than commercial, workers don’t earn enough to support themselves. That has to change.”

Ms Dane said employers have to carry out business analysis; looking at key performance indicators, the market and threats to any business, for example. She said compliance is key, with wage legislation, insurance requirements and so on, as is forecasting and budgeting. Every autumn, she contacts suppliers about that winter’s stock and prices, checks the news for minimum wage increases, and then contacts clients about the following year’s price increase.

“I increase prices every year, as everyone should,” she said. “Ensure clients pay a month ahead and are aware of deadlines as the bills don’t stop.

“And people are the heart of your business. Horses are the raison d’etre but don’t pay the bills; you need to value your people as much as your horses.”

Ms Dane also encouraged allowing flexible working patterns and career progression, adding: “The solutions are staring you in the face; better business management and more value on the wonderful hard-working dedicated people in the industry. If we’re to ensure we pull through this staffing crisis, good employment must be the norm, not the exception.”

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One of the biggest equestrian brand launches in recent times will soon hit UK stores, following a £3m investment. Evoke, which is part of the same stable as Science Supplements, has introduced a collection of riding helmets and jockey skulls and will follow this with a technical clothing range later in the year. The brand says it “aims to supply equestrian safety wear and lifestyle apparel that combines innovation, inspiration, comfort and style”.

Evoke has also announced the launch of a helmet replacement policy. Should a rider suffer a fall within six months of buying and registering their Evoke helmet, the scheme guarantees to provide a replacement helmet with a 50% discount.

Evoke CEO David Mitson said the business’s research has shown that many riders do not replace helmets after a fall or risk of damage owing to the associated cost.

“We do not believe safety should be comprised by cost,” he said. “We want to help alleviate the burden of buying a new helmet and encourage a safety-first mindset. We’re proud to be leading the way with the helmet replacement scheme, and hope it will encourage riders to remember that they can have many hats, but they only have one head.”

Two new helmets have been revealed so far – the Evoke Callisto helmet and the Evoke Orion jockey skull. Each adhere to multiple riding hat safety standards, including PAS 015:2011, VG1, ASTM F1163-23 and the pending EN:1384:2023, while also carrying the British kitemark. Evoke is also planning to introduce styles that meet SNELL E2021 and ASTM F1163-23, as well helmets with MIPS technology.

Helen Riley, Evoke’s technical director, who has previously worked for Gatehouse and Champion, said the new brand’s aim was to launch something the market hasn’t seen before, using the latest innovations and technology.

“I have a wealth of experience within the equestrian helmet and body protector sector and sit on the European standards committees, so making sure these helmets were the safest they could be was absolutely paramount,” said Ms Riley. “We’ve worked tirelessly with industry-leading designers to create something totally fresh and new.”

Evoke helmets are available for pre-order at evoke-group.com and the first collection will be in stores later in the spring.

New Evoke helmets

The Evoke Callisto is available with the choice of a classic or wide peak, in a range of colours and finishes. RRP from £141.66

The Evoke Orion is available in a range of colours and finishes. RRP from £124.99

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The investigation of equestrian businesses among those that had fallen foul of national minimum wage (NMW) legislation is an important reminder of the law.

Five equestrian employers were included in a list published by the Government, of more than 500 businesses that had been found to have breached the law. The businesses have since paid back what they owed to their staff, the Government confirmed, and have faced financial penalties of up to 200% of their underpayments. The HMRC investigations concluded between 2015 and 2023.

Kevin Hollinrake, the minister for enterprise, markets and small business, said employees deserve to “get paid properly for the hard work they put in”.

“While the majority of businesses already do the right thing and pay their staff what they are owed, today’s announcement sends a message to the minority who aren’t – that there are repercussions to undercutting hard work from their staff,” he said.

The Government acknowledged that not all underpayment of the minimum wage is intentional, with which equestrian business advisor Claire King agrees.

“I have worked with a number of riders over the years that have had NMW investigations and sadly, while the most obvious area everyone thinks of is not paying workers for the hours they have worked, there are other areas that you can get tripped up on that you may not realise mean you are not paying the NMW,” she told H&H. “Riders and businesses should be aware of the pitfalls.”

These can include deducting more than the legal maximum offset for accommodation, or deducting from pay for livery or training, she explained, adding that employers should also check staff members’ dates of birth to ensure they are paying the correct amount for their age range.

H&H has reported that the NMW is increasing again on 1 April, so employers will need to know exactly how much staff should be paid.

Tullis Matson, president of the Equestrian Employers Association, told H&H: “Even though not all cases of non-compliance of the NMW is intentional, it is important to raise awareness of the consequences of not doing so, and having your name in the public domain is one of them. The upcoming rise of the NMW and [national living wage] NLW is going to be significant for equestrian employers, and it is therefore important that they understand their legal requirements.

“The focus will be on compliance, and it is noted that HMRC has been clear that the equestrian sector is of particular interest. It is the employer’s strict responsibility and liability to be compliant to the NMW and I urge them to do so to protect their business and livelihood.”

Patricia Rice, independent commissioner of the Low Pay Commission, said: “Since its introduction nearly 25 years ago, the NMW has played a vital role in protecting the earnings of the lowest-paid workers in the UK. At a time when the cost of living is rising, it is more important than ever that these workers receive the pay to which they are entitled.

“NMW underpayment not only cheats workers of their rightful due, it leaves compliant firms undercut by those who do not abide by the law. By naming the firms responsible for significant underpayment, we raise awareness of the nature and the scale of underpayment and encourage all employers to ensure that they fully comply with the law.”

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Leading equestrian brands Harry Dabbs, Jeffries Saddlery, NuuMed and Thermatex are “absolutely still in business”, four months after they went into administration.

H&H reported last autumn that equestrian manufacturer Vale Brothers had filed for administration. The company has since been bought, under group name Jeffries Lifestyle Ltd, by Baaj Capital.

Harry Dabbs and Jeffries Saddlery held an open day on 27 February, their first since the sale, at which experienced and new saddle-fitters visited the Walsall factory to get insight into the manufacturing process.

“Hosting an open day was a real statement for us to say, ‘we are absolutely still in business’,” said Katie Burke, senior marketing executive for the group.

H&H reported last autumn that Vale Brothers managing director Peter Wilkes hoped a “significant” number of the 80 jobs would be protected; Ms Burke told H&H all the equestrian jobs have been saved.

“We would like to reassure our loyal customers that the future of our brands has been secured and we are incredibly grateful to be in a position where we can start to look with optimism to what the future holds,” she said.

She added: “We have an incredible workshop facility, which also boasts its own in-house tree shop, enabling us to produce our own saddles from start to finish. Visitors were able to meet our talented team of saddlers and see first-hand the craftsmanship that goes into making every single saddle we produce right here in the UK.”

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The sale of major equestrian brands Champion and Toggi is an “exciting next chapter for the business”, its founders believe.

TDL, Michael O’Rourke’s investment company, has bought a majority stake in Finest Brands Holdings Ltd, which also owns ProLine Sports, “with great pride and joy”.

Champion, the largest brand in the portfolio, was founded by John Ayres almost half a century ago when he was unhappy with the quality of riding helmets available for riders, including his daughters.

“John sadly passed away in 2013 but his family, who have continued to operate the business, have decided that now is the appropriate time for a new owner to build on their solid foundations,” a Finest Brands spokesman said.

The company’s managing director Sarah-Jane Fedarb said the sale was a “very challenging decision for the family”.

“But it has been a comfort to know that we were selling to TDL and the team there,” she said.

“The TDL team share the same values and ethos that we have built up within the company at Finest Brands, we all look forward to handing over the reins and seeing this exciting next chapter for the business. The family would like to acknowledge and offer our sincere thanks to the amazing, dedicated teams past and present, at their Finest Brands head office in Leeds and the Champion and ProLine factories in Cardiff.”

The family has retained some shares and Ms Fedarb will remain an active director.

Mr O’Rourke said: “It is with great pride and joy that we take the reins at Finest Brands. Champion, Toggi and ProLine are brands rich in history yet like us, they are very much focused on the future. We’re excited to see what can be achieved.”

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Leading equestrian brand LeMieux will be for sale for over £150m, but will “stay true to its roots” as its founders will remain involved.

British former Olympic eventer Robert Lemieux and his wife Lisa will play an “active role” in the brand they started nearly 20 years ago, which has increased its annual revenue from £10m in 2018 to £50m.

The couple started Horse Health in 2003, and expanded the business until they launched the LeMieux brand in 2006, with their own range of saddle pads, which they wanted to be “innovative, well-made but above all, affordable”.

In 2022, LeMieux was included in the Sunday Times 100, recognised as the 66th fastest-growing company in the UK, which the company described as “not only a remarkable achievement for the business, but also a testament to our phenomenal team”.

The company’s managing director Dan Mahoney told H&H: “LeMieux was founded by Robert and Lisa in 2006 and their unwavering passion, energy, and investment has been instrumental in shaping LeMieux into what it is today.

“As we look towards the future, Robert and Lisa will continue to play an active role in the brand, ensuring that we stay true to our roots, maintaining the essence of what LeMieux represents. As we set our sights on even greater horizons, we are seeking a partner with global capabilities, someone who can help us expand our reach and connect with riders from all corners of the world.”

The company employs 150 people and operates in 69 countries.

“Our goal is to become the most exciting global equestrian brand, and with the right partnership, we are confident that we can achieve this dream,” Mr Mahoney said.

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Joules has collapsed into administration putting 1,600 jobs and 132 stores at risk, weeks before Christmas.

The firm, which has strong ties with the equestrian world, announced on Monday (14 November) that its board had resolved to file a notice of intention to appoint administrators after rescue talks failed.

News broke yesterday (Wednesday, 16 November) that Will Wright, Ryan Grant and Chris Pole from Interpath Advisory were appointed joint administrators of Joules Group plc and Joules Limited.

Mr Wright and Mr Grant have also been appointed joint administrators of linked companies Joules Developments Limited and the Garden Trading Company.

“Over the coming weeks, we will endeavour to continue to operate all stores as a going concern during this vitally important Christmas trading period while we assess options for the group, including a possible sale,” said Mr Wright, head of restructuring at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator.

“Since the group’s announcement on Monday, we have had an overwhelming amount of interest from interested parties. We will be working hard over the days ahead to assess this interest, but at this stage we are optimistic that we will be able to secure a future for this great British brand.”

A statement from Interpath Advisory added that the joint administrators will continue to trade the group as a going concern (a business that can continue trading) while they assess, “including exploring the possibility of a sale as a going concern”.

This latest update means all stores and concessions, including the online shop, will remain open and orders placed online will be delivered as usual.

The update added that valid gift cards will continue to be honoured, although customers will no longer be able to buy new gift cards either online or in stores.

Customers will be able to exchange items in store only for purchases already made, but refunds will not be available. And the returns policy for new purchases has been revised to 14 days.

A business update on 7 November cited the unusually warm autumn weather and current economic climate as having a significant impact on trading recently. This was followed a week later by the news that Joules was moving to appoint administrators after financial rescue talks failed.

Joules in its current form dates back to 1989, when Tom Joule bought out 80% of the family firm Joule & Sons and started selling clothing on a stand at a country show in Leicestershire.

The business has grown hugely since and its stands are a familiar sight at major equestrian events.

Its colourful, patterned clothing are a frequent sight in the horse world. It has created the official clothing collections for Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials for many years, and has also supported horse sport through sponsorship.

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The future looks bleak for fashion and home retailer Joules, which holds deep ties with the equestrian world and employs around 1,600 staff, after rescue talks failed.

Joules announced this morning (14 November) that its board has resolved to file a notice of intention to appoint administrators.

Joules in its current guise traces its journey back to 1989, when Tom Joule bought out 80% of the family firm Joule & Sons and started selling clothing on a stand at a country show in Leicestershire. From there, the business grew hugely. It has around 130 stores in the UK alongside its online arm, is stocked in leading stores and has stands at major equestrian events.

The company’s colourful designs are a frequent sight across the UK horse world. The Leicestershire-based firm has created the official collections for Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials for many years and has also supported horse sport through sponsorship.

But the economic climate and unusually warm autumn have both had a significant impact on trading, with the 11 weeks to 30 October “behind the group’s expectations”.

“The [Joules] Group believes this, in large part, reflects the challenging UK economic environment which has negatively impacted consumer confidence and disposable income,” stated a business update last week (7 November).

“In addition, whilst dresses, menswear and more formal product categories have performed well, larger core categories such as outerwear, wellies and knitwear have been impacted, in part, by the milder than expected weather.”

Although that update said that the company had made “good progress” in its turnaround plan, news broke today that it had moved to appoint administrators to Joules and three connected companies. Trading in Joules shares has also been suspended.

“On 7 November 2022, the company announced it was in advanced discussions with a number of strategic investors to provide a cornerstone investment in an equity raise process,” said this morning’s statement.

“The company also announced it was in discussions regarding a bridge financing proposal in order to enable continued progress to be made with the re-financing plans referred to above. The board confirms these discussions with various parties have not been successful and have now terminated.

“Regrettably therefore, the board of Joules has resolved to file a notice of intention to appoint Will Wright, Ryan Grant and Chris Pole of Interpath Advisory Limited as administrators to the company and Joules Limited, and Will Wright and Ryan Grant to The Garden Trading Company Limited and Joules Developments Limited as soon as reasonably practicable.

“The board is taking this action to protect the interests of its creditors.”

Joules is currently having its biggest ever sale with up to 70% off, which was featured in H&H’s round up of the best equestrian deals last week.

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American fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger launched their first equestrian range, Tommy Hilfiger Equestrian, last year and have now struck up a partnership with Olympic showjumper Jessica Springsteen. In her role as brand ambassador, Jessica will be supporting the further development of the brand’s technical and performance products as well as wearing the brand’s sportswear for competition and training.

While she represents the US, winning team silver in Tokyo Olympics on her Olympic debut, Jessica is currently based in Belgium. She will star as the face of the brand’s upcoming campaign – “Tommy Hilfiger Equestrian Family” – that focuses on the close-knit nature of the equestrian community.

Tommy Hilfiger’s Martin Koller said they’ve found their ideal brand ambassador in the showjumper, who will be the figurehead of the brand’s new featured riders team, which will be made up of professionals and amateurs.

“She’s an animal lover who’s passionate about what she does, and has natural inner and outer beauty. Known primarily for her professional skills, Jessica’s effortless yet fashion-forward style, outstanding talent, and personal values, make her the perfect representative,” said Martin.

Expressing her happiness about the new partnership, Jessica said: “I am excited to collaborate with Tommy Hilfiger Equestrian and am inspired by the thought of contributing to the further development of products in our wonderful sport.”

The brand’s range currently includes casual and competition wear, as well as saddle pads, fly veils and cooler rugs.

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Equestrian fashion brand Holland Cooper has announced that dressage rider and reality TV star Gemma Owen will be joining this year’s Badminton winner Laura Collett as an ambassador for the brand. Gemma will make her first appearance on behalf of Holland Cooper at Horse of the Year Show on Thursday, 6 October.

Gemma says she is “thrilled” to be working on this “exciting new challenge” with Holland Cooper as she’s a long-standing fan of the brand.

“The brand is totally my style. The high quality and luxury details have made Holland Cooper items wardrobe essentials, both on and off the horse,” said the dressage rider.

Nineteen-year-old Gemma is a talented dressage rider and represented Britain at the Junior European Championships last year, riding her own Stedinger gelding Sirius Black. Gemma shot to fame outside of equestrian circles when she appeared on ITV’s Love Island earlier this year, but she is now back in the saddle with the ultimate aim of being selected to represent Great Britain again next year.

“I spend many hours in the saddle each day, so comfort and durability are a necessity,” Gemma adds. “I lead a life where I always have to be ‘camera ready’, so style is important, too. These things are at the very heart of the Holland Cooper Equestrian brand, so I couldn’t be more delighted to represent them.”

The brand’s founder, Jade Holland Cooper, explained that Gemma connects with a key demographic of “equestrian enthusiasts who appreciate the design, details, and aesthetics” of their equestrian collection.

Founded in 2008, Holland Cooper is an established brand that includes equestrian and lifestyle lines, which featured heavily in the recent trot-ups at Burghley. The equestrian collection, which launched in 2019, is described as luxury, performance-tested equestrian wear with a sports-luxe aesthetic and strong sense of British heritage. It includes a range of gilets, jackets, breeches, base layers, leggings and a range of accessories.

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H&H examines what measures announced in the chancellor’s summer statement could help struggling equestrian businesses and seeks reaction from the Equestrian Employers Association and an apprenticeship provider...

Bonuses for employees returning from furlough and extra money to take on trainees and apprenticeships could help equestrian businesses in the wake of the pandemic. While the support on offer is by no means a magic wand for companies hit hard by the impact of Covid-19, it could offer some assistance.

“Our plan has a clear goal: to protect, support and create jobs,” said chancellor Rishi Sunak in his summer statement on 8 July. “It will give businesses the confidence to retain and hire. To create jobs in every part of our country. To give young people a better start. To give people everywhere the opportunity of a fresh start.”

Measures that could help include the “eat out to help out” scheme, which has already been taken up by show venues including Keysoe. This involves a Government-subsidised 50% discount for each diner, of up to £10 per head from Monday to Wednesday in August plus a six-month VAT cut.

Other help includes a “job retention bonus” of £1,000 for businesses that retain previously furloughed staff until the end of January, a “kick-start” scheme for work placements of young people on universal credit, and apprenticeship and trainee bonuses of between £1,000 and £2,000.

Tullis Matson, president of the Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) told H&H he is “very conscious” of the furlough scheme coming to an end, and has already had an increase in people asking if there are any jobs with his company, Stallion AI Services.

“I’m quite nervous come October of what is going to happen, especially for some of the centres whose margins are very small as they could really struggle when money is tight,” he said.

Mr Matson added it is not simply a case of businesses themselves finding the situation tricky, but the knock-on impact of other job losses, such as liveries losing their jobs and no longer having that money to spend.

“I feel the Government is trying to help,” he said, adding the £1,000 bonus is “great for the short term”, but the longer-term economic picture remains unclear.

“That can help, but there is always going to be that eventuality when the furlough scheme stops, of how many people are not going to have jobs at the end of it.”

He said it is vital employees are not exploited for their love of horses to prop businesses up, and equally that businesses seek help where it is available.

“The Government is much more on it with enforcing the minimum wage now – and rightly so,” he added. “There is part of the industry that doesn’t want to be compliant with the law, but there is a larger section that slightly doesn’t know where to find the help, and EEA membership really can bring that help to them.

“If we can help employers, that in turn will help employees.”

Mr Matson also said exploring the possibility of taking on less experienced staff, where applicable within a business, can bring additional benefits other than the money the Government has set aside.

“We have people coming in here very green and new to the industry and they flourish,” he said, adding this has to be balanced with experienced staff.

Chris Hewlett, of apprenticeship provider Haddon Training, told H&H the additional funding is a “great opportunity” for equestrian businesses.

“That said, businesses must be viable and not take an apprentice on for the sake of it because there is money attached,” he said.

Mr Hewlett explained the money for traineeships and apprenticeships could add up to as much as £4,000, provided all the criteria are met.

“As a training provider, we are going to be very inquisitive of businesses we haven’t worked with before as there is a moral commitment for employers to support somebody through training,” he said. “It is taxpayers’ money, and as a training provider we have a responsibility with how that is spent.”

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Longines has extended its support of Hickstead to take on the title sponsorship of the Royal International Horse Show for three years.

The luxury watch brand already sponsors the entire Longines FEI jumping Nations Cup series, of which Hickstead hosts the British leg at the Royal International (23 to 28 July).

It has now taken on sponsorship of the entire show from 2019 to 2021, plus naming rights to Hickstead’s iconic main arena, which becomes the Longines International Arena.

“We are extremely fortunate to have a longstanding sponsorship agreement with Longines, a prestigious company and the biggest supporter of international equestrian sport,” said Hickstead director Lizzie Bunn.

“Our sport simply could not exist without such sponsors, and we are delighted to have signed with Longines for a further three years.”

The scheduling of the international showjumping classes has been altered for this year, with the Nations Cup class moving back to its traditional slot on Friday afternoon, while the Longines BHS King George V Gold Cup returns to Sunday afternoon.

“After a revised timetable last year, we have returned to the previous show format with the Nations Cup on Friday,” added Ms Bunn.

“This allows selected riders to focus their attentions on representing their country on the Friday while also allowing them to make the decision whether to ride the same horse in Sunday’s grand prix or to compete one of their other top rides.”

WH Bond

Bicton Arena has signed a major new sponsorship deal with WH Bond, its most significant yet under the tenure of the venue’s manager Helen West.

The family-owned company has several divisions including timber sales, plant hire, machinery sales, earthmoving and most recently tractor and equipment sales and hire. The business operates throughout the southwest where it farms 2,000 acres.

WH Bond will sponsor classes at Bicton Arena’s international horse trials in April and October, and take title sponsorship of both a national class at its May Spectacular showjumping show and the amateur showjumping festival in August.

As well as title sponsorships, timber from its sawmill near Saltash will be used extensively across the site. The newly named WH Bond arena has been re-fenced using WH Bond’s award-winning fence posts that are accredited by the Wood Protection Association to last 30 years.

Some fencing along the main driveway has also been replaced and timber will be supplied to build a new feature fence on the cross-country course and to build a new set of arena eventing fences.

Excavators from part of its fleet of 400 plant machines have also been used in the building of arenas.

“The passion and drive behind [Bicton Arena] is infectious and we look forward to supporting Helen West, Beccy Barrett and the team,” said a spokesman for WH Bond.

Helen added: “This is a significant sponsorship for Bicton Arena and we’re delighted to be working very closely with the team at WH Bond & Sons Ltd. It is a long established company with a first class reputation that is cemented across the west country.”

Saracen

The feed company has joined British Eventing as title sponsor for the young rider programme, including the under-21 national championships and European Championship squad.

Saracen Horse Feeds’ sales and marketing director Michael Bacon said the company is “incredibly proud” to be supporting the next generation of world-class eventers.

“The British Eventing young rider programme and championship are a great way to support young riders with serious aspirations for the sport,” said Mr Bacon.

“It’s a great achievement for all the riders selected for the programme who are ultimately aiming for tomorrow’s podium positions — 2019 will be an exciting year with many emerging riders who Saracen Horse Feeds will enjoy supporting.”

The national under-21 championships will take place at Houghton International Horse Trials (23 to 26 May), with the young rider Europeans held at Maasbergen in the Netherlands (11 to 14 July).

Connolly’s Red Mills

Showing rider and producer Kirsty Aird has joined the feed company’s team as a supported rider.

Red Mills’ UK head of equine, Louise Jones, said she is “delighted” Kirsty is joining the team.

“She uses our ‘Horse Care’ range, which contains our unique care package to ensure her horses get the ultimate nutritional support,” said Ms Jones.

“As a long-term user of the feed the results Kirsty has had over the years speak for themselves and we’re looking forward to continue working with her in 2019 and beyond.”

Kirsty added: “Having such a variety of horses, from Connemaras to Clydesdales, it can be challenging to design a feed programme to suit their individual breed and workload. All my horses are fed Connolly’s Red Mills Horse Care 10 Cubes and they all look and feel fantastic, it is a very versatile product.

“How the horses look and behave is vital in showing and for their performance, which all starts at home with the feed. We’re really looking forward to 2019, fingers crossed for a great year!”

Article continues below…

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Jump 4 Joy

The showjump manufacturer has welcomed three new up-and-coming riders to its ambassador programme.

Showjumper Paul Gaff and eventers Millie Dumas and Georgie Spence have all signed deals with the company.

Managing director Nigel Underwood said: “It is really important to us to be supporting the next generation of riders coming through the ranks.

“In their own way, all three of our sponsored riders have shown their potential for world class success and we believe they are destined to be stars of the future so we are really looking forward to supporting them and sharing in their successes.

He added: “It is a great testament to our product that all three of our sponsored riders, as well as our ambassadors Ros Canter and William Fox Pitt have all chosen to train with our jumps and we are thrilled that through providing first class jumps we can help contribute towards their future achievements.”

Leucillin

Leucillin Antiseptic Skincare will be sponsoring the TREC GB summer league in 2019.

The league runs from 1 April to 30 September, with points awarded for placings and prizes awarded at the end of the season.

The antiseptic skincare range is for use on animals to provide protection against infection.

Zebra Products

The distributor of equestrian products has signed up to support British Showjumping’s (BS) business partnership for a fourth year.

Managing director Simon Middleton said Zebra Products is “delighted” to be continuing its partnership with BS.

“We are dedicated to supporting the association and recognise the importance of this relationship,” he added.

BS head of communications Maria Haig added: “Following three successful terms, we are very pleased to be announcing Zebra Products’ fourth year of alignment with the business partnership.

“Their longstanding commitment has proved crucial in supporting our performance pathway programme and we are happy that they have once again chosen British Showjumping as a platform for promoting their brand portfolio.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

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Two of Oliver Townend’s sponsors have announced they have terminated their arrangements with the rider following his controversial performance at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, while others have said they will continue to support the world number one.

Show jump manufacturer Jump 4 Joy was the first to review its involvement with the British event rider after he was handed a verbal warning for overuse of the whip during the cross-country.

The ground jury spoke to the 35-year-old concerning his rounds on both his rides, Cooley SRS and Ballaghmor Class.

Oliver — who was on target to claim the Rolex Grand Slam after wins at both Burghley and Kentucky — later issued an apology saying “his competititive instincts got the better” of him and he was “disappointed and upset” with the way he rode.

The incident sparked a storm on social media, with many criticising the eventer for pushing tired horses.

Badminton final scores

The BHS also announced it would be “raising its concerns” over the penalty he received with the FEI.

On Wednesday (9 May), Jump 4 Joy confirmed in a statement the company would be terminating its association with Oliver.

“We take animal welfare very seriously and are committed to the highest standards of well-being for all horses,” it said.

A spokesman for Lincoln Equestrian announced today (11 May) that the company had also reached the decision it would no longer back Oliver.

“For some time now we have been reviewing Lincoln Equestrian’s sponsorship terms. After the weekend’s events, we feel that now is the time to make some changes going forward,” the statement said.

“The welfare and care of all horses is fundamentally important to us as people and our brand, therefore with this in mind, following much deliberation and after reviewing the thoughts of our loyal customers, we have taken the decision to end our association with Oliver Townend.

“Looking to the future, Lincoln Equestrian will continue to support Piggy French and Ros Canter, however, moving forwards our focus will now be to support up-and-coming riders who are passionate about the sport and their horses.”

Sponsorship under review

Both Irish feed manufacture GAIN and Zebra Products Ltd — UK representatives of Oliver’s sponsor Veredus — said they would be reviewing the situation.

Anne Priestman, national UK sales manager for GAIN Equine Nutrition said the company was aware of the issue.

“GAIN takes animal welfare very seriously and is committed to the highest standards; we are reviewing this incident and will decide on next steps from there,” she said.

Continued below…

Oliver Townend given official warning for over-use of whip at Badminton

The ground jury spoke to the British rider today after his cross-country rounds on Cooley SRS and Ballaghmor Class

‘I love my horses’: Oliver Townend apologises after ‘ugly’ Badminton riding

The rider has issued two apologies following his warning for over-use of the whip

British Horse Society to take up Oliver Townend case with FEI

The charity has said it ‘strongly believes’ that the sanctions given to Oliver Townend by the FEI were not high

Continued support

The controversy has divided sponsors, with other long-term backers of the Shropshire rider speaking out in support.

In a statement, Equi-Trek announced it would continue its involvement with Oliver and his team.

“We support numerous riders and feel the whole point of support is to be there for people through good times and bad,” it said.

Sean Hamilton, managing director of Cyclo-ssage, who has sponsored Oliver since 2011, confirmed his ongoing support of the rider and said the company would not “determine its sponsorship judgements in relation to media storms on Facebook”.

“I know the man well, I know his horses well, I know his routine at his yard and how they are cared for and I have been there many times, which a lot of sponsors probably haven’t, and I’m perfectly comfortable with it,” he said. “Whilst he made a mistake, he’s put his hands up to it and apologised and I don’t think there will be a repeat. I’m staying with him.”

He added that he did not believe the rider deserved to be “pilloried” on social media, and feared that some people had used the backlash to cynically “gain publicity for themselves”.

“What’s sad in all of this is that it’s totally detracted from what was a remarkable achievement,” he said. “He rode two horses in America and won there, then came straight back and got two horses safely round Badminton, which was a tough course and a remarkable feat, and came second [and fifth] there.

“He’s come out and said that maybe with hindsight he over-rode and it took courage to come out and make an apology. I think Oliver has done the right thing and put his hands up, accepted he was at fault and we should move on.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

This week’s edition (10 May) features our full report from Badminton, including in-depth analysis, expert comment, pictures and more. Plus, read our feature on the options for retiring your horse and in this week’s vet clinic we look into the challenges of equine surgery

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Ireland’s popular horse and rider clothing company Horseware has been named the official World Equestrian Games clothing supplier for the 2018 Games in Tryon, North Carolina (11-23 September).

As the Games’ official equestrian clothing and blanket supplier, Horseware will be producing the uniforms for all staff and World Equestrian Games volunteers (expected to be in the region of 3,500 individuals).

As well as supplying uniforms, Horseware will be awarding presentation coolers to all of the 800-plus horses participating in the Games. Horseware will also be providing every athlete with a WEG-branded Horseware bag containing additional promotional items.

Horseware has the exclusive rights to produce and sell official World Equestrian Games apparel for horses and equestrians at the Games. There will be outlets on site at the Tryon International Equestrian Center where spectators can purchase commemorative World Equestrian Games merchandise, as well as shopping the full range of high-performance products offered by the brand.

“Horseware is a pillar in the equestrian apparel industry and we are honoured to be partnering with them to produce all of our staff and volunteer uniforms and the awards for WEG,” said Mark Bellissimo, co-founder and CEO of Tryon International Equestrian Center. “We have had a very long-standing relationship with the Horseware team and are pleased that we can showcase their innovative craftsmanship through our WEG efforts.”

Horseware founder Tom MacGuinness, who is aiming to ride on the Irish WEG endurance team at WEG, said: “We are delighted to be the official equestrian clothing partner for the World Equestrian Games. We have had a long association with the Winter Equestrian Festival [also overseen by Mark Bellissimo] and this is an extension of that cooperation. We hope to bring truly special commemorative WEG clothing, as well as high performance fabrics for the uniforms and prize blankets. We are very excited about this WEG and know it’s going to be the best games ever.”

Keep up to date with the latest World Equestrian Games news here on HorseandHound.co.uk

BRITAIN’S leaving the EU could be “an opportunity to make things better”, according to one industry figure.

Kevin Needham, director of Newmarket-based BBA Shipping & Transport Ltd, believes Thursday’s (23 June) vote could mean benefits in terms of disease control.

He explained that horses can currently move freely between member states on the EU’s Trade Control and Expert System, Traces, for which they must have health certificates but do not have to be tested for infectious diseases before they enter different member states.

“As happened to me recently, a horse came from Holland looking fine, then got here and started looking unwell,” Mr Needham said.

“It was tested and it’s positive for [serious viral disease] Equine Viral Arteritis. So the government then says it has to be put to sleep or castrated.

“Horses can come from anywhere in the EU without being tested as it’s a single market. That’s something we could change now.

“This could be an opportunity to make things better for UK horses.”

Mr Needham said that movement of FEI competition and racehorses between France, the UK and Ireland is covered by the Tripartite Agreement, which pre-dates Britain’s EU membership and should not therefore be affected.

“The EU could choose to be awkward [on the movement of other horses],” he added. “They could insist on blood tests for UK horses, and we could impose one on horses coming in from Europe but that’s a choice both parties would have to make.

“But there will still be demand for trade, and there’s a high likelihood that not a lot will change.

“There’s a possible downside, the EU might impose VAT on horses, so a horse going in has to be taxed and customs-cleared, but there might be bigger markets outside the EU.

“Given the position we’re in now, we have to see it as an opportunity to change things for the better.”

Claire Williams, chief executive of the British Equestrian Trade Association, said it is too early to determine the effect Britain’s leaving would have on businesses.

She said one immediate apparent effect was the devaluing of the pound overnight, which means those buying products from abroad, such as from the Far East where many items are priced in American dollars, are getting less for their money.

But the change also means those selling abroad will get better value, as their products will be cheaper.

“This may be a gut reaction and currency may stabilise and increase in value again,” she said.

“But apart from that, any other impact will be impossible to see yet, until we get reaction from countries we trade with,” she added.

“Britain produces a lot of equestrian products which are well received overseas. People want those products and will be prepared to trade with us, and we buy a lot from Europe.

“The shape trade takes going forwards – it’s anyone’s guess what happens.”

Ms Williams said it could be up to two years until businesses know the full impact, as this is how long it could take to agree the terms of Britain’s exit.

But she added: “We’ll be monitoring the situation and where we can, advising companies. It’ll be very much a watching brief, keeping an eye on where things are going, how people are reacting and how it impacts on businesses.

“It’s a matter of watching and waiting.”

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The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons released a statement which read: “It is difficult to say at this stage how the vote will affect current arrangements, such as the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive (MRPQ) that allows European vets to practise in the UK and vice-versa, and it is likely to be some time before we know.

“Needless to say, we will be working with the Defra to minimise any disruption from the transition process. As always, we will work to maintain and increase the UK’s high standards of veterinary care and animal welfare.”

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International trade, disease control and movement of horses are among the key issues that could be affected by the UK’s leaving the European Union.

Former Defra ministers, businesspeople and representatives of organisations from Weatherbys to the British Equestrian Federation met at the Horse Trust, Bucks, last Friday (20 May) to discuss the facts which could influence how we should vote next month.

Professor Tim Morris, a member of the Defra Animal Health and Welfare Board for England, introduced a panel of experts comprising Claire Williams, executive director of the British Equestrian Trade Association; Alick Simmons, a former deputy chief veterinary officer for the government; Graeme Cooke, a former policy advisor for Defra and veterinary director for the FEI; and Carolyn Madgwick, a former trading standards officer for animal health and recent member of the Equine Sector Council steering group.

What are the issues?

Transport

The recently amended Tripartite Agreement, which allows racehorses and those entered in FEI competition to move freely between Britain, the Republic of Ireland and France, pre-dates Britain’s membership of the EU and should therefore not be affected.

As horses move more and further to compete, so the risk of disease spread also increases. But it was thought that “if we left, there would be efforts to ensure horses were able to move around broadly similar to the way they do now”.

Passports

Although our current passport laws came initially from the EU, they are now British law, so would not cease to be if Britain left the EU. Horse Trust president and House of Lords member Baroness Ann Mallalieu said this could be an opportunity to keep the legislation we want and change or discard the parts that are unsuitable.

Farming subsidies

It was agreed that subsidies paid to farmers under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy would be likely to decrease if Britain left, but that subsidies might then be paid to farmers who benefited the environment, for example permanent pasture which is a feature of equine business, rather than “for doing nothing”.

Trade

Many equestrian products are imported first into mainland Europe, and then into Britain.

It was said that although the cost of these, and raw materials needed for example to make horse feed in Britain, might increase, this might prove to be a boost for British manufacturing.

It was also said that leaving the EU could open new foreign markets to British equestrian businesses.

Influence

There were concerns over whether leaving the EU would decrease Britain’s clout, for example in re-establishing food exports after an incident such as a foot and mouth outbreak.

It was also asked whether Britain would have less influence over horse welfare in Europe, but Lord De Mauley said the UK’s current level of influence was questionable, as “one voice in 28 [member states].”

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Staff

It was asked whether leaving would have a negative effect on the current staff shortage in the racing industry, but it is not yet clear whether this could be “an opportunity or a threat”.

Drugs

There was a question over whether leaving would mean being able to access drugs such as steroid cream Dermobion, which was banned by the EU, and an “end to the threat to ban bute [phenylbutazone]”.

Mr Simmons said there are currently restrictions on the way medicines are used for horses as there is no data on the drugs’ food safety implications, and the EU regards horses as food animals.

This is why passport legislation was introduced, so horses could be signed out of the food chain, and it would be up to the UK government to decide whether to continue.

Don’t miss today’s Horse & Hound (26 May) for a full report from last Friday’s meeting

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B&W Equine Vets

The group of veterinary practices has become the title sponsor for the British Dressage South West (BD SW) region.

They will be supporting BD SW at numerous events as part of the multi-year contract.

“British Dressage South West have a long history of creating engaging and inclusive programmes for all its members which makes them an ideal associate for B&W Equine Vets,” said Ian Camm, managing director of B&W Equine Vets.

“At B&W we know that caring for and competing your horse is a team effort at every level and we pride ourselves on being part of your team.”

British Horse Feeds

Julie Kelshaw will be supported by the company under its Fibre-Beet banner as she prepares to take part in a charity race this summer.

The North Yorkshire-based business will be supporting Julie in the 2016 MacMillan Charity race which will take place at York Races on Saturday, 11 June.

It is set to be broadcast on Channel 4 Racing.

She has been riding out for Foulrice Park Racing and training with Patrick Holmes and Russ Garritty.

“I am delighted to gain support for my entry into the world of racing from British Horse Feeds and the Fibre-Beet brand, it is all very exciting but scary at the same time,” said Julie.

The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre

Bedmax and Albion Saddlemakers join long-term supporter TopSpec to sponsor the British Throughbred Retraining Centre (TRC).

This year marks the Lancashire-based centre’s 25th anniversary.

“To have the support of three premium brands that will play such an important role in the care and retraining of our horses is fantastic and we are thrilled to have them as part of the team,” added TRC chief executive, Gillian Carlisle.

Little Downham Horse Trials

Childeric Saddles has been revealed as the new title sponsor of all three of Little Downham’s British Eventing fixtures in 2016.

This year also mark’s the company’s fifth year as a sponsor of the events, which will run on 3-5 June, 23-24 July and 1-3 October.

Protexin Equine Premium also returns for another season of sponsorship and will be running a BE90 and BE100 accumulator across the events, featuring a prize pot of £1,400.

Bailey’s Horse Feeds will supporting the novice sections and Finer Stables will sponsor rosettes for competitors who are part of the #twittereventing social network who achieve a double clear.

Under Armour

The global sportswear and equipment company has teamed up with Godolphin to create a bespoke clothing range.

Under Armour will now produce kit to be worn by jockeys, trainers and members of team Godolphin as they train and compete across the world.

“As two prestigious global sporting brands, Godolphin and Under Armour are natural partners,” said John Ferguson, Godolphin’s chief executive officer and racing manager.

“The vision and values of Godolphin directly mirror Under Armour’s brand mission to help all athletes perform at their best, through the relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence.

“Together, we can take horseracing apparel to the next level with the ultimate aim of delivering a long-lasting impact for the benefit of the equine industry at large.”

Alltech

The animal nutrition specialist is continuing its support of World Horse Welfare.

It has become involved in the charity’s “invisible horse” campaign and as part of it will directly fund the rehabilitation of one of World Horse Welfare’s rescued equines.

Alltech is supporting the care of the colt, Tarzan, who was rescued as a severely underweight yearling from a field in Northumberland.

“Alltech are thrilled to be able to offer support to Tarzan, it’s hard to believe anybody could be so cruel, but unfortunately this is the reality faced by charities such as World Horse Welfare on a daily basis,” said Alltech’s UK marketing manager, Isla Baker-Browne.

Betfair

The company has been announced as the sponsor of Racing Welfare’s Stable Staff Week, which runs from 27 June to 2 July.

The event aims to highlight the skill and dedication of those who work with racehorses to followers and supporters of racing.

The pinnacle of the week will be the Betfair Clock Tower Cup on Racing Welfare’s Raceday at Doncaster on 1 July.

The charity race involves stable staff taking on rides of horses trained by their bosses, with the prize being a scholarship at the British Racing School or the Northern Racing College.

Caviera Bedding

Blenheim has welcomed Caviera Bedding back for a second year as official bedding supplier.

The Doncaster-based company will supply each horse competing at the event, which runs from 8-11 September, with three bales of its premium product, Raviera Pro.

This is pure chopped oilseed rape straw, which has been dust-extracted and sterilised.

Nick Walker, director of Caviera Bedding, said becoming the official supplier last year was a “defining moment” for the company.

“We were able to talk to riders at all levels, as well as the competitors who used our Raviera Pro at this fabulous event, and developed relationships with retailers and professional yards that we may not have otherwise encountered,” he said.

“One such meeting was with Team Sommerville and we were delighted to announce them as Caviera brand ambassadors last year and for the foreseeable future.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

An online e-learning course has been launched to educate grooms and riders about the importance of following the right procedures to avoid an accidental positive test for a prohibited substance in competition.

The British Grooms Association (BGA) has worked with the British Equestrian Federation to develop the Groom Clean course. The interactive e-learning module covers all aspects of anti-doping and controlled medication. Learners receive a certificate on completion of the course.

The BGA said up to now “there has been a real lack of bespoke education for grooms in this important subject matter”.

Team GBR dressage groom Alan Davies, who works for Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin, said the BGA’s groom clean “is an invaluable tool for all grooms.”

The online course “is interesting and informative and covers all of the topics in a clear and concise manner” he said.

“Clean sport is a very serious topic so it is important that grooms have access to this information. We have to be aware of so many regulations and also how our horses can be affected in many situations.”

Groom Clean e-learning, sponsored by Spillers, is free for all BGA members or can be accessed by non-members for £14.50.

Continued below…

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FEI Clean Sport app

The FEI’s list of controlled medication and prohibited substances is updated regularly and there is a smart phone app available on both android and iOS devices (iOS app; Android app) to help grooms and riders keep up to date with the latest changes.

Most British equestrian sport governing bodies follow the FEI’s rules when it comes to anti-doping and this applies to both amateur and professional riders alike, from grassroots level upwards, so it is every affiliated rider’s responsibility to keep up to date with the rules.

Should a horse test positive for a substance that is not allowed in competition, then the rider is considered the ‘person responsible’ and unless they can prove that there is ‘no fault’ — such as in the case of a feed or supplement contamination at the source — they can expect to face fines and a suspension or ban from competition.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The British Horse Society (BHS) is investing £250,000 in a new scholarship scheme to encourage the best instructors across the UK.

It is also hoped to boost the number of qualified BHS assistant instructors (AI) by helping with the costs of training, BHS Stage Three and Preliminary Teaching Test examinations and the first year on the BHS register of instructors.

There are plans to expand across other levels in the future.

“As the largest provider of equestrian education and qualifications in the UK, we feel that it is our duty to do all that we can to inspire those individuals who will truly make a difference to the future of our industry,” said a BHS spokesman.

“We understand that it can be financially difficult to reach the level of qualification required when aspiring to develop a career in equestrianism. This is often the stumbling block for many talented individuals and we have taken steps to invest in this area to remove these barriers.

“It is our intention that the scholarship will enable the individuals to train and gain industry experience to ensure that they become well-rounded and knowledgeable instructors.”

Each year the BHS will contribute significant funds to support the costs of training, examinations and the first year’s membership of the BHS register of instructors as a newly qualified BHSAI.

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“At the heart of this scholarship, we celebrate the life and the legacy of Margot Tiffany BHSI and feel honoured to have received a legacy for this scholarship in her name in addition to further funds supported by many of Margot’s friends and family,” the spokesman added.

“The Margot Tiffany Legacy Fund contributes to the significant BHS fund being directed to support our future generation through this scholarship scheme.”

Margot was a BHS trustee and esteemed instructor who died last year (9 April).

Successful applicants will be selected by a panel of BHS centre proprietors, BHS staff and industry experts.

For more details visit: www.bhs.org.uk/scholarships

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A research project is aiming to improve the control of the most common equine tapeworm by finding out more about its intermediate host, the oribatid mite.

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and Austin Davis Biologics will monitor three yards infected with tapeworms, each with 20 horses, over an 18-month period after receiving funding from Petplan Charitable Trust.

The project is titled: “Improved control of the equine tapeworm, anoplocephala, through new insights into the biology of the oribatid mite intermediate host”.

Routine sampling of pastures will enable the mite populations to be monitored. Horse saliva will also be tested to monitor tapeworm infection in the horses grazing the paddocks.

“Infected horses pass tapeworm eggs in their faeces that are ingested by oribatid mites, an essential part of the tapeworm’s life cycle, that are found on the pasture,” said the RVC’s Professor Mark Fox.

“Larval tapeworms develop inside the mites within eight to 20 weeks, after which they can infect grazing horses. Despite methods available for the detection of anoplocephala infections in horses, we still know little about the biology of the parasite’s larval stages in these mites or of seasonal patterns of transmission to horses at pasture.”

The study aims to determine the effect of seasonal changes on mite populations, investigate the impact that dung removal has on tapeworm control and examine the effect of deworming treatments.

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“The project seeks to develop more effective parasite control programmes which, together with paddock management recommendations, will ultimately result in a reduction in deworming treatments required,” said Dr Corrine Austin, who set up Austin Davis Biologics in 2009 with her father Professor Paul Davis.

Dr Austin said the company’s EquiSal Tapeworm testing will be used to “understand further the complex balance between the tapeworm, its hosts — the horse and oribatid mite, and its environment”.

The research gets underway in the next few months, with the findings being analysed at RVC’s Hawkshead campus near Hatfield.

H&H 24 March, 2016

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Badminton Horse Trials

The full list of sponsors for this year’s four-star (4-8 May) has been revealed. Mitsubishi Motors remains the title sponsor — a position it has held for 25 years.

Rolex is acting as the official timepiece and the FEI is supporting the event through its FEI Classics series, which brings together the six CCI4*s across the world.

The cross-country fence sponsors include: HorseQuest, Irish Horse Gateway, Swindon Designer Outlet, Gatehouse, Rodney Powell, KBIS, Savills, Alexanders Horseboxes, Jack Wills and Devoucoux Saddles.

The Mark Todd Collection is sponsoring the four big screens; Horseware Ireland again supports Radio Badminton; NFU Mutual has the members’ enclosure and Harry Hall the buggy shuttle for competitors, owners and grooms.

Oscar Pet Foods, Spillers, Bedmax, Wadworth, Fairfax Saddles, Chatham Shoes, Crown Pavilions, the Worshipful Company of Farriers and Beufort Embryo Transfer complete the sponsor line-up.

Equi-Trek

Equi-Trek is the title sponsor for this year’s Blair Castle International Horse Trials and Country Fair in Scotland (25-28 August).

The horsebox and trailer manufacturer has supported the event, organised by Atholl Estates, for a number of years.

“Blair is a fantastic event in a breathtaking setting that we and our dealerships across Scotland love attending each year.” said Equi-Trek’s Tom Janion.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be supporting it in the capacity of title sponsors”.

Très Health

Showjumper Jay Halim has been announced as the “face of” health and fitness centre Très Health.

The business is aimed at equestrians working or living in London and the home counties.

“Jay is passionate about fitness and appreciates the importance in training himself both physically and mentally, so is the perfect ambassador for us,” said the company’s Rob Harkavy.

Jay added: “Being riding fit is so important, not just at top level but even at the most basic level, it helps you avoid injuries and enjoy the time you do have, riding and being effective as a rider.”

Cazenove Capital Management

The wealth management service provider is sponsoring the CIC2* at Floors Castle International Horse Trials (12-15 May).

The company is which is also a leading charity fund manager in the UK.

Spokesman Peter Hillier said the company is “particularly pleased” to sponsor the premier class of the event.

“We feel proud to be linked with the CIC2* world-renowned international course builder and five-time Olympian Ian Stark, who represents high standards, drive, judgement, determination, the will to succeed and attention to detail,” he added. “These are values we clearly identify with at Cazenove Capital Management.”

The prize pot for international classes at the Scottish event is £6,750.

Reem Acra

The fashion designer has extended her partnership with the FEI World Cup Dressage Western European league and series final for a further three years.

She signed an initial three-year contract in 2010 and the new agreement extends her sponsorship term to a total of nine years.

The official signing ceremony took place backstage at her autumn 2016 ready-to-wear runway show during New York Fashion Week in February.

“It was fascinating to see Reem Acra in her own creative environment behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week,” said FEI President Ingmar de Vos.

“The focus on perfection is in many ways very similar to the work that our athletes go through behind the scenes to prepare for a winning dressage test.”

Randox Health

The global healthcare provider has become the headline partner of the Grand National Festival at Aintree.

The company has signed a five-year deal with the racecourse and it will take over sponsorship from the 2017 festival.

Crabbie’s, title partner of the 2016 Grand National Festival (7-9 April), will move to sponsor the Grade One Top Novice’s Hurdle from next year.

Randox Health has also been revealed as the official healthcare partner of The Jockey Club.

“We aim to use our partnership to promote a positive lifestyle and to bring enjoyment to millions of people,” said Randox Health’s founder Dr Peter FitzGerald. “We care about people’s health and this is the people’s race.”

Huntswood

Jamie Snowden Racing has signed a sponsorship deal with customer service and consulting company Huntswood.

The company was founded by racehorse owner David Brownlow.

“I am delighted that Huntswood is our new yard sponsor,” Jamie said.

“I have known David as an owner for several years, he has been very supportive and is passionate about racing.

“I hope to share some notable successes over the forthcoming seasons.”

Saracen Horse Feeds

Swedish showjumper Peder Fredricson has joined the feed company’s team of brand ambassadors.

Based in Sweden, Peder began his equestrian career as an eventer and won two gold medals at junior European level.

He competed as an eventer in the 1992 Olympics, before switching to showjumping in 2000 and riding at both the 2004 and 2008 Games.

“We are very pleased to welcome a European rider of Peder’s calibre to our team, this is real testament to the Saracen Horse Feed brand and how we are supporting riders globally,” said Saracen’s Michael Bacon.

Spanish Boot Company

Georgie Spence is the first sponsored rider for the British brand, whose range of fashion and riding boots is made in Spain.

As part of the deal, she will wear the company’s boots for training, in trot-ups and out and about.

“We were looking for a rider who embodied the brand and Georgie represents everything we were looking for in an associated rider,” said the company’s Emma Snailham.

“She is at the top of her profession and obviously a talented rider but she also loves fashion and is stylish in every essence of the word.”

Berney Bros

The saddlery business is taking over the sponsorship of the pony CCI* at Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair (1-5 June).

Amber Byrne, Tattersalls’ event coordinator, said: “Berneys have a strong tradition within the equestrian world and we feel are a fantastic fit for this class.”

Tom Berney, of Berney Bros, said the company is glad to support the “stars of the future”.

HorseHage

The company is continuing the sport for the British Showjumping National Championships and Stoneleigh Horse Show as official forage supplier.

The shows take place at Stoneleigh, Warks, on 9-14 August.

Chris Tar, of HorseHage, said: “We are very happy to be able to continue our support at these important championships and hope it offers an opportunity for more horses and ponies to benefit from HorseHage’s dust-free properties.”

Black Country Saddles

Young horse producer Gary Foggon and international eventer Ian Wills are being sponsored by Black Country Saddles for the 2016 season.

“Having met the Black Country Saddles team, I have recently been involved in new saddle designs, coming up with ideas and providing feedback on latest developments and innovations,” said Gary.

“The saddles are just fantastic and as soon as you sit in one they are so comfortable, the leather is soft and supple from day one.”

Ian added he is “really excited” to join the Black Country Saddles team and is aiming for Tokyo 2020.

Connolly’s Red Mills

Eventing Ireland has revealed the animal feed and nutrition company will continue to sponsor its SuperLeague in 2016.

This makes it the seventh successive year Connolly’s Red Mills has supported the intermediate class.

The league is made up of seven legs with the final at Tattersalls (12-14 August).

Eventing Ireland’s David O’Meara said: “It is fantastic to have Connolly’s Red Mills on board again this year and we look forward to our top combinations competing in these classes, particularly on the build up to the Olympics.”

ArcEquine

Olympic dressage rider and trainer Richard Davison has joined ArcEquine’s group of “rider advocates”.

The microcurrent technology treatment company is used by a number of leading riders, including Lucinda Fredericks and Vittoria Pannizon.

ArcEquine’s Ian Thirkell said: “The feedback we receive daily and the phenomenal results that people are seeing when treating injuries with ArcEquine — including those horses previously given a very poor prognosis — is increasing the amount of data we have on the huge potential of microcurrent technology to enhance healing and recovery in even the most severely injured horses.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Aloeride

International dressage rider Leah Beckett has secured a sponsorship deal with the natural organic aloe vera feed supplement company.

Based in Surrey, Leah is a former pony and young rider European medallist.

She previously rode for the Woodlander Stud and won the 2014 young horse class at the Badminton Dressage Championships on board Debonair.

Leah joins show judge, rider and producer Loraine Homer, fellow international dressage rider Lucy Cartwright and eventer and ex-racehorse trainer Victoria Bax.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys

The law firm continued its support of British Dressage (BD) by sponsoring this year’s “Best of British” national convention.

The event featured sessions with top riders and trainers, including Charlotte Dujardin, Carl Hester, Sophie Christiansen and Angela Weiss.

The firm also sponsored a competition to win a bespoke dressage saddle, which was entered by more than 1,000 people.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys has been supporting BD since 2013.

Airowear

The body protector manufacturer will continue its sponsorship of British Eventing’s BE80(T) next year.

BE is holding 81 of the training fixtures next season.

Airowear, which is a division of Charles Owen, will also continue to support the cross country technical merit prize.

Roy Burek, of Charles Owen said: “This series not only offers a great step into the sport but also gives excellent opportunities to gain training and ultimately create safe competitive cross-country riding.”

KBIS

The insurance company is continuing its support of British Eventing (BE) for another year.

2016 will mark the fourth year of KBIS’ title sponsorship of BE’s young horse championships.

It will also be the firm’s 11th year of supporting the ONu18 Regional Championships.

As well as its sponsorship of these two series, KBIS will remain as a fence sponsor for the Bailey’s jumping and style (JAS) indoor eventing series.

David Holmes, of BE, said: “Guy Prest and the team at KBIS are extremely supportive and enthusiastic about our sport, so we are delighted to learn of their continued sponsorship and hope that we continue to work together for many years to come.”

Novae Group

The insurer has revealed a sponsorship deal with conditional jockey Lizzie Kelly.

Lizzie, 22, has been race riding for six years and has ridden 23 winners under Rules in the past five seasons.

David Higgins, from Novae, said that they are “delighted” to be sponsoring Lizzie for the year ahead.

“In a very short time Lizzie has demonstrated significant ability and skill in the saddle with high profile wins on Aubusson and Tea for Two,” he said.

“Her future as a National Hunt jockey looks very exciting indeed.”

The company also sponsors amateur jockey Max Kendrick, Nicky Henderson and the Cravan Stakes held at Newmarket racecourse in April.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Animology

The pet product brand has branched into the equine market.

To mark the launch of its horse products range, the company will be supporting a number of riders and businesses.

These are showjumper Will Walker, Haighton Stud Farm, breeders Team Arrathorne, showjumper Dominic Meer and 11-year-old rider Chloe Lane.

They will all be wearing the Animology logo and using the products at home and at competitions.

Calver Wealth Management

The representative of St. James’s Place Wealth Management has joined British Eventing (BE) as a sponsor in its own right.

It will sponsor BE’s league for young horses competing at two-star level, which will now be called the Calver Wealth Management 2* League.

“Through St. James’s Place Wealth Management’s support of Barbury we have really enjoyed being a part of a sport which many of us follow or have a personal involvement with,” said Jo Calver from the company.

As with this year’s series, the top rider of the 2016 league will receive a £5,000 bursary to share with the owners of their winning horse, who will also receive a bronze sculpture.

Bentley

Bentley has become the official luxury car partner of The Jockey Club.

As part of the deal, the brand is now also an official partner of Cheltenham Festival and the Investec Derby Festival at Epsom Downs racecourse.

It will offer its customers a chance to have exclusive access to Jockey Club hospitality and the Bentayga SUV model will be on display at events throughout the year.

“There is clear symmetry between our two brands and we believe this will be of interest to both British Racing’s premium customers and Bentley’s,” said Simon Bazalgette of The Jockey Club.

Careers in Racing and Vitalin

British Eventing (BE) has revealed that it has two new fence sponsors for the 2016 Baileys Jumping and Style (JAS) series.

Careers in Racing supports employment within the equestrian industry and Vitalin produces animal feeds.

The JAS season starts in January and competitors tackle a series of showjumps and cross-country fences in an indoor arena.

Classes range from BE90 to Open level and competitors are judged by faults and style.

Back on track

Smart clothing company Back on Track is sponsoring Russell Guire of Centaur Biomechanics.

Russell is a specialist in horse and rider biomechanics and came across the Swedish company’s products at the 2015 FEI European Championships in Aachen (11-23 August).

Back on Track makes clothing and braces for horses, humans and dogs to support muscles and joints.

These incorporate the company’s Welltex fabric, which contains ceramic particles that reflect infra-red waves back towards the body.

West Berkshire Brewery (WBB)

The craft ale brewer has signed a sponsorship deal with Geoffrey Deacon Training.

The racehorse trainer’s yard is close to the brewery’s base in Yattendon.

WBB beers have won over 40 awards, including two Great Taste awards.

“We are very grateful for the support of the brewery and we look forward to toasting successful future runners from Hamilton Stables with a pint of Good Old Boy,” said Geoffrey.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Equine vets are concerned about the future of the drug ketamine, a popular anaesthetic.

The drug hit the headlines this week, as the World Health Organisation (WHO) Expert Committee on Drug Dependence met to review ketamine on Monday (16 November) — among drugs “with potential for dependence, abuse and harm to health”.

It will then make recommendations to the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General on the need for international control of these substances.

Ketamine has been in veterinary use since the early 1970s and is now probably the most widely used veterinary anaesthetic.

“Ketamine has featured in the news over the past few years because it has become ever more popular as a recreational drug and causes harm to some of those who take it. In particular, it causes very nasty urinary tract injury, which occasionally necessitates major bladder surgery,” said vet Polly Taylor, an expert in veterinary anaesthesia.

“However, ketamine’s greatest role is as an anaesthetic; it is used throughout the world to provide anaesthesia and pain relief in both animals and people. It is particularly vital in horses and is now used globally for virtually every equine anaesthetic.

This is both for induction of anaesthesia before major surgery in a state-of-the-art equine hospital, as well as for short procedures ‘in the field’ such as castration of colts.

“Ketamine is also crucial for emergency treatment of horses injured or trapped in accidents; under these circumstances a reliable injectable anaesthetic is essential to ensure safety of personnel as well as the patient,” added Polly.

The WHO has consistently considered ketamine to be an essential medicine that should not be scheduled internationally — individual national control, as in the UK, is quite sufficient.

International scheduling would make it more difficult to obtain ketamine for medical and veterinary use.

“This would have the greatest impact on low and middle income countries who depend on ketamine for most of their anaesthesia.

However, if the UN opted for the strictest international schedule 1, the resulting restriction on access to ketamine would undoubtedly harm our equine patients throughout the world,” added Polly.

“Ketamine does far more good than harm.”

Don’t miss H&H’s vet pages on 10 December for more on ketamine.

Ref: H&H 19 November, 2015

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Does the equine veterinary industry do enough to accommodate family life?

No, answered the majority of vets attending a debate at the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress in September. Of the voters, 92% answered yes to the question, “Does equine practice need to change to become more compatible with family life?”

Until recently men dominated the veterinary profession, but this is changing with 76% of new graduate intakes now women.

As more females join equine practices they bring different personal expectations; many vets want a better work-life balance.

“Choosing to be an equine vet shouldn’t go hand-in-hand with giving up the rest of your life,” said veterinary coach Carolyne Crowe. “Allowing flexibility within job roles should result in more engagement, productivity and thus economic benefit for the practice.”

Job share that included allocation of the out-of-hours rota, was cited as a solution for those juggling maternity leave and parenthood.

Consistency for attending vets could also be achieved by introducing two vets of equal calibre to the client from the outset.

BEVA president Mark Bowen said he wasn’t surprised by the outcome of the vote.

“It reiterates the importance of moving with the times to evaluate the needs of working parents and make the equine veterinary workplace more adaptable to family life,” he said.

Julian Samuelson from Bell Equine told H&H that the effects of these changes are only just starting to be felt.

“One obvious manifestation is the significant increase in practices advertising for cover for maternity leave,” he said.“I do not recall seeing as many adverts for this type of position as I have seen in recent weeks.”

He added that it is inevitable these changes will lead to a transformation in the way vet practices work.

“The industry has been very good at evolving to deal with business environment pressures and I have no doubt that it will continue to do so.

“I suspect that as part of this trend we will see practices looking at ways they can work together to improve the efficiency of the resources they have available, particularly in areas such as out-of-hours service”

BEVA is already working on various projects to help address and support the needs of members who are striving for a better work-life balance. Initiatives will be announced later this year.

Ref: H&H 12 November, 2015

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Two new categories have been added to the British Grooms Awards for this year.

The honours celebrate the best grooms in the equestrian industry and nominations close on 20 November.

The Haddon Training Yard Manager and The Haddon Training Apprentice are the two new accolades that have been added to the prize list.

“I wanted to further develop the grooms awards in order to recognise more employees within the equine industry and to celebrate their achievements,” said Chris Hewlett of Haddon Training.

The yard manager category is open to those that have worked in the industry for at least five years, with two years of experience as a commercial manager.

For the apprentice award, horse care students must be nominated by their employer and can be put forward up to three months after finishing their placement.

As well as these two new awards, there is also an open category and a prize for Team GBR grooms.

All grooms in the equestrian industry are eligible to be put forward for the open, while the Team GBR section welcomes nominations of any groom that supported the squads at the FEI European Championships 2015.

Caroline Heard, who works as a hunting groom as well as a showing groom and producer, took home the top honour in the open section last year.

Freelance groom Nikki Newman was runner-up.

Meanwhile, Harry Meade’s groom — Jess Errington — won the Team GBR groom prize.

Awards will be presented at the annual British Breeders’ Awards Dinner on 16 January. The event is hosted and organised by the British Horse Foundation at Grange City Hotel, London.

Find out more information and entry forms (NB: scroll down after clicking)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Stobart Group

The Stobart Group will be sponsoring the 2015/16 Jump Jockeys Championship.

The group also sponsored the 2015 Flat Jockeys Championship.

A £65,000 prize fund has been put up by the Stobart Group, Great British Racing, The Jockey Club, Arena Racing Company, Scottish Racing and Wetherby racecourse.

A total of £15,000 will be awarded to the Stobart Champion Jump Jockey, with cash prizes down to fifth place.

There will also be a new £10,000 northern jump jockey of the year award plus six jockey of the month prizes to be won between November and April.

“They are tremendous athletes and we want to create more opportunities to promote them,” said Rod Street of Great British Racing.

“By raising their profile and billing them as the stars of our sport, they can help us broaden racing’s audience.”

Musto

Olympia, The London International Horse Show, has revealed a new partnership with the performance clothing brand Musto.

Musto is the official outdoor clothing supplier for the show that runs from 15-21 December.

The partnership will also mean that the brand will support next year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show (11-15 May) and the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations that will take place there.

“This will be my 22nd year as event director for Olympia and it’s great to see that it’s still a firm favourite amongst the top riders and fans who return year after year,” said Simon Brooks-Ward.

Harry Hall

Ten youngsters have been chosen to become Harry Hall junior riders.

The clothing company will supply the riders — not all of which have their own pony— with £600 worth of clothing and equipment to help them achieve their equestrian ambitions.

“Harry Hall has been a favourite brand with young riders for decades – a tradition we are proudly continuing with some fantastic new ranges,” said Rachel Bowles from Harry Hall.

The full list of riders is: Robyn Byrne, eight, Charlotte Chadwick, 15, Beth Fewings, 14, Theo Funnell, 13, Ben Hopkins, 13, Ella Lucas, 15, Cerys Richards, 12, Katie Ruben, 14, Rachel Williamson and Paige Wright, 10.

Equilibrium Products

Dressage riders Ruth and Clare Hole are now being sponsored by Equilibrium Products.

Ruth, 16, has competed up to grand prix and has represented Great Britain multiple times at pony and junior level.

Thirteen-year-old Clare was the youngest member of the British team that won gold at the Pony European Dressage Championships.

Laura Cutter, from the equestrian products company, said: “We recognise the efforts and achievements of both girls at such a young age and look forward to supporting them on their journey to what promises to be an exciting future.”

Geegeez

Trainer Anthony Honeyball has revealed a new sponsorship deal with horseracing website geegeez.co.uk.

Stable staff from the Dorset yard will wear geegeez-branded clothing and the horses will wear branded paddock sheets on the racecourse.

Some horses in the yard will also sport the geegeez logo on their jockey’s silks.

The website’s creator Matt Bisogno said it is an “exciting” first venture into sponsorship for the site.

Equiform Nutrition

Endurance rider Bella Fricker is the latest person to join the Equiform Nutrition team of sponsored riders.

Bella, 19, is currently a member of the British under-21 squad and is the young rider representative for the midlands.

She had a number of top-five placings at international level this season and is aiming for the Young Rider European Endurance Championships next year.

Amlin

The London-based insurance company sponsored Louise Robson’s participation in the Retired Racehorse Makeover Project.

The event took place in Kentucky, America, from 23-25 October.

Lousie and her horse Tinchy Ryder were the only combination to make the trip from the UK to compete. They finished in 18th place in the dressage competition.

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A new events entry website, Equo, has been launched this week (24 September).

The site, which is is powered by Horse & Hound, is an online event entry portal, which will primarily cater for eventing, dressage, showjumping and showing.

“We spoke to hundreds of people in the industry, the vast majority of whom were frustrated by having to faff around with paperwork, print off entries, look for registration numbers and then find their chequebook before having to go and buy a stamp,” said H&H’s acting print director Alice Collins.

“There was a big void in event entry, so Equo has been created and crafted to meet the needs of organisers and competitors following extensive industry research.

“We’re also keen to help the drive to increase participation in equestrian sports following London 2012 by making them easier than ever to enter.

“We’re grateful to the panel of willing show organisers who spent time explaining their requirements for the system, which we will continue to develop. The site will continue to evolve with feedback, and we’ll continue to increase the functionality on offer. This is only the beginning.”

Users will be able to search for shows, events, seminars and workshops by distance, discipline, affiliated status, date or venue.

Equo will securely store all information, making entry quick and easier than ever.

The site, www.equoevents.com, also boasts a calendar function which can sync to a mobile phone or PC, and a personal dashboard to track rider and horse progress.

It is free to upload events to the site, which uses a secure payment system through which organisers receive their funds immediately.

Equo has a dedicated team of reps country-wide offering a personal service and helping venues, organisers, clubs and centres across Great Britain to get started on the system.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now