TV presenter, former model and rider Jodie Kidd is urging the equestrian community to support a new memorial to the First World War.

Farriers and blacksmiths from around the world are creating the striking new cenotaph in Ypres this September (1-6).

An estimated 3,000 farriers played an essential role in looking after the eight million horses that were lost during the war.

“It’s a pleasure to support such a wonderful cause and I really urge everyone to support the fundraising campaign and help make the cenotaph a beautiful remembrance to all who suffered,” Ms Kidd said.

“Love a horse, love a farrier – let’s remember what they did for us.”

The seven-metre metal slab weighing 12.5 tonnes features an evocative image of single Flanders poppy.

Artist blacksmith Terrence Clark spent a year creating the design. “The image shows half a poppy that is cut and turned to get a negative and positive shape,” he told H&H.

At the base there will be ‘planted’ a field of 2016 steel poppies handcrafted by blacksmiths and farriers.

“A blacksmith from Belgium contacted me with the idea in 2009 and we’ve been working on this for seven years, long before the Tower of London poppies came on the scene,” said Mr Clark.

Around the cenotaph will be panels referencing thoughts of war arranged in the shape of the trenches.

These are being built at Ypres in September by 26 master farriers and their helpers, all of whom are volunteering their time freely for the memorial.

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“We have masters coming from Chile, Canada, the US, China, Japan, Australia, Russia and most European countries,” said Mr Clark.

Once completed the cenotaph will be installed next to the German war cemetery in Langemark-Poelkapelle.

The project is costing £250,000, with the final £50,000 still needed to be raised.

Individual poppies are available to buy for £30 and they can also be sponsored at the Cenotaph.

For details, click here.

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Catwalk star Jodie Kidd is to be the “official face” of the Investec Derby Festival (6-7 June).

The polo-playing supermodel — whose father was a showjumper and brother also plays polo — has been passionate about horses since she was 10 years old.

“I find racing almost hypnotic,” she said. “I look forward to watching these beautiful animals compete in the greatest flat race of them all.”

Jodie modelled 3 different looks inspired by 3 areas of Epsom racecourse: the Hill, the Duchess Stand and the Queen’s Stand, to showcase the variety of fashion at the festival. She is sporting hats designed by milliner Philip Treacy, who is the festival’s official hat designer for the 3rd consecutive year.

“Fashion at the Derby is a level playing field,” said Mr Treacy. “Revel in the freedom of being able to play with different colours, styles and trends.

“Anyone can wear millinery and the Derby provides the ultimate platform to do just that. I look forward to seeing a wealth of beautiful headwear on Derby Day.”

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Racehorse welfare charity Greatwood, based just outside Marlborough, Wilts, is opening its gates to the public for an open day on Sunday 5 June.

At the family themed day, visitors will be able to find out more about Greatwood’s work, and meet the residents of the charity.

The charity’s Horse Power educational programme uses former racehorses to interact with children with special educational needs in a unique programme.

Attending the day will be supermodel and Greatwood patron Jodie Kidd.

She said: “The open day is an opportunity for the public to find out more about the amazing work of Greatwood, including the Horse Power programme and the rehabilitation and re-homing of former racehorses, while raising funds for a fantastic cause.”
 


A very special guest for the younger visitors, Peppa Pig, will also be appearing at various intervals throughout the day with an opportunity to have photos taken with this hugely popular character.

And other attractions include a display by eventer Andrew Hoy, a parade of greyhounds from the West of England Greyhound Rescue Centre and shopping galore.

Gates open from 11am
and entry is £10 per car.

For further information visit www.greatwoodcharity.org or call Greatwood Charity on 01672 514535.

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Model and horse lover Jodie Kidd is to be the guest of honour at this year’s Greatwood open day.

The open day, on Sunday 5 June, gives visitors the chance to go behind-the-scenes at the Greatwood centre near Marlborough, Wiltshire.

Greatwood rehabilitates and rehomes ex-racehorses as well as helping children with special needs.

A family-themed day visitors will be able to find out more about Greatwood’s work, and meet the residents of the charity.

“This is a great opportunity for the public to find out more about the amazing work of Greatwood, including the Horse Power educational programme for children with special needs, and the rehabilitation and re-homing of former racehorses, while raising funds for a fantastic cause,” said Jodie.

There will also be guest appearances from TV character Peppa Pig and a parade of horses.

For more information visit: www.racehorsesgreatwood.org

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Jodie Kidd is picking herself up from being voted out of Strictly Come Dancing by preparing for her head-to-head with Tara Palmer-Tomkinson in a celebrity show jumping competition at Express Eventing this weekend.

“I can’t wait,” said Jodie. “It’s going to be brilliant.” And she is feeling very confident about her chances. “It’s going to be a different type of competition to what I’ve been doing recently, but I’m confident that my horse and I are going to fly round that arena!” [Listen to her full interview below]

But while Jodie has been dazzling TV fans with her dancing, her rival has been getting tips from top event riders.

Tara Palmer-Tomkinson met up with Mark Todd and Oliver Townend last week for some expert tuition, and she is determined to give Jodie a run for her money.

“I don’t come from a family of Olympic riders, but I do come from a family of Olympic skiers and as you have to be fearless for both so I’m feeling confident,” said Tara. “Mark and Oliver have really helped me and I’m definitely leaving with a few tricks up my sleeve!”

Stuart Buntine, former international rider and the man behind Express Eventing, said: “It’s great that Tara is learning from two of the best riders. It’s given her the perfect preparation for the competition at the Millennium Stadium where we’re all gearing up to see some fantastic riding from Tara, Jodie and the professional riders.”

Top event riders from around the world are going to be competing for a first prize of £100,000 in the unique event, which is supporting Macmillan Cancer Support as its nominated charity.

Stay in touch with all the news from Express Eventing on Horseandhound.co.uk

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Fans of reality TV have a treat in store at the Express Eventing International Cup at the Cardiff Millennium Stadium on 30 November, in the shape of a jump-off between Tara Palmer-Tomkinson and Jodie Kidd.

The Strictly Come Dancing star and model Jodie will take on I’m a Celebrity’s Tara head-to-head for a charity show jumping round before the main event.

The girls, who are both keen riders, will tackle the same show jumps that will form part of the international competition later in the day.

Express Eventing is a new idea where the three-day event format is condensed into just half a day, indoors.

Eventing legends Mark Todd, William Fox-Pitt, Tina Cook, Mary King and many others are signed up to take part on 30 November.

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